George Mason University Top Questions

Look around before you choose. Go to the desired schools and see what appeals to you such as size, atmosphere, etc. See which schools have the programs you are most likely wanted to get involved with.

Don't be afraid to branch out and make friends. Everyone is just as nervous as you are about being in a new environment, yet you won't get anywhere by staying locked up in your room and silent. Speak, be friendly. However, don't be afraid to be yourself. If you act the way you truly are, you'll find where you belong among people sooner rather than later. Keep in touch with your parents on a daily to weekly basis; they miss you whether they admit it or not. Who knows? You'll probably end up getting a little homesick in return. Appreciate every moment of your new life in college...the days pass quickly. Don't stress out about assignments, but don't procrastinate too much either. Don't overeat, and stay active!

College is expensive. Look at all aspects of a college before you invest, not only the money, but also your valuable time, in the school.

Do not get distracted or caught up with your idea of what college should be like. Too many high school seniors want to attend a "party school." Instead, the most important thing to keep in mind is to look closely at each college to decide which is the best choice for you or your student.

The college selection process is a long, stressfull ordeal to say the least. With all the time and effort being put into finding the "perfect one" out of thousands of schools, how does anyone ever know for sure that they have found it? In the end, it usually comes to you. This is not to say that all that time and energy was wasted. On the contrary; that time and energy narrowed down from what was once thousands, to around five to ten compatible schools. Of these schools, regardless of where the acceptance letters come fluttering in from, any one will likely be an enjoyable college experience. From here it is simply a matter of approach; of taking on this new chapter of life, ready for a good experience. Those who walk in, embracing the change in their lives, and ready to take on the challenge that is college will succeed no matter where they decide to go. In the end, it is not the college that makes the experience, but the student.

When picking a college or university make sure price isn't the reason you are picking the school. You can't go cheapily on your education. It is worth paying more for a school if is the one that you think you can get the best education at. Diversity in the community at the college is important because you can learn the most from other people. The experiences/life stories that they can tell you is amazing.

Find one that the kid will enjoy, not the one necessarily the cheapest or the most recommended. You are putting a lot of money and hard work for the next 4 years. You mine as well do it somewhere that's worth it.

Visit several colleges before you make your final decision, just because a school that you have never even set foot on is offering you a lot of money to go there, it might not be the right fit for you. The atmosphere of the college is one of the most important factors to consider when making your choice. You want a college that has courses in the major you might be considering and you want it to be somewhere that you will feel comfortable. If you don't feel comfortable you will be miserable and probably end up transfering to the school that probably was right for you from the beginning. Once you get to college, make friends with the people on your hall and people in your classes. Don't seclude yourself in your room too much. Most importantly make sure you keep up with all of your school work. Falling behind will just stress your out and make college life seem so much harder than it is. So in summary, enjoy college but don't forget about what you are really there for, to learn.