The New School Top Questions

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, there are several words of advice I would give myself. I would tell myself not to doubt what I wanted out of my education and to be as forceful as necessary in order to get what I need. I would make it clear that I should gather any information I need from the most knowledgable resource. I would try to feel more proud of myself, because I fulfilled my dream of coming to New York City. I moved 2000 miles away from everything I knew in order to pursue my own happiness and that is a huge accomplishment in itself. I would tell myself that college is not the only place that one can learn from; that I should rely on the people around me as well as my surroundings to teach me things that I could never learn from a lecture or a book. Most of all I would tell myself to stay true to who I am and not back down for anyone. Only I can make myself truly happy and get what I need out of school, my relationships with other people, and life.

When seeking the right college for yourself or your child I think everyone should remember that it is a very difficult process. Be honest to yourself and make sure you do your best to find out what the entire experience will be like. Do not focus simply on location, academics or social life but make sure that the school you choose reflects a balance of all of your interests and needs. But more importantly don't be afaid to make the switch if the school you choose does not work out for you. There is always room for a second opportunity, and forcing yourself to stay in a situation you aren't enjoying just because you thought you were going to isn't worth all the fun you could have on your second chance.

As an upcoming college senior, I began asking older family friends what they all did when they graduated from college. A man told me that he didn't have a first 'real job' until he was forty-five years old. I thought, ?how was that possible?? He told me that from the time he graduated until the time he turned forty-five he?d gone travelling, joined the Peace Corpse and just ?went around the world doing things.? He got married when he was forty and now, at sixty, has an eleven year old son. And he told me ?things turned out O.K.? College provides a wonderful opportunity to jump start a process that could very well take forty-five years to figure out. It?s a great time to explore and experience and a great lesson in just that. There?s no such thing as ?the right college.? We can?t all afford ?the right college.? But there?s the right approach to college, which is making the most of what that institution provides you and to take as long as you want to question its teachings.

Do your best!

Determine realistically how much you can affordable and what your future dreams and goals are. Be sure to attend a school that offers exactly (or at least very close) to what you would like to major in.

Take a tour of all the schools you might be interested in and ask as many questions as possible.

do your research.

I feel like people forget what it means to go to college. It's a pattern,or a step closer into a certain society's "real world". People forget that college is all about the experience and learning from it. True knowledge comes from true self. College is a significant time to figure that out. We should all find our true passion and what we love doing, and hopefully what you like doing becomes something you are good at, and that in the core, makes you unique as an individual. College should bring the best out of a person, so that he/she may share his/her knowledge or skill for the greater good. If everyone truly understood this time, rather than partying all the time, and trying to be something they are not, it would better not only that one person, but an entire society. Education is the key. You just need to figure out which door it opens.

The best advice I can give parents and students to finding the right college, is to not hold back to achieving their dreams. Education is to be explored and it is worth the price to pay for, venture to other places, dream big, and pick the best path and school that will lead you to your dreams. Dream to make a difference, imagine and invision your life there, challenge yourself to grow for the better. Learn to give back to others, and appreciate and do positive choices in your life. Anyone should be able to learn, feel proud of yourself and your achievements. I live by my own motto, "Dreams are possibilities but only your actions and reactions to life will take you there." Focus, and you'll succeed anywhere. :) miles of smiles. Love, Sindy Varela

A college selection should be based on academic programs, faculty, and student life which best fits the needs of the individual planning on attending. College selection begins by browsing academic programs in which an individual plans to study. Be sure to place yourself in an college environment that is conducive to your professional and personal interests. Whether or not you are aware of your particular interests, choose a university that will challenge your views and broaden your current perspectives. Since several universities will have your particular field of study you should then look closely at the faculty. Note your particular learning style and compare that to the techniques used at the university. Notice where the faculty completed undergraduate work and look at the career path they are on currently. The college you choose should have different professors that you view as a positive role model in your field of interest. Finally, look closely into student life and take into consideration your personal and professional goals. Peers will be a heavy influence on your experience of college, make sure to find a campus lifestyle that best fits you.