Eastern Michigan University Top Questions

Please, please do your research and make sure you can afford the college you choose.

As a high school student looking for their school of choice, it is critical to identify what it is that you want out of your college experience before you begin applying. In addition to making a list of all of the experiences and requirements you are looking for in a college or univeristy, it is important to make the decisions yourself and only ask for others opinions and influence when you cannot make a decision on your own. Often, parents and friends are too involved in the decision process which can sway an individuals decision. If your parents have much authority over your decision becuase they are the primary source of tuition, create a list of reasons behind the decisions you are trying to convince them of. For example, if you would like to attend an out-of-state college, but your parents are against this idea, provide concrete reasons of why this is the best choice for you and what you think you will gain from the experience over a lifetime. College is too important to let others influence your decisions because you only have a small window of opportunity to truly experience it.

As a first generation college student, I felt very overwhelmed during the application process. I had taken the required exams and courses and passed with flying colors, but for me the most challenging part was not in the journey to college, but the road that lay ahead. My counselors, teachers, and friends spouted countless tidbits of advice, yet in the end, it was not in gems of wisdom from others, but within myself that I found the perfect college suited for me. So my advice to you, the prospective college student, is to choose the college which best suits you, not your friends, family, or teachers, but you. It may seem difficult to travel to a university far from the familiarity of your family and friends, but for me, it was the best thing I could have done. In choosing the road less travelled, I was able to truly find myself, and that is what I believe the college experience is all about. In the end, the world will want to see who you truly are and what you have to offer, and those with a strong sense of self will undoubtedly succeed.

Graduating from high school is one of the most stressful times in both parents and students lives. Choosing the right college requires a lot of introspection as well as research in the environment of the school itself. A student should be aware of what his/her personal needs are and whether the schools they're looking at will meet those needs. Parents and students should tour the campus as well as the area surrounding the campus to see what kind of on/off campus jobs may be available and what the neighborhoods off of campus are like.

Plan in advance and make sure you spend some time on the campus's to really see what they are like. Ask current students about the safety level and how they feel about their experience because they will be honest.

The best advice that I can give would be to visit the campus in which you are interested. It is impossible to decide whether or not you will feel comfortable at that school it you do not visit. Set up an appointment with an advisor or find out if the school offers tours of the campus. Before applying to Eastern I attended a tour of the campus with my family. From here I was able to learn about everything that EMU had to offer. After visiting and finding out detailed information about the programs and majors that were offered, I made my decision to apply. Also, do not apply to schools based off of the reputation that they have- experience the environment for yourself. College is a large commitment that you make in order to better yourself- make sure that you are going to enjoy it!

I would tell the students looking for a college to sit down and think about what they want in a college. After answering these questions for oneself, one will be able to assess various universities or colleges properly. I would encourage students to not base a school based on the look of the school and to pay attention to the kind of people at the school. Students education is first, so be sure to pick a school that one can benefit from based on what intrests a person. In addition, I would suggest attempting to live on campus if possible. Therefore, going to a school with on campus living opportunities is a must. By doing this, one is about to get a well rounded college experience and have the opportunity to get involved in campus and start building leadership skills. All in all, I think it is extremely important to love the school that one attends, because then one will enjoy going to school daily. An education is much more than just academics. I wish that all students entering college would attempt to make the most of it.

Start early. My dream school cost too much. I ended up at a school I applied to by default. Apply lots of places and at least three that you WANT to go to. College is one of the most important decisions you will ever make, make sure you give yourself (or your student) the best chance possible to succeed. College is more than finding an education, it is about finding yourself. Do what you want to do and take every oppertunity. Also, be involved and take advantage of what college is. Most importantly, consider transfer. I may not of been able to attend my first choice for four years, but I am currently working hard to graduate from there. Don't believe that you are stuck at the first place you go to. Transfer gives you a whole new perspective, and a brand new start. Go where YOU want. Don't let others choose the college that will help define you as an adult and professional. Be who you want to be and believe that you will succeed. Work hard...and you will!

Visit there, and more than once. Visit on a day that is in session and look at housing, parking and usability of the campus.

Really research the college, make visits and talk to students on campus.

Take your time to look around and visit the college and figure things out before committing to it. Dont chose a school because of a money situation. Loans for a better school will be worth it when you have a better degree.

Do not pick your college based on things you've heard or where your friends are going. Make sure that you pick your school based on your personal interests, and what the school offers to you on a personal level. No two people are the same, and make sure that your needs are met.

Find a school that is best for you. Try to stick with tution cost and all other fees because they add up at the end of the day.

Pick the school that you want to go to and that you feel like you fit in when you visit.

As a new student entering the college experience, I would make sure you take time out to visit the campus you are interested in attending prior to starting your semester. Make a time to come without your parents. Attending college is a step into a world of your own. Your entire life has been influenced by your parents so why continue to be guided during college. Once you start your college career, you are on your own. You wake yourself up, you know when to take care of yourself, and you know when its time to eat and what you want to eat. Enabling yourself to become an independant person will allow you to not only mature, but will also build your character and allow you to learn who you really are as a individual.

Visit the schools that you are interested in and make sure that there are different organizations that you are interested in. Also, make sure that the school has a good program in whatever you are interested in for a career.

When looking for the right college, remember there are several options to choose from. Picking the first college that you see is not always the best choice. Think about your preferences. Want to stay close to home? If so, how close? Don't? Well that's fine too. Once you know what criteria you are looking for in a college, i suggest looking online. There are several websites that help students find the right college for them. Who knows? It could be somewhere that you never even thought to try or maybe never even heard of. Once the right college has been found, it's up to you, the student, to make the most of your time here. Remember to keep an open mind. It's ok to have relationships, but don't let that get in the way of becoming active on campus. Joining student organizations will not only enrich your experience at college, but they also look really good on resumes. So don't forget, study hard, join a student organization, make friends, and have fun. For most people college is a one time experience and only lasts a few years, so make the most of it.

Do what's best and most practical for you. A school doesn't need to have the exact thing you want to go into, as long as it's something closely related; you can still get the same job. Work sometimes during your college experience. It will make you less dependent on parents and/or financial aid, and it's also a great learning opportunity (no matter what job it is). If you can, finish your degree as soon as possible, because the cost of college keeps going up, and you won't make as much money without a degree. If anything is going wrong (if you don't understand something, if you're having trouble in a class, etc.) contact your professor about it right away, and keep him/her up to date on your progress; that gets you a better understanding in the course and better grades. Don't be fooled; online courses are just as difficult. Make sure that you have time for them. Try not to cram; instead, dedicate a few regular hours of studying every other day or so. Have your advisors keeping tabs on you, and go to them each semester.

Search carefully and don't be afraid to be yourself.

Look for colleges that offer the best program of choice. Don't just go with any college. Do your research and talk to people who have gone to the college and get good and bad opinions of the college.

Attending the best college does not guarantee ones success in the near future. It is rather discipline and hardwork that would get you where you want to be. One must look for a college that would be able to provide the required experience and knowledge for their chosen careers. To achieve our aim we must me focused and know what we want ( set a goal to be achieved ). College is not all partying. Its more intense and involves dedication for one to excel.

making sure it fits most of the needs of the student attending the college

For future students, I would recommend attending community college for the first couple of years for core classes. Why pay more for the same thing?! Just make sure that credits are transferrable to the four year institution you plan on attending. I think that parents should really try to help their student out as much as possible financially. It's really tough trying to keep up good grades, work, and worry about how you're going to cover the outrageous expenditures that come with college life.

Take a visit to that school and really make sure that is what you want in a school.

As a second year college student, I want to let incoming freshman know that it's good to have fun because it's part of the college experience as far as being away from and on your own. But because you are on your own, the maturity needs to set in because now it's up to you take care of business. Make very wise decisions, especially since it brings the outcome of your future. Have fun...but have your priorities in order!!!!

Finding the right college is sometimes hard. The best way to pick a school is to find a school that has a great program for the major that you want to go into. After that size and the range of activities is important. If you get bored eaily, then going to a large school with tons of groups and people is best because you'll always be able to find something to do. If you're more independent or have a specific activity in mind, then find a college that meets that. As for when you get to college, sleep, a well balanced meal, tiem to study, and time to just hang out with your friends are the main things you need hands down. Have fun, but also get an education.

Well, first off i would say that you should definatly go to the best school that accepted you. who cares if your best friend or boyfriend goes to a different school than you? you have to do what is right for you. secondly i say to the parents, let your kids live in the dorms. it may be more expensive, and tiny, but that is how most students make friends on campus. it is very hard to make friends in class. other than that, its pretty simple. keep an open mind, live life to the fullest everyday, and study hard. no sense in wasting all that money by failing.

First and foremost, think about why you are choosing the college that appeals to you most. Is it because it has a great bussiness program or because you are a big fan of the football team? Either way, be sure that you are choosing wisely. This is where you will be spending the majority of your time for possibly the next four years! You should take the time to go on tours, if offered and use every resource they give you. Talk to the advisors at the school and see what they have to say. Look at your financial aid. Do you have enough to make this school affordable? Consider the type of people that attend the school. If you are from a very suburban community, you may not be comfortable in somewhere like downtown Detroit. Being comfortable with your surroundings is one of the most important aspects. The way you feel about the community itself will effect your social life, your academics, and your overall happiness. If you are not happy with where you are, college is going to be an even more stressful experience..and believe me, there is no room for any extra stress. Good luck!!

Go to as many colleges as you can. Students - everyone will give you advice. Don't listen to them, listen to yourself. Where can you see yourself fitting in? Parents - be supportive of your child's decision, even if it wasn't your first choice for them. Remember, if you don't like the school, you can always transfer!

Think of the enviornment you want and the field you are going in as well as the surrounding community and how it fits to your needs.

I would tell them to just look around, talk to students, professors, academic and finaicial aid, advidsors-- everbody! Go and visit the campus, see what extar curricular activities they have and consider if it will mesh well with your personailty and style. Keep your options open and you're bound to find the perfect school for you!

Go with your gut feeling. I had several full ride scholarship offers, but chose my school (where I got almost no financial aid) because it was close to home, I liked the feeling of the campus, and liked the people I met there. When I paid my first tuition bill, I regretted not going to one of the other schools. Now that I've been at my school for a few years, I realize that I made the right choice. You need to know what you want when you're looking for a school- the type of programs, housing, tuition cost, activities- but don't base your final decision entirely on that. Explore the campus by yourself and see how people treat you. Talk to students who aren't involved in new student orientation to get the real scoop. Check out the housing, dining, and rec activities without a school representative if you can. There will be a school that "feels" right, and even if on paper it's not the best choice, it's where you will be happiest.

They just need to make sure to they feel at home when they are on campus.

Searching for a college is something that really makes your high school senior year exciting. In my own experience i only had two choices that had an aviation flight program. I chose Eastern Michigan University because it had the best program between the two. my only problem was the aviation program is off campus, and when i was looking at the school the aviation part was really nice. Eventually i had to go to the main campus for general education classes and thats when i realized how horrible this school really is. In my opinion students who are registering for colleges should really ask around from current students and alumini. Even a trip with some friends just to walk around the campus when school is in full swing would really help of what really goes on in everyday life. The college that someone chooses should be just the right one for his/her degree in mind. Whether its sucking it up for something you really want to do, or paying way too much money for the same education you could get from any other university.

C- Challenge yourself to be the best at whatever you are interested in. O- Overcome your fears. L- Learn, Learn, LEARN; you can never know too many things :) L- Live your life to the fullest. E- Engage in diverse settings. G- Gear up for learning and excitement! E- Encourage yourself and others. Parents: Trust that your children will make the right choices in their college career. Be encouraging, supportive and most importantly, a loving parent! Best of Luck!

The most important advice I could give anyone about finding the right college for them would be to, "follow your heart". There is no school that is perfect for every student. Each school has something different to offer. I would suggest making a list of what they are looking for in their college experience. I would recommend spending some time on the campus to see how it meets the student's needs. To make the most of the experience, I would make sure to get involved in a club or a sport. Get out there and make friends and don't be afraid to talk to your professors. Have a dream and go for it. You will get out of it what you put in to it.

I think one of the most important things a student can do to find the best school for them would be to open the conversations they have with people to the topic of college, as much as they can, with as many people as they can. It is this word-of-mouth type communication that someone will learn the most realistic and truthful scoop on a college's atmosphere and benefits. Talk to anyone and everyone about college: past and present college students, prospective students, friends, classmates, even parents or friends of college students-basically anyone who has even heard of college. It is through these different perspectives that one will be able to piece together what's right for them, and what they want based on who's saying what. Also, this is the most efficient, accurate, and straightforward way to go about it because these people have nothing to gain from speaking about their thoughts and opinions. However, college websites do have something to gain (your enrollment) and the website will be plastered with pictures that are clouded with deceitful photography that looks nothing like the campus itself. So fortify yourself with the first-hand knowledge of others.

Focus on what you want to do in school. Try not to be attracted by location. Look at schools extra curriculars, organizations and acedemic programs that would best fit the goals you would like to achieve in college. You meet what can become your family through these types of programs and that can enrich your college experience both in the classroom and at the bar.