University of Alabama at Birmingham Top Questions

I would tell sudents to make sure there focused and commited to learning. I would also tell them they need to know how to discipline themselves and balance school with personal life. For parents, I would tell them to not to be too clingy as they enter college. Let there child experience college.

Make sure to study your college before you go and take lots of notes in classes. College is alot more independant than high school so you have to take it on yourself to do the best you can!

First of all, students should choose a school that they feel comfortable at. If the atmosphere isn't right, they won't feel at home there. Secondly, they should pick a school well known for their intended major or interests. Don't just settle for the school that's closest to home or that has your favorite football team- pick one that you know you'd get a great education at. Pick a well known school that can help "get your foot in the door" for finding a job post- college. Make the most of college in a way that YOU feel works for you. Don't feel pressured to join a Greek organization or sports team if that's not what you want to do. There are many activites outside of classes and everyone is sure to find something they'll enjoy. Don't join in just because you're friends want you to- do what's right for YOU! Lastly, don't forget that college is about your education. Be smart with you decisions and think about your future before you decide to go out partying and make mistakes. Don't forget to have fun, though!

Students should follow their minds and family needs to support it no matter what

Finding the right college is like trying on a new pair of pants. Sometimes you know right away that they do not fit. Other times they just need to be broken in, but then they become your favorite pair. College is the same way. It might be love at first sight, the moment you walk on the campus you know that this is the place. It might take a semester before you realize how great the place you chose really is. Two pieces of advice are if you go with your gut feeling chances are you will do just fine. Secondly don't be afraid to visit as many colleges as you feel nessasary. Also don't be afraid to transfer if you don't get it right the first time. Thousands of students don't finish college where they started it. If the pants don't fit then go and try on a new pair. Lastly, get involved with the campus activities its the best way to meet people and see if you and the college you chose is a good fit.

Just look everwhere don't limit yourself. Enjoy everything there is to do at yor college. Join different programs, step outside the box for a moment.

Finding the right college depends on what you as a student want to do in life and not what friends force you to do. And parents, you should look for an university that has a great campus where your child will be safe and you will not have to worry.

To find the right college, the student needs to consider if they will be proud to say that they are from 'x' university. When there is a glut of degree holders, it becomes imperative that a person be able to show that they did well at a competitive school. Making sure that the college is accredited, ranked highly in the student's field of interest, and has a high rate of success in seeing their students employed is critical; especially when the mechanization and globalization of the workplace along with the glut of educated workers makes it harder to be employed. Finding a college that offers plenty of social, community-service, and job/research/internship opportunities will help the student become invested in that college as well as help their resume at the same time. A college that offers a plethora of opportunities gives the students a better chance at discovering themselves and what occupation they want as well. To make the most of the college experience, a person needs to do well in their classes so that they have the ability to have stress-free fun outside of class. Taking advantage of the student life opportunities is also crucial.

You should attend an orientation to see what campus life is like there. You should research what schools are really known for the field that you are interested in for a career. You should also look at available scholarships, financial aid available, and the extracurricular activites available.

My best advice to students would be to not be scared of not knowing their passions. Not knowing what one wants to do for the rest of his or her life is not rare. Afterall, choosing any path in life is a big decision that requires much thought. College is just another place to explore and discover new talents and opportunities. However, remember, that even though for some students their majors may not pertain to anything they do in the future, for many students, the knowledge and degree they earn from college are often the foundation of their future careers. So be sure to stick with fields of interest. As for parents, my best advice would be to not try to override their children's opinions and choices. Guide their children, but should ideas clash, allow their children to follow their passions and make their own dreams come true - just support and encourage them, because even though ideas of a successful future may not correspond, the kids want to make the parents proud, too.