The New School Top Questions

Be sure that there is an emphasis on the proper pedagogy that fits your child the best. The "banking method", as discussed by Paulo Friere, works for some, while engaged and interactive learning works well for others. For example, when I was attending public schools as a child, I often got in trouble for speaking out during class. The New School puts a huge emphasis on class discussions and student participation as part of the learning experience and I flourished there while I struggled in more "traditional" schools. But, if your child is timid, silent, and just wants knowledge deposited to them they would most likely struggle in an environment like Lang College. Make sure you find a good fit and make sure to get an idea of how classes are conducted to put your child in the best environment to succeed.

Follow your heart.

Know what you want to study and what you want to get out of college. Participate in extra-curricular activities and try hard in academics.

My advice to all prospective college students is to not only look into the academic aspect of the schools you choose. It would be a good idea to visit the school on your own before you decide and try to talk to the students there. Ask them what they like and what they don't like about the school. Inquire not only about classes but about campus life and activities. Take note of the students you meet. What are they like? Are they stand-off-ish or friendly and helpful? I would even go as far as to take a peak into a classroom in session or two. Be very thorough in your investigation and then make an assessment of all the schools you visited. Once you have done all those things, then you can go through their course catalog and make your final decision. You will be grateful you took the time to do all that research when you start your classes.

My advice would be to try to consider a path for the future and then proceed to the proper place that serves that particular practice/career choice. If you are a person, like many, who has absolutely no idea what it is that they want to to, my advice would be to use the this time in your life to explore other places and experience the world. Chances are that after attending a university, you wont have the opportunity to live in a different country or live in a different part of the country for a short amount of time. Larger Universities, while providing immense variety in course and educational experiences, can also put a student in a position of feeling lost and utterly disconnected from everyone. Smaller, more intimate environments may serve to be a much more benefitial educational experience for some. My advice in choosing a college/university would be to visit differnt types of campuses, either locally or worlwide to try to find the best fit before commiting to any individual place. Once you are accepted and are attending a university, it becomes much harder to change your mind.

Take time to really learn about the ins and outs of a school. It's not just about the big name, or the famous professors, or the great sports team. The real key to how much you'll enjoy school is what the academic environment is like, the students' politics and lifestyles, and whether there are opportunities for you to pursue and become engaged by issues that are really important to you. I found a place that allowed me to follow my passion as closely, deeply, and thoroughly as I wanted, and that made all the difference in how much fun I had and how much I learned while I was there. Most of all, recognize that this is a time in your life you'll only get to experience once, so if you aren't happy and you've already tried to make changes for the better, go ahead and try something else! ENJOY IT!

The best advice I can give is, know what you want and spend a passionate amount of time on your application. Finding the right college depends on you, so learn as much as you can about the colleges and applications.

Get involved and learn from all your experiences.

I think you should know what you're looking for in terms of size, and you should definitely sit in on some classes. While touring schools, seeing what classes would be like was one of the most important things. Also, don't hesitate to learn more about the programs, and definitely talk to students on campus (not just your tour guide) to see what the school is like from their perspective. I would try and talk to some professors, or a bunch of students about their professors. Ask them what their best class to date was and why. I think the environment helps the students and parents decide, because it will make you ask yourself: is this what I want to see almost every day for the next four years? I knew my answer right away, but I know that it is not so easy for others. Tour your colleges with an open mind, and don't hesitate to get first-hand words from students other than the tour guide (they wouldn't hire someone who hates the school) because it really matters in the end.

As an art student, the most important thing to consider when choosing a college is how you feel when you are there. It may seem rather immature or irresponsible, but using your insinctive feelings is truly the best way to tell if the school is right for you. You need to sense the attitude of the people there and feel as though you can learn from them. You need to look at the student work on display. Does it challenge you? Does it give you ideas? Does it make you want to create? You need to love the smell of the classrooms- the oil paint, the printing ink, the charcoal. Tap into the vibe of the campus and if it inspires you and welcomes you, then that is where you belong.

Be sure to apply to as many colleges as possible and to make sure to take the time to visit each and research all equally. Do not be afraid to go away to school far from home!

I don't have any

In order to make the best college experince, one must do your research for your success to grow as a well informed human and citizen of the world. I think parents should take a step back in terms of dictating areas of study and allow students to decide what they will spend the next four years or more of thier life perfecting. What good would it do for the next Che Guevera to study poetry when her/his way to changing the world could be through helping to heal folks in the united states with a medical education? In other words, I am suggesting that its imperative for students transitioning to college to find the college that bests caters to thier social, emotional, mental, spiritual, and academic needs. This may not always be an ivy league instutition or even a school that has a fraternity. What it does mean is finding a school that wil challenge your multiple intrests and then help you to hone in on your specialties so you can be of service to your community. The best college for you is the one where YOU and not your parents or family, but you will be wholistically supported.

Your college choice is not a permanent one. Dont put too much pressure on yourself to decide a school, as you can't really know what you're getting yourself into until you are there (much like the old saying you don't know someone until you live with them!!) Don't allow yourself to be consumed by the social aspect of student life. You are paying for your education, and if you are true to yourself, you will meet good, classy friends in school situations and create your own atmosphere, rather than being consumed by party life with people you've just met. Be yourself!

pick more then one college, check everything during your junior year in high school.

Look into curriculam, make sure student recieves proper courses in order. For example, they won't be taking any advanced courses before taking basic classes. Enroll into meal plans and be well prepared with supplies and technology.

The most important advice I can give, is to not follow the advice of anyone else but your own.. Every school is different for each student, legacies aside, ivy league's aside, the only future that matters is the students. Visit the schools you are thinking about, stay the night, and talk to people other that the admission reps- student that you see around ask how they feel bout the school in all aspects, then compare it to what you see. Only you can judge how suitible a school is for you. And no decision is ever final, you can transfer at anytime. You are the one that is enrolling in the school, so you are the one who can truly judge a school's atmosphere, so why let the decision fall into someone else's hands?

Choosing the right college is always very stressful on people, and when they end up at a school that doesn't make them happy, it is even more difficult. I think location of colleges and universities is an important aspect of college life that doesn't hold enough weight in selecting colleges. Many will chose to transfer based simply on location and how they react with their surroundings, so it should go into consideration in the selection process. The other important part is visiting the school and talking to students about the positive and negative aspects of the school to get a whole view of it, not just the positives that can be seen on a website or by the college representative.

I strongly encourage each prospective student understand the kind of environment they are to enter as a New School student. Student life is as diverse as the city of New York City itself and so it really is up to each individual to make of it what they will. I have found that this school and its environment greatly limits the chance to be part of a community. Classes are long and demand much of your time even once dismissed. If two classes are missed you fail and the competition can be tough. Outside of classes be prepared for no sports teams, no clubs, no gyms, no dances or traditions of any kind; you?re on your own. Classes, for the most part, are chosen for you especially in the earlier years. My department is very small and classes that involve those outside of this are extremely limited; needless to say my social circle is quite small. Living in a fast paced city with a school providing little social outlet easily leaves students feeling lost and disconnected but most are convinced a name as notable as The New School is worth the price.

My advice, is to pick the school of your choice, this is your college career, make it just that YOURS! So you shouldn't try to fit in with school life, the school should fit into your life.

Go where you feel the most comfortable and not to worry too much.

Remember to pick the college that most fits your personality. Picking the "best" school does not necessarily mean you will be happiest there. A better education comes from a school you enjoy, rather than one known for its name.

Visit the school and talk to the students. You may feel nervous or dorky, but don't. They will be happy to help you. Don't forget how big of a decision it is.

I would first recommend taking the time to think about what your priorities are and then categorize their level of importance and then try to base your decision off of that list. If you're not sure about your career path, look into schools that have a lot to offer like state schools which have a variety of fields to choose from. As far as the cost goes, don't let that be a deciding factor if you know where you want to go. Granted, the cost may seem scary but there are a lot of scholarships out there and FAFSA is great. You'll be surprised at how much they can contribute with.

Although looking for a college to attend can be a stressful process, it is important to remember that no matter which institution you choose, it is you who will make yourself who you want to be. Some schools may claim to have the edge on others in a certain area and it may be true to a certain degree, however, it is up to the individual to seek knowledge, forge friendships and collaborate with instructors. Staying true to yourself and what you want to get out of life is what will give you a positive college experience, regardless of which school you attend. When in school, it is important to keep a clear vision of your goals and aspirations, so those you end up learning with and from, understand your passion. If you do this, your peers and superiors will respect you greatly.

To the students who are in the process of their college search, I advise that you make sure that the choice you make on the school that you wish to attend is that it is one that you make and no one else makes it for you. Investigate thoroughly, and know your choices in and out. For the parents of the prospective college students, do not pressure you kids into a choice they may not want to make. If you make the choice for them they will end up not giving it they?re all, or turn around and just do it to make you happy. Make sure that this is what they want to do, and the choice that they want to make. Always support them in what they do and be there to give them advice because they are still learning and going through experiences.

The world often convinves you that this is the biggest decision you will ever make, but I do not believe that is true. No matter where you go to college, YOU have to make the most of it and the dreams will follow. At this time of our lives, the most important thing is to experience life and educate ourselves beyond the boundaries of our schools. I will say that choosing a program that encourages growth and is located in a place that suits the activities you love most. I think to many people give up the things they love because of location or the school. YOU are in charge of your life and YOU choose the direction to take. Visit the school and audit some classes; that is the only way to really see if the school fits the way you approach your studies. To the parents, I say let your kid make the decision, but speak up if you feel the decision is dishonest. Honestly, life is too short and you should follow your dreams wherever they take you.

If I could bestow any advise to those entering into the college realm, it would for them to remember that sometimes the right school is important, but more often than not it is more about the experience you make for your self while you are in school. Take every opportunity, both in class and outside class, to expand your knowledge and horizons, for this is something that you will never regret. Use each opportunity that is presented to you to further your growth and to push your mind to it furthest point. Basically, never waste your education. Remember that you are the one who chooses what your college experience is going to be. No one else can do that for you. Challenge yourself, explore numerous opportunities, and work hard and you will find getting where you want to go is easier because of the strong educational path you created for yourself.

Work hard.

Go to the college that your children is interested in. Look around the campus and how the teachers and the students are interacting, then see if your kids like it.

I think it is crucial for the student to lean forward with excitment when he or she thinks about the upcoming year. Many students land in college for lack of a better idea or because they are told it is what is supposed to happen next. Students should at least consider going abroad or embarking on an internship or volunteer experience to help them find out a little more about the world they will be expected to enter running once they graduate from college. This way, college becomes more of a real entity--a venue for helping students learn and grow in ways that seem exciting and useful. The crucial question to ask is, "If I could do anything next year, what would I do?" The answer will be informative even if the student decides to enter school right away--it will help to direct him or her. This might mean going to a school in the mountains because the student's most passionate interest is outdoor sports or choosing a school that will allow the student to study abroad, satisfying a craving for travel. There should be some aspect of the school that calls the student forth with gusto!

The choice is difficult, but in the end- it is what you decide to do for yourself. No matter how many resources a university has, how good the food is, or if it ivy league, you make the experience for yourself. Founding clubs, organizations, and fighting for what you want may make you a better and stronger person at the end of your college career. No matter where you go, if you surround yourself with people who make you soar and do not drag you down- this will make your experience better. And while you're at school, make mistakes, take risks, try new things, and don't think so much of a final career-just think of it as higher education and higher life (but don't choose Miller lite based on that...it's disgusting).

Think about what you truly enjoy doing, not what will make for a lucrative career but what you truly LOVE to do. Whatever makes you happy. For me it's telling stories. So, I found a school that offers classes on theater, fiction, screenwriting, history and literature. I am so happy in my studies. Find your bliss and follow it. Think about what you most love to do and then find a school that will help you build on that passion. Keep and open mind and humble attitude, take in everything you can about the subject you love and doors will open.