University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Top Questions

I would tell parents to check into financial aid at the school, along with looking at security, transportation, expenses and job possiblities on and off campus. I would also tell the parents to listen to their kids about what they want and don't try to force them so go to a school that they did not like just because you liked it better. For the students I would tell them to look the the atmosphere and pay attention to safety, health care, housing, transportation and quality of classes. Also look at research, internships and job placement before and after graduation. The classes you are taking will be more extreme then high school, especially if you are going to a school that is alot larger. When visiting the school try to sit in on some of the larger and smaller classes to get a feel for how they will be, also look into the academic choices you have in case you change your mind and want to change your major. Your degree is important so take advantage of the oppurtunities that the school offers. Don't choose a school if it doesn't feel like the right place to be.

Go on as many college visits as your family's income and time can allow. That will help you in deciding where you should go because you will get a good feel for each of the campuses and one will speak to you. Also, do a lot of research, not only into financial aid and scholarships, but in classroom sizes, professors, classes, majors, departments, social fraternities/sororities, etc. Know what you want to do when you get to college, even if that is just social and not exactly a field of study, you will be much happier knowing that before hand.

Finding the right college - there's not much advice I can give you on that. As for making the most of your experience - get involved. Period.

I would tell the students to find the college that suits them best. It doesn't have to be the most popular college or the ivy league college, but choose a college that you know will help you succeed in life. In order to make the most of your college experience, interact with clubs and organization, make strong frienships and make stong relations with the faculty and staff, and don't be hesitant to be yourself. I would tell the parents of the students to help guide their children in picking the right college, but ultimately it is the student's decision so don't interfere too much with their thought process. Also, make it known that you support and love your children as they go off to the next chapter in his or her life.

Finding the right college can be a bit difficult. I would suggest starting to search as early as possible, but don't put too much pressure on your kids - I know I didn't like it and I put off looking for schools and filling out scholarships until tenth grade, which probably wasn't very smart. Encourage your kids to do as well as they can, and participate in something extracurricular, because higher GPAs and activities outside of class broaden your scholarship opportunities like mad. Look for schools that offer good programs in your area of interest, because you don't want to go to a school that doesn't even have what you want, classwise. As for the college experience, don't go out and party all the time. Take opportunities to attend cultural events hosted by foreign transfer students, take up a one-credit class for martial arts or dancing, or just hang out with the friends you've made at a local cafe. But, while it's good to have fun, do NOT slack off on your schoolwork, because all it will do is hurt you in the end.

Talk to students that already go to the school that have the same interests and values that you do. If they like it chances are you will to, but just make sure the person is a lot like you, not just your friend.

CAMPUS VISITS! When on that exciting, yet sometimes fearful journey of selecting a college there's nothing I found more beneficial than campus visits. Campus visits allow you to take the campus in and really get a feel for the atmosphere. Sitting in on a few classes is a nice thing to do also. However, in order to really get to know the inside scoop on a campus, ask a current student. If you don't know someone who attends that school, Facebook.com is a great way to find out by searching for someone who attends that particular school and sending them a message. Also, if you get a chance to stay over night, many schools have studend hosts who volunteer to take in prospective students for a night and show them the behind the scenes life at their campus.

It is extremely important to find a college that you fit in at in order to enjoy your time there. It doesn't matter how good of a school it is academically if you are going to be lonely the entire time. Although grades are very important, it is also extremely important to enjoy your time in college. As long as you graduate from a college, you will be able to find a job. Going to a more esteemed college will allow you to get a better job initially, but as long as you have a degree, you will be able to work your way up through the ranks of a business. While in college it is also important to be involved. Whether this is with campus organizations or non-affiliated groups making friends and connections through extra-curricular activities will make college more enjoyable and has the potential to open doors for job opportunities.

Do not rely on the sticker price when choosing where to apply. Certainly give yourself options that will be good safeties financially, but if you qualify for financial aid or merit scholarships, you could easily cut the cost in half. Trust your instincts, visit as many places as you can, and try not to rely too heavily on the expectations of relatives or friends.

Make sure you know about life after freahmen year, alot of times students are only cognizant of your intial ebtry into college and dont weight the overall expereince throuhgout your tenure.