University of Northern Colorado Top Questions

When deciding the right college, one of the most important decisions, i think, is the quality of eduction the university offers and whether or not it is well known for the major you are looking to go into. The main reason I chose University of Northern Colorado is because they are one of the top teaching colleges in the United States. I am receiving a great education here and look foward to the business opportunities my degree here will get me, however, I wish the university had a little bit more school spirit. I think it is important to pick a school that you are proud to go to. I also think school spirit helps students to get involved on campus and want to be a part of things. It also makes campus a fun environment and a great place to be. Lastly, I would look at the area the campus is in. Make sure the town or city can provide you with what you need and places that you enjoy going to. It also helps if it looks similar to home, because you can easily get home sick when first going to college.

In the hunt for the best college one must ask themself a three part question. One, what is the college known for when it comes to academics, and programs offered? Two, what is the school known for in the way of its sports program and or social life? Three, based on the frist two answers what so you want to accomplish, not just in school but out of school. Students should take time to research the schools on their own and not just go where everyone else is going. To make the best desions themselves, and not do what others want. To make the most of your college experience just remeber one thing ninety percent of life is just showing up. So show up to your classes, show up to social events around campus, go out with your friends, just live your life to the fullest.

When trying to find the right college, students should definitely make the decision for him or herself. While having input from trusted adults is incredibly valuable, the student is the one who will be spending the next 4 years there. Deciding which college to attend is the first step to a lifelong career, a life that the student must live, and therefore, should be not just satisfied, but very happy!

I would advise parents and students to make several visits to the universities prior to making a decision to make sure the phyiscal enviroment of the school is at least pleasing.

Something that I was told alot when picking a college, was that it is ok if you don't get it right the first time. The first college I picked because everyone else liked it. I wasn't very happy there but put more, focused, effort in picking my school the second time. I am now a student at a college that I didn'te even apply to the first time, and I couldn't be happier with all the experiences I have had here. I don't think I even knew what I was looking for, as a senior in high school.

The most important asset you can bring with you when entering college is confidence along with an open mind for new things. Try things that may be new or different to you and it won't matter where you end up deciding to go because you will be able to make the best out of any situation. Being confident in a new environment is also very helpful. If you can be comfortable with who you are and with what is important to you life in general will be easier for you. Just maintain a positive outlook and really take advantage of this great new experience that you are about to embark on.

Look early... Pay to apply to many places

I think that a smaller school is perfect so you are never late to class, all classes are really close to each other. Make sure you call your children a lot because they start to feel very lonely and ask them about their school work. Be pretty tough on them when it come to grades and remind them that you are paying for this so its not like high school.

The important thing to remember about college is that it's all about preparing for the real world. Parents, let you kids choose their own path and if that path is close to home or off on another country, let your sons and daughters follow it. Don't pick the school with the best football team or the most prestigious background. Your not going to pick your future home on the pro sports team or how prestigious your neighbors are. Smaller schools give you the same quality of education for much cheaper. Students, when you go off to college: experience new things, go out to parties, be responsible, try out for intramural sports, go see huest speakers, listen to new music, engage with people you didn't grow up with. That's what the real world is about. Figuring out how your going to afford what you need, working hard, meeting new people, getting along with colleagues, staying fit, learning new things, experienceing different cultures and ideas... that's the essence of the collegiate experience. When the time comes, pick a school that fits you, and if you can't find one, go with the one that just feels right.

Senior year causes a lot of pressure and is a time when you are making a lot of major decisions. Be sure to apply early so that you can allow yourself enough time to make the best choice. It is best to choose a school that will fit your personal and academic needs. It is not wise to choose a school for solely academic or social reasons because to suceed on a college campus you need to be able to be comfortable in and out of the classroom. It is also beneficial to take a tour of all or most of the schools you apply to. Being on the campus lets you get the feel for if you were an actual student and if you could walk here on a daily basis. Parents should allow their students to take on responsibility but at the same time be willing to help out when the student is overwhelmed. My mother spent a lot of time looking for scholarships and I filled them out. You don't have to do all work but shairng some would really help out the student. It is important that the student and parent work as a team.