Brown University Top Questions

Choosing the right college is one of the most important choices that a student makes in their life, and also one of the most difficult to make. However, when searching for the right college, individuals must be true to themselves. It is important for students to pursue their own interests at a college that best suits not only those interests but also their personality; one cannot get caught up in the name or prestige of the school. If it feels comfortable and right for you, then the name or status should not matter. For parents, it is simple - give your son or daughter the freedom to make the desicion for themselve, do not push your interests or feelings about a certain school. After all, it is the student not the parent that will spend four years of their life at a particular school. And, as for the college experience, it is once again important to just be yourself and not try to fit in for popularity. Nearly every school will have people just like you, people who feel the same and have same interests. You will get the most out of school if you allow yourself to be yourself.

Visit the college, get a feel for the campus and its the surrounding area, the students and their social life, the departments and their courses, and the extracurricular, vocational, artistic, etc. offerings of the school and how well they're used by students.

I would say choose an environment where you think you had the chance to both fit in and feel welcome and have the opportunity to have some serious personal growth.

I would like to tell parents and students that even though research is the best policy when looking for the right school, you should also let your heart help you pick, because the resources available in the school are what is going to prepare you for a future career, but it's the passion in your heart that's going to make you successful.

Be open minded. If your parents have always wanted you to be a doctor or a lawyer, take that into consideration when choosing your school and your major, but don't let it be set in stone. College is only what you make of it. If you go in with too many or too few expectations, you won't get what you want. Be informed, be passionate. Be unsure of yourself sometimes. Don't let yourself get caught up in how useful your degree is going to be. If you're learning about things you love, you will find a way to use your degree once you have it. Visit schools. Choose a school that makes you feel at home, not just because it has the right program. Love what you're doing, no matter what it is. Strive to be able to look back at your college experience and know that you did what was right for you. You are the most important person in your life. Make yourself happy, however you can.

The best way to find the right college is to really think about the student's academic and extracurricular interests as well as the kind of community he or she would like to be a part of. For example, I knew I wanted to attend a prestigious and academically challenging university that was also diverse and placed great emphasis on the quality of life of its undergraduate students. Brown University encompassed those qualities, which is why it was my top choice. As far as making the most of the college experience, my number one recommendation would be to take advantage of all of the resources offered by the school. Asking questions and asking for help are a key to succeeding in college, both academically and personally.

First, have an open mind and an open heart! When finding the right college students have to take everything into consideration such as academics, athletics, social life, etc. If he or she is not comfortable with a certain choice they will not be able to make the most of their college experience. Also, one of the most important things I've learned is to not set your heart on one college that you hope to get accepted to. Being closed minded will only devistate you more if you are not accepted to your top choice. Have many different options because students have to realize, more and more qualified individuals are applying to the same schools and it's not as easy to be accepted. Everything happens for a reason and know that if you are not accepted to a certain school there are many other schools out there that will be a perfect fit. College iis the opportunity of a lifetime, have no regrets and you will succeed! As for the parents you have to be patient and supportive throughout the entire process. Give advice and guidance because you are who your child looks up to the most!

Ask the right questions during the college search. Don't feel obligated to choose the most selective school that accepts you simply because of its reputable name?make sure you are considering everything that is important to you. This will involve some soul-searching and self-discovery, but will be vital to your comfort and satisfaction with your decision. Urban campus? Rural? Suburban? Tens of thousands of students? Commuter school? Smaller than your high school? How often will you want to travle home, and how will you travel? What region do you want to be in? What are your interests, and what does the campus have to offer you in that way? How much like your peers do you hope to be? But don't be afraid to take risks! You have four years to try something new. Go out of state if you have the means, or choose a campus known for it's diversity. It could make your college experience culturally enriching, beyond what you will expect from the classroom.

Don't get too stressed about it. Apply where you honsetly think you fit and write great essays that show how much you love the school. Essay readers will see this!! Visit lots of places and see what excites you and makes you feel at home. Talk to alum!

Visit the college before accepting an offer of admission. Meeting the people and walking through the campus will be a reality test for students who will be living away from home for the first time.