University of Alabama at Birmingham Top Questions

Be prepared to study, work, and open up. This is your path you choose so choose wisely and don't ever give up and when you are discouraged surround yourself by friends that make you smile. While it ain't a cake walk, it can be extremely fun so have fun while you can but don't let it interfer with whats important.

Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. At first meeting people can be hard but it gets easier when you give it a shot. The freedom is great but don't let it get the best of you. You have to remember to stay focused and that you're there for a reason. Remember to have fun and make the best of it, college goes by a lot faster than you think it would.

Just choose a place that makes you happy and comfortable. Dont choose a place where al your friends go. School is about your career and your life and your college experience shuld be about learning things that you want to do in life. College is where you meet people that you will know for the rest of your life. You should not feel tied down to your highschool life.

Be sure that you are finacially prepared to entered into a college or university. Make sure that the distance from your parents is not a stressor and that you know what resources are avaliable to you on campus. Know the atmosphere, some schools are known as party schools and some are known as strict academic schools, most fall in between. DO YOUR RESEACH! This is key to making any decision.

When choosing a college it is good to have an idea of what type and kind of environment you would like. Whether you do or not, start early to look into colleges so that you can plan ahead as far as preparing financially and academically to make yourself a good/great candidate. Once you've selected the colleges you would like, it is important to take a tour to see how comfortable you are in the environment/location of the campus. I say this from personal experience because when I took a tour of the college I thought was right for me because of my intended major, I could not believe how uncomfortable I felt. I felt like it wasn't for me. When I took a tour of my second choice, I instantly fell in love and was smiling through the whole tour. A tour makes a difference in not just getting to see the college you would like to attend but it lets you see if your personality meshes well with the environment. In making the most of your college experience, stay focused on your goal but have safe fun because college is an experience to remember.

Parents should make sure that their children are comfortable with the campus and let them decide what they want to do with their lives. No pressure should be put on students to make them do something they don't want to do. Students should stay focused on their schoolwork yet try not to just focus on school. They should relax and take in their whole college experience. It's important for students to make friends and stay involved on campus. They might consider activities that might look good on a resume for the future. Overall, students need to make sure that the campus they are considering offers the major they want to persue. The campus needs to fit your personality and make the home away from home feel as comfortable as possible.

Parents should be supportive throughout this process but should allow their child to make his or her own decision. Students should remember that they are at college to obtain a higher education and should therefore remain focused and studious. However, college is also the place where most people find out exactly who they are; thus, students should join organizations and have fun while continuing to be productive.

My advice for parents and students would be to apply to many different colleges and visit each a couple of times. By experiencing many different types of colleges prospective students can gain a clear idea of what type of atmosphere will be best for their success. Students may be interested in a professional atmosphere where complete focus is set on science education and applying to a professional school or a liberal arts atmosphere where they can increase knowledge and creativity while expressing themselves. The type of atmosphere appropriate for each student can only be determined by a taste of both environments. Almost every school carries similar degree programs but it is the way the school administers those programs that will determine a student?s success and happiness.

The main thing i would advise parent and students to do is to apply to many colleges and take their time deciding which place would be right for them. Visiting each college the student is interested in is extrememly important. Obtain lists of each schools activities and majors to see if any seem interesting to you. I would advise the student to get involved early and find the club/group where they feel the most comfortable. Going to college for the first time can be very scary but if you get involved early you will be sure to make lasting friendships. Also, I would advise the parents and students to take the time to fill out scholarship applications, because with the economy as it is coming up with money for college can be extrememly difficult. Overall, just make sure to consider all your options, and trust your gut feeling. Trust your heart because you know yourself best.

Finding the right college includes actually going to visit and doing research on the school. Make sure that the college you choose is a top one for your major, or has many different choices for a major if you are undecided. Make sure that you are happy with the surrounding area including the college. Choose the one that feels right. The one when you walk on to the campus for a tour that you can picture yourself there. The one that will give you the experience of a lifetime. Pick the one that you know you will be happy with in two, three, and four years. Make the most of your college experience by getting involved in what interests you. Don't waste time joining things you know you will hate or will not have time for. Pick two or three organizations and get really involved in them. Find good friends.

They should jus look for the there major and see if the school has it.

My advice to parents would be to allow your child to grow; don't push them away by being too controlling. Be supportive of your child's dreams, as well as their grades. College is difficult, and there are many factors to adjust to. My advice to students is to remember your purpose. The purpose of college is to prepare you for a career and the future. College should be a place to learn and make friends. Don't forget your parents either! They have worked hard to ensure that you get a good education and have a great future. They are also the only people who will unconditionally love and support you. Another tip is to get involved! You will not meet people if you do not learn to participate. By the way, have you heard of the "freshman 15"? For me, it was the freshman 30! You will eat badly in college and you will gain weight, so grab your roommates and head out to the campus gym! Most of all, don't take anything too seriously and do your best! Good luck!

I would say to parents and/or students to first make sure the location of the school that is chosen is right for the particular person; meaning make sure it is right climate wise, crime wise, and the set up of the campus. If campus housing is needed make sure the dorms offer the type of living accomadation desired and food services on campus are open during breaks if you will need to utilize the services during those times. First and formost make sure that the desired major is offered . Also, research the classroom setting to make sure that the classes are taught in a way that is benefical to you. Last if possible visit the campus and sit in on a class if at all possible.

The right college might not be the one that you've always pictured. Pick 4-5 different colleges that you are interested in, and picture yourself there. If you know what your major will be, figure out what opportunities there are for you. If you know your career-path, ask about opportunities that are offered for experience in your desired field. Take a campus tour and learn about the traditions behind that particular school. Make sure you choose a place where you can truly feel at home. College is everything that you make it out to be. If you are unhappy with your surroundings, you will waste away some of the best years of you life! Have fun! Find at least five organizations at your school that truly interest you and get involved! Make friends that are on the same career/school path that you are; that way, you always have a buddy that can study hard with you, or with whom you can take a much needed break from the books. But as fun as college life is, stay on top of your studies. The best way to stay focused is to reward yourself when you really need it!

Make sure that your school of choice had exactly the program that you need. Plan to spend more money and time than you originally estimated. Start preparing financial plans early. Try to get to know faculty and staff because they will help you.

The best advice I can give someone is always go with makes you happy when finding a school of your choice. Make sure that you have all your information about financial aid, housing, and academic courses and majors. Also make sure you choose a major that you can see will bring you happiness in the long run.

I would say start early and check all alternatives. And get to at least 5 schools

The first thing to remember is that it?s up to YOU to decide what you'd like to pursue a career in. For three semesters I was a business major because my dad always said, ?You can make a lot of money with a business degree.? My school is also known for having one of the top business schools in the nation. Once I started taking business classes, I decided it wasn?t for me so I changed my major to communications. I fell in love with my major and I have no regrets! Secondly you have to find a balance between school and your social life. You can?t party Thursday night, come home at 3:00 AM and go to a Friday 8:00 AM class . Have fun but don?t let four years pass you by due to 24 hour study sessions either. Make sure to make friends and network because these connections can last a lifetime! Also try to join groups that are related to your major. These groups will give you the upper hand on what to expect after college and will help you network with professionals in your field of study. Good luck!

Submit applications early. Fill out every application you can find.

Make sure you get the facts on degree requirements and where you stand on fulfilling those requirements.

I would say, before you apply to college research it and see what its strong points are in relationsip to your field of study. Make sure that there is no other school that is within the same distance that is ranked higher and is more focused on your particular field. Check out the surrounding areas. Visit the campus random times of the year just to see what is going on. There's more to college than just an education and you want to be sure to have the right fun but safe place for the student.

No one truly knows what they want to do straight off. Talk to people, and figure out what you want to accomplish in your life. Make an effort to put your name out there for others to hear and get involved with groups in the community. Know you limitations and do not overwork yourself. Parents are the key to a success in today's colleges. Parents should always praise the students for even trying to accomplish a dream, even if it back fires. The knowledge that can be gained today by the new era of students is incredible, just sit back and enjoy.

I would let them know that they should consider what each college is known for when it comes to careers and majors. The size of of the campus is important too, because many people dont like big campuses and some dont like small campuses. Location is another important thing, whether the student wants to be close to home or not. Choosing a college should be the students decision because they will be the ones going there for 2-4 years or longer and they should enjoy being there and be able to have fun participating in activities on campus. College is not all about studying, while that is the most important thing, college students need to make friends and have fun doing extracurricular activities, or they will be miserable the whole time they are in college.

Start applying for college early by researching and requesting information from your choices. Review all avenues for financial aid and seek help from family, neighbors and even students that attend the colleges of choice. Parents get involved in the process and listen to your children while providing them with guidance in the final choice. Finally, remember college is an investment in your future.......don't waste it.

The best way to find a good school is by touring the school, seeing what the school offers, and to look up the college background.

To future leaders of America a student should attend the college of there choice but also have a backup just incase their price range exceeds yours and major in something you really want to be, don't major in something just because your parents told you to because at the end this is not a job, but a life long career you will be stuck with. Be sure to study hard Freshmen year because if you mess up its going to be really hard to play catch up. Freshmen year is a new and exciting experience, but be sure not to let yourself go or else you'll end up being a party addict and a chance that you might end up regretting something one day.

Never settle for anything less than what you want, make sure you can afford your education and that if you need loans to know the plan you wish to follow. Once you are in school, never settle for anything, strive for more, and always try and get the best grades possible. Once you begin to settle for less, you will slip, and it's a hard climb back out of that.

Finding the right college can be an exciting experience especially when you find the college just for you. Its important to recognize the environment in which you learn best and try to locate a college that embodies that environment. Factors to consider are the size of the campus, student to teacher ratios, available financial aid, and cost of tuition. Colleges that offer a variety of on and off campus recreational activities help to relieve the stress of academics. Meet with academic counselors of your top college choices BEFORE you choose the college; they should influence your decision substantially because thier advice will help direct your path as a student , thus necesssary for your success.

Make sure you know enough about the school before you go there. Also, don't decide based on your boyfriend or girlfriend's location.

My advice to parents, would be to allow your child the right to pick his or her on school. These are times in their lifes that they want to be grown; and better yet they are times in which your child will become an adult. The decisions they make now in there life will last them forever; the main thing is that they are going to college. As for my advice for the students; students should base their decsion on three factors. First, they should most importantly base their decsion on which school to attended based on the availablity of the degree programs that they wish to pursue. Secondly, the decion should not be based on who has the best football team, or which college has the best party life. Thirdly, their decsion should be based on weather they want to live at home, or step out on their own and go away for school. However, the most important thing to remeber for both the parents and the students is that, you do attend school and make an effort to better your life for yourself and the rest of your society.

I would tell sudents to make sure there focused and commited to learning. I would also tell them they need to know how to discipline themselves and balance school with personal life. For parents, I would tell them to not to be too clingy as they enter college. Let there child experience college.

Make sure to study your college before you go and take lots of notes in classes. College is alot more independant than high school so you have to take it on yourself to do the best you can!

First of all, students should choose a school that they feel comfortable at. If the atmosphere isn't right, they won't feel at home there. Secondly, they should pick a school well known for their intended major or interests. Don't just settle for the school that's closest to home or that has your favorite football team- pick one that you know you'd get a great education at. Pick a well known school that can help "get your foot in the door" for finding a job post- college. Make the most of college in a way that YOU feel works for you. Don't feel pressured to join a Greek organization or sports team if that's not what you want to do. There are many activites outside of classes and everyone is sure to find something they'll enjoy. Don't join in just because you're friends want you to- do what's right for YOU! Lastly, don't forget that college is about your education. Be smart with you decisions and think about your future before you decide to go out partying and make mistakes. Don't forget to have fun, though!

Students should follow their minds and family needs to support it no matter what

Finding the right college is like trying on a new pair of pants. Sometimes you know right away that they do not fit. Other times they just need to be broken in, but then they become your favorite pair. College is the same way. It might be love at first sight, the moment you walk on the campus you know that this is the place. It might take a semester before you realize how great the place you chose really is. Two pieces of advice are if you go with your gut feeling chances are you will do just fine. Secondly don't be afraid to visit as many colleges as you feel nessasary. Also don't be afraid to transfer if you don't get it right the first time. Thousands of students don't finish college where they started it. If the pants don't fit then go and try on a new pair. Lastly, get involved with the campus activities its the best way to meet people and see if you and the college you chose is a good fit.

Just look everwhere don't limit yourself. Enjoy everything there is to do at yor college. Join different programs, step outside the box for a moment.

Finding the right college depends on what you as a student want to do in life and not what friends force you to do. And parents, you should look for an university that has a great campus where your child will be safe and you will not have to worry.

To find the right college, the student needs to consider if they will be proud to say that they are from 'x' university. When there is a glut of degree holders, it becomes imperative that a person be able to show that they did well at a competitive school. Making sure that the college is accredited, ranked highly in the student's field of interest, and has a high rate of success in seeing their students employed is critical; especially when the mechanization and globalization of the workplace along with the glut of educated workers makes it harder to be employed. Finding a college that offers plenty of social, community-service, and job/research/internship opportunities will help the student become invested in that college as well as help their resume at the same time. A college that offers a plethora of opportunities gives the students a better chance at discovering themselves and what occupation they want as well. To make the most of the college experience, a person needs to do well in their classes so that they have the ability to have stress-free fun outside of class. Taking advantage of the student life opportunities is also crucial.

You should attend an orientation to see what campus life is like there. You should research what schools are really known for the field that you are interested in for a career. You should also look at available scholarships, financial aid available, and the extracurricular activites available.

My best advice to students would be to not be scared of not knowing their passions. Not knowing what one wants to do for the rest of his or her life is not rare. Afterall, choosing any path in life is a big decision that requires much thought. College is just another place to explore and discover new talents and opportunities. However, remember, that even though for some students their majors may not pertain to anything they do in the future, for many students, the knowledge and degree they earn from college are often the foundation of their future careers. So be sure to stick with fields of interest. As for parents, my best advice would be to not try to override their children's opinions and choices. Guide their children, but should ideas clash, allow their children to follow their passions and make their own dreams come true - just support and encourage them, because even though ideas of a successful future may not correspond, the kids want to make the parents proud, too.

START SEARCHING FOR COLLEGES SOON! Most of the best scholarships are contingent on you gettting your applications in fast. Make sure you go to the colleges you're looking at, do the campus tour thing, and try to talk to some regular students. Ask your tour guide if you can attend a class, or talk to one of the professors from the field you like. And if you don't know exactly what you want to do in your life, look at all of the departments and make sure there is some flexibility to change majors. I think I've heard that most students change majors at least once while in college. Once you get to college, be sure that you don't overload yourself. It is possible to work part-time and go to school full-time, but don't expect to make straight A's if you're skipping classes because you oversleep too often. Don't let your first semester of college define your ideas about college. There are a lot of teachers at every college, and (for some reason) freshmen always seem to get the worst ones.

Make sure your child has the most input on where to go to college. Let them follow their own dreams and find ways to accomodate the cost of college. Take many visits of various college campuses and expand your knowledge of unknown colleges. When your child has found the write college try to visit and call them often. To students find a college you like don't follow your friends or girlfriend/boyfriend, or stick to family traditions of attending a certain college. College is fun and you should make the best of it as much as possible.

Parents don't pressure your child to already have a major when they go to college. Students don't let anyone pressure you to already have a major. Almost every student I have met has changed their major and one reason is because they didn't want the 1st major in the first place and they were pressured into choosing one. So instead of being stuck with credits you don't need, when you go in just take the required curriculum like math and english and take your time to explore other majors and what they have to offer.

Go to the best school for the least money you have to spend out of pocket. But, don't always assume you have to go to the best school even if you can't afford it. I would not trade the time I've spent at my "lesser" school for anything in the world. It turned out to be even better than the brochures made it out to be. Also, once you get to school, live on campus. You learn more about your school and the community by living there. You make friends that will last forever. And, most importantly, it helps you to get involved and you don't have to worry about making it back to campus for something important when you've already gone home.

Try and remember to go where you want to go, not necessarily where all your friends are going. It's okay to branch out to a different college. Visit any college that you may want to go to and try and talk to the students about what it is they are doing there and how they like it. Ask every question that comes to your mind people are always happy to answer.

When searching for the right college, make sure to visit the campus and take a tour with an advisor or a figure in your preferred field of study. Review with an advisor the possible finacial aid opportunities, and if possible, ask current students what their experience at the university has been like so far. Apply for as many scholarships as you can! Most of all, make sure that you are excited about the school you choose. This will help you stay motivated throughout your college career.

Start early, and try and figure out what you want out of college before you get there.

I recommend visiting the campus of the college(s) that you have in mind. Engage current students about the quality of life and activites on that particular campus, especially those in your chosen field of study. Always make sure you are getting prompt responses from the universities administrative offices because this is indicative of their response pattern in the future. I'd also advise each student and their parents to visit locations that are close by campus to determine the quality of the neighborhood in which the student will be living.

Parents and/or students should gather as much information about schools and scholarships as possible. In my experience, I depended heavily on others for information and even with a 4.0 GPA out of high school, I did not receive an undergraduate scholarship. Being one of the first in my family to attend a four year college, I didn't know my role in applying for scholarships. Do your own research and don't assume. If you don't know, ask. Explore all options in relation to the schools you are interested in and how they can help you to achieve your career goals. What they have to offer? What are their credentials? The success of their alumni? All of those things are important. Then, decide what's important to you: social life vs. studying; large vs. small classes; day vs. night classes; etc. Don't get discouraged. Although the process can be overwhelming, take time to visit campuses, visit their websites, talk to current students, and ask questions to be sure that you're making the best decision for your future.

To make the most of the college experience, get involved in something even if it is not school related. There are probably many volunteer opportunities to take advantage of where you could meet great friends. Find things you are interested in and go for it. Some majors have less free time available, but finding something other than academics to do gives you a chance to get a break from schoolwork occasionally and to make friends that could be friends for the rest of your life.