Massachusetts Institute of Technology Top Questions

do what you like, look to the people at the college to be role models for someone you want to be someday.

College is all about the people. During the college application process, definitely take the time to go and visit the campus and meet the people there, students and faculty. Get an idea of what a normal day at that college would be like. Either ask a few students or if available do an overnight program, see the campus , attend some classes, etc. Try to do this before you apply but definitely before you choose. Once at college, the people around you are really going to definite your experience. Make sure to make a close friend, someone you really connect with, this doesn't have to happen right away or even in your first year, but make an effort to find that friend. As far as classes go, talk to people, especially upperclassmen, and find out what professors are good/bad, a professor can really make or break any class. Make an effort to get to know your professor and vice versa, this connection can become very helpful and professors tend to be pretty interesting. Try to stay focused and on top of your academics, but remember college is more than just a bunch of classes. It's about the people.

The four years that you are in college are the most unique years of your life. Never again will you be able to have the opportunity to do essentially whatever you want, whenever you want, and not be held back by the responsibilities that come with living in the real world. The friendships that you forge and memories that you form during your college years are things that you will never forget. Choosing the right college is an important decision, one that shapes the rest of your life. When looking at colleges, the main factors that you should take into consideration, besides the curriculum, are the people and the surrounding environment. To me, the diversity of the people is what makes MIT so amazing. I have met people from every continent, and each offers a unique point of view, giving me completely different perspectives to think from. MIT is in Boston. For me, this is a good thing because it offers a way to escape from the academic environment. I would suggest thinking about what you like to do outside of school, and use that to decide if the surroundings of your prospective school are attractive or not.

Always remember that your years at college are for learning, but also remember that learning goes beyond the classroom as well. Study what you are interested in. If need be, fight to get the education you want and deserve. Take time to learn from your fellow students. Create your own projects. Get involved. Put as much as much into your education as you want to get out of it. Eat well and get enough sleep- your mind is not capable of functioning well when your body isn't. Ramen isn't real food. Never be afraid to ask questions, or answer them. Ask for help when you need it, and help others when you can. Balance your time. Don't let yourself get burnt out- remember to take breaks and do things you enjoy. Get off campus sometimes and stay connected to the real world. Find what you are passionate about and do it. Learn for the sake of learning.

Parents should be aware that every student is different and that there is a "right" school for everyone. However, the perfect school for one child may not be the best place for another. Just because a school is ranked highly does not mean it will be the right atmosphere for every competitive student. The student should pick his or her college based on personal values and priorities, and make sure that this school is somewhere that the student can picture him or herself for the next few years. The most important aspect of picking where to go to college is that the setting, level of competition, and student body are motivating to the individual. During college, it is sometimes very difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it is infinitely helpful when the school is overall motivating and encouraging. It is also more satisfying to make the college choice for yourself, rather than to go along with the school that someone else thinks will be best. Most of all, try to have fun in college: explore new interests and meet many diverse people. This is an opportunity to discover who you are.

To find a college, try and vist each college you are strongly considering for a weekend, to get the feel of the atmosphere. use that oppurtunity to talk to other students and get a feel for the college. As for making the most of the college experience, look into extra-curricular activities, like varisty sports, im sports, debate teams, etc.

Finding the right college: After finding a series of colleges that cater to your interests, ask people about the personality of the school, then compare that to your own. Making the most of it: Don't kill yourself with classes. Before deciding to double-major or something, think about balance. Sometimes taking only a few classes and letting yourself have time for other events can pay off by keeping you unstressed. Sleep is also very important.

Make sure that you choose your school because you want to, not because other people say you should. If you pick a big name school, you will at some point get tired of being known by the brand, make sure you like your school for more than just the name, that there is substance behind it that really fits you.

Take advantage of all the opportunities the school has to offer. MIT offers undergraduate research programs as well as extracurriculars. Try new things -- one of the freshmen experiences is to be on the crew team. In order to find the right college, make sure you know what kind of college you're getting into. I had no idea that MIT would be this difficult. In the end, I am glad, but MIT is definitely not the place for everyone.

FInd somewhere that you see fit, and you will be happy at. Spending 4 years in a place you hate can really hinder your college and learning experiences.