University of Oregon Top Questions

I would say that you need to do research and make the actual physical visit to the school not just look at the school website. Know the important things from the school you want to have an experience with. Study abroad, greek life, what the schools strong majors are etc.

Make sure the students are able to visit the school, so they can get a feel for the school!

I think that it is important to visit the colleges you are applying to to make sure that you enjoy the atmosphere of the campus. I would also encourage students to spend their first year in the dorms to establish new friendships as well as being on-campus for the various activities. I chose not to stay in the dorms my freshman year because they were so expensive and I stayed in town to go to college. I think it would have helped me to create new frienships and get me involved in the college life style.

Pick a college that you are going to feel comfortable at. Diversity is important, but there are going to be very few schools that are truly as diverse as they claim. Finding a college with people that are like minded is important. For example, I made the mistake of going to a politically charged school when talking about politics in public settings makes me uncomfortable. Try to find a good, well rounded school instead of a great specialized school. Unless you are one of very few people, your major will change. It is easier, and more beneficial to you, to be able to switch from one great department to another great department. Again, this was one I learned through experience. I started as a music student but changed to math, and it was just luck (and a well rounded school) that both departments were excellent. When you get to college, try different activities. This is the only time in your life where experimentation with classes and hobbies will be encouraged. Take advantage of that, because you never know if that new rock climbing class will change your world. And if it doesn't? You wasted nothing in trying.

First off I think that visiting your campus choises is very important, that way you have a feeling of if you fit in and click witht the school/ campus. To me that is what won me over I felt like I belonged. Another important thing to do is make sure the colleges you are looking into offer a wide variety of majors and programs you are interested in, just incase you decide to change majors and you really don't want to transfer. The best thing I did my freshman year was living in the dorms. I wouldn't have done it any other way becasue it was a much easier transition. I was able to meet tons of people, and the majority of them were freshman also and dealing with the same things I was, such as being homesick. I didn't have to worry about making food or cleaning the bathrooms and such it was a easier that way becasue I was able to focus more on homework and getting enough sleep. Time management was the hardest thing I had to learn, study first play later, the most important advice I recieved and try to not skip classes.

Choose one that has the majors you are interested in, one that you would feel comfortable in, one that has clubs and sports you like, one that has the right saze that you feel comfortable in, one that is either close or far from family, one that you want not where your friends are going, and one that you can see yourself having a good time at. Have fun, go to class, get your work done, hang out with friends. College is the only time where your only responisbilies are to get good grades and have fun. Your job is to find who you are and who you want to be.

Make sure you are in a place that supports your needs- your ability to interact with nature- find the people and resources that fit you and your style- make sure you dont end up insulated and isolated in a place that doesn't suit you. Pay attention to the surroundings and general atmosphere on campus before you start to rank the programs.

Pick a college with an atmosphere that makes you happy!

Tour multiple campuses. Which one FEELS right? Make sure to tour the surrounding city, too. Make sure there is available housing and job locations. For me, I toured a couple schools and the one I chose was the one with the right city for me, and the right vibe on campus. You will be there everyday for years, so make sure you are comfortable and really, REALLY like it before picking it.

Be prepared to be somewhere unlike any other.