University of Massachusetts-Amherst Top Questions

Join different clubs, always be open to people and take advantage of going out whenever you can. Finding the right college- go on lots of tours and see if you would fit in just by looking at the current students attending. Spend a night and go to a couple classes.

When looking for the apropriate college and trying to make the most out of your college experience, I would reccommend that the colleges that you choose to apply to offer the courses and majors that you are most interested in and are large enough that they offer the wide range of courses is necessary to excel in school and be competitive for jobs upon graduation. Also, you need to make sure that the schools you apply to are small enough that you get the anonymity level that you desire. The larger the school, the more chances you have to meet new people and make connections that could be valuable to you later in life. You should also look for a school that is in an area that has many easily accessible venues such as grocery stores, banks, and movie theatres. There should be an adequate public transportation system both on campus and in the surrounding towns so that bringing your own car is not necessary. A broad range of on campus jobs and organizations as well as intramurals will further enhance your college experience by providing a variety of relaxing and resume building activities around campus.

To students. College will be your home for the next four years of your life. Find a place that makes you smile every time you walk outside. My advice? If you don't feel comfortable wearing sweatpants to class at a given school... then it definitely isn't for you! Your roommate will become your brother/sister, or worst enemy - so choose wisely. Get OUTSIDE your comfort zone once you settle in. Experience things you've never experienced! Pull an all nighter talking about politics, sports, guys, girls, books, whatever with the people in your dorm- and then struggle through the next day of classes. Go to Greek events, eat something that scares you, explore the surrounding area. GO TO YOUR CLASSES. It is so tempting to stay in bed, but make sure you go. INTRODUCE yourself to the professor at the start of classes. They'll always take notice of you, and will be much easier to approach with any issues. Above all, enjoy every day more than the last. College is not only about getting an education, but about broadening horizons and becoming the best people we can. Good luck future freshmen! :-)

As a college-attending child, I watched my parents stress out about which school I would attend. If a parent has attended a particular college and is hoping for a legacy application for their child, try not to put that kind of pressure on your child. Choosing the right college for him/herself is a decision which is hard enough without the pressure of trying to satisfy a parent before satisfying themselves. As a student, I would advise an applicant to think about what is really important to them, both academically and personally. Take a tour offered by the school or by someone you know who goes there! This is very important because you get insight into the school that you will not get in the brochures. Think about what you may want to major in and make a list of your top five. More than likely, you will change your major at least once and don't be afraid to do so. Find something you're passionate about and pursue it. Do not choose a path to make someone other than yourself happy.

When deciding what college to attend there are many different factors to take into consideration. First, financial ability is a huge factor to take into consideration. Money is always a factor, don't let it be a stressful one. Secondly, students need to think about location. It is easier and less expensive to travel a short distance than buying a plane ticket to visit for the weekend. Students also need to take into consideration what kind of people they want to be surronded by and what their ideal size of campus would be. Attending college is a whole new experience and the last thing a student wants is to be lost and feel like they have nowehere to go. Students should look for colleges that are strong in their common interests. Students should look for the school that they can not only achieve academically but socially as well. A college students social life is very important and ultimately it can have the biggest impact on their academic success. I would advise students and parents to sit down and discuss what the ideal college would be and start with that. Students should have fun and for what is best for them.

If I had a nickel...Honestly, my best piece of advice would be to not worry so much. You get out of it what you put into it, and if fate leads you elsewhere, well then that's life, and you'll learn to deal. Each year, I see countless high school students burnt out of their minds fretting over the college process. The truth is, if you worked hard in high school and have a good head on your shoulders, you'll do well, and get into a place you like. Luck has little to do with it. If you wind up at a place that wasn't your top choice, then grieve, but don't get hung up. Eventually, you'll make it work, and if you don't then transfer. But, please be happy that you're privileged enough to continue your education. At any rate, college is incredibly flexible in so many ways with so many freedoms, and really there is so much you can do at any school if you want it enough. Don't forget to network, and most importantly, have fun. College really is one of the best times of your life.

It's okay if you are not sure what you want to do in the future, as long as you are motivated, you will find a gerneral direction for your future plans once you live in the college atmosphere. The question is then, is it worth all the money to just find a general direction? I suggest for those who are not sure what their future plans are is to go to an affordable school then transfer later into a school more suited to your needs. All schools are different and to really understand that you have to live on a college campus for awhile to know those differences for yourself. So put down your prestigious expensive college brochures and look around for an affordable college that has what you are interested in and is worth the wait to transfer into those more expensive college choices. Good hunting!

Always do your research online or ask the graduates who have been at the colleges to find out what is best and what is not.

Visit the campuses of all the schools that you are interested in. Compare the programs offered, that includes clubs, activities, sports, as well as the academic programs. Explore the area around the school because you or your son/daughter is not going to spend all of his or her time on campus. Once you get accepted to schools attend the one that suits your interests and will challenge you in many ways.

I recommend visiting several colleges and speaking with faculty and students regarding their experiences at each particular university. This will give students and parents a better idea of whether they have found the right fit or not educationally and otherwise.