New York University Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Katrina

Having never visited the school or even been to that state before, having no other friends or classmates attending with you, I know you fear loneliness going to a university on the opposite coast. But don?t worry, you?re going to be more than fine as long as you open yourself up to new possibilities and join school organizations, where you?ll meet friends with similar interests. Definitely consider studying abroad sophomore year. You?ll have the time of your life there, traveling all around and forming close lifelong friendships with classmates in the program. Also, be sure to take advantage of the internship opportunities. When you first get access to the career center, have an advisor revise your resume and cover letters, post them on the career website and apply to all suitable internships and work study jobs. Don?t be picky until after interviews and offers?choose the best one later. Books are expensive, but luckily there are textbooks and required course readings available in the school library and in its course reserves, which will save you a considerable sum. Overall, make the most of all available opportunities and resources, manage your time well, and have fun.

emily

Listen to yourself, forget what everyone else around you is doing and saying and go with your heart. I chose my college based on what everyone around me thought i was going to be not who i really wanted to be. It took two years at school and meeting hundreds of people i knew i didn't want to be like for me to realize that i wasn't happy with who i was on track to become and that i had made my college choice based on the same things everyone around me in high school cared about: grades and names. Forget about a schools ranking and what your peers expect you to do, instead focus on where you want to go, what you want to study and who you want to be around. Make your college choice based on what you want because what you want will make you so much happier in the end than what everyone else thinks you want.

Nakisa

In order to find the right college and make the most of the college experience, one must consider all options. You must cosider the fact that if you are looking for a small campus with a lot of school spirit, you are unlikely to find yourself in a city. On the other hand, if you are on the search for a school that is in a big city and has a lot of internship opportunities, you are unlikely to find it at a school that has a lot of school spirit. There will always be both options (big schools vs. small schools) but at the end of the day, you need to decide what you want/ what you want your child to take out of the experience. If you believe that the purpose of college is to prepare you for working in the real world, then you might be better off in a big city, getting an internship for credit every semester. If you believe that the purpose of college is to explore education options and make long term friends, then a small college with an emphasis on community building is better suited for you.

Yohan

Find a college that's right for you. Make sure you like the enviroment and the people. Pay attention in class and you'll find you learned a lot.

Xiao

You don't have to be crazy about the college you are about to attend. However, it does need to at least have some aspects that you think you could potientially like. College is not just about textbooks, homework, papers, and exams. It's also about experiencing life through new friends, new cultures, and new opportunities. It's about finding out who you are as an individual and what suits you the best. It's also about finding out what's not you and what you're not okay with and how to avoid them in the future. Wherever it is you're going, keep an open mind. Be willing to explore and experience.

Carla

Above all, make sure you can afford whichever college you go to. You don't want to go away for college then move back in with your parents because you are so deep in debt. Go to the college that gives you the most money!

Nana

The key to finding the right college is to go and visit the campus in person while classes are in session. This allows for the prospective student to get a true feel for the campus life that a particular school has to offer and going while classes are in session allows for the opportunity to observe the type of students that the school attracts. In order to make the most of the college experience, a student must be daring and willing to try everything. It is important to leave college having tried as much as possible so that there are no regrets post-graduation. If a student is unsure about their choice of major, he or she should not hesitate to consult his or her advisor and consider other options. The priority during college life is self satisfaction as it drives the student to aspire to be the best that he or she can be.

Kate

Do not search for the school with the most prestige--having a dream school and setting all your hopes on it is myopic. Happiness at the school you attend is dependent not on brand name, but on its setting. As a student, you should love the place in which your school is located. You should have an understanding of your ambitions and capabilities as a person--a smaller school is of course be able to take care of you better than a big one, but for people who are independent, this possibility to craft your own space is compelling and rewarding. Every college tour will talk to you about the fit of the school, and while that is cliche and overused, that byline is what the right school boils down to. Challenge yourself only insofar as you are able to handle the challenge, because figuring out how to study and interact with people is hard enough at this juncture in life.

Angela

Make sure that when you are picking colleges that you know the location and all its surroundings. Your first choice college may not be all it seems because colleges do intend to make their school more appealing than it actually is. Best case solution: visit the colleges yourself. Decide in your own first person perspective whether or not this is the place that you can see yourself in for the next four years, or for however long you plan to attend that school. When in college, it is always important to study. High school is not college and vice versa. It's a big step up so studying is necessary. And remember that there are other people in the same boat as you who need help, so make friends by working with them. Especially if your dorming, your social life becomes less of a problem because you've got an entire floor to meet and make friends with. Your roommate might end up being your new best friend, or the longest lasting friend that you'll ever have.

Eunji

The most practical rationale for deciding the right college is usually money. College tuition is a lot of money, and very burdensome for most families. That is a very important factor in deciding the right college, especially if it is an undergratuate school, because many students hope to continue their educations. But that is not what determined my decision. I chose New York University because it is in the middle of the city, full of opportunities and places to explore, espeically all the different churches. It is most important to consider the kind of lifestyle that the student would enjoy.

Geoff

Go with whichever school makes the best impression....there is no right answer

Lana

NYU has a price tag of $50,000+, an insurmountable burden on my parents. Gandalf the Grey is still falling down my hole of debt. So I?m making the most of my education. Perhaps there?s a bit of fatalist theory in me, but everything happens for a reason. I was forced to turn down my first choice, but freshmen year was incredible. I couldn?t imagine being anywhere else. The application process probably drove you mad, but remember: you will attend a school. Consider advice from others, consider academic prestige?but choose a college that'll allow you to challenge yourself, pursue pulsing ambitions, grow, and be happy/successful?even if means compromising parental wishes. But keep an open mind. Keep your passions within reach, allow your education to serve as cornerstones for your career path, but look into universities with arrays of options and room for exploration. Approach someone who intrigues you; be open to new relationships, perspectives, environments; balance the social and academic aspects of college; be independent but don?t be afraid to seek guidance, step out of your comfort zone, carve out your own opportunities, take an unexpected class, take the stage, have fun.

Justin

Even despite price, go where you want to. I know I'm going to be in debt for quite a while, but at least I'm not going to ever have to wonder, "what if..." I'm attending a school I want to be attending. That's the most important thing of all.

Bethany

There's an ethos to a campus that the student will perceive the minute they walk onto it. (In order to get an accurate feel for a campus, try to visit on a day when classes are being held.) The parents have to respect their kids' gut reactions to this ethos, for that feeling will be with them for their entire college career. Also, most students can be happy at most schools, so, as cliche as it sounds, it really isn't the end of the world if you don't get your first choice. The student should also try and isolate what is important to them at a university: community, traditions, homework, professors, size, job opportunities, etc. and do their best to get a real sense of these things. Speaking to a student (usually not in the admissions office) is a good way to do this. Asking what they most like and most hate about the college can be useful. Also, if you care about community, during the tour, watch to see how many people greet each other (or the tour guide) while walking around campus. At school, pursue all your passions without worrying about anyone or anything else.

Eric

Finding the "right fit" is not about which is most prestigious, what's the highest ranked, etc. It's about the environment and community that feels best to the student; where they feel most "at home." While visiting, parents should keep their opinions of the schools to themselves untill after the student has expressed their opinion, as to not dilute the opinion of the student in making their decision. While at school, the student should keep a balance of hard work mixed with fun, as to balance out the stress involved with classes and activities. Pressure by parents and self-applied stress are the two biggest sources of unhappiness in the college experience.

Patricia

That is it very important to pick a place where you feel comfortable, and where you could imagine living even after you graduate. It is also important to think about the kind of atmosphered the place has in terms of academics, because that will most likely shape you for many years to come. I would also strongly advice picking a school with interesting study abroad options.

Taurean

Be very open. While I was blessed to get into the college of my dreams the cost of such school is starting to wear on my family and myself I wish I could have seen myself at a variety of places. However, if you just have to go to that school that you always wanted and the reality of the workload, cost and location seems unrealistic, be prepared to manage time well and don't forget to make time for a social life. After all, once homework is done, work is over and your near collapse, friends will revive you.

Kaitlyn

When choosing a college I would first really think about the type of enviroment that one would want to spend the next four years in. After the first year of campus life students may move off campus and start exploring the surrounding areas- and I would want to have options off campus. I also would suggest getting to know people who are in the same program as yourself, including students, professors, and faculty. These are the people who are going through a similar academic experience and can help you decide and form what your future will look like.

Marlie

Visit different colleges to get a feel of what it's like to go there. If you can, go without your parents or friends who will influence your perspective on the school. During your visit, try to talk to an array of different students, not just the tour guides (but talk to them, too!). I would also advise picking a school not just on academics, but on location, size, extracurricular opportunities, and politics. Plus, your academic interests will probably change during your four years, so it's important to pick a school that offers more than just the area of concentration you think you want to go in to (unless you're 99.99{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure that's what you want to do). The most important piece of advice I can give, though, is to relax! Remember that you can always transfer if you don't like your school, and contrary to popular belief, Ivy Leagues are not always the best choice, so stopping stressing about getting into one. Once you go to college, school rankings and status are not nearly as important as they seem while you're searching. Good luck!

Ashma

This may be the most cliche answer, but it's true: listen to your heart. When you find the right school, it should all just click. I chose my college because of instinct. I knew it was where I wanted to be the moment I heard about it. It's also important to research, to know enough about the college so you know you're making the right choice. While for me, the fact that my college was in the heart of the city was enough for me, I was able to find a myriad of other benefits that my mom found attractive. It's about compromise, and it's about thought and research. Overall, it should feel right to you. Making the most of your college experience means following your heart as well. Pick a major you love, join a club or sport that you have a passion for, use your school to make the experience right for you. College is really about self-discovery so try new things, face your fears, and prepare yourself for any challenges you'll find in life. So visit colleges, google them endlessly, and when you find your match, you'll know.

Ariel

Be sure to make the decision for yourself, not your parents or your teachers. The teachers at my school pressured me to chose a much different school but in the end, I made the right deicsion for myself. After all, I was the one going to college. I know I made the right decision and I have never regretted it.

Betty

First off, make sure you can pay for it. Or if you're willing to take out loans for it. Second, visit the school and its campus to make sure you really like it and are willing to stay 4 years in it. Third, take your time to see what the school offers and if it meets your needs and demands. Don't just apply to an Ivy League school for the name. There are lots of other colleges out there with the same respect as an Ivy League that might be able to provide more than you think.

Kelly

If you/your child is undecided as far as their concentration is concerned, send them to the best "deal," meaning an affordable (for your household) school with a good reputation as an overall liberal arts college. Save the money for continuing education/graduate school.

noah

Finding the place--be it college or job or apartment or storage space or outhouse--that is "right" is a deceiving task. The Right place is the Proper place, and the Proper place is, in theory, the Place That Will Make You Happiest. But, in my experience, which is as limited as anyone else who's applied to college and waded through the rivers of applications and bitten their nails to shreds in anticipation of decisions, finding the Place That Will Make You Happiest should not be as hard as everyone says it is. Of the seven colleges I applied to, seven I got into, one I chose, six would have made me no more or less happy. And if you apply to only two, there is a fifty percent chance of your Happiness. The point is, unnecessary stress runs deep in the college search, but it is by definition inessential. The mere experience of college is enough to make anyone excited, and if you pick your applications wisely enough, then the Place That Will Make You Most Miserable ought not to ever exist. The gut is the thing to go with--your Stresslessness depends on it!

Cindy

College is strange---a difference that can be either goor or bad. How we deal with this "hiccup" or "newness " depends on how we adjust to it and what we make of the situation. Since most of our lives before college are heavily influence by our parents, us, students should listen to their advice, because fter all they might have something good to say, and they will be paying for a portion of it. Yet, this does not mean that we should let our parents make all of our decisions, since a significant trait that is needed to withstand the college experience, is the ability to make responsible, well informed decisions. Thus, students should visit colleges with their parents, and if the college sparks any interest in them, they should revisit the college by themselves to explore it in depth (sit in on a class, walk the surrounding areas, talk to students) and take it for a test drive. With all that said, students and parents should relax and enjoy college hunting. There will be many stress filled all nighters to come.

NKECHI

Finding the right school much include the cost and location. Attending open houses and talking to the professors, students, and financial aid personnel are are equally important to get a sense of what the school has to offer.

Stephanie

Plan ahead. Research and visit as many univerisities as possible before you make your final decision. Try to figure out what you want to study before you get to college. Of course you can always switch majors but you can apply to universities with better programs if you actually know what you want to study. During your first week of college go to as many of the university events as possible. Its a great way to meet other friends and to get involved and learn about your school. Call your parents at least twice a week if not more. Its always nice to send them cards once in a while too. Start studying for your exams weeks in advance and remember you are there for school. Utilize your professor's office hours and make them think that you are very interested in their classes. Look for internships in fields you are interested in--its never to early to start. Be a respectful roommate.

Sebastian

First of all, stop worrying. Secondly, trust your gut. You have to remember that in any university setting, you will be learning just as much outside the classroom as inside: the college you choose will be the place you live for the next 4 years, it will create the atmosphere that will form your growth as an individual, and the right college will inspire you to learn more about yourself before anything else. So visit schools if it's possible: walk through the quad, check out the library and the dining halls, and just watch people. Talk to students and get a feel for the world that you would be entering. Once you've made your choice, the college experience is all about balance: yes, this is your time to reinvent yourself and have a great time, but make sure it is never at the expense of your longterm goals. And for some, the advice is reversed: don't let learning get in the way of the knowledge gained by meeting and interacting with different kinds of people in social situations. Enjoy learning and embrace all the opportunities that college will give you, for the reward is immeasurable.

Rachel

I think it is very important to tour the area around a potential campus. Along with knowing what is available to you on campus, it is important to know what is right at your fingertips outside of school. I would also suggest looking in to the resources that are going to be available to you. If you are a theater major, like me, it is important to know who is teaching you and what techniques they teach. If it doesn't coincide with what you believe yourself to be as an artist, it is not the school for you. Also, I think parents as well as students need to know the potential of getting a job with that particular school on your resume. That was very important for me. If you find a school that has opportunities that fit your needs around every corner, resources that indulge your interests, and teaches you the skills you need to get what you want post-college, apply! You won't regret it.

Young

Exploration rather than affirming or negating. Conservatives or liberals tend to stick with ideals that prevent individuals from exploring new things. Exploration allows for students to learn more about themselves and who they are. For parents, I would advise not to force so many ideals onto the student, but rather express to them that they are free to make decisions on their own. Students should not focus so much on small things, but go out into the city and see all the things the university offers. For when an one explores what is above and beneath him, one will be well rounded. Therefore, that is what I feel makes the college experience the greatest. In terms of choosing the right college, students and parents should sit around the table and look at not statistics of grades, size, or tuition, but rather at what they offer in extra-cirricular, alumni relations, job acceptance rate, religious programs (if the students feels it to be necessary), and many of the social aspects the univeristy may hold. From my experience, I find my academics to do well anywhere I go, as long as I'm having a good time. Make college a great time.

Keri

Visit the university, talk to students and professors if at all possible. Friends that have attended or are attending a university that you are interested in can be a valuable resource. Find a school that conforms to your personality and at the same time provides the level of academic rigor that you most desire.

Elizabeth

Parents of students need to remember that choosing a school is like choosing a partner. You need a school that will make your student feel happy, comfortable, and involved enough to not come home every weekend. Students need to remember that of the schools you look at, you need to find the one that fits ALL your criteria for your definition of a good school. If the school you're looking at doesn't meet just one of that criteria, keep looking, there is a perfect school for you, I promise. Also, don't stress about landing at the right school, you can always transfer if you've found you made a mistake, most of your credits will transfer with you. The best piece of advice, get comfortable with the college academic situation. Challenge yourself in high school so you won't be caught by surprise in college. Most of my friends who have struggled academically fell behind because they thought they could breeze through classes like they did in high school. If you work hard now, you will have to work less later.

Preethulina

It is important to have an idea of what the student is looking for out of college. If it is a chance to live a little and have some fun before jumping into work and careers, that is an important factor. He or she may do poorly if they go to a very academically oriented school with heavy focus on coursework. Vice versa applies as well. If a student is looking to get a great education but finds that everyone slacks off and enjoys partying, he or she may be stressed and unhappy. Finding a school with prestige in the field the student wishes to someday work in is also important. Having a sense of school spirit is a feeling of belonging that every student deserves to have. Otherwise he or she may find the experience at college to be lacking. Financial woes are important as well. Make sure that the school of choice is within the family's budget. If the student expects to take out loans, he or she should be prepared to pay them back once school is over. All these factors are probably the most important in deciding a student's school of choice.

Stacy

First of all, find out the child's strength and interests. Consider the personality and preferance in the environment. Always visit the school and if possible, audit some classes and talk to the students before enrolling.

Emellie

Visiting colleges is one of the best ways to get a feel for whether or not you want to make that school your home for the next four years. Try to talk to current students as well. Find out what they like best about the school and what they like least. First and foremost though, I'd say go with your gut. Choose the school that will make you, the student, most happy and successful.

Maydur

Grades aren't everything. Sure they are important, but they are not always the biggest factors when it comes to finding a job, or getting into the right college.

Kaitlin

It was five years before I received my acceptance letter to NYU that I first visited the campus. I knew then that NYU was the only option for me. New York City was its campus. What more could I ask for? Every college is different, and choosing the right college can be stressful and daunting. If you look at it like falling in love, my advice is: don't think about it too much. There won't be a certain instant where you set foot on campus and just know it's right for you. That's why I started my search early. NYU was always in the back of my mind as I visited other campuses. When I received my acceptance letter, I saw it as a proposal. That is the moment you will know. It is a simple yes or no. Don't think - because if you have to weigh the pros and cons, that's logic, not love. At some point before receiving the acceptance letter, your heart will make its own decision, and it will let you know later when you are either ecstatic, or are waiting for the other letters to decide.

fabiola

The advice that I would give parents is to begin preparing for their child's education in advance. I think that it would be wiser to send their children to junior college when they are attaining their liberal arts general classes. Most people do not know what they want to do or they are unsure of what they want to study in the beginning stages of higher education. I changed my major about five or six times before finally deciding on what I wanted to do. Once their child makes a decision then it would it beneficial for the child to furthur their education in a good four year . While the student is in school they should make the most of their college experience by utilizing all the available programs that can help them advance and network.

Margaret

Take as much time as you need to decide what you want out of college. Work, travel, take time off. I know so many students who spent thousands of dollars on a certain kind of education, only to change their minds halfway through and decide that they wanted something else instead. When you're choosing a college, think very closely about what it is that you want out of the years that you will spend there. Choose your school primarily for concrete, specific reasons rather than vague, emotional ones. Beware of vast generalizations (i.e. "everyone is unfriendly," "no one is religious") and remember that everyone's college experience is very different, and depends largely on your program, your activities, and the people with whom you chose to surround yourself. Location, prestige, and campus vibe are important, but overrated. Don't take the glossy brochures too seriously, be aware of college marketing techniques and strategies. The most important thing is to find a place that is best suited to your personal, intellectual and career goals, with the resources to help you fulfill them. If you find that, the rest (social life, subjective experience, etc.) should take care of itself.

Matthew

You shouldn't necessarily pick the school that looks the most "fun." Pick the school that will best prepare you for life after college. This doesn't just pertain to career prep, but also to preparation for the real world. If you pick a school that is all parties and reading in a vacuum, you might have fun and you might learn. You will not, however, learn to apply any lessons to real-world situations. Also, pick a school that you can reasonably afford. The leading cause of depression at my school is the size of the average student's debt. In a private school, it is often hard to see where all the money is going. However, if a school is right for you, don't let money stand in the way. If you sacrifice your true desire for money, you may regret it the rest of your life.

Matthew

The first step to choosing the right college is selecting a major you are passionate about. If you do not love your course of study, you will hate your college experience. The second step to choosing the right college is turning a blind eye to the cost. The money will come one way or another; take out loans and thrust yourself into a university that will elevate you in your career field and in your well being. The third step to choosing the right college is proximity. It is important to be close to 'other' things, and not necessarily your parents or your friends. Be someplace rich, like the forest or the sand dunes or the tall skyscrapers. Intelligence comes from the things around us in life. I would urge against attending a closed campus. Lastly, in order to make the most of your college experience, you must be open and receptive. Explore new people and examine the way they are. Read more than you should, and most importantly be yourself! You must be willing to be different in the end of your college experience from what you were as a senior in high school. Education is a journey!

Wendy

Make sure you pick a college that has good classes for the field you want to get into. Don't be afraid to apply for colleges you think you won't get into or one's you normally wouldn't consider. Open your mind to new options, both college wise and--once you are in college--new classes and interests. I would also suggest to apply for scholarships right away, don't wait until you have to frantically send financial information everywhere.

Lauren

Do not be held back by proximity. Even though you may save money by going in state, it will be worth the money to experience a school farther from home. The location of the school is almost as important as the academic quality of the school.

David

Location, location, location

Elika

If you go in knowing what you want to do, pick the school that's best for that. If you dont' know yet, be sure to go somewhere that offers a broad liberal arts education, and plenty of options for majors and extra-curriculars. Once you' there, definitely take advantage of all the amazing resources most students are given: you're paying for it, so use it!

Jeffrey

Make sure you are true to yourself and do your research ahead of time. Be absolutely certain, especially if you are applying to a specific program, that you will concurrently be happy with the school at large. Take time to visit and ask current students questions about their exprience on campus--this is the best way to get unbiased, honest answers about the overall college experience. And remember to work hard, have fun, and enjoy yourself...the time flies!

Mallory

I would say to potential college students and their families that there isn't just one deciding factor that goes into choosing the perfect school. One has to look at both the academic and social programs and opportunities the university offers. College isn't just about academics and it isn't just about socializing, it's about finding a balance between the two. I've learned so much academically as well as socially and I think that's a sign that I picked the right school for me. In order to get the most out of the college experience I would suggest that a student work actively to discover themselves both academically and socially. When choosing a school, one should pick the establishment they believe would help them the most to achieve this goal.

Sarah-Jayne

Make sure to weigh every aspect of the educational journey. Prestige is great, but when it comes down to it you the student are the one who will spend the next 4+ years at this educational institution. Just because a school is well-known does not mean it is the best place for you. Visit schools, meet people there, go out and experience the night life, ask a lot of questions, and make a well informed decision. But also...don't freak out! College will be fun, and if you don't like the one where you begin, you can transfer to another school the following year. Enjoy yourself!

ronen

Finding the right college has a lot to do with the feeling that you get when you step on campus and take the tour. The prospective student pretty much knows as soon as he gets there that the school is or is not the place for him. Parents need to trust their child's instincts. Parents should also be aware of the opportunities a school provides for the future, while the prospective student need worry about whether or not he likes the school for what it is. As for making the most of the college experience- if a person really likes the school, they will make the most of it. Take interesting classes, join clubs or do activities that interest you, and depending on where the school is located, take advantage of the area surrounding the school as well, and don't only be confined to the campus. It's really a very easy formula, and is much less work than it actually seems. The prospective student and his/her parents just need to place some trust in themselves to choose what is right for them. If the student just does what feels right, the best will come of it.

Andrew

It should be the child's choice where he or she wants to go. Clearly, where the child wants to go is where he or she will most likely excel, both academically and socially.