Vanderbilt University Top Questions

The advice I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college is to DO THE RESEARCH. Find out what kind of services are offered at each school, what the class sizes are like, and what the social scene is like. Once the research is done, there are many different college that can fit a person's needs. If it comes down to one or two colleges and the decision is extremely difficult, don't stress about it too much, it probably means that you could be happy at either place. Make a decision and be happy with that decision, don't worry about choosing the exact right school for yourself. A student can be happy anywhere because regardless of how homogenous a student-body population is, people can find others they enjoy being with and share interests with, it is just a matter of finding those people. Once you get to college, try out many different things! Your interests will most likely be different than they were in high school and college is an opportunity to grow. Have fun!

In my opinion, the campus visit is paramount. I knew immediately when I visited Vanderbilt that this was where I wanted to spend the next four years of my life. Most high school juniors and seniors don't know what they're looking for, and if they do their aspirations are generally reactionary (to their high school experience) rather than rational. People who went to small schools and loved it want small schools, and people who went to small schools and hated it want large, state schools. Rather than take that approach, I think it's best to embark on the college-searching journey with no preconcieved notions of what you're looking for. That goes for parents as well as students. Look at a wide range of schools. Don't just take the tour, spend some time exploring the campus on your own. Talk to students. Happy, inspired students are by far the best indicator of a great college. Also, focus more on a holistic view of the school's athletic, academic, and extra-curricular offerings. The best schools are those with something for everyone. College is about expanding horizons, and good schools have diverse cultures, activities, and academics.

When I started applying to colleges, I had no "top choice" and was undecided about a major. I applied to twelve schools all over the country. I visited most of them, expecting to experience the "this is the right place for me" feeling I had heard about from so many older friends. But that feeling didn't happen to me. When it came down to selecting a school, the process was stressful and taxing. I ultimately decided on a school that I liked for it's beautiful campus and good reputation, and for the small amount of merit-based financial aid I would receive (which paled in comparison to the cost of tuition, but was significant enough to factor in to my decision). Lucky for me, I am very happy where I am now. But if I had to do it over, I would realize that "keeping your options open" only ensures that the task will get harder come decision time. I would have taken things like weather and access to transportation more seriously. And, honestly, I would have looked at more schools closer to home. Because, believe it or not, homesickness happens to everyone.

Take your time, visit some schools, and try to grab hold of a student attending that school (perhaps a family friend). They will give you the best perspective.

it doesnt matter

Be involved!

My advice is to students, because it is truly their lives. Choose a place that feels like home. Don't let someone else push you into something (a school, a major, anything) that you do not want. College is a lot of work, but it can be a lot of fun. It's just very important to choose a school and major that you can enjoy. As for making the most of college: leave your dorm room! Go out and meet people, join clubs, find friends to eat with. Though it sounds clich?, everything is easier with friends. You'll have a shoulder to cry on when you first feel homesick, you'll have someone to eat meals with, and you'll have study buddies. Also, try something new. College should stretch your boundaries and help you learn who you are; trying new things, questioning your ideals, and meeting new people with different outlooks is imperative. Don't be afraid: you're gonna love it.

Go somewhere where you feel comfortable enough to be challenged and succeed; don't pick a school because it's the easiest, or the most prestigeous. Pick a place where you will be willing to be stretched and pushed to limits you didn't know existed.

College is the perfect place to take advantage of oppurtunities, make friends, challenge yourself, culltivate your talents, and be yourself. Choose a college where there is a match and where you feel a sense of connection to the school. Go vist prospective colleges and take the time to feel the vibe, it might mean taking a tour, sitting in on a class and just talking to random students. Finding the right college is like finding the right husband or car, there are certain criteria and values you want in them. You right college will match most of your criteria and this should be a recripocal process, you must feel that the college has something to offer you but you also accept that you have something unqie to offer them. When you get to college, don't be afraid of teh unknown, if you are loosen up and ask questions. You would be suprised by the amount of people who are willing to help you only if you ask. Take heed to this quote, " Knock and doors will be opened." Make the most of college by trying new things, why not study abroad, play a sport , or start a non-profit.

Just be open to whatever comes your way. I almost didn't come to Vanderbilt solely because, being from Tennessee, I wanted to get away from home. Had I gone elsewhere, I think it may have been the biggest mistake of my life. Do your research, explore your options, but ultimately, go with what feels right. When you find the right school, you'll know -- sometimes you just have to admit it to yourself. And when you actually get there, go to every meeting for every organization that even remotely interests you. Go to football games. Talk to strangers. Don't stay in your dorm room all day. Getting involved is the only way to truly invest yourself in your school and get the most out of your years there. Have fun.