Maryland Institute College of Art Top Questions

whatever happens make the most of wherever you are.

The best adviceI could give to parents and prospective college students is to always talk about their feelings. I think that going to college is something scary for a lot of kids, ( we really are still kids), and lots of students feel embaressed about feeling overwhelmed or lost in the new setting. Everything is new and scary, and the best way to get over the fear and start using the campus to it's full potential is to talk to your classmates and teachers about it, no matter how 'dumb' or childish you sound. I was a shy kid coming to college, and everything seemed over my head, but the teachers, once I got to know them, were very easy to talk to and very accessible. Keeping things in prevents people from branching out, because in reality, most people are out in the world searching for the same basic things, and wer're not that different. Talk to your parents, kids, about what you really want college to be like, try to forget the price of things, you can always work with an advisor to sort out debts, and do what you, at that moment really want to do.

Going to college is now a simple progression from high school to higher education; it seems easy to pick a school close to home or one who is offering the best scholarship. But like the rest of your life, every decision you make has a profound effect on what type of life you are making for yourself. Strive for the best, research, visit schools. If the school you want is too expensive, find a way to finance it. Never let anyone tell you no, if you do, you are setting the tone of your college experience. And that's what it is, an experience. Let it be that.

When you are looking for the right college, the most important part is the visit. A school can look amaxing on paper or on the web, but it can be hard to find out if it is the right fit. You should be able to see yourself in the environment and hanging out with the people there. You should want to learn in the classrooms and eat at the dining hall you walk by. If you can picture these things and it feels right, then it could be the place for you. I knew almost immediately upon visiting my school that it was perfect for me. As for making the most of the experience, it is crucial to explore. Explore the campus, how to get involved, special programs, the surrounding area, close cities, random places on public transportation, and anything else you can. Exploration inside and outside of the school setting opens up opportunities to learn and grow even more than you will in the classroom. Work hard, explore, don't be afraid and just experience as much as possible.

The best advice to students would be to talk to current students, via facebook or seeing them on campus, particulary students who do not work for the school, becuase those who do work for the school are censured about what they can tell you, a student who is not part of tours or other school jobs can give you the real scoop about the pros and cons. To a parent, guide your student, do not make choices for them, treat them like an adult and let them make the descion for the themself whether you like it or not.

The most important thing about choosing a college is to leave the home town you live in. Moving out of your comfort zone and experiencing a new way of life is essential to college life, and also growing up. The experience you gain from living on your own, is a life experience that will change your life. Students gain a sense of responsability, independence and freedom to be themselves. The college you choose should also be based on the location. The location in which the college is located must be suitable or a livable enviornment that the student is comfortable with. Being opened minded but also having your own expectations and standards is key. Enjoy the college expeierence and SHOP around for colleges. Always explore your options by VISITING the campus. THAT is very very very important.

Before searching the first thing a student should do is try to understand who they are and what their necessities and preferences are. These things can help determine things like whether to pick a large school or a small school, if a school in the city or in a small town would be more suitable, or if they should choose a place closer to home or farther away. My biggest piece of advice is to make sure that the student chooses a place that has a program that they will love and are passionate about. This is the basis for how well they will do and how much they will absorb. Once the student finds a place that suits them, the best thing to do is simply to do as much as they possibly can without overwhelming themselves. Both students and parents want to make sure that they get their money's worth, so take all the classes possible and join as many clubs and organizations that will fit into their schedules. This is the best way to take advantage of your school, learn as much as you can, thrive in your field, and even meet new people.

Finding the right college is all about what's comfortable. If you visit the campus and see yourself sitting in the library or hanging out with those kids in the dining hall, chances are you will once you enroll! Don't forget to take your finances and distance from the school into account--how will you be effected by travel expenses? Do you want to be close enough to home to visit when you want? Assess the safety level of your campus and be aware of your surroundings. Also, make sure you talk to the professors in the department you want to enroll in--you want to be sure you're getting the education that will serve you best for your money. Once you get to the school of your choice, don't be afraid to try new things and take a shot! College is the time to break out--maybe you'll surprise yourself! Have fun!

Pick a major you love. If you don't love what you study, it is a chore to do your work, and you can never produce your best work if you are not passionate about it. If there is a particular school that will put you ahead in what you love to do, go there. There is more to education than just getting a job. Your education is about YOU, make it that way.

My advice to parents and students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience would be to let the student decide what is best for them and, to a certain extent, let your son or daughter make up their own mind. The one major thing i would keep in mind is that facilities do not teach, teachers do. Find a school that has wonderful instructors.