University of Washington-Seattle Campus Top Questions

Finding the right college can seem overwhelming and...it is. There are so many choices: instate or out-of-state? private or public? co-ed or all one gender? And, more often than not, you change your mind. Originally, I wanted to attend an out-of-state private school. It was always my dream to go somewhere else and experience new things in a new place. However, when it actually got down to picking what schools to apply to, I had to rethink my choices. There was one school i really loved but tuition was extremely expensive and, being out-of-state, I also had to take into consideration airfare and if there were any other expenses that applied because I wasn't instate. I knew I wouldn't be able to afford going there and, as much as I didn't want to, I ended up not applying. Instead, I stuck to schools I knew I could realistically afford that also interested me. The school I go to now is the opposite of what I thought I wanted - it's a huge public school 45 minutes away from my house and...I love it. Keep an open mind.

Visiting the college(s) you intend to attend is the number one thing you need to do in making a good choice. Getting info from counselors, advisors and students who currently attend will help enhance your visit and aid in your decision-making process. As for the college experience itself, becoming actively involved in some sort of club or activity that fits within your academic or extra-curricular interests is important, especially in a large school (it doesn't hurt in a small school either). The sense of community and belonging you will gain from this is unmatched by anything else you can do.

Each student is unique and there certainly isn't a universal formula for choosing a college. However, the primary advice I would offer a prospective college applicant is to keep options open, stay motivated, and gather as much information as possible. Develop a set of criteria that you value and research how each institution measures up to your expectations. These can be as general as the desire for an urban setting or as specific as the availability of a particular dual-major program. From my own experience, it is essential to take advantage of campus visitation programs. You are choosing your living environment for the next four years and, compared to that, the time and effort of attending such functions is miniscule. You will be suprised how much you can tell about your preference and comfort level for a school merely by walking through its campus and facilities. You'll gain an invaluable, tangible feel for the site and travel costs will quickly pale in comparison to the investment that you will ultimately be making. Try to remember that the effort you put in today will pay off throughout your academic career and you won't look back with regret.

Initially, I sought out colleges with the best program for my major in the nation. I made the mistake of not considering this school was in the middle of nowhere! Thoroughly research your options, remember you have to be happy and comfortable living wherever the school may be located. Also, VISIT, VISIT, VISIT! Applying to a school without seeing it first-hand is like going on a blind-date--it could end in disaster. To make the most of college simply get involved! There are clubs and activities for every interest, and if there's not, create your own! Go to the student activities office and don't be shy. Remember that no matter how many times your parents and older siblings/relatives tell you "college will be over before you know it," that it really, truly does go by quickly and you'll never be as free as you are right now. Live it up, explore you interests and concentrate on finding your major early so you can begin stacking your resume with internship experience from freshman year forward.

I would advise students and their parents to search for a college that maintains a strong academic emphasis on a wide variety of departments. I personally chose my college for its strength in the scientific fields. I was 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure of the area I wanted to persue. In that respect, I was pretty lucky. On the other hand, many of my classmates have struggled to pick a major or have discovered only after beginning to persue one, that it was not for them. This is all too common of a scenario. At the University of Washington there are also strong departments in the liberal and performing arts and social programs. Therefore, if a student felt the urge to switch directions they wouldn't have to feel as though they are now settling for a "lower" program, or at least one that is not a known strength of the school.

To the student: Many children run throughout their life not knowing what direction to go. It is not necessary to know what major you want to go for at the start of college, however it would be wise to take some time and find out where your interest lie as soon as possible. Decide on what is important to you and follow it to the end. This whole University experience thing is a big deal, but it?s not THE deal. It is a launch point for the rest of your life; you know the part in which you try to make a positive difference in the world. Take it seriously and enjoy it; go find love, learn a second language, explore the artist within, and make those lifelong connections that will pull you through in the future. You are now part of a bigger picture and someday you will feel how great it is to know that people can depend on you. To the Parent Don?t spoil the kid, let them live freely, and keep the kid focused.

When searching for the right college, be sure to visit the college campus sites and interact with faculty and students to get an idea of the type of learning atmosphere you'll have. Be sure to find out what student support services are offered, as well as getting the statistics of the success of job placement for graduates. Your college experience is a time for you to expand your knowledge and personal growth. To best make the most of your college experience join clubs, study groups, study based-fraternity/ or sorority in which you'll gain life long friendships while giving back to the community.

visit college campuses in person. once you step onto the campus you'll get a feeling if you know it's right for you or not. talk to current students and ask them about their campus life.. what their first year was like and how they think they're doing now from when they first started. talk to faculty members and sit in on a class. take on every opportunity you can to make your college experience memorable.

When searching for a college or university, I recommend thinking about your top five majors and looking at colleges that have strong programs in those specific majors. Also, consider your learning techniques. If you find that you work better in small classes, in order for you to get a more one on one with a teacher, then you should consider a smaller college opposed to a larger university with lectures containing about 200 students. You also should think about how far you would like to be from home. Some people get homesick and end up doing badly in school because of it. If you are worried about getting to know people, you should contemplate living in a dormitory. They offer a lot of oppurtunities to meet and get to know people in your residence hall. Make sure to enjoy searching for a college right for you. It is a lot of fun, so don't get stressed out about it. Go with your gut, you know yourself better than anyone else. Good luck!

Don't do drugs