Rowan University Top Questions

The first thing I would say to parents and/or students about finding the right college is for them to consider their financial situation first and foremost. There are many schools that have great academics and don't cost an arm and a leg per year to attend. With the economy the way it is today, students cannot afford to graduate from college severely in debt. To make the most of one's college experience, I believe students should make sure they have fun, while also keeping their grades up. Students should join clubs relating to their major starting freshman year. Many students wait until their senior year to join activities because they need resume builders. By getting involved in clubs and student activities freshman year, students not only gain more experience and learn more, but their resume will be much more impressive. I believe that if students learn to manage their time well, get involved in activies, and have fun, their college experience will be nothing less than spectacular.

I would advise parents and prospective college students to "shop around." You might think that you have a dream school in mind, but you need to visit the school if it all possible to truly get a feel for its atmosphere and the personalities of the other students/staff. I thought I would dislike Rowan University. It wasn't until I visited that I fell in love with the campus and the people there. I would never have gone to Rowan and I would have missed out on a great experience that has provided me with many opportunities. Also, if you do visit a college campus, talk to people on campus other than your tour guide. Talk to students and ask them for their opinion of the school and the quality of education offered. Find out which dorms are the best to live in and where you can find a flexible job. The school you choose should have a great program set up for your major, and even opportunities for job placement after you graduate. Take your time and you will find the right school for you!

College students offer low-cost spring break options.

How can you survive the economy on a college budget? Here are some tips.

To the parents: Sometimes spending the extra money for a better program is worth it. Sometimes it isn't. Try to find a school that offers a competitive program for your students' educational path, and is relatively cheap. Nobody wants to come out of college with $80,000 dollars of debt. To the students: Don't spend your entire educational experience not being able to remember any of the nights you had. Alcohol has its place in moderation, but it's not necessary to have fun.

Imagine taking a box of ninety six Crayola crayons. In that huge box not two crayons are the same, however many are similar. Choosing a college can be one of the most overwhelming experiences throughout a students life and many times they may not get it right the first time. Adults always emphasize the importance of money, location, classes and more, but a student needs to look at the whole picture like a box of crayons. Not one college is going to match every single ideal a person hopes for, however many will come close. The key is to find the college which crayons match closey to yours. For example, in my personal experience I was looking for a college based on proximity to my home, cost, and the education program. I had several choices including community college, TCNJ and Rowan University. In the end I chose Rowan because of all the choices which met most of my ideals. Don't worry about getting it right the first time. The key is happiness and to remember there is always a different box of crayons somewhere else.

When looking for that "perfect" college, remember that no college, or anything in this world, is absolutely perfect. Look for aspects that most directly affect you. For example, when I chose Rowan University, I did not worry about the social atmosphere or how good the sports teams are, but rather for its standards for academic excellence and the ability for me to get a good job when I graduate. Expense is a huge issue when choosing a school, but it cannot be the determining factor. The college experience can be the most influential part of your life. Make sure you pick the college that will have the most positive impact on your life. I am excited to be in a great academic program knowing that I am receiving a great education; sure it is a lot of money and very demandming, but well worth it. Live with no regrets and be the best that you can be, let nothing stop you from chasing your dreams. Pick a school that reflects who you are and who you want to be.

To make the most of any college experience it is truly finding the right fit. Do not just plan to go to a college without visiting it first. Take the tours your college of choice offers and learn as much about the college as you can; on campus and off campus. Make sure that your major is offered and that it is an affordable price for what you want to get out of college. Make sure on campus housing is exactly what you want: meal plan included because sometimes the littlest things can make or break an experience. Also, dont go where your parents, friends or significant other wants you to go this is all about your choice and the experience you are going to have. College is the best four (or sometimes five) years you can experience. The people you meet at college will be some of the people you will cherish and stay friends with for the rest of your life. Take your time, choose wisely and enjoy your experience!

Don't be upset about not being accepted to your first choice school. If it is a stretch for you to be there, you are less likely to find a comfortable place to fit in. Remember that any school you get accepted to will have a good base of people that are in similar standings as you, and how successful you are is according to how much you want it. Go out and do some of the more "corny" activiites, it is mostly just kids in the same position as you; looking to fit in somewhere. I did a "freshman connection" trip whitewater rafting before school started and it was one of the best ways to find some people to fit in with. When everyone else starts school without knowing anyone, you at least have some base to build off of. A lot of schools have different or similar programs before school starts (be it orientation or whatever else). If you have any special needs, don't be afraid to tell your professors; they will accomodate your needs. Professors can end up being really great advisors and friends, so don't be scared of them!

Visit the school while classes are in session, not during the summer or a holiday. Pick a school not only on the school as a whole, but the important it puts on whatever individual field the student wishes to pursue. Once at school in order to make the most of the experience just be friendly. Don't be shy or be scared to introduce yourself to people or meet new people. Making new friends is the best way to have a great time and make the most of wherever you are.