University of Washington-Seattle Campus Top Questions

Choosing the right college is very important decision in a person's life because college is the first step to a new independent life. It's the time where a student has more choices about what they want out of life and what kind of person they want to be so I would advise students and parents to visit different kinds of schools to see what classes are like. I would also ask the students that attend the school about their experiences because you'll get a more truthful answer about all there is to the college. It would give you information that you cannot find out from reading a brochure or talking to a tour guide. The students have first hand experiences of what their college is like so I would definately make sure to ask as many of them as you can to get a good idea of what's good about the school and what's not. It's also important to do a lot of research. Make sure to look into every possible worry you would have about college like tuition, dorms, the teachers, the students, the programs, and the size of the campus.

Parents: The goal of parenting is to raise your child until he or she is old enough and responsible enought to raise him or herself. Guide your child's decisions; don't dictate his or her life. Students: There's having fun and there's having responsible fun. Fun will leave you with hangovers and a downwards spiraling GPA. Responsible fun will give you great memories, friends, and a strong education to help jumpstart your career. There isn't a right or wrong choice. Your college experience depends on the decisions you make.

Find a college that provides a good balance between all of the "elements" that are part of a college experience. Academics are obviously the main priority but finding a university that provides both the academics and an outlet for the student to escape from their schoolwork is vital. Someone who likes the city might want to attend the University of Washington-Seattle because of the night life and the abundance of entertainment and activity that goes along with that type of busy lifestyle. But another might prefer a smaller setting such as Western Washington University where the campus is surrounded by scenic areas and a closer-knit community. Either way, I believe that to make the most out of the college experience you must approach it with an open mind. College is a time where you will meet and interact with a plethora of people of all ethnicities, of which many may become life-long friends. It is a time to step outside of your comfort zone and begin to grow and mature as your own person. But most of all, just have fun with everything you do. For many people, they only get one college experience.

According to my personal experiences in finding my college, I found it is crucial to attend a college that you truthfully like because it will significantly help you do pursue your academic performance at your best. My first advice is to search for the college that you are considering online or throughout any means to get the most information about it. After a thorough research, take as many field trips as possible to that college to have a real experience about it. This helps a lot to decide whether you actually like it or not. Talk to your counselor about it and ask him for his advices. Finally, if you truly like it, go for it. I wish you all luck in finding your right college.

Visit the campus before you decide to attend and sit through a class to get the feel of how things are because it's all pretty much the same with little variations depending on subject and level of class.

Use your connections. If you have friends or family that attend universities, use that to your advantage. Stay the weekend with them, and if possible, sit in on classes and observe how things work. Make sure to talk to advisors at the schools, and especially do the tours or previews if possible, because it give you a much more in depth view of the school than a website ever could. Remember that this isn't high school anymore. Every class you take is money out of YOUR pocket, and if you waste it, it goes right down the drain; and second chances cost just as much as the first. Even so, this is your chance to branch out and become the person you want to be. Find clubs, groups, and friends that interest you and run with them, because college is the biggest, best, and easiest networking tool there is. Most of all, enjoy it! School can be rough, but you have to keep positive and remember that finals end, papers get finished, and life goes on.

Finding the right college is not hard but not easy either. I think it is very important to students to know which field they are interested in. I want to tell students that "please don't worry about paying for college" It is better to go pay more to go to the school you want then pay less money to go to school that you don't really like. There are always ways to pay for college. Therefore money should be your last priority to think about. Also, don't ever be shy, talk to your floor if you live in dorm and make lots friends in your freshman year. Also, It is great to be involved with any one club you wanted to be in or play varsity sports. Basically "Always be Active!"

Start early and use the summer because college aplications are an AP class that can overwhelm any student and parent. Don't settle, find the school that has all the qualities you want and always email counselors with questions.

Visit schools after you have been accepted. There is no need to spend all that money to visit before you have even been accepted. When you visit, you will know which school is right for you the minute you step on campus. It's just a feeling.

I suggest to find a place where you can feel comfortable to be in a new place, be aware of the resources and open yourself up to every club, group, activitiy, friend, place experience you can. Stay positive, eat fruit, drink water, and run.