University at Buffalo Top Questions

go with your gut in making your decision and make the most out of that decision. think only positives and dont pack your entire room into your car and take it to college with you, it will be a pain and a hassle and chances are half the things you pack tou will never use.

In order to find the right college for yourself, or as a parent, is to visit the campus and make sure the person attending the college can see themselves being comfortable at that college. Going to the most expensive school just because it costs the most doesn't necessarily make it the best school or the best choice, a person has to know what is right for them. Making the most of your college experience is easy, all you have to do is be yourself. There are plenty of activities going on in most colleges so its easy enough to meet people with similar interests. For me, having a balance between school life and my social life is what helps make the most of my college experience. The two go hand in hand, you meet friends in the major you're in, you can then socialize and hang out, and then help eachother with assignments. In order to be successful while still having fun in college is simple; be yourself, and strive to excel.

It has to feel like home. If wherever you apply to doesn't feel like home, it's probably not worth it. Financial aid is a HUGE consideration as well; but if you can't find a way to be completely you, and surround yourself with people who feel like that as well, you're not going to do well. You have to know that you won't want to return home for Christmas or Spring Break, that you'd rather stay on campus or near it; and if you do leave, that you'll miss it before you even left campus.

Do what's best for you and don't listen to what other people say.

When you receive your acceptance letter, take some time to think about it. Really consider how much each campus offers and compare. Take time to sit and discuss how big of a deal money is when it comes to schools. If you feel like teh more expensive school is teh best fit, don't automatically dismiss it because of the financial strain. If there is any way to make that school work under your current economic limits, do it. You may end up regretting your decision down the line. Most importantly the people you meet at school will really make it all worth while, so don't limit yourself when interacting, look beyond the people that would have fit right in with your friends at high school and talk to some kids that are different than you are used to interacting with, they may end up being your best friends.

My advice would be not to worry so much about what their child looks on paper. I've met a lot of people that on paper look wonderful, but they can't handle the pressure of college, or they can't interact successfully with people. And I've met a lot opf students who didn't necessarily look so hot on paper but in the right school they flourished, and they got great grades, got involved, and had a blast, both socially and academically. What's important in college is finding a place that encourages intellectual and social growth together, and one that supports different ways of thinking, and finding a college that can do that in the best way for a particular student is what parents should look for. They shoucl look for an environment that is comfortable for their child, but still pushes comfort zones and intellect. That kind of environment is the best for learning, and the purpose of college is, after all, to learn.