University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Top Questions

The college search is a long and relatively lonely process. Much time must be spent reading college books, looking through internet pages, and puttings in sufficient research. However, school logisitics should be the least part of the search. When you visit the correct college the "gut" feel is most often the determining factor. This positive feeling is comfort, and without comfort your childs college experience will not be completely fulfilling. To fully appreciate and enjoy a college experience the student must choose a school that does not limit his or her abilities. If a student is unsure of thier desired major, it is important to choose a school with a variety of options. and majors. It is also important to choose a school with a nuturing college community. This community encourages students to take part in new experiences such as student organizations, internships, and social activites. Finally, independence is important to fully appreciating college. Students should be encouraged to take chances, meet new friends, embrace new interests, and take advantage of everything the school offers. For example, a career and development department cannot help you if you don't reach out. Finding happiness is truly up to the student.

I would suggest to really think about what you want out of your college experience; what aspects of the university are important to you. This would include academic programs, location, carreer/feild opportunities, etc.. Definately visit the school and feel out the environment and people. Once at the university, take advantage of any organizations, clubs, study abroad, volunteer opportunites that interest you. Those are the things that really mold your character and prepare you for life after graduation!

First and foremost, visit every school that you are considering, big or small. Make sure to take a tour at each school and to just look around on your own as well. The biggest thing that contributes to successful learning is being able to study and learn in the environment in which your school is located. Before deciding on the right college, you have to know as much about that school as you can. Look around, do research, and even talk to some fo the faculty and students to find out information. The last thing you want are those little surprises that you have no control over after you have already moved in. Once you have chosen and school and settled in, the best thing in the world is to get involved with groups and organizations around your campus. This is a great way to make connections and life-lasting friends. College can get pretty boring just going from class to class and not doing anything else. Joining extra-curricular groups makes college more fun and allows you to gain experiences that cannot be taught in the classroom

Make sure your child is mature enough and ready for the college experience. There is a lot of temptation and freedom that comes with this experience, and it can set a student up for failure if they are not prepared to appropriately solve problems. In regards to finding the right college, visits to campuses is a big part of making the right decision. The student needs to feel as if they already fit in, or like they feel at home, or like they can properly adjust to the campus of their choice. Many times a school may look good on paper, but certain aspects of the campus or how the school functions can seriously alter that school's reputation.

choose a school where you know that you can achieve a good gpa and have a life. cause being a science major at a lesser school is still the same as going to a harder school and getting the same gpa. just easier at other schools

Take advantage of opportunities to better yourself and meet new people. Once you are out of college, you will realize that the opportunities that college presents you with are rewarding experiences that help to prepare you for life outside the classroom.

Make sure students pursuing college go with their instinct, and their first pick. It makes all the difference.

I WOULD SAY THAT THE BEST THING TO LOOK FOR IN A SCHOOL IS IF YOU WILL BE HAPPY THERE. ACADEMIC STIMULATION IS IMPORTANT BUT REMEMBER, RELAXING AND HAVING FUN IS JUST AS NECESSARY.

1) dont pick a college where you hate the climate, you will just be unhappy 2) try out different things- there are tons of clubs and groups on campus, check a couple out before you fully commit to one 3) DO NOT GO GREEK YOUR FIRST SEMESTER!!!! 4) make one friend in every class to get notes from and study with 5) Make friends with your TA's and professors- if they know who you are and that you are actively trying they will be less likely to give you a bad grade 6) Avoid alcohol citations- dont do stupid things and the campus police wont bother you 7) Narrow your selection down before applying, there is no need to apply to 20 colleges, its just pointless 8) ask students about the college, tour guides often twist things or lie, the students will tell you whats really going on 9) your advisor is your best friend 10) Work Smart, not hard. Learn to prioritize your work and you will have a much easier time in college FINALLY- its not as hard as your high school teachers lead you to believe, just stay on top of your work

I would advise parents and/or students to look for a college that reflects their own / their child's personality as a whole. The most important thing I would also advise is that students primarily look at liberal arts colleges/ universities so that they may experience a wide range of courses before going on to select their ultimate career goal/ major. I found that the University of Pittsburgh offered an ample amount of classes that allowed me to ultimately find the major that best suited my abilities and desires. Also, easy access to and from the campus is clearly important. I found that transportation to and from home at unexpected times was extremely helpful throughout my college career.