Oregon State University Top Questions

Make sure when you're choosing a college, do campus tours, talk to those that are on campus taking class and see what they think of the school. Do your research.

Look for a school that is in an environment that you can picture yourself living in for four years. Don't worry if you don't know what you want to major in right away. Look into all financial aid possible. Make as many friends as possible. Check out the Greek community on campus.

Giving advice about picking the right college is diffcult. You have many factors which involve are in the actually 'choosing of the school.' Does your student know what he/she wants to study? Does he/she play sports? Will your student be interested in student involvement, etc, etc. If your student is one of the lucky few that knows his/her's career path. I would elect the idea of picking the best ranked school for that degree. Not to forget the factors of costs and expenses. For the rest of us, unknowing young adults, I suggest picking a school that's offers a broad range of classes which one can experiment and explore. A school that is well rounded with academics and student organizations. Attending college is firstly about the education, but the close second is the development, fun, and experience of that student. It shouldn't be an either-or in the decision process.

Choose a school based on the fact that it suits your personality, field of study, and ideal environment. Don't just choose a school based on the fact that it is prestigious, and don't think that the higher the tuition is, the better the school. Know thyself. Really, it all comes down to that. Know who you are and be realistic; don't assume that going to a big party school will make you less of an introvert, or that going to a science school will make you like science more. Accept your traits and desires and work with them, not against them. Another important factor is the environment. If you like sunshine, don't go to a school that has rain and grey skies for most of the year; you will only end up depressed. However, once your college is chosen and you move in, it is time to try and step outside of your normal boundaries and grow as a person. Make new friends that are different than the ones in your highschool clique. You aren't required to be involved in everything, but pick something you love to do and have fun with it!

The advice that I would give parents and children about finding the right college is: choose your college based on your chosen career field and apply for as many scholarships as you can. Financial aid is sometimes hard to find, so start early on in the process for college. Take time with your application and apply detail to them and the scholarships that you apply for. They determine you success and acceptance into the school of your choice. In order to make the most our of your experience in college, I would enter college right after you graduate from high school. You will be more prepared for school work and for the world of studying. Entering into college with you graduating class helps get you aquainted with others with possibly the same interests as you. In addition, you will meet friends and have a quality social life if you do decide to live in the dormitories. Living with people of the same age and having a roommate who is always home and there for you to talk to is the best environment for the first couple years. Moreover, go to every class and always be prepared and on time.

Selecting the perfect college is very important to create a great educational and social learning environment and experience for each student. There is a lot of anxiety attached with picking a school. When deciding where to go, it is very important to visit the campuses of your choice to make sure that you like everything from the size or the campus, to the amount of students attending, how crowded the school is, and the overall feel of the campus. It is a good idea to research the weather if you are going somewhere far away from home. Some students are not used to lots of rain, for example, which can cause seasonal depression. It is also extremely important to be realistic. Students will be much happier attending a school at an appropriate academic level for them. For example, if a student is not ready to work hard, do not apply to an ivy league school where academics are the absolute main focus. If you value your social time as much as your education and are not willing to spend all of your weekends studying, go to a college with a more relaxed atmosphere. You will be much happier there!

Choose a school that fits a students learning needs and wants. The desire to go to school must be present and an understanding to seek education and positive life experiences.