University of Massachusetts-Amherst Top Questions

I would suggest that parents and their high school students start looking early at colleges. I also think that it's beneficial to look at schools with a broad perspective. It really is possible to go wherever and do whatever you want before college, so think hard and keep your options open. I went to school in Massachusetts since I grew up here, but did an exchange semester in California, which made me realize how easy and fun it is to travel around the country and experience different things. Just remember that there really are no limits and to go wherever you feel like you'll be happiest and get the best education in the long run. College is one of the best oppertunities for change and to learn new things.

To anyone looking to choose the right school, I would tell them that deep down they already know. Within the first five minutes of visiting a campus and walking around, you get a feeling if you belong there or not. The one question you have to ask yourself is "Can I see myself living here". Most people worry most about the cost of the school, however it shouldn't be the only determining factor. Most people have to take out loans to pay for school anyway, so I feel that if you're going to be in debt, be in debt for something you want. As far as making the most out of your college experience, students should put themselves out there and discover new things. Join a club, a sport, or some sort of activity and have fun. But the most important thing is to not worry too much about making mistakes. Because sometimes the mistakes are the best memories you have when you graduate.

Visit as many colleges - of varying sizes - early on in the high school years. The more you / your son or daughter sees of the different schools available to him or her, they will be able to make a choice on where they feel most comfortable. Talk to as many of the actual students as possible during your time at orientations or at open houses, they'll give you a general idea of how they feel about the school. When you get to the school, join as many clubs as possible. You don't have to go to them all, but try going to the introductory meetings. You will meet a lot of people that way, first of all, and you might actually find out you like something new. Go to sports events and artsy events. Broaden your horizons. As for class time, if you're at a larger school, you still can make an impression on your professors. Dare to raise your hand, add commentary when they ask for it, or - if you're outgoing enough - go up and say hi to them. Sometimes, it pays to be daring, as you can earn internships or T.A. jobs with them.

Finding the right college is a tough process, but it all comes down to what you want. first you need to find the colleges that have the field of study that you wish to presuit, and if you are undecided you should look for colleges with a wide range of majors. next is if you want to live at home or away, in the city or the country. There are so many choices out there. You should also visit a few of your top choices. i can not say engouh how much i did not want to attend my college till i went there and expericanced it for myself.

Choosing the right college or university to attend is a daunting process. With so many options, many wonder where to begin. The average student knows he/she has to take into account finances, a factor which weighs heavily on most shoulders, as well as location, population, and reputation. The truth of it is, however, that finding the perfect post-secondary school institution boils down to one thing: luck. Most high schoolers do not know what they want until they experience it for themselves. One can read all the college guides and visit every school in the nation, but it is a very real option for students to dislike their school. Transfer rates are as high as they are because some people faced with a new atmosphere never learn to adjust. My point is not to scare, but to encourage youth to dive in to new environments. Adapting is an essential part of life and being an adult. In order to get the best out of your college experience, do not fret over which school to attend, but instead once you get there, make the most of you time. Meet new people, join clubs, and most of all... love being different.

You really have to find a school that pampers to your desires and needs. Don't settle for a school that you may not be happy with. Don't forget you have to live, eat, sleep and learn at this college, so make sure your'e happy with your choice. Sometimes money may be difficult, but in the end you make the money worth spending by what you get out of your school. Get involved and try your best to be happy, or else, it's not worth the time and money. Enjoy yourself at college but don't forget to work hard and stay active.

The biggest mistake I believe I made when deciding on what college to attend would be not visiting the school while classes are in session. If at all possible, meet someone from the school and ask them to take you to one of their classes. If the prospective student literally pretends they are in college for a day they will learn much more about the school. Get a tour with a non-paid student and see dorm-rooms that are not used as the "example room." Getting an in-depth view of the school is not easy with the scripted tours and carefully decorated examples of dorms and classrooms. Another really important detail is to apply to schools early. There is no harm in applying a few months earlier than your peers. It will help to receive review from the school's administration before they have many applicants to compare with. This will also take some of the pressure off, giving you the next few months to apply to any last-minute schools as well as providing you with college acceptances earlier. The earlier you know about your acceptance status, the earlier you and your family can sigh with relief.

Keep in mind what your parents would hope for you to do, they usually know best. However, this decision is about YOU. Pick a school that has a program and environment that you want to try. Don't be afraid to go far, you never know what's beyond the horizon.

It is important to find a college where you can not only get a good education, but can have some fun while getting it. While parents might worry about a school that has a party reputation, but college is a place where kids can have fun and still get the education that will give them a bright future.

Especially in this economy, money is tight. Unless you're going to a school that specializes in business, engineering, or another major (ie MIT, Bentley, etc.) think about your liberal arts state school. You get the same academic opportunities/ competition at a state school and a private school. If you're going for the name, it's your loss especially as an undergrad student. The only difference between UMass Amherst and Boston University or Tufts University or Syracuse University is how much you're going to be in debt in four years. As for a social life, at a big university, you're going to have a lot of choices of who you want to be and what you want your friends to be like. No one knows you, so your choice is ultimately yours. At a small college, it's harder to move around between social groups but you can still succeed if you are outgoing enough. The residential area in which you live really plays a role in the friends you make so take where you want to live seriously. Even though this doesn't seem that important, taste the food before you commit to a school.