Cornell University Top Questions

Whatever the guidebooks say, the number school in the nation will not make you a happy, successful person. The prospective student should be the one to make the final decision, and only after a visit that lasts a few days. Rather than looking for a university that ranks highly, look for one that is well known for the field that the student wants to study, or if the student is undecided, it's better to find a university with an enviornment that matches him/her well. The most important thing I've learned in college is that you only have one chance to do it, so do it well. This is the time to discover what get's your blood racing and fight for it with all you can. Speak out and ask questions, because this is the only time in your life you're expected to. Never think you are too young to start making a difference.

Look at many colleges and get opinions from actual students

Don't choose a place based on prestige. Also, talk to students on campus to get a feel for what it's really like to go there! You can't trust tours and such because they will always spin the school in a good light.

If you find a place that matches your interests and style, try your hardest to make it work financially. It will benefit you in the long run! And once you're in school, find a few friends with similar styles and standards, as "fallbacks" and someone you can always go to. Also branch out and befriend people who interest you, even if they're extremely different. Try new things, and be willing to accept new points of view and ideas. AND HAVE FUN!!!

Do all the research you can do about your school. Take multiple visits if necessary. to ask faculty, staff, and students about your questions and concerns. I visited Cornell three times before I matriculated. Also, make sure you like the school's environment.

Please keep an open mind about where you might want to attend. Its also very important to ask REAL (and current) students about their experiences. Don't just pick a school by its name or because your friends/family have gone. Try new things when you get there- and Good Luck!

When approaching college, it is important to keep yourself focused on your future. Take ACT/SAT until you get the score you would like, but don't be disappointed if you don't achieve what you would like to get. Many other things can make up for lower test scores. In your last year of high school, take on or excel in extracurricular activities in which you have a passion for and are preferably related to your academic concentration. This will a) give you an opportunity to showcase your skills and passion, b) give you something to write about in admissions essays, and c) make your last year of high school productive and fun. Whatever you do, don't allow your grades to slip. If you put in effort on the ACT/SAT, focus on important extracurriculars, and keep your grades up, you will have no problem getting into a school which would prepare you for your future and have fun along the way.

Go for a college with a strong alumni network and is generous with financial aid

The first thing I would tell parents and future students is to look at and visit every school you can, even some you don't think you are interested in. This might change your mind. I took one visit and even though I made the right choice, I regret not seeing other schools. Next, the future students should take as many classes as they can their senior year of high school. This will help prepare them for the tough transition to the college academic experience. Once the students get to college they need to go out at least once every weekend. This will help them make friends and set up a network of possible opportunities for after college. And finally, while get straight A's is everyones dream, it is highly improbable at many colleges. Don't get worked up if you get a B- of C, there are worse things that can happen. The prestige of the school is not how well students do, but the amount of work that the students need to do in order to sniff a B-.

When you consider which college to choose to attend, think of yourself as a total person, not just a student. Before you make this life-changing choice, you should talk to real people. Go to college fairs and speak with the representatives. Talk to your counselors, teachers, and family friends. Often these people will be full of advice and since they know you, they may have specific reasons for recommending a certain college.When you think about schools, you need to consider what you really want in an education. A key question to ask colleges: How does the college rank in the major you want to study? Universities are stronger in some areas and weaker in others. The social opportunities on a campus are also extremely important. No matter how strong your college is academically, if you don't like the social scene, you won't be happy at that school. Be sure to consider the "big picture."Ultimately, you want to pick schools that meet your needs. Keep in mind that your college education is one of the most important investments you will make and it's worth spending the time to make sure you make the right decision.