Virginia Commonwealth University Top Questions

Over the past few years, I have always worked and paid for my education myself. At one point I was even working two part time jobs to make ends meet. For all of my adult life, I had managed to get into very little debt and was afraid to take the full time financial plunge. My advice is to other non-traditional college students and those worried about getting into debt from student loans. I would give them the advice my mother gave me, ?no matter how rich or poor you are, you will always owe money to someone?. There is no reason to stress yourself by working too much and allowing your grades to suffer. Student loans and scholarships are there to help you to survive financially and focus on achieving your educational goals. When your financial anxieties are relieved, you will have a far more rewarding college experience.

When finding the right college, consider the expenses, college life, and the school's background. Do some research on the college first before making your final decision. College is not all about partying and everything, it is what you make it. People have their moments but when it is time to work they work. So do not go to college thinking you don't have to put in hardwork. If you work hard and study, Im sure you will make your parents proud. :-)

Look for the best school for your major. Choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions of your life; make sure you visit all your potential schools so you know what you'll be getting for your money! Also, try to pick the place you're going to stay, because I transferred schools and it was a really hard and confusing process. College is one of the most fun and exciting times of your life, so choose a place that fits YOU and enjoy it, because the next step after that is getting a real job!

My advice to parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to find a place that fits YOU. When you have narrowed down your major and degree you want to obtain sit down with your parents and discuss all options. First you need to know if your parents/family members have saved for your college education. If so, step 2 -- how much? This will help weigh your decision on in-state or out-of -state public or private schools. Okay you know how much you have for tuition -- is there enough for campus housing, meals, books? This answer will narrow choices of colleges close or far from home. Does the college you have chosen have a good academic program in your intended major? For those whose parents/family have not been able to save for your college education, you need to sit down right away and apply for financial aid and/or scholarships like I'm doing now. If you're not eligible for financial aid, you should consider students loans (low interest rate, due after completion of degree). DO NOT USE CREDIT CARDS.

Applying for colleges and picking the right school can be over-whelming but in the end very rewarding. To find the school best suited for you, you should first figure out what state and city you want to go to school in. After making that decision, they should list all the colleges in that area and sort them into categories like small or big population and urban or rural setting. After figuring out what type of setting and population they are looking for in a school, they should narrow done the list to what social and athletic aspects are important to them like what sports the school offers, is it a party school, are their things to do around campus, and what types organizations the school offers. After this, you should visit the schools that are left and pick the one you want to go to. Now, the fun begins. Students should settle in their new dorm and enjoy the campus. To enhance your college experience you should join different organizations, attend social events, and just hangout with your friends. College is alot of hardwork but also a place where you're independent and can enjoy life to the fullest.

Be open minded. For parents, don't force alma maters on your kids. They need to find their own way in the world, if it happens to be at your alma mater, then they have a leg up. This is the time for your student to find out who they are and where they belong. For students, when looking for a school, think about you, how are you going to adapt, think about your personality, the school you choose has to reflect you and your likes. You're going to be there for four years, don't make them miserable. When you do get there, DO NOT assume that your roommate is your new best friend. Establish a comfortable living situation that you both can live by, if you become best buds that should come natural. This is the time to make great connections with people, and they should push you in the direction you want to go in your life. Surround yourself with positive people and get positive results!

Don't over-analyze the costs of financing an education. Most often it will total the price of that new car fresh off the lot he really wants, or be equivalent to the first ten years on a mortgage payment. Understand that the best shot at him getting that new car on his own or buying that first home is a college education that will increase purchasing power significantly. These are materialistic I know. Only materials should be associated with price. Everything else is priceless.

The advice I would give is find what works for you. I rejected some colleges because they did not have the course of study I wanted. Also keep in mind the distance from you home; some people want a school far away, while others want a school close to home. How much the school cost is also a big deal. There is only so much help you can get from financial aid and scholarships; look at every option. If you are a first year student you will most likely be living with a roommate. Some people want to move in with someone they know but I feel differently. Fights can break out about living together and that could end the friendship. It is better to not choose a roommate and start fresh. Oh make sure you have all the essencitials for school. Be wary of the freshman 15; it really does exist. What you can do to prevent it is no late night snacking and get plenty of excercise and water.

Most colleges are very similar in lifestyles. My advice would to be to make sure your child has the finances in place before he/she begins school. Worrying about how they are going to pay for school is such a big stresser it WILL, and I mean WILL, affect their academics in an adverse manner. The more relaxed a student can be the better they will do in their classes. College is an investment. You must spend money to make money.

The most important thing is to follow your heart and do what you love, then look for colleges that adhere to that dream. Also, ask as many questions as you can about the colleges you are looking at and visit them as well so that you can get the feel of being a student. It is important to not only visit during orientations and times where they plan to have visitors, but also to go during a regular day so you can see how the campus REALLY is. Don't concentrate soley on how much a college costs because most likely, there is a way that you can get money to help you get through it. Finally, make sure to balance work and fun. It is good to have fun, but you should also feel like you are being overworked a little, it's your first year in college! If you are not overwhelmed a little, your not doing something right.