University of Massachusetts-Amherst Top Questions

Find a school where you feel like home. I've transfered 3 times now and found my niche. Make sure you find yours.

Choose the school that best fit you. Not the school that u think your parents might want you to go to. But one that will provide you with the best equipement that you will need gor your major.

My advice is to choose a college/university with a campus. Having a campus, in my opinion allows students to make more friends, focus on their education and complete their schooling at one college/university. Having a campus allows the students to feel like a community. When you are walking to class you almost feel like you are walking through your own neighborhood. You feel safe, secure and have a sense of accomplishment as you walk past the residential area you lived in freshmen year, the library that you have pulled all nighters at and the building where you had your first lecture.

It is important to know if you want a big school or a smaller school. Big schools always have a lot going on socially as well as with athletics and clubs. They also tend to offer many options for choosing a major if you are unsure. Smaller schools (if they have a good reputation) may be a better choice academically because they can offer more individual attention. However, the college experience may not be as dynamic as if you attended a big school. There are less people to meet and less chance for spontanaeity.

If you are financially able go to the school you FEEL you belong at., go there. Follow your gut feeling because chances are you will be the most happy at the school. However, college is fun, no matter where you go. If you end up at a large school join a club, organization or team to meet people with similar interests. Chances are you will meet some of your best friends there.

Kids should def visit the college before they choose to attend. Also, to get some REAL advice just ask a random student a question while walking through campus. They orientations that are set up are propoganda. Also, check the list of degrees offered at the university. If your son/daughter is looking for something special make sure the school offers it. Thank you.

The most important factor in finidng the right fit in a college is where you will be socially well off. When you vist colleges make sure you feel welcomed into the college community there. These will be the best four years of your life! This will make sure you will have lots of great stories and memories to tell for the rest of your life.

Finding the right college isn't about statistics or reputation. It's about finding a place that you fit into - a place where you can feel comfortable and relaxed yet get a quality education. College isn't just about learning, it's about growing. The friends you make in college are amazing, and they will probably be the closest friends you could ever make. When you're in college, you should do things you never thought you would do, because now is the time to do it. Whether it be taking a dance class or taking an art class when you're a science major - college opens up a world of opportunities. College, basically, is all about taking chances and not regretting them.

My best advice that I can give a parent or student trying to make the decision of which college to attend would be the following. When you get to a school, you won't have that "ah ha" moment, when you recognize you are at your future alma matter. It's best to take the good with the bad and in doing so sit back and ask yourself "Can I be a student here?" Also it's important to be practical. What type of person are you? Big school, small school? Close to home, far from mom? Finally, can we afford this, and if we can't how can we pay for it, and is it worth that struggle? At the end of the day....pray on it.

Visit the campus! Getting a feel and a "vibe" from the campus is, in my opinion, the number one way to find if you will enjoy and fit in at that college. Take advantage! Colleges and universities have so much to offer. Find out what the school offers and pick a few activities to get involved with. There are so many opportunities that it is absurd not to at least get involved somewhere. Love where you are! College is a special time that only last 4 years (okay, sometimes a little more). But no matter how long it is, you never get that time back, so don't be miserable. If you don't feel like you fit in, find a place where you do. Most of the time you just haven't looked in all the right places. Have fun! For parents, listen to your child. Do not pressure them to make a decision they are not comfortable with. And besides, if they are not into it, it will only be wasted time and money. So make sure the student likes the school and have the opportunity to take advantage of what the school offers inside & outside the classroom.