American University Top Questions

I think that students and parents should know that no decision is final, that transferring is possible. But it's important for students to come to school with an open mind, willing and wanting to meet new and different people. Otherwise many students will have a harder time adjusting to an environment.

While finding a college that suits your needs (geographic, specialties in certain fields, etc.) is important, the deciding factor in how your college experience pans out is your attitude. There are students who make it into the top colleges in the country but have terrible experiences because they were not open to new experiences and/or did not make do with the cards that they were dealt. In college, one's success and happiness in academics and the social scene is based almost solely on that individual's choice to be engaged, an active member on campus, or to passively coast through life. Those students who aggressively go after the grades, classes, internships, jobs, extracurricular activities, and friendships that they want have much better experiences than those students who do not create their own opportunities. Decide the things that you want out of your college experience and create your own opportunities to achieve your goals. No one is going to hand you anything anymore, and even if they do, there is little satisfaction in that.

When looking for a college don't rule out a school just because it doesn't fit all of the criteria you have listed for your 'dream school'. I wanted to go to a big, public, rural arts school to study music composition; now I'm at a small political science university in the nation's capital. I couldn't be happier with the school I chose. Never underestimate the resources (both academic and social) that a city has to offer, even if you're a farm girl [or boy] at heart! Also, never rule out a university because it's too expensive. Give yourself a minimum about of financial aide you'll accept from the school and give it your best shot. You might be suprised with what you're offered. Finally, when you get to your chosen university remember it isn't high school anymore. This is your chance to be the person you want to be without judgement from your family or your peers. Remain true to who you are, but explore what you can become.

Make sure that you aren't JUST looking at your kid's major. First of all, they are likely to change their minds about that, and when that happens you want them in an environment that with encourage other options. Secondly, having great major-related classes can't save the college experience if you don't find a place that feels like home. Look at the city, the neighborhood, Greek life, available work experience and make sure you step outside your comfort zone just a little.

To the parents, let your child pick the college they would like to attend. Although money may be a problem or not, you have to let the child make their own decisions about this part of life. College is a whole new experience perspective students. One should cherish this moment, college is meant to live a little as well as a get a good education and degree. With that being said, pick the best college that fits you! Size, people, sex, location, activities...and so forth. Although going to college may seem fun, it can also be a scary deal. No need to fear, you are not alone. Remember that the other freshmen are new to college as well, so make a few friends and you'll be okay. Even though people may be hesitant at first to speak, put your foot first and be assertive. You never know that person may have some connections that will help you in the future! Welcome to college!

Parents need to allow their children to make their own decisions. There is no need to apply to more than five or six schools. Students should be able to choose the schools they want to attend and major in the programs they want to be in, or they will be miserable. Students should also realize that a positive attitude matters more than what college you attend. Having a positive outlook can make a bad situation good, and a good situation great. College is about what you make it to be; it's all in your hands.

get involved around campus

It is VERY difficult to imagine what a college will be like by just taking a tour. Try to do one of those overnight stays, try to ask some students who go there what they think of it, etc. Don;'t choose a school for its reputation, choose where you will be happiest.

Selecting a college is a choice that must begin early, before high school even. When I have kids -- hopefully not any time soon -- I will take my fourteen year old to three schools: a very elite one, a state school, and a community college. I will then inform them that it is their choices and a reflection of their effort that will determine where they will go. Along with this I will promise to always help and encourage them, rather than reflect negatively upon them. I will try to help them find what is best for them, rather than what I wanted. Who knows? While the elite school may satisfy some, others may find home a comforting atmosphere and feel safer in community college. Most, it seems, will choose the middle road. However, I would remind my child it is not where they go that matters, but what they do with the education they would receive. Thus my advice would be for students to find where they can flourish, and for parents to support this choice.

So many people try to reinvent themselves when they go to school. They try to keep what they like about themselves and change every thing else. I, for example, was somewhere between a theater nerd and a video game nerd in high school. When I went to college I kept the theater nerd part of me, which I saw as cultured, intriguing and essentric, but sold most of my video games. I figured I would hang out with other theater kids all the time, like I did in high school. After several months of this I realized I was not happy. I realized that in order to get the most out of college, I had to keep an open mind about new things and be true to myself. I play video games more now when I have the time, which is an excellent way to relax. I spend time with my theater friends still, but much of my social life revolves around my fraternity. Joing Sigma Phi Epsilon has been one of the best choices I've made since going to college, a choice I never would've made if I hadn't kept an open mind about Greek Life.