New York University Top Questions

Understand that as every child is unique, each school is unique. Therefore, applying to college should not become a war in pursuit of getting into particular schools but rather, an opportunity for self-discovery. Today getting into college in the U.S. is more difficult than ever. With acceptance rates dipping, number of applicants soaring and other scares, the college application process has become a nightmare for many. Most of the stress seems to come from the misunderstanding that applying is all about fitting in to get in to "The school". There is no use struggling to fit because you (and your parents) will spend the time fighting for something that ultimately isn't up to you when it could be spent finding out your strengths and weaknesses, realizing hidden dreams and aspirations and perhaps, even for family bonding. While in school, it will become important for you to understand yourself in order to make the best decisions. Many obstacles will come upon you throughout college but no matter what happens in the end, I'm sure you would agree that you would like to remember making the best decisions you could for yourself. Get ready to make yours now!

The most important advice I could ever give to a parent preparing his or her child for college would be to give your student options. He or she should apply to a variety of places and should visit as many colleges as he or she can. The more options a student has the better. It is also wise to advise your child to apply for as many scholarships and grants as he or she can. With the high and rising cost of tuiton, it is so difficult to find banks who will give undergraduate students loans, and more and more people are not able to afford college. There is so much free money out there. Take advantage of it. If I could go back to my freshman year of high school, I would have started scholarship searching then. It is so important to have choices for college, but if you can not find the funds, you can not choose any college at all. A student should be able to choose from a variety of college options and should be continuing to apply for scholarships, even thoughout his or her college experience.

To the parents: As much as it may pain you to hear it, your kid is the one going to college, not you. So let them have a say in where they want to go and what they want to study. Although you'd love it if they said they aspired to be a doctor or laywer (or both simultaneously), it's not always the case. And forcing them to go down a path they have no interest will only lead to trouble and regret down the line. Of course, there are exceptions, but the important thing is to hear them out. To the students: No matter what field you're in, college is about making connections more than anything. Although your high school friends were great, those you meet in college you'll probably stay in contact with for the rest of your life. These are people you'll work with first-hand, people who may end up being your colleagues or business partners. So don't take those first couple years for granted and room alone or at home. Get to know the people in your dorm and in your classes. They're connections that will prove invaluable.

Before answering this question, I need to disclose one thing: I applied to nine schools, and researched about a million. I was fortunate enough to be accepted into my top choice, but I had safety after safety after safety schools chosen. The best advice I can give is to go on the school Web sites, visit your favorites, and go on the student-directed tours. Ask any and every question that comes in your mind, and find every excuse to meet other members of the campus community. The people make the school. If you can?t stand them, your time will be wasted. Also, go on student review Web sites (including www.ratemyprofessors.com for instructor reviews), and see what they have to say. Weed out the overly positive as the overly negative, disgruntled entries, and listen to the median. I have found that to be the most accurate approach.

I think if you have a dream and it fits your career path and what you want your future to be than you really can't put a price on the education. My father told me when I got my acceptance letter to NYU to not worry about the payment, that we'll figure something out but your going. And that was the best thing I could have heard because I know we didn't have the money and I know we still don't but like the saying goes where there's a will there's a way. Though NYU hasn't given us any financial aid yet and at the moment my college is being paid off in loans I know that in the end it is going to be worth it when I graduate with a degree from NYU. Don't let money keep you from getting your dream.

In June 2006 like many high school juniors, I faced the hardest decision of my life, choosing a college that will strengthen my desire and knowledge in becoming an educator. I wanted a university with a notable education department. The first advice I will give any prospective college student is to research different colleges that provide their major. After narrowing down a few universities that had my major, I had to decide whether I wanted to live on campus. Second advice is living on campus is not for everyone. If you cannot make life-changing decisions on your own, you should really think about whether living on campus is right for you. Besides the aforementioned options, write down a list of things about a college you want for yourself. Remember, ?Understanding that the right to choose your own path is a sacred privilege. Use it. Dwell in possibility.?- Oprah At the college of your choice, join organizations that are interesting to you. Try to find out what activities are going on during the weeks. This will help you meet awesome friends or study partners. Also, develop time management skills to balance studying and fun.

Think long and hard, before you even start looking, about what you want out of your four years of college. Knowing exactly what you are looking for can help shorten the search for your dream school. Where is your main focus? Academics, Sports, Campus life? Many schools have different strengths, so make sure the schools you end up choosing specialize in the direction you wish. Don't let things like tuition scare you off of an otherwise-perfect college right away--a lot of more expensive schools offer very generous financial aid, and scholarships are available just about everywhere to help you pay for school, so that big price tag may not be impossible to pay.