Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach Top Questions

Finding the right college can be a difficult, time comsuming, and frustrating process. The first step in finding the right college is to start early. It is never to early to prepare for college, from saving money to deciding what you want to do. Something that will help with both of those difficult tasks is a summer job. Try to get a job or internship in a field you are interested in, even if you have to take an unpaid position. More and more companies are offering programs to younger students. For example, during my internship with NASA, I discovered that NASA has a wide range of high school internship programs. These programs will let you explore possible future careers and maybe even save up some money for your tuition at the same time. Once you have a better idea of what you want to do, you can narrow down your college search by looking at colleges that specialize in your field, and are in the location that you prefer. Also, apply early! Even if your college doesn't have rolling admission, presenting a well prepared application early gives you a better chance of getting in and getting financial aid.

Go with your gut. There's always a way to pay for the college you want to attend; don't just go for the most scholarship money or least cost. Make sure you like the students and the general lifestyle of the campus. School's a lot tougher if it's tough to forge a good social life.

Definitely go to visit the campuses that you apply for. Looking at pictures of a school will not tell you enough about the experience you will have in college. Ask a lot of questions and think about your choices thoroughly before making a decision. Never apply to only one school because you may be blinded by what others have said about that school. You will not agree with everyone about the type of school you should attend, and it is ultimately your choice in the end. Don't let other push you to go somewhere you don't really want to go; this means your parents as well. Most importantly, be open minded, you never know what's out there.

Look at a bunch of schools and go with your instinct. If a school feels right go with it and don't be afraid to branch out and move away if it means attending a school you fell in love with.

College is a fantastic experience and going to the right one for you is just as important as going itself. Be sure to visit the schools you apply to. You can get a really good feel for the college and campus by visiting, and talking with current students and faculty. Wear around your future school's sweater or T-shirt. See what type of reaction you get from your peers and others. Sometimes even a small school gets attention in areas you might not expect. Not to mention, alumni from that school can notice you and be a valuable contact for during and after your education. Being proud of the school you choose will help you easily fit in with other students who already chose to attend, which helps ease the stress of transition, and can help you make friendships that last long after college. Once you are finally setting up your room and telling your family goodbye, be sure to attend all the orientation parties and other sessions no matter how "lame". More likely than not you'll share your excitement, or lack of, with someone else there, someone you may not have met if you hadn't attended.

The advice I would give parents and potential students is first a foremost, know what you want to aim for that is more specific than an idea. This will allow you to find the college you need and will also cut down on costs due to changing majors or schools and needing to retake a course because a previous course did not transfer over. To make the most out of college life once there, go around a socialize and network. If the professors know who you are, they will be more willing to write recommendation letters once you start looking for a job. Make friends both in and out of the classroom because it will help you with studying and everyone needs to blow off some steam every now and then by seeing a movie or just hanging out. When you pick the right college and make friends once there, college life will seem easy and fun.

The advice that I can give to parents and/or students who want to find the right college is this. Finding the right college should be about finding the college that best fits you, your values, and your goals. For parents it is important to always remember that your student needs your support. Parents may not always agree with their child?s plans. But as an adult, a student needs guidance in a positive direction. As for students, remember that selecting the right college may take longer than you think. Often including several changes to your career goals. Going to a community college is often a great way of adapting to college life. The most expensive schools are not always going to be the schools that best suit your life style. Explore different campuses, and visit school websites to learn all of what they can offer you. To make the most of your experience at college, try to reach outside of your comfort zone and explore your environment. Joining clubs and organizations are great ways of meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. Most importantly, no goal is impossible if you put your heart into achieving it.

Find a college that is right for you and has what you need. After this process don't think you aren't going to have any fun college is fun even if your learning or hanging out.

I would advise parents to serve primarily in a supervisory role in their child's journey to finding the right college. It is very important that a student does their own research so that they fully understand what options are available to them in a college. For students, I strongly recomend speaking to professionals in the career field that they are intrested in and asking their opinions on the best colleges in that area. After arriving at college, the best way for a student to be successful, meet friends, and have a great college experience is to become involved in an extra curicular activity. However, it is also important that new students keep their priorities in order; classes must come first. Students - keep in mind that it is far easier to get good grades in the first two years of college while you are still in basic level classes. I recomend building up a strong GPA early on so that you can weather the storm when the serious core classes hit you in the begining of your Junior year.

Take a chance, you can always transfer if you hate it. But most importantly get as much involved in things as you can. The best way to get super involved in your campus is to go Greek. Make sure you go meet people from multiple fraternities/sororities before you join and DO NOT decide which organization to join based on stereotypes or other people's opinions. Go wherever you fit.