West Virginia University Top Questions

I would advise parents and students to collaborate to find the right college. Make sure to visit the campus to get a dose of reality of what college life is like at each school. Schedule meetings with academic advisors and financial aid counselors. Students should see if the college will meet their needs and fit their personality. (artistic, political/religious views, diversity, safety, etc.) When starting college, I would suggest joining student organizations that interest the student. It is also important to get to know each professor and discuss what their class demands in order to get a good grade. Get involved in academic communities, contribute to student organizations, and remember that schoolwork should be a more important priority than socializing.

Always apply to a multitude of schools, not just the ones you orginially look at. Before accepting admitance to a school ALWAYS check it out in person to be sure it is the one for you. I made the mistake of going to the first reach school that accepted me my freshmen year and the place wasn't for me. I transferred out and now have another year of college I need to take to catch up with my non-transferrable credits.

Let your child figure out their school on their own

Make sure that parents are involved in the college process especially if you are thinking about going to a school where you won't be with anyone from high school. Make sure that everything that you want out of a school is readily available to you. You definately don't want to settle for a school just because your friends are going there or because it is close to home. Go to the school you feel will fulfill your wants and prepare you to achieve your future goals. Make friends, learn new things, and the best piece of advise I can give is to not hold back. If you want to join four clubs, and become friends with people you would never imagine yourself with, go for it, college is the best time to learn who you are.

Make sure your research is done to where exactly you would like to continue your education. Your college will be your next home so you have to love your new home as if it were your home in your hometown. Also understand college is meant for you to be free to express your opinions along with meeting new people with new opinions so keep an open mind and you will be able to juggle the struggles and highs and lows of college and will succeed. College just prepares your mind for the real world challenges that await.

For parents, let your child have all the possible chances and opportunities to do whatever they want to do with their lives. This is the greatest four years of any young adults life and they need to be in a place where a strong foundation can be set. Students, don't turn your back on anything. Keep an open mind and allow yourself to experience all that is out there. Don't be worried in August before you leave your parents, BE EXCITED! Everyone else is feeling the same things you are, be the one to help others feel more relaxed and comfortable wherever you are. Most importantly, just go to class! I know it's going to be overwheliming at first with no parental guidance telling you what to do, but just remember why you are there. Going out and drinking with strangers may seem a lil awkward, but these will be your best friends for life. Finally, don't sell yourself short. Challenge yourself with difficult classes, see what you are truely made of.

College is where someone can define themselves and begin the path of their life, or they can lose themself. When finding a college, you need to know: what you want from the institution(class size, classes, professors, libraries, technology labs, internships, job placement, events, etc), what you want from the surrounding area of the institution(urban/rural, living, activities, sports, type of geography), what kind of people you want to be around, what kind of activities and clubs you're interested in, and the college atmosphere you will thrive in (fast paced, more inclined to partying, sports influenced, strict academics, etc). Always make sure the college you are applying to has your desired career AND other subjects you are interested in, and that they are accredited and established in those fields, with plenty of on and off campus resources/connections. If you feel a connection with an institution, look into it and follow your gut because your happiness is the first ingredient to success.

Always remember to have fun and try not to be overly serious. A student will not learn anything if they are not enjoying their time in the environment they are staying. College is supposed to be an experience of a lifetime! Find a school that is well suited for you and/or your childs needs and go with it. It can be a great time and they will learn alot no matter what.

College is what you make of it. Money is important factor in that how ever. Plan accordingly. It's not cheap anywhere you go live within your means! Remember one day you have to pay back these loans, so you better do well so you can get a good job.

While it is hard to tell which college is right before you actually attend it, make sure when you arrive you give it a chance. Like anything else college takes some adjusting, and it is important that you have an open mind during your first couple of months. College is very nerve racking, but once the initial adjustment is made it will be the best time in your life. It is all about doing things in moderation and keeping organized, and if you can do these things you can pretty much do whatever you like in life.