University of Maryland-Baltimore County Top Questions

Take tours of the campus and do as much research as possible!

The experience is what you make of it. Don't let the college's reputation predetermine your happiness. There is much more to life that simple prestige and a degree.

Choosing the right college is an important process that deserves careful attention. One needs to carefully assess their academic and social wants and needs for a school they want to spend the next four years at. A careful balance between the two should be struck, otherwise you'll probably find yourself miserable after the first year. However, as important as it is to be careful in choosing a school, it's also important to realize that it is not a be-all, end-all decision. There's always a way to change a situation you're in if you find yourself unhappy, or, you might even find yourself adapting and changing based on what would have otherwise been an unfortunate choice of schools.

First I would recommend doing your homework. Research the specifics of a variety of schools and then after that really search yourself for what you want. I would definetely tour campuses before making a decision, more then frequently pictures are quite decieving. Then after narrowing down the choices, think of what is most practical as far as costs and degrees which are available and resources available. Lastly, do take the time to apply for scholarships and grants, college is very costly and even though it pays off in the end you do not want to take the rest of your life paying student loans.

College is nothing like high school. You have to study harder, be more active and make sure you leave your procrastination days in the gutter. Once you are in school it is really about understanding what you learn not memorizing facts for the exam. Be sure to have a great perspective on learning. After all whether you get scholarships or not, money is going into expanding your mind so be worth it! It really is important to start forging relationships as soon as you began school. Obtain a diverse group of friends that will give you new viewpoints. Don't be on the sideline your first year, get involved, do all the things you fear, and really step out of your comfort zone. Don?t make the mistake I did of sitting all the way in the back of the class and never once approaching most of my professors. You will need to know them not just for class but for those future letters of recommendation they can write for you. Don?t worry or get over zealous , you still want to enjoy the experience; and keep in mind that college was created for the study-orientated not the idlers.

When choosing the right college, a student should ultimately do what's best for them and not what's best for other people. Of course, I think cost should definitely be thought about when choosing a school, but look into financial aid packages and scholarships before losing hope on your dream school. Doing your research is also important! Make sure you look into a school that has your desired major and has all the campus life features you're looking for. My advice to parents would to be supportive of your children when they're making one of the hardest decisions of their lives. It's a tough decision and helping them through the process would be greatly appreciated. In terms of making the most of the college experience, I've heard the best way to fully enjoy your school is to live on campus. Be open and social! Joining different social groups and activities are a great way of meeting different people. College should be the best four years of your life, so enjoy them to the best of your experience!