Rutgers University-New Brunswick Top Questions

Students should visit their prospective colleges to get a feel for the campus and the people to see if it is a place they would like. They should trust their instincts when deciding where to attend college, regardless of the reputation of a school, or what their parents believe to be right for them. Parents should guide their children, but also allow them to choose for themselves where to attend college. The college with the best repuation is not always the best pick for every student.

A person doesn't really know much about a university until they attend it. Don't worry about not getting into the school that might have been your first choice, because you could end up somewhere a million times better. Its not so much the school that molds you into the person you become four years later, it's you and the decisions you make. So make sure you get the most out of college, and participate, make friends, and most of all learn and follow a major that you're passionate about.

Allow your child to choose a setting that is more comfortable for them. Don't base your choice on the school's reputation, but instead, allow your child to choose a more comforting environment for them to be more socially and academically involved.

To parents: Although I understand that you are most likely the one paying for the college and you believe you have more experience in choosing the educational setting that would be best for your child, it is my belief that choosing the correct college should be primarily your child's decision but of course with input from you. It is your son/daughter that will be going to the school and he/she must feel that it is the place where he/she belongs and can best be who he/she wants to be. To students: In picking which college you go to, don't just completely ignore your parents, they do know what they're talking about but in the end the college you go to is you decision. Once you get to college though, don't feel like you have to be mature and on your own. Look to your parents and create a strong friend network because it is they who will help you survive those tough days that are really inevitable. Have fun and don't be scared to try new things but in doing things think about how you want to be remembered by everyone.

College is only four years out of your life, so when choosing a college try not to rate a school by how much a school costs; the best schools are the ones that try hardest to make themselves available to you and your family. The schools that really care and want you at there are the ones that will work with you, and the ones that end up being easiest on your family sometimes end up being the best choice for you, because the kids that go to that school are going to be kids just like you. You want to feel at home at school, and when you are with people you are most like, this happens. When you go off to school, make sure that there is enough for you to do out of the classroom, because if you are bored on the weekend when you cannot go home, you will become bored of the school. College is only four years out of your life, and it is the best four years of your life that you will ever have, so make sure that happens.

Apply to as many colleges as you think you have a chance of getting into. Start researching for colleges at the end of your sophmore year of high school. Start studying for SATs and other similar tests early. Don't procrastinate at all. Neither in deciding your area of interest nor deciding your school, and plan accordingly.

Students and parents should clearly identify the students priorities. They should also carefully research the characteristics of a range of schools. Some important things to consider are the size of the student body, the location of the school, the types of academic programs that the school has to offer, campus life, cost, etc. Creating a wide spectrum of priorities will make it easy when it comes down to picking the school you are going to attend for the next four years. To make the most out of the college experience, one should really take advantage of everything the school has to offer. Whether it be a club sport team or attending a football game. But at the same time they should stay focused on their academic work to succeed in life.

Don't listen to your high school guidance counselors and don't be swayed by what parents/friends/relatives are telling you. Do some research on your own and talk to ACTUAL current college students.

When parents look at colleges, they want the best for their children. Financial aid and academics are the most important aspects. Big schools have many majors and variety of campus activies. Small school are quiet and safe; however, students do not experience diversity and living independly that much. Also, big school offer more choices of living and help to find everyones' niche. Being in the college, means being active on campus and tring new things which give lifetime expereince. Sitting in library is not the answer either, balance between campus involvment, work and school is the goal that almost every college student should aim for. Distractions are everywhere; however, with a good time management it can be achived and help in a future workfield.

I would advise prospective students to take the time and research the colleges that they are interested in. It is important for them to find a school that fits their needs academically as well as socially. The student should go beyond researching the programs and majors of the school and really try to focus on what the college can offer them including: class size, tutoring, accessibility to professors, student population (cultural and socioecomomic), and clubs or organizations to expand their mental horizons beyond the classroom. I would advise parents to be active in their child's college search. Take the time to visit the schools with you children, and help them assess what aspects of the college experience are important for them. Also, try to help your child choose a school that will be affordable, but still will satisfy their main priorities. Overall, the college search should be an interactive process between parent, child, and counselors or advisors from the high school and college. With everybody working together, the process can be much less stressful and far more exciting!