James Madison University Top Questions

I would advise them to try and visit the campuses of interest, sit and discuss the pros and con's of each one to narrow your selection. To prepare for college with the right frame of mind and attitude. Even though you are not living with your parents rules ,make sure you use what you have learened from them and try to live accordingly at school , don't try to be something you are not.Build on that foundation and become the best adult that you can be. Remember your family is just a phone call away, so stay in touch.

The best advice that I would give parents and students concerning college choice is to be confident. No matter where you go, you're going to have a great time and meet a lot of amazing people that will change your life. Be confident in your choice and don't stress about making sure you made the right decision, you did. I remember applying for colleges and losing countless hours of sleep trying to make the right decision, but in the end I realized I was going to be fine wherever I went. You WILL be fine, you WILL have a great time, and you WILL adjust perfectly. To gain the most out of your college experience I would say to approach everything with an open mind. Join some clubs that you're unsure about. The best decision I made freshman year was joining the Caving Club, when I have never caved before in my life. I met some really awesome people and learned a neat new activity. Don't write things off because you've never tried them before. College is about finding yourself, open up and figure out who you are!

It's not just about academics. The school has to provide an applicant with their own personal needs such as what kind of people they want to surround themselves with, what size school they prefer, what kind of social life there is, and what the school in general has to offer. Visiting schools is a must so you can really get a feel for them. College is hard work but there's a lot of fun that comes out of it too, you just have to have your head on straight and it will be one of the best experiences of your life.

I think the right college for a person is the surroundings around it, and how far away from home it is, and how the student interaction is.

I think it's incredibly important to find a school that works best for you. It's necessary to visit schools before you even apply, and then again visit them a second time once you have gotten into schools. Sometimes the atmosphere is different once you are accepted somewhere. And no matter where your friends go, for example my best friend went to Virginia Tech, in the long-term outlook on life, going to a school that is the better fit for you in more important than going because your best friend went there. It is important to know about the extra-curricular activities, the area surrounding the college, and how you feel about the students and faculty that you have come to know during your visits. It's also wise to look into all the academic fields offered to know if they have the major, or a choice of majors that will suit you best for you to major in! And then once you're there, make sure to become as involved as possible: attending sporting events, participating in clubs, I joined the national honors society and love it, volunteer, and make lifelong friends!!

I definitely would apply to as many colleges as you can but also to visit the campus and go to guided tours to see if the campus is just right for you.

go visit colleges and make a list of what kind of environment you want to go to school in and which schools have the majors you want to major in

If there was any advice to give to the parents I would tell them parents to let their child decide what college/university they would like to go to, because in the long run their child is the one that will have to live and learn in that particular environment. I would also tell the student to try really hard to apply to schools that fit their needs as far as social, academic, as well as financial. I will also advise the student not to be persuaded to go to a particular college/university because of the parties and alcohol that?s practically available to anyone. Finally, I would tell the student to never be afraid to attend clubs and school activities, because it?s a great way to gain new friends and really make the best out of the college experience.

Selecting a college is a big deal. Sure, choosing one based on what you want to do with your life is a big deal, but looking beyond that is so much more. When my parents and I were searching for colleges, we looked outside of trying to find a college with a strong program. We looked at available resources on campus - security, academic, organizations, guidance, health centers - and we looked into similar resources in the surrounding area. You don't want to send your child to a college that has a high crime rate with no health center on campus, do you? Once you choose the right college, making the most of it is what counts. Are you really going to spend every waking moment at the library studying? No way. That gets old. Even the brainiest of bookworms needs an outlet for fun! Getting involved in even one organization can help make the most of your college experience. I've met most of, if not all of, my closest friends through the organizations I'm in, and you're guaranteed to share an interest in something. College is such a great part of your life; make it worth it.