Michigan State University Top Questions

Explore and visit as many college campus' with your children to see what interests them. Start early and see what suits the parents and their children.

Your first idea of a college can be very tainted by many things: where you grew up, where your parents went, where your parents work, where your friends are going. You need to actively discover what it is YOU want to do. That is the only way that you will find the school that is right for you. Figure out who you are, and picking a college is much easier.

I believe that finding the right college is a very important aspect into ones future. My first advice would be doing some research as to what you prefer in a school, examples are large schools/small school, close to home/far away, whether the school has the activities you like to do around or not, and most importantly does the school have good programs for major you choose. Once the student and parent figure this out they can then plan on visiting schools, a nice tour can give better examples of what the school is like both socially and aceidemically. The visits should be done during school so that everyone can see how busy campus's are and how easily/hard it is for one to move around. Once the visits are complete,students should then work on there applications as soon as possible and send them in on time! The sooner the better, I believe that is is best to get them done right before senior year of high school starts so that the student wont have to be swamped with school work and applications. Once accepted into a school pick the best one that fits your life style.

In terms of choosing the right college, it is beneficial to spend as much time at the ones being considered as possible. Many people choose to go to college because that is what they have been encouraged to do. If you feel you are not ready, or that you are unsure about what you want to do, then remeber you do not have to go right now. Community colleges are great, and much less expensive, for taking some time to figure out what you want to do while still getting an education. Every college has something to offer: academically, socially, athletically, etc. It is more about what you can get for yourself from the college, rather than what it can give you. Therefore, the most important thing is to learn how to be independent. If you set goals for yourself and go after them with conviction, you will be rewarded.

When you are selecting a college you must take many things into account. The most important thing I believe you must plan for is the unexpected. I came to MSU thinking I was going to be in Political Science. Needless to say I am no longer a Polictical Science student and that was because I planed for the unexpected. I went to a university with a large population of people that were open and willing to give their opinions and a large number of majors to choose from. Because of this I was able to find what was right for me in terms of acidemics and have a ton of friends who specialize in all sorts of acidemic fields. I was also able to meet people from all over the country and the world. My advice would be as much as you believe you have the rest of your life planed out, you don't. Always anticipate change and be willing to concider making it. Prepare to network with a ton of people. You never know who you will meet or what that possible friend ship may bring in the future.

Do you what you want to do with your life, not what someone else wants of you.

First decide what it is that you want to accomplish by going to college. What type of degree do you want? Are you going there for a sport? Will you move on to graduate school? If you are undecided make sure you choose a college that has a good program to help you decide what you want to do. Then decided what kind of school you would like to go to. Are you more interested in a large campus, small campus? Do you want to go out of state or in state? Next, once you choose the right college for you make sure you get involved with your school. Join clubs, get involved with the community, or join a sports team. These are only a few ways to have fun and meet new people. Also make sure you pick classes that relate to your major, that you are interested in, and don't fall behind in your school work. It's important to study hard and do well in your classes but also make room for some time to relax and have a good time!

I would have to say that you must always have an open mind when choosing the right college. Choose a college that plays to your personality and I feel in that regard you will get the most out of it. Play to your strengths at the college of your choice and you will succeed wherever you go. Don't feel pressured into going somewhere you don't want to. Just because mom and dad went somewhere doesn't always mean that you should. Make the best choice for you and you alone. One word of advice in maximizing your college experience...participation. Whether it is in class or in a social setting. Get involved. See a movie, go out with your friends, join student groups, play intramural sports. The more involvement you have at your school, the more rewarding the experience will be.

I would suggest to go to a college where you think you would enjoy the environment. Also, the school should be well known for the field that you are going into.

You should concentrate on picking a school that not only offers your desired major, but also a place that will give you enough space to grow into who you want to be during the next four years of your life socially and academically. College is the best time of your life; choose your school wisely.