American University Top Questions

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i would suggest pick at school which is best for your major. do not simply attend a school because its in a coolcity. do not just go to school where your friends are going, branch out and do whats best for your life. keep a good GPA and most important, gain experience. do internships, volunteer work in order to find out if this is really what you want to do with your life. dont let anyone hold you back, keep pushing foward and follow your dreams, not whats cool or what your boy/girlfriend/friends are doing in general. first, study carefully what you want to do with your life and than pick your major. think your life as your own, dont plan it around your family or anyone else. think yourself alone and indepedent. than find a college which has excellent programs in your major. study your opitions. also, try to choose somehwere that will make you happy but dont be scared to move to a different area of america. its all about life. if money is a problem, dont let that hold you back. just keep trying because it will be worth it in the lond run.

College isn't just about finding out what you want to do with your life, you need to know what you like and what you don't like. Not just your hobbies, but rather, your personality. Are you a private person or are you sociable, does the hustle and bustle of the city bother you or do you prefer to be surrounded by nature, is diversity important to you, do you like to shop, do you like to party, are you artistic, do you like sports? Even the weather you like should be considered. You can live without access to all the things you like, but to be surrounded by things you don't like will make your college experience miserable, so, know your limits ?what you absolutely won?t tolerate. If you really like one school, apply to a couple of schools nearby as fallbacks so that you'll still be in the area. Neighboring colleges usually have a consortium of libraries and classes that can be used by students of all the participating schools; plus, you?ll go to each other?s games, bump into each other about town and at parties(if you?re into that scene).

"If you're gonna do it, do it to it." This may seem like a nonsensical piece of advice, but it has been my guiding light throughout my college search and first year and a half of college life. It means, essentially, that anything worth doing is worth doing well. A thorough college search and aggressive scholarship application system were two things that allowed me to discover and attend American University, which was the single best decision of my life. I took online surveys, read college magazines and online reviews, and spoke with teachers and guidance counselors at my school as well as alumni. Once I decided American was the right fit and applied there, I went to work applying for scholarships--24 in all--and ended up with enough money to pay for my first year of studies. But it's not enough to just find and attend the right school. Get involved right away--go to dinner with students on your floor, explore the campus, explore the surrounding neighborhood, join an a capella group, join an intramural sports team, check out Greek life. After all, it's your college now. Do it to it.

The best advice I can give is to find a place that you can make feel like home. Take every single opportunity that comes your way, because you wont want to have to look back and think, "God, I could have done that!". And, also, if you decide to get a job and work while you're a full-time student, don't work more than three days a week, because otherwise it will crush you.

Undergraduate degrees are the new high school diploma. That said, don't spend a fortune going to an expensive, private university unless you are absolutely positive that the school possesses some unique attribute or exemplary quality of education that justifies it. Go to an in-state university for undergrad, and if you think your career demands it, go to a more presitgious institution for graduate studies.

To find the right college, you need to actually go to the campuses and visit them. It's rather cliched, but when you go to that place you belong, you really will feel like you already belong there, you'll be able to visualize yourself walking around and studying there, hanging out with friends on the quad, and just feel at home, from the first moment you step on campus. When you go to college, to get the most out of it you need to cut a lot of ties with where you come from, especially if you're going far enough away that regular trips home are out of the question. I know it sounds harsh, and I'm not saying to sever all ties, but the last thing you want to do your first semester of college is to constantly wish you were home, and stay in all the time because your "real" friends aren't there.

College and the college experience is what you make of it; smart choices and a hard work ethnic are necessary regardless of where you go to be happy. Also remember that your years as an undergraduate are limited and taking advantage of the resources around you is essential to truly developing into the type of person you want to be.

I would advise parents and students, when looking for the right college, to keep your options open. Your top choice isn't always the best place for a student. I would say that more a significant number of the students at my university did not have it as their top choice. Yet the retention rates are extremely high, meaning students really enjoyed a school that wasn't necessarily their top choice but surpassed their initial reactions and really provided a well-rounded college experience. Be open to new things and experiences during college. Meeting other students from different backgrounds than yours enriches one's life in ways you may not know or understand right away. Make connections and network. College campuses, internships, and jobs are the best way to lay the foundation for a successful professional career. Lastly, enjoy college! I study hard constantly, but making sure to get out of the library or study room every once in a while to go out with friends will add to a truly memorable and successful college career.

When it come to finding the right college, put down your books and go visit the campuses. Yes it is important to go to a good school, but it is more important to get on campus and see how you feel there. Go with your gut instincts. I felt most comfortable at my now school and I have never regreted going. It's the people who go to a school because they have legacy or because it's a top rated school that are miserable. My father went to MIT and transfered after a semester (to another good school mind you) because he thought it was his top school, and then got there and was miserable because he didn't feel right on campus. You're going to be living there and working there for four years (give or take), you have to feel comfortable in your own skin. As to making the most of your college experience, don't worry about who likes you, you're bound to find some of the best friends of your life just being you. Join clubs that you like, do things that you like to do and life will seem great.

Don't worry about what other people think. Don't write off a school because it's not prestigious or not known for what you're majoring in. What really matters is that there are professors that can teach well and care about their students, and other students who are enthusiastic about the same things as you. That's the kind of school where you're really going to learn a lot, not just academically but about life as well.

You will never know what college is right for you until you attend it. Try as hard as you like, but it's impossible. You don't know yourself until college, so how can you know which is the perfect fit? Just try to keep your mind open when applying: apply to huge state schools as well as small liberal colleges. You never know, your safety school might become the choice you really wanted.

Visits are important. It's great to see cool websites, but the internet doesn't compare to walking around a campus. I applied to American University without visiting first, and when I was accepted I flew to DC with my father to visit the school and fell in love with it. I'm so happy I decided to go to American University. It wasn't my first choice, and if I hadn't visited, I don't think I would have elected to attend. I have great friends, I enjoy my classes, I like the area the school is in, and the entire city is within easy access of campus.

As I reflect on my college search I remember asking lots of the number questions. How many students went to each school? What percentage of students were from varying racial groups? What percentage of students lived on campus or got a job after graduation? How much did everything cost? What I discovered when I enrolled is that while those things play a part in your college experience they don't mean nearly as much as you think. When searching for colleges I would make sure first that you really reflect on what YOU want in a school. This is perhaps the most difficult part. Think about what you value in your own life. Are you someone who loves to learn? Do you have a strong committment to social change? Do you value a campus with a lot of spirit or a diverse student population? These are the questions that matter because you ideally want to surround yourself with an environment that you are comfortable in. Once you have made a short description of what you want you can more easily rule schools in or out. Lastly, don't be afraid to be different from your friends. Do what you want.

Visit. I decided two years before I got accepted that American was my top choice on the basis of the visit. There is a feeling you get when its right -- and I got it from American.

Go with you gut feelings and dont over think the procress......

Your college experience is once in a lifetime. Study something you are passionate about, in a location that inspires you. Don't worry about the future because the time is now.

It shouldn't really matter what school your child chooses to go to. No matter what, a college experience is going to be whatever you make of it. I considered transferring out of American during my first semester because I missed playing varsity sports and I felt lonely. But once I thought about it, I realized I that I wasn't putting forth my best effort to get involved. I joined club softball, got more invovled with my business school, got a job in the office of business communications, got an internship, and was more proactive about meeting new people. Parents, if you are ever confronted with a child that is feeling out of place at college, try suggesting some of these things; doing just one of them will end up opening three more doors to explore. What a lot of students don't realize is the amount of free time we have. Class and homework is about 60 hours a week. The rest of the time we have to ourselves. The key is to get involved in something, anything, and meet as many new people as possible.

I think that everyone has a basic understnading of whether they like a small school or big school depending on the attention they need from their professors to succeed. From there you look at the professors and their relationship with the students, theor availability and their aid in finding internships and jobs. Then I would look at what the program you want offers and their ranking because you want the best. I think it is important to look at clubs, volunteering opportunities and ensure that they have the activities you like. Also, I would look at the general education classes or required classes required. Also, the transfer rate and percent graduation rate and look deeper into this. I think that this would help a lot of peoples experience.

It may sound silly,but keep the dating pool in mind. If a college says they are 30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} men and half of those men are gay. . . seriously consider the consequences this has on social life.

As someone who transfered part way through my sophmore year in college I would suggest that people keep an open mind when looking at colleges. I insist that people look at as many colleges as possible and to go to as many orientations as possible. Do not try to find the right college by just looking online. The best way to expierence a college is to go visit one!

College is about developing yourself more than it is about getting a degree. The most important thing for students to keep in mind when looking for a school, and while at that school, is to be true to themselves. No other time in your life gives you the opportunity to experiment and broaden your horizons; every day you spend on your campus you should be sure of why you chose that school and that it's giving you what you wanted out of it. Students and parents need to be open to making changes, whether it's between majors, housing arrangements, or even schools. Campus tour guides usually mention some intangible criteria for choosing the right school even as they show off the campus, buildings, and dormitories; pay attention to these! Visit your top choice schools more than once, if possible, and stay overnight. Explore the surrounding area as well, but try taking public transportation if you're in the city even if your parents brought their car. Pay attention every minute to what feels right. As long as a school has the programs you want, rely on the intangibles to make your final decision.

There are thousands of colleges in this country, and each has the potential to take the next for years of your life in a unique direction. It is up to you to decide what specific school will take you where you want to go. Your parents and guidance councelor cannot make this decision for you, and a school's brand-name or arbitrarily-determined level of prestiege will not ultimately help you choose where you will be the happiest. You cannot fulfill each as these possible destinies presented to you, so there is no point in worrying about rejected applications or schools you wish you could attend. Because it is the individual who determines his own success and happiness, the next four years can be the most exciting of your life, no matter where you end up going to school. The key to a fantastic college experience is simply to have a positive, optimistic attitude and arrive on campus the first day expecting a great year. Remember: the more energy and enthusiasm you put into pursuing new activities and friendships, the more satisfaction you will get back in return.

Visit the college and stay overnight. You can't really get an accurate impression from a campus tour. Also, don't make a decision based on what your friends will do. It's natural to want to stay with what's familiar to you, but being out of your element is how you grow and develop as a person.

Do you remember what you felt like on your first day of kindergarten? Chances are you don't, but from experience I can tell you it is equitable to your first days at college. Just like when you were 5 years old, your mom and dad are going to be nervous about you leaving the nest and you will worry about making friends, navigating campus life and succeeding in your classes. Unlike kindergarten, however, the choices you make are solely your own from this point on. Though you will feel overwhelmed, just remember what you are going to college for. It isn't only about learning; it is about finding yourself and your place in the world. So, while you are choosing a college, look at what opportunities you will have there for personal growth, whether they be internships, Greek life, interesting classes, study abroad or any of the endless chances there are to mature. At the right school you will catch a glimpse of yourself as a confident, optimistic person, not just a student. Make the most of your college experience by following your desire to explore life, try new things and better yourself. Have no regrets!

Getting into college is not hard. Deciding which school is right for you is. There are more factors this one decision than are really describable. The size of the campus, the type of student body, the style of the facilities, the availability of the professors, the ethnic makeup of the school and surrounding areas, amount (or lack thereof) of school spirit? They all play into having the best college experience, and considering the amount of hard work and money you will be piling into your college years, all things must be scrutinized. Your happiness is the deciding factor of your college success. If you are not happy, you will not perform at your true potential. Not only will your grades suffer, but your social life and employment potential will falter. Keep a dream for yourself, and when choosing a school, ask yourself how that dream may be realized. Anything less is merely a dream deferred - and that is no dream at all.

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I would say the most important aspect is making sure your child is happy. Do not encourage them to go to a school because you like it or because you went there, listen to your child and let them make the decision because it is a decision they have to live with and be happy with for the next four years. You will not be able to hold their hand while they are at school so make sure they pick a school where they can be happy on their own and comfortable in their own skin. Finances should not be the main reason because financial aid is available if you work hard and your child's happiness should come first.

Have your children stay at the college they are looking at for a weekend on their own so they can get the best judge of character of the school. Sometimes the rosy picture the tour guides paints for you is not always true. The most important thing, along with your child getting a good education to prepare them for the real world, is that they'll be happy where they are for the next 4 years and away from the comfort of home.

Four Important Aspects to Selecting the Right School 1. Before making a decision, visit the schools. This way you are able to get a feel for the school. 2. Look at finances. Of course private school is more expensive. Be aware that nothing is wrong with attending a public school. It saves you money in the long wrong. 3. Look at the cultural differences. People naturally feel better when they are immerse in their own culture. This does not always include race, but other aspects such as religion and background. 4. Location is just as important as the other aspects to picking a school. Many of us want to get away from our parents, but actually think about it. You are going to be away from home for a long time. The beautiful luxuries at home may no longer exist once you leave. Think about it carefully. Also think about the weather. Some like the cold, while others despise the heat. If you are leaving home, you may want to go to a place that is comfortable for you and does not make you want to leave every time the weather reaches over 100 or below 40 degrees.

Make sure you think about your career. Don't get caught up in glitz (the dorms, the dining hall, the beautiful campus). Make sure you pay attention to what the area your school is in has to offer. Make sure you look at your specific program. If you want to be a bio-chem major, make sure the school you pick is good for bio chem, not just respected as an overall institution.

As much as prestige may influence your application process, do not let it affect which school you choose! Selecting the right school for you has nothing to do with how long ago it was established or how many of its graduates now work at United Nations. Visit potential colleges and find out the stuff that really matters - not what they tell you on campus tours. Are people available to help you with difficulties in your academics and social life? Is there always something to do on campus? Is there usually free food to be found somewhere? Are there outlets for the activities, hobbies, or careers that you want to pursue? These are really important! Be sure to talk to some current students. Current freshmen can tell you about adjusting to college, while juniors and seniors have a better feel for the school's academics, policies, and campus life. In short: make sure you get the whole story before you start accepting acceptance letters!

The most important thing students and parents can do to have a successful college experience is to properly balance the ranking of the school with the financial disposition of the student. Buy the affordable amount of prestige, because post-graduation financial flexibility will also meet higher flexibility while selecting a permanent job.

To visit the schools and speak to current students and alumni in the same field you are interested in. They will describe the school better than the couselors.

When you are looking at the campus, really look at the kids, and see if you can imagine yourself as one of them

Definitely involve your parents in the college selection process. Make sure they know what you want and vice versa. It is important to visit the schools that you are interested in and it is super important to interact with the student body there. When visiting a perspective school, don't be shy to stop a random student walking to class and ask them a few questions, because they are the ones that are going to give you the truthful answers. Don't rely on the faculty and staff to answer your questions and paint a picture of the school, they are paid to get you to come there, they're going to tell you anything you want to hear. College is the most important and potentially funnest time in your life, don't let somebody else make the decision for you, do your research and do what your gut tells you.

You will be happier at the college you choose because it fits your personality and interests than you will at the one you choose based on financial information. Find a school that fits you and what you want and what you like. You'll be more productive and much happier in the long run.

At the risk of sounding clich?, I advise both parents and their college-bound children to genuinely consider what aspects of life they deem truly important to their educational experience before making a final decision. Location, academic stimulation, ranking, and extra curricular activities are only facts on a page unless they are thoroughly reflected upon by individual students?both on their own and with parental guidance. After honestly establishing one?s own priorities, anywhere that fits self-determined criteria should provide students with an excellent collegiate experience; attending a college that one has chosen for reasons they recognize as valuable should give students not only the necessary confidence to start anew, but also the satisfaction of a well-made choice.

College is an amazing experience where you can truly develop your sense of self and who you want to be in this world. If you are planning on focusing on liberal arts and the humanities, the majority of things you learn will be from interacting with the people around you. Spend some time volunteering in the community where your university is located. Find a group of people to play pick up soccer with. Study abroad. Stick around after class to talk to your professor about some article you read that mildly relates to the topic they're teaching. These interactions will stick with you so much longer than the research paper you write on European commerce in the 1700s. Never feel like once you commit, that's it. College is a time for change above all else. You can change your major, your friends, your hair, anything in the quest to determine what makes you happy. It will probably be the first time you are somewhat on your own, don't take that responsibility lightly. And don't take the mistakes you will make too harshly. Keep your eyes and ears open, and try to take it all in.

Pick a university that makes you feel at home the second you step on campus. Find a school with a wide range of extra-curricular activites and a program which suits you best and you will never have a chance to be homesick. I never had a difficult time fitting in at AU because there were so many groups to get involved with and so many different things to do that I never got bored or lonely. I have made friends that will be with me for the rest of my life. My class sizes are small, which is very important to me since I prefer to have relationship with my professors. The professors here are extremely willing to help students, which is a definite perk. The campus is in the midst of an amazing city, yet it is not spread out and has a definite "campus" feel to it. I like the fact that I can take a shuttle bus to the metro and be anywhere in the city within a matter of minutes. AU is a perfect fit for me because I feel home here. Every student should find a place which feels like home.

I would suggest starting early with the entire college process. The more information parents and students have about a college the more informed decision they will be able to make. I think it very important that, if possible, both parents and children make on-site visits to their top choices of school. It's important because once you find the right school, you will just feel it. You will know that you are meant to be there and that is not something you can't get from the website or conversations with school representatives. To make the most of the college experience, it is important to get involved. Even if it is only one activity, find something you like to do and do it. You will meet great people this way. It is also important to go to class. It might be difficult to go when it's a big lecture class or the entire lecture can be found online, but it is a way to better know the material and get to know your professors, who will be a resource for you. Also, get an internship. This experience will help determine what you want to do with your life.

I would suggest that students should pick their college based upon their awareness of 'who' they are, 'what' their future goals are, and 'where' they would like to see themselves after their college experience. First, students should select a college that will provide them with an academic and a social environment that is conducive to their personal and intellectual growth. Potential students should consider the following criteria when selecting their school: the size of the university/college, its academic resources, its educational philosophy, student-teacher ratio, career services, housing and dining options, student activities, its social culture, research opportunities, and geographic location among other criteria. Furthermore, when students arrive on campus, they should think of this as an opportunity to realize their full potential academically and personally. Students can make the most of their experience through getting to know their faculty early--professors can help students with clarifying their academic and professional goals. Secondly, students should take advantage of research and internship opportunities early in their academic career. Third, students can enhance their undergraduate experience through studying abroad--this will broaden their worldview and expand their cultural awareness. Finally, students should have fun while challenging themselves at the same time!

Plan ahead, know what courses you need/want to take. Make a four year plan, study abroad, go to class every day.

The best way to find the right college is to go there in person. Walk around the campus, talk to the students, and tour the neighborhood. Can you imagine yourself living there? Pay attention to your gut feeling. Once you're actually in college, challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Sometimes all it takes is realizing you are different from someone to discover your own individuality. College is a unique opportunity to reinvent yourself by engaging in new experiences. So make friends, do an internship, talk to your professors, study abroad, help someone, jobshadow, listen to a speaker, volunteer, do whatever seems even slightly interesting. Make smart choices (flying to New York with a stranger may not be wise), and get good grades, but don't feel pressured to plan out your entire life immediately. Part of the beauty of life is appreciating the unexpected - you never truly know what will happen or where your path will lead. Many people don't specifically use their degree in their career, anyway, so follow your interests and passions and see where they take you. Just enjoy college and make your experience even better than it was for your parents.

You need to determine the location (close to home or far away from home) and type of area (i.e. city, rural) where you will be most comfortable. It's also very important to know your preferences regarding the size of the school, size of the classes, and transportation options to get home. Make sure that that the school not only offers courses in your major area, but has many other options, because most students do not graduate with the major with which they entered college. Most importantly, with today's economy such as it is, the school must be affordable. You do not want to graduate with tens of thousands of dollars in loans. Make sure to visit all potential schools either before or after you apply. Talk to the students, eat in the cafeteria, and spend the night if you can!

My advice would be to travel to as many colleges as possible, decide which type of school is best for the student and what is most important. For example, the student should decide if he/she wants a big school or a small one, or he/she wants one in the city or not. Also, ask questions, do a an overnight and get to know the students at the school.

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Nothing is more important than that gut feeling. Even if everyone you know and your entire family attended a certain school, even if that school is perfect on paper it still may not be the right fit. Go to the campus and just experience it. That gut feeling is the most important thing in choosing a school.

Don't worry about getting into the "best" school. Find the school that fits YOU! If you want to be able to do other things besides academics while at school, find a school where that is possible for you. Don't deny who you are while looking at schools. Weather and location matter. If you are in a place you don't like it will be hard to be happy and successful at school. Making friends and connections at school is paramount, and fun! Don't worry if you don't find your group of friends within the first few weeks or even months of school.

To have the best college experience, you need to find the college that is just right for you. In my experience, it was necessary to visit the univeristies I was applying to in order to determine my perfect match. I recommend taking your parents with you when you visit schools. While it is helpful to involve your parents int he college search process, remember the decision is ultimately yours. When you visit a school, talk to students, eat in the cafeteria, pick up a copy of the student newspaper, and sit on the quad and observe. Also, reach out to professors and administrators at your top priority schools. The treatment you receive as a prospective student will be indicative of what you should expect when you enroll. When looking at schools, keep your priorities in mind. What kinds of academic options are important to you and want kinds of extracurricular activities do you want to pursue? Let your passions guide your choice. Once you arrive at your chosen school as a student, don't hold back! Be curious, be adventurous, and most importantly, be you. You are the only one who knows what feels right for you! Choose wisely!