University of Connecticut Top Questions

a public university is just as good as any private.

visit the campus at least once, and dont bring everything, bring min of stuff because you can always go back home and get more if you need it.

For students, understand your strengths and weaknesses and figure out what you like to pursue after college. Do extensive research on schools you want to apply to. Speak to someone that attends that school. Figure out your reach schools, schools you would be guranteed admission based on your academic records. Apply to those first and then to schools you wish to attend. Make sure when you choose a school, the school will have accommodation to your needs. For example, you might prefer a school that offers tutoring for students in subjects you are weak in. This will help you succeed gearing you toward your goals. When you research schools, try to find out its ratings and reviews on various areas. Such as, do most students get a job after graduation in the area they receive their degree in? Are professors helpful and available to students when they need help? Most of these things you might find on alumni forums and discussion boards online. Do not feel pressured to attend a particular school because your parents want you to. You are a better judge of yourself than they are of you. You want to succeed and make your time well invested.

I am currently a sophomore at the University of Connecticut located in Storrs, CT. I can tell anyone right now that I have made the mistake many freshman make coming into college. Most high school students have been under the guidance of their parents that have been there to steer them along the right road for probably well over 17 years and this is their first years away from that, it is the onset of their freedom. Nine times out of ten, this freedom is what causes many students to go awry, me being one of them. It is highly important to keep and maintain communication to the same degree as during high school.

I would tell parents and students to find a college that emphasizes majors they are interested in and to find a school size comfortable for them. Coming from such a large school where all of my classes are big lecture halls, I almost wish I went to a smaller university. Once accepted into college, I would advise students to make the most of their college experience by balancing their academic and social lives in order to maintain a stable stress level and be relatively happy and motivated. I would stress the importance of studying to keep up with the material and receive high grades but it is also important to have friends to trust and have fun with when feeling burdened from the pressures of family and school. I would tell parents to keep in touch with their students on a timely basis but to allow them some space and opportunity to experience what life has to offer while they are at college so they can get valuable firsthand experience.

Initial acceptances are great, but remeber upkeep is key GPA has to stay up and you more than likely will never get the same amount of financial aid you got your freshman year i.e school get more and more expensive, plan wisely.

Work hard!

Making the most out of a college expirence has a lot to do with having a family and friends who strongly support you. Finding a comfortable atmosphere is also very important, because if you're unhappy with your environment, it can have a strong effect of your school work and social life.

My biggest piece of advice would be to follow your own path in life. As much as some school's may seem better than others for personal reasons, such as a parent may have gone to one or another, your child's life is their own. As much as it hurts to let a child go away from home for the first time, it's always the right choice. As for students, the decision to attend or not to attend a school shouldn't be determined for relationship reasons. Many friends of mine have chosen to commute to school solely on the fact that they do not want to leave their partners behind. It's never a sure thing when you leave for college if you're life is going to go as planned. Make your own decisions based on your own beliefs and goals in life. Don't let anything hold you back is my biggest piece of advice.

I would tell anyone looking in to going to college to keep an open mind. Find a school with a good orientation program as that best helped me get familiar with my campus and meet friends right away. Most of all, do not be afraid to make the wrong choice. Many people choose schools just based on how the campus looks, but this is not always right. I know many of my friends who have transferred from other schools and are now happy. If you don't like the school you chose the first year, do not be afraid to admit it and look inti going somewhere else. As far as being in school, get involved! No matter what college you go to there is so much to do everywhere, join a group or organization, do extracurricular activities such as sports, and be self-sufficient in making friends. The college experience is not just what the college provides to you, it is how you take advatage of what is provided! So don't be afraid to try new things and meet new people!