University of Wisconsin-Madison Top Questions

After attending three colleges during my undergraduate career, the one thing I can say for sure is that the school itself is less important than what you make of it and how you use your time there. Any college -- even the best one, if there is such a one -- can be a bad school for someone who does not know or care to make a good experience out of it. Being social, studying hard -- but not too hard!, communicating with professors, being involved, joining clubs, playing sports... big school or small school, large classes or small classes... every one is different. What matters the most is knowing that the eight semesters during which you have to work to earn your bachelors degree CAN be amazing learning experiences inside and outside of the classroom. It's all about finding what interests you, balanced with what you think will benefit you in your future and career aspirations, and you will undoubtedly get the most out of your college experience.

Look at every possible option. Even though traveling can be a hastle, visit several campuses. Large ones and small ones, it can really help narrow the search down to what the student is really looking for. Get involved in extracurricular activities, without them it is easy to forget what college is about, learning more than you ever will in you entire life. Don't be afraid to jump out of your comfort zone, what better a time to try new things, than a time when everyone around you is a little afraid at the same time,and lastly, if the college you chose isn't what you were expecting, it's ok to transfer and try again. Four years is a long time, try not to stress too much about it because you can always find something good out of a situation that may appear dissapointing.

Make sure if they go to a state school they talk to both in state and out-of-state students.

give your kids responsibility and independence before they begin college

Make sure the college is strong in the fields you think you want to study in.

Find a school that is fun and exciting, but also challenging

Don't base your decision on where your friends are going; base your decision on how good of an education you can get in your field of study. Focus on the future and where will be best for you in the long run. College costs a lot of money, so you don't want to waste your time somewhere just because of a silly reason. Also, do the work and make the money worth while! Don't waste a penny. Learn as much as you can.

Students: don't ignore your parents advice because even though it seems like they don't know what their talking about, they really do. You have to remember that they know you better than most people and have your best interest at heart. If there suggesting somewhere you think you don't like, here them out before you make a final decision. That said don't be afraid to let them know how you feel. When you make your final decision and begin college, GET INVOLVED! That is hands down the key to making the most out of your college experience because you'll meet people with similar interests and thus make new friends and gain new experiences. Parents: don't be afraid to lay down the law and say no, but with that no should come an explanation as to why so that there are no misunderstandings between you and your student. Also try to really listen to what they are saying and instead of making the decison for them, aid them in making the decision for themselves in a reasonable manner that satisfies both of you. Both: Its a stressful situation, but have fun with it.

Do not allow yourself to fall for the first college you visit, and invision yourself attending every school that you visit. Visiting the schools is the most important thing you can do in preparation.

Definitely research the schools you are interested in and take a visit to get a feel of the campus.