University of Washington-Seattle Campus Top Questions

Finding the right college can seem overwhelming and...it is. There are so many choices: instate or out-of-state? private or public? co-ed or all one gender? And, more often than not, you change your mind. Originally, I wanted to attend an out-of-state private school. It was always my dream to go somewhere else and experience new things in a new place. However, when it actually got down to picking what schools to apply to, I had to rethink my choices. There was one school i really loved but tuition was extremely expensive and, being out-of-state, I also had to take into consideration airfare and if there were any other expenses that applied because I wasn't instate. I knew I wouldn't be able to afford going there and, as much as I didn't want to, I ended up not applying. Instead, I stuck to schools I knew I could realistically afford that also interested me. The school I go to now is the opposite of what I thought I wanted - it's a huge public school 45 minutes away from my house and...I love it. Keep an open mind.

Visiting the college(s) you intend to attend is the number one thing you need to do in making a good choice. Getting info from counselors, advisors and students who currently attend will help enhance your visit and aid in your decision-making process. As for the college experience itself, becoming actively involved in some sort of club or activity that fits within your academic or extra-curricular interests is important, especially in a large school (it doesn't hurt in a small school either). The sense of community and belonging you will gain from this is unmatched by anything else you can do.

Each student is unique and there certainly isn't a universal formula for choosing a college. However, the primary advice I would offer a prospective college applicant is to keep options open, stay motivated, and gather as much information as possible. Develop a set of criteria that you value and research how each institution measures up to your expectations. These can be as general as the desire for an urban setting or as specific as the availability of a particular dual-major program. From my own experience, it is essential to take advantage of campus visitation programs. You are choosing your living environment for the next four years and, compared to that, the time and effort of attending such functions is miniscule. You will be suprised how much you can tell about your preference and comfort level for a school merely by walking through its campus and facilities. You'll gain an invaluable, tangible feel for the site and travel costs will quickly pale in comparison to the investment that you will ultimately be making. Try to remember that the effort you put in today will pay off throughout your academic career and you won't look back with regret.

Initially, I sought out colleges with the best program for my major in the nation. I made the mistake of not considering this school was in the middle of nowhere! Thoroughly research your options, remember you have to be happy and comfortable living wherever the school may be located. Also, VISIT, VISIT, VISIT! Applying to a school without seeing it first-hand is like going on a blind-date--it could end in disaster. To make the most of college simply get involved! There are clubs and activities for every interest, and if there's not, create your own! Go to the student activities office and don't be shy. Remember that no matter how many times your parents and older siblings/relatives tell you "college will be over before you know it," that it really, truly does go by quickly and you'll never be as free as you are right now. Live it up, explore you interests and concentrate on finding your major early so you can begin stacking your resume with internship experience from freshman year forward.

I would advise students and their parents to search for a college that maintains a strong academic emphasis on a wide variety of departments. I personally chose my college for its strength in the scientific fields. I was 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure of the area I wanted to persue. In that respect, I was pretty lucky. On the other hand, many of my classmates have struggled to pick a major or have discovered only after beginning to persue one, that it was not for them. This is all too common of a scenario. At the University of Washington there are also strong departments in the liberal and performing arts and social programs. Therefore, if a student felt the urge to switch directions they wouldn't have to feel as though they are now settling for a "lower" program, or at least one that is not a known strength of the school.

To the student: Many children run throughout their life not knowing what direction to go. It is not necessary to know what major you want to go for at the start of college, however it would be wise to take some time and find out where your interest lie as soon as possible. Decide on what is important to you and follow it to the end. This whole University experience thing is a big deal, but it?s not THE deal. It is a launch point for the rest of your life; you know the part in which you try to make a positive difference in the world. Take it seriously and enjoy it; go find love, learn a second language, explore the artist within, and make those lifelong connections that will pull you through in the future. You are now part of a bigger picture and someday you will feel how great it is to know that people can depend on you. To the Parent Don?t spoil the kid, let them live freely, and keep the kid focused.

When searching for the right college, be sure to visit the college campus sites and interact with faculty and students to get an idea of the type of learning atmosphere you'll have. Be sure to find out what student support services are offered, as well as getting the statistics of the success of job placement for graduates. Your college experience is a time for you to expand your knowledge and personal growth. To best make the most of your college experience join clubs, study groups, study based-fraternity/ or sorority in which you'll gain life long friendships while giving back to the community.

visit college campuses in person. once you step onto the campus you'll get a feeling if you know it's right for you or not. talk to current students and ask them about their campus life.. what their first year was like and how they think they're doing now from when they first started. talk to faculty members and sit in on a class. take on every opportunity you can to make your college experience memorable.

When searching for a college or university, I recommend thinking about your top five majors and looking at colleges that have strong programs in those specific majors. Also, consider your learning techniques. If you find that you work better in small classes, in order for you to get a more one on one with a teacher, then you should consider a smaller college opposed to a larger university with lectures containing about 200 students. You also should think about how far you would like to be from home. Some people get homesick and end up doing badly in school because of it. If you are worried about getting to know people, you should contemplate living in a dormitory. They offer a lot of oppurtunities to meet and get to know people in your residence hall. Make sure to enjoy searching for a college right for you. It is a lot of fun, so don't get stressed out about it. Go with your gut, you know yourself better than anyone else. Good luck!

Don't do drugs

It is very important to visit the school before you actually go there. Go to different classes and dorm rooms to see if this is a place where you feel at home. Talk to the financial aid office and see what's available for your situation. Talk to professors and students and ask them how they like the school and what's the school's good points and bad points. Make sure the school has the major you are interested in pursuing because transferring credit s aren't easy. Be open to new people and new adventures. Be a positive influence on others encouraging good activities and wholesome behavior. This is a once in a lifetime experience so make it the very best it can be. Reach out - don't be afraid to challenge yourself to higher achievements and goals. Study hard and have fun and look back with no regrets.

The college experience you have will be shaped largely by how effective you can manage your time. Those who can manage their time effectively will have a great experience, whereas others will be forced to learn time management, which may not result in such a great experience. You're here for academics first and foremost: everything else comes after that. Don't forget that. That doesn't mean you have to live in the library for four years, or be sleep-deprived all the time, but it does mean that occasionally you'll have to pass on seeing a new movie or going out with friends on a Friday because you have a midterm the following week. Most of all, relax. There's a lot of pressure to succeed, but if you let it get to you you'll end up frazzled and unable to do much of anything. Take it one day at a time.

Research all options in every direction possible. Apply to as many schools as you can. the opportunitie are endless.Take the time to look into different campus' Dream Big College is an awesome once in a life experience.

You have to look at all aspects. Meaning the academics, the sports, the percentage of graduates, etc. and most importantly the student body itself.

Making a decision on what college to attend is one that should take a lot of thought and consideration. One of the most important things to consider is the location of the campus as well as the size. Some students prefer to have a lot of interaction with their teachers, and at a large school they may not have that opportunity. Another consideration should be the financial costs as well as the diversity of classes to take, especially if the student is unsure of what he/she would like to major in. There is nothing worse than not knowing what to do with your life, and realizing that you have tried all your options at your school. For students, college is one of the best times of their lives. It is important to put yourself out there and try new things. Do not be afraid to try new classes or go places on your own. If there is something you have always wanted to try, go for it. You never know who you will meet or what amazing experience you may have. Making a decision about college is one that should take time, and be personalized to each student.

I started out intending to get a degree in electrical engineering, and ended up getting a pre-law degree. It was a good thing that I had chosen to attend UW, because they had a broad range of high quality majors for me to choose from when I changed my mind. This range of high-quality options is one argument in favor of choosing to attend a bigger school. If you pick a school that's really good at only one thing, you might find yourself stuck in that major or forced to switch schools if you change your mind. Larger schools are also really good for students who aren't sure about what they want to do for the same reason. If you attend a school with a good reputation and high-quality programs all around, you can spend your first year exploring which degree is meant for you. I went into law school right after graduating, and the school I'm in now is much smaller than my undergraduate college. I must admit that I prefer the atmosphere of a larger campus, as this smaller school comes off feeling like high school.

For parents, I would advice to pick a school that matches your ability to pay for it. Apply for financial aid and make use of loan programs that are available . However don't morgage the house to send a kid to school, make the student liable for some of the expences associated with attending college Working during summer breaks and even while in school never hurt anyone and it forces the student to prioritize their study times. Also, just because you are an alumni at a particular school that doesn't make it the right school for your child. Schools and campuses change over the years and what you loved about a particular school may not be available today. For students, take a variety of courses your first year and "test the waters " in different majors. It is difficult for many working adults to make career decisions let alone when you are 18 years old. Enjoy life, make time for friends and social outings. Some of your best life -long friends are made in college. Go to sporting or cultural events on campus and explore veiws different from your own. Expand your knowledge, learn how to learn.

I would tell students that they need to decide what it is they want out of a college before they start looking. They need to talk to people that they know, or anyone, that is already in college to find out what life on a small campus, big campus, instate, out of state, etc...is really like. After they get a better understanding of what it is they want out of a college and what they value and is important to them, then they can start searching for schools that fit that. One thing that is important to keep in mind is that the name of a school means nothing if it is not what you want in a college. It is more important to find a school that fits you than it is to go to the popular school that all of your friends are going to. And try to relax, because you will make the right decision, and although it may not be the easiest, if you do get there and hate it, you can always transfer.

I think that before going to college people should know what major they are applying for and they should pick a college that is good at that field. If you are interested in medicine go to UW, if you prefer Art choose the Art Institute of Seattle. Big colleges are definitely more intersting because they offere more opportunities. Once you get accepted study hard and don't be afraid to try new things. Take challenges and don't miss any opportunities.

From the two years that I have spent here at University of Washington, I have learned that the parents should let the students pick the college that they want to attend. I have seen a lot of people struggling in school because their parents want them to become doctors, lawyers, dentists but the students simply don't have the desire or the passion for the field. So, they force themselves to try to stay awake in class and study but it all seems to bore them. My advice is that the student should figure out what fields of study interests them, and then do research on which school is credible for that specific field of study. Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions one has to make about their future and it should not be taken lightly.