Duke University Top Questions

Finding the right college is a decision that should be thought about long and hard. For me, there were a lot of factors that went into choosing the right school. Academics was the number one priority. It was also important that I could see myself being happy at the school if I was not playing a sport. I took into consideration the size of the school, how far it was from home, the type of people that attended the school and the types of activities that are available to students to partake in. It is important to take all of these things into consideration and decide on a school based on who you are and what you like rather than what your friends are doing or what makes somebody else happy. I believe if you follow your dreams and follow your heart you will make the right decision.

Make sure to visit the schools that you are interested in and not only spend the night but spend time talking to students who go there. Ask them to give you their honset opinion about the school, if it is really like what the brochures say or if it is completely different. Everyone will tell you they like their college so be sure to have specific questions that you know interest you specifically. Examples: "Tell me the most exciting thing that's happened to you in college." "What was your favorite class and why?" "If you could change one thing, what would it be?" "If a school had everything that this school had except your teachers and friends with the previously mentioned problem solved, would you go there?" Getting someone's honest opinion about a school can be difficult but if you cna get a student to open up to you he/she is the most valualbe resource you can find.

In high school, apply to as many colleges as possible, even ones that you think are out of your league. Visit all colleges that accept you, and take your time in making the decision. Make a list of what you want out of your college experience and determine which colleges match this list the best. Finally, make sure that the college you choose not only has majors/courses offered that fit with your future career plans, but also offer a wide variety of majors and courses in case you change your mind.

Why do you want to go to college. This is not meant for parents. So if you are a parent, please stop reading now. Why? I know you will probably be paying for your kid to go to school, but still, it's not about you. College is one of the most formative times in your life. Our generation has too long been a victim of the micro-managing parent. Alright, fellow kids...Choose the college based on the courses. It doesn't matter what you major in. Do you really want to be a doctor or lawyer? If so, great, but if you just think you do because your parents told you to, then try and open your mind to other options. What classes look fun? College is about learning. Not your grades, not your teachers, and definitely not your parents. The campus should be fitting (I needed grass and birds and trees), but the classes must be fun. Social life is important, but the most important thing is enjoying what you are learning about. Once at college, talk to your professor, get involved with things you *enjoy* and try to start figuring out who you are.

The advice that I would give to parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to really think about what kind of a person you are and what kind of atmosphere can you thrive in. Some people would not thrive in a large college atmosphere that is very challenging. Others would be bored in a small town setting with not much to do outside of the campus and still others might not do well far from home. Take the time to go to the college and spend some time there. Talk with some of the students there and ask them the questions that are important to you. You will be living there for the next four years so make sure that it is a place that you can thrive.

I think that during the application process, it's easy to idealize the whole college experience. Many people speak of college as the best time of their lives, and it certainly can be, but it's important to remember that no college can truly be a perfect fit. All colleges and universities have both strengths and weaknesses. It's essential to assess these attributes and find a school that fits well with what is most important to you, but don't expect any college to provide an amazing experience while you passively sit by. While choosing a school wisely is important, of equal importance is the mindset that you bring to your college experience. Plan to be engaged and enthusiastic; plan to learn a lot within the classroom and perhaps even more in the time you spend outside of class. Seek out experiences that excite and challenge you, whether through extra curriculars, athletics, exploration of the community in which your school is located, a class that intrigues you even though it doesn't fit neatly with your major, or simply through conversations with a professor or with your peers. No matter where you end up, you can make it amazing!

When deciding where to apply, you should take the classic approach by choosing 2 safeties, 2 matches, & 2 reaches. If possible, you should visit all the schools that accept you. Visiting campuses & getting a feel for student life is the best way to figure out which school is your perfect fit. Something to consider: it may be tempting to choose the school where you're certain you'd fit in & be happy. You only get to do this once, so: don't be afraid to choose the school that'll push you outside of your comfort zone. That is where you will be challenged the most & be presented with the most opportunities for growth! To make the most of your college experience: get ENGAGED! Join clubs, volunteer, sign up for bizarre classes. Try new things that spark your interest & hang onto the things you're passionate about. Don't spread yourself too thin, but do all the things you want to do.

know what you want

Visit the school, talk to the students already there, make sure it is a place in which you will be happy.

Visit the college and stay overnight without your parents during the school year to get a real feel for what the campus is like. Most people don't do this and it's a huge mistake