University of Massachusetts-Amherst Top Questions

As a current sophomore in college my best advice to parents and students looking at colleges is realize that there is generally not going to be a school that is perfect in all aspects. First find a school that offers your desired major as well as a few backup majors of your interest. Then look as what else the school offers that you may be interested in such as clubs, sports, events, and activities. Visit the school, take a tour and roam around, meet current students and try to imagine yourself there, if you feel comfortable and can imagine it then great. Do your research then look at a handful of schools too few: you may feel like you haven?t explored all possibilities, too many and you?ll feel overwhelmed and indecisive. Remember that wherever you end up you will be happy, the school/students shape you and you will find your niche. Don't think that a private school is better than a public school; college is what you make it so choose a school with lots of opportunity. Attitude is everything: be open minded, positive, goal oriented, and most of all excited.

Choosing a school wasn't exactly hard for me, I knew that UMass Amherst was right for me the first time I stepped on the campus. I feel that it's very important, in order to get the right view of the school, to go visit and take a tour. There are so many schools to choose from, it's very hard knowing which is the right for you. I think that it's important to know three factors: 1. The setting that you want to live in; rural, urban, on the beach, etc... 2. An interest in a major, to make sure the school offers demanding programs in areas of study that you are interested in. 3. A wide variety of extra curricular clubs and activities; I never knew I'd be into ballroom dancing until I joined a club on my campus! Everything else will just come naturally. When you go off to school, there are no immediate cliques, everyone is looking for friends. Also, don't worry about money, there are so many opportunities for scholarships (like this one!) that you can cover the costs if you really try. Good luck!

Find a college that is right for the student who know's what they want to do.

As I said in my graduation speech in May of 2007, life is what you make of it. Be open to new ideas and experiences. You think you know what you want in a college, but at age 18, you're still finding your own identity. Deciding on the institution you want is ruthless. My advice: go where the most money is given to you. If a school is paying you to attend, it means they see something in you and believe you will make a contribution there; other schools may not see your potential. Get past the name, status, and repuation of a college. In the end, it really doesn't matter where you go, it's what you do when you get there.

Find something to dorm in. It helps to really feel the college experience.

First of all, i believe a visit to campus, and an over night stay with students (if possible) is a great way to get a feel for the environment and feel of the school. It's also important for the student to get away from their parents for a bit of the visit and expierence the school for their own eyes. By doing this the student is able to deside if he/she will feel comfortable on their own while on campus. Another great idea is for the students to attend lots of orientation programs, like picnics, bingos, trips, ect. Although these activities are usually filled with corney get-to-know-you games, everyone's in the same boat, and it's a good way to emmerse yourself among your peers. Take risks, make new friends!

Its fairly simple to answer this question. To all parents and students alike who are facing the possibilty of going to college. Be very careful, especially if your income is not at a very high level. This is a big process that can ultimelty help decide your future. Make sure to explore every single financial situation and choose wisely which one best suits your family. Talk to any financial advisors and make it a point to pay bills on time. Regarding grades and schoolwork, do not choose a major simply to have one. If you do not know what your life calling is, then simply choose undecided. It is not the end of the world since you will have plenty of time to decide later on in your college career. When you do get accepted into college, make sure that the school you are deciding on best fits you and you alone. When you do get into college, make as many friends as possible. Form study groups and attend study sessions while also keeping in contact with your professors. Lastly, just like anything in life, have fun doing whatever you do.

Apply to a variety of colleges, and don't let money stop you from going where you really want to go.

Visit each campus; it's housing, cafeterias, classrooms and town and make sure the whole package appeals to you.

Big schools offer students the ability to figure out what they want to do with their lives. Don't be intimidated by the size of a school because students can easily find ways to make it seem smaller (through friendships, clubs, etc).