American University Top Questions

Sleep over at the school and go out with the students; it will push you out of your comfort zone, but remember: you will adjust and mature at school. Pick something different from your hometown that you feel you can still relate to.

When you step on to the campus of the college that is right for you, you just know. If may not feel farmiliar but it will feel comfortable . Furthermore, don't worry if websites and magazines didn't rate the college in their top 20 or award it some fancy title. If it feels like the right place, it probably is. Once you get there don't be afraid to get involved. During your first few weeks on campus try some new things, like organizations related to your interests, or a club sport you have never played before. College is a place to learn not just about history and literature but about yourself. If you come in undecided do not stress yourself worrying about a major. Take a variety of classes, eventually something with spark your interest. Also, if you have decided and something new comes up do not be afraid to change your plan. Nothing is set in stone in college, so take your time to figure out what you would really like to study. Most importantly, HAVE FUN because if you try, these really will be the best days of your life!

Visit every campus possible, because seeing the campus makes all the difference.

Find a college where the schools don't make the students and faculty, but vice-versa. Likewise you want to be situated in a town or city that allows opportunities like internships and jobs. If the college of your choice is secluded, make sure it has programs and opportunities for studying or interning elsewhere for a semester or year.

Find a school that suits a lot of your interests and has a variety of people. Do not simply go to a school because they have a good sports team or because they are completely academically focused. College though primarily about the academic expeirence, also has alot to do with figuring out who you are as a person and learning your interests. Therefore, in choosing the right college and making the most of your experience you need to combine these to traits: academics and social interests. A good combination of the two will make the college experience the most memorable and exciting.

Pick whatever fits, based on your dreams, the location, what the school offers, etc. Money does need to be a factor but there are ways around it (financial aid, scholarships, etc). Go in with a flexible, open mind. You will change your mind about a hundred times before you find something that fits. Find ways to achieve your dreams, whether they be travel or anything else, because you're only young once. Study hard because grades count more than ever. Above all, let this be your own decision. You're transitioning from teen to adult and need to learn how to make your own decisions. This is your life and your future, as well as part of the world's future, is in your hands.

Something that worked really well for me was to go to a state school very close to home for my first two years of college. I commutted and was a state resident, so the cost was very low, and I was able to work and save money. After being in college for two years, I knew what I wanted in a school in a way I never would have during high school, and I was able to transfer to a school that really fit my needs to complete my degree. I saved a lot of money this way and picked a school that was a great fit for me. Transferring might not be the best bet for everybody, but it really made my college years a success and gave me the experience I needed to succeed at a school far away from home. I highly recommend it!

Follow your heart. Do not allow other people make your decision for you. Do not limit yourself to a school because of money issues. Follow your dreams. To make the most of the college experience get involved, volunteer, and make yourself know to your professors. Parents should help along the way but do not pressure your child into making a decision.

Visit all of the likely schools at least twice. Try and get a feel for things on an ordinary day.

My number one piece of advice is not to panic! I think it is important not to put too much pressure on yourself to get into the "right" school. What you think is the right school may actually be a terrible fit; getting rejected might be a blessing in disguise. I had my heart set on going to George Washington University, and was heart-broken when I was put on the wait list. I got into American University and resigned myself to being an AU Eagle. Soon after starting school, I spent time with friends from home at GW, and realized I would have been miserable if I'd gone there! I would have hated the east coast and hurried home to California right after graduation. Instead, I couldn't be happier to be a student at AU. I've had great internships, I'm the Director of a big department of our Student Government, and I think I want to live in Washington DC for years to come. You never really know which college will make you happy, so do your research, but keep an open mind and it will all work out!