George Mason University Top Questions

For students to think long and hard about what they want career wise and how their school can help them achieve those goals. Once they have figured this out, to look hard at what each school offers and if the student would feel comfortable in that environment.

There are three most important advices every student should get in choosing the right college. The first is students should select a college depending on their own academic level. It all depends on how much the student is willing to challenge him or her. Certain colleges are more intense than others and require a harder course work, while others offer the same type of education but in a less challenging environment. The second important advice is getting involved in school. Getting involved in any type of organization will make the college experience richer for students and a lasting memory that they can remember for a life time. Making the most out of the college experience really depends on the student. Some students are more into sports, while others are more active in clubs and organization. Yet, the most important advice, which is the third, is being able to add to the diversity of the school. It is always a learning experience to interact with different students and gaining new knowledge. Having new experiences, either academically or socially, is a part of college and making the most out of it.

I was the first in my family to go to a four-year institution and for the most part I had to figure out how to apply on my own. My family supported me, but they simply didn't know how to help. Now, as a sophomore, I feel that I have taken leaps and bounds in learning the university system. I have made Dean's List two semesters in a row and have become an active participant in a sorority that does various social and community service activities. My advice to students about making the right choice is to research the university and get involved in university activities once there. Make a list of colleges that you are interested in and visit ALL of them. It is important to get a good sense of the university in person because you will know if it?s a good fit for you. Also, as an admissions representative, researching the admissions website, will help you answer 99.9{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the questions you have about applying and the school. The best thing you can to do to make you?re your college experience enjoyable is work hard but relax and enjoy the ride.

In order to make the most of your college experience, I would advise students to keep an open mind- their whole college career is going to change their views on a lot of things (religious affiliation, politics, sexual orientation, etc.) I challenge all students to seek out answers and listen to all sides. It's so important to learn where you stand on certain issues in life. I want to challenge the relativist view of "what's good for you is good for you & what's good for me is good for me". Find something you are passionate about. When choosing a future college, don't settle for what you're used to or where everyone of your friends is going. Seek to change yourself- for the better! Parents, please keep an open mind about where/what your child make experience & encourage the learning going on inside/outside the classroom. Last- if a scholarship is offered to you, take it! Don't put any college above the other in this case-it's you who will dictate your college experience...not the 'place' so to speak.

go visit overnight to see the parking and housing and campus atmosphere

I would look carefully at the cost of tuition and the scope of majors available. Even if you don't know what you will major in it's important to go to a school that has majors that really interest you. I would also strongly consider going to community college for two years and then transferring to a four year university. In VA it's a great way to get the general education courses done and save a ton of money. Once at a college I would investigate the availalbe resources and try to make use of the ones that interest you or could be helpful. Join clubs, organizations, etc. that interest you.

It is important to remember that college is a time of endless opportunity and change, but it is not going to happen by itself. Get involved, your college experience can be the most amazing time of your life, but you will only get out what you put in. Find what it is you are passionate about, and go after it- but have fun in the process, get to know your peers, and make an effort to make an impression on the faculty. Make yourself known and know others, because looking back on college you are going to be thankful that you strove for an amazing degree and a high GPA but you are also going to remember the people that changed your life forever, and be proud of your growth.

Finding the right college isn't about how big the classrooms are or how good housing is. It's about finding where is feels right. College visits during the school year are the best way to see the atmosphere of college in action. Seeing how the students interact with each other is the best way to find where you belong. College has been the best experience I've gone through so far in my life. My college is close to where I went to high school. I was scared that it would be a lot like high school. After meeting new people and going out around campus, I realized it's completely different. It's not like high school at all. I even moved on-campus to make it feel as if I lived further away from home. This has had me feel that although I live relatively close to school, that I am still getting the full "college experience". I would not change a thing about my decsion to go to Mason and this is because I realized it was the right college for me. It's where I belong. It's my second home.

Visit many campuses, visiting and actually getting a feel for the campus is important. If you do not feel comfortable with the campus you will not enjoy it when classes actually start. Make sure the school offers a wide range of possible majors. You may come in freshman year thinking you know what you want to do, but more than likely you will change it, several times. With a range of options you can stay at the same school and begin a new major rather than having to try and transfer. Don't be afraid of having a good time now and then. Fun with your new friends is part of the whole college experience. Just be careful that you don't have too much fun that you end up flunking out, or get put on academic probation. College is an important part of growing up and well worth the occasional stress that comes with finals.

The advice that I would give someone looking into a college of the choice is going on the campus and asking real about their experience and not your tour guides. And when deciding on a school make sure the school is in your finanical budget also make sure that the school you really want to spend 4 years at.