University of Arizona Top Questions

I would say to pick various colleges and compare and contrast them in various ways: programs offered, cost, location, etc. The first time I went to college, I simply picked the most appealing one. Now that I am returning again, I am more involved in selecting the right college according to what is most important to me: the quality of the education I will receive in my chosen field. It isn't always about prestiege either. Sometimes a small little community college will provide the same quality education as a major institution. I would also say that you should research the ways in which to get into college... should you attend a community college first and then transfer, or go directly into a state university? Sometimes, studying at a junior college level first prepares you for the demands of university coursework. As far as making the most of your experience at college - use all of the resources available to you. If there aren't any, demand them. It is your money, your time... your future. You deserve the best that any school has to offer. So expect the best - and your college years will be nothing less.

Parents need to consider the maturity of their college bound child and help them make their choice of which college to attend based on the students level of responsibility. If they believe their child is of strong character then it is best to let the student choose their own path based on their interests and goals. If a parent feels that their child may not have the maturity level needed to live on their own, it may be in their best interest to choose a school close to home or to a relative. Family should provide a strong support system that the student can feel ready to come to with matters that freinds or counslors may not be able to help with. It is important that a parent explains responsibility and the importance of balancing school, work, and leisure time. Equally important is for the parent to express pride in their child's success in being able to attend college and recognizing this exciting new stage in their life.

My advice to anyone in search of the right college, or to anyone helping someone find the right college, is to first look inward. What are your goals, your dreams? Who and what do you want to be? Where do you see yourself in twenty or thirty years? These can be difficult questions for many, but once these decisions and goals are made you know where you stand and where you want to be. From there it is simply a matter of charting a course to connect that future to the present, including researching possible schools and their various degree programs to see which will be most helpful in enabling you to achieve your goals. Speaking to current students and alumni can be very helpful in this process. However, each student's college experience is different. College is what you make of it, and your's will be a unique opportunity custom-made by you, for you. To make the most of your college experience, nothing will ever be more beneficial than a positive attitude and the courage to never give up. Those who maintain the outlook that they can succeed, will succeed. I wish you all a wonderful journey!

Get your feet wet in as many of your interests as you can before applying or declaring a major. An academic program may not be what you expect, and particular schools' programs can focus on different aspects of the field. As each institution has its own "flavor" of teaching and choice of material, it is a good idea to try to get in touch with someone who attends your school of interest and is working towards the degree you are interested in. This will provide you with a forecast of how well you may connect with the school. I know this from experience- I initially declared my major blindly, knowing no one and with a poor understanding of what type of work was involved with the degree. After one term of relevant courses, I realized that I was not well-suited for the program. Within the following term, I decided that the institution I was attending, a technically-focused college with somewhat deficient academic variety, was not an adequate fit for my career goals or my many interests. I transferred to a university that would be able to properly nurture and hone my talents and interests- and am finally satisfied.

Before you settle on any one college or university, make sure to visit it beforehand and talk to some professors and students. If you already know what you want to pursue, make sure the school you're looking into has the best opportunities for you. For example, if your into science and engineering, you may want to look into a research university. Look over your financial situation and decide if you need to apply for scholarships, loans, or grants early. Many good scholarships have deadlines months before the start of the semester. So if you wait, you can miss out. During the first week of each semester, schools have booths set up for students to go and learn about the various clubs on campus. Don't miss this opportunity to ask questions and seek out clubs that would best fit your major and interests. This is also a great way to meet people on campus. Although there are many social events to take a part of, do not forget about your studying! Education comes first!

Finding the college that is right for you is really important, because it can make or break your entire experience. For obvious reasons, the school should provide courses and degrees that suit your career path. For those looking to major in science, a liberal arts college may not be the right choice. Research into the school's programs with a particular major is always a good idea. Size and location are a big deal as well. Not all students are ready to move so far away from their families immediately, some may not have the option. Oftentimes students transfer because of homesickness, and other times students transfer to feel more independent. The city surrounding the school is just as important as the school's atmosphere. The cultural and environment of the city is closely related to the kinds of extracurricular activities of the school.

I would advise you to look at the school and think about it in all aspects. Consider location, housing, jobs etc. Pay close attention to the school's academics and research the school. See if its programs correspond to what you are looking for. Another important factor to consider is what area you will be studying in. Is the school well-known for your area of study? Do they offer in and out of school activities? Take into account expenses, look at financial aid offered by schools. Look at the school overall, see if there is room for growth. Visit the campus, get a feel for the students there. Do you like the way the school is laid out? Do you like the surroundings of the school? In choosing a school it is important to consider what the school can offer you. Do you really think your education will grow here? Overall, there are many factors to take into consideration, it is important you give deep thought to each of these. Making most of the college experience includes focusing on academics and enjoying your time at school. Make friends along the way.

Have fun and enjoy yourself. Find out what you like. It is the only way to discover what you want to do with your life. I went to Community College for the first two years but still hung out in the dorms and met a lot of people. I had a great college experience but saved thousands of dollars. Too many people do not know what they want to do and end up failing out of Universities. Do something you enjoy and like learning, it is the only way to be happy. Experiment with classes. While GenEd classes seem like a waste, they are actually really helpful classes for showing you what you like. Many schools have tons of different classes to satisfy particular requirements. Make sure to pick classes you can be excited for. Balance school and a social life, don't sacrifice either one. Get ready to never sleep, it's tiring but fun. No matter where you go, be open to doing whatever, you won't regret it. Oh, and no regrets in college, only lessons.

I would tell students to visit every single college they have applied to or are considering applying to no matter how likely they think they will go there. You will never know what you will experience at a school until you set foot on the campus. The best way to know if the school is right for you is to talk to random students walking past and to see what they are experiencing currently at the school. If you feel comfortable talking to these people and can imagine yourself walking around that campus day after day then it is a good fit. Now, once you find that right school for you, in order to make the most of the college experience you must first figure out your classes wisely and get to know your professsors!! Then, get involved in something else besides school such as a sorority/fraternity, student government, or an intramural sport. If you do all of this you can be sure to have more than a positive college experience.

dont be shy