Quinnipiac University Top Questions

A college experience is individualized. It is varied and full of life. The experiences can be positive or negative, full of bright colors or dulled out like rusty bicycles. It seems safe to say that the decision on where to attend has to be considered by these factors. Does the student want a chance to stand out among the crowd and be a leader, or do they want to blend into the tapestry? Each and every question has to be answered fully beforehand. Are they comfortable with smaller classes or larger ones, do they like the school activities and organizations, and most important, do they feel welcomed by their socio-economic class, race/ethnicity or religion? As a parent, the bigger questions of education are also a factor. You want to know that your child is getting the best education that prepares them for life outside academia. My advice is to first give adequate time sifting through all the positive and negative qualities for each college. Then base your decisions on the ones that fit your comfort level the most. And of course visit the campus, meet the staff, and take the tour before you make that final decision.

When going on a tour of the campus, ask yourself (the potential student) can I see myself being part of this college community?

Always go with your instincts when selecting a college. Don't go for what you think someone else would want you (especially your parents) to do since you will be the one experiencing it first hand and need to feel comfortable. I am so glad I listened to my instincts as I love the college I went to and would definitely pick it again or recommend it to anyone looking to at least give it a try, or look, when they are searching. My experience the last 4 years has been great on and off campus and with my studies.

Go somewhere that's in your comfort zone to begin with - don't complicate things. If you aren't happy at the school you end up at, you'll want to transfer and it costs you valuable time and money, believe me. Let your son/daughter choose the school that he/she wants to go to as long as it's feasible. Loans can always be paid back, but the college experience is generally once in a lifetime. For students, don't feel you need to "make" your college experience. Four years is a long time, let things happen in their own time. Do your work, have fun, get an internship somewhere. You don't want to be known as the person that's going nowhere in life. Most importantly, be happy where you are. Until that's the case, you'll lack the drive and desire you need.

There is not necessarily one college for everyone. Visit all different types. But only you know what kind of college experience you want. Let your guidance couselors guide you but do not let them do the entire search for you. Visit the campus. By this time you know what you like, if you think city life is exciting, apply to a city school. If you plan to play sports, go to a school with club sports or varsity sports. Get involved! Be friendly and open to new people! Everyone gets homesick! It is ok not to like your college, but you have to be honest to yourself.

I would have to say that doing tours of the college you interested in first helps, seeing a picture of a school and actually being there are two different things. You really get a feel for the college when your there and walking around.

You have to be able to find the place where you fit in the most. Most schools are geared towards learning, but some help out more in different fields then others. Choose a school where your major is a majority of the population on campus. this automatically gives an advantage of meeting more kids with the same interests as you. Always asks students who go there how they feel about the school. Don't base your decisions on how the people who are trying to help you enter the school feel. The kids who attend the school know it best, value their opinions higher than anyone elses's.

Only the student can really make the decision on where they want to go. It's not up to the parents or friends because they aren't the ones attending, you are. Don't be afraid to make new friends and open yourself up to others. Get involved on campus, whether it be playing a sport, joining a sorority or fraternatity, or volunteering a couple times a semester. Lastly, get the most out of life you can during the years you attend college because they will truly be the best 4 years of your life.

Make sure to research schools and go see the campus and its facilities. Candid student opinions are the best pieces of information you can get about a school. The purpose of college is to grow so going to school out of state or in a different area from where you live is beneficial. Be open to any and all new ideas and people, everyone has a story and something to offer. Pinpoint your passion and be active in things related to your major and your dreams, enjoy the moment.

When you visit the school, if you can see yourself there, then it is the right choice. Don;t be worried. Everything works out!