American University Top Questions

It is always important to visit the campus and make sure they have strong programs outside what you oringially believe you are going to study. Also, make sure that there is a fair amount of student activities so you can be involved in a wide spectrum of events. It helps to meet new friends and network with professionals.

1. Do your research: The best way to start looking at schools for you or your son/daughter is to start looking online, reading books, and attending college fairs. While this will not give you deep insight into the student bodies, it will give you enough information on type of programs and opportunities the various schools have to offer. 2. Visit campuses: Once you have decided what type of colleges you're interested in looking at, visit campuses. Actually walking around the campuses and observing the atmospheres will give you a better feel for campus life. 3. Talk to students: Students are generally very honest with their experiences at their college or university and are the best tools for insight into the character of the student body and the overall happiness of the campus. 4. Meet lots of people: The best way to get the most out of the college experience is to not limit your boundaries on who you meet. College is a time for self-discovery, and the best way to know who you are is to see how you interact with a wide net of people.

In finding the right college, try to talk to the students of that school rather than just researching information online and visiting the campus. Also, don't attend a school with a focus on greek life if you know that you are not interested in participating. Once attending a school, be sure to live on campus in a typical dorm setting for at least the first two years of school, or it will be very difficult to make friends and get involved in activities. No matter how a communal living situation may sound uncomfortable, it is a necessary part of the college experience. Also, it is better to attend a school that is appropriate to your financial situation than to be stressed about money while you are in school.

Don't pick a school based on a name alone. Sometimes the right fit isn't with a top tier school or one that is highly recognized. It may not even be the one that offers you the most financial aid. What matters is how the available programs fit your needs and interests. Go for what you love and you won't regret it.

Students searching for the right college should most importantly start early and consider a number of options. I would strongly advise against narrowing things down too early. Look at schools that are big and small; schools that are in-state and out-of-state; schools that are known for their social scene and schools that are known for their academics. Make sure you pick a school that gives you options. Your college is where you recreate who you are for at least the next four years of your life if not the longer. You need a school that will let you try new things, meet different kinds of people, study a variety of things and then offer you a strong education in that one area that interests you above all else. Look far and wide for a school that offers you those things and then work and play hard to take advantage of opportunities while you are there.

Think about the college experience as a package. Try not to get too caught up with the price and consider factors such as location and disciplines available and the calliber of professors. Then, follow through. The secret to college, like anything in life, is that it is what one makes of it. So make the best choice for you and then make it better.

Just because it's your dream school doesn't mean it will make your dreams come true. Try to follow your dreams but remember that there are a million ways to fulfill them,. Don't get stuck on one Univeristy, there are A LOT of amazing schools out there if you look for them!

I would suggest visiting the school. When you visit a school, you get a real feel for the personalit yof the campus. I would definitely go when school is in session. That way you can see the students, get a feel for how crowded the campus is, and even sit in on a class. Plus, you can go up to any of the students on campus and ask their honest opinion. When you go to a campus, you know if you want to be there or not. College is such an important decision, you need to be confident in your choice. You need to feel it, not just reed statistics in the hundereds of college magazines and books. While academics and national standings are great and very important when looking for the perfect school, you need to be able to fit in as a student to be happy. Th eonly way you can decide is by taking a college visit and seeing the place you may be spending the next four years of your life.

Make sure you visit as many places as possible and apply to as many places as possible because you want to make sure the school you get into and can afford to go to is the right fit for you. Make sure you find the real personality of the campus, that's essential for getting anything positive from your college experience.

I think that touring schools is one of the most important things prospective students can do. American University was originally not my first choice. I assumed that I wanted to go to a particular school simply because of its name and academic standing. But after I visited A.U. I realized that there is more to college than just a ranking. It was the whole picture of A.U....the availability for internships, the experience of living in D.C., the diversity of professors and programs, the experience of the staff and faculty, and the "just right" proximity to home. I never would have realized how right all of those things were for me had I not toured, and so it is the biggest recommendation I could give to any students and parents getting ready for college.

No matter where you end up getting accepted you need to visit the school and get a feel for the environment. You will feel right when you spend time on the campus you are meant to attend. In the end it is your responsibility to make the best out of your college experience. You will have a fabulous experience on any campus when you get involved and become a part of something you are passionate about.

I was certainly excited come my junior year in high school to begin the college search process. My school had provided me with tons of resources on "finding the best school" and I had read additional literature, as well as talked to my older college friends. Yet, what I've come to realize is finding the right college is not a question that can necessarily be answered through a book, statistical ranking or even a campus tour. For me, the perfect school just fit right. Upon visiting the school, I felt a strong sense of community. It was a place in which I felt comfortable, and could imagine myself becoming apart of. I was accepted to more prestigious schools and offered better financial aid packages at other universities -- but this particular school felt better than the rest. Granted, there are many practical factors that may affect your decision (financial, location or otherwise), but to the extent which is possible, I would ask you to choose what feels best for YOU -- don't overemphasize college rankings or suggestions from others. Remember, the college decision is ultimatly yours to make. Do what feels right. Good luck!

Some students visit a campus and experience that revelation, that moment of, "this college is for me." Most of us are not so lucky, and the uncertainty is often present well into the first semester of school. I would contend that finding the right college is less important than taking advantage of the right opportunities at whichever college the student chooses. There was never a time during the college selection process that I knew American University was perfect for me. It wasn't that simple, and it rarely is. Entering college with a positive attitude is perhaps the most important step that an incoming freshman can take. I can guarantee that if a student enters college believing that he will hate it, then hate it he will. A positive attitude and a forward looking outlook are all important, as they enable students to see opportunities before them and take advantage of them before they slip away. Worrying is the wrong tactic. The focus should be on enjoying whichever school you select, not choosing a school you think you'll enjoy. Dragging feet will ensure stumbles, but a head held high and facing forward will enable you to visualize your goals.

The advice that I would give to students about making the most of a college experience is to live on campus. There are many opportunities after the first year to try and move off campus and get an apartment, or sometimes you don't even have to live on campus, but you miss such a huge social and academic opportunity by not living in the dorms. Surviving dorm life is almost like a rite of passage for college students. The friends that you make during that time (even though they may not be your roommate) will be your friends for life. Look for colleges and universities that have set up structures such as learning communities for freshman where you live in dorms with the people that you are in classes with. These are usually based on your major, that way you already have a shared interest. Sometimes they are also based on sports or clubs as well.

Go with your gut feeling!

You shouldn't choose a college jsut because it's well-known or because all your friends are going there. College is about more than getting your diploma. It's about meeting new people and gaining personal and professional experiences. Even if you're the only one of your friends going to the school, if it has the best progams for what you want to do, that's where you should go. You also have to keep in mind whether or not the course work is going to be manageable. If it's going to be too much, your GPA will suffer and it probably won't be worth the trouble. Go somewhere that feels right to you, even if you don't visit it first. You'll know in your gut if a school is right or wrong for you. Follow that instinct.

Pay attention to the location of the school. It is not only important for the campus itself to have a good atmosphere, but also for the area to be suited to your interests. Four years is a long time to be in one place, and you will not want to spend all of that time on campus. Cities are great places to go to school, because there are always cultural events going on, many of them free, and many of them not involving alcohol. It is nice going to school in a city because there is public transportation, which is much cheaper than keeping a car on campus and having to pay for gas. Many students (including me) have bikes and take them everywhere. When it comes to looking for internships and jobs, being in a city makes the possibilities endless! Even just small jobs like babysitting are often high paying, and it is easy to find internships that relate to your major and interests. My advice is that even if you think you woulldn't be comfortable in a city, don't rule it out-you may find it's the best choice!

meet with professors while going on college tours...it'll give you a real perspective on what classes will actually be like

College is one of the most sudden and demanding changes to occur in a young person's life. Choosing the right school is essential for a student in order for them to feel safe, secure, and welcome in their new enviornment. The most important thing to do is visit schools. No matter how nice a school looks on paper, and no matter how badly you may want to go to a school, visiting the campus is the only real way to know if a school is right for you. Your parents may have gone to Harvard and you may have wanted to go there your entire life, but if you visit and it just doesnt feel right, then it isnt the school for you. There is a feeling in the gut that comes with finding the right school. One simply knows that they will fit in, that they can deal with living somewhere for the main portion of their next four years. My advice to you is not to choose a school by its statistics, but to choose a school based on how it makes you feel.

thnk of school size, location, and your major.

Wherever you end up, you'll be as happy as you allow yourself to be. Find a good group of friends, be open to new people and new experiences, and you should be fine.

I think searching for the perfect college is difficult but can be done. I had a special circumstance in which I was being recruited to play volleyball so my college process was different than the average student. As much as I enjoyed being on a varsity team, once I got injuried and was unable to play, college and my university became very different to me and that was the time that I wished I had looked at other schools. To me, class size and location are huge factors, my largest class has had 50 students in it and I love knowing my professors and not being taught by teaching assistants. Additionally, being close to the city was something very important to me.

The best advice I can give is to get involved on campus early. Join clubs that interest you and be active on campus. Sooner or later the party scene will get boring and you will be looking for new and interesting things to get involved with. This can be difficult id you start your Seinor year. Also have an open mind and try new things that is the best way to discover yourself. The most rewarding thing about college is findingout who you are and what makes you you.

It's fair to say that everybody wants different things out of college, but most people who do go to college do so to make themselves more competetive in the job market. Think long and hard about how the school you plan to attend will do this. Don't just go on tours at the campus - make sure that you meet with faculty and staff for your chosen major. If you are studying something that depends on facilities make sure that you visit them and that they justify the tution bill. Make sure that you understand everything they tell you when they describe and show the facilities to you. Try to get them to let you sit in on a class before you make your decision. It's your money and you should be getting the best education that you possibly can for it. Of course, it can be difficult to asses whether or not a school is "perfect" until you've spent some time there, so be open to transferring as well. It happens. However, understand that there are things about going to college that make everyone uncomfortable - make sure these are not the reasons you'd consider leaving.

Don't worry. Be happy.

It's not the matter of Can or Cannot. It's the matter of Do or Do Not. There are countless opportunites waiting for you. You will most likely have the ability to take any of those opportunities. At times, as you encounter opportunities, you may feel underestimated or overwhelmed. Some students tell themselves that they cannot take the opportunity because: 1. it's too easy for them, 2. it's too hard for them, 3. it's too time consuming. However, what makes the difference at the end is not your inherent-ability, but your potential that you grew into the greater ability by taking each opportunities. It's always Do or Do Not; Never Can or Cannot. Do not be afraid!

The most important advice to make the most of your college experience is to get as involved as you can when you first arrive to college, and never turn down an offer to meet new people. Advice to parents and students in finding a college is to look at programs that interest you and look into the city the college or university is in as well as that will play a large part. It is also important to pay attention to the types of people that attend the school because you will most likely end up being like them. Make sure you apply for as many scholarships as humanly possible while you can and try and pass as many AP tests as you can. The benefit is magnificent!

Go there and stay there for a night or two to see if it is the right fit. You wont know until you are there in person. Then go with whoever gives you the best scholarship.

only be influenced by either your passion or gut because many other outside forces will not direct you to the place that fits best for you.

I would tell them that going to your reach school may not be the best idea, if you are not willing to spend most of your time doing work. I would tell them that they should go up to random students on campus and have a conservation with them about the school, so that they get a feel for what life is like at that particular school. When visiting schools take pictures so that you can remember what each campus looked like. Ask about housing, possibly go see a room if it is allowed. See if construction is going to be conducted in the near future while you would be attending the campus. Ask about their Gen Ed programs. I would definatly do an overnight at the school, to try and get a better feel for it. Try and go during a season where the weather isn't so nice. TALK TO THE STUDENTS THERE TO SEE HOW THEY LIKE IT AND WHY THEY DECIDED TO GO THERE!

Sleep over at the school and go out with the students; it will push you out of your comfort zone, but remember: you will adjust and mature at school. Pick something different from your hometown that you feel you can still relate to.

When you step on to the campus of the college that is right for you, you just know. If may not feel farmiliar but it will feel comfortable . Furthermore, don't worry if websites and magazines didn't rate the college in their top 20 or award it some fancy title. If it feels like the right place, it probably is. Once you get there don't be afraid to get involved. During your first few weeks on campus try some new things, like organizations related to your interests, or a club sport you have never played before. College is a place to learn not just about history and literature but about yourself. If you come in undecided do not stress yourself worrying about a major. Take a variety of classes, eventually something with spark your interest. Also, if you have decided and something new comes up do not be afraid to change your plan. Nothing is set in stone in college, so take your time to figure out what you would really like to study. Most importantly, HAVE FUN because if you try, these really will be the best days of your life!

Visit every campus possible, because seeing the campus makes all the difference.

Find a college where the schools don't make the students and faculty, but vice-versa. Likewise you want to be situated in a town or city that allows opportunities like internships and jobs. If the college of your choice is secluded, make sure it has programs and opportunities for studying or interning elsewhere for a semester or year.

Find a school that suits a lot of your interests and has a variety of people. Do not simply go to a school because they have a good sports team or because they are completely academically focused. College though primarily about the academic expeirence, also has alot to do with figuring out who you are as a person and learning your interests. Therefore, in choosing the right college and making the most of your experience you need to combine these to traits: academics and social interests. A good combination of the two will make the college experience the most memorable and exciting.

Pick whatever fits, based on your dreams, the location, what the school offers, etc. Money does need to be a factor but there are ways around it (financial aid, scholarships, etc). Go in with a flexible, open mind. You will change your mind about a hundred times before you find something that fits. Find ways to achieve your dreams, whether they be travel or anything else, because you're only young once. Study hard because grades count more than ever. Above all, let this be your own decision. You're transitioning from teen to adult and need to learn how to make your own decisions. This is your life and your future, as well as part of the world's future, is in your hands.

Something that worked really well for me was to go to a state school very close to home for my first two years of college. I commutted and was a state resident, so the cost was very low, and I was able to work and save money. After being in college for two years, I knew what I wanted in a school in a way I never would have during high school, and I was able to transfer to a school that really fit my needs to complete my degree. I saved a lot of money this way and picked a school that was a great fit for me. Transferring might not be the best bet for everybody, but it really made my college years a success and gave me the experience I needed to succeed at a school far away from home. I highly recommend it!

Follow your heart. Do not allow other people make your decision for you. Do not limit yourself to a school because of money issues. Follow your dreams. To make the most of the college experience get involved, volunteer, and make yourself know to your professors. Parents should help along the way but do not pressure your child into making a decision.

Visit all of the likely schools at least twice. Try and get a feel for things on an ordinary day.

My number one piece of advice is not to panic! I think it is important not to put too much pressure on yourself to get into the "right" school. What you think is the right school may actually be a terrible fit; getting rejected might be a blessing in disguise. I had my heart set on going to George Washington University, and was heart-broken when I was put on the wait list. I got into American University and resigned myself to being an AU Eagle. Soon after starting school, I spent time with friends from home at GW, and realized I would have been miserable if I'd gone there! I would have hated the east coast and hurried home to California right after graduation. Instead, I couldn't be happier to be a student at AU. I've had great internships, I'm the Director of a big department of our Student Government, and I think I want to live in Washington DC for years to come. You never really know which college will make you happy, so do your research, but keep an open mind and it will all work out!

I think that students and parents should know that no decision is final, that transferring is possible. But it's important for students to come to school with an open mind, willing and wanting to meet new and different people. Otherwise many students will have a harder time adjusting to an environment.

While finding a college that suits your needs (geographic, specialties in certain fields, etc.) is important, the deciding factor in how your college experience pans out is your attitude. There are students who make it into the top colleges in the country but have terrible experiences because they were not open to new experiences and/or did not make do with the cards that they were dealt. In college, one's success and happiness in academics and the social scene is based almost solely on that individual's choice to be engaged, an active member on campus, or to passively coast through life. Those students who aggressively go after the grades, classes, internships, jobs, extracurricular activities, and friendships that they want have much better experiences than those students who do not create their own opportunities. Decide the things that you want out of your college experience and create your own opportunities to achieve your goals. No one is going to hand you anything anymore, and even if they do, there is little satisfaction in that.

When looking for a college don't rule out a school just because it doesn't fit all of the criteria you have listed for your 'dream school'. I wanted to go to a big, public, rural arts school to study music composition; now I'm at a small political science university in the nation's capital. I couldn't be happier with the school I chose. Never underestimate the resources (both academic and social) that a city has to offer, even if you're a farm girl [or boy] at heart! Also, never rule out a university because it's too expensive. Give yourself a minimum about of financial aide you'll accept from the school and give it your best shot. You might be suprised with what you're offered. Finally, when you get to your chosen university remember it isn't high school anymore. This is your chance to be the person you want to be without judgement from your family or your peers. Remain true to who you are, but explore what you can become.

Make sure that you aren't JUST looking at your kid's major. First of all, they are likely to change their minds about that, and when that happens you want them in an environment that with encourage other options. Secondly, having great major-related classes can't save the college experience if you don't find a place that feels like home. Look at the city, the neighborhood, Greek life, available work experience and make sure you step outside your comfort zone just a little.

To the parents, let your child pick the college they would like to attend. Although money may be a problem or not, you have to let the child make their own decisions about this part of life. College is a whole new experience perspective students. One should cherish this moment, college is meant to live a little as well as a get a good education and degree. With that being said, pick the best college that fits you! Size, people, sex, location, activities...and so forth. Although going to college may seem fun, it can also be a scary deal. No need to fear, you are not alone. Remember that the other freshmen are new to college as well, so make a few friends and you'll be okay. Even though people may be hesitant at first to speak, put your foot first and be assertive. You never know that person may have some connections that will help you in the future! Welcome to college!

Parents need to allow their children to make their own decisions. There is no need to apply to more than five or six schools. Students should be able to choose the schools they want to attend and major in the programs they want to be in, or they will be miserable. Students should also realize that a positive attitude matters more than what college you attend. Having a positive outlook can make a bad situation good, and a good situation great. College is about what you make it to be; it's all in your hands.

get involved around campus

It is VERY difficult to imagine what a college will be like by just taking a tour. Try to do one of those overnight stays, try to ask some students who go there what they think of it, etc. Don;'t choose a school for its reputation, choose where you will be happiest.

Selecting a college is a choice that must begin early, before high school even. When I have kids -- hopefully not any time soon -- I will take my fourteen year old to three schools: a very elite one, a state school, and a community college. I will then inform them that it is their choices and a reflection of their effort that will determine where they will go. Along with this I will promise to always help and encourage them, rather than reflect negatively upon them. I will try to help them find what is best for them, rather than what I wanted. Who knows? While the elite school may satisfy some, others may find home a comforting atmosphere and feel safer in community college. Most, it seems, will choose the middle road. However, I would remind my child it is not where they go that matters, but what they do with the education they would receive. Thus my advice would be for students to find where they can flourish, and for parents to support this choice.

So many people try to reinvent themselves when they go to school. They try to keep what they like about themselves and change every thing else. I, for example, was somewhere between a theater nerd and a video game nerd in high school. When I went to college I kept the theater nerd part of me, which I saw as cultured, intriguing and essentric, but sold most of my video games. I figured I would hang out with other theater kids all the time, like I did in high school. After several months of this I realized I was not happy. I realized that in order to get the most out of college, I had to keep an open mind about new things and be true to myself. I play video games more now when I have the time, which is an excellent way to relax. I spend time with my theater friends still, but much of my social life revolves around my fraternity. Joing Sigma Phi Epsilon has been one of the best choices I've made since going to college, a choice I never would've made if I hadn't kept an open mind about Greek Life.