University of Massachusetts-Amherst Top Questions

There is a lot of mistakes that I made when trying to find the college that was right for me. I looked for schools based mainly on sports, and went to the school that gave me the most money in scholarships. Umass is not the school I went to at first because I was misled into believeing I would be happier at another school. I would advise anyone looking at colleges to try to find out as much as you can about the school when you visit. Talk to students on the street instead of the students who are being paid to help you. Stay with a student in the dorm overnight, not in the varsity housing with all the athletes who are trying to convince you that this is the school for you, or the other band members who want you to come to the school. Attend as many classes at the school that you can, eat at the dinning commons, and see as much as you can while you are there. Maybe even come back for a second visit before making your final decision.

Parents should avoid pressuring their children about where or when they attend college. A parent's responsibility is to guide and support their child's decisions during this tumultuous time of maturation, while a student's responsibility is to honor the privilege of higher education by taking it seriously. By ceding authority to the student to decide where and when to attend college, parents acknowledge their child's ability to discover themselves and to be accountable for their actions. These are important aspects of the college experience. Both groups should take the time to discuss their expectations and to share with each other their considerations. For those students who, like me, don't have parents to guide their decisions, I encourage them to take heart! The applications and selections process can be daunting and confusing, but with the support of someone they trust a student can confidently determine how best to reach their goals through higher education. Independent students need to seek out an adult whose opinions they respect, and invite them to participate in the process of college selection. All things considered, the selection of what school to attend is less important than setting goals for oneself.

if your kids don't know what to do, have them go to a community college first. Remind them that they have to work hard and that grades are not just given out.

You really need to get involved within your school. Be proactive and meet people. When you are a freshman try to get in a freshman dorm. Everyone in that dorm is in the same boat as you, so there is no need to be worried about meeting you. The main challenge of your first year at college is trying to balance your social life, with your academic life. If you can find that balance you can succeed at college.

The best advice I can give to parents and/or students is to find a college that fits their personality and goals in life. A large college such as the one I attend has lots of opportunities for the ambitious student. However, this isn't for every student. Some students require more of a community surrounding their college, a closer circle of friends to interact with, and a deeper connection to their professors. In a university with 20000 students, keeping your individuality can be a challenging thing. On the other hand a small university sometimes doesn't allow a student to experience the responsibility that they will have to develop later on in their life. Whichever option they choose, the important thing is to keep their own goals firmly in mind and pursue those goals after they graduate from college. College is a stepping stone to fulfill your potential in life and picking the right one is a decision that encompasses a plethora of advantages and disadvantages. But when you find the right one you'll know. It may not be the best or the most prestigious, but it will be where you alone can succeed by your own standards.

Take your time don't stress and enjoy resposibly. College can be fun but finding a balance between fun and resposibility is the real essence to it and so to life it self.

It is helpful to know what field you want to go into and narrow down your choices by colleges that have the best programs. But what makes most people happiest is being in an area that fits their needs. If the campus is too large for them they feel lost, or if it's too small they feel to confined. The right amount of academic rigor is also . I love my school but there are things I wish I could change, like the red tape you have to go through in the beurocratic offices or the on campus housing. I also wish my school was more reputable academics wise, but I know there are ways to make my education more rigorous and to help me stand out. Going to visit the schools I had in mind was the best decision. My rank of the school I chose completely changed after seeing them. Good luck!

Pick the college you think would best fit you not where your parents want you to go. When you get to school get out there and make friends and do activities that interest you. Don't worry about making friends because you'll make plenty. Be confident and work hard and you'll do fine.

If you do not get into your top choice, you will be okay and always try to be involved in college but make sure you can handle your school work along with your social activities.

I would suggest going to visit the school during open house. UMass was my last choice school and visiting the school and other schools really helped influence my decision. To make the most of college experience, I would say to have fun, do your work, go to class, and don't stress out.