Howard University Top Questions

When it is finally time to select what college will be attended, you realize the vast amount of availablities across the United States and the world for higher education attendance. However, even with all of these options available, the very first thing to take into consideration is where you want to go in life, for it is in the knowledge of what you want your future career to be that you are able to narrow down what your top college choices should be. If you don't know what you want to do, it is then best to pick a school that has a strong reputation in all of the courses of study it offers. Once you arrive to the school you pick, always be willing to open up your comfort zone to people different than yourself. Network, because not only is it important in college, it is the way the world operates outside of school. Take advantage of social and community service organizations at your school, but in doing so, don't forget what you're there for: an education! Once you learn to balance your time, you will experience the most fulfillment out of your college life.

Choose based on statistics and research, not emotion.

Plan out what you want in a college surrounding and use collegesearches on-line to find a college that supports the most of your personalities. In making the most of your college experience, handle school work first because parties and campus activities are never ending.

The advice that I would give to parents and students when looking for the right college or university is to go where you feel most at home. Who cares about the prestige of the institution, if you hate every waking moment there. I would also say be pro-active. Students and parents need to go beyond the campus tours and sit in on a class, delve into the heart of the institution, its students. Getting real perspectives that haven't been screened are more beneficial than anything on the college or university's web page.s

Educate yourself about the process, the cost, and everything else. Use your resources and do not be afraid to ask for help.

You can make a wonderful college experience ANYWHERE. Go where the money is. If you are offered scholarships-take them.

Visiting each and every college or university that you are interested in or that you get accepted to is probably the best advice that I can give. You may think that you, or your child, have already made the decision, but until you go and experience the school for yourself you will never truely know. Make sure that when you attend you can see EVERYTHING that this school will be offering you, from the classroom settings to the social activities to the Support Services offered and Administrative offices. Make sure that you talk to students other than the people who are giving the tour; these students always give a biased opinion of what the school really is like to attract you. Make sure you are getting the full story first before you make this life changing decision. Finally make sure you ask questions. This is a place where you, or your child, will spend the next four years and everyone needs to know what they are getting into before they sign on the dotted line.

Research various institutions intensely before making a decision. When choosing a major take the time to understand the type of course work you would be expected to do before making your final choice. Contact the University or college about what is required for the major and based upon your high school course work are you ready to pursue it. Students need to be very mindful of how much money their parents have and what colleges they can afford. Sometimes out of state schools aren't the best choice unless you are getting substantial financial aid. Visiting the Universities you are curious about is a must before making any type of decision. Getting to know student life, faculty, administration, and various of campus extra-curricular activities will greater benefit you as you make the transition into college. Keeping your faith and never losing your passion while attending school will help during rough times. Never forget the main reason why you chose your institute is to obtain a degree and become active in your neighborhood and the global community. Help is always there, so never be afraid to ask for it.

The biggest thing that parents and students need to do is research. Go to the college websites, and on college tours to make sure that the college you choose is best for you. I've had many friends that choose colleges because they were party schools or because it was the only school they thought they could get into and now they arent happy, or not doing well. Parents need to continue playing an active role when their children start looking at colleges, giving them advice and making sure the school that is chosen is a school that will accommodate that persons major and career goals. As for the college experience its whatever you make of it, you just have to find a balance between work and play. Its possible to have a social life and still get good grades you just have to buckle down when the time is right and let loose otherwise.

There are many things to look for when determining which university one should attend. Many people start looking at things like location, financial aid, demographic (class size, racial makeup, etc). Which are all important, however the advice I am going to give is slightly different. The advice I would give to parents and or students about finding the right college is find one that you think would best suits your beliefs, goals, and interests. Many schools have many different majors and concentrations of study, however if you are not interested in those particular ones, then chances are you will not have the motivation to continue with it. Also, along the lines of interests, one of the best ways to meet new people is through extracurricular activities on campus. You should take note of some of the organizations and compare them with your interests. The purpose of college is to escalate you in all areas of your life including the social and academic areas. Those should be the basis of your searching.