University of Arizona Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

ISABEL

I would say to pick various colleges and compare and contrast them in various ways: programs offered, cost, location, etc. The first time I went to college, I simply picked the most appealing one. Now that I am returning again, I am more involved in selecting the right college according to what is most important to me: the quality of the education I will receive in my chosen field. It isn't always about prestiege either. Sometimes a small little community college will provide the same quality education as a major institution. I would also say that you should research the ways in which to get into college... should you attend a community college first and then transfer, or go directly into a state university? Sometimes, studying at a junior college level first prepares you for the demands of university coursework. As far as making the most of your experience at college - use all of the resources available to you. If there aren't any, demand them. It is your money, your time... your future. You deserve the best that any school has to offer. So expect the best - and your college years will be nothing less.

Joseph

Parents need to consider the maturity of their college bound child and help them make their choice of which college to attend based on the students level of responsibility. If they believe their child is of strong character then it is best to let the student choose their own path based on their interests and goals. If a parent feels that their child may not have the maturity level needed to live on their own, it may be in their best interest to choose a school close to home or to a relative. Family should provide a strong support system that the student can feel ready to come to with matters that freinds or counslors may not be able to help with. It is important that a parent explains responsibility and the importance of balancing school, work, and leisure time. Equally important is for the parent to express pride in their child's success in being able to attend college and recognizing this exciting new stage in their life.

Noah

My advice to anyone in search of the right college, or to anyone helping someone find the right college, is to first look inward. What are your goals, your dreams? Who and what do you want to be? Where do you see yourself in twenty or thirty years? These can be difficult questions for many, but once these decisions and goals are made you know where you stand and where you want to be. From there it is simply a matter of charting a course to connect that future to the present, including researching possible schools and their various degree programs to see which will be most helpful in enabling you to achieve your goals. Speaking to current students and alumni can be very helpful in this process. However, each student's college experience is different. College is what you make of it, and your's will be a unique opportunity custom-made by you, for you. To make the most of your college experience, nothing will ever be more beneficial than a positive attitude and the courage to never give up. Those who maintain the outlook that they can succeed, will succeed. I wish you all a wonderful journey!

Lucas

Get your feet wet in as many of your interests as you can before applying or declaring a major. An academic program may not be what you expect, and particular schools' programs can focus on different aspects of the field. As each institution has its own "flavor" of teaching and choice of material, it is a good idea to try to get in touch with someone who attends your school of interest and is working towards the degree you are interested in. This will provide you with a forecast of how well you may connect with the school. I know this from experience- I initially declared my major blindly, knowing no one and with a poor understanding of what type of work was involved with the degree. After one term of relevant courses, I realized that I was not well-suited for the program. Within the following term, I decided that the institution I was attending, a technically-focused college with somewhat deficient academic variety, was not an adequate fit for my career goals or my many interests. I transferred to a university that would be able to properly nurture and hone my talents and interests- and am finally satisfied.

Melissa

Before you settle on any one college or university, make sure to visit it beforehand and talk to some professors and students. If you already know what you want to pursue, make sure the school you're looking into has the best opportunities for you. For example, if your into science and engineering, you may want to look into a research university. Look over your financial situation and decide if you need to apply for scholarships, loans, or grants early. Many good scholarships have deadlines months before the start of the semester. So if you wait, you can miss out. During the first week of each semester, schools have booths set up for students to go and learn about the various clubs on campus. Don't miss this opportunity to ask questions and seek out clubs that would best fit your major and interests. This is also a great way to meet people on campus. Although there are many social events to take a part of, do not forget about your studying! Education comes first!

Jennifer

Finding the college that is right for you is really important, because it can make or break your entire experience. For obvious reasons, the school should provide courses and degrees that suit your career path. For those looking to major in science, a liberal arts college may not be the right choice. Research into the school's programs with a particular major is always a good idea. Size and location are a big deal as well. Not all students are ready to move so far away from their families immediately, some may not have the option. Oftentimes students transfer because of homesickness, and other times students transfer to feel more independent. The city surrounding the school is just as important as the school's atmosphere. The cultural and environment of the city is closely related to the kinds of extracurricular activities of the school.

Catherine

I would advise you to look at the school and think about it in all aspects. Consider location, housing, jobs etc. Pay close attention to the school's academics and research the school. See if its programs correspond to what you are looking for. Another important factor to consider is what area you will be studying in. Is the school well-known for your area of study? Do they offer in and out of school activities? Take into account expenses, look at financial aid offered by schools. Look at the school overall, see if there is room for growth. Visit the campus, get a feel for the students there. Do you like the way the school is laid out? Do you like the surroundings of the school? In choosing a school it is important to consider what the school can offer you. Do you really think your education will grow here? Overall, there are many factors to take into consideration, it is important you give deep thought to each of these. Making most of the college experience includes focusing on academics and enjoying your time at school. Make friends along the way.

Samantha

Have fun and enjoy yourself. Find out what you like. It is the only way to discover what you want to do with your life. I went to Community College for the first two years but still hung out in the dorms and met a lot of people. I had a great college experience but saved thousands of dollars. Too many people do not know what they want to do and end up failing out of Universities. Do something you enjoy and like learning, it is the only way to be happy. Experiment with classes. While GenEd classes seem like a waste, they are actually really helpful classes for showing you what you like. Many schools have tons of different classes to satisfy particular requirements. Make sure to pick classes you can be excited for. Balance school and a social life, don't sacrifice either one. Get ready to never sleep, it's tiring but fun. No matter where you go, be open to doing whatever, you won't regret it. Oh, and no regrets in college, only lessons.

Amanda

I would tell students to visit every single college they have applied to or are considering applying to no matter how likely they think they will go there. You will never know what you will experience at a school until you set foot on the campus. The best way to know if the school is right for you is to talk to random students walking past and to see what they are experiencing currently at the school. If you feel comfortable talking to these people and can imagine yourself walking around that campus day after day then it is a good fit. Now, once you find that right school for you, in order to make the most of the college experience you must first figure out your classes wisely and get to know your professsors!! Then, get involved in something else besides school such as a sorority/fraternity, student government, or an intramural sport. If you do all of this you can be sure to have more than a positive college experience.

michael

dont be shy

Jacqueline

It's not always about what you've done in high school or what you studied. College is a completly different place. Just join in and enjoy the life that your new college experience gives you!

Nicole

In order for your child to find the right college I would definitely recommend visiting the college campus for the weekend to get an idea of the campus culture to make sure it is a right fit for your child. I would also suggest not pushing or forcing your child into a school that is not his or her first choice. This will drastically alter the experiences your son or daughter will have and could potentially ruin your child's college experience. Instead I would recommend letting your child make this important decision on their own since it will affect their entire life.

Andi

Firstly, apply to as many colleges as you can! Get a variety, as your mind can change your senior year. I know mine did. A lot of people freak out about loans and having to pay for college, but trust me, its worth every penny you have to pay back! I know I'd rather get the college experience I want and take out loans than go to a college I don't like and still have to pay them money. As for making the most out of college, its all about jumping right in. Don't worry about a few less-than-stellar grades, schools usually have grade replacement programs in place. Get involved as soon as possible, as you will meet amazing people during your four years in school.

Stephanie

Make sure you visit the campus because visiting really helps you make a decision. Take into consideration what you want to major in or the future career you're interested in because each school has their strengths and weaknesses and not all programs are available or as good as another school. Get involved any way you can, whether it be with a sport/intramurals, fraternity/sorority, clubs, dorm life, etc. because that's the best way to meet new people and make friends. Make sure you stay focused on your academics because what you do in college really IS going to affect your life after you graduate. Have fun and don't stress out too much!

Laatra

Students should carefully think about a couple of things before attending college. One of the most important things in college is the size of the college. Your experience will be ultimately different depending on the size of school. Perhaps you feel more comfortable in a larger setting with a teacher lecturing and 300 other students taking notes. On the other hand, there are those who prefer a calmer environment, with a classroom that offers a discussion-type setting, and more time with professors. Another important aspect in college is that of networking; networking can make the college experience a thousand times more enjoyable! Plus, you are destined to make friends for life. When thinking about networking tie it in to the bigger picture; what field of work would you like to pursue after your college career? Think of various places you could see yourself working in the future. And then think of all the people you would be able to connect with that have ties to the area of study you?d like to work in, or the places you?d like to work in. Most Importantly keep this in mind: college is to learn and to enjoy!

Kimberly

Find a college that has a good number of recognized program, in case you chose to switch degrees. Look for a campus that has a feel to it that you like. After all, you'll be spending the majority of your time there. If you can visit as many different colleges/universities as possible so that you have the ability to make a decison based off of personal experience; not just pictures. For parents I would give the advice to give opportunity for their child to explore what they want, if there is some reason they like a college that you don't, then rationalize it with them and understand that maybe there is something that is drawing them there for a reason. And know that each child is different, and one school may not work for all your children.

Victoria

Finding the right college goes along with making the most of the college experience. Honestly, I am not sure if I have chosen the right University. I can not say that I know the definition of a "right college" because it simply depends on the person. My advice to high school students currently applying to college is to find a university that will make him/her most successful. I would not suggest choosing a university that will be too hard, or too easy. Choose a college that is demanding andchallenging, but not overwhelming. As for parents, I believe that the parents should support the student as much as possible. In order for the student to make the best out of college, the student will need advice from the parents. If the parents are willing to help pay for some college, the student should select a university that is reasonably priced to accomodate the family. Both the parents and the student should discuss finances together. Overall, it would be beneficial to select a college in a location that you are most comfortable with. Remember, college is going to be your home for the next four years. Good Luck!

Stefanie

Go as far as you can go, it makes you grow quicker.

blaire

start planning finacially early. get involved withyour program and don't be afraid to go outside of your comfornt zone; that's usually where you'll end up finding exactlt who you really are.

Tyler

Its a great campus. Just realize its a big school with big classes and many gened classes. Some teachers seem to care more about there research then teaching,.

Kyle

Make sure you go somewhere where you enjoy the weather.

Derek

To the parents, use your knowledge of your child in guiding them towards the best fit. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each college as they pertain to your childs' personality, education interests, and extracurricular interests. For the students, do not favor a school strictly because of its name, or success of its athletic programs. Be open minded, and go with your gut instinct when you have an opportunity to visit a campus. Remember, once at school, these four years go by faster than you can imagine, so get involved with as many clubs, groups, and organizations as possible. The networking and friendships you gain through extensive campus involvement will definitely not go unappreciated when your time is up. Live in the present, don't dwell and the past, live without regret, and learn from your mistakes.

Jonathan

Students looking forward to college should take time to seriously consider their interests before thier orientation day. This will give prospective students ample time to assess what interests them and also the time to change thier major's if needed. If enough time has been set aside for pre-college students to think about thier ambitions and goals for secondary education. When the student has made a clear decision, colleges should be decided upon based on the classes and majors offered. The student should also visit the campus to see if they connect with the surroundings and community. These are the best steps to take or consider before a student makes the life changing choice of which college to attend.

Shyonia

If you want your child to be & stay focused, send them to The University of Arizona. They will have a great time learning, bonding, and finding stability.

Maya

The first thing I would advise potential college students and their families to do while searching for the right college would be to visit the perspective campus sites at the most undesirable time of year; for example, if you are thinking of attending the university of arizona, I would advise them to visit in the 105 degree summer weather. After all you will be living in whatever environment you choose to go to college at, and its easy to fall in love with a certain campus if you tour when the weather is perfect. Since the decision of what college you will attend is so life altering, it makes the whole expierence much more tolerable when you really know what your in for as far as climate, and you will be able to narrow down your choices if you realize that there is no way you could live in that type of weather. Secondly, I would recomend sitting in on a few classes before you make your final decison. When you visit the school just sneak into the back row of a large lecture hall and get your first glimpse of what you may be in for.

Natalie

I would say apply to at least three different colleges. Make sure and check out the major you're interested in at each college and check out the National Ranking for that college in whatever field you are interested in. Visit the colleges, especially the one you are most interested in and ask every question you can think of! Parents please support your children and don't push them towards your choice, let them choose where they want to go. Also stay involved in their lives, and students learn to balance your academics with fun!

Kyara

I would say your junior year start looking at colleges that you really like without thinking about money. Then start planning ways to rairse or earn money for those schools that you really want to go to. Find out about scholarships and financial aid.This is how you will go to a college you really want and not just one that is affordable. =] For parents encourage them early on to look for colleges they want to go too and start a budget plan on how to get there. Be supportative if the price is how and try to come to a nice solid compromise, this way your child is going to a school they will really love.

Leandra

Research the area in which you are applying. Don't neglect a college right of the bat look a little deeper into it before disregarding it.

Christy

Every student is different and every university is different. There is a university out there for every type of person! Students need to determine what they want to get out of their college. If you are a person that wants to be a dedicated student, find a university or college that will challenge you within the classroom. if you are a person that loves to help people, find a university that helps you with voulunteering oportunities. Every individual student is exactly that, an INDIVIDUAL. Don't attend a school simply because your parents went there and liked it- find out if it works for you! I made the misake of following the money my first year rather than following what my heart told me was the correct fit. I know money is a huge factor, but it's not the only one. You must be happy in order to succeed. Find the school that provides you with what you find interesting and desirable.

Ricci

Pick the college that is right for your child, make sure that you visit the school and that they have the programs that you are looking for. College is the best time of your life and you and your child want to be comfortable being there. Whether, you go near or far, just make sure it is where you want to be and enjoy it.

Mary

For someone searching for the school that fits them, do research to find it. Think about what type of environment you would imagine yourself in, somewhere you will succeed. Ponder about where you want to go, a place far from your home, or somewhere close. Also when looking at schools, keep in mind the cost of attendance and what your financial situation will allow. Another important factor in choosing the right college is to visit the campus and go on a tour so you can experience where you would be living. After making the choice, and entering in your first year, remember you are there to study and succeed. It is vital to attend class, so you will not fall behind, and also do all of the assignments, your GPA depends on it. School will be stressful at first, but you will adjust; studying and doing schoolwork is important, but make friends and have fun on the weekends, it will help to balance college life. Good luck in the search and finding the school that suits you, enjoy college and study hard.

Sydney

Parents, Explore: Discover new options with your soon to be college student and let them make the decision of which college they will go to. Persuade them to get involved in there new school and community. Stay connected: Do not forget them! Send them a card once in a while; let them know you are proud of them. Students, Get Involved: Make it a point when checking out colleges to make sure they have clubs and organizations you are interested in. Find not only a college that you feel comfortable in and that you can fit in but also one that will help you decide what you want to do. Do not just settle on one college! Look around and explore you options. College is about finding who you are and what you like. Talk among students that already attend their, find out what they like and dislike. This is an exciting decision that should not be made overnight. Make friends: Finding and connecting with people that have the same interests as you can make the transitions from home to college easier. Last but not least, Enjoy: Stay focused on your studies and find out who you are!

Aaron

Go check out colleges while you are in high school. Take some tours to find out what college will suit you. Get involved with on campus clubs. Go represent your school at sporting events. Make as many friends as you can.

temre

Welcome to the University of Arizona! Do not let the large campus and hot summer weather intimidate you. Yes, there are many students here but together we make up an extremely diverse campus. The warm weather allows most students to ride their bikes which is recommended to avoid traffic and unnecessary gas expenses. The orientation process can be overwhelming and there is a lot of emphasis on selecting a major. Do not worry. Most students begin in one area of study and change their direction a few times. The university is flexible with you as you make up your mind for you area of study. I would avoid joining Greek Life groups since very few seem genuinely interested in philanthropy and serious course work. Get familiar with the area. Tucson is a special place with a diverse culture, history, and unique environment. Get involved in a club as soon as possible; having a busy schedule will help you adjust to new lifestyle of college life. Also, look into study abroad to get a chance to know another culture while growing and discovering more about yourself. Most importantly, make new friends and be yourself.

Sean

Take time to research what college matches your interest's. Don't choose a college just because a friend from high school you know is going there. You will meet new friends, and more than likely you won't hang out with them much after the first semester. Choose a college that will be comfortable at. Make sure to visit the college , most important tour the campus before applying. This will give you that internal feeling to help you make the best choice . Believe in yourself.

Ashley

When I went through the process of selecting a college, I thought about the college rather than my place in the college. In other words, I relied on current and previous students' experiences, perused the website and took several tours. The size seemed decent, the students appeared satisfied and the faculty was friendly. Yet, I failed to research what the school had to offer for me. One should feel comfortable at a place where he or she is meant to complete their goals. However, every student is unique so it's impossible that a school pleases every student who walks through its doors. Luckily, most students have a variety of potential schools to choose from. Students should not only research a potential school's academic programs but also its extra-curricular activities, demographics, and accommodations. If a student does not feel comfortable socially and personally, whether they are satisfied with the academic program or not, the overall experience, too, will be unsatisfactory. Students have to envision themselves at a school by asking themselves: What activities will I take advantage of? What's most important to me? and most of all --Does this school reflect my ideas about education?

Katarina

The best thing I can tell to parents is to make sure that your student knows what they want to do in school and that you support them if they do not. When you are away from home, you are faced with enormous pressures, from peers, teachers, yourself, your parents, your scholarships that not having the support of your parents when you are confused about your future is going to break your student. A sucessfull student is only that way because of a strong back bone from family members.

Evan

Find a school that has the same type of people. For example the Northwest U.S is for people who like the outdoors etc... Also pick a school that is close to home.

Lisa

I would say to first off think about what your passionate about. Coming into the U of A I wanted to go into business but my knowledge about what I wanted or could do was limited. After a year of taking the prebusiness classes I realized I did not want to continue in this field, I then researched and found my passion in retail and fashion. I think its so important that you pick a school that has the fields that you are interested in. College is something you are investing your time and money in so its important to get the most out of it and love what you study. Another thing to look for is to look into the clubs and other orginizations on campus. Its important to get involved, classes can get stressful, so having an outlet for that stress in a club related to your major or not, really helps you have a good time in your college experience as well as get your work done!

Joyce

The best advice I would give it is find the college that is best suited for your academic goals and fits the social needs of the individual. The next thing would be to find a location you would enjoy sending the nerxt 5 to 7 years of 7 your life at. To make the most of the college experince take as many classes that you find interesting as you can, but do not over load yourself always take a class or do an activity that is relaxing and completely different then your area of study. Be sure to make yourself a community that you can depend on and support you at the school or near it. Always make time for fun and family and never put off assignments. The best thing you can do is make yourself known to the instructors, this can make or brake a grade. Above all, do what you love and love what you do, don't settle for the easy way find your passion and soak in it.

Rob

This is a fun school with good academics and good teachers, a lot of freshmen have trouble adjusting to the new life style but peo;ple learn to adjust ! Go cats

Aileen

I advice them to look into higher education early and attend to university/college tours and find out information about different options one may have. That way once they start school they wont feel lost.

Brendan

For one, make sure the college you are considering has a good reputation for providing good coursework in your particular field of interest (business, arts, technology, etc). Next you want to look for the types of financial aid you are eligible for through the institution, whether it be scholarships, grants or work-study. The less you have to stress about money, the more work you can accomplish and the more you can enjoy college life. Finally I would recommend you see what sorts of clubs or associations you can get involved in on campus, this makes the transition into college a lot smoother.

Geoff

My college experience is unique. For the past ten years I have been taking classes on and off, working on my general education requirements and drifting somewhat in the uncertaintainty of what I want to do with my life. All this time wasted while I waited for some bolt of lightening to strike; illuminating the path that I should take, the major that I should choose. In that time, I married, I quit using drugs, my wife and I bought a house and we both got a job at the University. Last summer, we refinanced our house, paid off all of our credit card debt and I quit my job and began going to school full-time in the spring semester of '08. This all leads me to say, don't allow indecision to be the over-riding principle of your life and your school experience. If you don't know what you want to do (for a living), don't let that stop you from taking your general education and make sure to slip some classes of interest in there too. Overall, follow your dreams and don't waste any time about it either. Put happiness before anythings else!

dutch

Dear parents and future students, The right school for any student is one that blends smoothly with the personality of the student. When a student finds the right school for them, there is a gut feeling that will tell them so. The absolute best way to attain this gut feeling is to visit as many schools as possible. The internet is a useful tool that will provide an abundant amount of information about thousands of schools. However, the vitrual experience is not synonomous with the physical experience. Each different campus will provide students with a unique and natural feeling that begins the moment you step onto the campus. The school that may have seemed fit for a student, may not give them the comforting feeling they expected once they visit the school. The gut feeling every student should look for, could come from a school they least expected. This is why it is important to visit as many schools as you can and increase the chances of finding that perfect school. If you follow my advice, and visit many different schools, you will be able to recognize what school is the best fit for you. Good Luck, Dutch Perryman

Jennifer

The advice that I would give is to pick the college that best suites them. They should research the school and see how their major program is and what clubs are around the school. Also, I would tell them to live on campus their first year so that they can make the most of their first year of starting college. That's one thing I regret doing when I started at the university. I was living at home and commuting back and forth to school. I was unable to make many friends because I was shy and afraid to make new friends. If I would've had the chance to live in a dorm, I would've been able to make a lot of long-life friendships fast. However, I still had many friends from high school that stayed in the state so I was able to hang out with them and grow closer to them.

Robert

To make the most of the college experience, parents and students should work together to make informed decisions. The decisions should encompass all aspects of the college experience, including financial, room and board, and expected future opportunities that will result from a college education. Once the student and parent have made a decision about what college to attend and how to accomodate all other aspects of college, the student should try to become active in as many school related activities as possible. This includes clubs, sororities, fraternities, and study groups. The people you meet and experience you will gain will help you transition into college life. The friends you make will undoubtedly be your friends throughout your college education, and even after college. In college you may find yourself falling upon hard times, but your friends can help you through many of these times. All in all, college is meant to be a learning experience and a time where friends are made for life. Remember to keep your educationaly goals first, and your friends close. If you can succeed in college, you can succeed in the life.

Laura

My advice to any speculative college student or parent is to trust your instincts, do your research and visit many different college campuses. It is important to follow instincts when choosing a college because once you have visited the campus and researched the college (specifically your intended major) you will have an overall feelig towards each specific school you are looking at. Take that "feeling" and trust it. If you felt at home, or comfortable, during a campus tour there is a reason for that. Take into consideration the weather and terrain around the school also, because you will be spending the majority of the next 2-4 years living there. Make sure you research your intended major and how well every schools' program is for that specific major. One thing I would strongly encourage not to do is spend too much time thinking about the cost of the school. If you absolutely love a certain University and know that you would be happy and successful there, then there are ways to figure out the rest as far as money goes. Do not give up an opportunity that you know is right for you because of money.

Anastasia

Personallly, I believe their is the perfect college for every student. Every student is looking for the perfect college, and while considering every aspect including financial eligibilty, location, social surrounding, family, friends, and academic reputation, students tend to somehow stumble across the perfect college. Students have such a variety of colleges, from trade schools to harvard, choices are endless.

Josh

Visit it and be prepared to adjust. And don't leave, stay in order to fix whatever problems you might have