Kansas State University Top Questions

When choosing a shcool, go with your gut. They say that you can be happy anywhere, which is most likely true, but if you step on to a campus for the first time and feel at home, then you've found something special. Don't pay attention to pretty brochures, but to how people react when you ask them where the student union is. Do they take the time to walk you there, or do they point and mumble? You will be spending the next four years of your life with these people! Pay attention to the food and the dorms, if you'll be living on campus. Class size is important, but so is what you're going to be eating for the next nine months or more. But mostly, just be excited for college and do whatever you do boldly!

It is important to find a school that offers what you are looking for academically, but its just as important to find a school where you think you will be able to fit in. Where you choose to go to school will also be the city where you will live.

You're not going to find a "perfect college," because it doesn't exist. But what you will find is a college that fulfills your priorities, and that is what matters. Before college searching, make a list of the most important things you want in a college. Choosing the right college involves using both your head and your heart. Use your list of priorities, but also follow your passions. Make sure you meet actual students to get a feel for the social environment. Obviously, the college you choose should have your major and benefits that go along with that, but you will also need to make friends there, if you are going to survive. College absolutely has to be a balance between work and play. You are paying for your education, which is building the foundation for your future, but you are also building relationships for the future and that in itself is a learning experience. Remember to have fun and make memories, while remembering that your career, which is hopefully your passion, needs attention too.

I would advise parents and students to start looking at colleges as early as their Sophomore year of high school. I learned a lot of things going to college presentation, college fairs, and financial aid seminars that helped me figure out what classes to take in high school, what extra-curricular things I should do while in high school to make me competitive for scholarships and why my grades were so important. I learned about different schools and could start making myself competitive for the schools I ultimately wanted to apply to. By taking the time early in high school to try to figure out what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go, I feel like I made a very informed decision and I am happy with my decision. My advice after the student makes a college choice, is for the parent(s) to do everything possible to support the choice. The parent(s) and student need to prepare for college as best possible and then the parents need to let go. Then the student is ready to make the most of the college experience knowing they can still call home to ask for advice.

My advice would be to go and spend a few days on campus. Attend some classes and get a feel for how life would be on campus. Get a feel for if you feel comfortable and can see yourself sitting in those class rooms and walking to the classes. If you arent comfortable on a campus you wont be able to focus on your studies because you will be more stressed and always on edge. The town in which the college is is also of importance. The city or town should be a place where you can find things to do outside of campus and has the resources you need so your not having to travel long distances to buy necessities. You will also want to look for a college that has organizations and other activities your interested in outside of scholastics. Being involved on campus gets you involved within the college, so pick the college that you can really see yourself acheiving your goals and still get the fun and excitement of the college experience.

Ensure that the college offers a strong financial aid department.

search and submit applications to several colleges

Find a place that is comfortable, both inside the facilities and outside around campus because enjoying your walks to class is all part of the experience and can make a bigger difference than you may think. If your major has a student chapter or society, join it, you will notice the difference in your academic experience and ability to network for the future. Take time to participate in campus activities, shows, concerts, and sports, especially if they are free! Don't wait till you are a junior or senior to get involved (but if you do, just know it is never too late!)

My best advice for parents and students searching for the right college is to go with your gut. Of course academics matter, as do your financial situation and location, but in my opinion, feeling comfortable at the school you'll be attending is a huge factor. I think that a school that is supportive and makes you feel like you're at home will not only help you achieve your goals, but help you grow into the person you want to become. Remember that college isn't just about earning a degree - it's about growing into an adult and preparing yourself for the real world. Along those lines, my advice about making most of the college experience is to do and try everything you want to. Take that Women's Studies class that doesn't count toward your Biology major, go Salsa Dancing even though you have no rhythm. Don't be scared to try anything, you never know who you're going to meet or what you're going to end up loving or learning. After all, the best learning happens outside the classroom.

Find a college that not only appeals to your educational proirities but also to a school that has extra-curricular activities that suit your interests. Don't be afraid to be yourself and try something new. It's better to get out and play the game then to never get a chance to play at all!

Try going somewhere different and see if its for you, if you dont like the area you in now.

The biggest thing for me was finally getting out of the house. I would never recommend that a college student stay at home while attending college. Moving out gives you a new experience.

Make sure they know why they are going to college. They should have some goals set for themselves. It doesn't matter if the goals will change - you should expect them to change. They just can't be floating around for nothing. Know what you want to work for, and when life changes just roll with the punches. Few people end up where they started out going.

The best advice i have is go vist as many colleges as you can and talk to everbody you can, learn abou the people and how they think act and feal about their school and the town it is in. If they did that they would really git the feal of everday at that school. Also you need to look at your major go vist the department for your major look around talk to the teachers get their fealings on the univirsity and the students. you might even want to go to a sporting event just to get another feel for the atmospher at that school. In all you really need to go vist that school in jump into the lives of the students their and see if you really like it . If you do that you will have no problem picking the school you want to go too.

Finding the right college is like finding the perfect pair of shoes, trying them on is a must. It is important to go to each campus and take a tour. You will never know if the campu is the "right fit" until you try it on. Spend a day at the school and get a feel for the students, campus, activities, and school spirit. Choose a school that fits YOU the best. Deep down inside you will know that it is "where you belong". And once you get to collge, enjoy it.

My advice to parents: You need to be three things; involved, supportive, and understanding. Being involved in your son or daughter's decision of where to attend college is extremely important to your child. You will be able to help them with questions and hopefully agree with them because you will know what they based their decision on. Even more importantly, being supportive of their decision is critical. Most teen's want to be able to make their own decisions, while still obtaining support from their parents. Also, being understanding that your child is becoming an adult is crucial. If you can achieve these three roles, the transition into college will go more smoothly both for you and your teen. My advice to students: You need to be proactive, patient, and understanding. In order to find the right college for you will take work. You have to be proactive in researching schools to find the perfect fit. Which means you must also be patient in your search. Also, you need to be patient with your parents. This transition might be hard for them to accept, therefore you must be understanding of their feelings and actions during this time. Good luck!

There are a few things to look for when deciding on the right college for you. I would research the major in which you are interested to see that the college in which you are considering has a good program for that major. Size of the college is another aspect to take into account. Do not overlook large colleges though, as even though my college is large, once you get into more major-related classes they get smaller and more personalized. Other things to think about would be cost, distance from home, and job placement of graduates. To make the most of your college experience I would have to advise to get involved early. Do not be afraid as a freshmen to make yourself known on campus. Also, make friends quickly. College is a lot quicker than the rest of your 12 years of schooling has been. Sadly, you will start to make friends and get close to them and then you all graduate and most likely move far away from eachother. Cherish the time you have with friends from the beginning. Make friends in class and study together. Hopefully this will help someone in finding and enjoying a college.

When you go on college visits, have your questions written out ....what you want to know about for each campus/college you visit. That way, you won't forget to ask something important and you can gather the same information at each visit, take notes and then do comparisons of the pros and cons for each college you visited.