University of Connecticut Top Questions

Its not only where your college is located, but also what the programs offered are. Just because you want to go to a specific college, doesnt mean its the right college. To me it was about the program, and through that i've found friends that i know i will keep for life!

If at all possible, experience your choices beforehand outside of tour groups. Check out some clubs and lurk in on some classes in a field you are interested in to get a feel for them. Spend some time alone around campus to see how people really are when you are indistinguishable from themselves. You may know all the details about the school, but until you spend some time there in such a way as if you were already a student there, you will not know if it is for you. I've know numerous people who were thrilled about coming to my school, but after getting here they couldnt handle the environment , a feeling that group tours do little to help relay. To get the most out of the college experience, maintain an open mind. Until now, you've been in a relatively sheltered environment, and the change to college life can cause one to close themselves as they adapt. Instead, look for clubs or events that interest you, even if you've never tried something like them before. Dont overwhelm yourself, but always be trying new things to make the most out of college and out of yourself.

Make sure you visit the campus and talk to some of the undergraduates and professors before deciding to go to a school.

The best advice I can give others about chosing the right college for them is to think hard a make a list of the most important qualities you want your college to have and then to spend a long time researching a variety of colleges. I think it is important to give many schools a chance and to then visit them and experience different environments so that you know where you will really feel comfortable. I also encourage people to be practical and make a list of attainable and affordable schools. Students should definately look at average, safety and reach schools that are academic social and financial fits. Furthermore, I encourage students to base their decisions on what is important to them and to not be influenced by their parents prefferences. Parents do often know best and their advice shoudl be considered but, they are not the ones who will be attending the school!

One of the most important things to do to find the right college for you is to go to that campus. It makes such a big difference if you go for a day and just walk around like you would your freshman year. If you look around the buildings you'll be studying in or going to lecture in and go eat at the dining halls you'll be eating at, you get a better feel for what your college life would be like if you go there. Also if you ask people walking around campus how they feel about the university, you can see the pros and cons to being there. Once you get to your college the first thing you should do is to join clubs. I've personally found clubs to be a great way to meet people and to make life long friends and career contacts. Sure you could go through college without a social life, but college isn't just about academics. Through clubs and sports you can meet people who will make your four years of college some of the your best.

The only advice I really have to give is follow your interests and make sure there are a wide enough variety of classes that should you lose your passion for your intended major that you can always switch to something else. For a while I was set on being an Art major and then I decided I didnt like it anymore so I switched to History, and that was just one of a plethora of other options to choose from. Go where you feel comfortable and make it a place that won't put you in debt until youre 40.

Find a college that has a campus that suits your style, you feel comfortable with, and that you can afford without too much difficulty. While private schools are more expensive, they also tend to give gratuitous amounts of financial aid and often end up costing the same amount as public schools, so don't forget to check them out as well. Most importantly, do not think that only the best schools have a good education, while going to a well known school is something to brag about (and admitedly my be helpful for certain career fields) usually only the degree and experience in the particular field of study mater to a future employer.

My advice is for transfer students: do NOT rush into your choice. I was so excited about leaving my old school that I believe I ended up at a school now that is not really right for me. I encourage transfers to research even more than they did for entering their freshman year -- once you transfer, you can't really do it again.

Make sure the college you attend has a program that is not extremely hard to finish aka 5 years because you cant get into the classes. I would also look into the whole picture such as the ease of being at the school. Campus life and dorm situations can get ugly and knowing whats in front of you makes everything less shocking and inconvient. Enjoying the atmosphere of the school is a huge plus such as if the school is mostly greek life or sports affilated. Overall talk to people who have been to the school or when at the campus visit walk around and watch the actual spirit of the campus. GOOD LUCK!!

Make sure you go to the school before deciding! Go a few times in different seasons and differrent times of day if at all possible. College is a big invesment, like a car. You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it, so why go to a college without trying it out. To make the most of the college experience, students make sure you find something you love to do on campus. Maybe you join a singing group, or play lots of intra-mural sports, or a sports club. If you want to try something, do it!! You have nothing to lose. Make sure you leave time for your studies, the first semester is a huge adjustment. Good luck to all!!!