Arizona State University-West Top Questions

I would tell myself not to give up and to focus more on my schoolwork even though it would be my last year in high school.

If I were to know then what I know now I would have been better prepared to know what programs and classes that I would take to complete my degree without the run-around of flip flopping between degrees. That I feel is something that happens to alot of new students and it's hard at the time to really know what is your passion before you actually take that first step and try new and different things.

Find a campus that is academically minded and not a party school. That is why the ASU at the West campus was right for me. A good campus life is also a great thing that will allow you to gain a lot of friends. Moreover, if you are able to find a campus with faculty that are available to help you out is a extremely helpful thing during your years at the University.

One of the most important aspects of the college experience is the advisors. They will help you determine the direction best suited for your interests and the type of degree you want to persue. Also, you should make sure there is a good selection of classes, not only for scheduling purposes, but to experience a variety of topics. Sometimes you don't realize that you would like or dislike a certain topic or class until you've been enrolled in one. Finding an interest in something previously unknown can change your whole direction, interests and sometimes even your degree.

I think the best advice I have for both students and parents in regards to finding the right college would be to do your research. If the student is sure about what they plan to do with their degree then make sure the schools you are applying to have the appropriate classes to meet your needs. Once in college I recommend that students take advantage of the extracurricular activities and clubs offer on campus. I went back to school at the age of 26 and I thought I would be out of place but a good campus will cater to different needs. I have served as vice president of Psi Chi for the last year and it has been an exciting time for me. If you have the opportunity to attended school sponsored events I would highly recommend attending them and getting involved in them. Also starting preparing for graduate school early and know what you need to do to get into competitive programs. Asking questions and finding options are two things new students will have to learn to do and if you go in with those tools then you are two steps ahead of everyone else.

If money is a major deciding factor, stay in state.

Every student needs inspiration and support and my family provided that for me and I hope other students can be as fortunate as I was to have their family stick by them through thick and thin of their college experience. If you have a passion to learn about something then do it! Do not let outside influences intimidate you to change your mind. Life is what you make of it and the possibilites are endless! Keep your head up no matter what happens and always be optamistic! YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING IF YOU STAY FOCUSED AND BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! :)

Different colleges provide different oppurtunites. Some of these oppurtunities include specific programs of study, location, internship possibilites and etc; the list is far too long to complete. A future college student should focus more what he wants from college and create goals for himself. A person should not attend college if only his parents want him too, or if he thinks he has to. It should be a choice with direction and purpose, because going to college without focus is a waste of time and money. As far as choosing the right college, some are better than others, some will have more career oppurtunities because of their names, but the success of the student is completely in his control, no matter the college he attends. A future college student should spend more time focusing on his goals, than focusing on the "right" college, because there is no such thing as the absolutely correct college for him. Work hard, study hard, remain goal oriented, and all career goals will be possible.

Pick the college that calls out to you. Go with your instincts but also consider the reality of costs. College marks the beginning of a new journey for you. Take advantage of opportunities that will present themselves. Get involved. Prove to yourself that you are fully capable of new talents and abilities. There are specific colleges that are just right for some people and being able to find that special one as early as possible is wonderful. This allows you enough time to prepare the move. Sometimes the college just for you is miles away from family and friends. Don't let that hinder you from persuing your passion. I'm not letting that stop me. I'm willing to make an ambitious move to city thousands of miles away. I don't know anyone there and I certainly don't have much money. But with my strong willpower and positive attitude, I am going to make it work out. And I feel that anyone who is willing to sacrifice to gain education, the result will be extremely rewarding and the experience will build a well-rounded character.

I think the best advice I can give is to be open to all the different options of colleges out there. There is one that you may not think is right for you but check it out and you may discovery that you really do love it. So go and see as many as you can. Also, parents don't limit you childs college choice because you want them closer or are afraid to let them go. They will do find and have an amazing college experience if you let them.