University of Florida Top Questions

You need to look for a college that has a great program for the career you want to major in. You need to find out how many resources is available on campus, like academic advising, tutoring and computer help. You should also look at the different organizations the school offers that you might be interested in, so you can put in on your resume later. Lastly, you should find out what is around the school that is easy access for the student to get, like a grocery store, department store, and a Wal-Mart.

Visit the colleges that you apply to. Get involved and have the time of your life. Do not party to much; you have to find a balance between your social life and your studies. Take AP classes in high school if you have the opportunity.

First of all, you have to take the time to visit multiple campuses to determine which "feels" right to you. It's not the best idea to just arbitrarily pick a school because your friends are going there, they have a good football team, etc. While visiting these potential campuses, keep an eye out for the diversity of the student population, any promotions for student organizations and/or on-campus events, and the areas in the city outside of the school; you probably won't want to attend a school that is located by a bad part of town or is full of elderly people. Once you've been accepted to the school that fits your needs/wants, GET INVOLVED! Don't be afraid to speak up in class, join a study group, get to know the people in your dorm hall, or go crazy with school spirit at sporting events. Don't hesitate to go out of your normal comfort zone, within reason. Anything that you can do to make friends will tremendously enhance your college experience. Afterall, that's what college is all about (besides preparing for your future), right?

When choosing a college, first, sit down and think about what type of person you (the student) are. Are you outgoing and self-motivated or do you prefer a much closer circle of people and need people to help push you to be involved, join clubs, and concentrate on your schoolwork. In all honesty, I think that making sure the college atmosphere itself is most suited for the person is the most important aspect of making the most of the college experience. Try to go to the school in person during the school year. Even if you do not go to the highest ranked school in the area or the one with the most research opportunities, you can still be very involved in the ones that exist and be much happier and more productive at the school that best fits you. That being said, make sure that you look at the opportunities available and the majors available at each school and make sure the school has the resources that you want to use- there's no use finding the perfect atmosphere for you if the only major is Astronomy and you want to pursue a Political Science degree.

Stay true to yourself. Pick the college you want to go to based on your learning style. If you don't do well in large classes, don't pick a school with primarily large classes.

Attend all sporting events and get involved!! oh, and apply to college EARLY.

College is about two things: the present and the future. You have to balance the opportunities at colleges that are right for you both as a student and as a future alumnus. Make a list of what's important to you now (campus life, activities, sports, etc. ) and what's important to you for the future (course offerings, research and internship opportunities, job placement, etc.). Which college will give you the best experience both as a student and later as a graduate? If you don't enjoy your time as a student, you will not grow as a person ready to take the world as an independent, happy individual. If you don't take away positive results from your college as a graduate, you won't have the skills and opportunities to take on the world as a prepared, driven professional. Don't let anyone tell you that college is only a means to an end. A negative college experience can hurt you as much as a positive one can help and inspire you. On the flip side, don't waste college years based solely on taking the easiest or most enjoyable path. Balance, and enjoy!

REALLY research the school. Spend several weekends in the town to get to know both the school and the surrounding community and make sure that it "fits" you. Weigh the education you want with the ability to relax (ie: in nature, sports, etc). Don't stress over a single exam, but rather learn from your mistakes (they will happen in college) and find the lesson in the mistake. And then next time a similar situation occurs, try to react differently... and then reevaluate how you handled yourself.

It is very important to tour the campus you are considering, and to get tons of opinions of current students in all levels of study at the school. Also I think you need to try and find some event not related to recruiting to attend on campus, just to figure out a little more about what this school is actually about.

Visit as many campuses as possible