University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Top Questions

My advice to students who are looking for the right college would be to make the most out of whatever decisions you end up making. Many highschoolers fear that there is only one "right" answer when it comes to choosing a college; the truth is, you could be happy at a number of the schools that you apply to if you are determined and keep an optimistic attitude. Although it is of course important to keep in mind many important factors: the academic compatibility of the school with your desired major and career choices, financial aid, location, and others, it is up to you to have the attitude necessary to learn the most and enjoy your college experience as much as possible.

Take into account everything when choosing college, including financial aid, area, etc.

Base the decision upon which school offers the best program for your desired career path. That is the only thing that matters. Once you're there, get involved. Joining Greek organizations or other student groups is a great way to be active on campus and leave with lasting memories.

I think it is essential when choosing a college, that you feel completely comfortable safe while on campus. It is very important to be at a college that makes you happy, because in the end, all colleges are quite similar. I grew up in a small, poor town. My graduating class only consisted of fifty-nine students. WHen I graduated, I knew I wanted a completely new experiene. I chose University of PIttsburgh because it offered me a chance to get away from home to try new things, and also to pursue my passion for a career in nursing. My best advice is to not allow unfortunate circumstances to stand in your way. Not only did I come from an economically disadvantated region, but both of my parents died while I was growing up. My hope in God helped me to realize that I needed to turn my circumstances around and to somehow find the good in them. My obstacles have given me more drive and passion to succeed.

Make sure it has a high ranking in your field of study. Explore the website to see what other things it offers. I personally looked at career placement, tutoring service, and work study. Also, look at how many people apply and how many people are accepted. The more people a university denies, normally means it is in high demand and can't take all the students, which means its a good school because it can be picky.

Follow your instincts. You need to choose what college you think will provide the best experience. Available degrees and tuition costs may play a role in your decision, but aside from limiting factors like that, you need a school that makes you comfortable. Visit campuses of different sizes and settings to help you decide what feels right to you. If you don't like the small student population or the urban or rural setting of a school, you probably won't be comfortable there regardless of what you like about it. Once you get to the school you choose, get involved. Join a team, club, fraternity/sorority, or even a study group. If you are in a dorm, leave your door open so people on your floor can stop in and say hi; I met a lot of my floormates that way and we are still good friends. Making friends and connections is what makes college fun and interesting. It's also a great way to get familiar with campus and the people, views, and values you live with. You will have opportunities and relationships that will last for years. Be yourself and you'll meet some amazing people.

I would tell incoming college students to really explore a variety of different courses. I would advise them to not base their college search upon the major they think that they are interested in. I only chose to look at schools that offered programs in Pharmacy, and, ofcourse, I no longer wish to persue Pharmacy, but I'm stuck at this school. Look at a wide variety of schools, and consider places that make it easy to combine programs if you have many interests.

The advice I would give is to know what you want in a school and research, research, research. What helped me narrow my search down to a few schools was the collegeboard.com college search. Once I did that I started researching those schools that matched my criteria. I went to their websites, and read articles on them. Once I applied and received my acceptance letters, I visited the schools that accepted me. A college visit can really close the deal for some people, which is why it's so important. Once you do find that right school, it's important that you enjoy your time there. For most people, college was the best part of their lives, simply because it's the time in your life where your on your own with no responsibilities except to do well in school and it only occurs once, which is why you have to make the most of it. Once it's over, it's over and you can't go back, so you have to enjoy it while it lasts.

Do not go to a school because of a friend. Selecting a school is a very personal responsibility that should be taken with the utmost care. Find what is important to you and choose a college that best matches your needs. For example, if whether is important to you then obviously you will go somewhere warmer. If you are interested in a specific field of study, find a school that provides the best programs while still fulfilling other wants such as: social life, campus size, location, etc. I can't stress enough how important it is to make this decision on your own. No matter how much your dad wants you to attend his alma matter, or your girlfriend wants you to attend the same school as her, remove yourself and make this decision on your own; you won't regret it.

The best advice I could give to any person looking for their perfect school is not to look based on money. My mother always told me that I was not to worry about money-- once I would have that education/degree, no one could take that away from me. Knowledge and awareness is EVERYTHING. First, one should question their ideal location for schooling- the city? the country? the suburbs? It is important to feel comfortable there- visit the area, stay the night if you can. Talk with the advisers. Are they friendly? Does it feel "right?" Do you feel safe? Secondly, I suggest that it has a variety of classes you can take as an undergrad. Within your major, you may want to expand your knowledge on other subjects. Also, get involved! Extracuricular activities are important to meeting new people and being a part of the school, speaking your voice! However, academics come first overall -- do not rush or do too much. If you feel overwhelmed, slow down, stop and ask for help. Also, as a first-year student, take advantage of the dorm life! It's an experience in itself; you'll learn a lot about yourself and others!