New York University Top Questions

I would advise parents to step back and let your child decide where he/she wants to go to school. Ultimately, it is his/her education therefore it should be his/her decision. To the students, I would say take college seriously. It's you and your parents' money; don't waste it. Also, enjoy yourself; this is really going to be the best four years of your life!

I strongly reccommend an overnight stay at a potential college. Although I did visit the schools I applied to, you can only learn so much by spending a day there and/or going on a guided tour. I also wish I had talked to students that were currently going to the schools I was looking at. I know as a student at NYU I saw guided tours going on all the time on campus. I would have been more than happy to talk to or answer any questions from a prospective student. In retrospect I truly wish I had stayed overnight and talked to more students on campus before committing to a school.

Do your research! If you already know what field you want to pursue figure out the top schools. Visit the campus, talk to students and most important find out what happend as you graduate. How will the school help the transition? How are their career services? do they do showcases? career fairs? It is something that's very important to think about.

Reading about colleges on their websites is not enough. Ranks and statistics are too shallow as measurements of a good school. It's not about getting accepted to the best school possible; the ultimate goal is to attend a school that fits most perfectly with your plans, expectations, and lifestyle. After all, we students devote a large chunk of time on these campuses as well as much of our energy, learning, and growth, so why not make the time spent as efficient, enjoyable, and rewarding as possible? I advise that students and parents visit each college campus to get and feel the vibe first hand. If possible, witness the classes that you'll plan on attending. You'll want to get a feel of the classroom chemistry--participation, interaction between students and faculty, intensity-- that you'll be exposed to for the next few and important years of your life. Look for students! Students are probably the most dependable and most accurate people you can find. Ask them about their majors, work loads, student/faculty dynamics, general quality of life. Most of all, know and ask yourself. Only then can you match yourself with the perfect school.

I would advice students to do their research, and expect that not all their expectations will be accurate. In turn, I would advice parents to encourage their children to make their own decisions, rather than implicating themselves in the process.

Make sure you visit colleges and feel comfortable in the enviorment. you will be living there for 4 years, you need to feel "at home" at the school. When in school make sure to find your rhythm. Pace yourself and learn time management. If you don't you will soon find yourself over whelmed.

I would say don't let yourself be sucked in by other people's expectations. Counselors, guidebooks, and parents can help but in the end your decision should be based on what you want. Don't convince yourself that Yale is the school for you if it's not just because it's an Ivy. However, don't take it too hard or too personally if you don't get into your dream school. It's tempting to create a fantasy life for yourself at a dream school you actually know little about. Although imagining is natural and exciting, college is what you make of it, and if you convince yourself you can't be happy anywhere but once place, you won't be. Pick the one that feels the most right to you and when you get there, throw yourself completely into the experience. You will either realize you are happy at that school or realize you could be happier somewhere else and apply to transfer knowing you're making the right choice. College isn't the answer to your high school problems, it's a new set of challenges and adventures, so be brave and honest with yourself.

When thinking about making the right decision on your academic future, keep in mind which university offers a better opportunity to get a well-paying job and a successful life. College is a stepping stone in which students strive to make good grades to attract employers who in turn pay them higher salaries.

Why would you say that this was just a survey to complete when there is a scholarship application as well? Know who you are, what you want, and what you love. Embrace what you love. Don't do what is "right," do what is RIGHT for you.

I think they should know that you can never do enough research when looking for schools, but at the same chosing the right college is not necessarily final or possible since the 'perfect' school does not exist. Many students transfer after their first or second years and end up being completely fine and happy as they have learned more about what they want from their college experience.

The biggest advice I can give is to do your research. Determine what aspect of the college experience is most important to you and make a list. It doesn?t matter what you choose, just be honest. Do you care most about academics, the social life, athletics, career opportunities, diversity, financial aid, distance from home? Make a list and then match it to as many colleges as you can, even ones you would consider going to, it does not matter if they are your first choice just write them down. Then, research these colleges individually and try not to pay too much attention to national rankings (unless the prestige is important to you). Try to visit the campuses, you never know what a place is like unless you visit for yourself and see the students and ask questions. Once you have done your research apply to your top choices as well as some safety schools and good luck! Then once you're in, enjoy every minute of it. Go in with an open mind and meet as many people as you can. You can become whoever you want to be in college so make the most of it.

I found it was important not only to evaluate the academic aspect of a potential university, but also the post-graduate opportunities for job placement, internships and career guidance. College is an investment in a career and the return on that investment should be a major consideration in the decision process. Once at a university, it is important to find a balance between the academic, professional, and social arenas. Academics are paramount to the college experience, but so much can be learned from the social environment with regards to diversity and understanding of other ways of life.

Finding the right college is about projecting yourself into the future and understanding what's going to make you happy. Make a list of priorities such as location, academics, dining halls, whatever you think is most important and is going to make you happier student. Then make a point system for every college you consider giving points for every criteria you've established. It might not determine where you need to go but it will help you put things into perspective.

You need to think of two things when considering your future college experience or the college experience of your son or daughter: what is practical and what is ideal. First, you want to explore the possibilities of your financial future in a very practical way. Where do you see yourself in four years? What sort of employment opportunities will be immediately available for you during your college experience or right when you graduate in your field of study or in the region where your college is located? You also need to be aware of what scholarship opportunities are available and what financial aid package the school can provide. However, these practical concerns need to be weighed against what your dreams, goals, and ambitions for an ideal future are. I believe that if you have a strong goal in mind, you need to pursue it at any cost, even if it means stretching your financial options. If you're still unsure of where you want to end up in four years, perhaps your financial reality should be more of a guide in leading you to the right college for you. Ultimately, do what makes *you* happy!

Prospective students should spend an overnight on campus if possible. The only way to truely get a feel for the type of school it is, is to experience what students experience on a daily basis. The best way to get the most out of the college experience is to go out there and take advantage of all opportunities. Most colleges, especially larger universities, have plenty of opportunities out there, however students need to take the initiative to go and find them. Get to know the people who work in offices that are related to what you're interested in; volunteering, interning, religious exercises, sports, whatever it may be.

Make sure you really, truly know how much you're paying for college. Financial looks nice on paper, even with a couple of federal loans. Just be aware of how much those loans are going to add up to. Don't try to attend a school outside your means.

Remember that finding the right college requires that you visit it before hand. It's like buying a pair of shoes. You wouldn't buy a pair without trying it on. You must feel comfortable on campus, especially since you will be part of that community for three/four years. This means that you cannot simply apply based on how prestigious the school is. Also, make sure that you call the financial aid office. There may be extra financial aid opportunities unique to that school. College is expensive, and I suggest that you take every opportunity to pay as little as possible. When you finally get to college, it may take you a while to adjust to the new environment, especially if you are far away from home. I suggest you get involved in extracurriculars that interest you early on. The people you meet can make a fine support system for you, whenever you need a friend or some advice. I'm not saying that the class setting is inadequate for making friends (I've made many friends through my courses), but extracurriculars are away from the stress and competition that are fostered between you and your colleagues in class.

Make sure to go on the tours, and actually see the campus. You may go to a school where you assumed it was your number one choice, but something inside clicks when you think you've found the rigth place. There are a bunch of colleges that have acclaimed alumni, known to be the best schools in the country, but in the end, it's really about the environment around you and wondering if you could see yourself there in 5 years and happy. You may go to your top choice and get a good education and nice "trophy" school, but if you get out and aren't happy with your work or location, what's the point? See as many schools as possible, check your top choices, and just see if anything "clicks" when you're there. It's nothing you can describe, but its really just a trickle of understanding that this is where you should be.

Students and parents stress about finding the right college, feeling that the wrong decision could be catastrophic. However, student usually already have an idea about the type of school they want to attend - big/small, city/rural, etc.. At that point, academic standing and location preference usually help narrow down the process to a few schools that would all suit the student well. Colleges make a concerted effort to continually improve the quality of education and collegiate experience of its students, so parents and students need not worry, and instead concentrate on the specific interests of the student and its fit with the college. Take the college process one step at a time, and trust your instincts. Once in college, students should make the most of their experience from day one. Most do a pretty good job at making the most of the their social experience, but the academic and extracurricular experiences should also be considered early on. Many students discover helpful resources or exciting clubs in their final years at the school. Stay focused on long-term goals and investigate all of the college's resources to get the most out of those life-changing four years.

You have to realize that college is a total experience. Don't choose a college based on just one factor, and think very carefully if you are rejecting a college based on one factor. At the end of the day, it's usually not the weather or statistics of the student body that are going to determine your college experience. In fact, I really do believe that there is nothing but a tangible, gut feeling that can really lead you to the right school. This is why I would recommend visiting the school if at all, possible. Yes, it may be expensive to visit the school, but think about the extra time, money, effort, and emotion you have to put into transferring colleges if you don't pick the right one.

I would tell parents and students to look at the personality of the school. Talk to as many of the professors, staff, as you can to hear their goals for the program the student is considering. Then talk to students to see how their experiences match the professors' goals. To parents, see if the students' personalities seem to match the character of their child. Listen to what they say and look at how they present themselves to get a good idea of the character of the school. Once parents and students have established the school's personality, look at the area. Decide if the weather and physical space will be condusive to learning. Decide if the student will need to live close to home or can thrive while living across the country. Think about whether the student will enjoy a metropolis or a small town. Think about how the architecture of the school makes the student feel. Lastly, look at where the school's alumni have gone and what they have accomplished.

Take the cheapest option in all circumstances. You never know what turn of events your life will take, and you do not want to leave your child alone and in a place where they need to support themselves, and cannot do so.

In coming to New York University, the best advice I could give incoming students and parents is to understand that New York City is more of your institute than the university is in its self. It's easy to get lost at such a big university and and an even bigger city but you learn to be independent very quickly. The school is always there as a save harbor but not many students would call it a shelter. You are encouraged to go out and get internships and incorporate that experience with your academics. The experience of working in the real world makes you grow up so much faster and you develop a mature perspective that helps you in later life after graduation. This is the most valuable experience at NYU that makes us stand appart from any other university in the United States.

The college experience revolves around a student's personal interests, passions and career-oriented goals. Don't ever let a huge campus, like New York University's, intimidate you, because there are absolutely mind-blowing doors of opportunities, waiting for you to open them. Your comfort level reigns supreme, and parents should play a minimal role in choosing a college for their children.

VISIT THE COLLEGE. but in the end, as long as you make friends, you will be happy anywhere.

For me, the best way to find the "right" college is to keep in mind what it is that you like about your potential new school. If you want to go there simply because your parents want you to, that is probably the biggest sign that this school could be wrong for you. If you want to go because you think that said school will help you get into medical or law school, that is most likely also another red flag, as school is not everything, though it is important. To get the most out of college, don't be afraid to utilize the numerous resources available to you on campus: including professors and advisors. After all, it is their job to help students. Most importantly though, don't immerse yourself in schoolwork 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the time as this can lead to burnout. Instead, join a few clubs or participate in a sport so long as you enjoy the activity. In the end, the right school will make you happy and fulfill your academic goals at the same time instead of sacrificing one for the other.

Finding the right college is about isolating the circumstances in which you are most productive and then choosing a college that fits the bill. For some students, this means an enviroment with a lot of strong academic competition; others require a more relaxed attitude in order to focus best. What takes places outside of the classroom is far more important than what takes place in it; however, it is important to remember that classes and professors can be life-changing, and therefore colleges with highly-recommended faculty are always a good bet. Students should also be aware that they need to make a concerted effort to be a participatory member of the college. Most colleges have stellar academic and personal resources available, but they may not make themselves obvious to students. Finally, students should always take care to ensure that they are in good physical and mental health, and that they have adequate coping resources for when the stressors pile on. Good luck!

Spend some time in the area of where your college is located so that you make sure you feel completely comfortable in an environment that may be completely different from that of your hometown. Also, make sure you sit in on a class or two and take note of the amount of students and the way the class is run, as well as degree requirements in general.

Find a college with the academic versus professional-focus balance that best suits your situation. While it is important that a school has enough career focus and pays attention to career placements for graduating students, it is equally important to offer an environment that is most suitable for university level academic learning. Again, depending on the individual's situation, undergraduate college should be a place for learning, before it is a means to find a job. It is also important to consider how the culture of the school will affect you as a person. All students will mature and develop as a result of the university they attend, and the culture, environment and nature of the university will partially shape their future lifestyle and beliefs.

It's important to look at what the student want--what they want to get out of a college experience. However, it is also important to note that what students want at the time may turn out to be not what they actually wanted. So it's hard to tell right before you go to the school. I guess the best thing to do is to look at the school and what makes it different from others, and consider whether those features really put you off or whether you can live with those features. You never know when you might suddenly develop an interest, and the school just happened to offer opportunities for that interest, whether through the school itself or through school activities and clubs. Remember to keep an open mind.

Do extensive research on the college. Try to meet with students who attend the school and try to talk to any professors in your interested field who are willing to talk to you! Visit the campus more than once and don't be afraid to ask questions!

Think about what you and your children want out of life. It is a big mistake to only think about your career or near future. Sometimes spending more on an education means being the happiest you've ever been and having good opportunities for professions, even if it means a large debt. Never judge a college by hear say - actually visit and talk to normal students who are not being paid to promote it. In addition, look around- do not focus on what you are solely told but make sure that you see that they are as active and as diverse as they say they are. Furthermore, go with your gut- My family and I did even though it meant taking a huge financial leap of faith and I thank God (or the Universe) every day for letting me be st my University. Lastly, live life and remember that there is more to it than school and therefore take advantage of all social, cultural, professional, and spiritual opportunities that come your way. You never know- you might just end up doing something that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Try and figure out what you're interested in before spending a lot of money on college. I feel i made a mistake going straight to NYU and not knowing what I wanted to study. It makes much more sense to take a year off or go to a community college before throwing 40,000 a year in exchange for core classes you may have no interest in.

College applications can be really stressful but any good school can fit most people. Anyone can find friends and competent professors at any school. Unless you have a very specific area of study or a strong desire for small classes then the school that fits your financial and location needs is the best choice. The best way to get a feel for a school is to visit and to talk to the students there. Even though every school is unique, colleges are more similar than different. At most schools there is a lot of partying that you can either avoid or embrace. What matters most is that you know what you want out of your college experience. If you want a lot of spirit, try a school with a football team. If you want quiet chose a smaller school in a less populated area. If you don't want to be too involved in school at all chose a big city where there's enough to do outside of your academic studies. Don't worry too much. You can always transer, many people do.

Know your situation. If you cannot afford the college of your dreams, it's better to go somewhere that when you graduate, you won't be burdened with thousands of dollars in loans. That is not to say that you should choose a college on finances alone. Even if you are sure of your major, choose a college where a variety of interests can be explored. The next 2, 4, or 6 years of your education can greatly impact the rest of your life. Going far away from home is not always the best thing. One thing I wish I did was to spend 2 weeks at the college of my choosing. Some colleges offer a weekend or high school intensive program for prospective students to see if they'll really enjoy it there. This will give you a feel for the college and help you make a more informed choice.

The best way to figure out which college you would like to attend is to take the time to visit the school. Visiting the campuses is usually a good indicator of which environment you will enjoy being a part of, since you can actually see students carrying out their daily lives at each school. While there, talk to current students, asking them about the things that matter to you, whether they be faculty interaction, social life, of workload. Once you're in college, it will be crucial for you to keep all of the pressures in perspective. More will be required of you in college than you have ever experienced before. So, you will need to pursue a major you enjoy-- something that you love to engage. Even so, it remains vital that you not panic when your tasks compound. Just enjoy every minute of what you're doing.

I would advise parents and students going through the college search process to focus on what will make the student grow most as a person. There is a strong emphasis put on going to the most prestigious schools or to have the "college experience" seen in movies, but be open to the possibilities that exist. This is one of the most important decisions that a student can make in his or her life: affecting all that follows - friends, marriages, children, career - so understand that some institutions are expensive, but that it's an important investment. Parents often worry more about the academic side and don't consider the social and morale that is built at college. The student must choose a place where they believe they can socially thrive and be happy for several years. But everyone is different, and no one institution will be a good fit for everyone. Keep that in mind. And, at the end of the day, you want to leave college feeling as though it was worth your time (and money), so choose an institution that will help you specifically - be it a career center, advising center, academic program, faculty mentoring, or extra-curricular activity.

If you know what you want to study, then first determine the setting that you would be most comfortable in (i.e. urban, rural). Then, find schools in those areas that offer your desired major or academics. Finally, decide what you want to experience during the 4 years and match it up to what the college offers (i.e. frats, sports, clubs, research). The most important factor in choosing the right college isn't its rankings or financial aid package. Since the college you choose is where you'll be spending your next four years, the most inportant factor is whether you'll fit in and be happy living there. The way to make most out of the college experience differs with each student since each student has different expectations. Taking the time to look through all of clubs, programs, sports, and activities that the college offers is crucial. Don't miss out due to ignorance! Experiencing college means involving yourself in college communities. Having fun in those college communities is the best way to make the most out of college. Just don't forget to study. Doing well academically will also add to your satisfaction.

Find somewhere somewhat close to home. It's expensive to travel. Find a part time job that you will like. Try aiming for paid internships if you can find a good one. Don't overdue the drinking. If you're gonna be in a relationship don't ever let it affect your classwork.

Look for a college that fits your personality because what you want to do highschool will change when you get to college.

One of the most important things I was told when I came to NYU was to remember that New York City is your institute just as much as NYU.

I think the most important thing for students when chosing what schools to apply to, is to go and visit each school. It is not until you are at the different campuses that you get the actual feel for the school and the type of students it attracts. Another piece of advice is to talk to many different current students at the school, because everyone is so different it is hard to get the general feeling from only one person. Students should chose a school based on what they think will make them happy not on where their friends are going or where there family is. College is about becoming your own person, and it is the best time of your life if you're lucky enough to chose the right place! Everyone should try and make the most of it.

When I visited different colleges, there were some I liked and some I didn't. But when I came to NYU (which was not only my first choice, but the school I am currently attending), as I walked around the campus on the informational tour I felt as though I belonged here. Something clicked, something I can't put into words, but I knew it was right. So many students today end up transferring after freshman year, or end up being unhappy with their college experience. My advice would be to visit the schools you're interested in and pay attention to your gut reactions to your surroundings, the information you recieve, and the general atmosphere of the school. When you find one that is right for you, you will know!

You make the most of wherever you go, go with the college that seems like the right fit for you, with your desires and dislikes and ambitions and dreams, above where your parents/friends/whoever think you should go and should be and should study.

I suggest being brutally honest with yourself, your goals, and your capabilities. Nothing is worse than burning out at the library or stressing out over classes you don't genuinely enjoy. College is what you make of it, and academics are held in very high regard, as the things you learn challenge preconceived high school notions. You are building your future and developing into an adult. Don't forget that the professors are generally brilliant people who are working for you and trying to help you grow and learn. Respect them but also demand the best from them. Don't forget to make time for fun!

Don't stress...the more you stress, the more difficult the process will be and you will have a harder time choosing where to go. There are too many possible schools that you can look at...you can't get to them all. Choose schools that you can get to on a direct flight or drive to fairly easily.

You must visit the campus and find out more information on it before attending. Let the student decide where they wish to go. You do not want the child to have a grudge before going into college.

The best advice I can give to students is knowing what you want to do in life or simply knowing what interests you and go to the college that fulfills those interests best. Narrow down your choices and visit those universities; this usually makes or breaks a decision. Remember that it is your life and you only get to live it once, so go somewhere where you know you'll be happy. If the cost of the university is a major factor, remember that private loans and scholarships are out there. Also, contacting the school's financial aid office can make a difference - if you have the drive, they will give you the chance. And parents, please, please, please, be supportive of your child's decision; it can damage their willingness to do what they want to do when they know you disapprove. All your child wants is your approval and if you deny them that, then it can diminish the confidence they have in their studies and affect their GPA. Finally, tell your children going to college that they can do anything if they try hard enough. College should be some of the best years of their life.

The advice that I would give is to choose the college you go to according to who you are as a person. Don't worry about how famous the school is, or how prestigious it is. Just choose the school that you feel comfortable with. Remember that it's your life that you're preparing for. The most important thing is what you get from your education, not making others jealous of the awesome school you go to. If you pick a school just for its name, you won't be happy. It doesn't make sense to atend a college that won't make you confident in yourself. Just sit back, put aside the stack of college catologs and think about what you want in an education and in your life. Then you'll see that you already know the answer.

Finding the right college is all about knowing what you want and expect out of your experience. Ask questions! Talk to current students. Each school has it's own environment and lifestyle, and it is important to understand what will make you happy. Don't choose a school because of it's name or reputation, choose it because you know you will fit, and make the school work for you. Making the most of the college experience is all about becoming independent and figuring yourself out. Take classes that aren't just for your major. Enjoy the time you have to grow and change before you go out into the real world. Talk to your professors, they are there to teach you. If you don't understand something, or if something interests you ask more questions - it's worth the time and effort. College is more than parties and classes and homework - it's your time to try and experience things you never imagined. Don't waste it.