Simmons College Top Questions

Students and parents should find a college or university that is academically, socially, politically, economically appropriate for the student. It is important to find a school that offers what you are interested in whether it?s rock climbing, Greek life, study abroad, student government, on-campus employment, internship opportunities, et cetera. Finding the right school means figuring out where you can see yourself studying and socializing whether it?s at a university bigger than some small towns or at a school that is smaller than some high schools. Whether you see yourself in a big city, in the suburbs, or in a more spread out, rural setting, you should pick a school where you can realistically envision yourself growing and thriving as a person. For example, if Harvard University is your ?dream school,? but you cannot stand cold weather and public transportation then it may not be the happiest and best choice for you. There are numerous colleges and universities to attend which means there are numerous opportunities and options to choose from when determining the school that is right for you.

To narrow down your choices for colleges, first consider the location. You'll be living there for the next few years, so make sure that you won't hate the place. Collegeboard.com is very helpful in narrowing down schools based on student body size, population density, etc. Princetonreview.com is a site that can help you decide what schools are appropriate reach schools and safety schools based on your GPA and other factors. Using these two sites you should be able to make a list of 5-6 schools that might be a good fit for you. Then try talking with current students, alumnae, and your guidance counselor about experiences and thoughts on the schools. Most importantly, visit the schools you are considering! I never would have chosen the school I'm in now if I didn't visit it first. When you've chosen your school, it's extremely important to establish a rapport with your professors. Professors will want to help those student who show interest in working hard and learning, and will remember your efforts when grading. Participate in extracurriculars, but don't let them affect your schoolwork. Don't overload or overstress yourself!

Go with your instincts when you see a school that appeals to you. But always visit more than once. Also, keep an open mind and look at a school even if you aren't sure about it. Keeping a journal about the pros and cons with each school helps when finding the right school. As far as the college experience, know that a balance between work and play really makes for the best experience possible!

Check the programs within the major within the colleges you're applying to. Make sure the courses offered coincide with your idea of what the program/major is made up of. Sometimes International Relations in a college, upon further inspection of the courses, is clearly American Politics. Look into it.

Finding the right college can be a long and difficult process. What's most important is to prioritize. To consider what are the most valuable components of your education and to decide what you are willing to sacrifice. Do you want smaller classes or a large campus with many resources? An urban campus or a quiet rural one? To get a real feel for the campus, a visit is essential. Try to meet current students and professors and ask them about their experiences. Pick up the school newspaper and check out the activities. Finally, if your first choice ends up not being an option don't lose hope because ultimately so much of the college experience is what you make of it. If you sit around waiting for things to fall in your lap you may be very unsatisfied. But if you seek out opportunities you're likely to be very rewarded.

The most important things to focus on when chosing a college are environment and academia. Trees and sky versus concrete and cement can go a long way towards how comfortable a student feels. The squirrels in my quad give me a good, happy laugh every morning when I'm going to class. Additionally, city verus country should be considered. City schools offer both the advantages (clubs, resturants, theaters) and the disadvantages (increased crime, strangers, traffic) that country schools sometimes lack. But, country schools have different advantages and disadvantages too that should be weighed. Happiness in the environment and feeling safe leads to increased will to learn. Academics are the reason a person attends college in the first place, so it should be heavily weighed when considering a college. Do the teachers have PhD's? Are the classes taught by those teachers or teachers assistants? Are the classes well structured and are the teachers as eager to teach as the students are to learn? All of these questions and more should be considered when choosing a college. Think over these questions and descisions and come to the conclusion that will lead to the best learning and nurturing place available.

I would tell parents and/or students to not pick a school based on how much it does or does not cost; there is always a way to make it work! Also, for students, its OK if you are unsure of what you want to study, just go after what you find most interesting. Almost everyone changes their mind at somepoint, and some people never figure it out, and thats ok!! Also, always ask questions, people want to help you! And lastly, enjoy yourself! While it is important to prioratize your time, go to class, study, and get your work done, I believe it is equally important to enjoy yourself. This is the one time of your life where your main responsibility is school which provides you with a lot more freedom than most times in your life. Go out, explore new things, go to shows, lectures, and other events and places your schools city and town and dont be afraid to meet new people!

Know who you are and aim for an environment like that.

Pick the one that sits with your gut; I knew immediately when I was on my campus I wanted to be there.

- Spend time at the college you're considering to make sure you like the environment and everything the school is about. - Choose a college you can afford.