SUNY at Albany Top Questions

Look for a school that not only has good professors but also good people.

I believe the right college can make all the difference in your freshman year transition. Visit your school go to orientation and talk to alumni or current students. This is the only way you can prepare yourself for the HUGE change from high school to college.

Visit the school and spend a night on campus with a current freshman. Ask about the balance of academics and a social life. It is not only important to excel in your academics but this time molds you into who you will be. You figure out the most about yourself due to your ability to now choose your own friends, activities, classes.

Picking the right school is really important because it is where you will spend the next four years. Make sure that you visit the school and get a good feel for it before committing. I think it is really important to visit the school before you apply, if you don't like it there is no point in wasting the money for the application fee. I applied to over ten schools and I knew that I would not even consider most, my mother insisted though. Listen to your kids because they know what they want out of college. It's a really hard adjustment but it's a great time to learn independence. College should be fun and new so go somewhere where you know you'll get great academic success and be able to have fun too.

Don't dwell on every little aspect of a college campus you THINK you want at the time - you change and evolve over the years while attending school, and something you wanted at age 17, may not be the case at age 20.

Decide on a program or atleast narrow it down and search by that, the deciding factors should be what else is important to the student such as a sports team, affordable or whatever else is deemed important.

I think the biggest thing to keep in mind is how you personally feel at the institution. While one should be in college to gain an education and that should be one's main focus, one can't ignore the social aspect of the experience or this time of one's life. i have seen students be accepted to amazing programs at schools, but have done academically poorly because they were unhappy socially at the school. A 4.0 GPA is looked at as a 4.0 GPA across the board, regardless of where you go. So go to the place where you personally feel you will be the happiest, and thus be able to make the most out of your academic career.

The best advice I can give anyone is to follow your gut instinct when choosing a college. Go to the school that feels right to you. When you set foot on that campus you should just know. It will feel like your new home and you will be excited about it. Try not to let money influence you decision. I know this is hard and I considered money when I was choosing my colleges. You need to go where you think you will be happy and where you will get the best traning in your field. Go for as many scholarships as you can. I did my senior year of high school and it really paid off. You just have to go for it. Socially and academicaly college is not a walk in the park, but when things get tough stick with it. It takes time to get adjusted to your new surroundings. When you meet you group of friends and classes are going good it will all be worth it. Good Luck and try your best!

Visit the college, spend some time walking around the facilities and campus without a tour guide, they often exagerrate and highlight the good features of the campus and ignore the bad. I would also reccommend researching college opinion sites online, as well as student satisfaction ratings. Definitely get involved as much as you can and take your classes seriously, after all, you are paying for each class you take, so don't blow it.

Talk to actual students about their experiences -- not just the tour guides. Not everyone is as involved or outgoing, and you need to keep your child's behaviors in mind. This is a big school, and for students that are antisocial that may be frustrating. Also, keep in mind that there are a lot of exchange students (mostly from Korea and Japan) and a large number of kids from the inner city areas of New York City. This can be a source of culture-shock for students from Suburbia like myself. This school has great libraries though, and an excellent graduate program. Just make sure that your child is clear on their career goals otherwise they will end up like me just taking whatever courses I can take to get by.

Find a school that wants the students to succeed. Social life is important, but learning is more important.

The first step in making the right decision is to visit all the campuses of the schools to which one wishes to apply. The environment of the institution is an extremely important factor that must be fitted to one's desires and personality. Without a fitting surrounding some students could feel out of place and lead them to not do well. Secondly, I would advise that a student and their parents do not make choices based on their financial status. It is easy to overlook some potentially "right" schools if one thinks they are too expensive, however, there are scholarships and grants given to those who have done well in high school and also to those that do not have the money to afford to go to said institution. Upon finding the right school for you, make a second visit to really get to know the atmosphere and acclimate yourself to the campus. Plus, if one knows the campus, it is a great conversation starter at orientations where people usually meet their first friends at the college. Finally, after getting going with your semester, work hard. Do not let your academics slip, competition is fierce in the real world.

To students: find a college not too close to home but not too far either, because you never know when you're going to get homesick and if you're too far away it's going to be harder to get home. Keep in mind what you're interested in and find a place that has that field; make sure it's place that you feel looks nice and that you can stand to live, since you don't want to be stuck there for 4 years hating the area or have to go through the hassle of trying to transfer somewhere else. Parents: you need to be willing to give your kids some time to grow and settle in before they really knuckle down and pick want they want to do. Always, always, always be supportive. It's hard to leave home and get that first taste of the real world and some kids panic, so don't be too hard on them and try to be reassuring. Let your kids know that you're proud of them.

If I could give some advice to student and parents it would be know what you are worth. Always visit the campus of your future school. Connect with the financial aid department of the school you will be attending before you get to campus. Apply for every school you want to get into based on your and their requirements. Contact admissions then, don?t be afraid to ask, what do I need to do to get into this school? Do research for scholarships, grants, fellowships, internships, and work-study programs for your campus of choice. Anything that you can apply for online such as FASA, TAP, EOP or HEOP programs do it. If there is any way possible, claim yourself as an independent. You will get more money without your parents claiming you. Depending on your major, check out bachelors/masters combination programs because you can get more for your buck. If you can?t get into a university because you grads in high school were too low, start out at a community college and then transfer to a university. My last tidbit of information would be seek out and take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way.

Whenever I meet a new college student one of the first things I recommend that they do is get involved with extracurricular activities. I myself had wanted to find a Christian group, and I eventually found one that fit my personality the best .I have gone to every meeting and activity since, I also became President and have been the President for the last 2 years now. I also recommend that students take every opportunity possible to take on responsibility and allow themselves to grow. In my Sophomore year I was a Resident Assistant on my campus and I learned a lot about people, my University, and myself! I also recommend exploring a variety of classes when trying to decide on a general education or elective course. I myself took Latin and Calculus ....just for the heck of it! College is an extraodinary opportunity to learn about yourself so I recommend taking full advantage of every possible opportunity, even studying abroad. In the past two years I have learned a lot about myself and I can not even begin to imagine what the future has in store for me and what I in return have in store for the future.

Make sure your student reviews all his/her possible choices before making decisions about any college--this is not a flippant decision to be made. Visit as many colleges as you can, and if you find one that instantly clicks with you while visiting, do not ignore what your gut is telling you. Happiness at said campus is a must in order to thrive (there will be parties anywhere you go). Also make sure the college you want to attend has a strong program geared toward your intended major--NOT because that's where your friends are going. Look into extracurricular activities beforehand. The more variety, the better. When attending college, be sociable and open. Attend the programs your university offers in the first month. That's where you'll find extracurricular activities to pass the time, ultimately make friends, and enjoy yourself. Ultimately, the decision about whatever college you choose should not be based upon whether or not said college is a party school, nor based upon high school friendships. It should be about your education, and how comfortable you feel around the campus.

I urge students to do their research before applying to colleges. Apply to colleges that have multiple programs that interest you in case you need to change your major, like I did. Also, make sure that you are able to finance your school in some way. Make sure that you will be comfortable at the college you attend. Look at what is available not only on campus, but what resources are available in surrounding areas. Know what sort of public transportation is available around the college. When you arrive at college, get involved. Join a club, research group, public interest group, or a debate team. There are so many different opportunities waiting for you, so just jump in and enjoy!

Try your best to pick the best college. Don't freak out too much because you can alwasy transfer. Many students find that they either love or hate the school they're at and that's fine. Make sure to get your work done and party. Appreciate that college goes by quickly and try to have the most fun as you can while being successful.

I would simply say to always weigh all your options, school is school and you shouldnt decide a place based on other things such as sports, etc.

I would look into all the colleges you are thinking of applying to, to make sure the people and the neighborhood are what you are about.

The best advice that I could give to parents and/or students about selecting a college would be to really seek every possiblility out. I made the mistake of not visiting the schools I applied to and unfortunetly got stuck with one I hated. In order to get the full effect out what their potential school might be they should take a tour and a visit of EVERY school they apply to, even if it's not their first choice. In order to make the best of ones college experience I would strongly urge to socialize. Making friends and bonds with others can help you get through a lot. Even though it is scary to go into something knowing no one, it is always important to remember that everyone feels the same way you do going into it. Everyone is a stanger to everyone else, so be bold and introduce yourself, there's no harm in making new friends, especially if they turn out to be the people that help you through college and grow to be some of the most important people in your life even after you graduate. Gowith the school that feels right for YOU!

Find one that has activities, majors, and size that you want.

Picking the right college is such an important decision. Not only do you need to know things about the colleges that you are applying to, but you need to know yourself as well. Make sure the school has the major that you are looking into, maybe some backup majors as well, since many students change their major. You will be having so much fun once you get to school, meeting new people who are from places very different from the one you have grown up in, and who are from different cultural and religious backgrounds. Be openminded! Make an effort to broaden your horizons and get to know people different from yourself! You can learn so much about the world around you and yourself by opening up to new things! As far as classes go, MAKE SURE YOU GO!! I cannot stress this enough. There are many schools where attendance isn't taken, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't go! If it is a big lecture center, sit in the front and I promise you will pay better attention, and make friends so if you're sick, you can still get the notes. Lastly, keep that syllabus handy!

Go look at the school and meet the some of the students from you area wo go there if any and ask what their take on the school is. Go around and ask random people thing about the school and see if the people are nice or not.

find a college that has great programs in the area that you want to pursue/study. if you are unsure of your major then find one that has a good all-around record. plan ahead with financial aid, curriculum, and other activities. find a university that is neither too close to home nor too far from home, but one that is readily accessible. [via car, train, etc).

Talk to people who go there now and explore the surrounding town, not just the campus!

push your children to go away to school. it brodens their possibilities and helps them grow up. look for a school which offers majors that you may be interested in. its always a good thing when the school is building things on campus. its a sign that the school is getting more funding and getting better.

The most important thing about finding a college is to listen to your gut. It sounds cliche, but when you find the college that is right for you, the attraction will be immediate. Don't ignore your gut feelings, because this is your new home for the next four years! The best advice on making the most of your college experience is, go to class. I know, you will go to class right? I hope you are, but in reality, the new freedom that going to college brings, also brings responsibility. It is so important to not ignore this responsibility and to go to your classes, I promise, attendance (even in lecture halls) counts! Not going to class is one of the easiest ways to get points, and they are the easiest to lose, so be smart, have fun, and GO TO CLASS!

Research not only academics but where you will live. Find out about night life, proximity of bars/restaurants etc. Make sure public transportation is avaliable. Use resources like Princeton Review to find out other peoples opinions. Students will tell you things about the school that NO ONE else can or will. Absolutely ask any friends, friends of friends, relatives...anyone who has attended the school to describe it.

When looking for schools, it's really important that you choose the right one. It may sound crazy but when you go to a school you just know that it's right. As soon as I stepped onto campus I knew that I wanted to be here and be a part of the Ualbany community. It has to feel right, and make you feel comforable. For future college kids: just live your life; do what makes you happy. Work hard and seize every single opportunity you can. You only live once, Make the most of it.

Be opened minded, don't pick a school just by the name. Go on lots of visits talk to the students who go there and see what theyre like. Make a list. What are you looking for in a school. Use your gut reaction if it doesn't make you happy when you visit regardless of the school you wont be happy four years in. Be true to yourself and recognize what your needs are to be happy living learning and socializing in a particular atmosphere.

honestly its all personal. You have to vist the school check out the classrooms, who goes there, and what the teachers are like. If you dont like one of those you wont have the best expericence possible. Look at the surrounding town, we have to be able to be yourself other wise your just setting yourself up to fail.

Visit the school you're choosing to go to and sit in on one of the classes that's the only way you'll see the true university. The guided tours are really only going to brag and try to sway you. Ask students on your own what they think about the school. Finally college is what you make of it-- really. Every school has their parties, studies, but what it's really about it is what are YOU looking for? Keep that in mind during your four years, realize that you're bound to trip up a few times, and understand that you define yourself, your future, and your college.

College Visits Start early Scholarships search and apply early as possible Ask questions, Ask questions IF it doesn't feel right take a second look and if it still doesn't feel right transfer to your second choice There is nothing wrong with Community College if you can go there then go to a 4 year it would probably be better financially unless you obtain a 75{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} ride to college 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} or less in not worth the debt.

Don't assume college is going to be amazing and work out in your favor right away. It will start off hard and confusing, and you'll be nervous about your future. Just remember, it gets easier and things do fall into place after a good year. Talk to your advisor about what you lke and what you can try. Don't think that you have to know what you want to be right away. You have a good solid 2 years before you have to declare your major! Use those 2 years finding yourself, if you can. And take some deep breaths. We're all in the same boat!

Go to the colleges and talk to the students.

Don't be afraid! This is the place that's suppose to mold into your professional adult life . It's really your last chance to correct and change anything you dislike about yourself, and have fun while learning it. College isn't just about grades and a diploma, you grow really grow as a person. You learn a lot about people in general, and much about youself. This is the time when you grow in every way, step up and don't waste it!

be yourself and have as much fun as you can because you can only do it once.

Make sure its an environment you enjoy and have visited and has classes and programs you would want to take.

My advice to the parents and/or students would be to go around the campus with a tour guide at first, but then explore it on your own so that you get the real feel for the campus. That's the only way you can see if it's the right fit. And if you're not sure about it, come again another time. It always helps to see it again. To make the most of your college experience, you have to join clubs and not be afraid to try new things. Find a good cirlce of friends that will try those things with you, and then you can all laugh about it later! Just don't go somewhere because that's where your parents want you to go or because you feel it's the only option. Remember that this is the start of new beginning, of your transition into adulthood, and you should take every opportunity given to you to make the most of it.

Dont feel as if moving away is the best option for a college experience. You can have a good college experience while being close to home. Also, concentrate on school, class credits and grades rather than on socializing, partying and drinking. Have a good time, but not too much fun. This is your college experience, make the most out of it but with high grades, dedication and committment to your courses, teachers and fellow students.

check into the school very carefully.

Make sure the school fits you.

College is a time to truly find oneself, to start over fresh from high school, and to be who you were meant to be. Finding the right environment to do this, is very important. You have to find a school where you think you will be comfortable and grow as an individual. It must be a place where you can become more independent and on your own, yet feel secure. Picking a college is a very personal decision that should be made without the influence of others. One has to really think about what you want from the college experience before you choose one. College should be the best years of your life, so pick one that will make you happy!

Visit the college and choose the one you like despite what their academic rating may be. It is only undergrad after all.

pick a small school. join clubs or sports. and only pick a school you can afford. do not go into debt because you think it means more to go to an expensive college, if you have a degree you will get a job no matter where you got your degree from

Look into a place that is going to make you happy for four years of your life (possibly even more for grad school). Enjoying where you are is a huge factor in how you feel about doing your work and making friends at your school. The more comfortable you are at your school, the easyer it is to go about your school work and social life. The school should also have the programs for the career direction you want to go, which is obviously why you are going to college in the first place.

I think before a student selects a college they should really first consider what environment they would love to be in. Once they've decided this I think they should really visit all the colleges in the area they've decided. Finally, I think they should sit down and take their time to think about what they really want out of life and where they feel they would be the most successful. They should then sit down with their family and loved ones and hear their opinions as well. Once a student is finally attending the college they've selected I think they should really just make the best of it even if its not exactly what they thought it might be. Take your time and never judge because you never know where your life will take you. For parents, I just think they should really try not to pressure their children into deciding to fast or trying to push them into a school they don't really want to attend. From a students point of view, I think this causes resentment and doesn't allow their child to enjoy college like they should.

You create the experience. Although your college's academic programs, financial aid, and location may be very important in your college selection, the atmosphere is what will most directly affect you. Don't rely on college visits for a sense of the atmosphere. More important are the people you'll surround yourself with, the classes you'll choose, and the activities you'll select. They're like "micro-environments" and they can change drastically. Simply living in suite 101 rather than 102 can make a huge difference. Rely on yourself to place yourself in the best situations possible, given what you've got. Whatever you want, find what makes you happy, and pursue it. And if you need help, just ask! Especially as a Freshman- just go ahead. You're not supposed to know everything about college life anyway. So relax. And certainly ask your professors for help if you need it! Visit their office hours, email them- remember, they're there to help you! Create your experience: Don't like hanging out with the people you met on the first day? ... Make new friends. Don't like your classes? ... Swap. Want your cheese sandwich grilled? ... Try the waffle-maker.

Look for a college where your child can be on his or her own but not to far from home where if an emergency were to arise you could get together quicker. Also a college near a city is nice usually because theres always something to do and if your from a rural area like I am then living near a city (even a small one like Albany, NY) is still quite the experience.