University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Top Questions

I would adivse students/parents to visit the school. You must not only like the campus but you must make sure they offer what you are interested in studying. If you are a Marketing major, you would not want to go to a school that is well know for their nursing program. You would instead want to go to a school that well known for their business programs. Good luck!

If you know what program/programs you are looking for start with that, however look at clubs, sororities, fraternities, extra curricular activities-basically anything you (the student) may want to do now or in the future even if its only maybe. Look to see if the school has support for those with Learning Disabilities, tutoring centers, and a flexible meal plan. Check out the advisors -they will be your lifeline when class registration comes around. Keep in mind that your ideas may change and that whatever you are doing in school; you will definately need an outlet to relieve stress away from school. Whether your outlet is the gym, yoga, meditation or if you enjoy a house off campus to call home and have the guys over to play video games or jam in your band; everyone must relieve stress somehow. Yet, at the same time every student has to know when it is time to sit down and write that seven page paper or start studying for that test coming up in three days. So you must have a place in your apartment where all you do is homework and study, nothing else.

For parents, I know each one of you have your own opinions about what is best for your child and where you think they should go, but I believe the final choice should be left up to the future student. They should want to be there and enjoy themselves, right? For future students, pick a school where you are comfortable with and could see yourself living there for the time you're going to college. Pick a school that has what field or fields of study you're interested in. Do extensive research on the school or schools you are looking at. You don't want to live somewhere that doesn't appeal to you.

Prepare early and try to find out exactly what you want from a college. Take time to tour and even sit in on a class on various campuses.

Visit as many colleges as possible, private, public, tech. Many times out of highschool we have a little tiny idea about who we are and what we want and keeping your options open when it comes to choosing a school will better help you decide where your little tiny idea can grow into a big reality. Be open to living off campus, part of a wonderful college experience is being immersed in your comunity and the nooks and crannies that make up the surrounding area. Volunteering is another great way to make the most out of your college experience. Few things are as inspirational and stress releaving as giving back to your classmates and comunity.

Consider all of the options and weigh out the costs. Understand that everything doesn't have to be accomplished the first year, you will get burned out if you try to get all the college experience crammed into your first year. I know you want to try everything but consider your near future and what it will take to make all 4 years the best and not just the first. Also, try to find a major before you go into college. All too often I see people stuck in a major they have already invested too much in or they change their major 5 times and end up in college more than 4 years. Take advantage of your high school because many times you will have the option of trying college courses or getting credit for advanced placement classes. It is worth saving your money if you can get your high school to pay for it. There is an old saying "You will never work a day in your life if you love your job." So try to find something you enjoy and college will be a sinch!

Apply to a lot of different colleges and visit every campus, sometimes you know instantly when you walk onto a campus that the school isn't for you. And after you've picked a school GET INVOLVED!

Finding the "right" college is stressful, but doesn't have to be painful. The most important sentiment to keep in mind when searching for colleges is that nothing is final. As a sophomore in college, I have seen my peers labor over applications, cry over denials and doubt their own success because they weren't able to get into their first choice of school. The stress of applying is inevitable, but it's essential to remember that there are thousands of schools and options. What is the right school freshman year might not be sophomore year, because as a new undergraduate, you are sure to change immensely in the next four years. To make the most of the collegiate experience, make sure that scholastic acheivement is foremost, but not a source of unhappiness. College isn't just about work, but also about growth. By being open to new ideas, discussions, material and people, the college experience can much better prepare you for a career, graduate school and future interactions.

It's all about the atmosphere. If you like the city type of school, but also are looking for something where classes may be smaller and there's lots of hands on learning activities, Milwaukee may be the place for you. If you're looking for something a bit smaller or more forcused on a specific subject matter, maybe it's not the place for you. Either way, your sourroundings can affect a person so much more than they think. It is important to feel completely comfortable on campus and around the campus and in the classroom. If your not comfortable, your minds not set on learning. Atmosphere and comfortability are the key to choosing the college that is right for you.

Encourage your student to legally get involved on campus.