University of Kentucky Top Questions

Do as much research as possible and put in as many applications as you can, even if you do not intend to go to that school. Do not go to the first one that accepts you and put your education before all things when making your choice. It is fun to meet new people and party as a freshman, but when you get to be an upperclassman, you will see that there is much more to life and that the next few years will change your life in a very positive or negative direction... it's your choice!

When looking for the right college, first decide on how big of a classroom you would want your lectures to be in. Then go and look at the schools that have the classroom sizes you want. Then when you go to look at the schools look at the atmosphere around you. I know when I first looked at UK I noticed how upbeat the atmosphere was and also how clean and pretty the campus was. These are the things that got me hooked to UK and what I looked for. When choosing make sure you had a good vibe from the people and the environment from the visit. Making the most out of your college experience is to use all of the free services and organizations the school offers. When your in college you don't want to be a couch potatoe, but to go out and enjoy yourself. Be yourself and try out different organizations intil you find one that is right for you. Make new friends with the same interest because they will be your friends for life. Just don't be shy and get involved and you'll find how much fun college can be.

Visit as many schools as you can!

Pick a college whose size you will be comfortable with. Shy people don't do well in big classes, I've learned. Smaller schools are close-knit; larger ones have more diversity, but can be harder to find a niche in. Be sure to choose somewhere you have a chance of finding that 'niche,' instead of spending your college years feeling absolutely out of place. Choose a school that offers majors that will give you access to a career you can be passionate about, taking classes that motivate and inspire you along the way. Pay attention to location--choose a school with a city that appeals to you, weather that won't make you miserable, and housing that has opportunity to really feel like home. When you're at your school, be sure to find activities (ranging from new to old interests, be they study clubs or volunteer organizations). Don't hide away in your room the entire time. Make your college home away from home, not just a temporary stop: meet people, experience cultures and diversity through clubs or classes, enjoy yourself.

It is very important to understand that taking a college visit does little justice to the school you're looking at. Aside from familiarizing you with the campus, I believe it's hard to get a true flavor of the school until you've spent time there. I have had much difficulty in transitioning to college life from home; however, it's something that you have to do, you survive, and I can honestly say are much better off because of it. To make the most of your experience, you must really dive in initially. Take advantage of any and all opportunities; nothing is lost of it doesn't pan out the way you would want it to. You then, at least, know that you have tried and hopefully learned something in the process. It's extremely important to take the school work seriously as well. I have learned so much. Not just in general lessons, but in how to handle it all it as if it's a job. Maturing is a huge part in the first year or two of college. That you have the chance to attain anywhere and will, I promise, be better off for it.

Go where you want to go, not what you think you can afford.

Visit the campuses. Talk to professors and students that are in your intended area of study. Find out what specific things each college has to offer you. Weight out your options carefully. You want to pick the college that best fits who you are and what you are about. Many colleges may try to sell you by promising things, but be careful because somethimes those promises can be empty. Also, try to choose a college that you can afford. That way the stress of money or lack there of won't interfere with your studies. I would also recomend going to class regularly and trying to find/make at least one friend in all of you classes. If you miss, they can tell you what happened and share notes. Plus, it's always good to have a study partner. If you put forth an effort, you will succeed.

Always remember to stay true to yourself. You know the type of person that you are, and you know what you are capable of. Dont attend a college where you are trying to please someone esle or you will be miserable. Do what you want to do, because you are only young once and this is a monumental desicion. Be open to try several different colleges. Its ok to have a favorite but dont let that one make you biast towards the others.

Visit the campus! And check to make sure your intended major is not only offered but has a good program behind it. If you want to major/minor in something [like a language] and it's taught but not offered as a major/minor, look into it, because that might mean that the classes are low quality. Talk to people attending the school but make sure they're random and unbiased [maybe message random people on facebook]. Explore the type of people that go there, and if they're the kind of people you'd fit in with. Freshmen should live in the dorms and get involved in at least one or two clubs/organizations. Don't overdo it [grades are number one]. Ask for help, campuses usually have assistance available. If you're looking at colleges go with your instict, because it's probably right. Don't be afraid to socialize or ask questions [even if that's hard for you to do] and be careful at all times because no campus is completely safe or perfect but it is easy enough to avoid trouble.

My advice would be to make sure you look at the job rate after graduation at that college. Also, I would advise them to look into the costs and if the college offers financial aid and scholarships. Contact alumni and anyone who has worked or went to school there for additional advice. Take a tour of the campus and ask current students how they like the school. Check out the dorms and living areas to see what kind of condition they are in. Check the crime rates near campus and how many campus police officers there are. Check class sizes either by asking students or by sitting in classes yourself. Ask students how their experience with academic and financial advisors have been.