University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Top Questions

I think making the choice for college should be based on a variety of things. For me, money was a big issue. I couldn't go to a private college since they were really expensive. I also took into consideration the fact that I am independent, but didnt want to move really far away from home. I would miss my family too much. I like Minnesota as well, although the winters are very cold. Another reason why I picked coming here is because I wanted to look into becoming an architect, and the U was the only MN school that offered it. Alot of things affect the what school you go to, just prioritze the things that matter most. As for your college experience, just meet people. The more people you meet, the more likely you land yourself some really good friends and you will get to do what you wanna do. If you like to party, you are likely to find those people. And if you like something different, that is mostly here too. Just look. With such a big school, you are bound to find somewhere to fit.

Parents: Let your kids select the school they believe will be right for them. This is one of the first times in their lives where they get to figure out everything on their own. This should start with the selection of the school. Students: Be wise in your selection of school. Make sure you take into account the quality of the faculty and campus, the size of the student body, and most importantly, how much each university costs. You're looking to get the best education for the best value. Also, I would recommend finding out how active the campus social life is. Nobody likes to be bored on the weekends.

Figure out what you want out of your college experience FIRST before you make any decisions. How important is your education? How important is socialization? How important is class size? How important is your job competitiveness when you are done? Do you want to pursue a professional degree when you are done? Consider these things and write them down. When researching schools or attending college tours, keep these in mind. Also, do what you love. Just because someone says you need to volunteer or do research to get anywhere, don't do it unless you have a passion for it. I found people who did things "just because" often lost themselves and their motivation. So keep it real and find what you are passionate about and your experience, no matter what college you choose, will be that much more fulfilling. Finally, don't get into the freshman rut. Your grades that first year are critical to keeping your GPA high. It may be difficult at first but don't give up. I promise it will get easier once you get the hang of it.

I think it is really difficult for students to choose the college that they will be most successful at. Ultimately academics is the focus and drive for most descions, but I also think that many students are concerned about the social aspect of their college experience. It is not good to weigh one above the other necessarily, but to hopefully come to the point where you have a college you feel you will be academically successful at, but also be able to enjoy the years that you spend there. Its also important to realize that college isn't easy, and you will more than likely come to a point where you don't feel like you have it in you, but it is essential to just pull through and stick with it. A college degree is so valuable in society today and in the work force. A college degree costs a lot of money, and takes a lot of time, effort and energy, but it is so valuable.

Take into account the area around the campus as well as the campus. Make sure that area fits the student's personality, as well. Also make sure options exist, because students frequently change majors, outlooks on life, and future plans. For example, I thought I would live in a dorm all four years, but my roommates and I could not handle not having a kitchen, so now we live off campus. I was lucky there were options to change this, as were all the students who attend my college that change majors--it's a large school, so there are plenty to choose from. Lastly, make sure new and exciting cultural opportunities exist. What better time to first experience these than when one is young and free?

When visiting prospective college campuses try to talk to students and not just the student tour guide about campus food, the financial aid, student-faculty relations, and graduate job placement. Also, be sure to check out such websites such as ratemyprofessor.com or pick-a-proff.com to see how students rate the professors at certain campuses. As for making the most out of a college experience be sure to get involved! Join a student group or organization, volunteer, or participate in sports or other extracurricular activities. Knowing and befriending upper-classmen can be extremely helpful in your college survival because they can provide you with the in's and out's that they've learned. Also, if you didn't have to study very much in high school in order to earn good grades, you better learn how to study now because that first midterm is going to be your rude awakening. However, don't forget to enjoy the weekends!

Don't follow what your friends do. Everyone has a college the is right for them and is specific to their needs. Do what feels right and be sure to visit the campus.

I think that it is very important to tour the school. Without touring the school you don't really get a good idea of what that school is like: the atmosphere, the students, the hangouts. Touring really helps the students feel like she/he's a part of the school. When i first toured the University of Minnesota i felt like i instantly belonged there and I knew that was the school for me. Another piece of advice i can offer is to tour the school more than once. The second time I toured, I talked to the heads of departments, I talked to advisors and teachers. I wanted to make sure that the school offered exactly what i wanted. Speaking a variety of different people at the college of your choice helps you get an inside view and a sneek peek of what you'll be a part of. I think this is important becuase, on your first day you wont be so lost and confused. You will feel so much more confident and sure about yourself and your decision. I really believe that touring multiple times is what helped me most at the Univerity of Minnesota.

Dont ever let other people sway your decision of where to go to college. The goal of college is to meet new people and make new friends. Choose a school that is great for your major and if you dont know what you want your major to be, pick the school that you feel connected to. Don't go to a school with the intentions of transferring because the best college experiences are the ones where students completely immerse themselves in the school and the community and make it there homes for four years. Don't let boyfriends, girlfriends, home sickness or anything else take away from your experience. Get involved with things on campus, go to sporting events, talk with your professors; just really make the school your home.

Look at the advisers...make sure they see past your student's GPA...if not, then they could care less for them