George Washington University Top Questions

There are so many factors that go into finding a perfect college to allow a student to succeed socially, personally, acedemically and professionally. Counselors, coaches, parents, money, friends, and location all play undeniable important parts in encouraging some choices while discouraging or exiling others. However, at the heart of the matter I think it is most important for the student to be able to look at the school and be proud and excited to be able to be a part of everything it has to offer, keeping in mind that if he or she choses to attend, their lives will be transformed by the time that is spent there, by the people that they meet (both for social support and professional enhancement) and the activitied that they devote themselves to.

In order to make the right choice in choosing a college you have to feel comfortable with the places and people you visit. Everyone wants the school that is academically excellent and well established, but if a school leaves you feeling unsure about you would fit in, dont choose it. At the end of the day you could be attending a school with an awesome reputation, but if you dont feel happy with the good school you now attend that reputation and academic excellence could hold no meaning to you any longer. My advice is to visit every school you think you want to attend and make sure they have everything you are looking for. But, most important of all, after you have narrowed down your list of schools you think you may like is that you feel that the college you want to apply to can be a place you can truly call a home away from home.

Make sure to go and visit the school. If possible visit twice; once when the weather is pleasant and once when it is less so.

Finding the right college is largely about asking a lot of questions. Don't just ask questions to confirm what you've heard that you liked about the school. Ask about the things that matter to you, especially the things pertaining to your heritage, political and religious views and your home life. I have found that it is not difficult to find new experiences during college but even on the most diverse campus it can be hard to find something that feels familiar. A key to adjusting to the college lifestyle is to not totally abandon what you already know for the new ideas you'll be exposed to while in college. Certainly, it is important to broaden your horizons and meet new people and do different things, but it is just as important to find people who share the ideas you already have. By doing this you allow old ideas to be maintained and to develop, and you have a way to compare and evaluate the new ideas you come across. Both are necessary and both are good, so it is important when looking at a school to find out that it has opportunities for new and old ideas.

When choosing a college, students should evaluate two things- who they are and what they want. Knowing who you are helps you know what college you would truly enjoy attending and how well you would do there. Moreover, knowing what you want will direct you in choosing your future lifestyle. What schools have the best programs in a field you want? Do you want to love in a city, a suburb, or the country? These are the questions that students should ask. Parents should set realistic expectations for students with regards to how much they are prepared to contribute financially to their education. Furthermore, parents shoudl encourage students to explore their options and look at as many colleges as possible. Most importantly, parents should support their children in whatever decision they make because choosing a college is one of the most terrifing decisions in a young adult's life.

Visit the campus! Duh!

The person you are when you leave college - in all likelihood - will be dramatically different from the person you were when you started. In choosing the right school for you, really think about your personal attributes and interests that you would like to nurture - are you well rounded, a people person, ambitious, a sophisticate? The answer to that question should match up with your ideal school. If you have gravitated towards a school that really only looks good on paper and does not match with who you are as a person, you will be making a big mistake. Once you've found that perfect place, hit the ground running. It may sound trite, but do not just slide into school without a plan about what extra-curricular activities you want to pursue, what internships you might like to have, and sketch of that all important four year course plan. It is not an easy thing to do, yet if you at least make an attempt at foresight you will be left with fewer regrets when you are a senior. Best of luck.

The most important advice I could give to students in the process of making decisions about their college experience is this: be honest with yourself. As you consider your different options, don't choose a school that you think would make others happy, choose the school that is the best for you socially, culturally, geoographically and above all, academically. Not only will you be a much happier college student, I'm confident that you'll be a more successful one too.

Listen to your heart and go with the one that feels right.

Visit the school, talk to advisors, ask about flexibility of majors, and research the surrounding area!

There is no one perfect college for anyone, so don't get into that mindset. You can adapt and succeed anywhere if you just let yourself. Don't take this time for granted - it's only four years so find time to both learn and enjoy!

visit as many schools as possible, go with your instinct

I give the advice of patience and having a open mind.By having an open mind you wont over look some colleges that may seem not to fit your dream but if you give it a chance they are the perfect place for you.Parents should help kids go through this rough experiance of applying to college by cheering them on and helping them out.

Definitely go visit all your prospective college choices. Envision yourself living there for four years. Get involved-- the more involved you are with on-campus activities and off-campus activities alike the more connections you will make and the happier you will be. Don't take yourself so seriously-- have fun! Make memories. Take pictures. Work hard!

Apply to GWU

Find definitive answers to these questions: Do you want to live in a city or in a rural setting? This will determine where you want to go to school. Do you like knowing your entire class or just knowing a few people and having a lot of acquaintances: big or a small school? What do you want to study? This will determine the schools you apply to, find schools with strong programs. It is imperative to go into collegiate study with goals in mind, and then work towards those goals. Participate in clubs that interest you. Do well in classes. In retrospect, I let my social life consume my collegiate experience. I left with a great idea of what I want to do with my life, but without the tools (GPA, extracurricular network) to build something immediately. I recommend schools in cities, and schools with strong athletic programs. There is so much more to do in cities. And schools with strong athletic programs always provide great school spirit and something fun to do when you have free time.

Take standardized tests multiple times so you can actually get into the college of your choice. Visit as many colleges as you can, even if you have no interest in some. The more you see, the more informed you are when you look at the schools you're actually interested in. Don't make money an issue - there are way too many scholarships and grants out there - if you want that college - you can afford it. Once you're there, dive in. Find something worth doing - worth it to you. That might be student government - but it might be making new friends and partaking in illegal substances. You get to make mistakes in college - but the wisdom and social skills you pick up doing so far outweigh the costs. Go to the gym, but after the first two weeks when everyone else has already quit. Run outside during those two weeks. Don't worry about your GPA. No one cares after your first job. That being said - get an internship. Take a class in something just because it interests you. Steve Jobs took calligraphy - look what happened. Go to professors' office hours for any reason. Trust me.

No matter where you choose to go, you will find yourself doubting the decision you made. Once you get over that, you realize why you chose this school. Whether it be the facilities, surroundings or programs, there is something amazing for you to take advantage of. Don't limit yourself to certain groups of people- this is a common mistake. Join groups that interest you and do things that will have a positive effect on your life, regardless of who is doing them and whether or not they are people you normally hang out with. The most important thing is to choose a school where you will be able to successfully attain a degree. After all, you are there to study and learn! Sometimes you get caught up in the social things. If you join a fraternity or sorority, keep in mind that there are educational benefits to these organizations and it's not all about the parties! Get involved in philanthropy and other events that make you feel like a contributing member of the college community and you will feel great about yourself. You'll find that no matter what school you chose, you can be happy and successful!

I do not need a scholarship because I have finished school.

The right school is not only what matches your "priority list", but also "feels" right.

Remember that undergraduate is about an overall experience. Go where you think you will receive a quality education and have opportunities to pursue your interests and be engaged with activities you enjoy. Don't worry too much about prestige, but rather where you think you will be most excited to get involved and stay active.

Try to meet people who have gone there and see if they seem like the kind of people you want to be friends with for life. But ultimately it doesn't matter - even if your school isn't perfect, you're going to find people you like and going to find opportunities. The biggest piece of advice I can give is to decide what you want and go out and ask for it. If a school is willing to work with you, they are a good choice. Otherwise consider looking elsewhere.

College is what you make it. I have told you what college was for me. Be open and have fun. Work hard. Make opportunities for yourself.

I would recommend that parents and students take time to consider the needs of the student, on an academic, social, and career basis. Although college guides are a great way to get an idea of the school, students will not understand exactly what a school is like until they spend some time there. Prospective students should try to stay overnight in a dorm if they can, and talk to students who go there. Also, they should not base what kind of college they want to go to on the school's ranking-there are many good schools that are not Ivy Leagues in which students will flourish because they will be able to handle the courses and be with students who share similar backgrounds to their own. Also, students and parents should not choose schools purposely because they are not strong in certain social areas, such as Greek Life and School Spirit; what someone wanted in high school may be different from what they will want in college, and they do not want to prevent themselves from enjoying another aspect of their college experience.

Advice I would give to any student or parent searching for the "perfect" school is to look at all possible options. As a student who applied Early Decision, I had no options other than my number 1 school. Choosing one school restricts your options; options like: financial aid, location, and academic majors. Many people choose their schools based on the amount of financial assistance they receive. When you choose one school you are obligated to take what they give you. The best thing to do is to look at all financial plans and choose one with your parents. The school you choose should also be a fit for your lifestyle. If you like fast paced environments, an urban campus would be great for you. If you like the typical college campus feel, a more rural college is probably the best fit for you. Lastly, the amount of academic programs a school offers should be very important when shopping for a school. Try not to attend a university that is very specialized, you never know what the future may hold and changing your major is a very common thing during the first few years of school.

In my experience, I found it best to visit all the colleges I thought had programs that suited my interests. Visiting the colleges beforehand made it easy for me to weed some out where I did not feel at home or comfortable. I also would recommend talking with students there, sitting in on a class, and speaking with financial advisors before applying. All of this can help you decide if the school is a good fit for you. I would also recommend applying to at least five or six schools, so then when the time comes to decide, you can have a good number of schools to chose from, not only for fit but price as well. Finally, I would say that to get the most out of yoru college experience, one should go to all the student activity fairs and job fairs early to get involved with internships, work opportunties, and student groups. Its also a great way to make friends right off the bat.

Rankings are important but not that important, send your child to a school that is good for what they want to study no matter what it is ranking is.

In high school, we are made to believe that the college you choose will not only define you, but dictate the rest of your life. I believed this too. After high school, I went to a small, very conservative college just one hour away from home. It didn't take me long to realize that I had chosen the wrong college. Two years later, it took a lot of hard work and time to get to where I am now - at a university that I absolutely love. The college you choose won't define you, and for the most part, the right attitude will make any place tolerable. Think about what you really want. Try not to only consider what is easiest, what your parents, or friends want.

Make sure you look around, but go with your gut.

Finding a university is all about fit. You want to find a school with programs, faculty, and other students who match your interests in order to thrive. If you don't know what it is that you want to do, find a fit with the type of size and student body that you're looking for.

Knowing yourself is the most important step. For some, no matter where you end up, you know you will adjust and make the best of the situation. For others, being close to home or close to friends is the defining factor. Most importantly, though, college is a learning experience. It isn't an end-all. Make an educated decision based on the criteria you are looking for, but know that in the end it will work out if you approach it with an open mind and give the school a chance. Once here, though, be as open-minded as possible. Get involved in as many activities as you can: the friendships formed will be lifelong and the experiences cherished as some of your best.

Visit as many schools as you possibly can before making a decision. Nothing replaces actually visiting the campus and seeing what the atmosphere is like for yourself. Once you get to college, don't just wait around for friends to come to you; be proactive and take every opportunity you can. I'm a total introvert, so I really didn't get as involved in campus life in four years as I wish I had, and now, as a senior, I really regret not taking enough advantage of the many opportunities offered by my school.

Make sure you go and visit the colleges you want to attend. Make sure all your paperwork is in on time. Take advantage of an interview, even if it's optional, and send a handwritten thank you note after! Connect with someone from campus admissions so they'll remember you and pass on your name. Realize that you don't have to be best friends with your roommates, you're just roommates who might become friends. Go explore ouside of campus!

I would say try to live a balanced life. Have fun while you can but be responsible!

Make a list of the most important attributes of a school. Some people put geographical location first, others put financial aid awards, others prestige. Once you know what is most important to you, you will make the right decision. I do not beleive there is only one perfect school for a person, there can be many. College is what you make out of it. With the right friends and attitude, most schools can be your perfect school.

While financial aid may be an important factor in deciding which school to attend, it is even more important to choose a school one is comfortable with. One of the biggest comfort indicators is the size of the school and the level of surrounding life. A large school will have many opportunities to branch out, while a smaller school may offer more focused activities. A school in a city tends to be very active at most hours of the day, with things to do all the time. A suburban or rural school would probably feel safer, and be more quiet, especially in the evenings. It is also important to find out how much a school can support the student's interests. How modern is the equipemtn in the Engineering labs, for example. Visiting the school is a desent way of finding out about it, but in addition to the guided tour, it may be benefitial to step off the beaten path and ask the students how they feel about their school. Visiting more than once, especially in different times of the year, might also give a sense of the climate, a very important aspect of life.

Take your time when choosing a school--you're going to be there for the next four years of your life. Also, parents, back off. I know you'll be paying for it, but it's your child that is going to have to live with it. Definitely visit the campus. Go on the tour with the people from the vistor's center, but also take your own tour. You will see more of the capus life on your own than you will with a group. Walk around and get a feel for the size of the campus. If you can, try to sit in on a class. If you think you have a focus for what you want to study thats amazing, but be sure to pick a school that offers many options because chances are, you will change your mind in another 6 months.

Make sure you like the school, and the atmosphere.

Go with your gut feeling when visiting a college campus. Go to the school you feel like you belong at and can see yourself feeling comfortable at. During college make the most of all the resources available to you. Have an internship, visit the career center, and get tutoring if you need it. Also, join some student orgs. I met all my roommates through college democrats.

I would advise parents to listen to what their child wants in a school and support them completely in their decision. With parental support, the transition process is much easier. To make the most of the college experience, definitely join an activity on campus where you can meet people with similiar interests. I did, and that's where some of my best friends come from. Definitely be involved, do something you love, and stay focused. Go out and have fun as well! Balance work and fun and you will have the best experience.

Talk about what type of setting you would ideally like to have at college. And check the programs that each university offers that relates to your major to see if they have a program that you're interested in. Definitely go to visit all the schools you apply or get into before making a decision.

Choosing the right college is not just about finding the best program for your field of study or the school with the best parties, it's about getting that gut feeling in your stomach that you belong there. I'm one of six children, and my parents said that for each one of us, they could tell right away when we had found the school that we wanted to go to when they saw the look on our faces. While it sounds cliche, listen to your gut! If the school has a great science program, but it doesn't feel right when you visit, then chances are you won't be happy there. As for making the most of your college experience, don't be afraid to get out beyond your campus and explore. So many people become glued to the boundaries of campus and miss out on the experiences that lie beyond those walls. Also, every semester, take at least one class that you're really interested in. You'll go crazy if you try to finish up all your requirements in the first two years if you don't have any class to spark your interest!

The college search is all about balancing your preconcieved notions of what matters to you in a college, with the ability to absorb new information about the places you visit. Don't have your heart set in stone on a certain type of school, location, major or anything. Leave the possibility of change open, and you will find somewhere that works for you. Life is all about leaving yourself options, besides, the worst thing that could happen is having to transfer to a new school, nothing is final.

The most important thing in your college search is the visit the schools. You won't know if you want to go there unless you visit the school. To make the most of your college experience, make friends inside and outside of your major. You can get help with homework from friends with a similar major, and you cna get away from those friends if you make friends outside fo your major.

If you don't know what you want to do with your life, DO NOT GO TO A COLLEGE THAT COSTS MORE THAN $20,000 PER YEAR.

Do your research first.

So many kids start college just because it's the next logical step. My advice: don't go to college right after high school. Take a year to travel, work, figure out what you want out of life. You don't have to decide your carreer right away, but get a sense of what your strengths are and what you enjoy. That way when you're choosing your college you'll know better what you want. And by the time you start, you'll know that you're there for a reason.

Visit a lot of colleges before you make a decision. Schools may appear one way on paper; but you know nothing about what it is like to live there until you visit. Worry less about US News Top 100 Schools and more about what school meets your child's own personal needs. It's tough but they are the ones going to college, not you. For students, once you get to a college, make the most out of everyday you are there because four years goes by so fast. Keep a positive outlook -- you can always transfer if you are unhappy but it is harder to pick up and move than it is to find your niche. Work hard academically but don't forget human interaction. College is where you make friends and learn lessons that last your entire life.

I would suggest for Students to aim for a college that will be a true learning experience in every way by picking a great location to study. I moved from a small town in a rural area to the center of Washington, D.C. It was a great move for me because not only was I granted access to some of the best teachers in the nation, but I was also in a very influencial environment, politically, culturally, and historically. This provides for some of the best resources for learning both in and outside your university. As a music minor, I was able to use the resources provided by Washington to see some of the best musicians of the day. I have been able to attend seminars with some of the most famous speakers in the International Affairs field (which is my main focus) because Washington attracts so many big names, especially those involved in world changing decisions. I would highly suggest concidering the area that you're college is located when making a serious decision about college. It can truly make or break your year. Thank you for your time and good luck with the competition!

Visit. The most crucial element of finding the right university is visiting the campus. Some know what they want to do upon graduation, and can choose schools accordingly, but the vast majority of students have no clue where they will be in four years. Furthermore, even if someone is certain of their career path, if the school environment is a poor fit, the time spent there will be miserable. Therefore, the best advice I can give to parents and students is: visit prior to deciding. There are nuances each school has that must be seen in person. Do you like the campus? (Too many hills? What is the temperature? Is it rural or urban? How large is the campus? Would you enjoy having class in that setting?) Do you like the student body? (Are they political? Parties? Frats? Liberal or conservative? How do they dress? Are they approachable? Are they physically active? What organizations are available? Is the population diverse? How many languages do you hear?) Do you like the academics? (Homework load? Professors availability and experience? Majors? How is advising? Job possibilities?) Visit, ask questions and observe; it is the most honest answer one will receive about a school.