University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Top Questions

Finding the right college is a difficult decision to make, but there are a lot of small, simple things that most people overlook in their decision process that can really ammount to be big factors. When you visit the college (and you should visit them), make sure you check for things like cell phone service, cheap transportation availability, and banking convenience. Having to change your cell phone plan or switch banks three weeks into the semester can really cause a much bigger problem than expected, especially if you are going out of state. If you are not yet sure about what major you are going to aim for, look into schools with a large selection of majors. That way, when you decide, hopefully you wont have to transfer, which can be costly and may affect your credits. When you do move in on your first day, remember that its ok to be outgoing in your attempts to make friends. There will be a lot of people, of all differant types, so while your odds of establishing a relationship with one individual may be less than guaranteed, it is a certainty that it will happen eventually.

You have to visit the college before you make a choice. I didn't think this was really necessary when I first started to look at colleges. I thought I could adapt anywhere if I had to. But it is more important than you might think. I've turned down colleges because I didn't think the location was safe and I didn't like the feel of the area. You're going to want to be comfortable, have things to do, and most importantly, you're going to want to feel safe. So go and take a road trip! Look at colleges and what they have to offer. Don't rely on a website to tell you what you need to know about the place you will spend the next four years of your life! Who knows? When you go you may just see it and know: This is where I want to be. Trust your instincts!

When it comes time to visit and select the college you will attend, it can feel overwhelming. Afterall, this is the choice that is supposed to create the pathway for your future. That sounds pretty intimidating if you ask me, and I can say that from personal experience. However, after making my selection and attending school for a year, I can honestly say I know I made the best choice. I think that the process of choosing a school requires many considerations. You need to keep in mind things, such as location, cost, academics and the overall feeling you have with that school. When I visited Pittsburgh in the summer before my senior year, I felt one of those "feelings". Something just clicked, and I knew from then that Pitt was where I wanted to be. I think parents and students need to discuss all of the pros and cons to each, but overall, the parents need to be supportive of what their child decides. While education is important, that is not all that college is. It is a time to try new things and meet new people. Get involved and make the most of it!

Make sure the student looking at colleges is comfortable with everything that is happening on the campus. If there is something that they feel uneasy about, don't force them to attend this school. Also, always weigh out the pros and cons of each school before deciding whether or not to attend. College is the best thing that has ever happened to me!

Parents should take a step back and think about what their children want- while their children at the time may just want to pick the school with the best basketball team or greatest parties, they have to make their own mistakes and live on their own. The independance you receive in college is a much greater life experience than your child will get in any classroom. Plus, if you pressure them to go to a school they're unsure about, they'll never be completely happy there. Let them get a feel for what they really want- and always give them the option to transfer. Sometimes high school seniors are so nervous about leaving the safety of their high school that they pick the wrong college- let them know you support them no matter what. This is a stressful time for transitioning freshman and family is very important. I would have never stayed at the University of Pittsburgh if my parents did not help me as much as they did. Care packages are always good too!

The most important piece of advice I could give to parents and/or students about finding the right college is to visit, visit, and VISIT! In order to really know which college is right for you, you need to experience it, not only in books or online, but going to campus and meeting people there. Also, to make the most out of your college experience, you need to step out of your comfort zone and get involved! My one regret from my freshmen year is not getting involved and if you get involved you can meet more and more people that you would never have been able to come in contact with.

Try to visit all the schools you're interested in. It is very easy to build up a mental image of your dream school in your head and you may be disappointed once you finally get to school. When I was choosing schools I visited my top three and in the end it really made the difference when I selected a school. To make the most of your college experience you need to stay involved. I know too many people who just sit inside on the weekend and play video games or watch TV. The more stuff you can fit into your schedule while maintaining a good GPA the better your college experience will be. It is important to do well in school, but it is also important to go out and start living your life away from home.

When deciding on a college, you need to take it seriously and choose a school that fits you, not one that your friends or family have or are attending. You need to talk to current students and see what sorts of activities are available outside of the actual academic arena. Remember, college isn't just about academics--college is your new home. This is the first time you're on your own and you've got to rely on what you've learned, not only in school, but socially. No one is going to guide you by the hand here, either. It's up to you to reach out to others and to make the most of your college experience. Not only do you need to be academically prepared, you need to be mentally prepared.

Prospective Undergraduate: Stop. Before you sign any contract of enrollment, put down the pen and get in the car. VISIT wherever it is you want to go to school, and make sure it is just as you expected it to be. I cannot emphasize enough that being comfortable with your new home is the most important aspect of college, and the most challenging for me to overcome personally. If you live in the country, and you have always dreamt about living in the big city, please go and visit the city for a few days to be sure. And don't go shopping and sight-seeing! Try to pretend you are REALLY there to be a college student. Ask yourself if you can really imagine living there everyday for the next four years. On the other hand, make sure you don't limit yourself by fear or a little discomfort. College is about stretching yourself- reaching outside your comfort zone- to learn new things, and experience a different way of living. Do NOT compromise yourself because of your fears. Learn to embrace change and love who you are. Be who you are; become who you want to be.

These are the best years of your life, you silly little twits. Make the best of it. Really, there's too much importance placed on finding the "right" college. As long as you get along with people and choose a college that has a good program in the degree you're interested in (if you know what you want to do) then you'll be fine. Live it up.