University of Alaska Fairbanks Top Questions

Finding the right college is similar to trying on clothes. You need to not only base your decision on what the university looks like but also how well it fits you. It's about matching you style, appeal, function and goals. Looking at a pictures and brochures of a university is a great way to see how it ?looks on you? however in order to make a more educated decision I recommend going out and visiting the campuses. Remember to talk with students and professors in the area of study which you intend to study; they are truly your best resource for finding a good "fit". Have clear goals set for what you intend to accomplish, academically, socially and civically before you start looking. This will no doubt help guide your search. Most of all it comes down to your perception of college and your expectations, both for parents and for students. College is a rewarding experience if you go in with the right attitude.

When looking at colleges, it's smart to look outside the box. Don't just look at large well-known schools, with major athletics and so forth. I came to Alaska and it's been a life changing experience.

I believe the most important thing is not to rush. The biggest mistake I made was going straight to college without being sure what I wanted to major in. I've paid for it in time and money by taking classes I didn't need. If you can't decide on a major, wait. Take some individual classes in things you're interested in to see if it really suits your fancy, maybe. Once you know what you want to major in, take the time to really find out where the best place to go for that major is. Search for it on the web, and see which college names pop up most often. Making sure you're on the right path to start with will save you a lot of grief later, and take a great deal of stress off your shoulders during college. That will free you up to focus on your studies and the college experience.

It is important for the student to know, or at least have some idea, of what they want to accomplish while in college. If the student is focused on a particular area of study that is a good place to start when choosing the right college/university. If the student is unsure about what to study I would recommend a community college to start. Many times students will find a passion to pursue while in college; spending tens of thousand of dollars to "figure out" what the student aims to achieve doesn't make any sense when getting an equal education (though not necessarily an equal experience) at a community college would suffice. Also important is the surrounding area of the college/university. Is the campus large and widespread but the school is in the middle of nowhere? Is the campus small and compact situated in the middle of the city? Being comfortable in the environment of a college/university is vital to the education and will certainly benefit the student throughout their college career. There are many different types of colleges and universities so choose the top few that fit the sutdent's criteria and apply to them ALL.

If I could give anyone advice. I'd say know what you want to do before you get to college, it would save you a lot of time, money, and energy. You might change your mind here and there, but changing your mind constantly in college is expensive. I'd say, get involved on campus, get involved in groups that interest you and it will make you feel like your rooted in the community. Get involved in projects you care about and love. Do the best you can because you will live to remember these experiences.

I would encourage students to save more money in their jobs in high school. I would encourage students to move away from home. It is an enlightening experience, but I also think they should visit home again.

Before deciding on which school to attend, I would tell parents and students to make sure that the schools to which they apply are well rounded. The average undergraduate changes their major approximately 5 to 7 times during their college career. Choose a school that has a lot of different fields of study to offer. It is also very important to visit the school and talk to students that are currently in attendance. This way, both students and parents will have a better grasp of how the school operates and how current students feel about the staff, faculty, and administration. I also suggest visiting at a time that the school is "unprepared" for visitors. This will give prospective students a chance to see the school as it really is, and taste the food as it will be served all year round: not just when there are visitors. The most important thing to remember when choosing a university for a prospective student is that students must choose their own perfect fit. The school colors, the mascot, even the comfort of the dorms don't matter in the end. One attends school to learn. That's all that matters.

First and foremost you need to find out what your student is interested in. Is there a school in the state that has good programs in this field? I would cosider costs, especially during these horrendous economic times. Research all forms of financial aid and get a tour the year before. Talk to the advising office, talk to the admissions office. Try to get an appointment with the department you are interested in joining. Get information about the area and what it offers for activities that your student can and will be able to participate in. Talk to your student, find out what they want and what they are interested in and listen to everything your gut tells you as a parent. Armed will all this information you should be able to make a good decision on what college your student will attend.

Dont go in to debt to go to collage, stay in state for the undergrad, then move out if you must for grad school! Apartments are great learning experiences, but spend a semester or two in the dorms anyway, thay are great places to meet frinds and to acclimate during fresman year. Many schools get labeled as being party schools, but the truth is that a party can be found or avoided on any campus, it matters more the student have a desire to find or avoid certain activities.

My advice to future students in finding the right college would be to examine each college and determine not only if they have the right academic qualities for you, but also surroundings or social atmosphere that you would like and feel comfortable in. One of they keys to doing well in college is finding a balance in academic study and social life. Although academics is the main focus in college life, good surroundings and social life will keep you motivated to keep going. It will make you happy to be where you are and successfully finish what you started.