Dartmouth College Top Questions

Picking the right college is crucial for one's success, both in school and life after school. The key aspect for picking the perfect college is visiting campuses. Visiting campuses of schools which interest you allow an in depth look at life and give you a first look at your potential future. Another important aspect for success is involving yourself in every possible social outlet avaliable to you. Most schools offer countless social clubs and organizations which promote diversity and social networking within the student body. These clubs offer different ways to meet new people and branch out.

Parents should know that there is no "right" college. For any given student, there will be dozens of destinations where he/she will thrive in. That said, the first step to picking one among the many is having an honest, broad conversation with your child about future plans. Trust that your child, under your guidance for the last seventeen years, has matured to the point where they are capable of making sound decisions, and know that your role within this context is that of a moderator, not a planner. Begin the search and application process by junior year and let your child set a tentative timeline detailing college visits, test schedules, etc. And always keep in mind that your child's prospects neither begin or end with an undergraduate acceptance. The single largest mistake I see parents make in regards to making the most of the college experience is a lack of involvement in their child's lives after he/she is settled in the freshman dorm. Before and after the schoolyear, talk to your kids about alcohol consumption, long-term career plans and goals, their social lives, and their academic adjustment. And keep the conversation running until graduation.

Ask older students

To the students: Hey there! I know that the college process has been a long and tiresome road, but honestly, even if you don?t end up at your top choice, it is completely fine. College isn?t something that should determine who you are and who you will become, but rather, a place that you should get to know yourself and discover what you enjoy. I know that some poeple believe college is just a stepping stone into a better career, but it really is the last time you can enjoy being a kid. Even my own parents admit that the thing they most regret about college is not having as much fun as they could have had. Don't get me wrong, college is a place to broaden your intellectual horizons, but I have seen way too many kids who have sacrificed their college years holed up in their dorm rooms studying for days on end, rather than learning how to appreciate life a little bit more. Don't go crazy, but trust me, you'll appreciate life a whole lot more if you learn to do so while you're still young. Cheers!

It's all about feel. As soon as I arrived on the campus where I now go to school, I knew I wanted to work, study, and live there. I never regretted my decision and I would make the same choice if I had to do it all over again. Parents: let your children decide where they want to go for themselves. If you force a college on them, they won't be happy at their institution and will probably not succeed. Your child needs to be happy and excited about where they are going. Students: take initiative. Start your college application (and essay, especially) early so you don't have to scramble at the end. High school can be overwhemling so take your time and plan ahead so you don't get too stressed. Be honest with yourself about the kind of place you want. Don't let your parents, siblings, or friends influence you. If you've always wanted to go to school in Montana, go for it! Don't let others influence your decision. Last, have fun! These are the best years of your life, so remember that...

My only advice is to look beyond the pretty picture that schools give you. I suggest speaking with students and ask more than one student because some aren't honest about their true feelings on the school. I asked but I asked the wrong questions and sometimes I wonder if I had really picked the right school for me. On the other hand, I have tried to be as involved in my school as I possibly can because it has brought me closer to the school in so many ways, in terms of people, job opportunities, etc. So, although I sometimes wonder, I know that the best thing to do is just be out and about, not moping in one's room, letting life pass one in front of one's eyes.

College is a blast - don't get caught up searching for "the perfect college," chances are that whatever college you go to will be perfect for you.

The most important piece of advice I could convey to parents and students about finding the right college is to be open minded. There are excellent colleges across the country and some will be a better fit for students than others. If students remain open minded they will see that there are places that might be a better fit for them than the local state school or community college. With all the financial aid colleges are offering these days, students can afford to go almost anywhere. Therefore, they should do their research, find the school that is right for them, and work to make it happen. Don't be fooled into trusting the reputation of a school once you've found it. Visit it, get to know some of the students, and make a more informed decision. A lot of schools end up being very different from how they are portrayed in books. The best source for what a school is really like: the students who attend it.

You can enjoy yourself at any college if you approach the experience without unbridled enthusiasm, but a more wary optimism. There's no way to say that you picked the best place when you're having a great time, or that you made the worst mistake of your life when you're in the dumps. Every school offers a unique approach to academics and social life, but in the end it's a desire to learn and socialize that make college what you want it to be. And remember, college is supposed to be the best years of your life, but no school can offer the perpetual happiness that some foolishly expect. Like life, the college experience is one of hills and valleys; emotionally, socially, and academically. However, this doesn't mean that you should give up searching for a good fit. Try to find a school that matches your personality. The best way to know if you'll love a place is the people there, not its reputation, its famous professors or its infamous party scene. The students are the best reflection of the school, not college guides or survey results.

Go where you feel most comfortable.