Rutgers University-New Brunswick Top Questions

It is wise to know your learning and study ethics. FIrgure out if you study best on your own or with groups and if you learn more efficiently in large or small classrooms. Keep in mind the distance of your school, if you like to go home often then pick a school closer to your home. Visit college campuses before making a decision. Take note of the atmosphere and the vibe you get from the school.

-Don't depend on financial aid. -Make sure you feel welcome on a campus during visits and enjoy the environment. -Listen to students who go to the school, don't depend solely on what you read to know the atmosphere of the campus. -Live on campus at least the first year, it's the best way to meet people. -Always sit in the front and center of class, you will most likely learn better and recieve a better grade. -Don't be afraid of professors, go to office hours and develop relationships with them, this will better your grade and get you recomendations for grad school and/or internships. -Meet with your advisor at least once a semester to touch base and make sure you are on the right track. -Don't go home the first month of school, you need those weekends to adjust and make friends. -Join a lot of clubs in the begining of the semester, then pick the ones you like and commit to them throughout the four years of school. -Get into the school spirit, go to the sports games and activites that are offered, this will make you feel most conected to your school.

Start researching for the best college ahead of time, and figure out which school is best for you, because otherwise making a haste decision can cost you. I personally feel that I have made the best decision, except money wise the school is really not helping, so always keep that in mind and look at which college is giving you the best scholarship.

let the child decide where they wnat to go or what they want to do in the future. Choices are theirs to make because it is their furture that they are living for not yours.

choose your major BEFORE

Choosing the right school is a difficult process, and one needs to consider many factors. Students need to decide if they will live at home and commute, or live on campus. While living on campus makes it easy to meet people, it is also expensive. Parents can get lonely if their only child leaves for school, but they need to let their child be on their own. Students should also look at the school's academics. Choosing a major is difficult, and if the student does not know what they want to do yet, the school they choose should offer many options that may interest them. Most of all students should get involved with extracurricular activities. Organizations exist for a whole range of interests, and some schools may even give money to students to start a new club if they have a good idea for a group. Getting involved helps students meet people, and can help their future resumes as well. College is a big decision, students and parents should do as much research as possible when choosing the right school for them.

College is often seen as a chance to find yourself and the place in the world that you will hold - whether it be the yearning to become a surgeon saving lives at the flick of a scalpel or a palentologist reconnecting our ancient history. I would beg to differ with this statement completely. College is the only time where indecision and fickleness will be to your benefit. It will the only time where you can be an individual while being a part of a whole. Lonileness is felt as a part of the togetherness of the college. This will be the time where when finding others will be just as pertinent as finding yourself. If there is the only thing you remember, it is to embace your lonliness, for in that solitude, you'll find not only yourself - but most importantly, someone who understands. Carpe diem.

Make sure you take your childs opinions into account. Sometimes the school that you think is right for your child might not be the one he/she had in mind. Chances are, at this age your child knows what he/she wants and likes. Let your child explore their new found freedom, there are a lot of lessons to be learned and the best way is through personal experience rather than parental preaching.

Be open to new ways of doing things.

I would tell parents and prospective college students to write down into words what kind of campus are they looking for. Before you enroll in a college, you have to make sure that you know what size you are looking for, and the setting of the college; may it be a city, or a small college town. Then, look into the colleges that offer the particular major that the student would like to pursue, this is easier in narrowing down the college choice. Parents may find it useful also to look at tuition rates and see if its in their budget. Parents and students alike may want to go the school's website and see what types of extracurricular activities, and career oppurtunities are available on campus, or at least near campus. In my opinion, I find it best to be part of activities and internships that are related to the major one is trying to pursue.

Visit each school, talk to faculty and current students

Finding the right college is a different process for everyone. Depending on what a student and his/her family value, there are plenty of resources that can referred to. There is a huge array of ways to conclude a student's search, but the most helpful one has been actually going to the colleges. I would say schedule an appointment for a tour or just stop by and check it out.

When I began the college application process after my junior year of high school, I knew exactly what school I wanted to go to. It was a small highly competitive liberal arts school set in a quaint small town in New York. Everyday I worked on my college applications imagining myself reading my Milton and Chaucer, sitting on an old tree's lower branches in the school's vast green lawn. Unfortunately my college expectations were not met, and I had to settle for the state university-- Rutgers. It was a hard thing to swallow at first, but since coming to Rutgers I have learned an important lesson. The right college for me is not simply a landscape where I can imagine myself studying. The right college is a place where I can meet people who will teach me and where I can teach others. It is a place where I can make friends who will be with me even after graduation. Rutgers has been this place for me. So instead of thinking of college as just a place, think of it as a group of people. Find the right people, and you will find the right college.

visit and talk, figure out how far from home you want to be. try to get a good picture of the social life.

The advice I would like to give to parents and students who are looking into where to go to college is to be very investigative. Be sure to truly research every aspect of a school, such as tuition, housing, job opportunities, academics, specific programs for majors and minors, student programs and organizations, and career services. It is important to figure out if the school has the appropriate program and major/minor for the career path in which you are most interested. Also, knowing there is a good career service program will benefit you when it is time to transition into a career after college. Do not just go to a school for the social aspect, easy location, or convenience; go to a college in which you will have the best experience that will yield the most benefits. Be selective and specific in what you are looking for. Get as involved in not only academics, but every other aspect as possible, as this will make adjustment easier. Most importantly, make the experience at school the best it can be and get the most out of it as possible. Appreciate your time at college, don't take these great times for granted.

Make sure the students wants to go their or really like the college, because college is all the same and a positive outcome can only be determined on how you feel about the environment, education and people wise.

Know what you are capable of handling. Do not think that you will change, because change only comes to a certain degree. Most important, find if the school has the right program for you or the right major.

To find the right college, you need to pick one that really stands out to you on a personal level. Ask yourself the questions: Do I see myself going here for four or more years? Do I see myself becoming friends with these people? Do I feel safe here? You should also take the tour, talk to students (preferably not the tour guides because they always say the school is great, so find a student walking by), and sit in on a class for half an hour (to get a feel for the type of material, the teaching style, and the classroom size). To make the most of your college experience, join a club or two, use the computer labs, use the tutoring centers, and use the libraries. Also, make a plan for the four or more years at this college so that you stick to it and make sure to study hard, because college is not as easy as high school.

I would make sure that the college has the best program possible that coincides with your interests. I would also get involved in as many activities as possible freshman year, because as the years go on and you are taking more difficult courses, you will be less able to participate in extra-curricular activities. Make sure you do as well as possible in your freshman courses, as these are generally the easiest, and you won't get another chance to get As with such little work.

Be sure to keep it simple. Write down what it is you want EXACTLY in your college, then go to each college within your range and see which fulfills what you've written. Also talk to students while you are there, the tours are nice but they don't show what everyday life will be like for you. Lastly, don't let anyone else influence your decision. It's your future so it should be your choice, regardless of who pays. As for parents make sure you understand this, try to guide rather than push. Other than that just make sure you will be comfortable with your decision, and enjoy college once your there

You should definitely visit the campus of the school you plan to attend and see if you can schedule an overnight visit with a current student. Make sure you stay at least one weekday and at least one day on the weekend (ie. Thursday - Saturday). That way you can see what classes, student life, and weekends are like on campus so you know if it is a good fit for you. Many schools have programs like this for prospective students. Those overnight visits are great networking tools because they give you an opportunity to meet and bond with other prospective students and current students. If you do attend that school you'll already know some people so you won't have to start off lonely and on your own. Ask plenty of questions. Find out what resources the school provides to students and how beneficial they are. Of course you should do some research about the schools academics and ranking. Most importantly, make sure you can afford the school you plan to attend. There is nothing worse then having to leave your school before you graduate because you can no longer afford to attend it.

Don't base your college selection on where your friends want to go. Visit each campus and find that place where YOU feel most comfortable.

The very first thing you need to figure out are your priorities, your strengths and your weaknesses. The college market is so large now that there is definitely a perfect school out for you, you just need to know ahead of time what exactly you need from a school. If you social and motivated and independent a larger university is probably best for you. If you're maybe quieter or not used to being away from home you may need a small school that will be able to give you more individual attention. Once you pick your school, the most important thing without a doubt is to get active immediately. There are all different kinds of people with different values and backgrounds, so there is definitely a group of friends waiting for you. Find an activity, a fraternity, a club, whatever, and get involved. It's been proven that students who are active with extracurricular activity are more likely to graduate and get better grades. The bottom line is that being active and taking a chance on a social life will enrich your entire college experience, and then your alumni life.

I would tell parents and students to find the school that is right for their specific interests. Do not focus on schools that are "name" schools, but instead focus on schools that appeal to their specific interests. Look at the choices for financial aid, housing, off campus activities, and nightlife; as well as extra-curricular activities. One needs to look beyond reputation, but also consider the size and alumni base of the school, as networking is a big component of success in this cuthroat world we live in. Remember, you will be on your own, no matter how many resources there are at a school. At the end of the day, college is meant to mature the student by allowing him/her to engage in processes that will make you a better person. Do not shy away from them. Hit them head on...it will make you a better person and more well rounded individual as a result!

I would pick the college that seems best for you. Don't pick it because your friends are going there or because it is an ivy league college pick it because when you go there and walk around the campus it feels right for you. Pick it because you feel like you can fit in there and becuase they offer the oppurtunities that you are looking for. Research what kind of classes they offer and what kind of groups you can join. Make sure there are a lot of options for majors because most students will change their major at one point. If you love school sponsered events and football games make sure it has a team. Just pick the school that you feel you will get the most enjoyment out of. Most of all pick the school that is right for you. Don't pick it because it is where your friends are going or where your parents went. You will be there for four years so pick where you feel the most comfortable and the most welcomed.

Parents and their children should make decisions together about finding the right university. Neither the parents nor the students should make the decision alone. Get involved in everything but don't forget about your curricular responsibilities. Try everything, and keep doing those things that you like. Don't be stupid.

When finding the right college you first want to ask yourself the following questions. What kind of environment do I thrive in? Ask yourself whether you prefer a small personal environment or a large busy environment. Ask yourself how much time you want to dedicate to academics, extra curriculars, and your social life. What do you want to study? What kind of a social life you want. Do you want to be close to home? Finding the right school is a very personal choice and should be tailor made to fit you.

Don't apply to Ivy Leagues or Private schools until you're a graduate student.

It's like dress shopping. If you want to find the perfect dress, the one that complements your body shape and complexion you're going to have to try on a whole bunch. You'll probably have to look in a ton of different stores, and it will probably take you a really long time. But, when you do find the perfect dress, the one that fits right and looks the best you still have to make sure that it reflects you. Can you actually see yourself wearing it? Because sometimes something might seem perfect, but it's not perfect for you. That's what you have to watch out for. At universities, you have to look at the people who go there. Do you see yourself being friends with the current students? Can you imagine walking across campus, and living in the dorms? When I picked Rutgers University it was because I saw myself there. Every other university felt fake to me, like it was going to change the minute I left. Rutgers never put on a fake face. And, I knew it was what I wanted.

Make sure it's the right size, give yourself an opportunity to explore different areas, get involved, don't stress out too much

Go where they are offering money especially if you want to do graduate studies.

Go to the school and talk to the students! They're usually pretty honest. Or even better, visit during evening hours to get a sense for the night life. It might be eye-opening.

Definitely go and visit the school and get a feel for the environment and the type of students that go there.

u can always transfer...try the one u got in out first

My parents both came from lower-class urban neighborhoods. Instilled with a hard-working discipline from their parents, my mother and father have individually created their own success. It's safe to say, everything that my parents have received in return from that hard work, they surely deserved. My mother is a legal secretary and my father is a chief of police. What might seem like average jobs are actually dreams well attained. My father always believed he had the ability to lead people towards building a safer world to live in. My mother simply wanted a peaceful, convenient career that would allow her to be the best at what she dreamed of being: a mother. So I was always raised with the mentality, if you love something... go for it. I am forever indebted to my parents for giving me the opportunity to attend my dream school, in which I can only repay them in endless amounts of love. To the parents out there, I say, you have the incredible power to encourage. Encourage your children to seek out what brings them joy. And if they're not sure, that's ok, too. Life is a beautiful, endless journey.

To the student, I would say pick the college that you like the most. Think about what your comfort zone is, and while it is good to step out of that, make sure that its a place where you will want to stay for 4 years. Visit the college, talk to people who go there, and find out what they do. Get as much information about the school as you can and think about where you would be the most comfortable. And when you get there, just have fun, meet new people, and soak up the once in a lifetime experience. To the parent I would say let your child decide where they want to go, offer advice, go on tours and visits with them, but let them decide. Do not push them to go to your alma mater if that is not where they want to go. Also, do not pressure them, assure them that if they do not like where they end up, they can always transfer.

ALWAYS RESEARCH AND VISIT THE SCHOOLS FIRST.

Allow the student to make the choice, not what the parent thinks is best, no matter what the reason. If the student is not sure then try a good liberal arts program or an economic community college. Have an idea of what types of services you would like to utilize at this school before your first year and try to check them off throughout the years. You might as well get the service you paid for. Also, teach you kids how to make simple, healthy meals that they can prepare on their own during busy days. Emphasis on communication with the parent and faculty is crucial, especially when things get rough. However, know to trust your child on independently maturing and remind them to be confident.

Make sure you go to each college you are looking at to make sure that it is right for you. Not only is academics important, but in order to learn how to live in the real world, social life is also a big aspect. Make sure you get a hands on experience before choosing your college and then you will be able to know if it is right for you.

Choose the college or university that is best suited for your future. Some colleges and universitys seem to have great programs but the real question is do they have great networking and career services ? You need to know what graduates in your desired career field are doing and what jobs they are picking up. You need to ask current students if the faculty really suits your needs toward getting ahead in the "real world" ? Do they willingly look out and around for their students future career ? Also location is crucial in networking at the undergraduate level. When you are a young and poor student you have little resources to travel and land big jobs in other areas around the country. Going to a school close to a booming and popular area for your career is taking one step ahead. While adacemic education is crucial the future of you and your career is what should be put first in choosing and attending a college or university.

It's not the reputation or the amount of financial aid that a college gives out to its students. One should choose to attend the college that they really feel motivated and comfortable to attend to. Think of college as a tool to build up your career and social life that you will carry throughout rest of your life. Remember, it's all about yourself - you are not doing it for others.

Make sure you are honestly think about every aspect of your university. How far away do you want to be from school? Does the school have a couple of different majors that you may be interested in just in case you decide to switch? How big do you want your university to be because you will not be happy if it is too cramped or too overwhelming? Make sure that different clubs and activities available at your university appeal to you so that you can spread your time around and leave a mark on your campus. Most importantly, do what makes you happy and make sure that you are ready to have a great time!

Tour and visit colleges of choice extensively so that the compatibility is clear. Try as hard as possible to get financial aid and scholarships.

To make sure the college in mind totally fits the person and their lifestyle because in order to succeed the parents and the student has to feel comfortable enough to take advantage of the opportunitites that college life provides.

Don't be afraid to try different places. Get out of your comfort zone - sometimes that leads to the best results.

I would advise parents and students to go visit the school. I went to many schools beginning my junior yr of high school, and I felt most comfortable at Rutgers. I would also tell students to speak with Academic advisors and more importantly with other students in their proposed major. You learn a lot about what to expect from students because they can be honest and tell you all aspects of the field, not just the intriguing things that adults want you to know. It's good to know all aspects of what you want to study, that way you can make the right choices sooner and not later.

The most important advice is finding the right college that fits in with the student's academic and social needs. To make the most of the college experience, a student should be able to balance social life with school work. The first few months of freshman year are crucial in meeting new people and establishing close friends.

I would tell students that they should visit every school they are interested in or at least the top four because liking the environment you are going to be learning in is very important. Since school can get very stressful sometimes it is best to at least like the people around you and enjoy your learning environment.

College is more demanding, more time consuming, more frustrating but ultimately more fun. Research your college thorougly. You want to know what is offered, what you are interested in, and what programs you may decide to make your major, as well as the requirements for graduation. Make a plan as early as you can to make a smooth path for graduation. As a student, don't be scared to try something new, even if you know nothing about the subject. Sometimes these are the most interesting classes, other times they can be boring, but most of the time you'll feel better about learning it, because who knows when a class on Ancient Painting and another on Poetry will come in handing in an Intro Music course which includes terminology and techniques from both? If you have an interest in something, flesh it out. Try to expand your knowledge as much as you can, taking a few fun courses each semester to supplement the ones that are required so you don't overwork yourself too much. Make it a habit to talk to your professors and classmates so you can make study groups and understand the material presented to you.

Important advice I can think of when looking for the right college is to get a general sense of what your interests are. What career do you picture yourself doing? How would you like to spend your free time? Does the culture of the college appeal to you? When I think about questions like these, Rutgers always came to my mind because it really does offer something for everyone. The breadth of courses is amazing and the professors really know their stuff. The diversity of the faculty, student body, groups and activities is very large and almost overwhelming at first. With so many options available to you, you will truly get the full college experience. I emphasize very strongly the importance of getting involed. Whether joining a club, group, fraternity or sorority, make your mark by doing something. If you don't, you will end up regretting it after you graduate. College is a unique experience in our lives. Don't let it go to waste. Learn new things and have fun doing it.