George Mason University Top Questions

I would say that parents should let their kids decide where they want to go and where they will fit in. It should not be based on where the parents want them to go or where the parents can afford because there are so many opportunities for students to get scholarships or financial aid. Kids should be able to go to their dream school.

go with first instincts and best judgement

In order to truely find the right college for an indiviual a lot self evaluation must be conducted. It is important to take into mind what type of career you are leaning towards or have decided. There are many different schools that offer extremely exceptional focused programs, so research is nessesary. It is also very important to factor in your financial abilities, then move on from there. Though you may feel that it would be so much easier and fun to go to a college with your friends, it ultimately could hold you back. I went to college with my two best friends, and though I love them to death I find when you are thrown into a new situation like college it is best to venture on alone. In college you are expected to step out of your box and grow. Unfortunatley it is less likely for you to go and find new friends when you are using your current ones as a crutch. College is a time to expand your mind and body,to grow as a person. This can best be achieved by doing whats hard, branching out on your own, alone and experiencing college for yourself.

Always get the inside scoop from someone attending the college that has similar interests and goals as your own or your childs.

Not getting into the college you wished for, is alright. My goal was to attend NYU for business, however, there were some complications and therefore I attended Mason. I thought being located in NY would be a great opportunity for me, because there are so many successful businesses around the university. After I decided to attend Mason, I learned that the undergraduate school doesn't matter so much as long as I do well in my field. Mason also has many opportunities for students and it is located in a great area. D.C. is only a short distance away and the area also allows students to have jobs experiences and I've also had amazing internships. It's a good idea to visit the college before you decide to attend it, because there are some college where you get the feeling "Ah, this is for me!" and others where you don't feel like you'd adjust well. Every college experience is different and not every college is a party school as long as your learn to be responsible and to stay focused at the task at hand; with that you'll be able to suceed and do well.

Choosing the best college for you is very important so i suggest visiting several colleges before choosing one. Make a list of what is important to you in a college. For example food quality, social life, location and so on. Try to find a college that you feel like you fit in with the people because that will also shape your college experience. When I was considering if I should go to George Mason or another school I considered the diversity at Mason and size compared that of another school. I am very happy with my decision but it is a decision that needs to be thought out and taken very seriously.

Find the school that lights up your child's face when they walk on the campus. That is all.

The first thing a student should do is to visit the college during an open house tour. This is the best way to get a feel for the environment and see if you could really fit in. Second, make sure the school provides for the needs for your major; attend a school that meets to your academic needs, not social needs. Finally, make money no issue. There are always chances for scholarships and loans so the financial part should not hold you back on what college to attend.

My advice to student who are looking for the right college is to visit all the colleges you are interested in. It's ok to be undeclared your freshman year. The thing to remember, though, is that you have to make yourself happy. Choose the school you feel is right for you. If you go to a school you do not like, you will not be happy while your there and less likely to succeed or even graduate. You have to do what's right for you, not for your parents. My advice to parents is to not pressure you child. They are stressed out all ready and more nervous and scared than you can imagine. You need to be there to help guide them because they will have many questions and need constant advice on the things they are about to experience. Know, however, that you've raised a great child who is capable of making informed decisions.

First word of advice when choosing a college is to describe yourself in five words. When you are interested in a college, think if this college could accomodate to those five words that describe you. No college is completley bad, but if your not happy, that is how it will seem to you. The question is not what college is the best; it is what college is the best for YOU. Your academic success and overall happiness relies on this decision so make sure you dedicate a good amount of time thinking about your decision and how it will effect both you and your family. Remember, college years are supposed to be some of the best in your life.