University of Mary Washington Top Questions

Visit lots of schools and stay with students to get the real scoop

Make sure to visit the colleges that you are considering. Ask lots of questions and don't just talk to your tour guide, talk to students around campus, it will give you a much better impression of what the students really think of their school. If you have the chance try an overnight stay, you'll get a good look at what everday life is like at the school/s you're interested in. Try and keep an open mind while doing your college searching, you may find that your needs and preferences change as you visit different schools. Once you choose your school and start your first semester try to get out of the dorm and involved in different activities so that you can make friends in different places. Try to fit some studying in if you're a party animal because at some point all that work you didn't do will catch up with you. But don't worry too much, that class you're sure you're going to fail will probably not be as bad as you think it is. And remember to always keep a positive attitude, it can make or break a situation.

Go visit all of the colleges in person. Trust your gut. You'll know once you set foot on a campus whether or not it's right for you.

Stick with your instincts. If you feel like one school just isn't right, don't commit to four years there. Also, make sure that they offer a wide range of majors that interest you instead of just one. That way, if you want to change directions you can do so without changing schools.

Research, visit and know your goals.

Spend a lot of time thinking about it in the last two years of high school and choose an environment that you will very happy at instead of a school where you think you might be happy at.

Do you like large crouds and partying, or do you like small crounds and intimate conversations. That makes the biggest difference in choosing your school. I started out at a school with 40,000 undergrad, and quickly realized I needed a place where my teachers were reachable, and actively involved in my learning.

You have to find a place that makes you feel comfortable. For me it was a small school and being in an old town. Dont go where your high school friends go. College is for making new friends and going new places.

You must talk to students on campus. Not the tour group leaders, human resources, etc. Do not beleive them Especially at Mary Wash. You must look and eat on campus off tour days, you need to talk to students in your department, etc.

Follow your passion. To lead an ultimately happy life, you must put yourself into the field of study which you love. When searching for universities and colleges, be sure to eliminate those which don't include an undergrad major in your area of interest. While taking in information from all the different schools to which you wish to apply, stay organized. Parents can be a great asset in this, helping prospective students with filing and recyling all those brochures you receive in the mail! Once you have selected the schools that interest you, it is of utmost importance to conduct a campus visit. This is often the make-or-break point in deciding which college to attend. If you don't feel at home on the campus, then you will not be happy spending four years of your life on it. Once at your school, a new world will be opened up to you in the form of parties and other such temptations. While having fun with friends is a great way to let off steam, don't forget the ultimate purpose of attending a school of higher learning: to learn the tools you will need to follow your passion.