University of Alaska Fairbanks Top Questions

Look at the scholarships available for your area of study - I wound up at a school with almost no scholarships for the liberal arts, despite those areas being the ones with higher enrollment. This meant more fighting over fewer scholarships than had I gone to a more liberal arts minded school.

Students make sure you pick a college that is right for you and enjoy yourself if it takes you 5 years to graduate instead of 4 no big deal there is no rush enjoy the experiences you have they will last a life time.

MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD HAS AN ADVISOR AND KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE ADVISOR OR EVEN FORM A RELATIONSHIP...

I would highly recommend attending a school that doesn't financially set back the student into debt. Finding an affordable school that has a decent quality programs in the fields the student is interested in is critical. If there is a financial worry, it is hard to focus on the acedemic requirements. Going to an inexpensive school to find your interests may also be a good place to start. For the most part, the quality of lower-level classes is the same at all school. If cost truly isn't a concern, touring the school beforehand would be the most benefical in making the right choice.

Go there! See what it looks like. Take a peak at the classrooms, dorms, and common areas. Tour the grounds. Get a feeling for the campus and the atmosphere. Stay the night if possible. Know what the living situation is going to be like before you even start, so you know what to expect. Look at every obstacle with an open mind and be prepaired for change. Nothing is ever set in stone. Talk to people! Ask other students what it was like their first year. Get to know your advisor, they are there to help you. Talk with professors in your field of study. They will remember you when you show up to their class. Look into different clubs or organizations and talk with them, they were once new to that campus too. Make friends Even if you don't choose that campus, there's still email. Let go! This is a new chapter in your life, either wade in or jump in. Parents, let your child know that you are still there when they need help, but let them try to figure it out first! You can't always hold hands, sometimes you just need to let go.