Boston University Top Questions

For me, the most helpful step in choosing the right college was physically going to visit the campus. Every school sounds great on paper, but going there allows you to see how well they maintain the campus, what the students are like, and even sit in on a class if you would like. It allowed me to visualize my future at different prospective schools, and helped me to outweigh the pros and cons of attending each. Once I had decided on going to BU and had actually started my freshman year, i made sure to get out there and meet as many people as possible. I personally chose to do Army ROTC as an extra curricular activity, a decision that i stand by to this day. I have made life long friends along the way, and gained valuable advice from upperclassmen who i otherwise would not have gotten the chance to meet. The ROTC program also taught me valuable lessons such as time management and leadership skills, all of which have come in handy in my academic life. Bottom line, when you get to school, keep and open mind, be willing to try new things, and meet lots of people.

Visit the school. It's the only way to really get a feel for what's going on there. Speak to students and people who are studying what you intend to study. Take the temperature level of the passion with which people speak about their schools. The school you choose to be at for 4 years of higher education should be one that meets your standards and will keep you learning and happy. Learn all you can before making a decision and then jump into it full heartedly.

You have to find a college that has the environment you are looking for. It has to have the lifestyle you live or you won't be happy. For some people, it's harder to make friends. Then you want to be around a smaller campus where activites are more conducive to making friends. But no matter where you find of yourself, you have to make the most of what you have. Each campus offers so many activities for you to get involved in it. Get involved. Join clubs. Do volunteer work. Get to know your professors and your RA's. Get to know the people who work for you. Take advantage of every resource available. Go to tutors. Go to seminars they offer for free. Go to programs that the Students specially arrange for other students. Explor your campus, your options and everything outside of school to really be independent and to understand that you are taking full responsibility of the freedom you have.

try not to get too stressed out and take it one step at a time

I think the most important thing about going to the right college is to have an open mind and to not be afraid to explore. If you do both of those things, you will find a new home in the strangest (a best) of places.

Go with your gut. It may seem cheesy, but I think it's true. Only you know what's right for you, and you should give yourself the credit and trust that you know what the answer is. Find a place that fits you academically, socially, and spritually--don't pick a school that has one really great side to it simply because you think that's what's most important to you. Without a health combination and balance of all the significant aspects of college life, you'll find yourself seriously disappointed and unhappy. Trust yourself.

Go to visit the campus before you choose to attend, that really helps you determine whether you will enjoy the environment or not. Also, you should do more research about the programs that you are interested in, learn more about the activities and career opportunities they offer, and learn about whether the students who graduated from this college are happy with their current jobs or not.

The phrase, college experience, has the word "experience" in it which is what you need to do--experience the school for yourself. By all means, take a tour but that only shows you the facade of the school. Talk to an upperclassman, get their feedback, learn from their mistakes. Get a feel for lectures by sitting in on one and talk to the professor afterwards to get his/her point of view. See if you can look into a dorm room to get the feel for where you may potentially be living for an academic year. Walk around campus to see what there is to do and stop a student on the street to find out what students do for fun on the weekends (if your school is as friendly as Boston University, then that student you stop on the street will be happy to help). See if you feel comfortable in the atmosphere. Parents, see what the tuition is like, what kind of financial aid is available so that you can do your part to help your son/daughter go to the university of their dreams. First experiences are key for a good collegiate life--don't hold back.

Seize the opportunity to experience something new and exciting. For some, that will mean going a long way from home to study; for others, it will mean staying close, but becoming involved with groups completely different than they ran with for the past 18 years or taking courses in subjects that sound fascinating but perhaps get them no closer to graduation. Have an honest discussion about what an acceptable level of debt would be after graduation, because the last thing you'll want is to feel trapped by the baggage with which your education saddled you. Once there, try not to be afraid to admit that something isn't working, whether it's a course, your major, your social life, the climate, the surrounding area, the feel of the institution itself, or anything else, either. You're the only one who knows whether there's a problem, and anyone who thinks less of you for not having "made something work in spite of it all" holds an opinion not worth paying any consideration. This experience is about you and no one else, and the sooner you come to terms with that, the better off you'll be.

Visit the campuses - you'll know when you feel it!

Think about your expected major and career plans and evaluate what programs the school has to offer to make sure that particular college or university is the correct fit for you. You should not pick a college based on low tuition bill or geographic location, although those are definitely factors to be considered. The area around campus is definitely important, as often that is where you will want to spend your free time and you need to make sure there are activities there you want to do. If you love culture, don't pick a college in a "college town" and focus on one in a major geographic area, because the quality of entertainment will be much better. The best way to make the most of the college experience is actually to put a lot of time into your preparation: read about the adjustment to college from high school, plan out your courses, read the textbooks and lecture notes before class if possible so that you know what your professors are talking about. Making the most of college involves really being in college mentally and physically and yes, stress every little detail.

Choosing the right college can be a difficult experience as well as adjusting to the first semester. I would encourage the students to look within themselves and see what they have to offer to that particular field of their interest. Sometimes, the students don't always know what they want to do in their life. It's o.k. to visit colleges, talk to teachers, advisors and other professionals about career goals. It's good for them to volunteer in order to gain skills, but also to know their strenght and their weakness. By knowing their limits, the students could develop in any circumstance. Then search for a school that has the best to offer in that field. If in doubt about their college choice, they can make arrangement to attend a class in that school for one day. The key to success is to ask questions, but to also look for the anwers. Do the all the assignments regardless if the Professors make themselves available or not. Learn to communicate with difficult instructors by humbling, but most of all the tudents need to learn how to balence their schedule with work, activities, school work, family and friend.

The best advice I could give is to keep an open mind. The one thing I knew was that I didn't want to go to school in Boston, but when my mom suggested I give it a shot, I kept an open mind and as soon as I walked onto Boston University's campus, I loved the location, the campus, the students. It's also important to (generally) find a good liberal arts college since most students, including me, change their major a couple times and it's important to go to a school that has a good program in just about everything. When looking at colleges, really trust your gut feelings about the school. This will help you end up at school you love where you really can be happy and make the most of your college experience.

After transferring from the University of British Columbia to Boston University last fall, I realized that it is not always up to the university environment to make a student happy. I think that there are many "right" universities for every given student, and what students and parents should remember is that in the long run, the student is getting a thorough education and being prepared for the future. To make most out of the college experience, I would like to give three points of advice. First, get to know your campus. Walk around when you have some spare time and find little niches that make your large campus feel like home. Second, remember that you have the power to choose your academic path. Do not let other people force you into studying something that you are not passionate about. And third, remember that you are responsible for your own happiness. When I first came to Boston I felt very lost and alone, but after spending more time on campus I felt part of a community and I forced myself to make new friends. It was up to me to make a better experience for myself at Boston University.

I can honestly say that I did not take the college application process as seriously as I should have. There is a lot of paperwork and it all seemed like too much. But it does matter. A student should take their time to really research colleges and find the ones they want to apply to. You should first decide how big or how small of a school you want to attend. BU is a large school, and there is really no close knit 'campus'; however, a big city school was exactly what I wanted. I got lucky and found 'my people' my first year here. You also want to look at 'where' you want to go to school: warm weather, cold weather, a big city, small suburban area, etc. You want to look at what you want to major in, and decide based on the programs they offer for that. Money is a hug factor as well. You want a school that will offer financial aid packages with grants and scholarships. It's going to be hard to start paying loans after college.

Don't pick a college by a major. The college should have the major you are interested in but don't always look for the best program. You will be happy if you answer te big questions first. Do I want to be close or far from home? Then decide if you want a city school or rural campus. After that, it's how big. Do I want to know everyone or see different people all the time? Then go to those schools and see if you like the people there. You don't want to end up at a really liberal diverse campus just because it fits all the other criteria if you are really conservative and wouldn't adjust well.

look in to financial information programs.

To really take the time to learn about the colleges they apply to.

know that your education is worth all the money in the world, and that financial aid is possibly the greatest thing on earth.

Be Socratic in your college search: know yourself. Determine your core preferences, such as what type of environment makes you happy, then use that knowledge to pinpoint several schools that match your personality. Don't apply to a school unless you can truly see yourself living and thriving there; if you use a school's rank or reputation alone to decide, you may ultimately end up unhappy. After all, you want to choose a place where you can be comfortable enough to have many personality-expanding experiences. At college, the best thing you can do to combat homesickness or nerves is to throw yourself into the swing of things. Don't overload yourself with coursework and activities, but stay quite busy. This should give you a sense of belonging more quickly. No matter what you choose to participate in, bring some love to it. People want to meet people who have positive energy to give...so don't be afraid to smile. If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, use your school's resources to help get you back on track. Never hesitate to ask for help. Finally, have fun! Allow yourself to enjoy the craziness that college often provides.

Don't be afraid to take a chance. Even if it's not your first choice, go with your gut. It could be the best decision of your life. And don't think your necessarily "stuck" wherever you choice to go. It's your life - play by your own rules! Make the best of what you can. And definitely get involved! Make friends, be active. Study hard, work hard and enjoy life and live it to its fullest potential.

Finding the right college is an extremely important process. Make sure you take your time and really look into each and every school. The first thing you should think about is the size of the school. There are monumental differences between large and small schools, so be sure to make a list of pros and cons then eliminate whichever schools you think might not be the right fit size-wise. Extracurricular activities are a great way to meet amazing people with similar interests and everyone should at least try going to a few meetings. Sports events are also an excellent form of bonding with your fellow students and feeling a sense of school pride, especially at large schools. Either way, college is a learning experience so whichever school you choose, make sure you exhaust all of the opportunities because when you graduate, you want to be able to say that you got the most out of your college and education.

Always visit the campus before making a decision. Regardless of reputations, programs, rankings, and all of the other data admissions offices throw at prospective students, the most important thing is that you feel like you fit when you visit the campus and you know that you will be successful and happy.

Finding the right school is both important for yourself and for your parents; that was not my thought either when choosing to attend Boston University. It seemed more important for me to go to a school I wanted to attend rather than the ones my parents had hoped I would choose. When considering what school is the right one for you, consider the following things: it is important that you find a school where you will be both socially confident and comfortable with the academic challenges. Find a school that offers programs in your interests and take that in mind over the overall ranking of the school. It was my own personal mistake in not fully considering tuition costs. I have financially burdened my parents with the expenses of BU, and the cost of living in Boston. Consider the financial situation of your parents in your decision, or speak with someone from the financial aid office at the school before making up your mind. College is an awesome experience, it is my opinion that no matter what school you attend, it is what you make it!

Go visit the compus and maybe attend a class and come with a list of questions to discuss with students, not necessarily the guide. If you do not know what area of study you lean towards, look at schools that have enough areas you can transfer into. If you can not afford a particular school and you don't receive financial aid, have a second choice school.

When choosing a college, visit many different campuses and go with where you feel the most comfortable. Often times the best school for you will simply feel right. Talk to students, tour guides, and administrators, and ask questions about the school and student life. In order to make the most of your college experience, study hard and join in different extracurricular activities. Join a club sports team, cultural club, music group, or school related group. Take advantage of the opportunities the school presents such as guest lecturers, performances, tutors, and free coffee. Find a place in the library that is most comfortable for your study preferences and go there often. Explore the area around your school - take a trip into the city, walk around campus, try new restaurants. Go to your professors' office hours: get to know them, and utilize the help they offer. Be open to meeting new people, and meet as many people as you can. Make friendships that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. And most importantly, learn as much as you can within those four years.

It's a once in a life time experience. Make sure you know what you're getting yourself into because it'd be a shame to go somewhere half-heartedly only to regret or find out that you don't love it. Love it going in, love it even more coming out. If you don't get in the first time, work it hard and then transfer! I't about finding your community, involving yourself with the right kind of people to follow in the footsteps of, a place to best find and make yourself in.

really go to the campus and watch people. do the people seem like the kind of people you would be friends with? sit in on a class and see if you are interested in the teaching style in the particular school you are applying to. find out about activities you are interested in and see if they are offered on campus. spend the night with a friend there, if possible. experience the nightlife and make sure it's what you want.

Do your research. Visit schools. Read up on student ratings. Sometimes you think you know yourself and what is best for you, but you can be surprised by your change.

I would advise parents to listen to their kids and what they want in the school; you can't make a decision for them. It's hard to say whether a school will be what you expect prior to enrolling, so I think people need to try to be relaxed about the decision process as much as they can, and remember that no decision is final. Many people transfer and are more aware of themselves after having had the experience of something that wasn't right for them. The admission and decision process can be extremely stressful, and make sure that you're giving adequate support - but not pressure - to your child in this time. Things will work out, and college should be secondary to a person's overall wellbeing anyway - so relax!

It doesn't matter where you go, it matters what you make out of it. Networking is very important.

Definitely visit the campus, talk to as many current students as possible. Visit campus without parents, or spend a night with someone who lives on campus without parents because that's how the real experience will be. Sit in on a class!

Finding the right college is really about knowing who you are and what you value, so I would encourage students who are trying to find the right college to make a list of their interests and hobbies. For as much as college is about academic success, from my experience, students will get more out of their education if they feel settled and comfortable in their environment. Finding a college that fits your interests, both academically and leisurely, will ease the high school-to-college transition. Additionally, I urge students to find a niche at school right away, whether it is a sport, a club, a society or an organization. Getting involved builds the sense of pride you take in your university and can make any school, no matter the size, feel more personal. Last, students should be aware that college is a time of self-discovery, so try something new, get out of your comfort zone, push yourself. You will never regret it.

Go with your gut and really think about what you are looking for in a school; if you like a school but it doesn't have what you are looking for, then it isn't for you. definitely consider the importance and popularity of greek life-if it isn't for you, don't go there.

Don't worry about the money. So many people get into good schools and don't accept because they think they can't pay for it. I am proof that this is not true. My parents could never afford for me to be at BU, and BU didn't offer me anything because my parents make just enough money for the University to consider us not eligible for financial aid. I may be $100,000 in debt, but come May I will have a degree from a great university, and I'm going to be able to pay that back in no time. I feel sad for people who don't take opportunites when they open up due to money issues.

I would advise students to choose a school that is economically suitable to their needs. Be practical. I enrolled into a very expensive university and now, in my junior year, I'm regretting. After high school, I wanted to experience the city life and I am happy to say I've done so. In the end, weigh out what's important to you and hope you make the best decision. For parents, all you need to do is support your kid's decision. My parents have constantly remind me how expensive my school is and how they wished I didn't go to Boston University. Even though it has taken me three years to realize the financial burden I will soon face upon graduation, their ridicule doesn't serve any good.

Everything happens for a reason; an acceptance, a rejection, an A or and F. They all shape the person you are and the person you will become. So, stay focused best you can on the things that you can control, such as your involvement in school activities or how hard you work in high school. Other than that, take things as they come and follow your heart.

Go somewhere where you feel comfortable and where you like the people. Go to college where you will like to live or spend a few years and where you think you fit in - where the classes excite you and are the right size for you. Try out the clubs and extracurricular activities and take a variety of classes to find otu what you like and have fun!

The most important thing is to find professors in the field that you are interested in that can motivate you and inspire you. These professors will help you make the most of your time in college and will help you after you graduate.

Visit colleges before applying. Apply for everything as early as possible, and apply to lots of private financial aid. Get to know your professors by going to office hours as much as possible. Try to develop a rough plan for your life after college well before you graduate.

Ignore the five year plan. Or the ten year plan. I mean, certainly make one for your own goal-reaching purposes, but ultimately, people change, and you may wake up tomorrow wanting to do something entirely different. Allow yourself to choose a school that you feel will best allow you to reach your potential; that offers options, makes you feel comfortable, and enables you to begin building the person you want to be.

I would tell students to do a good amount of research befor making a decision. The academic options (eg. available majors, internships) are important, as is the size and social environement of the campus. I would stress the importance of visiting the campuses of potential schools; it is impossible to overestimate the importance of the the school that a student chooses feeling like the right place for them. The campus should feel exciting and stimulating, but also comfortable. It will be a student's home for four years and he or she should feel a connection with the campus environment.

As an Admission Ambassador I work with prospective student and parents all the time. I would advise them to start the college process the summer of their Junior year and ask for teacher recommendation forms at the end of their Junior Year. I also highly recommend visiting the colleges and participating in a student-lunch, day, and/or overnight stay program with current students. This will give the prospective student a feel for the school and community.

Finding the right college is difficult for many students, especially those who do not know "what they want to be when they grow up." I changed my major 3 times during college! For those students, a large college is a good choice because it provides an opportunity to explore different fields and allows for you to change your major. A smaller school may not offer the new major you want and then you will need to transfer schools to pursue your interests! For students who do know what field of study they want, they should find the schools that excel in that field. Do a little research and find the top schools in that field, then narrow them down by your other priorities (cost, location, size, religious affiliation, etc). Some students need a school that is close to home, while others feel comfortable traveling further, but want a school with a diverse population. Whatever you want, there are many search engines online that let you search for colleges that meet your specific parameters. Finally, remember to ask your parents, teachers and friends who are already in college for their advise: nothing beats the wisdom of those that care about you.

Please, don't believe what tour guides say. They are TOLD to sell the school, and often times lie or withold the whole truth. Ask actual students--check online boards or ask friends that might have children going to the school. That is THE best way to pick a school.

Spend time at the college before deciding. Also, talking to current students away from the parents. It's hard because the people who really enjoy the school are generally the ones that give the tours, but what you really want is to ask the rest of the student body for their opinion. Mostly, just spend a lot of time at different schools to take it all in.

I would visit as many schools as possible because going on a tour is the best way to get an idea of what a school is really like. Think about what aspects of a school are most important to you and make your decision based on that. To mke the most of the college experience I would not get stressed over academics and make as many friends as possible. This people will truly be your best friends for life.

The right college involves not just a lot of research into the colleges but into yourself as a person. It's also about challenging yourself to try a setting that you might not have thought of before. I left Florida and a small town life for a big city and a university of 15000 students. For me it helped me grow in ways I would never have thought possible, and when I go home everyone is amazed at the changes. This is not necessarily the prescription for everyone of course but it is important to consider. Lastly, I believe that the student should consider academics as the most important partof their decision and that the school offer exactly what they need.

Visit as many campuses as possible, keep an open mind and trust your intuition. When I applied to schools during high school I became fixated on two of the first campuses I happened to visit, so much so that I lost interest in looking elsewhere. To my surprise and to the astonishment of my college advisor, I was wait-listed at both and essentially forced to attend a school I knew I wouldn't like. I transferred after two years, and my biggest regret is that I didn't leave sooner. For those who aren't 100 percent sure that they know what they want to do with their lives--which is almost everybody--I'd advise you to pick a school based on general interest and how it feels to you in terms of size, location, and student population. Pick a nice liberal arts college and if you fall in love with a particular field during your freshman or sophomore years, get your grades up and transfer; transferring is generally easier anyway. There's nothing worse then going to a school for a specific program and finding within a semester that it's not for you.

Go somewhere where you know you will love the environment. If you take advantage of the opportunities at any college or university, you will be able to achieve your goals. College is what you make of it; the important thing is to be happy so you can learn and grow as a person. Don't let yourself be pressured into going somewhere because the academics are supposedly better, make the decision for yourself.