Duke University Top Questions

Visit each school to get the feel of the place. Actually think about what you want in a school, not just what you think sounds prestigious. Ask several current students about the things that are important to you. Does the school have what you want in a school? And remember--this is a stressful process, but no matter what school you choose, you can make it work.

Follow your gut instinct.

be sure to visit and stay for more than pre-freshman orientation weekend if possible, because a school is not what it portrays itself to be on one special weekend. once you're there, take time to make friends and dont think you have to jump into a particular club or social circle immediately.

The right college choice has to be your own choice and not your parents' nor anyone else's choice; if you want to further your education, then you need to make the effort to begin planning financially and academically as early as possible. Call the admissions departments and financial aid offices of schools that you are interested in , and speak with representatives about questions that you have concerning fields of study, finances, and issues concerning applying to your campuses of interest. It is highly recommended that you visit your campus before matriculation because what looks pretty on the page of a campus admissions manual may end up not being the perfect fit for you. Choose a school that is going to offer you the best fit when it comes to your financial needs, your prosepective academic interests, and your social needs. Once you matriculate into your college, the most fruitful advice that one can give you is to immediately explore your interests without feeling overwhelmed. Find a mentor, counselor, or academic advisor who can guide you with the best possible advice and strategies to help you achieve your goals. Do things that you enjoy while building your r?sum? simultaneously!

Consider everything, even food.

Definitely visit the school. The longer the visit the better. Instead of taking the tour, go around talking to students. Talk to both the ones that seem happy and the ones who look stressed and like they're about to start crying. Make a list of what is important to you (i.e. academics, extracurriculars, career prep, social scene, etc) and make sure the college can provide it for you. Meet the people because that is what will determine whether or not you're happy, not the dorms, or the classes, or the facilities.

Just follow your heart. You need to evalulate your interests and match it with what the school can offer. An academically challenging school may not make you the happiest person. College should be the time of your life. Make decisions that make you happy and not choices that make your parents happy. Live life to the fullest by participating in as many organizations as you can. But don't overload. Balancing out your academic life with social life. Also, time management is important. Learn how to schedule things around so you don't have conflicts. Try new things, things that you have never done before can be your favorite memories in college. Make lots of friends. Enjoy life.

Make sure you visit the campus and can see yourself living there and as being a part of the student body. Besides choosing an academic program that you think is manageable but challenging, it is also important that you have a rich and active life outside of classes. Clubs, sports, arts, greek life, volunteering, and work opportunities should be explored as well. Resources, e.g. library collections or facilities, are a good indicator of the quality of life around campus. The city or town the school is located in is also important, make sure there are opportunities you can take advantage of in the surrounding area.

visit the colleges, and take the tours.

Definetly visit the campuses of the colleges you are thinking about applyign to. I suggest you get to talk to at least 2 or 3 students about what they feel is most valuable about the school, and ask them to not give you the cliche answer.