University at Buffalo Top Questions

My advice to parents and/or students about finding the right college would be to 1st to listen to your child, who is about to venture into a new step in thier lives, on what they want in a college and what they feel is best for them. And if they want to study far, listen to them and give them a chance to follow their dream. i would also say visit as many campuses that interest both the parent and the student. looking at the campuses and even sitting in one or 2 classes, if u can, will help narrow down your choice. walk around the campus look at everything , explore. ask as many questions as possable and make sure they have the major they want. Also look at the surroundings, because the scenery is as important as the actual campus. All this would help make your student happy and achieve better grades.

Go with your heart

If you have no clue what you want to do when you grow up, lay low and stick to a community college until you figure out what feels right. Starting big isn't neccessaraly a bad decision but the money tends to become more of an issue when your paying for something your not even sure you like. College is great but their is a point when financialy you have to ask yourself "Is this what I want to do for the rest of my life". Student loans have to be paid for somehow and you dont want to be stuck with a job that gives you no personal satifaction.

Keep your options open, arrange visits to the schools you find interesting, research school websites, veiw the classes they offer teacher student ratios, view their average costs (some schools give you an estimation for the costs of tuition, books and living). CHECK OUT UB!

When looking at colleges, do not just look at the farthest school from home and decided that is where you want to go. Consider you or your family's economic standing. Decide what you can afford, if you want to take out loans and if you will apply for financial aid. Visit campuses to see how you like them. Read up about each of the schools you are interested in. Weigh benefits of living at home v. living at school. Living at home may not be as bad as you think, and it saves money. Look into which school is better for the area of study you are entering. Once in college, do not be afraid to try new clubs and activities or meet new people. Work hard but do not forget to make time to have fun and make friends. Try to figure out what classes you enjoy early on so you do not have to rush to fit everything in in four years. Also try to have a plan/goal for graduation. Enjoy yourself.

Pick a school that is the best in the students intended field which you can afford. Don't let location or campus be too much of a factor, because they really don't matter very much.

Pick the school atmosphere that most appeals to you. Go somewhere you'll feel comfortable, welcomed, and open to trying new things. Don't be afraid to move outside your comfort zone, but remember that if you're unhappy in any way, or if you decide to change to a major that your school doesn't offer, you can always transfer to another school. Choosing a school is a huge decision that you should think about carefully. Listen to the advice of your parents and of current college students-after all theyv'e been there and they know what they're talking about. Ultimately the decision rests with you, but don't think of it as a decision that you can never change. It's fluid and you should be too, because college is all about discovering yourself-what makes you happy, what do you believe in, what do you value? Choose a school where you think you'll be able to discover all those things. And once you're there, be open to new things and people and enjoy the fact that you can move yourself in any direction you want.

I would tell parents and/or to go into the college searching process very open-mindedly;don't just pick a school that your friends are going to, or that is close to home. It could possibly be the most important decision of your life and should not be taken lightly. Of course cost and reputation of the school are very important factors, as well as the success rate graduates have to find jobs and passing board exams upon graduation are all important things to consider. Freshman year of college gives you a clean slate, you can be whoever you want to be. It doesn't matter if you were in the "nerdy" crowd, or the "cool" crowd in high school. Everyone is in it together and it is something to dive into, with no regrets. Do not hold back. College will be the best experience of your life!

Look for the place with the most options and opportunities for students. Your undergrad years are your years to explore and grow, before you really focus as a graduate. Focus on extracurriculars, events, and on-campus research and job opportunities- things that will look good on your resume. If you decide not to go to graduate school, make sure that your can still build your resume through your undergraduate college, which in my experience is best done through additional programs and certificates, that also show breadth in a field, not just depth. When in college, try everything. Every out-of-class lecture, volunteer opportunity or club you join will help you grow as a person. When you get out of college, how well you do in the real world will be a reflection of how well you've prepared yourself during your college years. Don't waste them at an institution that doesn't want to work for you.

I have no advice or opinion on the subject, except to tell students to go for what they want so long as they can afford it.

Parents should encourage their children to explore colleges outside of what they think they want and visit as many schools as possible. Students should be open to explore the many different possibilities and try no to get set ne one school or one type of school. I always wanted to attend a small school and ended up at a very large one. I'm very happy with my decsion and would probably have regretted it had I not explored other options.

It is overwhelming to find the college or university that is right for you, however, University at Buffalo is thriiving. I grew up in a close knit community out of state, and thought I would be overwhelmed with a large university, although UB is a large institution it doesn't feel overwhemling because it is broken down into three campuses. All of the campuses offere opportunities that can make anyone feel at home. I have lived off and on campus and both experiences have made my experience here better.

My parents have always adviced me to make mistakes, but only make them if I'm going to learn from them. They have always told me to make the best of every situation, even if the situation is not ideal. They've always also told me to use every situation as a learning experience. If I go through a single day and learn nothing that day, they aren't happy about it because I'm not using every situation to the best of my ability. They tell me that finding the right college and place to fit in is up to me, because I know what feels comfortable for myself and I am the only one that can make the decisions that really effect me.

I believe that the first priority for any student should be academic satisfaction, or choosing a school that challenges their academic ability yet still reflects personal achievement accurately. I feel that a solid educational experience leads to both intellectual and emotional growth, and that the school should be compatible with their academic areas of interest. If the student will live at the school, he should become involved in a club or organization that suits his personal interests, as a student often find their niche in such activities. Staying true to one's abilities and values allows the student to participate in activities with students of similar values, which is essential to a good experience. I recommend that the student also be comfortable with their academic advisor, as they can be an invaluable resource for course satisfaction and opportunities for job and study abroad experiences. Above all, the student must constantly evaluate the degree to which they are enjoying the experience. If they feel that combined academic, financial, and social factors are in any way dissatisfactory, the best solution would be to continue researching schools. The only true way to find the right school is to go there for four years!

Visit the school, talk to current students who share similar interests.

I would make sure to visit any school that you are thinking about going to. Sometimes there can be a big surprise when you don't actually go there in person. Also, make sure you focus on your studies, but don't forget to spend time with your friends. Also, join some clubs!

If you are a parent, give your kid/s some advice as to what career field they want to get into. If you are a college bound student, start looking into what you want to do and start there. Don't just go to a school because its has a nice reputation, or because it's a "party school". No school is a party school because school gets hard after all the partying. If you are failing and can't graduate within 5 years, there is no turning back. When you are in college, you are your own responsibility. Of course you can change majors, but certain classes are only offered during fall or spring semester and some majors do not have the same requirements. A.K.A. staying extra semesters. I meet so many people in college but only a handful became my family away from family. You dont have to be friends with everyone but being nice makes a difference.

Take a lot of time in trying to find the right college, visit as many places as possible and talk to people there.

Be prepared when you are searching for the right school. Think of qualities that you like in a school and rank them by priority. It is important to visit the school and go on the tour because pictures in the brochures can be deceiving. Ask questions and observe your surroundings. It is not only important for the school to have your program of intent, but also for you as the student to see if you are can adjust to this new environment. Remember, adjustment to college is critical in succeeding. The qualities you like should be exhibited in your visit to the school; if not, ask questions!

Always be open to new ideas because you never know what your future holds ahead of you. If you are a shy person, a small college may not be your best choice because you will not get the opportunity to break out of your shell. Choose a college that has many different majors so that way if you happen to change your mind you won't have to transfer. Experiment with your comfort zone; if you have always been a person who needs to be within a short distance from your family try going to school a little farther away from home and you could discover a new side of you that you never knew existed. When you choose the college that seems to suit you best, take advantage of everything that school has to offer. College is expensive, so do as much as you can, while still keeping your priorites straight. Finally, make as many friends as possible. It's always good to know a lot of people because in times of need you will be there for each other and as a result you will be able to grow and learn from one another.

In choosing a college, students should not choose solely because of the name of the school. Parents should also allow their children to be active participants in the selection process rather than choosing a school for their children that they wish to have attended. Taken together, choosing based on either, or both of the aforesaid criteria will potentially result in a less enjoyable experience. As it relates to making the most of the academic experience, it is of paramount importance that students do their part, that is, attending classes, studying, completing assignments in a timely manner and, most of all, asking for clarification where needed. The best social experience will amount from being accepting of others of backgrounds other than one's own. This will best be achieved by being willing to learn about others' experiences rather than refraining from interacting with others for fear of not being well versed in cultural knowledge and as such, will be unable to successfully converse with others. All in all, one will get the most out of the college experience based on the reason for the selection as well as the enthusiasm with which he or she interacts with others.

you have to visit the college and get a feel for its size and local environment. That is the most important thing, as yourself can I see myself walking through these buildings and living in this area would it make me happy?

Once you have applied and been accepted to schools of your choice make sure to do an on campus visit. While there don't be afraid to ask questions, chances are if you're thinking it then so are others on the tour. As for the college experience in your first few semesters make sure to read flyers hanging around, attend meetings and campus events. Colleges offer some of the most amazing opportunites that some times people are unaware of. From internships, to studying abroad, to being involved in academic related greek organizations, to volunteering, the college experience will provide it all. I once had a professor who gave me the best advice while in my undergraduate studies and I rely on it heavily now in my Graduate studes, that College is all about networking. Never again in life will so many opportunites and wonderful people be at your fingertips.

Visit the campus and try to get accquianted with the campus before the student starts to attend the place. Getting a feel of the school is an invaluable experience that seals the deal on the school. Next talk to students, input from people who has been there helps a lot too. Try to get the feel of the school in the busiest time of the semester, it really helps.

Parents, you have got to let your kids choose the school that they feel is right for them. These next four years will be an amazing opportunity to grow and learn abut themselves as individuals, and because of that, they deserve the right to feel at home and accepted while spreading their wings at the same time. Students, First and formost... BE YOURSELF! no matter what you choose, where you go, who you meet, BE YOURSELF! College is intimidating, but how you handle it says so much about your character. No matter what happens, this is a time to find yourself, not lose yourself. College is a lot less judgemental than high school, take comfort in that and allow yourself to express who you are. Remind yourself everyday of why you are where you are to keep yourself focused, but also remember to make memories and have fun. Try new things, join clubs, play sports, take classes you normally wouldn't...explore as much as you can so that when you leave, you know that you have taken advantage of what an amazing opportunity you have been given. Carpe Diem! You earned it!

Don't be turned off by the size. College is what you make of it. UB was not even in my top 3 choice colleges, but having just graduated I would choose it again. I got in to all the colleges I applied to, but chose UB because it was reasonably affordable unlike my other top choices. I made friends at orientation and that was by far one of the best decisions ever and it made the first few weeks of class much easier to acclimate to. I was not a great high school student but when I found my niche in communications and decided what I wanted to do, I focused and finished college magna cum laude, almost summa. I joined the ultimate frisbee club team and made more friends, stayed active and had tons of fun. There are things I would change about my college experience but they are mainly social - choosing UB is not on that short list.

SUNY at Buffalo is a great time. Go there and enjoy it!

When choosing a college, it pays to take all aspects of the school and it's surrounding city into account. If I could go back and decide on a college over again I would first prioritize what is most important to me, and then begin to narrow down my choices. These priorities are different for every student and family. The college decision will affect the rest of your life tremendously so don't take it lightly., but don't worry too much because you can always transfer if you are unhappy.

Make sure you chose the college/university that gives you a good feeling. When you visit the campus, test the food, imagine living in the dorms, sit in on a class. You can't imagine the experience, but you will remember the feeling.

My advice to parents and students is to make many visits to many different colleges and universities. I would not make those visits during an orientation or an informational session because during those times the school provides many facts to stir the prospective student into their school. Instead, I would make a visit and roam around the student body to see what the students who are currently attending the school feelt about it. I would definitely keep a few questions prepared so that I can recieve different opinions (for example: the housing, food, education, transportation, social life and activities, and accomodations). Once I would get a general idea of what students feel the school is like, I would make a second visit for orientation or informational session (if I feel what the students have said appeals to me). By doing this, I can get the school's perspective on what it has to offer. Based on this, I would make my choice to apply or not.

I would have to say that when picking a school, going to that school and getting a feel for it is extremely important. Walk around on your own for a bit and you will know if you will be comfortable there. Also, look into your department of interest as well as a backup department. Many students choose a school based on one major and later change and end up finding their school has a poor department in that study or may not have the program at all. Not everyone knows what they want to do someday, pick a place you feel comfortable, is interesting to you, is within your cost limits, but most importantly you will have fun and feel accepted as a peer by students and professors alike. It is important to remember that college is the start to a huge part of life. Follow your gut and you will find yourself in a very comfortable place.

The advice i give to students or parents to make the most out of the college experience is to allow yourself enough time to adjust im the begining. After you have adjusted yourself to the new environment socially, physically, and mentally study hard and play hard. Make lots of friends! Have lots of fun, make memories, but most importantly make sure you have your priorities strait. School comes first before partying!

Make your college decision based on what you think will be right for you, not based on what others think is right for you Be practical in your decision, but challenge yourself as well. Make the most of your college experience by attending all classes. After all, you are paying for them. Push yourself as much as you can. Step outside of your comfort zone, but also know your limitations. Strive for a 4.0, but don't beat yourself up if you don't quite achieve that. GET INVOLVED! Most importantly, have fun. These are the best years of your life.

Before you start looking for a college, you should find a field that you are interested in. One college is not best for everything, for example one college would be good for medical field and bad for the engineering field. So the field we are interested in is very important. Then look for the colleges those are afffordable for you.Then look for the trasportation and housing,for exampple if you want to commute, select one of the colleges that near to you or if you want to live in a dorm select the schools that are far away. If you are interested in study abroad, look for the colleges who provides that. Visit the campuses and try to talk to the faculty and know the class sizes and schedules. After doing all the listed things i am pretty sure you will find a college which is best suited for you.Good luck.

College is nothing to be worried about. It is a great experience and it is the bridge between high school and your career.

I would tell them to make sure they look at different college types. Like large and small campuses, private and public colleges because they don't really know what will be the right fit until they see it first hand. A lot of students have a specific school in mind that they feel they really want to go to but when they get to see it first hand, they end up not liking it. So I think that the most important thing in finding a college is definately keeping options open and exploring all different types of campuses.

I would tell parents or students looking for the right college to choose a school that offers programs that will give students an advantage after graduation. A student should be able to say my school offered a significant amount of experience prepared me for the workforce or whatever field is choosen to go into. College should be a learning experience, so you want to choose a school that versatile as to allow students to break out of their comfort zone. But most importantly, research the campus living and the meal plans. If a student is not eating sufficiently or hates the place that they are living it's guaranteed that they will not be able to succeed academically.

In order for a student to be able to succed and make the best of college they have to find a school that meets thier learning needs ad the ways in which they learn. Sometimes that means a smaller university with smaller class size is better. The studet also has to be in an enviornment where they feel safe being away from home and in which they feel they can best learn live and enjoy themselves. Although college is about education, it is also a stepping stone to independence so students have to feel as if they can safely and succesfully make that transition at the school they choose. Student have to remember that unlike high school, college is what you make it so it is up tp them to get the most out of the expirence. You have to want to go to college for you and no one else, otherwise its pointless. Lastly the best college to choose is the one that best fits you for you and not for parents or anyone else.

For parents make sure you ask about services such as tutoring and advisement, if you child is shy try a smaller college so that they have the opportunity to break out of their shell a bit and for students pursue a program of study that you feel passionate about that way you will really be able to apply yourself to it and make sure when you have the chance you talk to fellow classmates and teachers, develope a buddy system with people in each of your classes and exchange numbers or email addresses so you can always ask what you missed in case your car breaks down, you get sick, etc, use whatever free services are offered as often as possible, make sure you make a schedule that allows time for both studying/work and social/free time

Follow your heart.

Try everything, you never know what will catch your attention or change your path. You may find something incredible way outside your limits.

Just because a college is prestigious or known for amazing research, doesn't mean they will have an excellent program in your major. Look into individual deparmtents and course offerings. See how practical the curriculum is. Will it prepare you for a job or at least prepare you well for the GRE's? Students should live on campus for at least a year, even if they're local. Students should live off campus for at least a year-- branch out and become a part of the community they reside in, even if the school inhibits it (Some schools, like mine, are in the suburbs and offer no means of getting around the city. they sort of shun it. it keeps crime stats down and it keeps money on their campus). Students should find out the professor to student ratio (rather than the faculty to student ratio as this can include TA's). Students should go where they feel comfortable. I knew the minute I stepped on campus where I wanted to go.

Make sure the college you want to attend doesn't cost more than the prospective career field will pay in a ten year period. Make sure the college program fits with your future aspirations. If you want to be a social worker, maybe Harvard isn't the best choice. I suggest offering your services, as a high school student, to a company in your perspective career field to get an idea that is what you really want to do. As far as being successful in college, NETWORK. Talk to every professor, senior, alumni, advisor, secretary, etc. and find opportunities to build your resume. The opportunities are there you just have to ask. Don't be affraid to ask a proffesor if you can be a teachers assistant (you can get credit for this and it looks great on your resume). Don't skip class, skipping one college class is the equivelant of skipping 3 high school courses (ouch!), that's a lot of work to make up. Have fun, be safe. College is a time of great self exploration this is a time to discover who you are and who you want to be. Trust yourself!

I would advise most students to really look into different schools before choosing one. College is a HUGE choice and i feel many students choose the college they attend for the wrong reasons. Look into as much financial aid as you possibly can before you take out private loans, and when and if you do take out private loans make sure to think responsibly. If living in a dorm take the experience for what it is, and dont try to rush out of it. College will most likely be a culture shock for many, but enter it with an open mind and heart. "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn unlearn and relearn" MOST importantly ENJOY it!

Make sure the school is right for you. Visit it and make sure you like the area and you feel like you fit in.

Make sure you figure out your learning style and your needs before you decide on the college, try to live on campus, dorming is amazing. You meet more people and are more likely to join more activities.

the right college and major is the most important thing when you apply for college

It's important to choose a school that has several different ways to get involved culturally, academicaly, socially, and with the community. This gives students room to grow in all of these areas. Finding a healthy balance between these areas is also very important to personal and acedemic developement. It also provides ways to make connections and take on leadership roles that are important for life beyond college.

The Choice about where to go to school is tough. I had to choose between polar opposite schools with similarly ranking programs, and it was very tough. The best choice is to make desicions of schools based on as much data and money comparisons as you can make. To make the most out of the college experience, involvement is key. If you get involved with clubs, you learn about topics which don't get taught until junor and senior years. Thus, involvment helps you learn more, and improves GPA, as well as networking in the future.

For me , SUNY at BUffalo was simply a gut reaction from my first visit.