Virginia Commonwealth University Top Questions

Pick a school that a student feels comfortable attending.

Make sure that you read reviews on the school, visit the campus and talk to students who are just walking the street. Also talk to different professors, you will get many different opinions to make the right decision.

Make sure you tour every school you are going to apply to. Things are very different in person than on paper, and you only know how it really it is after you have been there. Also, do not let an application fee or tuition get in the way of your first choice. That application fee may be worth it, and there are all kinds of financial aid available. Do not be afraid of having to pay off school loans. You will have plenty of time and it is more than worth it.

At this point in time, with the current economy being so bland, I would highly recommend using resources available to create & give the student the most financially sound education. There are many resources available, both at individual colleges as well as websites, that provide scholarship oppurtunities. Additionally, it would be beneficial to sit down with someone with loan expertise and explain the different financial options that students have when attaining a degree. I would also suggest getting genreal education credits out of the way at a community college, then pursuing the rest of the bachelor's degree at a four year college. Not only will this save money, but it will also help the student grasp a better idea of which field they would like to pursue. While attending school, it's important to really understand and learn about yourself. You're on your own and figuring out the world, which can be both positive and negative but try to remember that balance is key. Don't be overly social & ignore your studies, but at the same time, you will make friendships that last a lifetime, so make use of social activities and events to network, make connections and friends.

I would tell the student to think long and hard about the major he or she wants to be. Don't go to a certain school based on what friends are attending or if your high school girlfriend is going. Do college for yourself, not others. It is an investment in yourself, and well worth every penny. Once you are in school, give it your all. Showing up just on test days doesn't cut it, and STUDY! This isn't high school where you can get away with not studying and do well. To the parents I would tell them to start saving for their kid's college as soon as possible. You would not believe how much stress trying to come up with college payments can be, mounted on top on school work and social lives. I'm not saying let them not have a job, but just make them worry about rent and food. Parents and students, work as a team to ensure success. That is my advice to you.

When you or your child decide to go to college, find the place that will define you and not necessarily what you wish to become. Do not choose a college soley based on the statistics behind them because that will soon lead one into a sea of doubt and quite possibly turn into a downfall. It is not to choose the best college but to choose a college that fits one as a person. Once you find out that this college will be what you want, whether it is greatly diversified or have small classrooms, it is the small things that truly will define how one would succeed in college. Sometimes the best colleges are not necessarily the best colleges for the brightest even though they say they are, because perhaps one will find a college that will fit them and truly make them shine in that field just because they found that particular professor in that small college who touched that student in a way that would truly lead them to develop to heights of their potential. College doesnt make leaders but they lay the path for potential leaders that can change the world.

Be sure to check out many schools and figure out which one you would feel safest attending, and what has the most to offer for your specific interests.

It really helps to know what exactly what you want to do for a career to find the right college. Instead of going to college to find out what you want to do, you should really find out what you want to do first, then find the right college that offers the best courses.

To find the best college one must definitely visit the college to experience the atmosphere and the place where one might stay for the NEXT 4 years of their lives. It is best to have a diverse college that provides the most opportunities as possible. College is a place of development and change, and without the option to choose a different path, one is trapped. Research some of the professors in your selected major if you have one and find if they are well-known. Join as many activities and groups as possible that you are even slightly interested in because it is a great way to make friends and find out who you really are.

To not pressure their kids and support them as much as they can

Going to college is a milestone in every student's life, but this process doesn't have to be stressful. Just be organized and make a plan long before application deadlines. The key to success is to start a year in advance. Based on academic performance and SAT scores, one may realistically decide which universities one has a chance of being accepted to. With this in mind, think of one of two possible majors and research their curriculums at each of the schools' websites. Narrow down your top 12 choices and visit each of them, focusing on the campus, dormitories, meal system, academics, finances, and relative area as criteria for each school. There are numerous charts online to help you with this step. The earlier one starts, the more colleges one may see and experience. Once narrowed down, complete the applications to each university the summer before senior year to avoid last minute rush applications. Once accepted there is no set way to make the most of one's college experience since there are usually a plethora of activities at most universities - just focus on keeping your grades up and you surely won't regret it later on.

I believe in fitting the college to the student. If the student feels comfortable in big crowds and is a people person then a big college is for them. If they prefer a more one on one approach, I feel that a smaller college is the way to go. The more comfortable the student is the better they will do.

Start filling out scholarships for your children before they get to college.

go for what you want. not what your friends or parents want. this is your future and you are in control.

First thing you want to do after you make a list of colleges you want to consider is to take your top 5 choices (that fit with what you want to major in and the practicality of attending it) and visit them. You don't want to make choices on a place you've never been to, especially since you will be investing four years into it. Visit the campus, ask around, and see if the shoe fits. You don't want to be disappointed, college is supposed to be where you learn and have fun. This is where you grow up. College is where you'll make mistakes, turn your socks pink, and stumble around in the dark. Can you see yourself growing up with the people around you? That's what you should consider after finding out they meet all your other qualifications (like what academic programs they offer and how they rank there). If you have financial concerns just remember to fill out a FAFSA and try to find options that are instate as well. Try and also look up work-study programs or see if the area around your campus might hire students. Remember, have fun.

Student- Take time to evaluate your options and dont hesitate to change your options. Know that your parents may not be able to afford certain college educations that you may would like to recieve. Parents- Teach your child the best from a young age, but as they get older use reserved guidance instead of hands-on parenting as they get older. Try to accept the fact that your little one is growing up and is becoming more mature and is leaving soon. Parents/Students - live your life to the fullest everyday

Try not to make your decisions based on just the name and prestige of the school. Wile cost is an inevitable factor remember you will reap what you sew. Take the time do do some research about your school and visit the campus at least once. Talk to potential Professors and visit the carrier center. Talk to some of the students if you can, seniors will usually give you the most honest answers. Make sure that the school will be able to provide you with the resources you will need to succeed.

consider all factors, not just academics

My advice would be simply to stay positive. Keeping your head up and realizing that there is always tomorrow are good ways to go about school. If a school doesn't fit, you can transfer until you find one that does. There are always going to be days that everything is too much and you're overwhelmed but if you decide to think about things in a white light, they will always work out. Take every day as it is and study what you really want. Don't mix work and pleasure. Get your school work done and then take your time spending the rest of your hours with friends. Don't get caught up in grey areas that can distract you from your goals and don't ever let anyone tell you that your goals are too big.

It is extremely important to find a school where you know the area who would like to major in is specific. Also it is important to know whether you like the location or not; whether it is the city or country etc. But above all, think of where you would be the happiest, do not think about your boyfriend and friends, think about yourself first. After you get accepted and you start attending that school, things can be very rocky at first. Do not get discouraged because things will get better. Stay focused on what you want out of your college experience and it will happen if you chose the right school.