University of Massachusetts-Lowell Top Questions

I would tell myself not to stress out about living with roommates, or sharing a bathroom. Remind myself that friends are easy to make and every one os in the same situation as I am, everyone is nervous and no one knows what to expect. I would tell myself to relax, have fun, get involved, meet new people, and do things I never would have tried in high school. You can be a whole new person of you want when you come to college, embrace the adventure and take full advantage of all that is offered.

If i could go back in time, I would tell myself that college is hard work. You need to devote a lot of time and energy to the work. I would also tell myself to get really good time management and take advantage of professors office hours. The library and coffee will be your best friends in college. It is hard work but it is worth the work.

College is a very big change for most teenage students. It marks the end of childhood, and the beginning of independence. Starting a college career can be a new, exciting, and sometimes daunting experience. There are seemingly endless questions that arise for both students and parents-all very important when considering what college to attend. It would be impossible to give the perfect advice on how to make it in the college world, but I can at least impart some of the most important things I have learned so far. The most important thing that must be considered is your FINANCIAL situation. Many students fail to comprehend just how expensive college can be, and worry more about he nice scenery, location, or social life associated with the school. But all students, ( especially those going in with undeclared majors ) should be careful on how much debt they accumulate for there undergraduate degree. College is a time to learn and grow, with the goal being to emerge a valuable, contributing member to society. So make sure, before you apply to an expensive school, you know what your goals are, and what you plan on getting out of your college experience.

My advice that I would give to both parents and students about finding the right college and making the most out of the college experience is to research, research, research!! First select the particular schools that are known for excellence in the field of study that the student is interested in pursuing, and once you have a list of those schools, the parent and student should thouroughly research in depth about what the school is all about and what it has to offer the student. Once this is completed the parent and student should make arrangements to visit the college campuses that intrigue the student the most. When visiting the campus you should take a campus tour, check out the dormotories and the cafeteria, talk to other students already attending the college, talk to professors, find out what extracurricular activities and clubs are available, and simply ask a million questions! Ask everything you would like to know about that college in order to compare it with the others you visit. Follow these steps and you are insuring that you have all the information to pick the right college and make the most out of your college experience. : )

I would encourage students and parents to research colleges and universities to find the best match academically as well as socially. I would also recommend that students look closer at state colleges and universities as the cost of attendance for higher education these days is soaring. Many state schools, such as mine, offer a fantastic curriculum and opportunities for the future.

With the current condition of the our economy I would first tell parents and students to take a good look at the other options that are out there. Trade, vocational schools, or community college may be a better fit for some peoples personalities and desires rather than attending a four-year university. Also the cost of these schools may fit their budgets because the cost of a university today is a big undertaking. If one does decide to attend a four -year college I would suggest looking at schools that offers a wide variety of majors and programs because more often than not you change your mind and become interested in other areas of study over the course of four years. I found myself changing my major twice, but I am now content with Political Science. Size, location, and the value of your money are always three key factos, it is important to choose wisely. Meet new people you may not have been friends with before. Get involved with activites on your campus and try something new. Keep an open mind to your new world and have fun but stay focused on your goals. Knowledge is power.

take your time. find a college close by that what your intersted in.

Do plenty of reasearch before you decide on a college. There are many factors that contribute to a good student/college pairing such as the surrounding environment (city/town/rural), type of programs offered, general campus ideology (conservative/liberal), campus gender (all female/all male/coed), local prospective employers, or even proximity to places of interest. By choosing a college wisely, you are preparing yourself for a successful college career.

Don't declare a major right away. Instead, start with your general education requirements, and choose electives that concern subjects you might wish to know more about. When I first began my college career I was convinced I wanted to get a dual degree in French and Spanish, and to make myself marketable, a minor in business management. I soon came to realize that the language program at my school was less than ideal and that I was no businessman, but the real reason I switched out of that major and into history was this job I got in Salem, Mass. giving tours of a Witch Museum. I fell into it by accident, but I have always been interested in history and I just needed a little time to figure out that's what I wanted to do. I plan to go on to grad school for journalism, and I've never regretted my choice.

Go for the shool that meets your need AND wants. Also don't be afraid of traveling a little ways from home because you will do so much better socially if home isnt two seconds away. Don't settle for a school because thats all youll think about the whole 4 years your there and it will effect you academically and socially and hurt your college experience which I think for me has been the most amazing/best learning experience of my life.