University of Utah Top Questions

My advice to parents and students would be to think about your own values and what you want to get out of the experience before you even start looking at colleges. You want to be sure about what you want yourself first. If you're a city person, you might want a school like NYU , if not, you might like a smaller college in a smaller town. I would also advise that once they have a few colleges selected, that they should go look at the campus. Environment has such an impact on one's learning experience so you want to make sure the campus is a place that makes you feel at home and you can easily find places that would be conducive to some good study time. It's also important to make sure that there are extra-curricular activities that you like so that you can easily find a place to fit in, where you can make friends and relax whenever you can. I also feel it's important to try and find a college with a good amount of diversity as well, cultural understanding is an important part of becoming a good world citizen!

Choosing a college isn't just about who has the best ranked program or where your friends are going. College is about reinventing yourself, finding out who you are and where you fit and making new friends. To do this you need to find a college that fits who you are but allows room for change. The environment of the college, the faculty and students there as well as the specific program you're interested in should all be key to your decision. Many colleges have overnight programs or visiting days for interested seniors. These are great ways to see the campus and meet students and advisors. Once you've found your fit, don't be afraid to try new things. When I arrived at college I immediately immersed myself in new clubs and organizations. I even started taking classes outside pre-med (my original major) and found my passion in stage management, something I would have never discovered if I wasn't willing to leave my comfort zone. And don't forget to develop relationships with your classmates and professors. They'll not only help you study for your classes but they'll become your friends and advisors.

Go with your gut. Don't choose the cheapest alternative. Choose what you feel good about. Do research on every school you are thinking about attending. See which one you fit in the best at, NOT which one you would LIKE to fit into.

I work as a College Access Adviser so everyday I try to think of ways to help my students discover the right college for them. So, what I first ask my students is what are they interested in doing and from there the next steps to to start exploring colleges that have similiar programs that will allow for them to pursue their dreams. I have them take into consideration the different aspects such as size, location, cost, and available resources that are provided at the school of their choice. With making the most of the college experience, I ask students what they are looking for most, out of college and what they plan to do to keep active, academically and socially on or off campus. Parents can also be a be involvement with the decision of what college their student wants to attend so I would tell parents to help their student explore their interest and career options and allow for the student to make their own decisions at the same time being by their side to give assistance and support. Your college years are what will be retained in your memory forever so I say, go for it!

The advice I would give about finding the right university or college is simple. I would recommend doing a lot of research. FInd the college/university that would fit the wants of the individual applying. If they are interested in art, look at schools that cater to that need. To get the most out of your college experience i woul d suggest to get involved in something that interest you. The more involved you get the more you will love the school you are attending. THe more you put in the more you get out

Don't be afriad to of big colleges or of failing a class. If you worry too much about how big or small your classes are, or if you're going to get a good grade, you might miss out on going to a great school.

Choosing a college that is right for you is a very personal affair. The student/ parents should consider the student's academic interests, social needs, and family interests. Additionally, each category should be weighted to fit their respective importance to the student. The financial needs of the student must also be added to the equation. Some important questions to be asked when considering a college should include: "Does this college excell in my areas of interest?", "Does this campus provide opportunities for advancement to graduate or medical schools?", "How will I pay for tuition and living expenses?", "How much debt am I willing to go into?", "Is the campus a safe environment and a good learning environment?", "How about transportation?", "Will I live on campus, or off campus, and in either case where?", and most importantly, "What are the students' opinions of campus?". The process of carefully choosing a school is similar to the process used when making a big purchase. All the pros and cons must be weighed before making the best choice. Making lists of these pros and cons can be a good way to pragmatically sort through the list. And some final advice: enjoy the process!

The best way to start looking for the right college is to do some research on the internet by looking at the schools websites. Then pick a few schools that offer what field you are interested in applying for and contact an advisor from that school. Set up an appointment to meet with the advisor to ask questions you may have. Also if you are able to meet some of the professors or students in the program you want to go into it will give you an idea if the school is right for you. You should ask about the program, transporation in the area, financial aid, and housing. Whille you are there for the interview drive around the area to see what it is like. Look into housing in the area as an alternate option if the campus housing costs too much. Once you have picked the school to go to and made all the arrangments to get there get involved in clubs. Most schools have a club awareness day where you can find out about all the clubs offered. The internet and phone book are great resources to look up clubs and volunteer oppurtunities.

Visit the campus because it can never hurt. Parents, listen to your kids and don't force them to one place or another. Students, pick based on what is best for you, whether it's location, size, or focus of study. Have an open mind and put yourself out of your comfort zone. Remember, everyone is in the same situation as you are...you aren't alone.

Take advantage of community/junior colleges if you can. It is one of the best options if you are pressed for money and if you're not swallowed up on academic competition garbage that is present in brand-name universities. You do the same work for much less financially, the professors are there to actually teach. You get more attention as well because of the small class size. Plus you get a degree! Some two year colleges are like two-yr vacations, it's easy and you may be eligible for some very good scholarships once you transfer to a 4-year school. You don't miss out on anything by living at the dorms. Better to live off campus in an apt/house with roommates or at home. If you live at home then get involved with just a few student groups to get to know more people or go to activites, parties, dances, games, etc. Get work experience (this is like gold) too, small jobs on/off campus and/or internships.