University of Colorado Boulder Top Questions

A lot of colleges can be the right college depending on how involved you are. Even if you're going to a great school, you won't get the full experience if you just sit in your room. Make sure to join clubs and meet your neighbors. It seems most of the friends I made were kids from my dorm. Most campuses have a lot of free events, so even if the budget is tight, there should be no reason you can't have fun and get out once in awhile. For me, choosing the right campus was one that wasn't too big (to make sure I got the help I needed) and not too small (Hey, it's my first time away from home, I wanted some diversity). I also liked living in a city/suburb type area, but with nature only a short drive away. It seems like a good blend accomodates more type of people.

Choosing the right college can be difficult. I remember that I had no idea where to go. It takes a long time and a lot of planning to finally decide. When selecting a college, I strongly recommend that the student visits the campus. I believe that is one of the most important factors when selecting a college. Check out the campus and make sure nothing seems out of place or even too good to be true. Also, watch the students during a school day. See what they are doing and decide if the student would fit in. Another important factor is deciding if the academics are right for the student. Does the student want a lot of homework? Does the school have the right programs? How good are the Advisors? All of these play a crucial role when planning a college career. When you have finally selected your college, just make sure the student doesn?t have too much fun. Stay academically minded and always take breaks so the student doesn?t become overwhelmed. Just remember that college is a lot of money and its not worth spending thousands of dollars to just party all the time.

I would suggest parents or students begin searching when the student is a junior. They should go online because there are lots of good college resources; also visit the websites of colleges because I think the quality and personality of the site says alot of the college. Always know what the area around the college is like and if at all possible, visit the school! That is crucial, it can look great in pictures but always be sketchy in real life. The student should know what he/she wants from his/her college experience and pick a school that will best suite his/her needs. Also, factor in tuition costs.

Make sure you go visit the school first. If the school is a long distance from home think if that is or will become a problem for you. You also want to look at the cost of living in the town you attend school if you plan to live off campus because it can be a huge shock to find that it cost 900$ a month to live in a 4 bedroom 1 bath house. Also make sure that the school will accomidate for all your needs you might have! Most of all make sure you feel comfortable and at home because this will be home for the next 4+ years!

Make sure that you tour the school. If you know someone that already goes there you will have a less bias tour.

Look for the school that has the field you want to study, as well as the activities you are interested in. For me the biggest thing in my life outside my major is snowboarding. I had a choice between to schools that would allow me to study the same major, but only one could allow me to continue to pursue my passion in snowboarding. With my sutdies comes alot of stress and weight with assignments, tests, and grades. Engineering only tolerates hard-working, focussed, and dedidicated students. For me, being able to do the things I love to do outside of my studies has made all the difference between a stressed, unhappy, and overwhelmed student, and a happy, active, and focussed individual.