George Mason University Top Questions

Finding the right college is like finding a great pair of shoes- it needs to be comfortable, versatile, appealing and provide you the basic footsteps to succeed in whatever you desire to accomplish in your lifetime. Finding a good university to attend is one of the most important decisions to make in your life and it is even more important to actually visit the colleges that you are thinking about applying to or attending. It is also helpful to consult alumni, your parents, current students and guidance counselors about information about certain schools. It is very easy to put less of an emphasis on school once you get into college and start taking classes, but one of the best things to do to make the most out of your college experience is to get involved, deeply involved, with student organizations and clubs on campus. That is where best friends are made and connections happen that can help you throughout your college career and your professional career, and also where experiential learning happens as well. Don't be complacent in your education!

I think that students should have a say in which school they want to go, also they should make a wise choice. Most students I have seen will go to a school only if they have other friends going there too, it is nice to have friends but think wise, because where you go to school makes a big difference when you look for a job. So my advice would be for both parents and students that do your research about school, find out what programs they offer and if they interest you for example George Mason is known for Business and law also art center has very good standing. Also find out how a school can help you find a job after you graduate and not just let you get through academics. Thank you, Sadaf

Research as much as possible and let your son/daughter pick.

Choosing the right college is all about what you want. It all depends on what you want to study, not what other people want you to study. I've been fascinated by computers and the field of IT for most of my life and I heard great things about GMU's IT program. Make the most out of college by meeting people right as step foot on the campus. The first couple weeks are the best time to meet new people. Whether its in class, study lounge, or the dining hall, you can always meet new people. Money is always an issue when deciding which college to go to but don't let it be the deciding factor for you.

Choosing your college is a really big decision. I didn't realize that when I was applying. My heart told me to go out of state; my parents said that was too expensive and I didn't have a good enough reason. So lesson one: students, listen to your heart no matter what; parents, don't discount the reasons your children give you. I go to school in Virginia but spend all of my spare time escaping a lonely campus environment. I wish I hadn't caved on that one factor. Beyond that, look past the classroom experience to see what the schools truly offer. My major (communication) is a total joke, but I've made up for it by finding a home in the Student Media office on campus. There I've found amazing mentors, learned hands-on lessons on leadership and gained practical experience in my field (multimedia). One amazing program can make an entire school experience worth it. I didn't give college much thought, and now I'm making the best of an okay situation. Let your heart guide your decisions - you don't have to be able to articulate why you love a school.

First, visit the campus. Make sure that the atmosphere of the campus is one you would enjoy. For instance, MIT tends to have a very frantic/tense feel to it, since it is an ivy league school and is integrated into a city. Also, try to live on campus for at least the first semester. This allows you to get to know the school alot better, and make friends easier (as well as getting away from the parents). Also, don't worry about making friends - even if you don't know anyone at the school, you will definitely find people you can relate with. Of course, make sure you can afford going to the college, both financially and mentally. The financial aspect should be discussed with your parents, but only you can determine the mental aspect. If you're not ready for an ivy league school, don't go to one, as the stress will likely make you learn less than if you went to a non-ivy league school. If you think you are, try for a semester, and see how things turn out. Remember, you can always transfer to a different school.

When looking for the perfect college, whether you are a parent or a student, there are certain things that everyone should keep in mind. A college is going to be a student's new home for the next four years. It will be where they spend ninty percent of their time. In addition, a parent wants the college to be a shining star that he or she is proud to share with all family and friend. Parents and students a like should look for a college that has a climate the is okay with the student. If he or she loves cold weather then look in the north, and vice versa. If you don't love the area around the college you will not enjoy the college experinece. In additon, one should look for a college that has lots of campus sponsered activities. This allows the student to have things to do, and the parents the assurance that his or her child is not off spending money on alcohol and parties. Academics are another big part of choosing a college. The best advice i can give is to visit several campuses and pick the one that "feels" right.

In searching for the ?dream school? you?ve always seen yourself attending, always make sure the main characteristics of the school fit your needs. The certain significant features aforementioned being: school size, location, cost/ financial aid opportunities, areas of residence (on-campus and off-campus), and also the activities offered at the school. As for making the most of your college experience, you can make any college what you want of it. It?s all about your attitude. Going to a new school where you don?t necessarily know anyone can be a nerve-wrecking experience for anyone, and being perfectly aware of that will instantly help you gain friends. Although I am only two years deep into my college experience, I can safely say freshman year will be my favorite of all because it was so nice to be surrounded by people just like me: nervous about being away from home for the first time and ready and willing to make new friends. A friendly, inviting smile accessorized by a positive attitude will be your greatest tool in settling into college life.

When I started college my expectation from college was only education. It didn't take long for me to realize I was wrong. College is not just an institution but it has more to offer. When any parents or students come to college the first thing they should know that it is way different from high school. In another way, it is the next big steps to reality where a student faces reality and learn to take responsibility for his/her own actions. There are opportunities to get off the track but you will find friends helping you get on track. My advice for the parents is that though your kids are off to colleges talk to them often so that they know that you are there for him/her, and they know you will help him/her. Because no one can make them feel safer than own parents. To the students my advice is to keep an open heart and think before taking a step. Be responsible and carry on the values with you that you've learned during 17-18 years of your lives from your parents. Also keep up with classes, and choose your own friends.

In order to help you find the right college, I recommend visiting the school and speaking to the faculty and attending students about their opinions about college life, educations, etc. Some schools will even allow interested students to stay overnight in a dorm, so they can experience the 'college-life.' It helps to be involved in your school's activities whether it is a sport, club, and/or the greek society. Personally, I have found wonderful friends and relationships through joining some of my school's organizations.