University of Vermont Top Questions

Be prepared for the college transition that the student will go through - even if they think they will be fine, know that something might happen that could make the transition difficult for them. I was a "home-body" before I left for school and still thought that I was going to be fine, but then had a very hard time a month into the first semester - but I gave myself time and found the resources I needed and I am so incredibly happy now. Take into consideration the distance that the college or univeristy is away from home and make sure that the student knows that they can always go home or that their parents are there for them if they need anything - it is so important to just know that. No matter what, the student will find the school that is right for the, even if they have to transfer after their first semester or year - they just have to give themselves time.

It is very important to visit the campus, meet with teachers, and talk to students. Do research past the major your currently looking at, and make sure the school has other majors you are interested in (most students will atleast consider changing majors). Apply to more schools than you think you should.

I feel that the first thought to consider when looking for colleges for yourself is what makes you happy. Is it the beach? Is it a particular sport? If it nature? Depending on this, you should think of locations where these things that make you happy exist. Following this I would make a list in colleges in the areas which you feel would make you happy. If someone is looking for a specific program which is strong at a college, that may also be one of the first attributes to a college to consider. After the area's you preferr and the major area you preferr is chosen and linked to a number of colleges, other attributes to a college can be considered such as SAT requirements, tuition price, size of student body, etc. Overall chosing a college should be a process that is somewhat instinctive; if you feel that a particular college is the one of you, it very likely is.

Choose the college where you feel you fit in the most, even if it may not be your first choice.

Attend a school, which provides a comforting and safe environemnt to study

make sure you look into the town and apartment costs and how the school treats the students (i.e. not like cash cows)

I would visit the campus and talk to the students. They often will enlighten a person on what it is really like to be at that school.

Definately consider financial aid - it's one of the BIGGEST issues you'll have to deal with once you're at the school, and if you don't take it into consideration in the beginning, it will absolutely come back to bite you, and could really hinder the learning process because it will prevent you from registering on time, will always be on your mind, and is really hard to rework once you have accepted the package offered. Also, make sure you like the area around the college - a lot of students pick a college they like, but after a year, discover they don't like the surrounding area, and end up transferring, which can be another real pain.

You can probably be happy at any number of schools so don't stress about which choice is the absolute "perfect" one. The important thing is to make the most of it once you are there. If someone invites you to do something a little out of your comfort zone, go anyway. If you aren't a little uncomfortable then you aren't growing, and growing is what college is about. You only have four short years to take in everything you can before you have to go out into the real world...to be a full time college student is to be living a charmed life so don't take a single second for granted. Play hard, work harder, and squeeze every drop you can out of the college experience.

Visit the campus, talk to students, make sure the major you're looking into is a good one at the school (some schools have a lot of majors but the program may not be a focus or is farily new), look for a school that is known for the major you are looking into (or a school that is known for a lot of majors if undecided), make sure the school has clubs/sports you're interested in, take cost into account, look at the dorms, talk to professors, try to get the best feel for the school that you can. Also the school might not be quite right when you get accept or first look at it but it's all of what you make of it. You might feel lost when looking for the right school but take your interests into account and the area you would like to live, if you don't like snow don't pick a school in the North. But remember it might not feel like the right school when you're looking but it can become the rigth one once you've been there and made friends.

Parents should definitely help their children and prospective college students select a good college. However, the ultimate decision is in the hands of the student. The next four years are pivotal academically, emotionally and psychologically and all aspects of the schools setting, atmosphere, climate, location, size and academic achievements must be considered. There is not one single most important aspect in making such an imporant decision.

Start early but take your time. Visit the campus and make sure it has the right environment for you. Study something that interest s you and you will enjoy studying. Try to balance work with fun. It is important to have a social life and make friends but you are also there to study and learn.

Really find time to visit the school, even beyond touring. There is only so much they will tell you when it comes to life on campus. So find time to really spend a day/weekend around there. Dont ever be afraid to ask any kind of question!

Look for a college with professors who conduct actual research in the field and who enjoy teaching

you can always transfer, seriously consider if it is worth to have a lot of loans

Make sure that your son or daughter feels comfortable at the college. Make sure they see everywhere they want to see especially the dorms, library, and scientific area's if they are interested in the sciences. You should also ask the students what they think, maybe some that are walking around we would love to answer any questions. Also make sure that your son or duaghter decides on their own, you can have a say but this is their future and they need to decided what they want without pressure from you. College is a whole new world and its a chance for your son or duaghter to start to weave their own life and Vermont is a very loving and careing place I ahvent met one person who isnt beautiful on the inside.

Experience college as if it was a full-time job. Get up early, go to campus and study until your first class. Read your textbooks while you eat your meals. Study and attend classes and then go home after dinner. Then relax at night and most of the weekends.

"Wherever you go, there your are" A lot of schools have a lot to offer but its really what you bring to the table that matters. If you get involved in on campus activities and are pro-active about being social and having fun, then you will be able make the best of any school and it's resources. College is a place where you really have to be comfortable in your own skin because you are on your own for the first time and are meeting so many people who come from different places and have different histories. .. So, be happy and be who you are!!

Don't be afraid to look at schools that you'd never consider. Transferring is always an option so take a chance and try something new!! It's an important decision but it's not unreversible.

Students - remember, the decision should ultimately be yours, but if your parents are paying for it, you have to come up with a good balance. You'll want a school that's just the right distance from home that you can really be yourself, but still come home on weekends when you want to. Check to see if the schools your applying to offer not only the academic programs you're interested in, but also the extracurricular opportunities you enjoy! And when you arrive on campus, don't be afraid to check out something new, even if it's by yourself. It might prove to be a positive, life-changing experience!