Arizona State University-Tempe Top Questions

When choosing a college one should always look at three factors: Academics, cost, and enviroment. For Academics you must look at the school's focus. Depending on your degree choice on school may be better than another. Cost is another major factor. In the real world it doesn't matter where your degree is from so long as you have one so paying double the price for the same degree may not be worth it. Finally the Enviroment, this can mean a multitude of things. Is the school's enviroment right for you? Is its location okay, not too hot, not too cold. Is it in a big city or small town. How far is it from home? All of these become major factors when choosing your college.

Go all out! Education is what makes the world go round. Start looking around sophmore year. Travel. Experience. Live.

The most important thing you can do when searching for the right college is visit the campus. Pamphlets, letters, and brochures will provide useful information, but they cannot capture the essence of college life or the heart and soul of a college campus. Taking a campus tour during your visit will provide you with new information and give you a chance to meet people who may be considering the same college as you are. A tour will also give you the chance to meet people who already go to college and to get honest opinions about the campus. Testimonials in college brochures will usually highlight the good aspects and downplay the negative parts. The best way to make the most of the college experience is to meet new people. Talk to people who sit next to you in class, and ask what kinds of things they like to do around campus. Invite friends to dinner with you. Walk around the campus and discover what makes your school special. Form study groups and study in a different location each time you meet. College campuses have quite a lot to offer- you just have to take the time to find it.

My advice would be to carefully look at what each college offers. Some schools are better known for some degrees compared to other schools. Find a school that best fits your needs and goals. Talk to the colleges and visit the campus and get to know the school and find out if it's what your looking for. Get involved in social and academic activities so you have the chance to meet new people. Don't be afraid to ask for help wether it's tutoring, advising, or meeting with the teachers for extra help. Use all the reasources available to you in order to achive your goals.

When finding the right college, make sure it is somewhere that you as a student can see yourself having a good time and accomplishing what you want from college. If you can't see yourself in that college you won't be happy, and if you can't see yourself in your degree choice then do what makes you happy. I definately recommend living in a dorm your first year it is the best way to get involved with the school and people, also everything is right there for your use. Getting involved is the most important and enjoying what you are doing.

First and foremost, students make the school, not the other way around. A school's reputation, quality of education, faculty, facilities, sports teams, and student organizations are only good if the student decides to reap their benefits. All too often I hear college bound students and their parents make the huge decision of what school to attend based on all the wrong reasons. Ultimately, the reason we attend college is to get the education required for a good job. Don't mistake a school's reputation for how you or your child will benefit from the school. I'm not recommending you ignore school rankings, but rather that you use them cautiously. Another mistake is often overanalyzing the schools size. I've had huge lectures with great teachers that memorize hundreds of names in one semester and small classes with teachers who could care less. Get to know your teachers and develop lasting relationships with them. Become involved in any and all groups you're interested in, not only will they serve as recreation but also resources for networking. Do your best and have fun!

When it comes to choosing which college is best for you and your student, the important thing to remember is that there is no wrong choice. Some colleges may be better suited to your academic or social needs than others, but each individual school offers something unique and wonderful that will help you along your career path. Visit several schools of different sizes, locations, ages and backgrounds, and pick the one that gives you the right feeling. Some schools may be too big, while others are definitely too small. Rural schools have a very differnt feel to them than urban settings. While the academic experience is important, most of the learning in college happens outside of the classroom, so do not pick a school simply because you think it will offer you the most academic opportunities. Rather, pick a school that you would not mind calling home for the next few years and give it a try. If it doesn't work out, you can always transfer!

Find a college that fits your lifestlye. If you can't live without hot weather and beaches, make sure you are nearby a beach! If you love to snowboard more than any other hobby, make sure you can do so at or nearby campus. If you love to meet new people, make sure you attend a large campus that provides you with a variety of opportunities to meet students who are interested in the same things you are. If you enjoy a closely knit community, then you should choose a smaller campus with students who are very similar to yourself. If you get homesick easily, then do not stray too far from home, but if you enjoy adventure and being independent, go wherever fits you best. Most importantly, always keep in mind what you plan to have as your major, and choose a school with an excellent program, credentials, and professors. If you're not sure what you want to major in, then choose a college with a variety of majors to choose from that might interest you. Most of all, keep an open mind once you begin college!!

Buy or borrow books related to choosing the right school and the right major. A good example is Fiske Guide to Colleges because it has a blurb about each school and breaks down student to teacher ratios and most popular majors as well as other important information about the school. Try to visit colleges that interest you in order to get a feel for the atmosphere and the students that go there so you can decide if it is a place that you would enjoy for four years. When you get to campus go to the activities fair and other introductions to the various campus groups to find groups or activities that you would enjoy being a part of. In classes talk to your classmates and set up study groups so that you not only do well in the class but you might make some very good friends at the same time. Talk to your professors and go to their office hours, they are there to help you and want to see you suceed. Most importantly, have fun!

First I would fill out the FAFSA application. Next I would select a major (all majors have courses in common) and besides you can always change it if something changes your mind. Next I would find the most appropriate school(s) (the best reputation, closest to home) whatever your requirements are. Apply. Once accepted, enjoy yourself and take as many varied courses as your major allows.