West Virginia University Top Questions

First off, parents - breath! Your son or daughter is about to embark on the best, most influential time in their life. It may be hard to let go, but you will definitely feel more confident if you know their college will be a fit. My first tip of advice is to go on a campus tour with your child. Discover the environment he or she will be spending the next 4 or more years in. And whether we admit it or not, we want you there the first time. Secondly, encourage dorm living for the first year, even if you live close to the college. This will give your college student a chance to live safely on their own, make new friends they would otherwise meet, and of course always be fed with the on-campus meal plans offered. And finally, when it's time for you to leave on move in day get out of there. You've done your job for the past 18 years of providing everything your child needs. It's our turn now to see how much we remember and your turn to wait for our first phone call with a laundry question.

Advice I have for students and parents about choosing the right college is to take it slow. In high school, teachers and guidance counselors are alway rushing the decision for students. Take the time to sit down with your parents/child and discuss the options. Talk about what is affordable and the different options to pay tuition/room and board. Helping each other reach a final decision that you both agree upon will make the college experience unforgettable for the student. Speaking from experience, choosing the wrong college from the beginning can make a huge impact on that entire chapter of your life. Once the decision has been made, try your hardest to get involved on campus. Whether it is orientation, on-campus activities, or joining a club/organization, you will not regret meeting as many people as you can your freshman year. Who knows, maybe in a few years you can use those people as references of referrals!

First off, i would definately advise you to start planning what college you are thinking of attending in enough time where you may have a chance to take a tour of that campus, look for housing, and talk to an advisor to see if you can apply for grant or scholorships. Upon visiting a college, you should plan on visiting at a time when school is in session, so you are able to get a real feel for the place. Large populated colleges tend to turn into a ghost town during summer time. When you do choose a college and start attending, be very opened minded and meet lots of people. Always keep in contact with family and loves ones who you are close with just in case, so someone know your whereabouts (especially at large colleges). Go to as many sporting events, shows, and activities as you can. With all of the events and school going on, time management is going to be the best thing you can learn in college. So, an agenda book might be the best first purchase and budget plan may be the second! College goes faster than you think, Enjoy it and BE SAFE!!!

First decide how far you want to go and how many times do you plan on coming home. I go to a school thats 10 hours away and I go home about three times a year or less because I have to fly and its expensive. Then deterrmine what you may want to study because not every school has the same majors. Finally look at how you did in high school and see where you think you could get in an apply to at least 6 places. I made the mistake of only applying to 3 all very far away. Live on campus your first year its a great way to meet people. Talk to everyone on your floor once you get there. Join a club or intramural sport it'll keep you active and you meet great people. I joined the rugby team and I've met some great people. If thats not your thing get involved in something it helps in meeting people. Don't go home every weekend you will miss out on weekend activities and you won't get the full college experience. Learn to balance school work and other activities. School comes first.

Make sure you weigh all decisions with college. Know the school and the professors, but also know the area. WVU is known for drinking and its high drop out rate.

Don't go for the college that looks themost liket home. Go for the college that you will feel you can relate to people. I like to discuss ideas and theories and current events. That is why i am trying to get into UVA, the only thing that is holding me back is that there are some professors here who really do like me. Simply because i am not the average read-only-take-test students, i like to challenge their ideas and ask them questions beyond the class. If you like that then go for the nerdy college's. If you really love to drink and drift into another reality, and have crazy random sex-then pick a party college

Visit the school and make sure it is for you. Don't always go by the reputation or name but rather if it feels right to you. After all, you have to spend the next four years there.

I think you should pick a college where you feel most at home. When i visited West Virginia, and based on the contact I had from our tour guides, the orientation staff, the information center staff, recruiters, I'd never felt more at home. Everyone is so welcoming here and I have never met more friendly people in one institution. Ask people that already go to the school and talk to alumni to help get a better picture of the school if that hasn't already done enough.

consider what is important to you and what kind of environment you prefer

Choosing a school is a very hard process to go though, but with the help and guidence of parents it is much easier for a person to decide. I think that the main thing to focus on is your major. Find a school that is well-known for your major. When finding these schools then try to elliminate as many as possible for what ever reason(ex. location, expense). When your are left with the last of your cholces it is really important to tour the campuses. Being able to tour the campus make a great deal of difference. A personal experience can show much more than pictures that you may have seen. Finally, get together as a family and discuss the pros and cons about each college. This may not give you an exact answer as to what to do but it will definitely help in the selection process. When in school remember that these days will shape who you become as a professional in your career. Make sure that you focus on your schoolwork, but don't lock yourself in your room studying, get out and relieve stress with a few frielnds.