The University of Alabama Top Questions

I would tell them to look around at as many colleges as possible. Never go with only your first choice. Don't base your choice on only the academic aspects of the school, but on the social aspects as well. There is nothing worse than choosing a great academic school when it is full of people that you don't want to be around.

Visit the college campuses! Think about your values and what is important to your life. Consider the area around the school (big city, small town, suburbs?). Study hard and do not procrastinate because the acadamics of college will be much more challenging and labor intensive. Make good habits. Be willing to stay in on a weekend if you have big projects or papers coming up. It will make your life so much easier. Always look at the classes required and double check your advisors; they make mistakes! Find a church or social group to be involved in. Be outgoing and meet people, especially people in your major. You will need the people in your major for group work, contacts, tutoring, etc. Get to know your professors where they will be willing to help you and know your character. GO TO CLASS! Teachers do notice whether you are there or not. In summary: BE BALANCED.

Visit the colleges you are interested in. Plan several trips so that you really get to see the activity of the campus. Go at different times of the year and get involved with a campus tour. The best time to see what a college campus is really like is to attend a major sporting event. This way you as a parent will see what you child may be doing when you aren't around and you can discuss these things before they enroll. As a prospective student, don't become overwhelmed by everything! You'll soon find your niche and become a part of a group of friends just like you. Whatever you choose, have fun and try to balance studies with free time for yourself to unwind. Keeps the stress level down!

Don't go to the college because everyone else is going there. Strive to stay involved. Study before play time. Nurture the friends you meet and you will fin they are just as scared as you are.

Always visit the school a student is planning to attend. Many times you can pick up the type of environment the school has. Academics are important for a school, but the environment will impact a student's ability to meet those standards met by the University. Students are there for school, but there are so many experiences outside of the classroom where a student finds out who he or she really is. Whether it be in a residence hall, football game, or party, students should experience the struggles of social life and academic life. The school week is important, and it should be heavily devoted to doing well in the classroom. The weekend should be regarded as part of the school week too. Without this, I do not know how any student can perform well in the classroom. But a student should also get out and explore what the college town has to offer to get the most out of their college experience.

I would give the advice of finding the right college by first looking at the education aspect of the school, the campus, the students/faculty, and social aspects as well. All of these factors are important in finding the right college. The education is important to look at as one is attending college to further their learning and it is important for the school to have a strong education background. Also, it is good to make sure that one likes the layout of the campus, and if the students seem nice and the faculty is experienced and good teachers overall. It's also important to make sure there are some social aspects such as sports, movies, etc., where one could have the opportunity have fun and take some much needed breaks from campus or school. In order to make the most of one's college experience, one needs to do well in their classes, get out there and meet as many people as one can, to also have some fun every now and then, and to participate in some on-campus activities & clubs.

Searching for the right college is one of the most important decisions that face students. The most important thing about the right college for you or your student is feeling comfortable on the campus. Without loving the campus, the rest of the college experience will not be all it can be! I was lucky in that my program is only offered at a few schools, so that narrowed my choices down. It is also important to be involved in what you enjoy in college, but not at the sacrifice of your studies. The main thing is just finding a school that you love and that will help you to be the best person you can be!

Take as many visits as possible. DO NOT go to a college just because it is close to home or because that is where your friends are going. Look into the future when deciding. I know it is scary to think but you need to pick a college that has a strong program in what you intend to major in. Other than that best of luck and I hope that they find the college that best suits them.

I would definitely visit the campus, know the climate, and know what type of people attend the university.

Look at schools outside of your geographic area. Apply to different types of schools. Think about organizations and activities you want to take part in before you enroll. Make sure you're active as a student.