American University Top Questions

There are many things that I have gotten out of my current college experience. For one, a great education. I've learned countless numbers of things that will help me be more successful than I could have imagined in the years to come. Also I have learned how to live and prosper on my own. The experience of dealing with new people, adjusting to a new environment, and keeping myself clean and healthy has been quite an adventure, but it has also been a great opportunity for me to discover more about myself and I'm glad it has gone so well thus far.

Despite being extremely expensive, it has really forced me to grow as a person. Being in Washington and being completely financially independent has given me a new prospective. Going to school with privileged people has allowed me to reconsider the value of my education. I've truly acquired the courage to fulfill my potential and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I have learned a new way to think about education, learning, and myself. College is much more of an involved experience than high school. Because teachers aren't there to babysit students, I have felt more pushed to work harder and put more of my own effort into it. I really do get more out of the money and time that I put into my education when I work harder and study longer and more effectively. Learning about topics that are interesting with a group of students who all want to be there encourages me to try harder and expand my horizons even more. I have met some really amazing people who will change the world and inspire me to make the world better as well. The teachers and students alike are passionate and interesting people who devote their lives to important causes. Also, I have been able to change my bad habits and become happier with my life at college by being more in control of my destiny. I feel like I have just begun an amazing journey that will continue for the rest of my life.

So far, attending American University has been a wonderful experience. In 2009, the school was rated by the Princeton Review as the #1 most politically active schoool in the country. As a devout Republican, this attracted me to the school; however, most politicaly active, translates into "most liberal." As a conservative Catholic from Central Florida, my first months at American were definitely a wake up call. However, soon I assimilated into the school culture, and got used to the campus climate. Soon, through rational discourse and debate , I opened my mind to diverse ideas that I had previously had not been exposed to. While possessing my conservative beliefs, I became involved in many community service projects that were often supporting causes not supported by the conservative base. I figured, that if I hold beliefs that may make others uncomfortable, that I might as well still show my support to people affected by the impact of my beliefs. While Republicans may not be traditionally supportive of the environment, I involved myself in tree plantings and environmental clean ups to show that I believe these to be worthy causes. My experience at American allowed me to open my mind to worthy causes.

My college experience has been nothing short of one of the most fulfilling journeys of my life. I entered AU as a high school graduate ready to leave home, meet new people, explore the world, and experience 'college life.' Four years later, I left AU as a college graduate who had grown immensely- academically and personally. I made friends from different political, socio-economic, and geographical backgrounds. During classroom debates, I engaged with students whose backgrounds ranged from royal families to blue-collar households. I not ony learned from my professors, who inspired and led lessons outside of the textbook, but I also learned from my peers and alumni, with whom I continue to network and foster relationships. It has been valuable to attend AU because I graduated a stronger, more mature and well-rounded adult ready to tackle the challeges of adult life and thrive in the workforce. I acquired skills that equipped me with the means to pursue my goals- working in finance, travelling the world, living and working abroad, and working towards an MBA. AU provided me with the foundation to reach my goals and be a successful individual who will make a change in society.

I have learned that you will get out of your classes what you put into it. Not every class is going to be interesting, but if you go with a good attitude, it probably won't be too bad. Work hard and you will get good grades. College is valuable to attend because it is fun and a great way to gain independence.

A letter to myself on graduation. Dear Megan, It is your last day of high school and a whole new scary world awaits you on the other side of the stage. In just three short months, you will be leaving your family and friends to move 1,000 miles away for school. The move will be difficult because you have always had people surrounding you who know how to support you. Although you often have a hard time learning to trust people, you quickly make plenty of friends and then you must decide who your true friends are. I am not going to lie, your first semester of school will be difficult. To make the transition easier, don't let yourself get lazy. When you get lazy, you become depressed and that just leads to a more difficult road. Please remember that it's ok to ask for help and although your parents are across the country, they will always be there for you and will always support you. Take care and don't forget to believe in yourself! Good luck! Megan

Don't Settle. Those two words, coming from an older and wiser version of me, could have altered my life in a monstrous way. How many graduating seniors actually know what they want to accomplish in life, to major in academically, or the type of environment they will do well in for the next four years? Not too many, and because of this, I settled. The transition into the realm of life after high school can be extremely trying and in many cases catches student's off guard. For me, I choose to attend an urban university in the heart of Boston, just 40 minutes away from my home, where I lived in surplus housing in a Holiday Inn. I toughed it out for a year in the business school, taking courses I thought would lead to success, but hated, and felt lost from day one. I had settled from fear of the unknown. You're only as good as you think you are--and being afraid to discover the person I would become resulted in a year wasted and forced an inevetable epiphany: Find a community that will enable you to grow. Don't falter and don't settle.

College doesn't mean leaving all of the comforts of home behind, you find everything you need to feel at home in college, just in different ways than you expect. Your roommates and friends become your family, your dorm your home, and campus feels just like its own community. Make sure that you get involved, you'll meet more people with similar interests to you and if you dive in right away, you'll fall in love with your school and new environment much faster. Apply to any school that feels like it may have what your looking for, because in the end the school that you never thought you would end up at is the one where you are thriving.

One of thee most important things to know when going to college is that you will be bombarded with different values, ideas and concepts, and some of these may seem strange, however it is important that you stick to your values, but welcome and listen to new ideas and concepts. College is a time for learning and, unlike in high school, a good portion of what you learn comes outside of the classroom. The friends you make, the experts and professors you talk to, and the experiences that you have will all contribute to this learning and it is essential that you pay attention to this part of college life because it introduces you to the world outside of high school and a regimine of thinking inside the box. A lot of what you experience will teach you to pay attention to details, ideas, concepts and cultures that you may not have noticed in high school, and these things are imperative to your development as an adult living in a more adult world. These experiences may be good or they may be bad, but you will always learn something from them.

School is meant to teach you The Rules. But you'll find that these rules are more like theories. School can not and will not give you the answers you're looking for. It's not going to give you some magical codes to avoid conflict or struggle, or even guarantee employment or success. What you get in return for applying yourself is knowledge of the tendencies, the history, the notable points, and the scope of your chosen field. Knowing where it has come from allows you to envision yourself woring to move it forward. Once you have these things it's entirely up to you what happens. A cake won't make itself just because you line up the ingredients, even if they are the best in the world.

If I could go back to high school I would tell myself not to let my fears speak louder than my dreams. In high school I was afraid of rejection from my dream school- so afraid that I never sent in the application. Instead, I settled for a school I had never heard of in a city I had never been to. I spent two dreadful years in Philadelphia, wishing I was in Washington, D.C. Finally, a light went off in my head and I thought, "this is supposed the time of my life. What am I doing?" I applied to American University and moved over the summer. I now am a second semester junior and am wishing I had sent that application! This is my place, but I didn't let myself live the dream until recently. So, I would say to my naive and scared; afraid and insecure 17-year-old self: "Never live in fear. Push your limits and explore your dreams."

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to stress out less. I was so scared about choosing a college and then going to a place where I knew no one. However, as soon as I got to school, I felt at home and have been happy since Day 1. I would tell myself that I have the ability to be happy in any situation, and that ultimately only I know what the best choice for me is.

After graduating high school I had a different plan for the next year than my friends and classmates: I was taking a gap year to live in Germany with a host family, attend a German high school (gymnasium), and immerse myself in the language and culture. My year abroad can easily be described as the best year of my life this far. However, my return to the U.S. and reimmersing myself into an American culture and beginning college turned out to be a greater challenge than I expected. While American University is definatly the place for me and I have found several good friends, I realize that as I first entered college I should have shared my experiences in high school and home as well as my life in Germany. Overall my transition into college and the stresses of classes and scheduling lessons was a smooth one, but everyone should take into consideration the maturity gap between every person beginning as well and be flexible to other peoples backgrounds, habits, and ideas.

Dear Cornelia of April 2009, I can remember the joy on your face when you opened your acceptance packet to American University. I remember you thinking life would be easy from here on out. Well, you're wrong. Girl, there is so much to do and learn. While you are still basking in "acceptance glow" you should use that energy to fill out scholarships-- lots of them; so that mom won't have to struggle so much. Also, stop buying things with your paycheck. You know you don't need those celebratory shoes you're thinking about buying. Every penny counts. Please start saving. Right now, it seems like your friends mean everything to you and you don't know how you'll adjust to the people at American. I just want to let you know that you'll do fine. Stop worrying. You'll realize that you don't need all those people you surround yourself with. They're not here to help you. God and family is what is ultimately important. Don't think about the DC nightlife because school is number one. I wish you all the best of luck, Nelia! Yours truly, Yourself in January 2010

Relax. It will all work out and you will end up where you are supposed to be. You will make friends that will last a lifetime and learn to grow into a mature adult. College is the best four years of your life so work hard but also enjoy the ride because graduation will roll around in the blink of an eye.

Going back in time I would like to tell my high school self not to be as stressed as I was. High school is only one step in life and the road to graduation would have been less bumpy if I was able to take a few deep breaths. The stress that I had in high school was unnecessary now that I am in college. Looking back I realize that the tasks I completed and the activities that I was involved in were not worth a much worry as I put into them. Now that I am in college I realize what I need to stress about and what I do not. If I were able to go back and tell my high school self just one piece of advice it would be to enjoy being a high school senior and look forward to where my hard work would take me.

College has altered my mentality drastically. In high school, I was concerned solely with my grades and getting my work done quickly. "I don't care how I get it, I just want the A," I thought. I would cram for tests the night before, I tried to finish homework quickly, and my only interest in the classes I took was how they would look on college applications. I did not read scholarly articles or books for pleasure. After all, that wasn't going to get me an A in my classes. I have recently found a burning desire to learn and to understand as much as I can about the world. Professors and other students have taught me that the grade you get in a class is not as important as the knowledge you take with you. You get as much out of a class as you make of it. The resources are available, and whether you use them or not is a choice. I wish I had used them more in high school. Knowledge can be incredibly inspiring. A grade will not change your life, but a book just might. Devour knowledge like you would a chocolate cake.

Take as many as Advanced Placement tests that you can while you are a senior. Priority for registration and housing is given to those who have the most credits. If you satisfactorily complete the tests and obtain credit, you will be way ahead of some entering freshmen.

Self, here's the skinny on college: I, as your supposedly more experienced, mature, and capable counterpart, do not need to tell you what you need to know about college. Because I'm here talking to you and not languishing in the emergency room, buried under a pile of old exams, or having a nervous breakdown over my Microeconomics homework, you clearly did alright all by yourself. I can't tell you anything you don't already know about college. You should study, meet people, eat, exercise, and live. I think you can handle that. Don't forget about the organizations that formed you in high school- keep their values, lessons, and skills with you and use them to make classes easier. That way you'll have more time to enjoy the new world you're living in. Go figure- I think you've got that down too. Why am I still talking? Enjoy yourself. I'll see you in a couple years. Oh, and by the way, the Christmas present you ordered from Latvia is going to get lost in the mail. Plan ahead.

I would tell myself to relax. Everything is not so detrimental as I assumed it would be and every decision is made for a reason. Even the wrong decisions I made have helped me figure out what I want as a person. I have come to realize that it does not matter where I go in life, as long as I keep growing. My high school senior self was always highly stressed and cared too much about finding perfection. I wish I had known sooner that perfection should never be a goal since it does not lead to happiness. I would tell my senior self to judge people less and to go into every new class with a fresh start. Even if I have no intention of making huge numbers of friends, a friendly smile makes all the difference when approaching new people. In this past year and a half of college life, I have learned while life is a serious matter, it is not so serious that you should lose your self over it.

Work harder so you can get into a school that holds more name value.

Be more assertive, especially with the professors. Pare down what you have to take to school.

I would tell myself to make sure to organize my schedule. Learning to do this makes everything run so much smoother. I would also tell myself to learn from older relatives, and listen to their advice. It can help in the long-run with problems you may come across. I would also tell myself to take advantage of every opportunity given. You never know where it may lead.

I would tell myself that the time I had been waiting for to grow out of the small town had occured. That despite a learning disability I was able to succeed and not to let social encounters or peer pressure hold me back from the things I enjoyed. I would want to trust myself in who I knew I was while persuing my education throughout the duration of the maturation process.

Knowing what I know now about college and life after high school, I would advise myself to play more sports and be more involved in the community. I would also encourage myself to meet new people and expand my horizons through friends of different races, ethnic backgrounds and religions.

Selecting a college is about finding the right fit. No matter where all your friends are going, it is important to find a place where you feel comfortable. If a big school with sports are important, then look at those. If you want to make sure there will be opportunities avilable for internships, then make sure you check those out first. If finances are a consideration, then look at the price and contact their financial aid department. No matter where you go, you can make the best of any college by taking advantage of what they have to offer.

Knowing what I know now about college, I think I would tell myself to be more prepared financially. To take more advantage of scholarship sites and financial aid counselors etc. This is the biggest concern that I have now, being in college. I think I devote enough time to my studies and extra-curriculars but I definitely feel that financial aid concerns rank high on my list of stressors and becoming more financially knowledgeable would be much more beneficial for my college experience.

Be prepared about expected things to happen and know how to adapt in every situation in college life!

Take your time and thoroughly reserach all options.

Get organized as soon as possible and don't be influenced by the work ethics of the students around you. Plan on getting a little work done on the weekends, and try to save as much money as possible before getting to school. Eat healthy and get a sufficent amount of excercise.

you've developed a good work ethic so don't slack off.

The best advice that I can give anyone as far as finding the right college is look at everything that interests you but don't limit yourself to that criteria. College is about experiencing new things and challenging your beliefs. Alot of it just comes down to luck because it is impossible to predict how somemthing will turn out. But once you are at your school look for groups and activites that you are familiar with or if you prefer do something that you have never done. The way to make the best of your college experience is to just put yourself out there and hope for the best.

When selecting which college your child is going to attend, it's really helpful to talk to students that already attend the colleges you're considering. They live there, study there, socialize there every day, so who better to give you an idea of what it's like to attend that school? They can help you better gage the kind of environment the school provides and what your child's experience will be like. It's the key to picking a school, in my opinion. I knew that American University was the right school for me after I talked to students and realized how much they care about the world around them, and how open mindedness plays a huge role in the learning process.

Start early, give yourself enough time to learn about the college and scholarship application process, and apply for every scholarship you can.

There is no such thing as the "perfect college". Quite honestly, there are many schools that a student would be happy with. If they like the area, like the size, and enjoy the atmosphere, it's up to the student to make the best of the college. Joining a team or a club early helps new students learn familiar faces around campus and applying yourself to studying makes your time seem spent well. The most important thing is a positive attitude; if a student wants to enjoy themselves at a college, if they have a positive attitude about the entire experience, then they will enjoy themselves. An open mind, combined with hard studying, will result in the student getting the most out of their college experience.

When looking for a college have a clear sense of what you do and don't want from your college experience. I wanted the chance to move somewhere and 'get lost.' I've always seen college as being another opportunity for adventure and discovery, and by being in a foriegn place I've been able to realize what I do and don't want in my life. On the top of your college search list write down what it is you want, and with that inspiration in mind begin to explore the opportunities. Don't be afraid to pick one or two schools that you would never be interested in, I ended up going to my back-up school and I don't think I would've been as happy anywhere else. Most of all remember that it doesn't matter where you end-up, what matters is the journey.

Go to a school that is best for your major or career. Have a plan and goal for the future. Decide what you want to be in the future and than figure out how you are going to accomplish your dreams. Do not go to a college just because its cool or your friends are going. Maybe you go to a great school, but did they have a good program in your major? If not, than don?t go. Education is the biggest investment you will make in your entire life so choose wisely. Stay focused, don?t get distracted. Pick the school best for you, not just where your lover is. College is a once in a lifetime experience. However, you are there for an education, a degree and a future job. You aren?t paying money just to make straight F?s and to party yourself to death. Do stay focused on the point of college, which is learning. Make friends, have fun, go to parties but homework must come first. If you ever think about dropping out, well don?t. Keep going, keep trying. Take out loans, do what it takes. Never give up ever

I recommend parents and students find the college that best suits and contains the right balance of personality, interests, and professional pursuits the student wishes to become involved in.

I would advise students to do as much research as possible about college choices. Many times, students apply to a college because of previously held assumptions or because it is well-known. You should really look for a college that fits your personality and where you think you would succeed the most academically. When I applied to American University, I had been researching colleges for months. I religiously combed through college advice websites to see what current students had to say and I often took online quizzes to help me figure out which kind of college I would want to attend, which helped tremendously. What many prospective college students have to understand is that college--at least my university--is nothing like how college life is oftentimes depicted. Most of the time it is hard work, academically and socially, with learning to self-motivate, adjusting from the culture shock that arises when one leaves home for a new place for the first time, finding your niche in the campus community, and other obstacles that come with the newfound independence. College, unlike high school is a place where you can pursue what you are truly passionate about and consequently find yourself.

Definitely visit the campus during the school. Also, do not pick a school based on reputation, pick a school that you feel comfortable at so you can succeed.

The best advice I have about finding the right college and making the most out of the college experience is to take every detail into consideration. For example, when I applied to college, I mainly focused on academics and academic opportunities. I didn't realize the importance of a campus atmosphere until I arrived at school and found that I hated the lack of school spirit possessed by the students. I am transferring to Georgetown University, and having redone the college search process over again, I definitely took non academic details into consideration, no matter how silly or unimportant they seemed. I would also encourage students to look at what they disliked about their high school and what they liked about it and base their decision off of that. I was on the cross country team in high school and loved the community atmosphere and school spirit we had on the team. I wish I had taken this factor into consideration during my original college search instead of mainly focusing on the more academic aspects of the school.

Rejected. I was distraught, but over a year later, I have embraced my ?second choice? of AU. Summer with old friends from high school meant leaving new friends from college. They are the ones you first met when unpacking your bags, nervous about living away from home, but determined to hold back tears from equally nervous parents. You met them while campaigning for the student senate, while riding the shuttle to the Metro to your internship, while playing club soccer, while campaigning for Obama, or while joining SigEp. You seized every chance to grab ?free? food and make the most of a hefty student activity fee, but you balanced your social life with work, and will never have a GPA hole from first semester. You celebrated when the Eagles defeated Holy Cross and you cried when Villanova denied us our Cinderella story. It is easy to call home every night, even easier to stay inside and pout away the hours. It is difficult, maybe even awkward to meet new friends. But you will share nearly every meal with them, will wake up for 3am fire drills with them, and will cry with them when the semester ends. Accept the opportunity.

Fiske's college guidebook is a great resource, and campus visits really help you get a feel for what it's really like.

Find the college that fits you- not your friends or anyone else.

The most important thing is to find the school that achieves the right balance. Focus on where you will actually be living, what you will do in that town. Also, don't build up your expectations to much, this will only set you up for disappointment.

My advice would be to do research about the different universities in the country and find the right program that fits. Utilize the interent and search for the perfect program. While in college meet friends, work hard and get involved with community programs. Also begin looking for internships in other countries/states.

Don't listen to anyone else; only you can make the decision. You know yourself best.

I have been an athlete my entire life, from age five i was kicking the soccer ball around, so when I started applying for colleges everyone assumed it would be for sports. However, that wasn't the case. My best advice for parents and students is to apply to a school that matches all your personal wants and needs. For example, my requirements were that I wanted a medium sized school, located in a big city, that had a strong international studies program, and neutral weather. So what did I do first? I looked at all schools that had a strong international studies program. From there I kept breaking it down, until finally I landed on my perfect school, American University. This school was gorgeous, located in Washington, DC, it was medium sized and had an amazing SIS program. Later I was recruited for soccer and everything fell into place. So the important thing is to do your research and find the school that fits you, whether it's a big name school or not.

First, prospective students, apply early. The earlier you apply the better chance you have of getting accepted and the more options you have. Do research on your school and try to visit campus at least once before you make your decision. Also, apply for as many scholarships as possible. Parents, there is nothing that frustrates and stresses a student more than his/her parents burdening him/her with financial issues. Students, when registering for classes, talk to as many upper classmen as possible before you choose a course/professor. By doing this you will be able to decide what professors have the right teaching style for you. As far as social life is concerned, join clubs. It's the best thing you can do as a freshman who doesn't know anyone. You will meet a lot of new people with similar interests to yours. Make sure you manage your time wisely. With all your new found freedom you'll be tempted to put your work off. DON'T DO IT. Delay gradification when you can. You'll have more fun if you're not stressing the whole time about what you should be doing. Study, have fun, engage.