University of Kentucky Top Questions

It's tempting to just jump on the bandwagon and follow your high school friends to college, but this is your big chance to point your life in the direction you really want. Don't be afraid to branch out. Visit some schools before you choose; odds are, one of them will feel right for you. Make sure you look into the school's programs and figure out if their strengths coincide with your academic plans. Once you're there, try new things! This is the only time in your life when you have absolute freedom to try anything (soccer, theater, politics, etc.). Take advantage of all the new opportunities and people (especially stuff outside of your comfort zone). You'll never know what you might like or what amazing people you might meet, so don't be shy! When it comes to classes, GO! Attending lecture is the easiest way to keep up. A big part of college is making friends and having fun, but don't let your social life run your grades into the ground. Remember to thank all the supportive people in your life who've helped you get this far and, of course, have fun!

I would advise parents and students to make sure that the particular school they are interested in actually has the degree they want to pursue. Also, make sure you visit the school. Experience the feeling it gives you and if you are truly comfortable. Meet as many people as you can. Sit down in a class, preferably a big class so you can know a little of what to expect. College is very intimidating so make sure you know that it is going to be right for you, because my freshman year was the hardest mentally and psychically. If you aren't focused then you're GPA will suffer. Remember this FACT: It is so easy to drop your GPA and so hard to bring it back up. Never overlook that, because Employees WILL look at your GPA. Get as much experience as you can in your field. Intern, Intern, Intern! Intern even if you wouldn't make any money. Experience is a necessity to finding your dream job. I must mention study very hard, but have fun because it will fly by. Make sure that you tell your parents they can visit whenever they want...They will love that!

The advice I would give parents and students about finding the right college would be to find somewhere where you feel comfortable. A place where you fit in and can see yourself growing mentally, physically, and emotionally in the next four years. Somewhere you feel safe having your kid leave and make a new home. A college that can provide all the needs you are looking for in your education and your future career. To make the most out of your college experience you need to be involved and be active with your school. You can be in a sorority or fraternity, play intermural sports, be in clubs or multiple other things colleges provide. Colleges also provide many opportunites like free tutoring, help in certain subjects, and career fairs to help with internships. All of these things will benefit your time while being at school. In your early years at school you can live in the dorms and get to know hundreds of other students your age who are starting the same transition. Later in your college years you can try being a teachers assistant and find a new way to get involved with your college.

I know personal preferences play a huge part in a high school senior deciding where they should attend college. Some people immediately know they have to move away from home for college. Some others, like myself, know that they have to stay close to home. Some colleges have better programs for certain areas of interest (ex: medicine, education, law). In addition our friends and boyfrieds/girlfriends and enemies can also push us in one direction or another. For parents- safety and money are the main deciding factors for their children's educations. Regardless of where an individuals' final decision takes them, one's college experience is always up to them. Every college/university in the country has the potential to offer years of education, fun, excitment, memories, and friendships. But it is the students decision as to how they are going spend those memorable four years. This is why I would recommend getting as involved as possible on your local campus (maybe even live on campus for a year). The more you're involved the more opportunities you have to meet lasting friends, to learn more about the world we live in, and to learn more about ourselves.

Finding the right college is about the academic and social learning experience. Most students go to college to find themselves in a desired profession and also to find life-long friends. I was able to go to a college where i felt deeply tied to, as both of my parents met at the University of Kentucky, so i was raised to Bleed Blue. I knew being the outgoing person i am, i would make friends easily in such a diverse and enormous campus. Choosing the right college is all about who you are at the moment of High School graduation and what you want to be when you go into the professionaly world. UK's large, socially spirited and strongly academic nature fit perfect for what i wanted to do/learn going into the professional world. Most students go to college to find themselves professionaly and socially and if they are at a place where they aren't comfortable, they will not succeed or be happy. It's important to remember that college is the stepping stone to the working world and to be comfortable and proud of where you make those professional steps will feed into your career.

i dont care about the scholarship im done school but my advice is this: Figure out the size campus and student body and how far away you want to go from home and then make your choices based on those criteria and the schools you can get into. Select schools that have sports programs because they unite all students under one cause and one passion. Sports can fuel a school and provide the best memories. Solid academics and great sports programs can be great locations along with weather and location.

College can be an amazing experience. As someone who switched majors midway through junior year, I am living proof that it can sometimes take awhile to find your niche, but trying new courses that sound exciting is well worth it. (Best to do so earlier than later, BUT taking longer than four years to complete a degree is normal--it's not failure if you've used your time well.) Extracurricular activities can help you feel more engaged at school and follow or find passions...not to mention they look great on resumes and grad school applications. Schoolwork should come first, so I recommend picking just one or two to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Studying abroad is FANTASTIC for testing your limits and discovering the world, and also for boosting foreign language skills. If you don't want to commit to a whole semester, consider a two- or three-week program--I did and loved it so much, I did two programs the next summer! Scholarships and financial aid can help put study abroad within reach of any motivated student. College is about trying new things, so don't shy away from challenges. Take advantage of opportunities and enjoy it!

I would just tell them it is really important to think about what college they would want to attend, not just jump the gun on a decision. Also I feel it is very importatn to visit a few colleges, especially during a time in which classes are taking place so the student can get a vibe for the school and so they can feel what's right for them.

I would advise the student to choose very wisely about where you choose to go basedupon what your major is. Look at your options before jumping to any college. Don't go to a college that all your friends are going to just to stick with them. Choose a college that fits you best. Worry about your education and academic standards first before your social life. If they are true friends they will stik with you no matter what school you go to. Once you pick the right college for you, don't be shy. Jump right into the atmosphere around you. Don't worry about what other people think about you.Introduce yourself to others, that is how you make friends. Try not to think of college as a chore, but as an opportunity to better yourself and to create a bright future that you would be proud of.

Finding the right college is one of the most challenging, exciting, and yet scary times in a young person' life. My advice is to start early in high school to determine the type of college that would best match your personality. Narrow the selection by size and distance from home and of course, by what subject you want to study. However, most schools have the basic majors and so for me, it is important to select the school that will have the most supportive environment for you. Knowing how you learn best and what setting you will be most comfortable in is key. Once you have narrowed the possible schools take time to visit them. It is ideal to narrow the selection to three or four and then go spend time on campus, preferably living on campus for a few days and attending classes. Just attending the admission tours and such won't give you a real feel for the campus. Once you have made the selection and arrive on campus get involved. Challenge yourself to explore new things and get to know students from different backgrounds than you. Really try to get out of your comfort zone.