George Washington University Top Questions

Actually visit the university before making an decisions. :)

Sometimes the best experience isn't always taking the easiest route. If you think you want to go somewhere, take a risk and try it.

Students: visit a variety of colleges and apply as early as possible. When visiting, pay attention to how you feel while you are there. If a college atmosphere energizes you or sparks your curiosity, it is one that will most likely satifsy your needs and interests while you are there. Do not pick a college because it seems easy or comfortable. Pick somewhere that inspires you. Make sure you can completely envision yourself attending classes and living in their facilities and working in the surrounding area. Observe the students you see. Are they people you would like to make friends with? More likely than not, these will be the types of people that end up in your classes. Parents: point your child in the right direction with information and important dates, but leave the actual choice completely up to him/her. If your child is inspired and seems to be in their element at a college, this is priceless, and even if the school carries a high price tag, your investment will yield big returns if you allow your child to follow his or her passion. Your most important responsibility is weighing whether the benefits outweigh the cost.

Finding the right college: Its all about the environment. When all is said and done, a class is a class. Some might be more difficult than others or taught by more famous professors in a more prestigious university, but what really makes a difference is making sure you are in an environment that feels comfortable. This includes looking for a place where the students look like you and your friends and a location that you can see yourself living in for four years. In terms of making the most of college-- don't be afraid to go out on a limb and try something new. College is your last chance to join a club or take a class just for the hell of it. You want to learn sign language? Go for it. You want to join the drag queen club? Do it. Go big or go home, kids.

I would tell them to visit and see what they are looking for. Have them spend the night and also have them pray and discuss with their family.

You really have to do what makes you happy. It's hard to block out the noise of peers, magazines, books, etc, but it has to be done. To pick the right college you have to think either one of two things. The first is, "Who am I?" and find a school that fits your personality. While it sounds trite, you can really learn alot about yourself by visiting schools and thinking "can i picture myself here?" The second is "Who do I want to be?" Because whether you like it or not, college changes you, it matures you. You have to think about your life beyond the next 4 years and consider if your college choice is reasonable for your long term goals. Are parties really that important? Is a scholarship to a mediocre school worth the cost of a more brand-name education? Where you see yourself in 10 years should be a key role in where you choose to go to college.

A peer group is the most important thing to look for in a college environment. If you are a smart person, you want to be around other smart people. If you are athletic, being with other athletic people is a good fit. Generally, look for places that match your potential academically and socially. If you don't know what your potenial is, look for a place with a good amount of people, so that if need be you can change from once social group to another. Keep an open mind in college, and go to all your classes. Doing your work actually helps socially, as by sophomore year a lot of people spend a good deal of their time in the library. If the class is boring, use it as a social connection. Classes are the easiest way, besides joining a fraternity or sorority, to meet new people and establish friendships and relationships.

Get involved in as many things possible from the start. You can always week out groups you dont find interesting but you will also find passion for groups that you never considered.

First off, in the words of Douglas Adams "Don't Panic." Things will work out, you(or your child) will be accepted to college. Second is don't worry about a place that focuses on what you think you want to study, because in all likelihood you will change your mind in the first semester your there, and then again in the second, and possibly again in the third. So when looking and deciding find a school that strikes you as interesting, because of the location, the people or the exotic species of grass they cultivate there. Whatever it is find some place that you can spend four years, loving every minute you are there.

As yourself, what do you really want out of your college? If it?s a stepping stone to a future career, pick a school that will help you with that. If it?s a grand ol? animal-house-style time, pick a school that will live up to that expectation. If there?s anything I?ve learned, it?s college is totally what you make it. If you want it to be the time of your life, it will be. Just make sure you?re picking your school for the right reasons?the reasons that are most important to you personally (not your parents or your teachers, but you personally).