University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Top Questions

Find a school whose culture fits you best

My advice to parents and future students about choosing the right school would be to choose the school that would highlight the student?s character. You want to attend a school that positively influences the student; it would be much easier for the student to succeed in an environment that values their achievement. Students spend most of their time in class, doing homework, studying, and keeping up a job. On top of all that a student can?t afford to spend their remaining time trying to fit in or loosing their identity in bad influences or people that truly don?t respect them. It could have an effect on the student?s attitude and reflect into their academics. Of course there will be struggles wherever the student will go, but it will be nice to have that assurance that the student doesn?t have to encounter avoidable obstacles. Finding the right school can inflict confidence, a sense of accomplishment, and ultimately will bring out the best in the student. It's also important to take college seriously and understand that this is the first step into establishing a future. Understanding that makes college more meaningful and easier to appreciate.

Go to the school that you like and that makes you feel comfortable. You will be living there for at least four years and no matter how good the program you are looking for is, if you don't like the school, dorms, atmosphere and social life you will not have a good experience. Be self-motivated. The only way to get the most out of your education and the money you are paying for it is to have goals and to work towards them. If you are not learning what you want, or are struggling, find someone that will help you. Most professors are more than willing to help and forging a meaningful relationship with your professors is invaluable. The purpose of college is to prepare you for the world afterwards. In the world after college there are many, many people trying to make their way. If you are have learned how to achieve your goals you will be well situated for life afterwards. Remember, it is not which college you attend that matters, it is the experiences you have there that will make you who you are and will prepare you to succeed in the career you choose.

Go on campus tours and if you can spend a night on campus during the week and a night on the weekend.

Ultimately, your college experience will be based upon the decisions you make before you even enter college. You must choose the school that meets all of your criteria. Will you enjoy living there? Will you feel wanted there? Do they have the academic program you wish to acheive? Is there anything to do on the weekends? Think about all aspects of life before choosing! Do not choose the school your high school friends have chosen, chances are you will not be friends with most of them after your college career is through. When you do enter college, LIVE ON CAMPUS. This is the best way to spend your freshman year. Do not go home for at least the first six weeks of school so that you can get used to your room, your roommates, make friends and learn about your new campus. Get involved as much as you can and take every opportunity given to you to heart. Make the best of it... it will fly by very quickly!

Go some place out side of your comfort zone. Just rember, "What ever the mind of man can conceive... It can achieve." If a student wants something bad enough they will make it happen. Also parents dont hover over your child. Let them make their own mistakes for when they do become a sucess it is that much more meaningful.

It is important that students find the place that they are most comfortable in, and not necessairly where all of their friends are attending or where people want you to go. Every person is different and it is important that you find the university that best suites your personailty, whether it is a big one with an active sports and/or large social scene, or perhaps a smaller campus with a more relaxed social atmosphere and/or rigurous academics or a more religious institution. College is the time when you will discover who you really are and what you want to do with the rest of your life, this period is about you and who you will become. Look around college campuses and participate in recruitman programs they offer to get the best feel for a university. No matter where you go, you'll make new friends with similar interests who will be part of your life for years to come and if you make the right choice, the experience and academics will prepare you for the future that you desire. Finally, no matter where you go, be sure to get involved and become part of that community!

As a senior, I have seen many students with many interests. However, these interests happen to change more than the students do. My advice for any student in choosing the right college is to allow for a change of interest. By going to a larger school, one has the opportunity to change their major as often as possible. Even if one is completely sure they will be doing their current interest for the rest of their life, it is good to have a backup policy. By attending a bigger school, one has a great amount of opportunities to meet people and open doors for their future. I currently attend a campus that takes only 10 minutes to walk across campus, but there are thirty thousand students that attend the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The campus is small yet big, and I would look for a campus that feels like home but gives you the chance to meet the world. I will be attending graduate school next year, and I will be doing this very thing.

I would advise talking with students who have attended the prospective college, preferably those with similar interests because there can be a wide range of personal experiences at a single college. Attempt to get a feel for life on campus, if you are looking for an involved college experience, or considering going to a primarily commuter school. If there is an opportunity to go to a college further from home, consider taking advantage of it, or study abroad for a semester. By challenging yourself in a new environment, you will grow as a person very quickly. Visit the area that the college is located in. If you and the city aren't compatible, take this into consideration. I would also advise that a prospective college is strong in fields you would consider going into. If money is an issue, looking at the cost of living in the area will be necessay. The choice you make does NOT have to be final, I've known many people to transfer schools with positive results. Finally, to make the most of your college experience, take advantage of the opportunities you're presented with, step out of your comfort zone, and have fun!

To parents and students contemplating their college path--my advice is simple. Follow your head first, and your heart second. Know what you want to do with your life, and narrow down your college choices based on schools offering your program. If you don't know what you what to study, figure it out before you go! I know far too many people who have been in school for years and have still not decided on a major. Most importantly in the college selection process, tour your choices! Your heart will tell you what is right for you. You will know when you walk the sidewalks and tour the dorm rooms if it will work for you. Once you've made the big decision and are at school, make the most out of it! Please do not hang out with people you went to high school with. You don't want to leave college four years later with the same friends you came with. What a loss! Open your heart and your eyes to the amazing new people surrounding you. College brought me the best friends that I have and I hope the same for you.