Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Top Questions

I would give the advice to the student and say: "pick a college which specializes in what you want to pursue eventually in your post-college career". Do not pick a college based on whether or not your parents or family members attented, whether or not you like their sports teams, or whether or not your high school friends are going. In the end, what will make you happy is the fact that you know you are getting the best education that you paid for. Choosing the right college is, yes, a scary choice but when you can look back on your four years and know that you were able to excel emotionally, socially, and intuitively you will hold little, if any, regrets

Make sure that economically its the right decision for both of you, and to choose a career that you will enjoy the rest of your life.

My advice is to pick a school that makes you feel at home; a place where you can study what you want and feel comfortable there. Of Course pick a school that offers the program that you want, but I believe whole heartly that the school has to feel like home for you to do well. To make the most of your experience get out there and get involved, with all the types of clubs offered everyone can find people with the same interest as them and make friends for life. And what is college all about? Getting the education you want and making friends for life having the time of your life.

As a Senior in High School, I was in the provess of choosing a college. I visited a few schools, knowing I wanted to be an engineer major and that I wanted to be in the South helped my process, but I still wasn't completely sure where I wanted to go. The best advice I can give students looking for a college is to keep your options open and look at any and all schools that seem somewhat interesting. Make sure you are going to have a good education and a good social life, or else you will hate your first year. Parents, be there, but don't be there; make sure you can support your students when they need you but let them come to you. Students, get involved!!! This helped me so much, still as a Junior I stay involved!

For most parents, a school that has a great atmosphere and a strong influence for academic success is top ranked. I, however, tend to be slightly skewed from this view. For most students, college is a place to find themselves, to find their future friends and families. To me, in order to find these things, a school must go beyond the academic standing it holds. A school must provide an endless amount of opportunities for a student to express him/herself. Whether it be a sports game, an art class, a science lab or a dance company, students need to get involved in as many activities as he/she can and start to figure out what means the most to them. Not every student prefers to study at night, but by studying, a student can gain the knowledge to pursue an endless amount of opportunities in the future. If a major doesn't seem to fit the student, then change the major. Life is too short to be doing something that a person is not enjoying. Money isn't everything in life either, it comes in the way of many life decisions and to me, it should not rule anyone.

Most kids fit in and find friends that share similar interests and hobbies. Parents should worry less and encourage their child to explore and meet new people.

Pay attention in class and try to think about the job you want to get when choosing what to really grasp. Get involved in an activity if you are having trouble meeting people.

Take your time. When you look at a school, make sure you consider what the student's needs, such as financial aid, social activities, academic programs, housing, etc., are and whether or not the college can satisfy those needs. Every college has its own uniqueness.

I would definitely tell parents and students to visit any college they may be interested in attending. Take tours and speak with real students who attend that college and ask them about their experiences. Asking a current or former student what they love or hate about their college is a great way to figure out whether that college is right for you!

I would advised parents to be involved with their students throughout the application process. No matter what we say, we really do need your guidance. Gather as much information as you can by going to College Fairs and programs offered at your high school. Use the resources at your school's career center for dates of college visits, SAT/ACT help, sit down and get advise from your counselors. Start early in your high school career and realize that every grade makes a difference. Make sure you visit all the colleges you are intested in, take the guided tours offered. You must see the college during the day when the students are present to get a good feel for the university. Eat a meal in the dining halls and talk to students you see. Don't be influenced by where your high school friends are going or "the" school in your state. Make sure the college has your major and that companies recruit seniors for jobs after college. Regarding making the most of your college experience, only you can make that happen. Get involved with extracurriculiar activites by joining clubs and intramurals. Go to class and study!