University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Top Questions

I would advice the student to have an open mind about thier major and not be closed minded about changing thier career path. It's important that they go into what they spent time researching and undertand well. I would advice parents to be supportive of whatever major thier child chooses to do. Students with parents that are supportive of thier career tend to have a more relaxed and good college life; which is definitely important and necessary considering the academic stress students are under.

To start the search early and take visits. Find someplace based on what fits your personality the best, no matter where that school is.

Make sure that the climate is one you can handle. If you like palm trees and flip flops, the UofM is not a place you'll survive. Pick a Campus that's big enough for you to be able to meet lots of people, but not so big that you'll feel lost. Live in the dorms your first year-even though the food is horrible, that's where you'll meet your friends and study buddies. GO TO CLASS. You will do better and you won't regret it when, come finals week, you actually know what's going on.

Choose a school with a variety of interesting academic programs because you are very likely to switch majors. Also, make sure that you like the town/city/neighborhood where the school is.

You can ALWAYS transfer. You will definately change your major 2 or 3 times, so don't stress. The most important thing, after your college preferences, is scholarship. Start the process early to avoid the stress.

First of all and most important is to find your career path. It makes the college search so much easier. For me it was a career based in engineering so why not a school known for their engineering department and is so close to technologically based companies that are in downtown minneapolis. If a career path is not decided, then chose a school that will help you with your choice and can give you an opportunity to achieve that choice with out having to transfer. When you are at college, I would encourage you to not emphasize on school too much. A good college experience is not only about the classes and grades but also what you get involved in and those people that you will be friends with the rest of your life.

not in particular

make sure that you take into the financial situation. don't go to a school because it's private or because it's cool. make sure it's for the right reasons. Save money! if need be transfer to a four year school to save money. but do the research first! some programs are a strich four year program so it wouldn't make a difference if you went to a small school previously for generals.

Pick a college where YOU want to go. Don't be persuaded by where the "crowd" is going. Take classes you've always wanted to take and don't let anyone tell you what to take or do.

Make new friends by living in on-campus dorms your first year.