University of North Carolina at Charlotte Top Questions

My advice to those parents and students finding a college is: 1) Consider yourself. You know what you want, choose a college that BEST suits you, NOT anyone else. 2) Consider others. Other people are not like you, so you will have to be willing to adapt to other peoples' cultures, especially if you are going to a diverse school.

go to advisors and meet with people, they know what they are doing and are there to help, I really wish I had taken advantage.

Make sure you know that it is right for you. Dont just choose because of what your friends say about it or because you like the mascot. Make sure to look at GPA and other scholastic views as well.

In order to have the best college experience, not only does a student have to find a school that supports and encourages them in their academic endeavours, but also who they are as an individual. If someone flourishes in an environment that is deeply rooted in a certain religious affliliation, then they would benefit from going to a school that offered that - the same goes for a student who needs a very diverse campus make-up in order to reach their highest creative potential. Another important thing is being careful your freshman year. Many students come to school and, because it's the first time away from their parents, they go crazy and their social life encompasses all of their time. It's important to see what your balance is so that you can accomplish what you're paying to do here, while still maintaining a healthy social life because both are very important to success. One last point is to make use of your school's resources - counseling, tutoring, career centers, resident advisors - all are here to aid you and many students don't think to tap into them.

The most important thing is to find a school where you just feel like you belong. You can go somewhere that is the best for your major and feel very uncomfortable and do poorly. I chose UNC Charlotte because the campus is beautiful and I felt at home here. I would also say to try and plan as much as possible. It is very important to beat deadlines, especially at a large university. Work with the faculty and staff and your advisors to make your college experience the best it can be while maintaining focus on the task at hand. The last and most important piece of advice is to go to class and study. It is extremely important to learn good study skills in high school. I never studied in high school and graduated with a 4.7 gpa, but in college you have got to study to do well.

Do a lot of research and visit as many schools as possible. Make sure the student knows the programs they are interested in and the differences between them. Make decisions not just on the education, but the environment around the school. Look at the city life (rural, urban, suburban depending on preference.) population, and proximity to shops and off campus activities . Things to look at for first time college students: walkability, exciting campus life, the meal plan food options/quality. You want all the normal day-to-day things the student is used to, to be an easy transition, but new and provide independence.

I would advise parents and students to visit the college...not just for a day, but for a week, to get a feel for the campus and college environment. In order to make the most of your college experience, you have to utilize everything that is offered to you - leave no stone unturned.

Make sure that your child undrestands the importance of choosing a schedule that they can adhere to. I see many students choose lots of classes but don't attend. that is just wasting money. Also, chose a college that is going to prepare you for real life job situations--make sure there are plenty of opportunities for interships. A career center on campus usually makes sure that students have the best opportunity to be placed with a company within the field that they studied for. Good luck searching. and Stay focused.

The best advice I can give involves two things. First, a prospective student should definitely visit the school campus. So much of feeling you belong and realizing where you want to be has to do with physical presence. I definitely crossed several colleges off of my list just by visiting their campus and feeling it was not quite right for me. Secondly, I'd advise students and parents to talk to people who already attend the school. See what they think about it and whether they would recommend it. Make sure the things they value are the same things you value in a school. And, finally, I'd just end by saying, your choice doesn't have to be permanent. I know it's a lot of pressure to make a decision and pick a college, but half of the people I knew were transfer students. If you make a choice that you end up regretting, find somewhere else. You'll be a lot happier in the long run if you do.

First, I would advise the parents to stay completely active in your child's life while they are in college. It is a good opportunity to become more of a friend or mentor to your child and the relationship between you two will grow into something beautiful. No longer should you tell your child what they can or can't do, and begin to give them advise and tell them your experiences in an honest manor. As for students, I would advise you to not take this experience for granted because you will regret it highly later in life. Be thankful for the experience that is being given to you. Take it and run with it, and don't stop until you get to the top.