George Washington University Top Questions

Scenario: While sharing a pizza with her father, Samantha mentions that she has made an appointment with her guidance counselor to discuss her college options. Samantha's father asks, "Have you considered what you want to get out of college?" As father and daughter brainstorm, they discover that Samantha wants to study journalism. She also wants to meet friends that share her interests in photography. A successful college experience will foster both academic and personal growth. To find the right college, the student and parent should work together to determine the student's goals. Once the student's academic and personal goals are clear, the student-parent team can begin searching for colleges that will cater to the achievement of these goals. Samantha has just realized two important goals: she wants to major in journalism and socialize with other photographers. She can now approach the college search armed with these two aspirations. She should find colleges that offer a journalism program and a photography club. By defining her goals first, Samantha is better-equipped to begin searching for the right school: one that will have the resources available to help Samantha make the most of her college experience.

I believe the experience of college is about finding one's true self. I would tell students not to be afraid of trying new things. For example, if you are from a small-town, maybe a college in the city or a metro-area would be excellent for you to explore a different environment. Becoming entrenched within a different type of society may really appeal to you. It is also not necessary to know what you want to major in the day you start your classes. Explore your options! It will change you for the better and will give you a perspective that was probably not available in high school. I would tell parents to not be afraid of letting go. Although it may seem difficult, this is the time where your child will learn independence, as well as transform into an adult. Allow him/her to pursue their passions, as it is necessary in shaping who they will become. I found my passion through my courses and discussing different career opportunities with my professors. Students who become engaged with both social and academic aspects of college tend to have the most satisfying experience.

I would tell students that you need to focus on the future and what you are trying to achieve in school. College is not only about socializing and having fun, but it is about the academics too, how hard you work in college, will pay off ten-fold, when you graduate in four years, you will see awesome results, if you can always strive to do your best in your classes and career endevours. Sometimes take the time to instead of going to that party or hanging out on a Thursday night, do a little bit of your readings a head of time, immerse yourself in your studies, so you can receive the most for your money and time spent on and in college!

The most important thing to remember about making the most of your college experience is that it's not where you go to school but what you make of it. No matter what school you go to, you must work hard and that will always bring you out on top. Don't take your opportunity for granted. Also, play for a sports team. Not only is it a good way to make friends, but it is good for your body and mind. Not a sports person? Find some activity to involve yourself in -- be social. Balance is key -- you have to juggle your social life and academics. In terms of finding a good fit for a school -- go interact with students and find out what they really think about the school. Don't hesitate to ask the tough questions. Sit in on classes and spend a night in the dorms to make sure it's where you belong. Also, do your homework. Research what programs and majors the school has to offer and if those are what you're looking for. Look at lots of schools -- having plenty of options is good when it comes to choosing a school.

Parents: let the students do the work. It's fine to get involved in the college search, but by the time your child is searching for colleges, he or she should be prepared to do the research alone. Give friendly advice, but do not force your child to go to the college where you had, "the most amazing experience of your life," because that experience will be different for everyone. And therein lies the beauty of college: everyone is unique, and everyone has the ability to make the most or least of their college experience. With that said, students: there is no perfect college for you. Find a campus environment you feel comfortable in, and meet as many people as possible before latching onto your best friends. College is what you make of it, so study hard but don't forget to socialize too. Get involved as much as possible: you'll meet more friends and maybe even form a new study group. And if you're shy because you haven't tried something before, now's your chance! Try everything that interests you; it may just be the last time in your life you'll have so many opportunities.

You will know the school is right for you if you have butterflies in your stomach when opening the acceptance letter. Once at school, don't hold yourself back. Throw yourself into as many activities and situations as possible and keep in touch with all the people you will meet.

Visit every type of college out there. From small to big, liberal arts schools, state schools, city schools, and even schools in the middle of nowhere. The student needs to find that school that just feels right. You will know once you are on the campus and can picture yourself there that it is the one. It's almost like finding a soulmate in a way. Once you find the school, do not hesitate to get involved. It is really the best way to meet people and further explore your interests. Everyone is on a level playing field Freshman year, so take in every experience and opporunity that comes your way. And this time, start fresh and be yourself, you don't have to keep up any image from high school. Just enjoy everyday because it flies by.

use a book

Figure out what you love to do and what your interests are. Don't be afraid to go somewhere far from home, because it's important to use that space to mature and figure yourself out. Visit a bunch of schools, and don't be afraid of the price tag because financial aid and scholarships are out there.

Let your students make there own decisions (within financial reason) with your wise imput. Give them the freedom to grow and develop on their own - the time has come for your children to choose their own path. Remember they will always love and respect you, so let them go out into the world with your blessing to make their own way.

Actually visit the university before making an decisions. :)

Sometimes the best experience isn't always taking the easiest route. If you think you want to go somewhere, take a risk and try it.

Students: visit a variety of colleges and apply as early as possible. When visiting, pay attention to how you feel while you are there. If a college atmosphere energizes you or sparks your curiosity, it is one that will most likely satifsy your needs and interests while you are there. Do not pick a college because it seems easy or comfortable. Pick somewhere that inspires you. Make sure you can completely envision yourself attending classes and living in their facilities and working in the surrounding area. Observe the students you see. Are they people you would like to make friends with? More likely than not, these will be the types of people that end up in your classes. Parents: point your child in the right direction with information and important dates, but leave the actual choice completely up to him/her. If your child is inspired and seems to be in their element at a college, this is priceless, and even if the school carries a high price tag, your investment will yield big returns if you allow your child to follow his or her passion. Your most important responsibility is weighing whether the benefits outweigh the cost.

Finding the right college: Its all about the environment. When all is said and done, a class is a class. Some might be more difficult than others or taught by more famous professors in a more prestigious university, but what really makes a difference is making sure you are in an environment that feels comfortable. This includes looking for a place where the students look like you and your friends and a location that you can see yourself living in for four years. In terms of making the most of college-- don't be afraid to go out on a limb and try something new. College is your last chance to join a club or take a class just for the hell of it. You want to learn sign language? Go for it. You want to join the drag queen club? Do it. Go big or go home, kids.

I would tell them to visit and see what they are looking for. Have them spend the night and also have them pray and discuss with their family.

You really have to do what makes you happy. It's hard to block out the noise of peers, magazines, books, etc, but it has to be done. To pick the right college you have to think either one of two things. The first is, "Who am I?" and find a school that fits your personality. While it sounds trite, you can really learn alot about yourself by visiting schools and thinking "can i picture myself here?" The second is "Who do I want to be?" Because whether you like it or not, college changes you, it matures you. You have to think about your life beyond the next 4 years and consider if your college choice is reasonable for your long term goals. Are parties really that important? Is a scholarship to a mediocre school worth the cost of a more brand-name education? Where you see yourself in 10 years should be a key role in where you choose to go to college.

A peer group is the most important thing to look for in a college environment. If you are a smart person, you want to be around other smart people. If you are athletic, being with other athletic people is a good fit. Generally, look for places that match your potential academically and socially. If you don't know what your potenial is, look for a place with a good amount of people, so that if need be you can change from once social group to another. Keep an open mind in college, and go to all your classes. Doing your work actually helps socially, as by sophomore year a lot of people spend a good deal of their time in the library. If the class is boring, use it as a social connection. Classes are the easiest way, besides joining a fraternity or sorority, to meet new people and establish friendships and relationships.

Get involved in as many things possible from the start. You can always week out groups you dont find interesting but you will also find passion for groups that you never considered.

First off, in the words of Douglas Adams "Don't Panic." Things will work out, you(or your child) will be accepted to college. Second is don't worry about a place that focuses on what you think you want to study, because in all likelihood you will change your mind in the first semester your there, and then again in the second, and possibly again in the third. So when looking and deciding find a school that strikes you as interesting, because of the location, the people or the exotic species of grass they cultivate there. Whatever it is find some place that you can spend four years, loving every minute you are there.

As yourself, what do you really want out of your college? If it?s a stepping stone to a future career, pick a school that will help you with that. If it?s a grand ol? animal-house-style time, pick a school that will live up to that expectation. If there?s anything I?ve learned, it?s college is totally what you make it. If you want it to be the time of your life, it will be. Just make sure you?re picking your school for the right reasons?the reasons that are most important to you personally (not your parents or your teachers, but you personally).

Definitely visit, and if possible, spend a weekend on campus and even see if you can sit in on a class or two. Finding out if the social life is a fit for you is as important as finding out if the academic structure is what you are looking for. University-run tours are a good way to get a feel for the campus and learn about the facts, but if you actually want to learn what student life is like, get in touch with actual students. You're bound to find current students willing to provide advice, information, and their own personal experiences. To make the most of your college experience, it's imperative to remember that your grades matter just as much as your social life. While it may be fun at the time to neglect schoolwork and go partying instead, this is definitely something you'll regret. It takes a while to get a hang of how to manage your time, especially if you're living on your own for the first time, but once you learn how and what the best way is for you to study, the results will definitely be rewarding.

I would tell parents and/or students to put heavy weight on how the student feels about the environment and engergy of the student bosdy. When I was looking at schools, I realized that I would be living in this environment for four years and would need to love it. Also, keep an open mind.

I would first advise parents and students to tour as many schools as possible because it really helps a person get the feel for different types of universities. This is important because no university is the same and each has a unique feeling that it gives off. I would advise parents to really listen to what their child wants out of college, so that they as parents can better help their child figure out what is best for them and help advise them on choosing a school. I think i t is very important for students to really consider what it is they want out of a school, like do they want a big, small, medium school, or do they want a school with a variety of clubs and organizations, or do they want a school that has a great program for their major. Students need to consider everything that really matters to them when choosing a school.

For parents, make sure you truly listen to what your student is looking for and what he or she wants out of their academic experience. Make sure both the parents and students understand the importance of having a strong social and community aspect in the school they will be attending or looking at. Without a doubt, no matter how hard the academics may be at times, and no matter what school you are attending, having a great social network and a campus that always has something to do is so incredibly important. Those who wish to succeed simply beyond pure academics will truly cherish that.

Spend as much time on campus as possible- both before and after being accepted. The size and location of a university really do matter so think about what is best for you- a big university may seem impersonal, but remember, there is a niche for everyone and even a big city campus starts to feel safe and personal once you have found your place. And being on a big campus has its advantages. Also, think about the specific programs you are interested in rather than making generalizations about the university's reputation and quality for example, in my experience GW is not particularly well known as a liberal arts college but I has a very respected international affairs program. Pay attention to special programs, such as honors programs because they can add alot to your experience in a university- do not underestimate the value of being an honors student in a university.

The advice I would give to a student about finding the right college is to think about what is really going to be best for them. This seems pretty obvious, but it is important. Don't apply to the same colleges as everyone else in your graduating class. Don't worry about the prestige or name recognition of the university. Apply to schools that seem exciting or intriguing to you. If all else fails, ask your parents. They probably know you the best of anyone. They know what makes you excited and what makes you nervous. They know what environment will best help you learn, and they want what is best for you. In terms of making the most of the college experience, I would suggest not following the crowd. Try something new. Don't be afraid to look stupid. It takes a little courage, but it is well worth it. Also, make REAL friends. In college, it is easy to find a drinking buddy or a random hook-up. What is harder is finding a real friend. A real friend will be loving enough to cry with you in your pain and bold enough to offer you the truth.

I would tell parents and students to not fret or stress out so much about college decisions. Ultimately, the right college will find you. I would like to emphasize that college admissions officers do this for a living, their job is finding the right people to go to their college. I would strongly encourage parents and students to listen to those admissions officers. If you don't get into your first choice, don't worry, it's usually for the best anyway. Those people who make college decisions know what types of people belong at their institution. Most often, that college that does accept you will be the right fit for you, even though you may not realize it until you are finished with your first year of college. As for how to get the most out of your college experience, my advice is just to get involved. That's the quickest and easiest way to meet people. You will automatically have a common interest, something to break the ice. When you get to college, try out as many things as you want, then cut it down later. But don't lose contact with the people you met.

Sit down with your parents and decide together...especially if they are paying for it.

Trust your children on their decision, and do not go by rankings in the college guide books. Send your child to a school that best fits their area of study, and where they feel most comfortable.

No matter how much you dreamed about where your child was going to go to college, remember that was your dream, not theirs. When you go to visit colleges, try to see it through their eyes and share the excitement. Visit large universities, small liberal arts colleges, two year community colleges because they each have something different to offer. There are many ways to get to a degree. At eighteen, you really don't know who you are, you think you do, your parents think they do, but chances are in four years, your future will be different than the one you predicted at 18. Go into college flexible to change because your roomate might snore, your social life is a regular seat at the library, you could have an 8 am class followed by a 6pm that night. Figure out how to plan your day. Don't sleep all the time, there are great things to do on campus, in the community and people to meet who have something to say. Don't forget the people who supported you and believed in you either. Oh, and text messaging, increase it to unlimited, you'll be glad you did.