James Madison University Top Questions

Parents and students make sure you visit the college campus before chosing the school.

My advice to parents would be to allow your children to follow their dreams. Let your children have a say in which college they want to attend and most of all support them because this is a stressful decison. Also voice your opinion if you feel something is not right, this is a big decision but it needs to be a smart decison. Parents, when your children begin their college experience, it is important to learn to let go in order that they develop responsibility. Don't forget about them, but let them make their own decisons. Remember you don't grow from your successes, but from your mistakes. Students, the college experience you have is up to you! People will not come running up to you to be your friend, to ask you to join clubs, or join Study Abroad. It will be up to you to seek out opportunities. Make the most of your education, study but have fun, and remember the best four years of your life are right ahead. The friends you will make and the experiences you will have will be priceless and indispensable. Celebrate a new phase in your life!

Visit the schools, the department head, the coaches, the publiciy captains of clubs, and never be afaid to ask all the questions.

To the prospective student, I would say try and find a college that fits your style and has a good variety of majors. When visiting a possible school, taking a tour of the campus is important, but make sure to "tour" the town as well. Try and drop in on a class that exemplifies your potential future field of study. Once you've picked your school, get involved! Chances are, there are oodles of organizations and clubs to pick from. Unlike high school, there's no right or wrong club to join. The cliques that are the glue of high school life no longer exist in college, so just be yourself and make as many friends as possible!

You should choose a school that's right for you and only you. Don't choose a school just because of it's name or reputation. When choosing a college you should make sure to evaluate the courses to ensure that there is a course load for your desired career field or required prerequisites for your likely graduate school. You should try and schedule a tour or visit to each school you apply and eat in the dining facilities if allowed to make sure it will be a good fit for you. Also looking at tuition rate trends will help to ensure proper financial ability throughout all of the years you plan to attend college. To make the most of college I would suggest being involved in the campus. Don't be afraid to try new things, but don't commit to an organization until you are sure it's the right fit for you. You should also try and get to know as many people in your classes or major as possible. Taking advantage of career fairs and academic seminars are also a great way to make the most of your college years.

Before you choose your school, be sure to look around. Go on plenty of visits and give yourself options by applying to several schools. While at school, get involved early. Most of your decisions freshman year will affect how you are the remainder of your college career. While joining organizations, don't forget that you can take advantage of the events put on by ones you're not involved with. Make time to study, get in that habbit. But most of all, have fun and make lifelong friends. That's what college is for.

Know what you would like to be involved with and choose the school with the best program. Make the most by stepping outside of your box and having no fear. Try new things but stay focused and maintain excellent organization. Get a planner.

Finding a college that is right for an upcoming freshman is always difficult and challenging. While many college bound students focus on name only, there are much more important factors that can make a difference between graduating from college and years of heartache. Parents and students must first look at financial aid offered at different colleges. It is generally cheaper to go to a university in-state versus going to an out of state or private institution. However many private colleges and universities offer a wealth of financial aid to attract deserving students. Secondly, students must find the university that offers the best program for their major. While a student?s first choice may offer their course of study, there may be other universities that offer the same major for less money and may have a more rigorous program. Finally, the potential student must assess the size of the university. While larger universities generally have well-known sports programs and larger social scenes, smaller universities offer smaller class sizes, and more personalized instructions.

When you take a tour of the college that's for you, you will know immediately. Remember, college is supposed to be the best 4 years of your life so make the most of every moment.. becoming an adult and learning to live on your own is equally as important as your grades, still study your tail off, but don't stress too much over school, no matter what happens you will find a way to get through it!

To prospective college students - my advice is simple. College is the time in your life when you are able to discover your passions and your purpose for being on this planet. Think about the things that make you smile, that make you want to achieve more, that make you want to get better, and that make you a human being. Take your time when scoping out different environments of different potential schools, because you need to find the perfect place that will enable you to become the person you want to be. Talk to students at these schools. Exhaust all your options and explore every corner of every campus. Choosing a place to further your education should be personalized. Don't select a college because you "heard it was a good school." Don't lie to yourself! Do your own research and make a decision based on your desires and needs. If the search for your school is done correctly, you will know when you've found the best. It will scream out your name and suck you in! Just be honest with yourself throughout the entire process, because that's the only way you'll make it.