University of Arizona Top Questions

If I were talking to a future college student and their parents, I would tell them several things that helped me as well as a few new ones I would have loved to know when I was picking a college. When I was picking a college, the most important thing I found was do not rule out a school because it is too expensive. There are many scholarships, grants, and loans out there; cost is not a good enough to rule out a school. Also visit the schools you applied to before making your decisions, it might look great on paper but until you visit you will not know if you will fit there or not. I would also tell them to look at schools you might not have originally thought of; I never thought about the east coast or midwest, and know I really wish I would have. Overall, make your decision on you and what you want out of school. Most importantly, you need to make the decision not your friends or family, although their advice is usefull, they arent going to be there and do not know how you are actually feeling and what you really need.

Look into not the party scene, or for what sorority you think you should join. Look into the cultural diversity that attends the college, and how far your willing to expand your mind. I'm sure that partying is a huge part of life and the college experience, but think about your future, not your possible demise. And before you even think about attending college, make sure that it is truely for you. Too many students waste time and money by messing around and not knowing what it is that they want from life or school.

The most important piece of advice I can give is to visit the campuses of the schools you are interested in. College websites are designed to make each campus look like the greatest place on earth, and most schools do a very good job at this. More often than not, I've found that University campuses don't look anything at all like they are described on school websites. You can't get a true feel for a school without walking the campus, speaking to students, and even sitting in on some classes. By visiting each campus that you are intersted in, you can better your chances of enjoying you four years by a lot.

Really think about what do you want in your college and for your college experience and then go from there. Visit the colleges you are choosing and pick which one you really have a good feeling about. Talk to current students and almuni to get their opinions about the school and then really get a chance to ask these people questions. Since I didn't know my major I decided to go to a school that had a variety of majors to choose from. Pick a school which would help you most in your future and be realistic about the school you choose!

Take a look at the municipality the school is located in and assess opportunities available off campus. Take advantage of all resources available on campus and participate in extracurricular activities; they'll help you assimilate with a new environment and transition to a more independent life away from home.

The advice I would give to a parent or student looking for the right college to make the most of their college experience would be make sure they feel comfortable with the school environment including the type of activities the college supports and the school spirit. Make sure this college offers the type of academic program you are interested in studying to make a career of and that they offer a great advising team because for many new students need guidance from experience individuals who can help them and offer advice. It is very important to form an academic social life because they can come in handy when you become ill or need tutoring. Make sure your college offers internship opportunities in your area of study and have a great career services that can help you find a possible employer after college. I also believe that your professor really make a difference in the experience you have during you college experience. If your professor enjoys what they do and knows what they teach they will be able to inspire the student and make they strive in class activities and project and will make an impact on the student after graduation.

Having guided my younger brother through the brutal college application process, I know that many students do not have the financial or physical luxury to 'choose' a college. Therefore I would advise you to create your own network, especially in a large school, and become involved selectively (without overcommiting). Do those things which you enjoy most, and surround yourselves with those who will allow you to do it. As an avid reader and aspiring dentist, employment at UA BookStores and joining a pre-dental honor society were the best fit for me. I reluctantly dictate advice as I think you know yourself best; my best advice is to use the resources available to you, even if it means obtaining tutoring assistance as you have never before. When you graduate as the engineer or arts degree or whatever you wish to be, you will be a collage of the experiences you chose to have, not the mistakes we inevitably make. Appreciate your family too, and those that will be there no matter what. Finding the right college, is discovering a little more about you.

Make sure you know what your interests are. I reccommend taking an interest inventory survey, taking exploratory courses and speaking with professors in the interested field before making steadfast decisions. Find out what campus support systems are in place, external and internal activities, etc. Get acclimated to the new environment is very important for success.

Being female, the first thing I realized about finding the right college is it?s similar to finding the right pair of jeans. Obviously, you have your different brands: private or public schools. Within each brand there are a variety of styles: science and engineering or liberal arts schools. Finally, from this you have many different colors: big or small schools, urban or rural schools. When choosing jeans, you have to find jeans that suit your needs and flatter you. Conversely, you compliment that brand. As with jean shopping, college shopping is a long process. Really the only way to find what fits you is to spend time at the colleges. During the search for jeans, you have to explore many stores, trying on a lot of jeans; similarly you have to visit a lot of colleges which takes time and money, but in the end is worthwhile. By visiting the schools, you interact with the people and feel the atmosphere. From this, you can tell whether it suits you and whether you flatter it. If you spend time to find the appropriate college, you have already taken the biggest step toward making the most of your college experience.

Choosing the right college, in many ways, should not be the hardest or most crucial decision of your life. Rather a very important step along the path to getting you the right education and experience to guide you onto your career path through the rest of your life. There are many factors when looking at an array of colleges but there are some major points that should help significantly narrow the search. The age of your desired degree program at the school, experience and knowledge of the professors. Looking at the success rate of the alumni and if they?re going where you want to go will help show you a glimpse of what may be to come from that college. The cost of the education and the quality for the cost at the particular institution. Personally though nothing beats getting a feel for the campus, the classes, and the professors during a class day. Much of your happiness and motivation will come from the support and atmosphere of success around your classes and school. Enjoy this time, take it seriously, keep a positive attitude, and you?ll be quick on your way to success.

For any parent and student I would advise them to always be open. You should always be open to trying something or some place new. I think that the key to making the most of your college experience is to go beyond your comfort zone and try things that you wouldnt normally do. I know that from personal experience you dont always get the college right on the first try. I was so thankful that my parents were understanding and open to finding a new school for me. By going out on my own and finding a new and different school I ended up at the college that I am truly happy with.

Do not limit yourself and try everything. You will never know the possibilities until you have at least attempted to experience them. Only until you know what opportunities there are will you be able to make a choice suitable for yourself.

Look around at different schools before you decide on one. You have to like your surroundings and be proud of your school so it will be easier of achieving high grades.

Evaluate your options thouroughly and pick the school that offers the most quality for the money you are spending.

In order to make the most of your college experience, do not hold back. If you are uncertain of what you want to do with your life, explore. If you doubt your ability in anything, try. If you have questions, ask. If you are eager to meet people and go places, you will find a way to do so. Determination, enthusiasm, and hope will be the best qualities you can take with you on your academic journey. Finding a college that is the best choice will take time. You must examine the aspects that are most important to you, whether that is academic, professional, social, or cultural. Each place will be able to offer you something unique. Yet regardless of what college you choose, opportunities lie in wait for you at every turn. It is up to you to carry them out to their fullest potential. What will limit you is not the place you have chosen, but rather the limits you place on your own heart and mind. Follow your passion; do what you love. If you are able to stay true to this, you will have the best college experience you could ever have hoped for.

Throughout my college experience, I have found that being aware of your needs will help you select the best college for incoming students. Many students like to escape from the town they are comfortable with and explore in a place were they are faced with many bitter sweet occurances. I have lived in Tucson for 10 years and decided to stay in town and attend the University of Arizona due to my attachment to my family as well as the affordable instate college tuition. I feel that it is vital to know yourself and your needs as an individual. Many students want financial security with themselves and their parents who help out paying the college bill and others have the money to go out of state. In my future, I would love to experience a new life and visit or study in a far off destination. I believe that anyone has the ability to make the most of the college experience. Being open to new experiences and people will automatically open the doors to success and a enjoyed time in college. It also will promote growth as an individual, like it did for me.

Money is a huge factor. Even though your ideal college may be the "perfect" pick, having stable finances is important. Take time to analyze the cost in going to that school. There are two key costs that should be included on that list would be: tuition expenses (usually it's cheaper to attend in-state college, rather than an out-of-state college) and living expenses (on-campus housing rents may be more expensive than off-campus; however there are other costs that should be considered, such as car permits, bus asses, etc). Working while attending college may be an option; however, the time that was spent at work could have been spent on studying or experiencing college life. There are various clubs and activities formed to meet everyone's interests. Therefore, it is fairly easy to meet new people and make lasting friendhips. In order to accomplish this task, there's only one requirement: break out of your comfort zone. Once you do, you will be guaranteed in making the most of your college experience. Thus, while you're fantasizing your ideal college, be sure to keep in mind of your financial status and be ready for a adventure.

The college experience is all about exploring new things, meeting new people, and being introduced to new ideas so that you can discover who you really are and what impact you really want to have on the world. It's important to consider size and location as these will greatly influence your experiences, but most of all, college students should aim to meet a diverse population. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, but be conscious of the choices you're making with respect to your academic responsibilities, health and well being (sexual, mental, physical, emotional), and finances. And don't be afraid to ask for help, especially from faculty and staff who are devoted to helping students!

Consider the location of the college, the choice of study, and high school grades when looking for the right college. Also look at price of attendance, and how the rates have fluctuated over the years.

I believe the best advice is to find a college that is tailored to the student's needs. Each student's interest is different and diverse and they must take the time to research their schools to find what the school has to offer. If the student knows what major they would like to pursue they should look into which school has the best program. If finances are a concern, the student should research which college will provide more financial aid to them. If the student wants to get involved, they should look up clubs and extracurricular activities that pertain to their interests. Depending on the student's interests, they can maximize their college experience by getting involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, and community service. The idea is that there are a number of areas the student must consider, but the best advice I could give is to leave enough time for yourself to make the right informed decision.

It seems today that competition in terms of higher education--what type of degree you have, where you can afford to go--remains cut-throat, essential to the prosperity of an individual in this new American society; as a result, a person with a B.A, or even a B.S , makes significantly less, proportionally, to what he/she would have twenty years ago. Check this data. It's fact. To sustain a life of prosperity and happiness, you must have at least an M.A or, if you can afford it, a P.H.D. These degrees cost at least the entire lifetime earning of a working class family. Check that too. It's also a fact. So, is going to college worth the lifetime of debt and heartache of what could have been? Of course not. Again, check that. It's the most important fact. So parents, are you listening? No, put down that cell phone/electronic device/Coach bag/eviction notice down for a second and listen: if you can't afford to send your child to college, even now as you are living beyond your means, don't do it. Don't give them false hope.

I would advice that students go to their orientations to get a feel of what the campus is about. As well look at different clubs or activities that are planned on or around campus that the person might be interested in. For making the most of your college experience is just get involve from clubs to attending sports events.

Finding the right college is not a simply decision. It takes time and research to truly end up satisfied with your choice. The absolute worst thing to do would be to make a quick choice and regret it three years later. First I would suggest making a list of majors you are interested in along with places you are willing and wanting to live. This will help you narrow your search of universties according to their location and their offered programs. Many students end up changing their majors throughout their college career, and while that is not necessarily a bad thing, it will save transfer problems if you attend a school that offers programs for your multiple interests. Next I would look at the rankings of the schools' programs to see which could do the most for you. Finally, taking a trip to some of the universities may be beneficial. Even speaking with some current students might give you a better idea of what the schools are like. All of these will help you make the ultimate decision, but it eventually comes down to where you feel most comfortable. Always go with your gut. Good luck!

take a college tour..then you will know if its the right place for your child. You can just feel it!

My advice to parents is simple. Support your young adult's decision, whatever it is. This is a crucial juncture in their life, and the one thing they need to know they can count on is you and your support. For the students, my advice is fairly simple. Follow your gut. You will know which school you want to attend. Whether it is a school that you have always wanted to attend since you were a young child, or a school you recently discovered that provides you with all the tools for success, you will know. Cast out what other people are pressuring upon you and telling you where you SHOULD go. This is your time. Seize this moment, and make one of the biggest decisions of your young life. Do not let others make this decision for you, for then you will have lost the greatest chance you have to mold yourself. All your life, you have been molded and shaped into the person you are. Now it is your opportunity to choose how you want to be molded. Your instincts know where to take you. Listen to them, and acheive everything you ever thought you could.

Often times, students and their parents visit a university and listen to the prepared speeches of the college faculty and student ambassadors. This is a good way to find out the highlights and positive attributes of a school, but students and parents deserve to find out what's truly in store for the next 4-5 years if they decide to attend that university. I would advise students and parents to sit in on some of the classes the student would take. Perhaps (freshman, sophomore, junior and senior) classes from the major of the student's interest to observe the structure/format to see if they really like it and to look for the student most like them and see if (s)he would be willing to share his/her opinion of the college, major and programs available to participate in. This would be a great way to see what life really is like as a student at that school. These students could tell the real story and give helpful tips on how to make the most of the college and the major.

I would advise parents and students to choose the best colleges that apply to the students major. Apply for as many scholarships the student can as possible to prevent getting loans, Be involved in college and study hard, but have fun!!

Parents should have their children participate in progams such as upward bounds in order for them to be able to interact with college students and some faculty and ask their opinions about the different schools they want to apply for. Parents should also investigate how diverse the school is, how good advising is at the school, since advising does play a big role in a student's ability to achieve his educational goals; they should also check out the faculty and administration of different departments' availabilty to students who are seeking advice. Another advice for parents would be to pick a school that is not too far away from home, so that it is easy for students to go home as often as they need to.

For the parents of prospective freshmen, although you want your children to make the best decisions don?t force your kid to attend any college they don't feel comfortable with. A senior in high school that visits different college campuses is the best decision maker for picking the school that they believe will best fit them. To future freshman be prepared to not be prepared, learn to go with the flow of things. Most of the time things will not go as planned, but it is all a part of learning. And most importantly come to college with an open mind.

Just go with the school that you feel comfortable with. If you are going to feel like you don't fit in or are going to be scared to be yourself, then you should pick a different school. If you are content with your college choice, then you will succeed because it is a place where you want to go. Its not a big deal if you don't know what you want to do with your life yet. Parents please let you kid decide where they want to go. Do not try to force them to do something that was your goal or something you wanted. Your kid deserves a chance to go to the school of their choice and succeed on their own.

I was always told that I would know when I found the right place for me. It turned out that the first college I visited was the right place for me, so every college I visited after that didn't feel quite right. Don't stress out about this process. Just think carefully about your options. Be sure to visit the places you are considering. Once you have your options narrowed down, apply to all the schools, and apply early. The earlier, the better. College is most definitely about learning. It's about coursework and homework and new information. But even more then that, college is about figuring out who you are and learning about yourself. So, in choosing a college, find someplace that will have everything you need academically, but also someplace that will foster your own personal growth.

First of all, choose the school that you feel the most at home at. Be sure to choose a school that has academic programs that you are interested in. Don't be intimidated by the intensity of a program, but choose a school that will challenge you academically. Be sure to get involved with multiple clubs/organizations on campus; that will make the difference between success and failure in your classes, believe it or not! I do strongly suggest that you try living on your own because you will learn a lot about yourself and you will definitely grow as a person. Living in the dorms is your best bet your Freshman year. Thats where you will meet a lot of new friends and it gives you a good idea about how the university and residence life is conducted. Plus, everything you need is walking distance away! If you are going to go to parties and drink alcohol, be safe about it. Have a designated driver and know your limits. If you are a girl don't go running at night, rape is a real possibility!

Advice that I would give to parents and students about finding the right college is to go to the college that will fit to you, not the college that other people think that you will fit into. If you don't want to go to a big college, let your parents know. Also try to find a college that has an emphasis on your major, so that you can learn from the best. And if you are worried about money problems do not worry between the scholarships that the school offers and that you can find on the internet, there are thousands that you can find and apply for. And once you found that college that is right for you, you will know. Even if it is the arch-rival of your families school, you will know that it's the right college for you. And last, enjoy the experience of finding and exploring the different colleges with your parents. Because after you go to college you won't be living at there house and seeing them everyday anymore, except for maybe during the summer. So enjoy the time with your parents.

I think the most important important factor in finding a college and making the most of the college experience would be to make sure that your happy with where you go. I feel that if you wake up everyday and enjoy the people around you and the place you are in it makes going to school and doing the work much easier.

There are a number of important things to consider when you're looking for the right college for you. The following are the most critical areas to look at when considering a college that is right for you: cost, enrollment, class size, location, quality of education, strength of degree program you hope to pursue, sports, and clubs/extracurricular activities. It may also be helpful to contact the advisor for the specific degree program you hope to pursue at each college. Also, if possible, go to each of the colleges you are considering and take a tour of each campus. Try to schedule a tour when school is in session, so that you can talk to the students around the campus and ask them questions you might have. Students are the most honest, reliable source when it comes to learning about a particular college. Your education should be of primary importance while in college, although extracurricular activities are also very important. Most colleges have a variety of clubs in the following areas: departmental, honorary, governing body, international, leadership, service, religious, political, professional, sports, and special interest. Doing these things will allow you to make the most of your college experience.

It is very important to spend quality time on the campuses that you are thinking about attending. Take a campus tour to gain an academic perspective of what that college has to offer. Eat at the union and stroll along the university avenue. Hang out where there is frequent student traffic, during the daytime and at dusk, to see if the students leave after classes. Notice the way the school portrays itself and if it's congruent with what you observe. If you can picture yourself there, strike up some converstations with people. If it feels right then follow your instincts; you've probably found the school for you. The best way to gain the most from college is to enter with an open mind. Take challenges and try new things. Join clubs, make friends, put yourself out there. This is a time when you will grow and form beliefs that will begin to shape the rest of your life. Use this time to expand your mind by taking extra classes, internships, and research opportunities. Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help. The two secrets to making the grade: go to class and time management!

The best advice I have for prospective students is to visit the campus. There is so much more that you learn by visiting than by a school's website or brochures. Once on campus students will be able to get a feel for the intracicies of the school itself. How do you feel on campus? Do people smile or say "hi" when you pass them on the sidewalk? Do you get a general sense that you could feel at home there? In terms of making the most of your college experience, the simplest answer is simply get involved. Band, sororities/fraternities, athletic teams, political or religious groups, special interest groups, and living in a dorm rather than off campus are all ways to meet people and take pride in where you attend. Take initiative and even make the effort to get to know your professors - they are there for you. And keep school in perspective; academics is important, but the friendships you make really will last much longer than the piece of paper you receive at graduation.

Any college can be the right college. Ultimately, most colleges will have interesting courses, engaging professors, friendly classmates; your attitude and effort determine whether you are happy and successful in college. If you don't leave the door to your dorm room open or join clubs, you may not make many new friends; if you don't go to class you will not do well on exams. I have found that, even at a huge state school like University of Arizona, participation makes the school seem much smaller: in clubs I have met classmates with similar interests, in joining the honors program I found a small community, even going to football games gives a sense of belonging. Whether you are attending your first or fifth choice school, make, at the risk of sounding cliche, the most of it. When you create a community through participation, wherever you are will be the right place for you.

First of all, think about what you really want out of your college experience. Don't be afraid to take into account factors such as the size of the city, the availability of extracurricular activities that interest you and the 'feel' of the campus itself. Visit the school and just walk around, maybe even sit in on a class or two. You can usually pick up on the mood of a school very quickly. Do you prefer a more serious, studious environment or a more friendly and casual one? Remember you will most likely be living and breathing this place for the next four years so pick somewhere you are comfortable with. Choosing an institution with a friendly, easygoing feel doesn't neccessarily mean you are going to suffer academically. In fact, if you feel comfortable you will feel less stress (stress is almost a force of nature at university) and be able to study better! Likewise, picking a more serious or competitive institution won't neccessarily inhibit your ability to have an enriching social life (students everywhere want to make friends!) and can push you towards success .

I would say that any preconceptions that either parents or students have about college that are used in selecting a college must be thrown out the window and replaced with research. Visit the campus, talk to students, and make sure the school specializes in what you would like to pursue your career in. That way, you not only will be challenged and prepared for a professional career, but the people you meet will push you to be successful like them. However, know that you only spend four years, so students should never waste an opportunity to meet people or spend time with friends. We go to college for an education, but of what you learn you will remember what happens outside of the classroom the most. As a result, get as involved as possible in student clubs and organizations. Doing so will not only build your resume or provide networking opportunities, but it will lead you to making friends by providing an avenue to transition from work into play. I have made friends for life in college more through involvement by surrounding myself with people who are passionate as the same things as me, want to succeed, and are fun.

The "right" college depends upon the student. College is a time for many life changing decisions and experiences. You might even say that college is where you start living your life. It may seem like the right choice to pick the most prestigious college possibly, but that is often incorrect. Most, if not all, colleges will put you in the world with similar skills, what changes is how hard you work. I strongly believe that to have the best college experience one must make the most of what their college has to offer, leading to know what he/she wants and what the college does offer. To choose the "right" college, a student must ask himself what he wants out of his college experience. Whether it be a large, friendly student body or a temperate climate, the diversity of universities throughout the world will allow one to fit most, if not all the the students needs. Many times people forget the basic needs of students in examine the academics of each college. What I ask is to forget the academics for a short time and realize the simple truth. College is where life lessons and learned.

Find a college that has the right program for you. The college you may be attending may be highly recognized and prestigious, but that is not worth much if the area in which you are going to study is lacking at that school. Furthermore, find a college that has a high level of school spirit. This not only makes it exciting to attend, but alumni who have graduated from this school that are interviewing you for the job will have a strong desire to employ you for this reason. In addition, get involved with activities on campus. Not only clubs and organizations, but most importantly, working side by side with a professor on one of his or her projects. This will expand the scope of your field tremendously. In addition, it will help to get actual hands on experience that will bolster your attempts at getting an internship or a job. Also, talk to your professors, especially in your junior and senior year. They have a lot of knowledge that they are willing to pass on if you show you are willing to learn.

Know what things types of things to interest you; knowing them will help you make your decision (but remember don't pigeon hole yourself with something too specific, your interests are plastic, expect and plan for changes). Visit the college, and walk the campus before you take the tour, and if you know someone going there already visit them over the weekend to see what kind of things students do on their free time and then take the school-run tour. Go with your gut feeling on which college fits you best but be sure to consider academics, social life, extra-curriculars, the area surrounding the college, whether or not you fit in well with the students already there, and future career prospects. You will know the right college when you see it, but thats the important part: make sure you really SEE the college you are thinking about attending.

I would tell them to not be afraid to apply to as many schools as they wish to apply to. Although I enjoy life at the U of A, I regret the fact that I didn't apply to the out of state schools of my choice because of financial difficulties.

Go where you want to go. Dont let your parents influence your choice or give you limits about where you can go. You'll probably spend a lot of money on your education so make sure its something that you like and want to do for the rest of your life. Get involved with you school and try to meet tons of new people. Join a club, sport, or group of somet type. Be open to new ideas and people. Look at life as a learning experience. Go and see a few different college campuses and apply to more than one school. Live on campus the first year and live with a room mate that you've never met before. Take road trips. Get as many new experiences as possible. Take a class just for fun, not because its required.

After three and a half years of college, I have enough advice to write a small book ; advice I wish I could have had before I began my college career. When loking at a college, academics should not be sole focus of ones choice. Parents and students should look at the cost of college, the academic environment, the types of extracuricular activitities available , the town the college is located in, how far the college is away from your hometown, etc. These are some of the major factors that should play into making the choice on what college to attend. Its important to remember that the college you choose will take up four years or more of your life and that is a huge commitment. It is also important to remember that what you get your degree in is often more important than where you received your degree from. In terms of making the best of the college experience, that decision on where to attend has a great effect on the overall experience. Everyones different, but my biggest piece of advice would be study hard, get involved, and most importantly enjoy your time. It is a great chapter in ones life.

The right college would provide the education of your interest. Avoid colleges that specialize in areas that you are not interested in or willing to learn more about. Find a college that fits your abilities and wants; whether that be sports, high academics, extra-curricular activities, or social groups/

I would recommend that you find a school that best fits your needs financially, academically, and environmentally. Find a school that you can afford that will allow you to complete your desired major in the best environment possible. Keep in mind that the environment of the school is critical to retaining your focus and to helping you grow as a person throughout your college years.

As a parent, let your child figure out where they feel they would fit. I feel that finding the perfect school is not all about what schools have the best program sfor your degree, because we are young and often change our minds. The degree we think we want to get in high school can change. College is where you find out who you are as a person and learn to grow on your own. Many people change their majors, so choose a school where you could visually see yourself attending. For students, I think you should visit the school you are interested in and talk to students who attend there and research it. Choosing a college is a difficult choice, but wherever one goes it will definately be a memorable decision that will lead you to lifetime friends, memories and lessons learned on the way.

research your classes selections so you don't wast time taking classes you won't need.