University of Alaska Anchorage Top Questions

When choosing a college to attend for four years of your life, do not sell yourself short. Take a chance and apply to any school that you are interested in. You don't have to be the smartest, best-looking or most liked person to get into a good school that will allow you to make memories that will last a lifetime. College is about learning while having fun, do not be afraid of fulfilling your dreams.

Consider Ivy league schools

As a student who is 33 years old and a suddenly single parent, it has been a difficult road this past semester as I've tried to maintain my full time status at school. First of all, it's very important to find a college who will listen to your individual circumstances and that has professors who will be flexible when life throws a curveball at you. I waited until later in life to attend college when I felt I was better prepared to study hard, but you never know what will happen in life, so ask questions about how the college would handle an unforeseen event. You want to know that the college will empathize with students if they experience significantly increased stress levels, and they should provide free student counseling to help during life's major transitions. A good college will work with the student and reevaluate his or her financial package to help out in any way they can. Lastly, since I've never lived on campus, I would advise young students to live in the dorms during their freshman year. This provides a great opportunity to make lifelong friends and I think that's important.

The difference between my experience at the first school I attened and the one I am currently attending is getting involved, and being away from home. My first school was located close to home. I was in my own little bubble that I had lived in my entire life. I went to my classes and then hung out with my friends from before I started college. However, moving halfway across the country, I was forced out of my comfort zone and it has been the best experience of my life. I had to get involved because I didn't have the same people around me, I had to make new friends. I wish I would have moved away my first year of school. I definitely feel like I'm getting the college experience because of the distance from home, and meeting all sorts of new people.

You must visit your university and check it's political lean. Even if you are personally not involved politically the political stance of the university and the professor can affect your education and your grades. Plus one of the easist ways to be happy in the campus housing is to know exactly what you are getting into which is easy to do if you look at multiple housing rooms that you could live in. It is unfathomly helpful in the long run.

Stop. Take a breath. Ok, you're ready. It's really not as daunting as it sounds to pick a school. Pick somewhere close to home, so you feel comfortable moving away. Maybe even pick somewhere that reminds you of home. There's nothing wrong with being uncomfortable leaving. If you aren't sure what degree you want, don't worry. There is plenty of time to figure it out. Just pick a school that offers a wide variety of classes and majors. You're sure to find something you love. Make a list. There are thousands of schools to choose from, make a list of qualities you want you're school to have. Prioritize it. Is cost the most important factor? Put that at the top. Play football? Put sports up there with cost. Now, make a list of things you don't want, or need, in a school. That will help narrow it down for you. And finally (and most importantly): have fun! Remember that it's ok to make mistakes. Nothing has to be perfect the first time around. And hey, if you decide you hate whatever school you choose--tansfer! No biggie. Really, it's not.

As far as finding the right college goes, I would attend all the college fairs that you can, review all your options, from the most prestigious to your local universities, and everything in between. Then explore your financial options; apply for as many scholarships as you can. There might be some scholarships that no one else applies for, and it might be awarded to you. When you do choose your college, I would suggest taking part in an orientation, if offered. Also, look into jobs on campus, perhaps with the student government, or student activites board. This way, you really get involved in the college community, and have a great opportunity for personal growth. If you decide not to take a campus job, then I would definitely suggest taking part in as many activities offered through your university as you can. But it's important to remember that you are at college to study first and formost. So make time in your schedule to do homework and study. I find that studying during the breaks between classes works really well. If you do all that, you should have a fun and successful college experience!

Don't overload yourself when choosing how big of a courseload to take; especially your first semester of school. You will enjoy the college experience much more if you are not overwhelmed and barely keeping up with your homework. Remember that college moves at a faster pace than high school so you need to take that into account when deciding how many classes to take. Make the most of college for most it is a once in a lifetime experience, don't overload and take some time to make new friends!

I think that the best thing a parent or student could do to help find the best college is to research as much as possible. Go to the college fairs provided by the high schools, local univeristies, or colleges. Work with school advisors they have a lot of information that can help ease the anxiety of college preparation. Start early and be dilligent, visit the campus, take tours and don't forget it doesn't have to be an expensive school to be a good school. To get the most out of the college experience, network, join clubs, or groups. Get to know your university and all the things it has to offer. Schools offer a lot of resources to students, that range from health, exercise, tutoring, recreational activites, employment, and so on.

Firstly, when searching for a college, it should be noted that those who succeed tend to feel comfortable with their college life. So, to the parents: Please refrain from choosing for your children. Make sure that your son or daughter are either there with you, or searching on their own. But don't be afraid to point out important issues such as accredibility or reputation. If you feel ignored, be assured that this is the usual reaction from a teenage body, but the ears are listening (because quite frankly, we are sooo confused and havn't a clue besides what high school mentioned about college). Secondly, school is school. Nobody really knows what they want to study for a career until they've tried out various possibilities. And don't expect the future college student to know themselves enough before entering college. It's ok not to know before you go. Consider this saying: "I love sushi, but I've never tried it! i just think it's colorful and aesthetically pleasing, so it has to be tasty!" Now, this person might end up loving sushi because it tastes good, or absolutely hate it! Who knows until they try, right?