University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Top Questions

Dear student, this is your life. College is your first big chance to step out and make a difference in this world. With this in mind, choose your school based on who you want to become. Not on who you are now or what your best friends want to do. The sooner you start thinking about your post college "real world" plans, the more you will get out of your years spent in college. If you approach college in this way, get ready to be blown away by the discovery of what you are truly capable of accomplishing. Dear parents, at this point in time, you have probably done all you can do. You must let go of your little one, trust that you have raised your son/daughter as best as you were capable of doing, and brace yourself as you watch your child mature from a self absorbed teen to a contributing citizen of our Nation and our ever shrinking world.

Know all the expenses associated with attendance!

My advice would be to go to the best school you can, do not settle. Even if you need to take out loans, do it! Your education is worth it. To make the most of your college experience is to meet new people and get involved every way you can.

Make sure the school is what you want to live in for the next few years. Also that the school is prestigous, but allows for a balanced life.

Don't choose a college based solely on acedemics. That is definitely the most important thing to consider, but you also should look for a school at which you will actually enjoy yourself. You should also choose a school that seems to fit your personality and beliefs.

Start early with your college search. It's the next chapter in your life. Apply to your dream college and work hard on your applications. Do your research on the colleges to which you apply, and be sure to visit each college's campus to get a taste of what it is like. If you love how it feels, then don't let it slip out of your grasp. Follow your dreams no matter what. Get involved on campus and make the most out of your college experience. The years will fly by, so be sure to make them some of the best of your life. Join clubs, play sports, and be sure to get out of your dorm room. Most importantly, enjoy every second of your time at college.

Go where it feels right. It's important to weigh pro's and con's against your goals, values, and personal style (lifestyle etc.). In order to make the most of the college experience, it is important to do what you are passionate about. Take classes that interest you, and befriend professors or other students who inspire you. Don't be discouraged. Life on campus can get tough, but it will strengthen you as a person, and the lessons learned in these years will shape the way you view life for the rest of it.

The only way to know if you will like a college is to experience it, both academically and socially. Do not hide and fade into the walls, be a strong presence in your own education.

When deciding on the right college, ALWAYS visit the campus and meet some of the students. What looks good on paper may not be the best fit for you. Go through the college website and look for classes, clubs, and activities. If you see lots you get excited about, look a little closer at the school. As for making the most of your college experience, I have developed my own mantra: "Work hard, play hard". Through mastering this balance, I was able to become both a good student and a happy human being. Working hard definitely comes first. There's no point in going to any college if you're just going to party away your tuition. College requires enough self-discipline to prioritize your work load and perhaps stay in on a Friday night. Playing hard, however, is just as important. College can be extremely stressful and you need to make sure you have a fun balance so that you don't go crazy. Get a group of friends together and go do something totally new. Never be afraid to walk up to new people. College is the perfect time to make a bit of a fool of yourself.

My advice would be to attend the college that you feel the most comfortable at. Do not go to a college simply because that is where all of your friends are going or that is where your parents went to school. You should go to the place that will supply you with the resources and opportunities that fit your life goals. Also, I would highly recommend getting involved in campus groups. There are so many different clubs, societies, and organizations to fit every person's hobbies and passions. These groups will allow you to create a smaller community within your college community and could possibly give you the opportunity to obtain leadership experience. These skills will actually make you a better candidate once you start applying for jobs and internships. Another piece of advice would be to meet new people and make some new friends when you go to college. It is okay to keep your old friends, but it is very important to branch out in order to get ther full college experience. Overall, you need to find someplace that you feel you can call home and really develope yourself as an individual.