Georgetown University Top Questions

The college experience at Georgetown University is unmatched. It permitted me to freely explore subject areas that I knew little about coming into college. Through this experience, I took an interest in a new subject area and was able to fulfill that interest through extracurricular activities, internships, and alumni mentors. I also tried many new activities outside my comfort zone, such as joining an NCAA sports team that I never would have imagined doing. These experiences enriched me in many ways, both in mind and body and I am ever grateful for the experience. It has transformed me into a person dedicated to serving others and I now have a greater appreciation of diverse backgrounds and cultures different from my own. I was challenged both academically and physically to strive for my best and made many friends, who shared my passions, along the way. These individuals will remain my friends for a lifetime, and the experiences at Georgetown University will remain forever ingrained in my mind, ones that I will not soon forget. I cannot think of a greater place that teaches for the whole person, is academically challenging, yet socially rewarding and committed to success. Hoya Saxa!

im learning alot in my school i actually love it thats why im not trying to leave it but im having transportation problems

College taught me to branch out beyond my bubble, and to be very, very grateful for the educational opportunities I have had in my life. First, the monochromatic makeup of my campus was, ironically, a blessing because it demonstrated to me how much I dislike being in a non-diverse envrionment, and how much I value the opportunity to meet and learn from others different from me. I studied abroad in Morocco, got involved with the Iranian Cultural Society on campus, and I found my academic passions--Persian/Farsi language and cross-cultural communication. I discovered my strong desire to use that language in non-profit work for refugee resettlement agencies in the United States. I grew into an adult who is eternally grateful for how hard my parents worked to pay for my education, and an adult who made a very deliberate decision to finance the continuation of her own post-college education in a Masters in Persian program; a program that will help me to help others in the ways I hope I can. I learned to trust my own intution, and to follow my the passion I discovered for social justice in my life beyond college.

College is a while new experience. It was hard at first leaving home an moving to a new town but I am slowly liking this college and living on campus really helps out alot. You are more aware of programs going on and can get help anytime. Going to college is way more fun then high school. You have a lot more freedom and you can count on the teachers or someone to be there to help you along the way. My college has free tutoring which helps alot. I really am glad that I chose this college because its something new to experience and it helps me further my education, and work towards getting a decent job in the future. I didn't think I was gonna be able to go to college because I come from a low income family but the campus really told me about some things I can do to get money and maybe this one will help me out.

The most valuable part of the college experience the connections and bonds created with the amazing people that attend with me. It is clearly apparent that most people at my school, Georgetown University, will go off to be extremely successful and powerful men and women of the world. The ability to create these long-lasting connections is invaluable. Since everyone comes to college as a tabula rasa, it is very easy to connect with others and make new bonds. Also, meeting the brightest and most knowledgeable professors here adds to the connections as they are experts in their own rights with an infinite amount of wisdom to share. Moreover, the dialogue and conversation I have with my peers and professors inspire almost euphoric reactions within me. The depth, expanse, and interest in the world are flabbergasting, and everyone want to change it for the better. Only in the college experience am I able to immerse myself in a world where free-thought reigns free and where my ideas, that might someday change the very paradigms of the world, can be deliberated and improved.

Georgetown University has opened more windows than I could ever imagine and so far my experience has been beyond what I expected. College in general is a time to ignite your passions and figure out what makes you excited. I love the field of health care and law and Georgetown makes me excited to study that, learning from the top professors in the field. What's even more exciting is that every person you meet in college, be it a friend, classmate, or teacher, has a unique story to tell. It's the time spent talking and getting to know each other that has been the most valuable and most positive learning experience. I would have never met such interesting people back home and now I have to opportunity to know people from the opposite coast, all the way to Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. I'm so grateful that I am fortunate to attend such a university with diverse people that you can learn a new culture or hear various experiences different from your own. College is valuable in the aspect that you learn from yours as well as others' experiences. I'll never get this opportunity again!

Hello! I am Muhammad Kashif Jawad. I belong to Rawalpindi, PAKISTAN. I have done Diploma of Associate Engineering (DAE) in Chemical Technology from Pakistan Ordinance Factories Institute of Technology (POFIT), Wah Cantt. My college was about 35 kilometres far away from my home , from which I had to cover the distance of about 5 kilometres on bicycle , then I used to go by bus (rest of the jounney) for my college. My college is one of the best Technical (Semi Govt) college in my city. In my college time I enjoyed classes, my class mates, my theoratical, as well as my practical classes very much. The best message or advice by my college is that to work hard and be loyal and faithful to your studies before, during or after the span you remain in touch with your studies. I tried my best to get better from me and succeed also in my efforts. But now I am not in a position to get further or higher education due to unaffordibility of the finances of my further studies. I hope that you will take some sympathetic action on my present condition and provide me the scholarship. Thanks From: Muhammad Kashif

My college experience has allowed me to discover who I truly am. When I first left for college, I wasn't sure if I would become a "new person" at college, like many said I would. Would I suddenly become a big partier or stop caring about school? In the first semester that identity was uncertain, but now I find myself more certain than ever about the person I am. In fact, the person I know now existed before college, but has blossomed through the college experience. Attending Georgetown has taught me to think seriously about what I am doing with my life. But it hasn't left me hanging. It has also given me tools to help answer that question.

In the fall of 1999, I moved to Austin, TX to study studio art at the University of Texas . After attending for five semesters, I decided to leave the university to persue my true passion, music. For ten years I played in a rock band called, Cruiserweight. In that time we released five albums, were signed to record company called Doghouse Records (subsidiary of Warner Music), and toured extensively all over the U.S., Europe, and Japan. Now, nearing the age of thirty, my dream is to go back to school and pursue a career in audio engineering. I am currently enrolled and will begin classes at The Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in Tempe, AZ. The value of my college experience will be to gain the tools to make my dream a reality. Music always has been, and always will be my life.

Attending Georgetown University first as an undergraduate and now as a graduate have been an enlightening and fulfilling experience in many ways. The opportunity to study at a world class university with a tradition of scholastic excellence and enjoy the educational opportunities available to students above and beyond the normal studies has enabled me to meet and work with scholars from around the world. My experience at Georgetown has also instilled in me a sense of purpose beyond that of myself. While my personal goals are important to me I have come to realize there is much more to life to be experienced. Success comes in many forms. While financial and professional success are important, understanding there are human needs throughout the world that I can help meet as a result of my education at Georgetown. I believe that the greatest success will come from serving others and that will not only be rewarding in itself but I believe it will also create success for me in ways that I do not see now.

The first thing I would say to myself as a senior in high scool is never doubt your ability to achieve what you want. I knew at the end of my senior year that I wanted to attend Georgetown, but I was too afraid to apply and face rejection. My guidance counselor informed me that Georgetown was a reach and not a very probable option so I settled on George Washington University. While in the same city, these schools are completely different in character and student composition. I applied as a transfer student after my freshman year at GW and was accepted into Georgetown. Looking back, I realize I was actually a very strong candidate for Georgetown and may have been accepted out of high school. I was ranked 9th out of 450 students, I had a high GPA, I was captain of my crew team, I held the same job for five years and was an active member of my church teaching religious classes. I would tell myself to believe in my own talent and not be discouraged by critisism and lack of support.

It is important to keep your goals in mind and understand that you are going into a completely different environment with completely different people. Do not be intimidated by this, take this as an opportunity to learn more, meet new people and build a network. The transition to college life will be filled with temptation, but you must realize that although you are a very smart student living in a low income community your high school education has not adequately prepared you to continue directly into a 4 year institution. The qualities you posses should not be undermined, as they are irreplaceable and will serve to get you through the transition, life has thrown many hardballs your way and I know that the strength you have gained from experience will only help you overcome any obstacles in college. Never undermine yourself, the amount of books you?ve read does not matter, at the end of the day your desire to persevere and appreciation for education will lead you to success. Know your options, financial aid is available, do not limit yourself, and tell everyone you know that funds exist to make graduating from college a reality.

Prepare, prepare, prepare. Look for scholorship opportunites while you are still in High School. Review the courses that you want to take and familiarize yourself with basic information. Get a summer job to have extra cash to carry for at least the first semester for incedentals. Begin to develop you own unique reading strategy; there will be alot of reading to do. While making the transition try to list activities and thier deadlines to avoid stress, and last minute catch-up. begin to write your essays while in High school for scholarship entries. Then when you find a scholarship opportunity it will be earier to rewrite parts.

Deciding the college you will spend four years of your life at is a daunting task. I was overwhelmed and delayed deciding until the last moment. I wish I would have been reassured that the decision was my own and to not allow anyone or anything influence my choice. The choice should be made with your heart; you know there is one calling your name underneath all the other pulls. I for one let my fear of an unfamiliar place, guilt of leaving friends, and fear of loans override my gut feeling. I decided to stay in state and attend ASU because it was the most logical. I received free tuition and would be among friends in a familiar town. I regretted this decision and applied to other schools during the second semester. This year I have transferred to Georgetown University and love the change. From my experience of transferring schools my most important piece of advice is not to let the college decision overwhelm you into feeling like you must do what is most logical. Follow your heart and know that you always have the ability to transfer if you are not fully satisfied.

Finally escaping your hometown and arriving at an entirely new campus, with new people, new activities, and an entirely new lifestyle, gives you the opportunity to recreate your persona. In theory, you can be whoever you want to be. I would advise you, however, to be yourself. After all, it's worked pretty well for your first eighteen years. Don't be afraid to let your true personality, interests, and passions shine through. The great thing about college is that people of all types can find others like themselves and build meaningful relationships. Be good to yourself, and don't try to be someone you're not. As the stress of school work and activities start to build, keeping up a charade will be nearly impossible. If you try to conform to a certain image, you may wind up losing what makes you unique. Trust me, people will love you best for who you really are.

Dear 17-year-old Montina, Stop stressing about which college to pick. It may seem that each school has just as many pros and cons as the next. You may feel that you are more likely to make the wrong choice than you are the right choice. But that is not true. College will be what you make of it. Look at each choice carefully, and pick the best fit for right now. In the end, trust that you will be happy. If you do not get it right on the first try (although from the looks of things, you do), it is not the end of the world. The transition into college life will be easier than you expect. Distance from home may seem like a good idea now, but trust me, you will miss it more than you think. But, so long as you get yourself involved in college, you will be calling Georgetown home before you know it. Do not put off joining band or applying for internships until after settling in - the sooner the better, as finding your niche in the Georgetown community is what will help you adjust to life here. Hope that helps, Montina

Even after spending almost three years at Georgetown, I feel as though I?ve only just arrived. I put us on such a high pedestal going into Georgetown that life as we always wanted to enjoy it passed by underneath me. Unable to reconcile my feelings of anticipation from high school with the indifference I felt from my peers, I retreated into the shadows of my high school memories and took perturbed solace in the shade of depression for my entire freshmen year. Philip, your expectations for yourself and your first year at college away from everything and everyone familiar to you are simply too high. Upon arriving at Georgetown, I know you will refuse to call this strange new world home - How could you, in a place where no one understands your past, your present, your sense of humor, your love of music, your soul? But Philip, can you yourself proclaim to fully understand these things? No. The knowledge you have about yourself and the world is not yet complete. It may never be complete. But as unlikely as it will seem at first glance, being here will help, more than anything else we have ever experienced...I promise.

College is a different world. Nothing can prepare you for the adventurers and experiences you are about to embark on. There are no parents, teachers, or counselors breathing down your neck, calculating your every move. You are now granted the freedom that you have probably been itching to have. You now control your life. You call your own shots and only consult with your parents, professor, and advisors. That is a lot of power for a 17-18 year old to handle. Don't let it go to your head. Remember there is a monetary investment in you and your completion, so use your new found freedom and power wisely. You will now be a Freshman and what a perfect name for embarkers on higher education, being that you will be fresh to life without familiarities- different environment, different people, different atmosphere, etc. Use that freshness to learn your environment and the people you will be sharing that environment with. Don't be afraid to ask questions and share your ideas. Take on challenges, BE INVOLVED. Don't just go to class to get a degree. Go to college, be active in your classes and community and earn a degree.

Talk to your professors! Most professors like to have students come to them for help during office hours, so take this opportunity to interact with them one-on-one as much as possible. Not only does this clear up confusion or misunderstandings and help to complete the assignments, but the personal contact increases your motivation to do well in the course. Moreover, the professor gets to know you and he or she often can be quite encouraging. In some cases, professors find it very helpful to know what aspects of the lessons or assignments are especially confusing, so that they can spend extra time clarifying certain concepts in class. I discovered that I received the highest grades in the courses in which I regularly visited the professor during office hours, not only because I understood the material better, but also because I had to keep up with the material in order to discuss it with the professor on a regular basis. Realizing this, I started to make the extra effort to do this for all my courses-- even when I thought that I understood the material well. It took a lot of discipline, but it was well worth it!

If I could go back in time and talk to the high school Alex, I would give her the same advice my mother gives me everyday. This is the advice that I received on my very first day of elementary school, that guided me throughout these early years of my life, and that I would repeat to all young adults embarking on their journey towards independence: Everyday is a new day, just do your best. My mother says it in Chinese, but the meaning is not lost in translation. It means you should not dwell on how you excelled during high school, but double your effort for college. Do not hesitate when faced with an interesting opportunity, because if goes badly, tomorrow is a new day. Live with no regrets, because you did your best. College can only be the wonderful experience it should be if you let go of your inhibitions and make the most of every opportunity. Do not compare new experiences to past ones, just aim to make even better experiences in the future. Do not get bogged down in decisions pertaining to your future, concentrate on making every day as good as it can be.

I would tell myself to study harder for the AP exams as they can make your first couple years of college less stressful. Some APs can give you college credit which allow you to take classes that you want and that go towards your major. I also would advise myself to not be too stressed out in high school.

Never skip class and do not get financially involved with your significant other. Figure out what you want to do and not what others would like you to do. Follow your dreams but have a back up plan in case your dreams are a ways off - you'll need to make money in the mean time. Have fun and treasure the friends you've made like I do now.

Looking back one of the biggest mistakes I made when choosing a college was not thinking about my social life. I was so focused on choosing the school with the perfect academic program and size that I completely ignored my social life-- bad choice. Of course, finding a school with the right program is important, BUT do not ignore discovering what environment you will feel most comfortable in. Pick a school whose size matches your personality and whose social scene follows what you want. Make as many friends as possible in the first few weeks, because after that, everyone will branch off into their small groups and you will have lost your chance! Also, join multiple clubs not just based on the activity but based on how much you enjoy the people involved in the club-- they may and probably will become your closest friends! For me, the transition was easy; however, make the best choice not just for your academic needs but for your social needs! Don't be afraid to ask students at the schools what life there is REALLY like! Good luck seniors!

The most valuable information that I could give my high school senior self is that making good friends takes time. I entered college expecting to instantly make as good and as deep of friendships that I had with my friends in high school, yet I failed to realize those relationships took four years to develop. During the first couple months of college, I was really disappointed that my new friendships did not feel of the same caliber as the ones I left behind. I interpreted my school as the problem. I started to think the school wasn?t the right place for me. As time went on, however, I got to know people better and have made great new friends. So, for my senior self: ?Have patience and all your initial worries at college are only trivial. Everything works out in the end.?

I would give myself the advice to make good grade and not worry about the other kids and do not be afraid and worry more about academics and not try to hard or be too shy.

Everyone thinks that college is just simply fun, but it also involves strenuous hours of hard work and determination. The first semester of college is definitely an eye opener; it is a difficult transition to make from high school especially when playing a varsity sport. However, the transition is not impossible. It may take you a while to adjust, but all you need is patience and motivation to not give up on your dream college, major, and your dream of playing a varsity sport. In order to accomplish this, be sure to establish good study skills while in high school because professors expect you to know how to study for tests and write academic papers. Although, everything can be overwhelming, especially the workload, take a deep breath and know that other students may feel the same way; it is best to make friends and take a break from studying once and a while, or else you will become stressed and emotionally struggle. College is not impossible; it is difficult, but definitely doable. Stay strong and live your dream!

If I were able to tell myself about college, I would first and foremost say: relax! While there are the horror stories of bad roommates, horrid deans, and boring professors, this is only a small part of college that everyone deals with. The majority of people are just like you: probably nervous, scared, and wanting to make new friends and enjoy the college life that has been so hyped by both the media and the people around you. Remember to play hard and work hard; don't spend all your time buried in books, but also don't spend all your time passed out at parties. Having fun is an important part of life, and will help your school work, not hinder it. Finally, grab the opportunities that your school offers, join the clubs that interest you, talk to your professors, go to the sponsored events, and utilize the volunteer and internship opportunities. You have four years, but they'll go by fast. Don't wait to start doing. Do it now.

To myself, I would say to pursue whatever I want to do, not what anyone else wants to do. You will never be happy doing what you think will make you cool and sacrificing what you truly want to do. Be open to many new types of people and always be friendly. Do not stay in on weekends. College isn't just about grades; it's about learning who you are as a person, and much of that comes outside the classroom. Make new friends, but keep the ones at home close. While you should definitely try new things, only try those things that you feel safe doing. Always remember, everyone else is as alone and scared as you are when you first get to school, so it's the perfect time to make friends. Live with no regrets, and study hard. If you give 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} into anything you do, you will never be disappointed with yourself. Finally, do not be afraid to meet with professors; you are paying for them after all!

I would remind myself that college is a new and exciting experience. I would tell myself to be more open and outgoing and that the people that I will meet will not be the type of people that I was friends with in High School. I would encourage myself to have an open mind, socially, and to get involved in various clubs, organizations and activities. I would also remind myself (repeatedly) that my experience at Georgetown will be entirely different than those of my friends' who attend(ed) large, public state schools - and to not compare my experience to theirs. I would encourage myself to explore various subject matters, to visit the career center and to engage with my professors and upperclassmen. I feel as though there was a lack of direction, in terms of career guidance, at Georgetown. So, I would explore my interests early on, especially by getting involved in off campus activities/internships/volunteer projects. I would mostly tell myself that the next four years should be one of the best experiences of my life and to make the most out of them.

You made the right choice and it was worth giving up scholarships to other colleges.

College is totally your choice and the same thing with life it is a choice. You already think you do not get to make many choices, so prove that you can make not only choices but the right choices. And if you want to make the best out of life then college is the best choice. If you think that you are just tired of school, then you be tired of struggling with just a high school diploma. College is a growing up stage in life that I feel will be a great requirement for you. You will be in total control of your actions and learning styles, you will meet new people that will help or even try to break you, but you will be responsible for what you choose them to do to you. You will go to college and push yourself to do well and be a successful human being. You will not dream about what you want to do, but you be living your dream. And be a role model for those who think they cannot accomplish much out of life.

If I could go back in time, I would encourage myself to not have fences. During my college application process, I was very focused on staying close to home and on going to school in New York City. What I've realized is that location is in fact important, but my happen-stance application to Georgetown University opened up a new city to me. It also swayed my interest in my major and has opened a variety of doors for me professionally. If I hadn't by chance received a flyer from Georgetown, I would not have considered applying. As a senior in high school, I wish I had utilized my guidance counselor and other services more to see what schools were in my academic range, what unique offerings these schools might have and what opportunities a new region of the country would have to offer. It is too easy to stay close to home, and it does not challenge you to expand your capabilities. I was lucky that Georgetown found me, because I was too narrowly focused to find it on my own as a senior in high school.

I would tell myself not to worry about turning down scholarships and that Georgetown would be worth it.

To seriously consider the balance between social life and academics and to realize how important both are in not only enjoying but also learning during your college experience.

Be prepared to work hard, but do not obsess over grades. It is much better to have a small number of close friends than a large number of friends you barely know. Go to class; just by going your GPA will be a point higher. Take advantage of every opportunity available to you. Be yourself and not someone you think people will like. Pursue what you love, and do not join any groups you think will look good on your resum

To parents, I would say to let go. Let your child fully experience college and find out who they truly are. They will come back to you eventually but the only way that they will be able to grow up and function in the real world is if they are able to have a go at it alone. To students, take chances. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and meet new people. Join clubs that seem obscure and weird. Participate in class, even if you are not sure that what you're saying is the right answer. The four years will go by faster than you will know so do not be afraid to put yourself out there. You would be surprised at what you are capable of doing if you just put forth a little bit of effort.

College is not about how pretty the campus is. I did not see Georgetown University until the day I moved in. Pick the school you are going to attend because of the programs that it offers. Do not forfeit academics for a tropical climate or for a fun party scene. Be sure to pick somewhere where, when people ask where you attend, you will be proud to say the name of your school. Once you get to school, I find that it was best to not restrict yourself to one clique. Befriend many people, and as the year goes on you'll find out naturally who you enjoy spending the most time with.

The most important thing for parents to remember during their child's college application process is to step back and give their son or daughter some breathing room. This period is one of the most competitive and nerve racking experiences that we as young adults have to go through- there is enormous pressure from our classmates, teachers, college guidance counselors, and when we come home at the end of the day, we are looking for a place to relax and feel comfortable with ourselves again. Because there is so much external pressure involved with this process, often times students loose sight of their true and unique personalities as their aspirations are tainted by those around them who become inextricably involved with the application process. I know that a parent's involvement usually comes from the desire to help their child succeed, but the greatest gift a parent can give their child during this time is trust. Trust that your child is smart and creative enough to decide what type of school interests them, what subjects they want to study. Encourage them to make their own decisions, independent from the ubiquitous expectations of those around them.

As a transfer student, I was in a different position than someone coming out of high school--I was more focused, knew exactly what I was looking for and why I was there. Nonetheless, I would advice students and their parents to start their research early, and for parents to not lose sight of the fact that the student will be the one attending the school--in short, while guidance is necessary, not to try to push too hard in one direction or the other. For students, I'd say once in school, make the best of it. Get involved in activities that you're passionate about--after school isn't all about work. You have to play sometime, and social activities are a great way to meet new people that can be of great help when you've graduated and are looking for a job--after the world is flat. Academically, you might go in with a major in mind but the great thing is that you can, and should take courses in other fields that may surprise you and discover new things--I even did as someone coming in junior year--switched from Economics to History.

The most important thing about starting college is to go in with the right attitude. Remember, everyone else is in the same boat you are, and there is no better opportunity to meet new people and try new things. Going to college doesn't mean completely changing yourself or abandoning all the things you were familiar with in high school, but it is a time for you to truely begin to understand who you are and what is important to you. Also, you aren't being kicked out into the big, wide world all by yourself. There are tons of people surrounding you who want to see you succeed and will help you in any way they can.

Keep in mind that nothing is perfect and who you are as a senior in high school will change. So apply to a lot of different plaes and remember that you can always transfer if you find that you're not in the right place. Listen to yourself no matter where you are and take advantage of the resources that are around you. Try new things, make it a point to meet a lot of new people. Take time to reflect on your experiences and what they mean for your future.

Visit the campus. How you feel on campus is as important as any other factor in the process. Be excited about starting school. No matter if you're going to your first choice or your fall back school, find a way to get yourself excited about starting college.

I believe that the college experience can be one of the best lifetime experiences. I think that there is a right school out there for everyone; that being said, I don't believe there is only one right school. College is what you make of it. It is the opportunity of a lifetime, a time of personal development and discovery. I believe that it is crucial to visit various universtities that you may be interested in to get a feel of the campus and the students who attend. College is an experience that will challenge you academically and fulfill you personally. Relationships made in college will last forever; my college experience taught me more about myself than any other experience I have had. Choose a school that suits you academically and personally, and I promise you an experience that will last you a lifetime.

Remember that a lot of schools have a lot to offer. It's not all about where the students go but about what they do with the knowledge they graduate with. It does help to have a good name on one's resume, but it's not going to make or break the student's life. There's a lot to consider, especially the high price tag. Go where you can get the best tuition deal. It's worth it.

Make sure to visit the college before you decide to attend. Learn about the resources the school offers for tutoring. It would be very beneficial if you could talk to current students and get their take on the college life including classes, extracurricular activities, on-campus organizations, transportation options; this information is really important especially since you will be spending som uhc gimteat t this place for the next four years. Talk to a professor in the field you are interested in and do some on-line reseach about the school and its rankings for various programs. Make a list of the things you are looking for in a school and be sure to ask about those things on campus tours or request more information about those things directly from the school. Apply for scholarships, they make a huge difference and make life a lot easier; its free money you won't have to pay back. Just do it, it may be time consuming but its definately worth it. Only you know what is right for you, if something doesn't feel right it probably isn't, so make your decision based on what you like.

College student parents : please let your child choose where they actually want to go - do not let your own viewpoints interfere with this decision. However let them know all the factors that go into making such an important decision. Do not choose a school just because it is the highest ranked school your child got into. Make sure to choose a school based on the atmposhere because that is where you will be living for the next four years. Make sure you enjoy the location because once again you will be living there and you want to love your surroundings.

Don't just pick a school by its name, make sure that it offers what you are interested in and then it is a place you could be happy spending the next four years at.

Pick the school that seems right. While applying, cast a wide net. Relax - it is all going to work out, one way or another. Once you have been accepted to a school, then go visit it to get a feel. Do not do the extensive college visits before you have even applied, because you may fall in love with a school and then get rejected, and then that is a waste of time.

choose a college that you feel the most comfortable at, and one that you will strive in.

Choosing the right school should be a process that involves both the parents and the student. The student may over emphasize the need for the "right" social fit whereas the parents often prefer schools with strong educational backgrounds and career centers. I chose a school based purely on academic reputation. Not only have I been disappointed by my university, I find myself unable to find a job simply because my school's alumni network only operates in business--not in the humanities. Regardless, success rests soley on the motivation of the student. When I left Columbus, Ohio I expected to go to school with college counterparts of my same friend group at home. I was sorely disappointed--one of my largest issues is with the people. No one at my college likes to simply hang out and play video games or go play sports of some kind. Students stick to their own agenda until 8PM, then they go out to drink themselves silly. I do not know how common or expected this is, but I surely hope that this is not the same experience for all students. Find a school that combines social wellness with academic integrity.