University of Central Florida Top Questions

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

Lauren

To not let work build up. It's easy to put things off because there are more exciting things to do. Even if work isn't required, do it and stay on top of it. As far as partying and having a social life.. my best advice would be: There's always something going on somewhere but you don't always have to be a part of it.

Howard

Don't view college as a chance to get away and do whatever you want. Schoolwork must be your priority. Learn to have fun along with serious work, not all one or the other.

Mary

First of all, don't do what I did. Go VISIT the school and get to know it! Take a tour of the campus and of the dorms on campus and maybe even take a stroll around some of the buildings that may pertain to your major. Research what the school has to offer before making a commitment to the school. Talk to some of the teachers that you may be taking from or at least the advisors. A compare and contrast list comparing each school would be a big benefit! and also a pro and con list! If you choose the school and are accepted, make sure that you balance work and play. Don't let your grades slip! They're important! But make sure you make new friends and have a little fun as well or you might go crazy!! Do NOT do anything illegal, it's more fun to just have a movie party with your friends than it is to go clubbing.

Kisha

Visit the campus because you need to discover what is comfortable for your child as well as yourself. You need to be confident about your decision.

Aditi

Parents and students need to work together in determining which school is best for the future student. They need to look at all aspects of the school: academic, social, financial, etc. They need to take tours and speek to current students when trying to determine which school is right. The student should also have an idea of what they want to do with their life and find a school that would best prepare a student for that future. In addition to all of these things, I feel that a student should also be true to themselves and try not to please others, this is their future and their life and they need to find a place that is right for them and what they want for their future.

Maggie

Jump right in. Get involved on your campus, meet people, don't be afraid. This is the time in your life where you decide the person you will become. So, Make the most of it and make it happen!

Ian

I think you should look into the school. Ask question to the students that go there, not the students taking you on the tour, but the ones just around going to the school. Don't ask the people getting paid by the school but the people paying the school.

Chelsea

When choosing the college that you want to go to, even if you don't know what to study, it is important to try to find out the sorts of things that you are interested in and might possibly want to study. If you are not sure what you want to do, you should check that the school you are thinking about going to has a variety of majors that you can choose from. Another thing to look into is the carrier services and advising offices, as well as the things that they provide for students who are not sure of what they want to study. If you know that there are certain things that you want in a college such as clubs, extra-curricular activities, sports, and living accommodations you should look into that before you decide where you want to go so that you are not disappointed. If you want to make the most of your college experience I would suggest that you get involved with clubs and organizations and make friends. Networking in college is very important and the things you are involved with while in college can make a huge difference on your resume.

Britani

Study.

Brooke

First look online at colleges that have your major and visit their websites to see what they offer. Then find a couple your interested in and talk to your guidance councilors about what schools they suggest based on GPA, extra cirricular activites, testing scores, etc (but dont let their suggestions stop you from applying to any colleges you feel strongly about) Students: make sure you read over some practice essay application questions to get an idea of what colleges are looking for and make sure your honest and detailed. Also make sure to fill out scholarship applications that your school might supply or online forms (yes this may include more essays but its worth it) Parents: make sure to fill out all the right financial aid papers early ( the earlier your forms are filled out the more scholarships the students are eligable for, and have a better chance of getting aid). When you finally narrow your schools down to maybe 3 or so VISIT THE CAMPUS! The only way you will really know if you will feel comfortable at the school of your choice is to go see it! See how you feel on campus. Do you fit in there?

Han

One must know themselve well enough before applying to any colleges. Student must discover what motivates them, strike interest, also search what they are passionate about. Student must search for what is best for them and not what their peers think. The best way would be is to follow your heart and search for what you want the most.

Robert

Students: Finding the right college is extremely important, as it will be your home for the next 4 or so years. You need to search far and wide for the right one. Take advice from your parents; they are older than you and have experience, but in the end, it is your life and the final decision should be yours. Parents: Your kid is growing up and moving out (possibly). They will need your help and support in order to make it, particularly in finding the right college. Don't be afraid to help them choose the right college, as long as you are helping them choose and not the other way around.

Alexandre

I would advise to start looking at schools very early in high school. This will help get a better feel for what you want to do later on, where you want to live, and with whom. It will help you plan your finances as well. I also advise to start scholarship searches as early as possible as well.

Amanda

Take it seriously. Consider your ALL options wisely. Don't be afraid to take the plunge.

Brittany

Don't just choose the best school you can get into and don't attend it just because all of your friends are going there. Pick the best choice for you. Think of all of your options, apply to as many schools as you can and see how much financial aid you can get from all of them. Figure out the best value (academic value vs. monetary value) you can get, and make a realistic decision? If you know you're a homebody, now is not the time to go across the country. Visit as many open houses as you can or visit the colleges and speak to students who go there.

Berlande

When finding a college or university make sure its exactly where you want to be & not jus a get a away from your parents because you have to spend 4 years there, so make sure its somewhere you actually want to be. Never allow friends to influence your decision. trust me you will make new friends. Last always be goal oriented & career focused. Remember what you came here for & steer clear from peer pressure!

Casey

Parents, try not to get too invovled in your childs future, once they're out of high school they need to start taking charge of thier own lives. Students, don't settle for less that what you want. Your life is only what you make it.

nicholas

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Ben

The best thing you can do to reduce the stress of the college search is to pick one thing and stick with it. Changing the plans last second is a good way to raise your blood pressure. So all in all just plan ahead, it will help out alot. Just have fun with it, but not too much fun, youll need your liver later in life.

Leah

Check out all your options, and pick the school your the most excited about. College is super fun if you do it right and manage your time!

Wendy

Take visits to the campus of your choice. Get the feel of campus life, surrounding people, and staff. Research the program of choice and make sure it is credible and popular.

Gina

Because most students just entering college are unsure of what their major will undoubtedly be, it is important to choose a college that offers a wide range of undergraduate degrees. Furthermore a student and parents shouldn?t forget to take into account the distance away from home the students dream school is, for whether it is ten miles or a thousand, transportation can be costly. Finally once a school has be selected based on its academic capabilities, reaching it campus life and extracurricular activates is always fun. Does the school hale a leaser pool or recreation center? What kind of varsity sports and club teams do the offer? How many of the friends that I already have are going to the school of my choice? Ultimately, making the most of the college experience falls to the student and their ability to not only be outgoing, but to uphold the morals and standers they have obtained from their parents but set for themselves.

Cierra

I would advise students and parents to visit the college campus of their choice prior to attending. In doing so, they will be able to see the educational atmosphere of the school they will be attending. I also suggest sitting in a classroom prior to attending the college to see the pace of the classrooms and class sizes and if it will be beneficial to them. Some colleges have a campus newsletter that you can subscribe to online, and this newsletter allows students to know what?s happening campus at all times. Most importantly, get involved. There are always learning opportunities, but they don?t fall in your lap. Ask questions to fellow students or faculty members to make the most out of your collegiate experience. You can?t take advantage of opportunities you?re unaware of.

Lisa

My first piece of advice to students who are looking for the right college would be to go with their gut instinct. I went to FSU for my freshman year of college only because my best friend went there, but I knew in my gut that I wanted to be in Orlando at UCF. I had a good experience at FSU, but I was not happy. When I made the decision and moved to Orlando, I was much happier. I should have gone there from the beginning when I got accepted because I knew that was where my gut was telling me to go. I would tell the parents to let their children make their own decision about where they want to go to school. Next, I would tell the students to try to make as many friends as possible in their classes because when times get tough, their classmates, and new friends, will be the ones who can help them get through, especially with studying. College is a time for fun and being independant from parents, but it is also time for studying for your future. Remember that you're paying for your education, and it's not cheap.

Kerry

I think the main thing to remember is to go to class! Honestly, skipping even one class can put you behind, simply because you didn't hear the information directly from the educator. Also, studying is important. There is time to party on the weekends, but remember why you are in college in the first place: to get an education. It is a lot of work and requires a lot of discipline, but it is such a wonderful experience. Also, don't feel pressured to join every organization on campus. Pick one or two that you really like and become active!! These are the years that your future will be built on, so study hard and have fun!

Kimberly

Choosing the right college is like choosing the right pair of shoes, except on a more dramatic level. You have to choose what is right for you. You can't choose what all of your friends are choosing, because that might not be comfortable for you. You want to choose what your going to get the most wear out of and the one that, when your fashionista friends are opting out of what was cool at the time and transferring to what they really wanted in the first place, you will have already settled into what you really wanted. You want to choose a place that matches your life style, that matches your essence of being. This place will be your home for the next four years and you want to make sure that you can make the most out of it.

Sydnee

I would probably have to say that finding the right college is not an easy process. Do it for yourself, and do what makes you happy. However, be smart with your choices and make sure that they will benefit you in the end. Have fun, because you're only yound once, but make sure you always have your priorities in order. Oh, and ALWAYS keep a planner for your assignments and test dates. It's like the bible of college.

Christine

Find a college that from the moment you're there, you feel almost like you're at home. Look at a lot of schools, not just a few, so you know for a fact what you want your school to have or feel like. Also, try a sleep away camp and/or living with a roommate before you go away for school, otherwise it will be a HUGE shock. Also, make sure you know for sure if you're okay with being far from home or not BEFORE you pick your school.

Alexander

I would recommend every incoming student to stay at elast 1 year in on-campus housing in order to meet friends. The friends you meet in your first few months are the friends that you tend to keep the remaing 3 years at that school. In order to succeed, students must go to class and get the most out of your education. If you are paying for it, might as well attend class.

Samantha

Visit each campus. Imagine yourself walking around the campus each day, studying in the library, using the resources, and making friends there. Don't just go for the university that all of your friends want, go to the one that feels the most like home. I chose a university that almost noone from my high school attended, and I have never made a better decision in my life. WHen you get to college, get involved in everything that interests you. If you don't you will look back with regret. I joined a sorority, the honors program, and the club for my major. All of these have enhanced my college experience into exactly what I dreamed it would be. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and make th most of it. After all, it is the most important part of your life!

lisa

i would say go with your gut. don't just pick the school your friends are going to. pick one that fits with the MOST of your requirements, and pick one that you will feel comfortable in the surrounding neighborhoods. it's not just about the academics, you have to like the area around the school as well. pick one you feel safe and pick one where you'll have fun roommates!

Sarah

Get involved in student activities as soon as possible. Greek life is a great way to meet friends that will last a lifetime. Make sure your personality maches with your roommates and remember school comes first!! Working on campus is a great way to make extra cash and meet new people. Giving tours or working at the health center or bookstore are common jobs at every campus. Always sit next to the most organized person in class, and don't sit in the back unless you plan on being a "backseat student". Having all types of friends is the key to success. Knowing super smart people will help you get good grades and encourage you to study, and knowing fun, popular people will help you get involved in sport groups and fun activities! Good luck, have fun and study till you drop.

Christina

Research the college, make sure you know what they offer and how much everything costs. Remember to examine all the options and when in deciding, choose some that allow you the most flexibility because of the chance of you changing your mind.

Rachel

Research your options! Pick a school that you are excited about and that is located in a city where you will be happy. Meet as many people as possible because one of the best parts of college is forming relationships with people. Live on campus your first year. Explore the career center, there are many opportunities available. Get involved in clubs. Explore all the events and activities your campus has to offer.

Amber

You should always visit the website make sure it's easy to read and navigate. I've found that the more user-friendly the websit is the more it reflects the people on the campus. You should also visti thte campus to see if the on/off campus activities and ammentities fit your lifestyle. You don't want to make a big change that you can't handle!

Marley

The most important thing about looking for the right college is to make sure the student feels 100 percent comfortable where they are at. Afterall, they will be spending the next four years there!

Kelly

Give every college a chance. Feel it out. Universities aren't just courses and an education, it's an experience. If you are able to, visit your top choices and get a feel for the campuses, the students, and the locale. More often than not, there's a "click" between the student and the right college. The college experience is about being a part of something bigger, not just attending classes. Look not only at the courses, but the clubs and organizations, the services that the university offers, and what the campus has that sparks your interests. A university has to be more than just functional, it should be engaging as well.

Pedro

Finding the right collage is one of the most important things one will do in their life. One must not procrastinate and make sure that things get done in a timley manner so that they will have enough time to socialize and relax.

Jonathan

Make sure you have plenty of time to weigh your options. Do not wait until the last second to start applying, and always have a back-up plan. Take every experience as a learning experience. Don't be afraid to take chances and try something new. College is the time in your life where you learn the most about yourself and what you like, dislike, want, and dream for. Enjoy every moment of it.

Lisa

Take the time now to do your research about schools and scholarship availability. It may seem time consuming now but it will be well worth it in the long run.

Francisco

Dont stress, I know that most students when entering the application process get stressed over the amount of questions, the requirements, such as test scores and gpa, and most of all the essays. In reality none of these are much to worry about. What is most important is for you to look for colleges that appeal to you, you would be suprised at the number of students that get accepted to their first and second choice.

Jessica

Take time to tour the entire campus. Find out about the the academics and the student body.

Erica

Don't go to the college that you are expected to attend, go to the college that you WANT to attend. It is not all about the academics, but it is about where as a student and a person you will feel most comfortable. I was lucky enough to attend a school that offers the perfect major for me, but it is not all about that. As a student, you have to love waking up and going to school every day, just as you would for your career. Four years is a long time, make sure you pick the school that best fits your personality.

Dylan

I would emphasize that doing your homework and researching the plethora of schools available for your child or yourself to attend is so important. For example, looking into the accredation status of the institution, the differences between in-state and out of state schools (ie.: financial costs), the school's technology and student-life progress, and inquiring about the particular details regarding the program(s) you are interested in within the school will clearly give you a greater edge when making your decision. In addition, I recommend asking questions about the school to current school employees and any currently enrolled students in the school. This allows a chance for an unscripted/unrehearesed response in regards to how they feel and what they think about the institution (especially students). What they say will most likely reflect their overall impression of the school and give you a greater insight into that particular school you are looking into. When it comes to making the most of the college experience, I would suggest two main things: One being that you explore all areas of the school, from academic to extra-curricular, and two, that you work studiously to manage yourself and your time exceptionally.

Anthony

Go where you're heart feels right. Even if it's not your first choice, maybe give it a try and you'll soon find out that you'll love it!

Wojciech

Visit the campus, programs and prestige play an important role in the selection process, but visiting the university and seeing that you are comfortable there is extremely important and often ignored. After all, you will be spending a good chunk of time at the university.

Amber

As a current college senior, I would inform future freshman and/or transfer students of the financial restraints of college life. As much as everyone would like to say otherwise, the world does revolve around money and you must have some or a means to get some in order to succeed in this demanding lifestyle. Schools have a wide variety of financial assistance, some more than others. Choosing the right school is more than just a pretty campus or an outstanding sports team, it needs to be somewhere you can afford and somewhere you would like to stay for the most crucial four-plus years of your life. Once you narrow down your choices to those schools you can afford, then, it is time for the fun stuff! Find a school that can provide you with the extracurricular experiences you are use to or the new ones you have always wanted to try. College is about becoming the person you aspire to be, academically and socially. So get in line, because college is the best roller coatser of your life.

Eric

If you have a goal for your future, find a school that will let you achieve that. Research what kind of majors are available. Find out what the school is known for, and what kind of research its doing. Keep in mind how far away it is too. It might seem nice to be far away and independent, but you're going to want to be able to go home cheaply and easily. Visit the school and check out the surrounding area. I'm sure there will be a tour provided, but be sure to do some exploring yourself. Visit during peak school hours, when students are rushing back and forth, trying to make to to class or trying to find a bite to eat. When you enroll, look for a club to join. Joining a club will thrust you into a social environment, allowing you to meet people and make friends. Try to stay ahead of your classes, playing catch up is hard to do. Finally, watch what you eat and drink, and sleep!

Deborah

I would definitely recommend visiting the school and talking with students. Taking a tour can actually give you a good idea of how you might fit in and if it is exactly what you are looking for. The best thing I did was live on campus... I met so many people and created what I considered to be a family away from home. Joining clubs and taking advantage of your school's facilities only enhances your college experience.

Ketryn

Research the college thoroughly and all the courses/degrees it offers. Chances are you may switch majors and need different courses. This college offers a wide variety and all the staff, professors and faculty and students are cheerful and helpful. Also take advantage of all the extras the college has to offer. For instance: the research opportunities, work study, guest speakers and other informative venues.