Stanford University Top Questions

First, I will tell myself to choose your career field, and make sure it makes you happy. Also could you see yourself retiring from this career in the future? Second, I would tell myself to make sure that I stick with school and finish it. Focus on my dreams and do not let any come between your success. It will be things that may discourage you but keep your head up . Make sure you surround yourself by successful people. Third make sure you have established realistic goals. Be very active in college. Have the mind to be willing to learned and very opened minded to new things. You may have to eliminate something that you are currently doing .So that way you could be a head of class. College is surely different, its not like you are in high school .But when it comes to college you have to pay attention are you may get left behind. College is more about independent and being on you own. High school you are still living at home. But if you put in a lot of hard work you will be very proud of your self in the end of it all.

A good friend once told me that if I devoured my chocolate too quickly, I would miss out on all the flavor and excitement. I didn't get it, chocolate is chocolate, right? Who cares if I eat it fast or slow? I came to realize it is the intricant slow appreciation of every bit of a piece of chocolate that makes it so good. If we apply this idea to life, the concept is even more relevant. Every moment in life is unique and can pack a powerful punch. But if we just go along trying to rush everything just to get to the next step, we miss out on the journey. Our lives are what we make them to be in each moment; our lives are the journey. I would tell my high school senior self to remember that. In other words, everything is not about "getting into college". If we do not take it slow and appreciate every unique moment, our lives will pass us by. Pretty soon all these high schoolers will grow up and wonder where the time went. Sure they probably achieved their goals, but are they happy-that is the question.

Finding the right college isn't about statistics or resources or the number of famous faculty on staff. It's about how even a prospective student fits into the school and life there. Because, after all, that young adult must find a place in which he or she will be comfortable spending four years. So, parents, back away from your child. Let him wander off a little, explore the place for himself, meet other students and prospective students. Let her have conversations with the people she may be spending the next four years with. And if she's happy with what she finds, then ask her: does this campus feel like home? Because if it does, then it just may be. Of the college experience, it's important to remember that what you give to the school and one's schoolwork is what one gets. Of course, students need to find a balance between social and school life. However, this does not mean that your social life must suffer for your school, and vice versa. Try new things, but get work done. College is for new experiences--both learning and life related. Enjoy it to your fullest ability, and succeed.

Make the decision for yourself, and don't let other people dictate your future. Go with your gut.

Visit the college and talk to the students there. Visit some classes, stay a weekend that is not admit weekend, and attend some parties. See what it is really about.

Only apply to schools you are DYING to go to. You might end up like me having to choose between the lesser of two evils.

College is a personal choice that is different for every applicant. Everybody wants something different out of their college experience. That's why it's really important to find out as much as possible about schools that might fit you, academically, socially, financially, and location-wise, among many factors. It's also important to consider a few dream schools too-- even if somewhere is out of your price range, applying for scholarships and financial aid might make it possible. However, the single most significant determining factor, once you've narrowed your choices down to schools that are financially feasible after April 1, is visiting colleges. There is no better way to get a feel for a school and realize you belong there (or don't belong there) than visiting schools with an open mind. Keep an eye out for programs or organizations that you'd be interested in. Once you've decided on a place, make the most of it. Get involved! Find things that get you excited about going to class or meeting new people and take advantage of them. College is a unique environment that allows for a really special kind of total involvement, and it's amazing.

It's easy to get caught up in thinking about the social aspect of college when you're getting ready to commit. Most students are really worried about fitting in on campus and finding friends, not how big their Psych 101 class is, or the resources that exist (or don't) to help them out when they're failing Statistics. Don't underestimate the academic side of college; take it into serious consideration and choose the school that has your interests and that excites you for possibly 'geeky' reasons. Keep in mind that the way you fit in a school academically can really affect your future; the better match, the better you'll do, and the more you'll be happy that you had such considerations when you're doing what you love in 25 years. Chances are that you'll find a group of friends at any school, but the bottom line is that you should align your priorities according to what's really important to you and if great ethnic centers or a more political campus are what make you tick, then follow your heart.

While looking for colleges, students should know what interested them in high school, and have some idea of what they want to do, or if they do not know, should apply to a larger college where they can change their minds without needing to change schools. Knowing what they want as far as location, social life, etc, is also important. Once in college, students should do more than just study. Joining a club or a sport is a great way to make friends with similar interests. Also, I would advise students to live on-campus if possible, as dorms are also a good place to make friends.

Be open-minded. Be proactive about discovering yourself--no one will do it for you. Work hard and have no regrets, even if you feel that you have made a mistake. Finding a college is like looking for a house-- it is your residence for the next four years. You will spend your best years in the college you choose and so, I would recommend spending time on campus, sitting in on lectures and talking to students before making a decision.

Finding the right college can be a lot like alchemy at first. Just as it seems impossible to turn a clump of lead into a golden nugget, it can seem equally challenging to turn four years of hard work in high school into a meaningful, successful decision. The key to finding your school, though, is to throw yourself into the mix with all of you've got. Sign up for the interviews even if they scare you, take the tours around campus, and pour every ounce of creativity into those applications. It may seem impossible, but the odds are you'll get to one of those campuses, walk around, and just feel right?you've got your gold. When you actually get on campus, the same strategy holds true. New student orientation can be overwhelming, and a lot of people chalk the whole event up to "fake enthusiasm." Ignore them, they're boring. Do everything in your power to match the school's enthusiasm: go to the games, meet people, attend wacky events. They say home is where the heart is, and by putting your heart into everything you do on campus, you'll be settled in in no time.

I would tell students: ?Don?t be concerned about the reputation of the college you decide to go to or about finishing in four years. Go at your own pace. I am always proud to see people with financial challenges or children who are trying hard to still get a college education, even if it means working part-time or taking night classes. Many of my friends have had to start at a less expensive 2-year college, and then move on to 4-year colleges to finish the remaining 2 years. Whatever path and however long you choose to take is fine, as long as you finish. If there is something that you believe in fighting for, then there is no better place to get partners to fight with you than at college. Colleges are where some of the greatest movements were strengthened. Years ago, college students protested for African Americans to have civil rights and to end the war in Vietnam, and just last year college students were some of Barack Obama?s biggest supporters in his fight for change. Many college students are in search of a cause, you can give them one!?

Take tours, ask questions, know the field you want to study. Go with the one that feels right after your visit.

There are no terrible choices when deciding what to do in college, you already are going somewhere with your life. The choices you have to make are between good options, better options, and the best options. There will be many good choices and many better choices, but few best choices. Take time to consider the consequences of your choices. Many friends suggested to me that I should write down the choices and pros and cons of each. This made me realize what was at stake for each choice. Before writing down the pros and cons I would suggest that you write down what you want to get out of college. What are your priorities? Where do you want to be in your life after college? With a little bit of luck, you can choose the best option for you. Good luck!

Don't get hung up on gaining admission to a brand-name school. Keep an open mind when choosing schools, and know that usually your college expereince depends on what you make of the school you are at, not the school itself.

With so many instituions from which to choose many people conveniently resort to rankings and a school's reputation as the primary method for choosing a school. However, convenience is not the key ingrident in finding the right school. I suggest digging deeper than these broad measurements by taking a comprehesive inventory of what you can do for the school and what the school can do for you. You're only in college a mere 4 years of your life but what about after you graduate? A strong and well organized alumni association was one of the key factors in my choice of Stanford. Coming from a public high school I was not exposed to many of the subject areas that are offered as majors and had a difficult time choosing one. I'd suggest taking a gap year or some other equivalent experience to allow the student to get a better idea of what interests them, instead of choosing a major to get a job (the biggest mistake of my life!) College is not a vocational education! That's what grad school is for. Remember to use college as an opportunity to learn about something you love.

Don't worry too much about getting into a particular school. Although each school is unique, success is more about the student's approach than the school they attend. Learn as much as you can about the resources of your school in your first year. That way, you'll be able to take advantage of all your school has to offer.

If you are a student, I don?t envy you. I remember the intense rat race, the grueling tours, and the wracking decisions you?ll be going through. It?s true: in many ways, this is the first important decision in your life. But breathe, and bear a few things in mind: First, being declined from your first choice isn?t as bad as you think. In fact, many people who are accepted (for a variety of reasons) choose another school. Maybe they need financial help, or it?s too far from home, or it doesn?t vibe well with them. There is no sure thing when it comes to first-choice happiness. That being said, try to enjoy your experience as much as you can. In your next four years, you will change as much as you have in the last four years of high school. You?ll test your strength in new and incredible ways, and amaze your parents with how you?ve become your own person. So take a language you find intriguing; reserve a spot each semester for that upper-level class you?ve been peeking at. In the words of our president, ?yes, you can.?

Talk as much as possible to olderstudents and graduates of the university, instead of relying just on your peers and younger students

I would say pick somewhere that you believe will allow you the greatest flexibility with your plans. You might be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} certain of what you want to do, but when you get to college you might just realize that your interests lie elsewhere. Go to college with a goal, but leave room for change. Also, I don't think it necessarily matters WHICH college you go to, as long as you make the most of your experience there. Actively go out and try to learn things. Get involved in the community, join some clubs, become familiar with your campus and claim it as yours. The more you put into your experience, the more you'll get out of it. Meet people completely different than you are, and learn about where they come from. The world is so diverse, and the more diverse your experiences, the better you'll be able to flourish when you leave college. Collegew is truly a time of growth, so be sure to choose somewhere that will allow you to do that.

It is absolutly essential you understand the actual environment of the university, not the one that is presented at open houses, etc. Identifying whether you can intergrate into the student culture is what will make of break your college experience.

Find a safety school that you LOVE. That way, you know you'll end up somewhere great! Seek out opportunities that interest you, and always find advising or counseling if you find yourself struggling.

Dear Prospective Universitarian, Congratulations on deciding to make this big investment in your future! To prepare for such a huge leap, talk to current students at length about how to get off to a good start. The beginning is crucial to you success, and nothing is more important than finding balance and thus honing your study skills, or obtaining thses skills if necessary. Find out about all the procedures for enrollment, tuition payment, and inscription in clubs and organizations before getting to campus, because when the school year starts rolling, it goes fast! Embrace all college has to offer, and don't be afraid of new adventures. If you keep school your priority but honestly embrace a variety of challenges, these will be the best four years of your life! Dear Parents, You must give your baby freedom to explore, because he or she is no longer a baby! But do keep your finger on your child's pulse to be there to provide support if need be. Don't worry too much, because if you have a healthy relationship and not an overbearing or too-distant rapport, all will work out. His or her happiness is the ultimate goal.

Don't be afraid to apply to big-name schools. You just might get in. And if you do, attending a big-name school may be the best thing that ever happened to you. If you apply and don't get in, don't fret. There are hundreds of good schools in the U.S., and you'll likely visit a few of them. Attend the one that "clicks" with you. You'll walk onto campus, and it will *feel* right. Go with this gut feeling and know that, if you are *happy*, you will do a better job academically than you would if you went to a school you didn't like, one that made you *unhappy*. It is a combination of your love for a school and your willingness to work hard while attending it that makes the college experience worth the money it requires.

When it comes to finding the right college, the best advice I can give students is to follow their hearts. It sounds cliche, but I truly believe the more honest students are throughout the application process, the more likely they are to find the right match. Finding a college is similar to finding a significant other - if you compromise love for reputation, there's a good chance the match won't work. In other words, I feel as though many students place too much emphasis on attending a prestigious university rather than the university that fits their individual needs. Certainly these schools have reputations for a reason, however, what may be a more important factor to consider is the environment in which the learning is taking place. How competitive are the students? How large is the university? What extracurricular activities are available? Students should should place more emphasis on matching their personalities with the schools personality than simply rely on prestige. By approaching college in this fashion, students will not only become more efficient in their learning, but will have a more memorable, comfortable, and fulfilling college experience.

It really isn't about attending a high-status college or majoring in something "practical." College is a chance to explore the self and discover what you love, the things that scream out loud to you. Wherever you end up, you will find it if you are able to keep a positive attitude and work for it. I would advise to visit schools you're interested in, write your heart out in your college admissions essays (don't try to sell yourself; rather, try to put you on a page and write about what's most important to you, or who you are). Be willing and open to new types of situations; college tends to push your boundaries and make you tolerant of all lifestyles and types of people. And remember that it's your life--don't work so hard that you're not enjoying yourself, and make sure to find the work that allows you to enjoy yourself while you're working. Most importantly, take everything with a pinch of salt; that is, don't accept anything you're told or taught without challenging it first and ensuring that it's what you want to do. Good Luck!

I think it's more about what you put into it than really about "finding the right college." I think most people can have great experiences at most colleges. I know it might sound cliche, but once you're there it's all about balancing academics and social life and making sure you don't neglect either one. Ask for help if you need it...mental health services, tutoring, anything. People are more understanding than you think. Make friends with people who aren't your same year...you can help each other out in different ways. Make friends with people in your major so you can study and discuss career plans together. Also make friends with people outide your major to keep your horizons broad. Get involved with people and activities you care about. Keep in mind that some majors require you to get on track as soon as you walk in the door. Still, don't worry too much...things will work out.

Not everything changes once you get that dorm room double. I guarantee the things that were most important to you before you arrived will still define you if you do not give them up. Most students enter college thinking they have to be able to do everything, from musical hobbies to being a club president. The truth of it is, you only have to be yourself. Just do what you do, and whatever it is, it will have brought challenges that made your perseverence even more significant. Find the aspects and activities that give you the most joy in knowing who you are, and choose the school in which you can see yourself continuing on that path. Be an expert. If you love West African drumming, don't leave the drum at home. You may find yourself, as I did, West African Drumming Instructor for a 30 year-old student group. Pick the college that enables you to be the person you want to be. Part of knowing yourself is doing what you love, and college is all about that self-knowledge that gives each person the strength to find greatness in their own lives.

I think one of the most important things in deciding what the right college is is the expectations that you have for your college career. What kind of career are you looking for, how hard are you willing to work, what kind of a social life do you want to have? During my college search process, my parents were very encouraging and didn't limit my options (within reason). Go to school with an open mind, expect that you won't know your major and what kind of career you'll want right away and that it could change several times while you are in school. Get involved in activities on campus - try some new things you've never done before. Go to all of the social events you can and be friendly to everyone. Meet as many people as you can! Take as many opportunities as you can. College is one of the most unique and wonderful experiences that any young person can have. It's a gift.

You've been filling out forms and checking boxes for the past five months of college applications, and it's easy to think that you can categorize schools as well- big or small, city or suburban, public or private. But what sold me most on my university of choice, was the overall demeanor of the students. They are driven, focused, aware, and overall, happy. I believe the most important factor in determining whether a school is right for you is the culture of that school-- the everyday activities and demeanor of the students. It's something that can't be categorized or checked off, only heard directly from the students, and felt in your own heart. I am also a firm believer in the words of Nathaniel Hawthorne, "Human nature will not flourish, any more than a potato, if it be planted and replanted, for too long a series of generations, in the same worn-out soil." College is a chance to sink your roots into a completely new type of soil, with nutrients of which you never dreamed. Take the opportunity to go somewhere that will challenge you and change you.

Throughout the college search and during the college years, it is most important to maintain a positive and confident attitude. There will be many students (and more parents) who view acceptance to a prestigious university as the only meaningful culmination of the high school experience. However, once these students enter that university, they declare the most demanding major, take on more work they can handle, and live in a constant state of stress--because all their lives they've been taught to "achieve as much as possible" in order to find success. This is not the way to be successful, and it is definitely not the right way to live your life. Instead, think of whatever college your heart chooses as a piece of clay: a tool that you can use to build a strong foundation for your future, and an opportunity you can mold and shape into your own personalized and perfect experience. More than anything, remember that you are in complete control of how you choose to approach every situation, and that you have the potential to be a positive and influential force in your community.

The college admissions and selection process is difficult. Take the time to figure yourself out and see which school matches with you. Yes, it's important to make sure you fit their criteria, but make sure that they have what you want as well. The relationship is mutual. Try your best to block out the pressures of society that tell you that you must go to X University to be successful. Honestly, it's more important that you get to college and use its resources to grow and develop yourself and to help others grow. That is what true success is. The biggest thing that I learned and am learning is that work will always be there. No matter how hard you try, there is always something more to be done. You must make the effort to take yourself away from the work and enjoy the awesome experiences that college can provide. For it is truly those moments with people that you will always cherish. In essence, strive for balance, take care of yourself, give back to the community, take care of your finances, define your own excellence, and call home often! That's all there is to college. :-)

Go to a school where you feel at home, where the campus just feels right to you, so make sure you visit the schools you're considering, it's an essential step. Take every opportunity you're given in your freshman year because that's when you meet the people who will be important to you for the rest of your college career, and possibly life! Take the time to get to know people, it will make all the difference in the remaining years at your school.

Do not pick a school solely based on its "rank" in categories such as academics or social life. Driven students will succeed no matter where they attend. It's very important to visit campuses and meet the students and faculty there, because when you step on the campus that's truly best for you, it will just "feel right." In order to make the most of your college experience, you must be very open-minded and try new activities. Take classes that sound interesting to you and don't commit to a major too early. College is really about leaving your comfort zone: exploring new fields and meeting a diverse group of people. If you find yourself in a rigorous academic environment, don't be afraid to take breaks to have fun and relax. Try new exercise activities such as club sports or cultural dance classes. Finally, get plenty of sleep!

Do a lot of research before hand. Talk to current or recent students about what the experience is like. Find out who liked and who didn't and why.

The bottom line is that no matter how good the college is in rank, standing, education you will recieve, etc. you need to find a place that is right for the student. I would look into things like availiability of extracurricular activities that interest you and the average amount of time students have to dedicate to things outside of the classroom. For me, my Stanford experience is not necessarily based on the fact that I am getting a good education out of it, but rather a combination of everything it has to offer in terms of things I get involved with in my spare time and flexibility of schedule. Also, if education is important, look into the school's process for choosing classes because depending on the process you may not even be able to get the classes you want. Best thing to do is to apply to as many colleges as you can, then personally visit every place you get into and ask the students of the college any questions you have rather than just going by what the tour guides say.

The college application process, while daunting in itself, is not as important as the process of finding one's ambition. Today, a bachelor's degree might not make you as strong a candidate as those with higher level degrees. The reason? Most students do not know what they want to do up until the last year of their college career. In fact, most colleges don't require a major until the students' third year. This leaves less focus on career (i.e. more on adjustment to college life) in the early years, and more "meaningful" focus on the latter (which is why some pursue higher, more focused coursework). My best advice for choosing a college is to choose an institution that will not only allow and encourage its students to immerse themselves in a variety of different career paths not , but will also provide the resources needed to complete their chosen path successfully both during the undergraduate years and beyond.

I think there needs to be a balance between what the student wants and what the parents want. Parents can help with the college decision, but the ultimate descision must rest with the student. After all, the student will be living on campus for four years -- not the parents. Parents also need to stay active in the lives of their children long before college decisions come around. Parents should encourage their kids to participate in extra-curricular activities and should also be active at the schools that their child attends in order to foster the behavior that they want their child to exhibit. A successfull carer and the building of good habits early on will probably also shape the college experience that a student will have. Making the most of ones college experience lies in learning how to balance academics with social and athletic responsiblities. Students who are able to focus on classes and grow as individuals during their four years in college also tend to be the ones who come away with a overall positive outlook on life and their college. Do not neglect social interaction during college -- you will make some of the best friends of your life.

Go on visits and interact with students if possible.

Relax. You can't make the wrong decision. It's life. Do what interests you. Discover yourself. You won't remember what you learned in the classroom, you'll remember everything else though. Learn about the people around you and try to figure out how to enjoy life on your own outside of home. You will find a niche, and life will be great. When it comes to finding the right college, that is also something you can't fret over too much. You have no idea what you really want out of college because you've never experienced it before, so pick school based on very tangible reasons, like weather, the existence of certain departments, and general surroundings/architecture. The rest of your experience is really just a luck of the draw of who's around you and who you fall in with.

You must visit any college you are considering attending. You really want to get a sense of a place so that you can decide if it is a good fit for you. Don't let any one factor outweigh the others when considering a college. Make sure it has a good balance of everything that is important to you. You are going to be living at this place for 4 years (or more) of your life, so you need to make sure that you will be comfortable. After you have visited all of your choices, take some time to think through what you've seen and heard. Then, once you are ready, go with your gut. You will know what's right for you. Once you are actually on campus, make the most out of your college experience. The best part of college, for me, was getting out of my comfort zone and exploring new things. You should try to jump into as many experiences and opportunities as you can. College is a time for unfettered growth, and you should take time not only to learn about your chosen course of study but also about something even more important - yourself.

I think the most important thing in the college search process is to avoid (and, I know it's hard) looking at the school's reputation. I may have graduated from Stanford but I did not choose it because of it's USNews ranking; I chose it because of the quirky nerdiness of its student body that made me feel right at home. In the same way, the college search should, like a job search or dating, be about finding the best fit for each individual. If you can do that, then I guarantee that you (or your child) will succeed no matter where you go!

If a college seems right, then go with your gut feeling. Also, chances are that if you keep an open mind towards new experiences and meeting new people, you can make any situation (in college or otherwise) a positive one. So even if you didn't get lucky enough to find that elusive "perfect" college, there is still an amazing opportunity to learn something (or some things) new, meet unique and surprising individuals, and have some of the best four years of your life. It all sounds ridiculously cliche, and I know I heard plenty of similar tidbits of advice when I was looking for colleges and when I was going into my freshman year, but it's actually some of the hardest advice to bear in mind and follow through with. So perhaps the best advice is, in fact, to remember the cliched statements; remember everything you ever rolled your eyes at, and just know that there will probably come a clarifying day in your future when you look back and realize that most of those cheesy things have come true. But the best part is realizing how happy you are that those cliches have become a reality.

Visit and talk to students. See how people treat you when they don't know that you're a prospective student.

Do your research before applying.

Make sure you pay a visit to the institutions that you are interested in, because while a place may seem perfect on paper, it is not until you have actually emersed yourself in the schools environment that you have a better idea of what life would be like for you. Also, do not get caught up in the "name game." There are wonderful schools out there whose name may not carry as much weight as others. But I promise you, choose based on where you feel the most comfortable, because if you do well and distinguish yourself, it is not going to matter what school you attended, because you have set yourself apart from the rest of your classmates. Lastly, dont study/do what you think you SHOULD do, rather be passionate about what you WANT to do. Whether you have graduate school aspirations or not, that last sentence will take you a long way. Employers and schools alike are all looking for people who are truly interested in the work they are doing. Not everyone has to be a doctor or lawyer, there's a niche out there for all of you.

Be sure to visit the college and ask as many questions of current students as you can. The information provided by students who aren't volunteering to support the visit can be quite insightful. Additionally, be open to everything. If you enter college thinking you want to be a hard science (chem, bio, computer science, etc.) major be sure to take at least one interesting humanities (psychology, poli sci, engish, etc.) class (something you're curious about but don't think you'll love) and vice versa. You'll meet people you otherwise might not meet in an environment you might not usually be in. Finally, take advantage of all those lecture and guest speaker events. After you graduate, the opportunities to hear famous, well respected people give their opinions will be few and far between. You'll really regret not being able to say you participated.

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VISIT, VISIT, VISIT!!!

Everything happens for a reason.