University of Central Florida Top Questions

There are many important factors that should be considered when choosing the right college. The most important factor is the cost. Once you have calculated what you can afford to pay each year, the next decision should be location. Do you want to stay at home? Or do you want to get as far away from your parents as possible? Also consider the climate. If you hate winter, it would not be wise to attend a college in the northeast region. It is also important to do research on the department that you plan to major in. What major research has been done? How do students rate the professors? Is it a good program compared to your other choices? These are just a few of the main factors that should be considered. I know choosing a college is overwhelming but if you do not put thought into it you may not be happy with your decision. I wish I would have thought about these things when I chose my alma mater.

First of all go vistit the college and if you can spend the night and look at the campus life around it at night time as well. Next, talk to people who attend the school and others who are actively involved in your major. It is important to know about the quality of the professors, the actual class sizes, and the quality of the resources that you will be provided with if you attend that school. Finally, don't choose a school just because you think that's the best for you. I speak from expierience when I say attend a school because it feels right and you are excited about attending it. And always have goals and aspire to achieve them.

I would tell students to pick their college based off of size and what it has to offer for the student. Also, the places around the campus play an important role in choosing a college. To make the most out of you're college experiece is to get involved. Students should join clubs and play sports that are related to their majors or interests. The bigger the college, the more choices/variety there is. A student who is undecided should most likely go to a big school to be available to more opportunities to find what kind of major they are interested in. The cost also plays a very important role. Out of state students will have to pay a lot more money than others. Parents and students have to think whether the college of their choice is worth the money or not.

Make a list of things that are/will be important. Will you work full time, part time, not at all? Are there places around the school where you can work? Will your religious views be hard to follow? Will you play sports? What clubs will you be in? If you won't have a vehicle, how is the public transportation? Is the campus safe and do they have emergency call boxes? Going to a "dry campus" may be a deciding factor for some people. Look at the availability of parking- how bad is the traffic and parking throughout the day? Research how long the average person spends at that particular college- consider why most students take 6 years to graduate vs taking the usual 4 years. What is around the school in regards to food, shopping, and entertainment? The location of the school is very important.

It is a very emancipating experience, you truly feel free and allowed to think for yourself. You will discover who you are as a person without input from your parents. You will face problems that you will need to solve for yourself. You will come face-to-face to any prejudices you may hold and must try to become tolerant or you may find the college experience unbearable. You must go into it with an open mind and think for yourself. Independance is a very important quality that will be picked up as well, maybe the most valuable as well.

What is most important in selecting a college is to figure out what the student's needs are. Do they like the city, or do they like the country? Would they mind having over 40,000 students attending, or would they like a small 1000 student population. It is important to know whether the school offers the programs that the student intends to major. Yeah, most of their friends may be attending a particular school, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the school has an entertainment major that the student always dreamed of. Being apart of a new school is practically adopting a new family. Selecting the school enables a student to make life long friends, business partners, or even lovers; it's essential to select the right school. Make sure the student gets involved and take the highest leadership role they can. I can guarantee that they will stand out in their job interviews when they let their future employer know about their trip to a foreign country or the community service project they led. College is the perfect place to stumble upon infinite opportunities.

No college will be beneficial unlesss you committ to your work. College is a time for you to focus and educate yourself. A time to prove what you are capable of and to build a foundation for your future. If you are going just to party and have a good time and you are not going to try tot he best of yoru ability and willing to make school your first priority then you are wasting time and money. You will get out of school what you are willing to put in.

Go with your gut instinct! If you're not sure, that means you shouldn't go there!

Take your time, visit the campuses, and make sure you like almost everything about the college.

The advice i would give to upcoming students/parents into the college world, would be that you must chose the college that is best for you in the future, that you wont have any regrets, information is key.

Visit the college and investigate all opportunities for finacial aid.

My advice to students would be to do the research themselves. Don't think that the information your parents have about college is enough. Times have changed and college isn't what it used to be. You have access to a world of information online so start there. Get packages containing more information from those schools you liked most. Set up a meeting with the dean of the university. Most importantly go visit those schools. You may have a specific school in mind that you think is perfect for you, but the truth is that often times it isn't. There are plenty of colleges that you may not have even heard of yet that could be perfect for you, but you won't know until you've done your research. My advice to the parents is, be encouraging. Encourage your student to reach for the highest they can and be there when they receive that thrilling acceptance or disappointing rejection. Your opinions play a big part in what college your student will choose so let them know what you think, but don?t make them think they have to go to a specific school to please you.

Looking at what they have to offer

If you know what you want to do - if you have your major and your career picked out - then go to whatever school is best for that (the best one you can get into). IF you don't know what you want, go to a school in your state, save money and figure it out while you have a bit of fun and learn about life.

Choose the right college for you. When you're there, remember that school is your priority and it is important to dedicate the time to it that is deserved.

There is so much advice that I could give students and their parents that would help them in making the best decision in choosing a college and making the best of the one chosen. From my experiences I will give the advice that helped me most so far. First, a student should always choose the college that has the most opportunities for their career path, not the biggest party atmosphere. There will always be parties no matter what school you choose. Second, make the best of your time in college by getting involved in campus activities. There are so many opportunities to get involved. Being involved also allows for networking with in your school. This can be extremley important once you graduate and later in life. These other students are going to be able to help you find future jobs and a number of other helpful things after you all graduate. Plus everyone loves to make life long friends that can help you get through college. You dont want feel alone when going through finals and stressing about graduating. So jump in, focus, and have fun!

Make sure it has a good program for the major you are looking for. Make sure you visit the campus and do research on it's history to know if this is the right campus for you. And make sure you know how much it is going to cost so you can be prepared if you don't get financial aid.

Select the school that is right for you, Please be smart do not select the school that is right for your boyfirend, friends or even your family. It is a tough decision and one that impacts the rest of your career. Please think before you act.

When looking for a school try to find a place where you like the campus or find a school that you can see yourself being a part of. When you get accepted join a club for anything that may intrest you.

The best advice I could give parents or students about finding the right college is to visit as many as possible. Each college has its own personality and atmosphere, and finding an environment which suits your own style is key in having a successful college life. What may be the perfect college for one person, may be a bad choice for another. Furthermore, brochures and website don't exactly convey a college atmosphere, the only way to fully experience it is through an actual visit. In regards to making the most of the college experience, the best advice I can give is to get involved. Join clubs, groups, and organizations that you're interested in as it will make it much more enjoyable experience as well as providing you with a peer group that can aid you in your academic studies as well as become friends you will have forever. Above all, be willing to take risks and step out of your comfort zone, doing so will not only expand your own outlook but help you develop into the person you want to be when your life after education begins.

Do campus tours & keep your financial means in mind.

The biggest struggle I've had with college is getting correct and complete guidance. I started out attending Brevard Community College in Titusville, Florida to get my AA degree. I met with advisors from both BCC and UCF and asked what I needed to do to get into my program. Both told me all I had to do was get my AA degree and I could apply for Digital Media: Visual Langauge. No one bothered to tell me, however, about the extensive amount of pre-req classes were required, and how hard the program actually is to get into. Not only do I have to pass a portfolio review and an interview, but acceptance into the program only happens once a year, and only thirty students are chosen each year. Not only am I just spending time and stress making up classes only to try and get into my program, but I'm wasting money too. It's crucial to research your specific career and meet with the right people. Go to your actual program advisor and don't hesitate to ask questions. It's better to ask a silly question, than spend 3 semesters on pre-reqs.

Don't limit yourself to only the academic aspects of the school, things like location and school size will matter once you start college. Also look for a school that is strong in the same areas of study as you would like to pursue. Make sure you love where you live or it will effect everythign else you do, if you are unhappy it's hard to do your best academically. Join clubs, meet diverse people, open up your mind and expose yourself to things you wouldn't ordinarily consider. You truly have to go after the things you want, nothing will be handed to you anymore. Dream big and know that nothing is impossible, don't follow social conventions and think for yourself. College will only be what you make of it, grab ahold of opportunities. The college you choose will not define you for the rest of your life, so choose a school in which you will be happy, from then on customize your experience anyway you want, but most importantly make sure to follow your own dreams instead of impressing other people or trying to not dissapoint your parents.

When you are deciding on a school, class sizes should be a large factor. If you feel you progress better with more personalized time with your instructor, UCF may not be the school for you. Most general education classes are in lecture halls of three hundred students or more. With general education classes typically being the majority of a student's first semester classes, it may be difficult for some students to adjust. Professors and instructors do make an effort to hold convenient office hours and extra help sessions which usually makes up for the void. UCF offers several extra-help and tutoring services all of which are free to students. We recently got a football stadium and game days are comparable to UF and FSU. To make the most of your college experience you have to balance your time wisely. Set aside enough time to get your work done but don't overload yourself. Some say school should be treated as a full time job, school work from 9-5, then nights and weekends are free time to do what you like. University of Central Florida can be an extremely enjoyable school when you can budget your time adequately.

My only advice to parents and students concerning college and choosing the right one would be to go with your gut feeling. I know it sounds cheesy, but it's true. The moment you set foot on the right campus you will know it. On that note, I would encourage families to visit the campuses of there top choice universities. Its easy to read reviews online or in pamphlets, but being there is a completely different experience! You see students and teachers in action, you can even try the cafeteria food to see if it is actually as good as they claim it is (don't get your hopes up, it usually isn't!).

Visiting a school and getting to know the people who go there, the programs that are availible, and the extracurricular activities are paramount in selecting the school that's right for you. Ideally, do this by taking a campus tour and sit in on an information session, then to go explore the school yourself. Plan ahead: sit in on classes; talk to professors about your potential major. Visit the campus during regular class session to get a feel for the size of the population, and attend meetings for intriguing clubs. Meet students, not just your tour guides, and ask them about the school. Talk to an academic advisor and look at what might lie ahead in that field, and ask about job placement or graduate school opportunities after graduation. Schools often set these things up for you arrive for a visit, but it's always helpful to do some digging of your own, and avoid simply listening to the carefully planned marketing spiels. Most importantly, don't forget that it's not just the blunt facts that make your school right for you, it's campus life and academic support that'll make a huge difference in your college experience.!

Make sure you thoroughly research any programs you might be interested in at your prospective colleges. Apply to multiple colleges, visit them, and talk to students or professors or anyone you can to get a feel as to what it's like at that university. If you are unsure of where you want to go or what to major in, there is no shame in completing your A.A. at a community college. It will also grant you easier admission access to the college of your choice. To make the most of your experience, be active. Don't wait for people to come to you. Be friendly and engage in conversation with strangers. Join a club or Greek organization - do what you need to get involved. I believe that a person with an active social life will make a better student. Take everthing in moderation. Learn how to organize your time and talk to advisors for help. Never be afraid or intimidated to ask for help, and don't stop trying until you get your answer. You don't have to be the best, but as long as you tried your best, that's what matters.

To find the right college and make the most of your college experience, do NOT try to get into a school just because of its name. Many times, students end up being disappointed with their school because they did not spend time attempting to study their university to see if it was a right fit. Just because a school's football team wins a lot does not make the school all that great. For example, the Louisiana State University just won a National Championship in football yet academically, they are ranked in the third tier of all national colleges and universities. Conversely, academic rankings aren't everything. Look into research, housing, social life, and even the school's surrounding area. After visiting your top schools, try to narrow your list down based on your OWN observations. Also, for parents, it is best to allow your son or daughter to make their own mature decision about which institution they feel is right for them.

I had several choices, each very different. I will share with you how I chose the college I did. All of my high school were friends were going to a certain university that was well acredited but the atmosphere did not offer much and the majority of off campus activity involved drinking. I personally do not drink, so I was not attracted to that college, even though all my close friends were attending. Another option was to stay at home and attend a local university. My mother is my best friend and I knew staying home would creat a comfortable atmosphere where I wouldn't learn more about myself and life. Now, for UCF, I was hesitant because I did not know anyone coming here, but I loved the atmosphere and environment of Orlando. All three colleges had excellent Elementary Education programs, so I based my choice on atmosphere. I am so thankful I chose UCF because everyone was so friendly and I got involved easliy. I absolutely love the area and Orlando offers so much, and is not the typical college party town. Although Education quality should come first, my advice would be to focus on atmosphere. Good Luck!

You should research colleges, and take a college tour to see if it is the right fit for you. Talk to students and faculty and get their opinions about the college and how they like it so far. In order to make the most of your college experience, you must be involved. Join orgnizations that interest you, like culturual clubs, or academic clubs, fraternities or sororities, and spend time giving back to the community. Many organizations are very philanthropic, and dedicate a lot of time and effort into helping others.

The best advice I can give a parent or a student is look for a school where they will feel at home. If you hate being in overcrowded classes in high school your probably not going to like Auditorium classes. Also try to talk to an actual student of the schools before deciding, and I do not mean your tour guides, they are being paid to get you to come to the school.

make sure so going to have fun where your going and that it has what you want to take for classes

Look for the college that appeals to your desired career, has many available jobs in the surrounding area to support yourself while in school, and most of all appeals to your passions. These are the best days of your life so chose them carefully.

The best advice I would give students about making the most of their college experience is to be bold. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and let it all hang out. More often than not it will be okay. Remember that everyone else is probably going to be in the same boat as you. Sure, there will be differences such as, majors, political views, etc. but, you will never be looked down upon because of those. The best advice I would tell potential students trying to find the right college is to find the best college in areas that you think you might want to make a career. Whatever your major may be now, it is extremely likely that you will switch your major. In essence, look at any/all career paths you might have and then choose the college that fits your overall goal(s).

The most important thing about choosing a college is making sure it feels right and has a variety of things that interest you. It's not only important to focus on the types of classes that are offered, but also the extracirriculars. It is also important that when you visit the school you feel comfortable and can see yourself on the campus. Practicality is important, but so is fun.

First its all up to that person. You have to be able to manage school and play. If you go away to school you don't have your mom on your back telling you to do your homework. You have to be able to take responsibility for yourself. Join something that interest you. Thats one thing UCF has, they have many oppurtunities to join any organization. And there is a variety of them. Its a great way to meet people who have the same interest as you do. Keep a schedule of things that you have to do. A planner will be your best friend, learn to love it! And just have fun! Enjoy the time your here because it will go by fast and then your out in the big, scary real world!

It's important to find a school that evenly suits you academically as well as socially. It's common to start college without knowing exactly what you may want to major in, but brainstorm some general ideas that you feel suit you and make sure the school you choose excels in those. You also want to insure that you are comfortable with the environment in which the school is placed. I've visited many Universities whose campuses varied greatly. I recommend visiting your schools of interest and taking the campus tours. They will effectively give you a general feeling of the environment, culture, education, and various other aspects of the school. Once you have chosen one, do everything you can to take advantage of school life. I'll tell you first hand, durring my first couple of years in school, I was working a job and playing in a band, both on the other side of town, and didn't really start to indulge in all my campus had to offer until recently. Now, after participating in various on-campus activities, I wish I had been more involved from the start. Take advantage of every opportunity presented to you.

Keep your focus on what you expect to gain from going to a university. Chose a college that matches what you're looking for, such as a city if you like fast-paced, urban settings or a small town if you like static and conservative settings. Whether your goal is getting an education to find a career, or having friendships that will last a lifetime, any college will be the experience you are expecting. Just keep your eyes open and your mind free to learning. :)

First of all, making the right decisions and getting good grades in high school is essential for college. The better you do in hich school, the more chances you have of getting scholarships awarded from your high school or state based on G.P.A. A lot of students look for a college that's far away from their home so that they can experience the independence of being a college student. You shouldn't base your college search on that alone. Besides, going home for the holidays can cost a lot more if you go to school accross the country. When considering housing, it is beneficial to live on campus, but living off campus can be a much more exciting experience, and it usually costs less. It's even better if your college offers a shuttle system to get you to school. Most importantly, get a good grasp of what you think your future will be all about. You can find a school that has programs geared toward what you want to major in, and once you're in that school, you can have a leg up on internships and classes. Always study hard and buy used text books!

Well it really depends on the persons interests, Weather, they want to go to a big school or a small one. Also in an economy like this one which one is the most cost efficient. In honestly its what you make out of the experience, you can always find a good time big or large, but i would consider many factors like wheather as well. When your in college the best way to make the most out of it is to do what you like to do; but also try to get out their. This is a time for many people their first time away form their house for a little while, and they should experience new things but still montain a certain responcibility and keep up with your academia and just have a good time.

Finding the right college is very important. It is going to be your home for the next four years. So it is crucial to try and find the best fit. I made this mistake at the first school I attended. I thought it was just ok, and that I liked it enough. Well, this was a big mistake, by the end of the first semester I hated it and transfered out at the end of the year. There is a lot that goes into finding a good school. You need to go spend at least a couple of days there, an afternoon tour is not enough time to get a feel for the school. What I found to be really helpful in picking my second school, was talking to the students that go there. I know it is intimidating but most of the time they will be more than happy to help, and they will tell you the truth. They have nothing to gain or lose; so if they don't like the school they will tell you. The surrounding environment is important too, the time you are not on campus will be spent in this area. Good luck!

The advice I would give parents and/or students is to do lots of research on the schools on their choice. Look at all the other options and decide on a college which fits your needs and specifications. Also pick a school that can help you with the financial needs. Decide on a school that would fit you perfectly and then discuss the decision with those that are close to you. In my opinion to make the most of your college experience is to do things that make you feel comfortable. Have fun and relax, but make sure that school work is a top priority. Try new things and make new friends. The best way to make the most of the experience is to have fun being in college. It is a life changing experience that should be enjoyed.

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Plan ahead and apply for all the financial aid you can.

Make sure you go to class and get the most out of your classes while your there

Do as much research as you can, and parents, remember that ultimately, it's the student's choice, not yours.

Choose a college that is just right for you. Do not go to college for anyone but yourself. Enjoy the experience, it will last you a lifetime.

In finding the right school for your son/daughter it is imperitive that you do your homework. Look into the school and find out what majors are offered, what the surroundings are like, teacher-to-student ratio, GPA requirements, highly acclaimed alumni, so on and so forth. Once they have narrowed it down to about three schools, it is highly recommended that you and your daughter/son take a trip to visit these schools. Not only will this be an informative trip but a great bonding experience for the whole family or just the two of you. It is important that you feel comfortable with the decision your young adult is making but above all it is crucial that THEY feel comfortable with it. Remember parents: As College Freshmen they may get home sick quite a bit but your job is to help them stick it out.

First, find a school that we'll meet your academic needs such as a degree and/or challenging courses. Also, a school that provides hands-on experiences in the field of choice. In my opinion, the most important aspect in making the most at any college is a desire to learn.

Make sure to apply for every scholarship available because even a little extra money can go a long way. Be aware that students can get homesick, so attending a college a few hours away from home is helpful. Don't pass up on opportunities to join clubs, teams or other groups affiliated with your college, because after you graduate, you'll look back and kick yourself for not doing so. There is always something going on around campus, so take the time to wander around and check out everything there is to offer.