University of Massachusetts-Amherst Top Questions

It should be a students choice when it comes to choosing a school. I think that if a student is not happy with where they are going, then they are less likely to succeed. Money is definitely an important issue but there are options. The best way to choose a school is to research what you want your school to have. I wanted a school with a strong music and science programs. I also wanted to go somewhere not to far from home. You can really narrow down a search just by adding a couple simple wants to school you choose to go with. It is always good to remember that a price of school does not guarntee the best education. The most important thing is to research and pick a school that the student wants to go to. A school that will allow a student to grow and mature into an adult with a solid future.

Pick the college that feels right for you. Go to the college to visit on your own during a school day and just walk around. If you can walk around and feel comfortable with your surrounding people and places, then there is no doubt that this school is right for you. Picking a college thats right for you is extremely important, if you don't feel comfortable, you wont feel right.

Find a college where there is balance of academics and non-academics. Parents and kids for the most part have different interests when it comes to looking at schools so those two sets of interests needs to be balanced. Ultimately, it is the student's decision where he or she wants to go but the parent often has to foot the bill. The student will probably want good extracurriculars, sports, and partying while the parent is concerned with academics and affordability. It is difficult to achieve all of this but if the parent and student can agree on a setting that facilitates academics as well as recreation then the proper balance has been found to interest the student and provide them with the education that they are there for.

Choose a college where you can have an experience, not just an education. Learning is important, but it is almost important to live.

Consider the cost of the school as a major factor in the college you pick. You can get a good education if you are self motivated at almost any school.

To all the kids and parents out there nervously awaiting to hear replies from colleges: stop freaking out! You are going to find the right school. Its not as bad as it seems. And if you don't make the right choice, its not so hard to transfer. I understand that the process of choosing colleges is really frusterating as well as mentally draining. Its scary even ponder how much money everthing is going to end up costing as well. Luckily, most schools offer scholarships, and there are some programs that can lower your tuition depending on your major. A good example of this is the New England Regional Program. Thanks to this program, I am a Connecticut resident who pays instate tuition at a Massachusetts school. When you finally get to college, you will meet many different types of people. Just stick with the ones you trust. By forming a close group of friends you create a niche for yourself. It makes your changing lifestyle much less intimidating. I would say the hardest part of college is the monetary aspect. Especially if you are in a single parent household. Thank goodness for scholarships!

Choosing what college to go to is an important decision, but don't get too stressed out about it. See what's out there, go visit during school session and sit in on a lecture, talk to teachers, eat at the dining hall, join a group tour and just walk around on your own. Think about the surrounding town, transportation availability, how comfortable you are with being closer to or farther from home, and how you will pay. A lot of school counselors will say don't worry about cost, but the truth is you have to accept reality and think about how you will pay and whether it's worth it to go to a more expensive school with a better name or not. Every case is different, but always think about what will be best for your happiness and your future. No matter where you go, chances are you will make friends and can do a lot to enhance your college experience by putting yourself out there and trying new things. In the end, if you feel you chose the wrong school you can always transfer, so don't worry too much and enjoy the process!

I would encourage kids to do whats right for them, not what their parents or anyone else wants, because they are the ones going to the school for four years. pick a school that fits what you are looking for, whether it be finacially, a certain major, etc. To make the most of you experience I'd say to find what you love and throw yourself into it and make the most out of what you have. I would also suggest figuring out and knowing your limits, in many ways, knowing what you can and cannot handle goes a long way in college. Get your work done but have fun too.

Relax!

Get out of your dorm room and participate in campus activities. Go study outside. Stay away from the drinking and avoid police involvement.