University of Massachusetts-Amherst Top Questions

First and foremost, before choosing any school to attend the parent or the student must have of who their kids are or what of student he or she is. Some people likes rural areas to attend school where they will not have many choice in activities to do in the community others like urban type, they want be surrounded by as much fun related activities or places as possible. So, with that being said, I think the decision be a compromise between the parents and the students. I would personal tell the parents to send their kids to a school that does not get crazy with partying and stuff and provide the necessary courses for the particular major the student is intersted in. As for the student if it is the student that is making the decision solely based on his own interest, likes and dislikes my advise to them is "It's your future and your life, choose wisely"

Be open minded and choose one that is right for you.

I would suggest that prospective students speak to current students - NOT employed by the university - to get a gauge on what the academic atmosphere is like.

Take as many tours as possible for the right college, ask questions only to undergrads about campus life and hear their stories about their college and their experiences as first year students. Take a walk to some of the classes to understand the class size and the lecture halls. Try to get into as many campus organizations as possible to be more social and to be very well rounded. Also, it is also wise to ask professors around your major about research opportunities in the near future.

Research as much as you can about each college your interested in attending. If your not sure what your majoring in, go to a school with alot of options. If your social, got to a big school. If you lived in the city all your life, go to a rural school. Mix up your life a bit. Don't just stick to whats safe. Partake in college activities, like concerts, shows, sporting events etc. Make as many friends as you can. Have fun, but study hard too.

What you believe in, how you act, and the kind of influence you will have on the world is shaped and created during college. The people you meet will change your perceptions and open your mind. The things you learn in classes will challenge things that before seemed stone and sure, and will make them fluid and maluble. In choosing a college to go to, you don't need to know who you are or where you are going, but what you enjoy. If you love people and different experiences, options and freedom, look towards large schools filled with eclectic people and numbers of paths. If you like closeknit networks and discussions, articulate and direction driven learning, look to a school that has your interests in mind, as well as a small community with individual ammenties. And once you get to your college, bursting with oppurtunities, new people, and future woven into every inch of the campus, make sure to experience everything. Be open to people's ideas. Take a class you don't know anything about. Never again in your life will you be able to explore so many corners. Simply, enjoy the freedom to create youself.

To parents: don't give your kids any opnions on schools or sway their own opinions in any way. Offer support from the background. Your child needs to make this decision on his/her own and be pleased with it. Don't talk about finances - if you child LOVES a school you have to try to make it work with the school. Just let the entire application and selection process be in the hands of your child and offer tons of support along the way. To students: Go on tours of campuses, but don't invest everything in a walk around. Campus life is ALWAYS different than as-advertised on the tour. Soak it all in and picture living there. Choose a school with a million options academically, socially, and physically. When you get to school: don't ignore everyone that tells you "get involved"...and everyone will. You'll hear it at orientation and throughout the first year. Actually do it. Getting involved can mean showing up at a sports event, joining a club, donating blood, attending a program, you name it. DO IT!

To the students: Don't be afraid to dig deep within your own subconscious and find your true aspirations. Find what it is that excites you, what motivates you, and what you feel will be not only a career but a true calling. Then, find a Univeristy or program that suits those needs. Whether it be a school dedicated to your field of interest, or a challenging and exciting environment for you to thrive and flourish in. Don't let the pre-college jitters hinder you. College is great. It is your last "hurrah". You're one true experience where finding who you are is not only allowed, it is nurtured. The people at your school want this for you. For you to strive for excellence, and suceed. Never back down from a challenge. And find happiness on your path, where ever it may lie. To the parents: Help your children find what it is they love. Nurture whatever dreams they have regardless of scope or scale. Let them find what they love and try and achieve it. Help then in anyway you can. Support their dreams and aspirations. And everything else will fall into place.

I think the most important piece of advice for parents and students looking for the right college is to make sure the college is the right size. It may sound trivial., but if a new student is intimidated by the size of the campus and the number of other students, it makes it that much harder to find a place to fit in. Students should be comfortable and feel at home at their school, because they will be there for a while. Once having settled on a school, it is vital to get out there and meet people. There is nothing worse than feeling alone and having no friends at a new school. I know a lot of people say this, but speaking from experience, its true that there are always other people looking for friends too. Sometimes the easiest way to meet someone is just to sit next to them in class or in the dining halls and start a conversation. Most people are friendly. A good group of friends and acquaintences really makes your college experience a good one.

I know this isn't what most people say, but for me it worked out fine. I chose the school that was least expensive because I knew that I wouldn't want to be in debt for the next 40 years of my life. Although cost is always a deciding factor at least of me, I also chose a school that I knew had things that I was involved with in High School or that I knew interested me in general. It was really important that I found people with my common interests. That's the one thing that I advise anyone to do. Find a school that you feel you can fit into.