George Washington University Top Questions

Talk about what type of setting you would ideally like to have at college. And check the programs that each university offers that relates to your major to see if they have a program that you're interested in. Definitely go to visit all the schools you apply or get into before making a decision.

Choosing the right college is not just about finding the best program for your field of study or the school with the best parties, it's about getting that gut feeling in your stomach that you belong there. I'm one of six children, and my parents said that for each one of us, they could tell right away when we had found the school that we wanted to go to when they saw the look on our faces. While it sounds cliche, listen to your gut! If the school has a great science program, but it doesn't feel right when you visit, then chances are you won't be happy there. As for making the most of your college experience, don't be afraid to get out beyond your campus and explore. So many people become glued to the boundaries of campus and miss out on the experiences that lie beyond those walls. Also, every semester, take at least one class that you're really interested in. You'll go crazy if you try to finish up all your requirements in the first two years if you don't have any class to spark your interest!

The college search is all about balancing your preconcieved notions of what matters to you in a college, with the ability to absorb new information about the places you visit. Don't have your heart set in stone on a certain type of school, location, major or anything. Leave the possibility of change open, and you will find somewhere that works for you. Life is all about leaving yourself options, besides, the worst thing that could happen is having to transfer to a new school, nothing is final.

The most important thing in your college search is the visit the schools. You won't know if you want to go there unless you visit the school. To make the most of your college experience, make friends inside and outside of your major. You can get help with homework from friends with a similar major, and you cna get away from those friends if you make friends outside fo your major.

If you don't know what you want to do with your life, DO NOT GO TO A COLLEGE THAT COSTS MORE THAN $20,000 PER YEAR.

Do your research first.

So many kids start college just because it's the next logical step. My advice: don't go to college right after high school. Take a year to travel, work, figure out what you want out of life. You don't have to decide your carreer right away, but get a sense of what your strengths are and what you enjoy. That way when you're choosing your college you'll know better what you want. And by the time you start, you'll know that you're there for a reason.

Visit a lot of colleges before you make a decision. Schools may appear one way on paper; but you know nothing about what it is like to live there until you visit. Worry less about US News Top 100 Schools and more about what school meets your child's own personal needs. It's tough but they are the ones going to college, not you. For students, once you get to a college, make the most out of everyday you are there because four years goes by so fast. Keep a positive outlook -- you can always transfer if you are unhappy but it is harder to pick up and move than it is to find your niche. Work hard academically but don't forget human interaction. College is where you make friends and learn lessons that last your entire life.

I would suggest for Students to aim for a college that will be a true learning experience in every way by picking a great location to study. I moved from a small town in a rural area to the center of Washington, D.C. It was a great move for me because not only was I granted access to some of the best teachers in the nation, but I was also in a very influencial environment, politically, culturally, and historically. This provides for some of the best resources for learning both in and outside your university. As a music minor, I was able to use the resources provided by Washington to see some of the best musicians of the day. I have been able to attend seminars with some of the most famous speakers in the International Affairs field (which is my main focus) because Washington attracts so many big names, especially those involved in world changing decisions. I would highly suggest concidering the area that you're college is located when making a serious decision about college. It can truly make or break your year. Thank you for your time and good luck with the competition!

Visit. The most crucial element of finding the right university is visiting the campus. Some know what they want to do upon graduation, and can choose schools accordingly, but the vast majority of students have no clue where they will be in four years. Furthermore, even if someone is certain of their career path, if the school environment is a poor fit, the time spent there will be miserable. Therefore, the best advice I can give to parents and students is: visit prior to deciding. There are nuances each school has that must be seen in person. Do you like the campus? (Too many hills? What is the temperature? Is it rural or urban? How large is the campus? Would you enjoy having class in that setting?) Do you like the student body? (Are they political? Parties? Frats? Liberal or conservative? How do they dress? Are they approachable? Are they physically active? What organizations are available? Is the population diverse? How many languages do you hear?) Do you like the academics? (Homework load? Professors availability and experience? Majors? How is advising? Job possibilities?) Visit, ask questions and observe; it is the most honest answer one will receive about a school.