Rutgers University-New Brunswick Top Questions

You should definitely visit the campus of the school you plan to attend and see if you can schedule an overnight visit with a current student. Make sure you stay at least one weekday and at least one day on the weekend (ie. Thursday - Saturday). That way you can see what classes, student life, and weekends are like on campus so you know if it is a good fit for you. Many schools have programs like this for prospective students. Those overnight visits are great networking tools because they give you an opportunity to meet and bond with other prospective students and current students. If you do attend that school you'll already know some people so you won't have to start off lonely and on your own. Ask plenty of questions. Find out what resources the school provides to students and how beneficial they are. Of course you should do some research about the schools academics and ranking. Most importantly, make sure you can afford the school you plan to attend. There is nothing worse then having to leave your school before you graduate because you can no longer afford to attend it.

Don't base your college selection on where your friends want to go. Visit each campus and find that place where YOU feel most comfortable.

The very first thing you need to figure out are your priorities, your strengths and your weaknesses. The college market is so large now that there is definitely a perfect school out for you, you just need to know ahead of time what exactly you need from a school. If you social and motivated and independent a larger university is probably best for you. If you're maybe quieter or not used to being away from home you may need a small school that will be able to give you more individual attention. Once you pick your school, the most important thing without a doubt is to get active immediately. There are all different kinds of people with different values and backgrounds, so there is definitely a group of friends waiting for you. Find an activity, a fraternity, a club, whatever, and get involved. It's been proven that students who are active with extracurricular activity are more likely to graduate and get better grades. The bottom line is that being active and taking a chance on a social life will enrich your entire college experience, and then your alumni life.

I would tell parents and students to find the school that is right for their specific interests. Do not focus on schools that are "name" schools, but instead focus on schools that appeal to their specific interests. Look at the choices for financial aid, housing, off campus activities, and nightlife; as well as extra-curricular activities. One needs to look beyond reputation, but also consider the size and alumni base of the school, as networking is a big component of success in this cuthroat world we live in. Remember, you will be on your own, no matter how many resources there are at a school. At the end of the day, college is meant to mature the student by allowing him/her to engage in processes that will make you a better person. Do not shy away from them. Hit them head on...it will make you a better person and more well rounded individual as a result!

I would pick the college that seems best for you. Don't pick it because your friends are going there or because it is an ivy league college pick it because when you go there and walk around the campus it feels right for you. Pick it because you feel like you can fit in there and becuase they offer the oppurtunities that you are looking for. Research what kind of classes they offer and what kind of groups you can join. Make sure there are a lot of options for majors because most students will change their major at one point. If you love school sponsered events and football games make sure it has a team. Just pick the school that you feel you will get the most enjoyment out of. Most of all pick the school that is right for you. Don't pick it because it is where your friends are going or where your parents went. You will be there for four years so pick where you feel the most comfortable and the most welcomed.

Parents and their children should make decisions together about finding the right university. Neither the parents nor the students should make the decision alone. Get involved in everything but don't forget about your curricular responsibilities. Try everything, and keep doing those things that you like. Don't be stupid.

When finding the right college you first want to ask yourself the following questions. What kind of environment do I thrive in? Ask yourself whether you prefer a small personal environment or a large busy environment. Ask yourself how much time you want to dedicate to academics, extra curriculars, and your social life. What do you want to study? What kind of a social life you want. Do you want to be close to home? Finding the right school is a very personal choice and should be tailor made to fit you.

Don't apply to Ivy Leagues or Private schools until you're a graduate student.

It's like dress shopping. If you want to find the perfect dress, the one that complements your body shape and complexion you're going to have to try on a whole bunch. You'll probably have to look in a ton of different stores, and it will probably take you a really long time. But, when you do find the perfect dress, the one that fits right and looks the best you still have to make sure that it reflects you. Can you actually see yourself wearing it? Because sometimes something might seem perfect, but it's not perfect for you. That's what you have to watch out for. At universities, you have to look at the people who go there. Do you see yourself being friends with the current students? Can you imagine walking across campus, and living in the dorms? When I picked Rutgers University it was because I saw myself there. Every other university felt fake to me, like it was going to change the minute I left. Rutgers never put on a fake face. And, I knew it was what I wanted.

Make sure it's the right size, give yourself an opportunity to explore different areas, get involved, don't stress out too much