American University Top Questions

I would look at the difficulty of the academics, the potential for the school to help with the student's career choices, and the location. When I applied to American, I only had those first two pieces of advice in mind; I never thought about what city I was living in. I'm glad I chose American because I love being in such a thriving city such as Washington, D.C.. Some of my other choices of colleges were located in the middle of now where and I'm so glad I picked AU because there are so many opportunities in DC that I wouldn't have had if I hadn't attended a college in DC. So as my dad always says, "Location, location, location!"

Be sure that you can afford it and that the quality of the education matches the cost. Colleges have become more of a business than an educational institution and if you aren't going to that good of a college, it might not be worth it at all.

Students: Make sure you think about where you'd fit in, and whether you really think you'll survive on that campus. Your college experience is what you make of it; talk to your roommates, your floormates, that random person standing next to you in the lunch line. You'd be surprised the people you meet. Take advantage of your professors and their expertise, and also take a good look at the career center and the counselors. They are very helpful people. Parents: Let your student decide where they want to go...remind them of all the things you can think of to help them make a good decision. But in the end, it's THEIR life. Let them choose where they want to go, because they will be much happier, and therefore much more successful, because of it.

The advice I would give parents or studets about finding the right college and making the most of the experience, is to really take time to think about what they want in a school, and to weigh the costs and benefits of going to a certain school over another one. I would definitely tell them to pay close attention to the financial aid process, and how much the school costs and how much aid--merit or need based that the school is willing to offer. I would also tell them to pick a school that is located where they want to go and that has programs that interest them, and people they would want to be surrounded by. Not everyone knows what they want to do after high school but having a general idea will help a lot in the selection process. Secondly, In order to make the most of the college experience do not be afraid to talk to new people. Definitely do not be afraid to take advantage of every opportunity that the college has to offer, whether it be career fairs, or study abroad, get as much exposure and experience as you can before you graduate.

Be open to changing your mind about your first choice. The school you want may not accept you. Or, when you go for a visit, you may realize that it's just not for you. Or, your second choice might offer you a lot more financial aid. Either way, keep in mind that there are a lot of schools in this country, and that if you don't end up at your first choice, it doesn't really matter, as long as you're happy.

When I applied to college I was determined! I wanted to go to a top 10 school, and failure to do so seemed like failure in life. Around March acceptance letters began rolling in, and I was entirely discouraged to find that I did not get into my top choices. This ended up being a blessing. Starting classes, meeting peers, and exploring a new geographical area all at once taught me that it?s not what school one attends, but how we attend that school that counts. After starting at American University, I discovered that all schools have excellent professors, active social groups, and ample campus activities. Seeking out and taking advantage of those offerings has been a joy! My most important advice in applying to colleges is this: Don?t focus on the name of a school as much as its substance. Determine what?s important to you, and seek that out in a college. Don?t assume that all Ivy Leagues will give excellent experiences by virtue of their name; sometimes the most unexpected pleasures of the college experience will be ones you must claim yourself.

Finding the right college is about having a feeling that the school is right when you step on campus. Don't settle for somewhere you don't want to go or aren't sure about. To make the most of the college experience, find friends who are passionate about what you are or who love what you do. You don't have to be into the wild party scene or go crazy in order to find a second family at college. It's easy to find friends, but if you can find people to be your family away from home, that's invaluable.

Make sure you go to the campus when school is in session so you can meet and see the people and the classroom setting.

Visit the college before you go and try to just observe without any one around telling you about the school, because that is their interpertation and yours might be different.

Spend some time at the college. It is important to have a feel for the place to see if you belong and would enjoy going there. Also, it's ok if you don't feel like it's the right place once you get there. It takes some time and give it a chance.

Finding a college isn't something that happens in a day. Nor is creating that "perfect college life" something that happens immediately. Take your time- relax. Realize that you shouldn't stress about the process, but embrace it. Give yourself a chance to explore colleges- not entirely disect them. Get the overall feeling of the institution. Don't worry about the school by the numbers alone. When you find a school, give yourself the opportunity to adjust. Give all these new experiences a chance before you decide to change them. Just settle back and enjoy the ride.

Go where you feel most comfortable! If you don't get into your first choice, it wasn't meant to be. Go with the flow, transfer if you need to...this is about YOU and your happiness and success!

Parents, don't try and dominate your child's college experience. Let them look into the schools that interest them, the academic paths that interest them, and the lifestyles that interest them. They will always be your son or daughter, but they aren't your little boy or girl anymore. It is time for them to go out on their own, though they still need you more than they realize. Students, respect your parents. Just because you are out of the house doesn't mean you are high and mighty. You aren't invincible either. Drugs and alcohol are mostly a waste of time anyway, keep clean and keep on top of your life. Just be yourself, but don't confuse that with who you wish you were.

Compare the college process to carving a wooden object (it can be anything you desire). Prepare your tools: Get ready to carve your niche in the world! Clich?, I know, but think of your unadulterated potential. Try an online college personality matcher like the one on collegeboard.com. Once you have found the perfect school, go there. You'll find a way to pay off your loans in the future (don?t forget about scholarship opportunities). Use those artistic juices and get to work: Variety truly is vital. Diversify your classes. You may have a major in mind, but nothing is set in stone (we're carving wood, remember). Get involved in an activity that you've never done -- or even heard of. As always, keep an open mind. You?re in dorm life now and will be bombarded with a slew of different personalities. Proudly display your masterpiece: You've worked diligently; you've earned bragging rights. It may be the end of your first semester or already spring break, but don?t forget to reward yourself. Whether it be a weekend vacation or simply an escape to your favorite spot on campus to enjoy a new novel, indulge!

Pick which ones would challenge you academically, and then visit them, get the tours, see the campus. Make sure the environment is right for you or your child. Visiting American University made the difference between my choices.

Students should take into account the mandatory classes needed for one's major or subject. How many gen eds they need to take, the size of the school, activities at the school, and what the buildings at the school look like. Parents should take into account the cost, the distance from home, and the amount of AP credits the student has. To make the most of a college experience, a student should join a club or sport, and participate a lot in it. Dont join every club, but just enough to make a good amount of great friends.

No book, website, or tour can paint a school with complete accuracy. If you want to really understand what being a student at that college/university means, you have to make an effort to involve yourself: schedule meetings with professors about academic and career opprotunities, talk to students about their experiences, meet with a guidance councelor, and spend a night if you can. DON'T BE SHY TO ASK QUESTIONS! It might feel awkward to talk to a random student on campus, but chances are that they'll be happy to give you advise and give you details about the school that administrators won't. When judging a school, experience everything you can about it first hand and tap all the resources at your disposal. The more you know about your school, the more educated your decision will be.

There are many factors to consider when thinking about college. The first is whether or not it's academic prorgams fit your needs. American University has one of the best International Affairs schools in the world, so I knew that it was a natural fit for my South Asian studies interests. Secondly, location is also an important factor, since you will be spending four years at the school. It's important for me to see beautiful architecture on my way to class, landscaped campus meeting spots, and the knowledge that fun activites are near by, both on and off campus. Student body is important as well. It's important for me to be surrounded by a diverse group of people whose interactions will teach me things both inside, and outside the classroom. And lastly, you must visit the school to check out it's "vibe". As unscientific as that may sound, does the campus "feel" right? Do you feel safe and comfortable walking to class? Do you feel that your personality, intelligence and talents will be developed, recognized and nurtured at the school? All of these factors helped me in discovering my perfect fit, American University.

The best advice I could give someone when it comes to choosing a college is to let the college pick you. I visited 7 - 10 schools in my search for "the one," and only one campus made me feel that tingly feeling of belonging and purpose. Even sitting in the usually boring introduction session with my parents I was thrilled to be at American University and to hear all of the opportunities possible for me. Students and their parents should look for what best suits their beliefs and goals for the future, and they should also find a place that the student attending can personally be comfortable and happy. At such an age of discovery and learning, teenagers and adolescents must find a place where they can find themselves before they can find their future.

Make sure that you get a good feeling about a school you're looking at, not necessarily just the numbers.

I think that any prospective students should go to a college without any preconceived notions. I went to American thinking that it was going to be a liberal, dry, and relatively no-fun school. I kept this notion for most of my freshman year. However; after finally opening myself up to the diversity of the school, I discovered that there is diversity everywhere. Stereotypes do not cover everyone in a university. Everyone can find their own niche, if only they allow for an open heart, head, and self perception.

Don't fret about not finding the right college. I was not sure about the college I chosed to attend. Too many factors of what makes a great school exist. You will always find something that does and does not stick out to you at any school. Out of all the factors you have to find what stick out to you the most.

Have fun, the real world sucks.

Choosing a college is a complicated process. It goes deeper than rankings and prices. Students must find the right colleges for themselves: their interests and their needs. And even so, there is no way to foresee exactly how a student will feel at a school. My advice is to go with your gut. It is easy to overthink the decision, but you will know when it is right. Parents guide their children, but shouldn't push them in a certain direction.

Start searching early. I ran on out of time and applied arbitrarily without visiting campuses ahead of time.