University of Delaware Top Questions

Focus on what will make you happy and what will give you the greatest benefits in the long run.

The best and only advice I would ever give to a perspective student would be to follow your heart and visit each and every school of interest. The main reason I chose the University of Delaware is because once I visited, I felt completely comfortable with the students. I'm a firm believer that you can never completely know how you would like the school until you spend some time on the campus. In order to make the most of any college experience, students have to feel at home at their school. They should get as involved as they can with any and all student groups that interest them as well, in order to meet a diverse group of new people.

There is only one thing that makes an institution truly remarkable, its people. The Professors and faculty at Delaware are truly amazing people. Professors are very accessible and generally care about the students and their well being. I had a professor freshmen year who called the 3 freshmen out one day in class to come to his office hours. I was a nervous wreck, was I failing?, did he suspect me of plagiarism?, what in the world could this professor want with 3 measly freshmen in a class of 70. It turns out that all my history professor wanted was to see how we were doing. How we were adjusting to life at the University and if there was anything he could do to help. So in thinking back on making a decision in where to go to college, yes consider price, location, majors, etc. but most of all make sure to visit the University and get a feel for the people who actually run the operation. Words cannot express how important people are to making a University successfull and it is pertainant for one to take as many opportunities as possible to meet and interact with everyone at college.

Do as much research as possible and be sure to visit the school. Talk to kids that go there already

Finding the right college is a tough process. One of the best things you can do is visit the campuses you are interested in. Getting a sense of the size of the campus, the buildings, and the student body are very helpful in making your decision. Sitting in on a class and getting a tour by a student are also very helpful. As for making the most of the college experience, the most important thing is to find a balance between school work and social activities. Spending too much time on school work can leave you stressed and depressed. On the other hand, spending too much time on social activities can have a negative impact on your GPA. Keeping in mind that your grades affect your future (for internships, student teaching, research, etc) is crucial, but so is having a social life. The best way to improve your social life is getting involved on campus. Joining a club, team, or greek organization are great ways to meet new people, network, and make the campus feel smaller.

After being on a college campus I've realized that I probably could have fit it on many other campuses. My biggest mistake while looking for the right college was thinking that it had to be the exact size and in the perfect location. Although those things are still important, students will grow as they are in college and priorities that may have been important to them in high school are no longer top on their list in college. As long as they make an effor to get involved with their campus and have an urgency to succeed academically, many schools will be right for them. In order to narrow down schools in the process I suggest actually going to the school and spending a day on campus . It will help you to know what kind of people you'll be surrounding yourself with, if the climate is right for you and it may even feel "right" or "wrong" as soon as you step foot on campus. Just keep an open mind.

Finding a college that "feels right" can sometimes be a tough decision and should be made wisely. You choose a university based on many things, namely its academics, but also the campus environment because, while the quality of education is paramount, so too is your student's happiness on campus. The University of Delaware has accomplished superiority in both: the academics are challenging, thought-provoking, and stimulating, and the environment is one of Academia where students are driven and intelligent, but equally open and friendly. I must have visited around fifteen to twenty colleges and universities throughout highschool, and when I first visited the University of Delaware, I had that feeling that I just "fit" somehow, like this was the right place for me. Many of the teachers are well-known scholars, experts in their fields. The social aspect of this university is very understanding and flexible: there are over 300 clubs and activities, and if you feel that one is missing, you can easily find the assistance to start one up yourself! When asked if, knowing what I know today after three years here, I could go back in time and change my decision, I always say, "Absolutely not."

Make sure you do research about the school, find out about the programs you would be entering, and talk to current students. Go on at least two tours of the campus - one through the school and one with a student who isn't being paid to tell you only good things. Make sure you know what there is to do on campus and find out about the area around the campus. Talk to teachers in the areas that you will be studying. If you know someone at the school, spend a weekend with them so you can get a taste of what campus life is really like.

In doing a college search, it is important to visit a variety of colleges and universities before making a final decision. Students may often have a one track mind, (ie. wanting a small school) and not even leave options open for larger schools that may offer more. This is why visiting a wide range of schools is esssential to the college searching process. Students often do not know what else is offerred in the United States without see beyond what they think they want. Prospective students need to understand that without trying new places they may never step outside of their comfort zone and experience the true ideas of growing up, being independent, and self sufficient.

Students should choose a university where they feel socially comfortable and academically challenged within their abilities. At least, that's what worked for me. Each student is different and has different expectations of college. Choose the one that best fits your expectations and follow through in a timely manner with applications, visits, and interviews. Did I say visit? Next to your home, college is the largest investment you will make in your lifetime. You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it would you? Also, make sure that your finances are in order, or at least make sure college expenses won't break the bank. Parents, encourage your student to take a vested interest in his/her college experience. Sending a child off to college without any accountability is asking for trouble. Kids, keep in touch with parents, because carepackages are great during midterms, and remember, textbooks will always be more expensive than you expect, so plan accordingly and shop around. Have fun, but not at the expense of your studies. Use your time in college to make the choices that will put you on a successful path, one day at a time.