University of North Carolina at Greensboro Top Questions

Really do your homework when it comes to looking for schools. Pick one based on what you want to major in, not because it's where your friends are going. When visiting a school, go when a tour is scheduled, but then go back with a parent or by yourself so that you can see the campus without a group and a guide telling you where to go. Your first week there is going to be scary. It's a big adjustment and a culture shock for a lot of people. But remember that there are people on campus feeling the exact same way you are. When you go to classes that first week, the teacher will more than likely tell you to find someone to buddy up with to get notes from if you miss a day. This is the easiest and fastest way to make friends. Just because it's college doesn't mean that everyone is looking down on you for being a freshman. It's not like high school where you can look at someone and automatically pick a freshman out. No one knows what year you are until you tell them. And just have fun.

The best advice that I can give to parents is to allow your future college student to pick his or her own school to attend. It is not your choice, it is your child's choice because if your child goes to a school just because they know that 's the school that you wanted them to attend, there is strong possibility that your child will not be happy at that particular school. As for the students, I believe that the best thing for you to do is visit all of the schools that you have applied to in order to get a feel of how that school is. During the tour of the school, make sure you ask a lot of questions pertaining to the sizes of the classes, social life, and financial aid, all of these questions are important for you to pick the right school for you. You also want to ask how many students actually attends that school because the size of the school will make a difference in your academic success.

Make sure to do your research. Not only that but actully go visit the school. It also helps to have a major in mind but if you dont know its ok because I keep changing mine. Think about location and if you feel you can handle being a long way from home or close to home. Also, get involved with activities or clubs at school it will help you make friends and connections.

My advise would be to make sure the student likes the atmosphere the campus presents not where their friends are going or the parties the college student presents but that you have a place to look forward to when he/she comes from home. The awareness that all the educational programs that you want to be apart of are offered at the college and any extracurricular activities you would like to committ yourself to are available. To have the best college experience would be to know that time means so much more when you get here and take all opportunities to know about everything because its the only place in the world that you can learn values and various cultural identities without having to go some place else. Make sure the student knows themselves when they get because finding that there is so much more out there and coming to college without the self awareness will leave you lost. This is not a place to find yourself, your experience should be to come here and build on your character it's all about YOU and YOUR life. This is an experience to learn life and make something of it.

Don't let anyone or anything tell you you can't do something. Money shouldn't be an issue because there are so many scholarships, grants and loans out there. Find the college that feels like home in your heart and embrace it. Find one that offers courses that will help you get where you want to go. Look on the websites, brochures and take campus tours to not only see the facilities, but also look for the campus activities, the student life outside classes. Choose a college that will be comfortable to you but also challenge you at the same time. Choose one that encourages a social life as well as academic success. Make the most of it by not being afraid. Take chances. Make new friends. Go to the library at least once. Do things that you've never done before. Join a club sport or be a group exercise instructor. Don't feel confined in the norms of college life. While it is expected to graduate in 4 years, don't rush yourself. Of course, you should always do your best to succeed, but don't overwhelm yourself. Stress does not look good on young college students.

Good luck

good research, not only academically but also for the town, extra curricular activities and the college sports.

Tour lots of schools and evaluate the pros and cons of each. Don't base your decision on one or two factors. Students, get involved early on and make a good effort to meet lots of different people.

The best advice I will give parents and student about finding the right college is make sure that you find everything about the school you like to attend. Try to go to the school that has to do with what you want to become in life. Don't go to a school just because your friend wants to go. Reseach the school very well.

My advice to parents when guiding their children towards college is to let your teenager make this decision for him/herself. Give them advice, set boundaries if neccessary (ex: price), but this is the time in their lives to hand over the reigns. Your child, as scary as it sounds, is now expected to be a fully functioning adult by the university - the truth of that assumption may be disputable, nevertheless, it should be a decision that feels right for him/her. To the future university students I would advise them to never rule out one of your top choices before visiting the campus, the name isn't everything, and to take the path less traveled. It is impossible to get the feeling of a campus froma website. If you get in, it is at least worth taking a peek at. Also, the name of your school isn't as important as you may think. Sure - basketball trophies, bowl titles, and famous graduates are factors in what makes up a university - but just because a school isn't as well known doesn't mean that it should be ignored. Finally, don't pick a school because your friends did.