Montclair State University Top Questions

Parents, take time to explore your kids' college choices. It's important to visit colleges and do as much research as possible, because that's where he or she will gain the skills to lead a successful life. Even though it's tough to be away from your kids, definitely allow them at least a month without visits home to get adjusted to college life. Students, make sure that the colleges you consider have a few of your potential majors or interests. It's always better to have to switch your major than transfer schools, unless you're truly unhappy there. Also, get involved with on-campus clubs and organizations within your first year. Being busy helps you stay on top of your workload, because it makes you budget your time. Don't be afraid to try new things, because it's how you meet the people who might be your friends for life. Most of all, enjoy each moment, because college life truly flies!

Don't rush the decision. Chosing a college is the single most important decision that a teenager has to make. Once the decision is made there are still so many things that need to be done before arriving on campus. Just make sure that the parent and the child are on the same track. It's important for the parent to at least one time remind the student that college is extremely important and to take it as serious as possible and enjoy yourself at the same time.

I would say that it is to find a college that is the best at keeping the student focused. College can be a great experience but a lot of students end up lowering grades or flunking out, not because of parties or drinking, but because when classes become too demanding, students drop the ball and rethink their ambitions. Whether it be going to a small campus or qualified teachers, it is important for students and their parents to search for a good school that will keep them motivated.

The right school should make you feel comfortable and brave. You should feel comfortable that the university will support your needs. You should feel brave knowing that you will be challenged at the school in every capacity that you can stand to grow.

Before choosing a college, I would highly recommend visiting all potential choices. Reading about and seeing the campus are two totally different things. Making the most of college is simple: go in with an open, positive mind. Reach out to make friends. Don't feel rushed to make a career choice on day 1. Be ready for change.

My favorite quote is: "If you want to do something, find someone who does it and ask them how they did it." My best advice to parents and students is to ask people who have gone to schools you are considering and/or are in a field the student is interested in to find out what their experiences were. As a dancer I had my dreams set on one particular school. After talking to a professional Broadway dancer who had gone there, he brought to my attention that about a million other dancers like me had the same idea and that getting lost in the crowd would be very easy at that school, a large factor contributing to what school I attend now. It is also very important to visit any school before you permiatly attend. You do want to see what is inside the buildings for yourself to make sure you will be able to adjust easily.

Visit any and all colleges that your thinking about attending! Nothing beats seeing the campus, dorms, and classrooms better then seeing them in person, online pictures can be deciving! Be sure to make friends! Introduce youself to the people in your classes or on your floor (if your dorming). Most people are very ready to make new friends, don't be shy. Try and keep a positive attitude in everything you do. If you have the mind set that something is going to be to hard, or take to long, it probably will. Don't procrastinate! College gets busy and if you leave one thing behind, everything that comes after will be behind too. Watch what you eat, the freshman 15 is no joke! Take advatage of the recreation center on campus if you have one. Keep intouch with friends and family back home. It's easy to get caught up in your new life away from home. Attend events on campus, they give away a lot of free stuff. Balance studying and partying. And make sure you leave one day free of classes, (if possible) to comit to work. It could take a whole day to write a paper.

Get involved. It makes the college experience that much better especially on a campus that is mainly full of commuters.

Go to the best school not the easiest or cheapest.