George Washington University Top Questions

We all have visions of the perfect college experience, but there is no one way to enjoy college. Everyone's experience is different, so do not feel like you have to join greek life or drink every night in order to enjoy yourself. Narrow your college search so you can visit the schools you are really interested in. Talk to and meet as many people as you can at the schools you visit, and at the school you decide to attend. It's ok if you don't find your niche in the first week of school--just keep looking.

First of all, to the students, remember that no matter at which school you end up, it is what you make of your college experience. Secondly, if you are truly unhappy at your choice of school, remember you can always transfer. Transferring may seem scary because you have to start over, but if you are truly unhappy, you should not ignore your true feelings. I suggest, however, to make sure you have made your best effort to give your school a chance and to make it the best experience it can be before you decide to transfer. Finally, just remember to work hard, but still save time to have fun!

Academics won't matter as much. Make sure you enjoy the place you will be living for the next 4 years, and you will be happy. There is not much weight on where you received your undergraduate degree, as long as you have it. Go to a fun and comfortable undergraduate college and save the expensive and high profile schools for a graduate degree. Most of all, remember it's your life and find something you enjoy at a place you want to attend. Don't worry about reputation.

The most important thing about finding a college is not finding the school which is necessarily the highest ranked or even the school with the best academic program. Your school is not just a school, but the center of your life for four years and you need to find somewhere that you can enjoy your life. Don't be afraid to take residences, student organizations, location, climate, social factors, or anything else into account. If it will make you happier, then it's important that your school has it.

Make sure you pick a school that fits your size desire (small, big, urban, rural...) and that has programs you like. Going to a better school, that is a better fit will be work the loan money. You only get to go to college once, so make it worth it!

Visit a lot of colleges and really get a feel for what your child wants to do before you commit to a school purely based on reputation.

My best advice would be to look online at college research websites to show you stats and even take online tours of schools. Find out what size school will be right for you and then narrow down to a list of 10-15 schools before choosing ones to visit. When deciding, also take into consideration its area, modes of transportation and if it seems to be a complement to your personality. Does it fit you? On visits DEFINITELY take pictures; after a few tours they all seem to blur. Be genuine in your admissions essays and if possible set up an interview at a school you are hoping to gain admission to. Talk to students at schools you hope to attend and definitely visit insider websites to get the real scoop on the schools you're interested in. Lastly, remember that it's all a peculiar game and wherever you get into is often the right school for you. Sometimes a school can even surprise you. I, myself, did not even want to apply to my university and didn't visit until I was accepted. Upon visiting, I fell in love and couldn't wait to start in the Fall!

If I had to give advice to a parent or student about choosing a college I would have to say that visiting the college is so important. A student has to be able to feel comfortable in their environment in order to learn and grow. A future student has to see whether or not they can live there and see the types of students that attend the school. I made the mistake of going to a popular school my freshman year. I went to a school where a lot of people from my area went and thought that I would be fine. I later realized that I should have gone with my instincts and ended up transferring. It is important for students to realize that you are primarily at a college to learn and obtain a degree. Extracurricular activities are just that extra. School activities are important and should always be looked at while trying to choose a school and be utilized when you are at a school. Choosing an area where you are comfortable to live, learn and socialize is important for the success of the student academically and socially.

Stop looking for the one college that best fits your needs. You make the best or worst out of college, so there are infinite possibilities. You may even be happiest at your (gasp) safety school. Therefore, it's most beneficial to make some basic decisions (location, size, academic focus, urban vs. rural, cost etc) based on who you are and then create your own experience. You don?t have to answer every question, but if you hate the cold, don?t look at schools in Maine. Then, narrow down your choices; visiting and speaking with students helps! Apply to several schools on your list that vary in prestige and, once accepted, start looking for activities and clubs to join. If you are active in the college community ? whether in clubs, student government, fraternities or whatever else interests you ? you will meet new people, learn from them and start to discover what your future holds. There is something interesting at every college; however, if you don?t take advantage of what's offered, you won?t make the most of your years as a student. It doesn?t matter where you choose, but rather what you do when you are there.

Talk with your parents about your career goals and personal desires; this will help you aim for the schools which best suit your personal and professional needs. Talk with your couselor about scholarship options; this will help ease the sting of college tuition, as well as help you weigh your financial options with your parents. Think in depth about the environment in which you were raised; this will tell you whether or not you want to duplicate or escape your surroundings. Most importantly of all, reach for the stars, and never be afraid to apply for a certain college, because it may delight and surprise you the places you go!