Ursinus College Top Questions

I would look at the whole picture: available majors, financial aid, student life and quality of the faculty. Do your research! If you're undecided on a major, pick out your top 5 most interesting from each school. The ultimate goal is to be educated enough in a field to obtain a job. If all the available majors require further schooling, you should consider the cost of the school to decide if the undergraduate loans along with the graduate school loans are tolerable. Talk with your parents about financial aid. Figure out how much you'll have to take out in loans for four years for each school, along with how much the monthly payment will be after graduation. Research what students say about the student life and the quality of the faculty at each of the schools--they're the best resources. Start early, weigh your priorities and know what you want out of a college or university. Good luck!

1.) Students--stay overnight and do a "test drive" of the college--try to visit your top few schools at least two times. 2.)-NEGOTIATE and APPEAL financial aid packages! Basically, what these two things can be compared to is this saying: Colleges are like buying a car--you want to make sure that it feels right, fits you well, that you feel safe and a place you are going to enjoy being. You want the features that will make you comfortable--a college that will get you "milage"--but you should never pay the sticker price!!!

I would advise students to take a personality test and see what their strengths and weaknesses are. I would also advise students to take classes which fulfill requirements set by the college so that students may seek out which classes that interest them. I also would advise students to become as involved as they can because the first semester of freshman year can be rough, being away from home for the first time is hard. Make the most of your college experience and try as many new things as possible!

Decide what you want to do or at least have some kind of idea and choose a college based on that! It's hard to transfer after you've already spent time at an institution. Also, look into the academic aspect of the school. Decide if it's going to be challenging and if it's accredited enough to help you get a good job once you have finished college and are job hunting!

When picking a school to go to, you have to have some idea of yourself, particularly if you want to go to a smaller school. In order to go to the perfect school for you all you have to do is visit it. Simply stepping on the campus ground could be an experiance that changes you and you just know that you belong there. Going to a class could result in knowing what major you want to be when you attend the school or staying over night could tell you that there is a particular group you want to be a part of. Then when you get to there, do things you enjoy. Have fun but also study hard. Don't waste a moment because college really is the best time of your life and you won't ever get those four years back to re-do. At least, not in the same way. There is no other time in your life when you have this much freedom, so take advantage of it, but be safe while doing it. So have fun and learn.

To make sure that the college is a place that your child will enjoy both academically and socially. Also make sure that the school provides all of resources and courses that compliment your child's academic focus.

It doesn't matter what school you choose, once you pick one, try to stick with it. It is always scary to be away from home for the first time, but everyone is in the same boat. The first year will be extremely difficult to figure out who you can trust and form friendships with. Once you find them, you will most likely form life long bonds and you will learn a lot about yourself throughout the process. Also, remember that no one can take your education away from you. Learn as much as you can while at college and take advantage of all of the opportunities your school offers (clubs, study abroad programs, community service, etc.). Even if something seems intimidating or challenging, you will be surprised at how amazing you feel once you've accomplished what you've set out to do. The more you learn and experience in school, the more well rounded and qualified for jobs you will become. You will also have your experiences and knowledge to carry with you after you graduate. To sum it up, have no regrets and live it up!!!

Don't try to reinvent yourself in the process. Sometimes students will choose a college based on who they think they want to make themselves into, rather than who they are. Trying to push yourself into a preconceived mold will only cause heartache. Choose a college where you know you can be yourself. Don't just talk to the tour guide; instead, ask random people you pass if they would go there again if given the chance. They may look at your strangely, but you'll get the best idea of how the students assimilate there. Lastly, don't think that there's a "perfect" college out there. Finding the right college is like buying a house or finding a significant other--no matter how much you love it at first, there is going to come a time when you are irritated or dissatisfied. That doesn't mean you jump ship and transfer right away. Instead, find reasons that made you fall in love with it in the first place.

One of the most important aspects of a college is its physical appeal. This does not mean a lot of money has gone into the architecture and campus creation. Remember, if it looks high end, it will likley have a high end attitude. Surroundings greatly affect the attitudes, moods, and states of minds of students and faculty who spend so much tiem within them. You cannot ever get a true image of the spirit of the college community through asking one or two people- let's face it, at any college, groups form and the spirit of each is distinct. Therefore, I honestly believe it is the aesthetics and physical build of a college that will tell you the most about teh community that is constructed within it. Are the buildings old and lived in? New and Modern? Are you surrounded by greenery or city lights? Bricks, stones, sculptures? What does the physical make up of this college say to you, and how do you think it would affect your spirit, and the spirit of any friends you may make, within the next several years that you may be there?

My advice to parents is to not be afraid of your child getting older and growing up. They are going to college to discover themselves, it is time to let them let go of your hand and explore what the world has to offer. This college choice should not be your choice, no matter what your financial, racial, religious, or political stance is. For your child to be happy they need to stand behind their own decision and own it. To students: every college/university has something different to offer Don't judge a place by one characteristic. Be open minded and ask yourself if you can see yourself making the place a home, not just a place to learn. This home will be your home possibly for four years--you have to feel comfortable, stable, and satisfied. Also, make the decision for yourself, that is the most important thing. Leave outside voices to the outside and ask yourself, "What do I want out of the next four years?" You will feel it in your gut when you pick the right place, just let it come to you! Good luck, I hope you find what you are looking for!