University of Connecticut Top Questions

To parents: don't tell your kids where they should go to college because its financially easier or because the school appeals to you, let your child decide what is best for them. Students- be outgoing and push yourself to try new things and be open or new experiences whether it be an activity you've never been involved in or a person you normally wouldn't consider your type.

First and foremost, the most important aspect is to keep an open mindset. Take the time to learn about all aspects of a college including extracurriculars, the student body, the surrounding location, and academic requirements. Don't rule out a school just because of your initial impression; you may find the school has qualities that appeal to you if you delve more deeply. Once you've found the right school, it is important to become involved. Join any and all clubs or organizations that may interest you. However, it's a great idea to reach outside of your comfort zone and become involved in something that you would not join normally. Best case scenario, you find a new hobby to add to your list of interests. Worst case scenario, even if the club isn't right for you, you have exposed yourself to a whole new group of people that may become potential friends throughout your college career. Last but not least, be mindful of keeping a balance between your academics, social life, and extracurricular activities. Keeping a healthy balance of each of these things is key to obtaining a fulfilling college experience. Have fun and word hard!

The best advice that I would give parents and student about finding the right college is to do your research and to visit many different college campuses to see what you like best. I know from personal experience that it was a tough decision finding the right place for me, but my campus tour definitely helped. The best advice I have for students when they get to school (aside from always studying hard) is to put yourself out there--try new things, meet new people, and join as many clubs as you can. You may be surprised at what new activity you might fall in love with--for me, it was marching band.

Explore a lot of different options because what you think you want may not be what you really end up wanting in the end. Make sure to try to visit the schools you are applying to so you can get a true feel for them. Go in to school with a positive attitude, excited to meet tons of different people from all around. Be yourself and use this experience to learn more about yourself and not imitiate the "trends" or what seems "cool" or "in." Have fun on the weekends but make sure to leave enough time for your school work because in the end, that is what you are at college for and doing well in your academics will lead you a great life in the futrue. Be excited because college can be the greatest experience of your life if you go into it with the right attitude.

Go to the college or university that makes you feel like you can be you, not what your friends or your parents want you to be. When you find that college, do what you can to make the most of it. Join clubs, sports teams, school organizations. Get involved. So when you finally graduate, you will have not only memories to look back on, but experience working with different types of people, doing so many different things. And don't let anyone pressure you into doing what you don't want to do. Be your own person. Like the things you want to like. You will have a fun and successful life if you just be your own person, and don't let anyone try to take your dreams away from you.

Make sure that you are going to be comfortable going to the school because this will be your home away from home. Also, make sure that you are going to benefit both educationally and socially at the school, because it will greatly contribute to your success.

Go and visit the colleges before hand taking a tour is a great way to find out if the school is right for you

The first few things that come to mind when trying to select a college are: money, location, academic reputation, and social life. Though all aspects should be considered, it really depends on what a person wants to put into the experience. For example, an individual can not attend a large school with numerous of extracurricular opportunities and expect to suddenly have many friends or social groups. That person should join a few clubs or form some study groups with some other students in a large class to be able to make some friends and to enjoy the social life that the school has to offer. Doing so will open up many new doors and create a more comfortable environment for the new student. It is tough to find a balance between doing homework and studying while trying to socialize and feel as if you belong to a group. Keeping this in mind, creating a study group could serve as a stepping stone to be outgoing. Although money, location, and academic reputation are key factors in determining an appropriate college choice, the individual should expect to get back what he or she gives in.

Visit the school and attend a class or two that you would take if you attended the school! This is the best way to find out if you really like being there, and if you could picture yourself as a student there. Also, to make the most of the college experience, remember that you are in school for the classes, and do your absolute best academically. Make sure to also attend parties with your friends, give back to the community that you share with, and make time to do the things you really like, such as playing basketball or joining and quilt-making club. Be outgoing any way you can - like meeting peers, or starting a club, or even just raising your hand in class. You never know what will look good on a resume or what teacher you may want to write a recommendation. In fact, you may discover what you really want to do with the rest of your life by stretching beyond your comfort zone! So go ahead, if you have never had the chance to ride a horse, sign up for riding lessons. College is for learning, and learning who you are.

As a student applies to various colleges and universities, it is important to look for a campus that will provide a student with a major that has everything that the student is looking for. Each college has different resources and opportunities to present its students with. The availability of professors and extra help on campus is very important. Especially for a new student entering college, the student may become overwhelmed. In that situation, you will want to be able to talk with a mentor or professor to asure that the coursework does not become unbearable. It is also a good idea to look for a college that has a background of students that form study groups. Study groups are a great way to stay on top of schoolwork, while bonding with fellow classmates at the same time. I believe that the campus social life is equally as important as the education the student is receiving. The more clubs and activities a school has to offer, will encourage the student to become involved and make new friends. Building friendships in college will help the student to feel more at home and will eliminate the feelings of homesick.