University of Kansas Top Questions

Pick the school you want to go to, not where someone else wants you to go. Look at the housing options, the campus, the class sizes, and the overall atmosphere to see if you would like it or not. Also, look at costs and how much aid you could get to assist with paying for tuition.

I would say that you should probably attend a two year college first. Even if you can afford the four year college. Just get there and take some variety of classes and really learn whatever interests you. After that, try to see which college fits your academic field the best, as far as transfering credits goes. Check the campus out and see if you like what's going on. Don't stick to the guided tour, but instead, float around the 'hangout's or whereever you see a large gathering of students. The most interesting conversations usually happen outside of class. Also check the availability of employment, all night dining, entertainment, and housing. All of these things directly impact your life at school. If you stick to practical choices and don't get hung up on parties every night, you should be fine.

Go with the college of YOUR choice...not with what they offer!

understand that career intesest change and to select a school that feels comfortable

I think it is important for both parents and students to know what they are looking for. Does the student want to be close to home or do they want to move away for a new adventure? College is a time about discovering oneself and maximizing the endless opportunities that come available. Parents and their student need to discuss what they each expect out of the college experience for one another. Learning to decide together and voicing concerns and opinions is a great way to start college. It gives the student the independence to speak openly and it allows the parents to remain involved in their child's life. Finding the right college should be based upon the school as a whole--programs of study, extracurricular activities, dorm life, possibilites for job placements, study abroad programs, community atmosphere, etc. Finding something with all of the parts that both the parents and students are looking for is what is important. Although college is focused around class and earing that degree, it's also about the activities and opportunities that the student has while attending college that make for the best college experience.

If you are thinking about going to a community college and then transferring to a four year college. Enroll in the four year college. It will save you time, headache and possibly money. Going straight to a four year college provides you with more help, structure, building of friendships, and a since of fitting in. I had no guidance when it came to college. I am a first generation college attendant. I completed my associates degree at a community college then transferred to a four year college. I am lucky that almost all of my credits transferred. If I know what I knew when I was first attending college I would have never bothered going to a community college. I think this is the best way to get the most out of your college experience is to attend a four year college instead of a community college.

Having fun in school is not the only answer. Sure having fun is a blessing in disguise, but when it comes down to making a great choice for your kids future go with the college that has the best value. Find out what school offers programs that your children enjoy doing, have a reasonable financial basis, and most of all what school gives the best back to you! Another great way to find the best school for your children is to sometimes look away, a long way, from home. Gaining maturity and the ability to make rational and reasonable choices in your life will give your child more than any education can. When it comes down to it, after school most students are essentially on their own. If they can not handle the real world then spending big bucks at school was not worth it. Another excellent observation I have picked up on is besides a great education and overall value, what else does the school have to offer? Schools with independent study options and great sport teams are a fantastic way to give your child a memory that lasts a lifetime. Just think, is the juice worth the squeeze?

I would encourage parents and students to look at many different colleges for their experience. I would also ask them to keep open minds about where they attend college. There is no way to tell exactly what type of school will work out well for any certain student. The key is to visit many different schools and attempt to determine whether each one is the right one of not. Some things to keep in mind when choosing the right school are school atmosphere, the size of the campus, the quality of the of the faculty and campus facilities, and a widspread variety of study opportunities. Almost every college has much to offer as far as fun, study, and excarricular activities. STudents should not be afraid to get active while in school and make the most of their experience.