University of Pennsylvania Top Questions

"College Knowledge" Benjamin Franklin, founder of our nation's first university, the University of Pennsylvania, once said that "an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." All students going through the college search process should take his advice when it comes to researching their options, for the most important thing in determining which college is "right" for you is obtaining college knowledge that goes beyond the plain facts and figures. Often, this will require a visit to the campus in order to really get a first-hand feel for the campus, student and academic life. Ultimately, there will always be comparable alternatives to any institution, and it's the in-person experience that truly sets apart a particular college from the others. Once accepted, knowledge is also the key to making the most of one's college experience. Get to know your peers, professors, and campus environment. But don't just make Facebook friends, make lifetime friends. Don't just sit in the back of large lectures, sit at Starbucks with lively lecturers. Don't just walk through campus nonchalantly, but explore and the environment in which your university resides - rural, urban or otherwise. Knowledge is power after all.

"Finding the right college" is one of the most exciting and difficult decisions in a teen's life. Going to college really means that you are growing up, and beginning to live the rest of your life, which makes picking the right college all the more important. What really guided me in my own decision was visiting the campus. I first visited UPenn in the fall, and I was completely blown away. The grass was a beautiful green, and the leaves were a radiant orange. I had no idea that such a rural place existed in such an urbam city. Thus, I was sold on attending the school soley based on appearance. It was not until I shadowed a friend that I realized the school's true beauty. As I sat in a classroom, I witnessed the powerful minds of students and faculty in action, and that's how I really knew Penn was the "right college" for me. You see, it is the people that make a college what it is, without them it's just another building. Finding the "right college" is like finding a home away from home, and what's a home without friends and family.

Just relax and apply to colleges that fit you the best, don't try to mold yourself to the school. If you do that, things would work out.

While a student's decision in choosing a college is very important, what is more important is what the student does with his or her college experience. All aspects of the college has to be looked into while the students and paretns are making a decision, which includes the academic courses available, the resources provided by the university, the social life and campus environment and of course the financial aid availabilities. All of these factors will allow the student to explore and figure out what they are really passionate about in life and to help the students to follow their dreams. I would definitely recommend visiting campuses in person and talk to the students who are walking around. Some specific advices I would dish out for students once they are in college are to find a good circle of friends who will become your network of support, talk to professors and upper classmen for their advice, attend on campus events, do volunteer work, subscribe to many club activities email updates and attend every class. Follow these advices and you will have a great college experience even if you are not sure you chose the right college.

Visit and choose a school based on fit, not prestige

Finding the best college is a daunting task, but ultimately just trust your instincts. Every school has benefits and problems, and many of them will not be apparent until you visit, so don't worry too much about minor details. One big thing that students need to remember about college is simple-GPA is not everything. Studying hard and doing well at any school is vital. Otherwise, there is no point in attending a school. However, you cannot forget that after graduation, much will be expected of them. There is much more to college than impressing your future employer with a 3.8 or higher grade point average. College is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that cannot be fully described with pen and paper, or on a computer. You will need to get out and explore everything that their school and their surroundings offer. Make an effort to discover not only how to write a Nestorian Order essay or find the optimal batch size of a product, but to find out what life has to offer. Search and strive for who you want to become, not just what people expect of you. Have the best time of your life.

Go with the college where you get that special feeling when you step foot on the campus, the school that you cannot wait to hear back from, and the school where you can only dream of going. Do not be afraid to take risks when picking the right school. Pushing yourself, going outside of your comfort zone, and becoming an independent person is key to college success. When you feel intimidated or challenged, prove to yourself you are capable, because chances are you can do it and it will help you in the long run. Parents, do not let scholarships or financial aids influence your child's decision, because they could be missing out on absolutely incredible and life-changing opportunities at a more prestigious school. Students, once enrolled, become as active and involved in the school community as possible because that is where you can find your identity and your home away from home. Also, it is through these activities that you will meet your closest friends, and your networking on campus will dramatically increase. Also, utitlize everything the university has to offer and explore your options. Finally, never surrendur or give up- you will get through it!

Find a school where you can be challenged academically and socially. Find a school that will allow your personality to flourish along with your mind. You get out what you put in, so don't hold anything back and don't have any regrets.

For one, don't be afraid to step outside of the mold. Just because your parent or your older sibling or your student went to a specific college doesn't mean it's right for you. Think about what you really want, and if you don't know, choose somewhere that gives you a lot of options. Also, consider taking a gap year, especially if you put a lot into your high school academics. High school can be tough, and you don't want to feel burnt out coming into college. Third, STUDY ABROAD! I've never heard a single person regret it, but the ones who don't go wish that they had. If you are in some program or working for a degree that doesn't allow for going abroad, go in the summer! Finally, make and use connections. Go to professor's office hours, e-mail a guest speaker who realyl impressed you, etc. Making someone's acquaintence can open lots of doors, which really helps you make the most of your college experience.

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