University of Maryland-Baltimore County Top Questions

Take a tour. Do an overnight stay. Go to a lecture in a really big hall and a really small class, you may not like what you think you will. Be realistic- money, distance, atmosphere are all real considerations.

I would say to decide how hard you want to study. If you really don't want to do anything else then most honor schools are the best choice but if you want to have a life outside of studying chose a party school.

I would tell prospective students to search long and hard--don't wait until the last minute, and get into the search. Call up schools to speak with people, don't limit yourself to what's local or inexpensive, and visit it. You never know what you'll miss out on. As far as making the most of the college experience, get involved. Maybe I'm biased, since I work around student organizations all day, but it makes you enjoy your experience more, and helps you become a better leader. Don't forget to attend campus events (we have ballroom dancing and I'd love to go to one day, just for fun). Also, don't worry about finding your major right away and only taking classes for that major. I essentially have three majors (English, Spanish, and Education), and don't have time to take classes not related to my major that I find interesting, which is really sad. If you can, get a job an campus--they usually don't take much time, are flexible, and help you learn about what's going on. Finally, take some time out for yourself--everyone needs a breather.

The right college should be all about what you love and you should research that it has everything or most of what you want: the right size, environment, internship opportunity, etc. College should be a great experience and like most schools it is important to get involved your first year in actvities in your community. It helps you get socialized but also it is a great way to meet new people. College is a time to be open minded so don't be to stuck in your ways but be prepared to have different viewpoints and accept diverse chracters as friends. Also take advantage of all the opportunities at school wheather internships, jobs, research, etc.

The main advice I would give parents and/or students would be to first thouroughly research the colleges by reading magazines or looking at the college websites. After that select the ones you are most interested in and go and spend a typical college day at these colleges and see if you feel comfortable within the campus and its environment, and while you are there talk to students to see how friendly they are and see what opinions they have of the college. Be sure to find students who are freshmen as well as upperclassmen to get different views. Basically searching for the right college is like shopping for a house in that you have to be able to picture yourself living there or spending most of your time there and the only way you can picture this is by actually going and spending a good amount of time on the college campus.

Students can be successful no matter what school they end up at. The most important thing is to try hard in your classes, but also have fun while you're in school. You're only going to be in college for so long, and you really have to make the best of the time you have. If you do not go out and find things you like to do on campus, you will not get the most out of your college experience.

Make sure you are in a place where you can major in something you like. Find a place that you know you can feel comfortable going anywhere to study and make friends.

To students: Find a college that is the right size and location for your personal taste. Whatever you do, do not choose a college solely based on the fact that your significant other is going there. Chances are, you will break up with them shortly upon entering your first year. The same goes for best friends. Also, if you consider yourself a homebody, be smart and choose a school that isn't too far away from home. Last but certainly not least, VISIT the school before you decide to go to it. It can make all of the difference. To parents: In my experience, many teenagers are not ready to go off to a four year university right after graduating high school. Don't keep a short leash on your child. If sheltered while living at home, the freedom they will encounter away at school can be very overwhelming to some.

Make sure you really look into the colleges that you are applying to, don't just apply because your friends are going. Visiting the schools is always the best thing to do to get a feel of the campus, the best times to visit are usually during exams that way you will see the school in it's natural state. By doing this you can also see what the environment is like when the students are stressed, and how they de-stress. Never choose a school because of it's name, always go with where you feel most comfortable .

Spend an equal amount of time learning about all of the colleges you plan to apply to. When you think you've found the right one, learn everything you can about the school because you don't want to waste time somewhere that isn't right for you.