University of Washington-Seattle Campus Top Questions

I would advise students to take a tour of as many potential colleges as possible, and to keep in mind what specific things they are looking for in their college while visiting. I would also suggest that students live on campus their freshman year, because I feel that that is how you start meeting other students and developing friendships. These are both things I did not do when I applied for college, and I regret now.

For parents, the best advice I can give for parents is that parents need to support their kids, but let them drive the process since it's students' college search, not their own. However, parents still need to support their students in looking for the best environment where he or she will succeed. Whether students' choices are a community collge, state school, liberal arts school or Ivy league, parents need to dedicate their lives to find ways to support students for their successful journey. For students, I strongly recommend them to visit colleges they want to go. There is a big difference between reading college information through online and visiting it in person. By visiting and experiencing it themselves, they will not only get information regarding what programs are offered by the schools but also they experience the campus atmospheres where they want to be more energetic and socially interactive during the important time of their lives.

Get involved, have fun, go to football games, do an internship, do research, meet all kinds of different people.

apply to as many colleges as you can, even if you think you probably won't attend it. you never know if you'll change your mind!

Don't put pressure on your kids. Let them experience college life and figure out what they want to do with their education as they go. It's ok to take more than four years if you get the most out of your education.

Go visit the schools and go with your gut instinct of how you feel when you get on campus. It's usually right. Also, when you get to school- live on campus! Keep your door open, get involved, get to know your neighbors, and take fun classes. Nearly every class you take your first year will apply in some way towards graduation so go explore- all that math and chemistry will still be there but take that Sociology or Women Studies class that looks interesting. Also, ask for help when you need it!

You have to go out of your way to make friends if you are an out of state student. It's not hard but a lot of people here are in-state and still hang out with your high school friends.

If you are anything like me then choosing a college was a confusing ordeal. Do I choose a big name school -- knowing that a big name also comes with a big price tag; or, do I choose something a little more close to home or off the beaten path? My head was awhirl with all the comparisons I had to make: class sizes, degree options, social activities, cost. But once I found myself planted in my new home of higher learning and speaking with people who had their own experiences I found that those comparisons were easier than I thought. Finances aside, take the time to visit a campus and talk with the student body and see the local community. This is where you'll find the real information about a school. In this way you'll not only be able to satisfy your educational needs with your eventual choice, but also your social, cultural, and personal needs because you'll know how the "real" school will fit you. This will also allow you to talk with counselors and the financial aide office to help iron out the issue of finances, which will probably help in tie breaking decisions.

Have an idea of what you want to study before looking at schools to find out which is best in your fields of interest. Visit the campus, preferably in winter time and during nice weather. Talk to people who went to your school of interest especially if they have a similar personality or interests. Don't be affraid to apply to a school you think might not accept you.

Finding a college is difficult, and you need to find something that fits your personality. If you have some idea of what you want to major in, find a college that specializes in that field. Otherwise, I would highly suggest large colleges: they have more resources to devote to more fields. It's true, large universities mean large classes, but professors and TAs are reasonably easy to meet with. Also, even at large universities, the upper level classes are small. Besides, large classes are a good experience: they teach you how to learn and work by yourself. No more teachers babying you. Also, don't underestimate yourself. Try for the reach colleges!