Southern New Hampshire University Top Questions

Parents and students really need to sit down and talk about the reality of what it takes to earn a degree and what the financial cost will be. Due to the tough economic times we are facing it can be really stressful for both parent and student . The first year is stressful enough for both. Students need to realize that picking out a college isn't about status or where all your highschool friend are going .Its about whats right for you academically and financially. Students need to work hard and take things seriously but also enjoy your college years. Get involved do community service join clubs meet new people and remember your college friends are your friends for life. Enjoy.

Finding the right fit for the parent as well as the student has many factors. For the student the right school/college must have the curriculum, the social life, the size of classes, the security, the faculty support and participation, dorm life, variety in meal plans, career support, and an environment that is familiar and comfortable. An outstanding college experience depends on how involved, supportive, attentive, organized a student is. The more they participate in organizations and classes the happier the experience will be. Another aspect that must be considered is the financial cost of the college, a decision must be made to what the student can handle after graduation. For the parent the right fit is what the student decides. The student has to be happy and needs to make the decision. The financial aid process is not easy, can be deceiving and difficult if you are an average middle class family, with two average incomes, average grade student, not an athlete, not a minority. As a parent support the student, give the student wings so she can fly and make a future that will make you proud!

I think students need to think about parts of the school that are more important than just the party life. For instance, students need to ask themselves if they like walking far distances because if they don't like walking then a smaller campus is better for them. Also on a big school people aren't more willing to get to know you because they might never see you again, but at a smaller school you'll see the same people all the time, so they are more willing to get to know you. They also should ask themselves how they learn best, whether they are in a class room of 100 students or if they learn better in a classroom of 35 students, because smaller size you get more one on one time with the teacher. Students also need to think about if the school offers the right degree that they want . Students and parents should look at the cost of the school and how much financial aid the school offers to give. All theses, will allow the student to pick a school that will best fit them and that will meet all their needs and wants.

My advice to any college-bound student would be to step out of your comfort zone. Lots of times a student will research a college or university that is ten minutes from their house, or one that their best friend is attending, just so that they have some familiarity during the college experience. However, I would strongly encourage students to take a risk and explore places they never would have normally. Personally, I chose the aforementioned path of going to a school close to home along with all of my friends, but looking back now I truly wish I would have looked into other schools. Secondly, once students get to school I would recommend that they join at least one club, group, or team that way they are immediately broadening their group of friends and acquaintances. By being in a group with someone, you automatically share a common bond and interest and that sets you apart from anyone else. As for parents, I would tell them to let go. Although it is hard at first, a students college experience will reach its fullest potential by making decisions on their own, even if they are not the right ones.

Visit as many schools as possible and ask for honest opinions from students.

Make sure the parent and student takes an unguided tour of the campus, and also see what goes on in the classrooms that pertain to the student's academic major. Also, make sure to know how the campus acts on weekends and if the student and parent is comfortable with it. Lastly, make sure parents take into consideration about the best interests of the student, which is ultimately getting a good job after graduation. High school seniors really dont think about the big picture when looking for colleges, which is where a lot of people make mistakes.

Make sure that you take a tour and compare prices at all schools.

Go where you know you will be comfortable. Do what your heart tells you to do. Its always right and then you will never second guess yourself.

Find The best college closest to home.

Make sure you feel comfotable at the school when you are touring. Stay over a night to see if you enjoy the people (they are different in class than at night). Make sure they have your major and classes that you think you will enjoy taking.