University of Colorado Colorado Springs Top Questions

Make sure the students knows what they want to do with there career. I would suggest a career class in the first semester. It also is very important to look at the cost of attending college.

Students should pick a school based on their interests first. If they want to go into journalism, they should seek schools that put students in that field. However, this can be rather flexible, since oftentimes, students change their minds about what they want to do while in school. Thus, I encourage students to also seek out schools that offer a variety of degree options. They should also seek information about campus activities, including the types of organizations already established on the campus, as this often largely affects the overall college experience. To make the most of the college experience, I would encourage students to get involved early. Go to club meetings right after starting classes, and seek out various interests. That's one mistake I made; I didn't get involved my first year in college, and I feel my experience was dampened a little because of it. I made many friends my last semester in college because I was willing to broaden my horizons and try new things. New freshman shouldn't make this mistake; start early and have fun. It's not a good college experience if you don't have a little fun in the process.

FInd a school that fits the class size your student wants. I love small class sizes they are more personal and the instructors know you more than just a number. Some people though like really large casses so it really depends on the student. Parents let your student make the decison it is their school and their future not yours.

Perosnally, coming from a middle class family raised by a single mom, money was tight. I think it is critical to take into consideration you and your family's financial situation, then from there see what two or three schools in that budget offer the most diverse or engaging faculty/campus. It is important to attend a school that focuses on creating relationships with other students. I found it especially helplful to make friends with students working on the same degree as myself. It was beneficial to have others to study or do homework with, or maybe bounce some life issues off of. Parents, let your kid find him/herself in their college years, college will truly shape them, not high school. Be available when they need you but let them start to figure things out on their own. Help them to prepare for the real world and their career after college without handing it to them on a silver platter. They are an adult, treat them like one, but never, ever, forget to show them love. It really helps us get through some of our darkest times that you might not even know we are dealing with. Thank you.

It isn't always about the tree-lined walkways and hip frisbee sessions. Sometimes its about being able to walk across campus and know everyone you see. Its about feeling free to talk to professors about anything and everything. Feeling safe in your home should never be an issue, so why should it be in your dorm room? Make sure you know how well your campus measures up on all of them... don't just ask the admissions director and the kid giving you the tour, feel free to walk into a class that they don't assign you and sit down, see what it feels like. Talki to freshman on campus, make sure they wanted the same things you do. Ecven when money's an issue, don't give up that dream school just because you have to sign a loan- that is what the future is for.

I truly believe that College would be miserable experience if students don't get involved. The first year I attended this school, I merely went to class, then work, then home. I did not enjoy school or really anthing for that matter. The next year I played intermural volleyball, joined student Government, Chaired the history club, and worked in the University Center. I love college so much at this point, that I really do not want to leave at all. I think that goes for any school in any city of any size. GET INVOLVED! Secondly, get to know your professors. I have made great friendships with my professors and I will spend hours in their offices discussing projects, politics, history and life. The bonds that I have made will always be special to me, not to mention the networking capabilities that they provide. I feel that I have learned more from them personally, than I did in the classroom. =)

The advice I would give to parents and/ or students about finding the right college is to visit all the colleges the students/parents are interested in and to communicate with each other about what school is the right one and why they think so. I would also advice the students to get more involved on campus. I would recommend students joining clubs and participating in events they are interested in. The more work you put into college, the more you will get out of it.

I would tell parents that they need not pressure their children in to going to college directly out of high school. It is a very important decision that the students need to make and it is hard to decide what you want to do with the rest of your life when you are 18. Give your kids time to think about when and/or where they want to go to school so they don't end up like many other kids who graduate with a college degree that they don't even use. A college degree is a great assest to have but it isn't helping you or anybody else to waste that much money on something you aren't going to use. You wouldn't buy a 50 thousand dollar car without researching it and thinking about your purchase as you shouldn't pick a school and degree without doing the proper research first. The students I would tell that this is probably one of the biggest decisions that you will make for the rest of your lives so you need to treat it accordingly.

I would advise students to find a college that best fits their life style and would ultimately help them succeed in life after they graduate. I currently attend a college which I regret attending and I dont want anybody else to suffer the same mistake as I have. For parents, it would be wise to listen to your child and let them go to the college they best feel would benefit them, not what you personally feel is right for them. College shold be one of the best times of a students life, so make it count where they can be happy and free to learn and live to their potential.

Visit the campus and while on the tour try to imagine you, or your kid for the parents, living, studying, and hanging out there. The school may be the greatest in the country but if you're not comfortable you won't learn and will be wasting your time and money.