University of Washington-Seattle Campus Top Questions

The biggest thing for me when choosing a collage was that I was caught up in senior year and my friends, instead of paying attention to what I really wanted and maybe needed in a collage. So I didn't look into schools as well as I should have. Although I was lucky and fell in love with the school I am attending, I wish I hadn't taken the easy way out and I wish I would have really reached for the stars and pushed myself to really find the school I knew I wanted to be a part of. So in retrospect and as some advice to those searching for the right collage, make sure you are looking into a school for all the right reasons, don't let friends or money restriction or athletics influence you on where you truly want to pend the next four or five years of your life and aquire your higher education.

When looking for the right college, it is important to make sure you know what it is you want out of a school. Look at all aspects of the college- the location, cost, resources available, academics, extracurriculars, etc. It is also important to visit the school before you make your final decision. College is a time to grow both academically and personally, a time where you really get to know who you are and what you want out of life, so you want to make sure you choose the school that will best help you achieve your goals. In order to make the most of the college experience, don't be afraid! Get involved, meet new people, try new things. There are so many amazing opportunities available to you in college. You'll discover who you are and where you're going in life, while making memories and friends that'll last a lifetime. College is all about new experiences and learning, both inside and outside of the classroom, so don't hold back- go out and have fun!

Be sure to talk to people at each school in the program you intend to enter. Parents, let the student make the final decision, but students listen to your parents advice. You make your own expierence. Go to school with an open mind. Invest in your experence, get involved.

The right college to choose is hard, I knew I was going to the UW after a few visits to other colleges, I loved the campus along with rave reviews about academics I choose UW as my first pick. As for making the most of college, get involved, I am the president of a fraternity now, and love it. Get onto some IMA teams, football, basketball and get involved in some clubs that interest you. Also, look for research opportunities, the UW has a great deal of research internships and I'm starting one this winter. The more involved you are, the more people you meet and the more fun college is, don't forget to study enough to do well in all your classes and don't forget that "all work and no play makes jack a dull boy", so make sure you get your partying in too. The last thing I'll say is: The UW is amazing, great gym, football fields, tennis courts, extra curricular activities, classes, study tools and study centers, great people, and in a great city.

Think about what size of school you would feel most comfortable in. The University of Washington has over 30,000 students which isn't for everyone, although I loved it. Other school are like a little community and everyone knows everyone else. Also look at the surrounding areas and where you might want to live off campus during your junior/senior years.

Research the college before you apply.

Don't sweat it, take your time but start early. It doens't have to be a stressful experience. As for the college experience as a whole, find your people, find your passion and pursue it with all the vigor you can muster.

Searching for the college that fits your needs best can be a very difficult process. From personal experience, the most effective way to find a great college was a three step process. First, write down a list of three or more priorities that you deem necessary in whichever college you will attend. Second, visit several colleges that you believe might be a good fit for you. Third, look at your list, and compare it with your experience on your visit. Don't go just off the list; also really listen to your gut feeling that gives you a good or bad feeling about the college. For example, my top priorities when selecting a college was to find a four year university close to home, with a great business program, and a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. I found a school that fit my needs at the time, and today I am still very satisified with my choice. My advise to parents - don't push your son/daughter to go to a college or location in the country that they aren't fully interested in. Their college choice should be completely independent of your influence.

Get involved on campus in what ever way you find interesting. Be willing to look outside of your comfort zone, you might find friends who will be there for life. Know your professors and never be too afraid to ask questions, even if they may seem out of place. Volunteer or work close to campus to stay connected!

Where do you want to be in the next few years? Do you like the surroundings of the campus of your choice? Have you looked into all of their financial aid options? If you have a major in mind, what is the national or international ranking of that program?