University of Alabama at Birmingham Top Questions

If possible, talk to students and professors at your perspective school. That is the best way to get a clear picture of what the school is really about. Enjoy your time in college, but remember that the most important thing to get out of your college experience is a good education.

I would tell parents and students look at a school that is academically focused and that has a good program for whatever you are interested in. Do not choose a school based on their football team.

I would suggest searching for schools relating to particular fields of interest. If the student is interested in psychology, like me, then look for schools with a strong background in a medical field, or even a background in education. If you are unsure of what you are interested in, I would say that you should attend a community or local college where the student can fulfill general electives for any major while paying less. When a desired field is selected, the student can then choose the right university. To make the most of your college experience, the first and most important thing is to remember that you are in college! It is not a four year party, it is school. I love to have fun but do not forget why you are there. The second thing is to uphold your morals. College is very influential, sometimes in a negative way. The decisions you make now may affect the rest of your life. Do not make decisions based on friends or the idea that "everyone's doing it." A new environment can be intimidating; a new student should get involved slowly and enjoy the many opportunities that college has to offer!

DON'T GO TO UAB. THAT IS ALL. TRUST ME ON THIS ONE. <3

Do your research and don't believe everything the campus tour guide says about the school. They are paid to lie.

Make sure that where ever you decide to go it is somewhere where you think you will actually be happy. Somewhere where you feel that you can grow as a person and intellectually. Also, somewhere that is affordable for you or your parents price range. Also, always investigate their financial aid process and their schoalrship process. Have a major already decided once you figure out school you want to attend, it will make things a lot easier. Try not to let the party sences overtake you and remove your attention from what you go to college for. Make sure that your values are strong enough for you to make it through the daily life of a college student. Lastly, at the end of the day make sure you enjoyed college and learned needed skills. Make sure you can look back and smile and wish you could do it over again.

The most important thing is to find a college that best suits you. Although money should be a factor, it should never be the first factor. Explore the clubs, academics, and housing throughly. Always make a pro and con list for each college and make sure that there are going to be people there like you. Colleges like to say that there is always going to be a variety of people there and that students can always find friends just like them. They are wrong, many colleges do not have a big variety and if they do, it's usually extremely hard to find someone just like you. Try to relate yourself to something the college has - a club, organization, whatever, so you will know that there will be a place for you to fit in and enjoy your college experience.

Choose a school that fits the type of surroundings you would like and will give you the best possible degree for your major. A great school isn't necessarily an expensive school. Learn to deal with setbacks because they will happen. The more determined you are the more likely you are to deal with these setbacks and still achieve academically. There is more to college than just books, so be sure to meet people and have fun. Make connections that can help you later in life. A lot of times it still is about who you know. Internships and co-operative learning is a great way to get job experience, and if you already have to work like I did, a good way to work your way through school. If you do plan on joining any organization, make sure it is beneficial and actually suits you. The organizations you affiliate with will be used to represent you as a person and vice versa. Just remember that as long as you keep trying you will get there eventually.

research and compare and don't be afraid of distance because distance makes a greater person out of the student and even the parent(s).

Visit colleges and find the one that fits you. Do not go because your friends go or your parents went there. Also go to a school that specializes in your major. It may be a little hard to do the work but the degree will be well worth your hard work. Do not look at one thing from a school such as greek life or football teams and let that decide either.Also check the surrounding areas for attractions because no one wants to go to a school that is not entertaining. Talk to people on social networking sites that attend the school to gain a better understanding of what goes on there. Finally, remember this college is what you make it. If you go expecting it to be boring it will. Be active and make friends through social organizations but remember your main purpose is to graduate.