University of Massachusetts-Amherst Top Questions

If I could be completely honest, do not make your decision as to which college you will be attending because of a boyfriend or girlfriend. Also, being a student athlete I've learned how important time management actually is. Take advantage of on-campus advising, tutors, career services, professor's office hours, etc. Don't be afraid to communicate with your professors, advisors, coaches (if you end up playing a sport). As far as finding the right college, really try and visit as many campuses as you can. It's nice to get a feel of being on campus and getting to see what it's all about.

Make alot of visits and take a lot of tours.

Visiting the school will be the ultimate factor. A school may look great on paper, but the visit will determine where you'd like to go. Look for schools on collegeboard.com that have things you're interested; size, majors, social life, location, etc., and then visit them all. If you aren't happy at the school, the statistics in the books don't mean anything. Research, then act on it. I personally should have visited more schools to get a better idea of things, because, though I love my school now, visiting others in colee has opened my eyes to how different every school really is, down to the simple things, like dorms, food, and sports. Atmosphere is key in developing as an adult. You can never visit too many schools.

Visit the campus. See a dorm room, explore the surrounding area, attend a class if you can; see if you can picture yourself there. Talk to current student about their experience there: ask about their relationship with professors and the administration, and ask about what most students do for fun. Try to get a feel for the "culture" of the university; what are the students interested in, what is the general attitude, how motivated are they, to what do they aspire? Generally, a big school a wider variety of opportunities, but requires a student to take more initiative. Take advantage of all the things college life has to offer! Try things you've never tried, take classes that interest you. TALK TO YOUR PROFESSORS, develop a relationship with them - let them know who you are, and make a good impression on them.

Do plenty of research and don't restrict yourself to what everyone else is going to. I'm one of four people from my high school that I know of that even applied here at UMass, but I love it here. In high school, I got big-time pressure to stay in state or go to a school close by, but I went against the curve and went across the country and I could not be happier. Find something that fits your needs, regardless of location.

First, I would say follow your instincts. You also need to do your research; if you can't go to the school to explore, find everything you can on the environment, the level of education, the social structure, etc. Once you've found the school that's right for you and you get there as a freshman, emerse yourself as much as you can. Take advantage of general education courses by finding things that really interest you. Get involved in clubs, or really involved in one club that means a lot to you. Savor every moment, soak in as much knowledge as you can and don't forget to have some fun.

Talk to students outsideof the ones giving the tours, visit the facilities on campus, get a feel for the campus. Don't get sucked into the system once you're there- this is your education.

The only way to know if a college is right for you is to go there and experience it. Sit in on a class, walk through the campus, do whatever it takes to get a feel for the place. You are going to be there twenty-four hours a day seven days a week so you should make sure it is somewhere you are going to be comfortable and happy. Being on your own for the first time can be overwhelming but as long as you make friends who you can relate with and talk to you will be fine. If you are having trouble making friends join a club, take up a sport, or even just start a study group. College is a time for you to figure out who you really are, make sure you do.

Look for a good social environment, and look for how accessible things are around the campus.

Do not base your college choice in your personal relationships at the time. Do not worry about how much it costs to attend, you're going to be working for the rest of your life, and college is the last time of your life to really enjoy yourself. The atmosphere of a school is extremely important, make sure you can be yourself and that there is room for personal growth. Also, don't be afraid to keep in mind the possibility of transferring after a semester or two. Make sure to look outside of the campus, and into the town setting. This is extremely important for possible jobs and social development. The college search is hard, but do take it seriously, because it will be your home for four years. All campuses may seems like potential candidates at first, but trust me, when you find the perfect campus, you'll immediately know. My advice: that's really the only proof you need to know that's where you should be.