University of Oregon Top Questions

I would say that you need to do research and make the actual physical visit to the school not just look at the school website. Know the important things from the school you want to have an experience with. Study abroad, greek life, what the schools strong majors are etc.

Make sure the students are able to visit the school, so they can get a feel for the school!

I think that it is important to visit the colleges you are applying to to make sure that you enjoy the atmosphere of the campus. I would also encourage students to spend their first year in the dorms to establish new friendships as well as being on-campus for the various activities. I chose not to stay in the dorms my freshman year because they were so expensive and I stayed in town to go to college. I think it would have helped me to create new frienships and get me involved in the college life style.

Pick a college that you are going to feel comfortable at. Diversity is important, but there are going to be very few schools that are truly as diverse as they claim. Finding a college with people that are like minded is important. For example, I made the mistake of going to a politically charged school when talking about politics in public settings makes me uncomfortable. Try to find a good, well rounded school instead of a great specialized school. Unless you are one of very few people, your major will change. It is easier, and more beneficial to you, to be able to switch from one great department to another great department. Again, this was one I learned through experience. I started as a music student but changed to math, and it was just luck (and a well rounded school) that both departments were excellent. When you get to college, try different activities. This is the only time in your life where experimentation with classes and hobbies will be encouraged. Take advantage of that, because you never know if that new rock climbing class will change your world. And if it doesn't? You wasted nothing in trying.

First off I think that visiting your campus choises is very important, that way you have a feeling of if you fit in and click witht the school/ campus. To me that is what won me over I felt like I belonged. Another important thing to do is make sure the colleges you are looking into offer a wide variety of majors and programs you are interested in, just incase you decide to change majors and you really don't want to transfer. The best thing I did my freshman year was living in the dorms. I wouldn't have done it any other way becasue it was a much easier transition. I was able to meet tons of people, and the majority of them were freshman also and dealing with the same things I was, such as being homesick. I didn't have to worry about making food or cleaning the bathrooms and such it was a easier that way becasue I was able to focus more on homework and getting enough sleep. Time management was the hardest thing I had to learn, study first play later, the most important advice I recieved and try to not skip classes.

Choose one that has the majors you are interested in, one that you would feel comfortable in, one that has clubs and sports you like, one that has the right saze that you feel comfortable in, one that is either close or far from family, one that you want not where your friends are going, and one that you can see yourself having a good time at. Have fun, go to class, get your work done, hang out with friends. College is the only time where your only responisbilies are to get good grades and have fun. Your job is to find who you are and who you want to be.

Make sure you are in a place that supports your needs- your ability to interact with nature- find the people and resources that fit you and your style- make sure you dont end up insulated and isolated in a place that doesn't suit you. Pay attention to the surroundings and general atmosphere on campus before you start to rank the programs.

Pick a college with an atmosphere that makes you happy!

Tour multiple campuses. Which one FEELS right? Make sure to tour the surrounding city, too. Make sure there is available housing and job locations. For me, I toured a couple schools and the one I chose was the one with the right city for me, and the right vibe on campus. You will be there everyday for years, so make sure you are comfortable and really, REALLY like it before picking it.

Be prepared to be somewhere unlike any other.

There are a number of things to consider when selecting the right college for you. Some might include: Distance: how far is too far? Life happens, and you might have to go home a lot. Size: do you want everyone to know who you are, do you want to blend in with the crowd, or do you want to be somewhere in the middle? Extracurricular activities: what do you like to do for fun, and are these things possible at the school you are considering? Majors: think of a few majors you might want to look into. Does the school have them? The most important aspect to remember, parents, is that this is a time for your student to grow and learn about life, but most importantly, learn about themselves. Parents, be present in your students' lives if your presence is welcomed, but keep in mind this is the student's time to really grow. Oh, and students: make sure you visit the campus before enrolling! Ask current students what they like/dislike about the school! Keep in mind, you can always transfer to another school if the first choice is not the right fit for you. Good luck!

No matter how unsure of yourself you are just apply to as many schools anyways and who knows they just might think you will fit in. Also remeber to tuer the schools befor you decide to inroll.

I know the college search can seem overwhelming, but there is a college for everybody. Don't be hesitent to apply to a state school...they may lack prestige, but they are inexpensive and a good way to meet lots of different people. It's always a good idea to book a tour. I highly reccommend it. They may now have virtual tours on college websites, but that isn't as close as getting a real feel of campus. At first, getting to college can seem overwhelming. There will be so many things you want to do, and only a relatively short amount of time to do them. My advice would be to check out the clubs and organizations that fit your interests, get to know people in your classes, and take part in any freshman welcoming classes or activities that are offered.

Find somewhere that the student wants to go. Don't go somewhere just because you got accepted even though it wasn't one of your first choices! Do what you want to do, and you will succeed.

Fingure out where your basic interests lie, science or liberal arts? Then take into account your financial situation and what you will be able to afford, as well as look into the kinds of lifestyles at your schools of interest, find the one that best matches your situation, but don't necessarily let that discredit the school you really want. It doesn't always help to go to the same school as your friends, college is an opportunity to branch out and meet all sorts of new people. It might not happen overnight, but it does happen and these friendships are some of the strongest you will ever have. Oh, and go to an academic advisor, make your appointments way ahead of time just in case. That way, you are garuenteed help and a well balanced class schedule.

Go where you feel comfortable. It's important for students to know who they are, know their limits and their comfortability in new and unfamiliar places. Some students are very close to their family and need their guidance, and others are more independent. Know yourself and listen to your instincts regardless of what anyone else tells you. You know if you're the type of person who needs smaller classes or if you're the type who loves the big city. Match your lifestyle with the college you choose. Explore once you get there! Don't fret so much about your major or your life plan. Take time to explore courses in other areas, join groups, clubs and organizations. College isn't just about textbooks and getting a high paying job; it's about an experience and making connections that will last you a lifetime.

Go to a campus that you are intrested in and try to get away from the normal tour and ask a stident what he or she enjoys about the school and why they went there.

When considering a school, ask current students what the college life at the school is like. Also, be sure to check out the campus and the surrounding areas -- it's important to make sure that you are a good fit for the school. In terms of making the most of the college experience, the key is balance -- make sure to focus on your academics, but at the same time don't let that be the only thing you do! Have fun, learn a lot, and make friends!

I encourage students and parents to visit the campuses of different schools that are of interest. Being on campus and experiencing different events as well as everyday life can really make a difference in finding the college with the best fit. To students specifically, I would encourage each of you to make the decision for yourself--don't let anyone else pick the college that you will have to live with for the next four years. Choose the one that fits you best, because you want to go there. To parents, once your child has chosen a college, invest yourself in it; buy clothing and window stickers to support of your child's decision (as well as verbally support it). Once again to the students, get involved with anything that interests you once you're there. You never know what you'll learn outside the classroom. I'd say a majority of the learning that prepares you for "real life" actually happens in other settings (work, extra-curricular activities, etc). Take advantage of all the variety of experiences you have available in college, because there aren't many other places you'll get to have that at your finger tips.

In our time of economic and social revolt it's important to stay focused. Study hard and make the right friends; the sorts that will help you later in life. Social networking is the future. Make sure your school helps you network with other successful people. This will help you compete for jobs later and surround you with supportive people that will help you through difficult times. That being said, make sure you have at least some amount of fun. After all, fun can be a learning experience too. At the end of your four years you should be able to look back and say, "Well, that was hard at times, but those times were the best. The times when my friends would come over and help me study until 2 am and then party with me after the test. The times when my professors really helped and proved why American Universities are still some of the best in the world. Now I'm ready for the world, and my experiences are coming with me always at my side helping me when I'm in need." Remember, the world of the future is multilangual, so take your langauge classes seriously!