Rutgers University-New Brunswick Top Questions

Apply to different types of schools, visit them all, and make money the last issue in deciding where to go.

Talk to people that are currently attending the schools and have been there for at least 2 years. Try to visit the schools. There was a lot that I had no clue about Freshman year and really wish someone would have told me everything.

visit all schools you apply too

Take your time and explore each possibility.

Focus on academics. Study a lot.

The search for the perfect undergraduate college or university is a difficult journey. The advice I would give while on the college search would be to visit several schools, get in depth knowledge about the courses offered, the dorm life, the transportation system, and (most importantly) the safety of the campus. Several colleges and university do not allow vehicles on campus for the student?s freshmen year, resulting in complete dependency on public transportation. This might be an important factor for students wanting to come home on the weekends to visit, or travelling around town in general. In addition, the distance from the student?s home town should be taken into consideration when picking out the school. There is a certain amount of comfort knowing the student can hop on a train or bus and come home for the weekend (specifically his or her freshmen year when homesickness is prevalent). Lastly, if at all possible, encourage participation in activities the college or university offers. Balancing school work and extracurricular activities can help the student with extremely valuable time-management skills that are crucial when attending college. Good luck!

The best advice I can offere to any high school senior looking for the best college is to pick the school that fits best with their needs, NOT the school's reputation. If I had listened to everything my friends said about my school (a "flagship state school," everyones "backup"), I would have deeply regreted it. Besides, I go to GREAT school, with a great reputation in the rest of the country. Remember, although you may not see yourself fitting in perfectly with a school at first, remember that people grow when they get to college. I never thought I'd survive at a huge party school, but the benefit of being at such a large school is that you are bound to find others that are like you.

Parents and students looking for the right school need to go on college tours! If you have found that the school offers your major and looks great through its website and pamphlet, the final step is to visit the school and envision yourself as a student there. If it feels like you could be who you are and grow and prosper then that's the place for you. Parents don't put so much pressure on your teenager to go to the cheapest or most prestigious school because they are the ones who will have to live and learn at that college and they mine as well do it being content as oppose to in misery. Students...college is what you make it. You will have a great time in college if you make it a great time. Be open to all the new people, places, lessons and opportunities that you will experience and you will enjoy your college life.

College is a place where a student gets to learn, socialize and mature. These are qualities that you will always have to keep in mind, they are the reasons one chooses a college and the same ones that allow the child to benefit. In order to find the right college you have to remember that it should be one that your child will be content at. If their happiness is compromised they will not be able to excell as they should. It is important to visit schools that interest you because writing will not fully illustrate the feeling one gets when they are surrounded by the environment. Once you have found your ideal college you cannot hold back. This is your chance to show the world what you are capable of accomplishing. Make it an objective to change the school in a positive way, in a way that did not exist before your acceptance. In other words make your mark. It is vital that you are remembered for all of the hard work that you put forth. Just remember that it is a once in a lifetime chance and remember not to get caught up with the wrong people.

It would be beneficial for students and parents to discuss different options for schools, and plan trips to visit them. While most students end up changing their original major, it is also helpful to know which schools offer the best programs for the intended plan of study.