University of Connecticut Top Questions

College is a huge part in a students life and choosing the right school is extremely important. Don't be consumed with what a college has to offer but be consumed with what you desire. Know what you want and need to be successful and have the best experience possible. Academics come first so if you have an idea of what you want to do focus on what school's have to offer and start there. If you're not sure what you are interested in look at liberal arts schools but also their focused programs as well for when you do decide what you will want to study. From there your options are unlimited; look at what the school's reputation is in different areas such as career options, environment, location, activities, sports, living etc. Most importnatly though this is about you the student, so know yourself and make your college all about you!

I would tell them it is important to know what you value most in a school. Are you looking for a particular area of study? Does the school have the type of social life that you are looking for? Is it in a location far or close from home? It can be a bit overwhelming when you first begin your college search and then it is a big decision as to where you are going to go. The best thing to do is relax. Everyone, for the most part, finds a school that suits them and a place they love to call home. Those who did not love it the first time around, transfer and gain more life experiences by doing so. As for making the most of your college experience. Just get out there. Meet new people, you at least have the fact that you both choose the same school to attend as common ground between you. Do not be afraid join new clubs, intermural sport teams, or other activities on campus. Now is the time for you to do the things you love, no one is stopping you from becoming the type of person you want to be.

first make lists of colleges thats in 3 hours driving range from you home. because knowing that you can go home anytime makes you feel secure at college. visit every single colleges and note the things you liked about that campus. after choosing the right college. dont drag all your stuff from home to college. be social and be nice.

Finding the right college is something you cannot do on paper, with friends, or in front of a computer. Though it is true virtual tours are nifty, and your friend may be ten minutes away via university shuttle, or the approximate demographics listed on the college's website appeal to your interest; at the end of the day they're just numbers and pictures. They mean nothing until you have visited the college for yourself. Arrange a campus tour with family before and after admission, because financial aid awards may affect enrollment. Regardless, visiting a college is the most important aspect of deciding where you'd like to spend the next four years, and sometimes more, of your life. I live in CT, but flew as far as Tampa, FL to visit USF's campus first hand. They had offered me generous scholarships, admission into their honors program; I even had family near by and it just felt like the perfect fit. However, actually walking around the campus, seeing the potential dorms, and interacting with actual students...I saw huskys around every corner and am proud to say on the flight home I knew UCONN was the college for me.

I would say this to anyone who would ask me. Follow your heart. A big step is finding a school you enjoy. If the first school you attend doesn't work out for you, the option to transfer is there. Being happy with where you are really does make the difference. It boosts your interest in extra-cirricular activities and your GPA. So the key is to like where you are. And out of that, you have to be more open to things. This doesn't mean being completely open and willing to do everything, but you kind of have to be willing to do stuff you weren't before. Being open to talk to new people, take in new ideas, or even just being open to living with someone is a big step in forming all of the amazing stories people always hear about from college. In order to have those experiences you have to be open and you have to like where you are.

The advice that I would give to parents and/or students would be to visit the colleges that you have applied to and talk to the students and teachers. Go to a class if possible and see how the students learn within the classes, go to the library and see where you may study next year, and spend time in other places around the campus for a week if possible. Try to do this with someone that lives on campus and can show you around. This way you will know what your college may be like. To make the most of the college experience I would say for the student to live on campus. This will make the student study better and feel more independent. Though the price of the school will be higher for living on campus it will be worth it. The student should join some clubs, form study groups and talk to the teachers after the class is over and if possible at the end of the week. The student should ask the teacher for help if it is needed as the teacher will help the student.