Arizona State University-Tempe Top Questions

My advice to the students and parents looking for the perfect college is to be flexible. Remember that you or your child will change so much in the next four years it would be impossible to predict or control it. Find out what makes you or your kids heart beat a little faster or puts a smile on their face find the school that fits and let them go. Understanding what you want out of life isn?t a necessity when your starting out in college its nice to an idea but there will be too many changes to base four years of you lives and a large amount of money on it. My last bit of advice is realize early on that you will be different when your done with your education and that change along the way to that end isn?t always a bad thing to embrace.

Parents: Encourage an adventure. Everyone should apply to their "dream school." Students: Every school's campus tours sound great- thats the purpose. Ask questions- what's a typical weekend gives a better idea of the social scene etc. Check out what is important to you, fitness-look at the gym, art freak-talk to art majors etc. Experience a lecture. Try to imagine yourself on campus. Branch out - meeting people is EASY! At school: ATTEND CLASS!! You are paying $$$ to hear knowledge, something you can't get from downloading a slideshow. Get involved in a group. When you walk into a class sit next to someone, strike up a conversation "what's your major" "holy hell it's hot outside" etc. Go to campus: concerts, sports events, discussions, comedy shows (most times they have FREE FOOD!!) HAVE FUN- be safe. Don't be "that person." NEVER drink and drive. Don't hook up with people on your floor-it makes for an awkward year and you see these people EVERYDAY!!! Call home at least weekly - talk about something professor said or perspective someone had during a discussion, they will then know you go to class. ;-)

One of the most important things to do when looking for the right college is to visit the campus beforehand. I was so thrilled the first time I walked around ASU and experienced the culture. It was like a whole different world for me. Also, in order to make the most of your college experience, I would suggest getting involved in a club. You have a chance to make great friends and connect with other people that share your interests. It is also important because it will be a respite from the monotony of studying and classes, and some clubs will actually help you succeed in your classes. For instance, I joined a club called Body and Brain in which we did various activities such as meditation, dance, and a Korean form of martial arts in order to reduce the stress in our lives.

I would tell parents and students to carefully look into what type of career they are interested in and choose a university that fits their students personal needs most closely. In order to make the most of their college experience I would encourage students to get involved in good causes right away, network, but also stay focused on getting good grades from the beginging. Work your way up to the harder classes because if you start out with the hard ones you won't get as good of grades and it's hard to raise your GPA.

Take a look at what major or degree you want to accomplish and then base your decision on that. You want to go to a college that has a good degree program so you know that you are getting the most out of your experience. Don't pick your college of parties or fraternities and soririties. Those are living for the moment and not for the future. You want to have fun, but never base your college decision based on FUN!

I would tell parents that they should allow their children to take a year off after high school so that they can explore their options for college a bit more in depth and to explore themselves as well. I would have more focused freshman year if I had a better idea of who I was and what I wanted out of my college experience. Even if you don't take a year off, maybe start college at a community college, to get the feel of what you want all while getting general classes out of the way. Then, once you are certain of what you want your future to entail, go for it.

visit several campuses,look closely @ what majors are emphasized @ each

Try to encourage your student to find a college that has a outstanding program for their desired course of study. Keep in mind the students hobbies and interests for recreation outside of school. A college that is not to far from is positive so the student can visit, or if there is family in the area. A school in the same state is good for costs and overhead, keep in mind there are state exchange programs for students who are considering out of state colleges. Encourage your student to be himself and stand strong for his or hers beliefs, hoping they will soar rather tlhan crash.

I think parents and/or students need to visit each college in person. They should also talk to someone who has attended the school to see what classes are like and to get advice on the teachers. Parents and students also need to look into the education budget aswell, college isn't as fun if you are constantly stressed about money and if you will be able to afford the next meal. Also the student should search and study the possible majors he/she might want. Some colleges are better for specific majors other than others. Addictionally if a student does research the possible majors and possible careers relating to the major they will know what they wnt and may not change their major later on. Students should also think about they way the learn. If a student learns better hands on they should be at a smaller college or if they are more a teach yourself learner or they need to work maybe they can attend a college with a lot of internet classes offered. Lastly, I think college location is a big factor. A student needs to decide if they would be okay away from home or close.

After graduating High School, if one does not know what they wish to do in life, I suggest attending a local Community College in the area and take classes that interest you. My mistake was taking only core classes, such as math and english, as I had no idea what I wanted to do in life, even after a year of school. Due to this feeling of uncertainty, I became bored with school and dropped out. After working for many years and becoming tired of the unexciting job I had, I became motivated enough to return to school. I still had not a clue as to what I wanted to be, I just knew I did not want to continue what I had been doing with my life. Nothing. So I enrolled in several classes that interested me; Salsa Dancing, Anthropology, Japanese, etc. To make a long story short, I had become very interested in the Japanese language. In fact, now as I write this I am in Japan studying abroad. So in closing, my advice is to take some classes to find out what you are interested in, then choose a University that is right for you.