University of Massachusetts-Lowell Top Questions

The only advice I have for parents and/or students that are trying to find the right college is to do a lot of research. To make sure that the colleges that are being considered is the right place to go to for whatever major that are considering. Not only that, to make sure that the environment around the campus is the ideal place that you would want to spend most of your time.

Let them explore many options and choose for themselves.

Students should find a college that is right for them, not paticularly where the parents want im or her to go. Finding the right school is very important because if the student is happy, then he or she is more likely to suceed and enjoy their college experience. As for making the most of college, join clubs or a group that the student is interested in. It will introduce him or her to new friends and will bring them closer to the university.

Dont worry about not going to a school with a "big name" go to a school that fits you best. Find somewhere you are comfortable. Make sure the school has the major you want and the resources you need. Don't worry about what others will think. Go to the school that you think will give you the best education and help you reach your goals for the future. It's that simple.

Live on Campus if possible

The most important advice that I would give to students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to find out what you are really looking for a career path or high education, choose the path that fits your preference , and do not go with others views go with your own. Once the projected path is chosen you need to find the college that sticks out for your field of study. Analyze the college and ask yourself "is this college is worth going to?"

To ensure that you will be enrolling into the right college, learn about the school by taking advantage of events such as open-houses and orientations. Also, do your own research by navigating through the school website and asking any people you know who have or are currently attending the institution. If you would like to take it a step further, visit the school on the weekdays and weekend to get an even better insight about what the school is really like. From personal experience, I can say that the student atmosphere compared from the weekdays to the weekend are completely opposite. Once you have enrolled into your college of choice, take full advantage of what the school has to offer. If you like sports, do intramurals. If theater is your pleasure, join the drama club. Since my school is located in a community affected by violence and and a struggling economy, I feel the need to help out in any way possible. Therefore, I volunteer at food shelters and the local YMCA with my communty service based college club. As you can see, the possibilites are endless when it comes to making the most out of your college experience.

I would tell the parents and students to take tours of the school during the regular semester, versus taking the summer tours. You get a better idea of who attends the school and how the students spend their time on the campus. I would also tell the students that they should take advantage of any tutoring programs so they do not get stuck with a bad GPA, your GPA freshman year can set you up for the rest of your college education. Students should also research the professors at the schools to make sure they are accessible and how much they interact with their students. Also, looking into the school's financia aid department and how much financial aid the student would be given over the next four years of their college education.

Don't count out the underdog state school. Most students feel like everyone from their hometown attends the local school, and in a lot of cases it turns them off. Sometimes it's true, but that doesn't diminish the quality of the school. Try to look past it. Also, pay attention to the program you are enrolling in. I know a lot of people who now attend my school that started out at other schools. Some weren't getting the education they were planning on, some just didn't like their first school. Do research and be sure you know what you are getting into in terms of academics, campus life, other students, activities, the works. If you have the chance to spend a night on campus for orientation or otherwise, do it. You can learn a lot about how the school operates. Check out campus dining, recreation, you can ask about what everyone does for fun and places around town, etc. It's a great opportunity to see campus life beyond the standard prospective students tour.

Really look at the school to see what it has to offer you. Feeling comfortable and enjoying the school you go to is extremely important because there is more to colllege than just classes. College is really a life experience, perhaps one of the best experiences in your life. It is also what you make of it. Be active and go to school events.. You pay so much to go to school you might as well take it up on everything it offers you. When you find the right school, you'll know, and don't settle at another school for any reason.