University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Top Questions

Really look into a school before you decide to go there. Don't go somewhere for the name or the sports team. You should make sure it is the kind of place you would like. It's hard to know what kind of school is right for you before you ever go to college but asking about the student population is always useful. Also, don't try to go somewhere totally different just to get away because you might find that you miss what you left.

I think it's definitely beneficial to visit the campus before enrolling. I drove around UNC before I enrolled, but I never took an actual tour of the campus. I came to school and felt like everyone else was ahead of the game. It was easy for me to find out where everything was, but I had a hard time reaching out to make friends in such a big campus. I think it's important to take a tour and gather as much information as possible. Once you've done this with all the prospective colleges, compare the details: are you more comfortable in a largely populated setting or a smaller population? How about the financial aid package--which school caters best to your family's needs? Can you truly see yourself becoming a part of this community by getting involved? If you're confident in yourself, you have the ability to thrive in any setting. No matter where you go, I feel like that confidence will be tested, so you should be ready to embrace that challenge. It is important to go through college without surrending your ideals, it is important to stay true to yourself.

When choosing a college, it's important to remember that you'll be spending the next 4-or-so years of your life there. So consider everything. If you decide to change majors, will you have a program to fall back on? Will the quaint surrounding town feel too small, or the urban surroundings get overwhelming? That said, it's very important to listen to something less tangible: your instinct. If you step onto a campus and spend a little time visiting and something about it just feels right, don't ignore that feeling. Once at college, don't limit yourself to things you think you should be interested in, or should be doing. It's your chance to explore anything you want, so go for it. You'll never know if it's not your style until you try it-- so go-- go to comedy nights, concerts, forums, and films you've never heard of. You never know where you might meet a new friend or discover a new passion. College isn't all about classes-- although those are very important. It's about growing as a whole person... so stretch yourself out. Trust me, it won't hurt.

A college education is what you make it. If you do not make it into your top choices, that is still ok. Colleges are very similar, with only minor differences. If you decide that you are going to be successful, then which college you attend is insignificant. Many people believe that the college degree is what determines their future. Just look for a college that you believe you can master and you college career with be awesoe- no matter where you go.

Don't call it settling if you don't get into the college you want. There's something good about any school you attend. And don't relegate yourself to either in-state or out-of-state colleges because sometimes the best educations can be found within 20 minutes of your home.

Visit every college that you are interested in to get a sense of which college fits your need best. Also explore the financial aid options which each school offers. The college experience is so much better when you do not have to worry about how you are going to pay for it. After visiting each university sit and decide if you prefer to be closer to home or farther away. Once you have made a checklist of the benefits of each university, make your decision. Simply choose the university which works best with your lifestyle. See what clubs and organizations they offer. Basically make sure the university that you choose is an university that possess the interest and characteristics which are important to you.

Go where it feels right!

The best thing to remember is to visit the school, sit in on a lecture class (or a small class if the professor will allow it), go to a sporting event, sit in the quad because these are the ways to truly get a feel for the place. Don't be afraid to step outside of your bubble when you get to whatever school you are going to because you may be surprised about how you associated with other groups of people. Always try something new.

Students should start looking as early as possible at colleges. Research schools based on the students' interests: which schools excel in a certain academic department, have good Varsity teams, a certain extracurricular activity, etc. Definitely go visit any college you are particularly interested in. Walk around the campus and surrounding area, go sit-in on a lecture, and talk with students about why they chose their school. First-hand experience is invaluable in order to get a true understanding of that school's culture and idealogy on education. In order to make the most of one's college experience, students need to get involved immediately in campus life. Whatever passions or interests you may have should be explored and pursued. Although it may be intimidating at first to make new friends or join new groups, it's important to make a conscious effort to try. When it comes to academics, take your classes seriously and don't procrastinate, because getting an education is the reason you're at college in the first place. But most importantly, keep an open mind and have some fun. These will be the best years of your life.

When selecting the best college, take care to talk about the area, the strongest academic programs, and the student life. The area is going to determine what weather, safety, and outdoor exercise issues will become a part of the student's daily life. In addition, the area determines job/internship opportunities, common social values, nearby religious institutions, expenses and even the pool of people to befriend or date. Considering academics is a basic; if the student is interested in journalism, make sure the school has up-to-date professors, technology and publications! No worries if the student has no clue what to study; just find a school with options, maybe a focus on liberal arts. Student life can be the most meaningful part of school! Check out the dining hall and restaurants, ask if there is a bowling alley or pool or movie theater, inquire how intense Greek life is, attend a sporting event, scope out the Facebook events, even observe how many kids are wearing clothing boasting of their school! College is what you make of it, but having a wide range of opportunities and quality people surrounding you can really encourage you to make it even more awesome!