Rutgers University-New Brunswick Top Questions

College is, to some extent, what you make of it. Surely you want to pick a school that has a good environment that you can imagine yourself situated in for the next four years, but in terms of money, the pricier school may not always guarantee a better education. Clubs and teams and social life exists at all colleges, you just have to seek them out. The best bet would be to talk to acutal college students in their day-to-day experience, not just advisors trying to sell their school. Studets are usually honest about both the good and the bad points of college.

Go see if the school is right for you. It's not about the schools credentials, go were you feel you will get the most out of your education, and how well you feel you fit into the school's environment. Though to make the most of one's college career, just become active in the school and it's community, it'll be a choice you wont regret.

Do not just look at the academic success of the college or university you plan to attend. The important part of being succesful in college is the adaptivness of the student to the university. If a student is uncomfortable with his or her surroundings he or she will never succeed

Every college has all kinds of different people... whichever school you choose you should be fine.

Visit each campus and make sure you go where you feel comfortable. Don't attend a college just for its prestige.

Take advantage of Student Orientation and make sure you get to know your advisor. Even though Student Orientation can be lame, it often gives you important information about campus life and access to various services the college offers. Your advisor should be able to help you on your degree track and will assist you in deciding what classes to take. Your advisor should also help you plan for graduation. Without the assistance of my advisor, I would likely still be taking classes. In addition, stand up for yourself and what you believe in. If you're being taken advantage of, or your professor is just not up to par, make sure you talk to the dean, or to your advisor. These are the key people who can make your college career a success. Lastly, don't forget to relax and have fun! Work hard, but schedule some time for yourself and your friends, too!

First you need to decide what is best for your child and not for you as parents. The student needs to go wherever he will feel that he will achieve his goals, otherwise, if the student feels pressured into a specific college/university, he/she will hate it. Take your time, and visit different schools, look at the academic/social scenes and if you're really stuck make some sort of list to possibly narrow it down.

I would tell parents and students to look for the college that offers the best and the most things that they love and are interested in. Look for your academic interests and research the departments and what they have to offer at each college. Make sure to look for special opportunities like study abroad programs and internships, and look for schools that offer a variety of student activities that you are /could be interested in. Be sure to find a campus that you are comfortable with, a small close-knit community or a large diverse community or anything in between. Financial aid is also very important: schools that offer merit awards and need-based scholarships are essential (fill out your FAFSA!). I would also suggest visiting colleges that offer in-class or overnight visits, informational tours and open houses. Remember to check out the security at each campus you visit, its always good to know where to go/call for help. I would also suggest looking at the transportation services that are available (train station? buses?) that you may need to go home or to visit places nearby. The most important thing is that you fall in love with it.

Be sure to get an early start on the application process, and always apply to at least 2 or 3 schools. Make a point to try and visit them and become familiar with them. When you arrive at college make sure to meet a lot of new people and partake in many activities.

Make sure you speak to the academic advisors inside the high school & make sure your child's choice is a sensible one!!!