University of Connecticut Top Questions

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

Moya

I would emphasize visiting the college (i.e going to orientation) before going to a school. A school may do all the things rite such as give scholarships, have friendly people on the phone, etc, however this does not mean that it's the best school for you. I also emphasize using all resources available to you when it comes to applying for scholarships. Make sure you like the school for you and not for your parents.

Francisco

I would advise students to think for a long while about what they realistically intend to achieve academically at college, and then decide on a school that matches their goals. Many students seem to deceive themselves into thinking that they need to go just so that they can have the experience of living on a campus. This is far from true, and it should not be a factor (or at least not a very strong factor) when choosing a college or university. There is too much emphasis on having fun at college, so much so that some students decide to go to a school that looks more fun extra-curricularly over a school that is stronger academically. In the long run, how much fun a student had at college matters very little--especially when it comes to getting a good job. As such, it is far more important to choose a school that fits academically than it is to choose one that supports an excess of extra-curricular activities.

Alison

I would visit ALL schoools before applying and get a feel for it. Finding someone you know who attends the school is a good idea because then you can experience a day in their college life. Once you enroll and begin attending your school, give it a chance- if you don't like it at first maybe it's because you just haven't found your niche yet, so give it time and you will eventually find something in the school that suits you.

Michael

First of all, parents be open to your kids choices of schools, especially if you can afford it. For a kid to be able to attend their "dream school" would inspire that kid/ young adult to make an extra effort to be able to stay at the school. For those students who unfortunately cant afford to go to their dream schools, take advantage of the schools around you, enjoy the experience and use it to springboard into doing what they want to do and go where they go following their graduation. To make the most out of college, students must learn to associate and network themselves around good people who may benefit them in the future. College give the student a chance to get away from their parents at a time where most teens and parents may need a little space. College allows for students to get away, and it allows for parents to feel safe with knowing that their kids are in a controlled place. College is a great place to learn, as well as grow up. Freshman come in as 18 year old kids and leave as 22 year old adults and the experience is unlike no other.

Kyle

Choosing the right college is one of the most important choices you will have to make in your life. I suggest that you sit down and go through all the colleges that interest you. Once you are done with that, you should go visit them as often as you can and talk to as many students and professors at the college that you can. Getting as many different views of that institution that you are looking at is the best way to get knowledge of that school. I chose the University of Connecticut by doing exactly what I said in the previous statements and have not looked back once. I love it here and if I were to choose to do it all over again I would not change a thing. Once you are at college you must make the most of all your opportunities. When you first get there, it is alright to focus solely on school until you get your footing. After a few weeks of that though you should really branch out and join as many clubs as you can and are interested in. The best way to maximize your college career is to become involved!

Dexter

I would say to students is that you should pick the school that fits you socially and academically. College is your own personal decision and you should make sure that its the right one. I knew Uconn was the right school for me because it fitted my academic needs and my social needs.

Nicholas

Finding the right college: -Take your time to choose. Price is important, but you have to know that the culture at the school fits YOU. YOU are unlike anyone else in the world, but you share something in common with everyone. Just find the school where you seem to identify with everybody. Making the most: -It's up to you. Get involved in student activites. Do it. Even if you're gonna be crazy and be an engineer or something, get involved in a fun student group on campus doing what you love. Nothing will bring you closer friends and better connections than that.

Erica

Always go with your gut. Make sure it is a place you will feel comfortable and know that you will be challenged as an intellectual and as a person. Don't be afraid of growth and change.

Katelyn

Finding the right college can seem overwhelming. There is alot of hard work and time that goes into making the decision. When it comes down to making the decision go with wherever you feel the most comfortable. You should be able to see yourself living on the campus for the next four years. I didn't know where I wanted to go until the very last minute, but when I compared my choices I knew the right one was Uconn. I could totally see the next four years of my life unfolding here and I felt completely comfortable staying on the campus. I definitly made the right decision.

Elizabeth

Finding the right school isn't easy. Its important to remember that just because a school looks great on paper,it might not translate into a fairytale. Having a star football team or prestigious alumni doesn't mean its right for you. So VISIT the campuses. TALK to students. What made them choose to attend? Tours are great, but the real dirt comes from students. Set on a major? Contact someone in your program who can give you the inside scoop. No major? No problem. Many schools offer exploratory programs. DON'T be afraid of big schools. big schools mean more people, but they also mean big options. GET INVOLVED. It sounds like a broken record, but there is no better way to meet people. Like to ski? Want to skydive? Learn Salsa? you're bound to find a club or start your own.TRY SOMETHING NEW! There is no better way to learn about yourself then by branching out. Play soccer or ultimate frisbee? Most schools have tons of intramural sports teams. If your school offers a greek life system, consider going Greek! No matter what you do, getting involved will make the transition to college smoother for you.

Anthony

Its not only where your college is located, but also what the programs offered are. Just because you want to go to a specific college, doesnt mean its the right college. To me it was about the program, and through that i've found friends that i know i will keep for life!

Harlan

If at all possible, experience your choices beforehand outside of tour groups. Check out some clubs and lurk in on some classes in a field you are interested in to get a feel for them. Spend some time alone around campus to see how people really are when you are indistinguishable from themselves. You may know all the details about the school, but until you spend some time there in such a way as if you were already a student there, you will not know if it is for you. I've know numerous people who were thrilled about coming to my school, but after getting here they couldnt handle the environment , a feeling that group tours do little to help relay. To get the most out of the college experience, maintain an open mind. Until now, you've been in a relatively sheltered environment, and the change to college life can cause one to close themselves as they adapt. Instead, look for clubs or events that interest you, even if you've never tried something like them before. Dont overwhelm yourself, but always be trying new things to make the most out of college and out of yourself.

Daniel

Make sure you visit the campus and talk to some of the undergraduates and professors before deciding to go to a school.

Elizabeth

The best advice I can give others about chosing the right college for them is to think hard a make a list of the most important qualities you want your college to have and then to spend a long time researching a variety of colleges. I think it is important to give many schools a chance and to then visit them and experience different environments so that you know where you will really feel comfortable. I also encourage people to be practical and make a list of attainable and affordable schools. Students should definately look at average, safety and reach schools that are academic social and financial fits. Furthermore, I encourage students to base their decisions on what is important to them and to not be influenced by their parents prefferences. Parents do often know best and their advice shoudl be considered but, they are not the ones who will be attending the school!

Tara

One of the most important things to do to find the right college for you is to go to that campus. It makes such a big difference if you go for a day and just walk around like you would your freshman year. If you look around the buildings you'll be studying in or going to lecture in and go eat at the dining halls you'll be eating at, you get a better feel for what your college life would be like if you go there. Also if you ask people walking around campus how they feel about the university, you can see the pros and cons to being there. Once you get to your college the first thing you should do is to join clubs. I've personally found clubs to be a great way to meet people and to make life long friends and career contacts. Sure you could go through college without a social life, but college isn't just about academics. Through clubs and sports you can meet people who will make your four years of college some of the your best.

Thomas

The only advice I really have to give is follow your interests and make sure there are a wide enough variety of classes that should you lose your passion for your intended major that you can always switch to something else. For a while I was set on being an Art major and then I decided I didnt like it anymore so I switched to History, and that was just one of a plethora of other options to choose from. Go where you feel comfortable and make it a place that won't put you in debt until youre 40.

Christopher

Find a college that has a campus that suits your style, you feel comfortable with, and that you can afford without too much difficulty. While private schools are more expensive, they also tend to give gratuitous amounts of financial aid and often end up costing the same amount as public schools, so don't forget to check them out as well. Most importantly, do not think that only the best schools have a good education, while going to a well known school is something to brag about (and admitedly my be helpful for certain career fields) usually only the degree and experience in the particular field of study mater to a future employer.

Kristi

My advice is for transfer students: do NOT rush into your choice. I was so excited about leaving my old school that I believe I ended up at a school now that is not really right for me. I encourage transfers to research even more than they did for entering their freshman year -- once you transfer, you can't really do it again.

Caitlin

Make sure the college you attend has a program that is not extremely hard to finish aka 5 years because you cant get into the classes. I would also look into the whole picture such as the ease of being at the school. Campus life and dorm situations can get ugly and knowing whats in front of you makes everything less shocking and inconvient. Enjoying the atmosphere of the school is a huge plus such as if the school is mostly greek life or sports affilated. Overall talk to people who have been to the school or when at the campus visit walk around and watch the actual spirit of the campus. GOOD LUCK!!

Melinda

Make sure you go to the school before deciding! Go a few times in different seasons and differrent times of day if at all possible. College is a big invesment, like a car. You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it, so why go to a college without trying it out. To make the most of the college experience, students make sure you find something you love to do on campus. Maybe you join a singing group, or play lots of intra-mural sports, or a sports club. If you want to try something, do it!! You have nothing to lose. Make sure you leave time for your studies, the first semester is a huge adjustment. Good luck to all!!!

Micah

don't be shy around your peers. branch out and meet new people you won't regret it. don't skip classes, it's the easiest way to get behind in classes. also be safe at parties; enjoy yourself, but dont drink and drive.

Andrew

While parents often feel the need to influence the decision of their child, they should try to restrain from doing so because their child is the one whose life will be affected by this decision. Instead, parents should do their best to inform their child of the options and allow the student to make the final judgment. Try not to let the financial aspect of college overwhelmingly impact the decision. The most economical option is not necessarily the best overall choice. Keep in mind that there are many ways to help finance your education including loans, grants, and scholarships. Most importantly, students should examine each college with an open-minded attitude. Visit a variety of schools and imagine yourself at each institution. The college that best complements the student?s personality should ultimately be the one chosen. Making the most of the college experience is as simple as being happy. Go out there and find something that you enjoy and when it comes time to graduate, you will have no regrets. Finally, have fun! College should be a very exciting time in the life of a child and his or her parents.

Julianne

The best advice I can give parents and incoming students is to visit the schools you are interested in and really research the opportunities at those schools. Just seeing a college campus can make you fall in love or completely turn you off from the university. If you are someone who is interested in a big school but are not sure you can handle the hike, walk from one end of campus to the other to really get a feel for the distance. Also, make sure there are plenty of activities that interest you available at the college. Extra cirriculars are a great way to meet new people and gain experience in different fields. To make the most of the college experience, it is imperative to meet new people and make new friends. Don't hesitate to talk to anyone, because they are probably someone who is just like you. You meet the most amazing people during college; people who have the same interests and goals as you do. It helps to involve yourself in as many different activities as possible to meet as many new faces as you can. Don't be afraid to reach out!

Erica

When it comes down to it, it should be the student picking the college. It is their future, their experince; not the parent. Visit different types of schools so you can get a feel about what you like. Try and ask questions to the students who aren't giving you the tour, they will tell you what they really think. If you love a school but cannot afford it, there's scholarships you can apply for to help out; don't that money stop you from attending your dream school. Get a campus job doing something you haven't done before, you can learn new things and meet great people. To make the most of your experience, attend the programs your resident assistant plans, go to club fairs, and don't be afraid to meet new people. Your professors are there to educate you, and are often so happy so see a student come in for office hours and ask questions. College is where you find yourself. Don't be afraid to take chances and explore. You will be happy you did! Good Luck!

Liz

The best advice I would give a student for finding the right college is if the college feels right and you feel comfterable, then definitely go for it. College is a huge step in students lives, it is probably the first time that a student will be living away from home and forced to be indepedent. And if a student can be successful in finding a campus that they feel comfterable at, and know that they will fit in, then half the battle is already won.

Craig

To find the right college and making the most of your college experience, the parent and/or student should start early in high school, and do their research, look into many colleges and come up with a shortlist of possible colleges you would be interested in atending (some being hard to get into which you would like to attend, and some being a backup incase you are not accepted). After you came up with your shortlist, apply for each one of the colleges and choose from the ones that have accepted you. Once you make it into college, try not to be nervous, work hard, and being sure to complete all your couses with the best grade you can achieve. Be sure to talk to your advisors, become friends with them, they are there to help you in making your college experience a little less stressful.

Mary

I would tell parents that college is a place for their child to grown and become a more independent person. Parents need to make sure their kids get the most out of their college expereince by participating on campus and learning to solve problems on their own. I would tell students that college is a place to learn what you want to get out of life and choosing the right college is important because it lets you know what kind of social and personal life you enjoy. A person never knows what is right for them until they try, so it is important to keep an open mind and try new things. College can be exciting, challenging, and a experience one can enjoy in the years to come.

Laura

Go to the schools that you would want to attend. Books that you buy in a store don't give you the same information that seeing a campus will. I also recommend that you don't go into school expecting it to be easy; it's a big mental and physical adjustment and you have to be ready to face yourself and others. Being open to new experiences will make your college experience that much more enjoyable. Parents: Don't WORRY so much about your kids. Let them be. They need to be on their own so that they can grow and become adults in this society. Calling them everyday isn't cute, it's borderline psychotic and it embarasses them in front of their friends. Students: As I said before, just be OPEN and really choose a major that YOU want to study, not what your parents or advisors are trying to tell you. Go with your gut instincts; it was something that I didn't do and I switched my major 5 times because of it. Follow your dreams and don't be afraid of what lies ahead; Make the most of what you have now.

Jonathan

If I were to tell students how to choose the best college for them, I would tell them to look for a school that offers what they want achademically, but also to take into consieration if the school is what they want and not what others want. For the parents, I would tell them that choosing a school is up to the children, and that they should support their descisions even if it means they would move away. Be conscience of there needs, not yours.

Emily

My advice to parents would be to let your child decide where they want to go. It should not be your decision. They are the one who will be attending the university or college and their happiness is of the utmost importance. To students, I would advise to do your research. Figure out what you want out of a college and find the one that matches as many of those things as you can. However, be smart. It is important to go where you want to go but if it isn't financially within your reach, it might not be worth it. The stress and aggravation of paying for college could interfere with your education and social life. MOst importantly, don't be afraid to take a risk. You'll never know if you made the right choice until you do it. If you wind up in the wrong place, transfer! It can be as simple as that. Do as much as you can at college. You only have 4 years, so make it count. Learn to organize yourself and balance everything your school work with your social life. These can be the best years of your life.

Katherine

Although there are numerous factors that must be considered when deciding on a college, there is one factor that stands out above all: feel. Pick the school that will feel the most like home to you. One where you can invision yourself fitting in, making friends, getting involved, and enjoying your education. Academic success will be much more tangable if you are in an environment that you suits you, both academically and socially. Feeling like you belong is one of the most fundamental human needs. When this need goes unfulfilled it is nearly impossible to focus on other things, such as academics or extra-curricular activities. College is more than just an education, it is also a life experience. Get everythign you can out of your formal education but do not forget that there are many lessons that you learn in college that can not be taught in a class. Your experiences in college will guide you throughout the rest of your life. So, remember to keep everything in balance. Work hard, but don't forget to have some fun along the way. College opens up a world of new opportunities, don't be afriad to try some.

John

One size does not fit all. I love going to my college but I know some people who hate it. You can?t know what a college is really like until you?ve been there, so I would recommend that you have some time to visit the college before you become a student. Stay overnight in the residents halls, eat in the dinning commons, go to classes. After experiencing some of the every day life on campus you will get an idea of whether you would like to attend the school or not.

Anthony

A college experience is the most defining thing I have experienced in my life. My career goals before my education were very different than they are today. Before college I had plans to attend school with the objective to become a Navy officer and while this objective is still possible I have created the opportunity for myself to earn a high paying position with the top company in the financial services industry. My education and my peers helped to polish my future and make it clear to me who I am and who I would like to continue being. The University of Connecticut brought me together with my best friends, incredible service groups and institutions and a few lifetime companions. Discovering the right school is difficult but it all depends on who you are. Choose a school based upon your personality. If you are outgoing and have a lot of energy choose a big school, if you are focused on your education goals then choose the best school for your studies. Likeminded students will do the same and you can be sure that you will find peers who share your values. Remember it's your school not your parent's!

Juan

Firstly, decide whether you have a preference when it comes to urban versus rural versus suburban settings. A rural school that provides a lot of services will never replace the real city experience. Especially if you end up moving off-campus. If you are unsure about what setting you prefer, make sure you pick at least one of each in different regions. There are a couple things you have to do if you want to make the most of your college experience. When it comes to academics, don't overload your first year. Even if you were top of your class in high school, take it easy your first semester. The hard stuff can wait, and you can always take extra credits in a later semester once you've found your rhythm. When it comes to your social life, the best advice is to talk to everyone: random people in your class, starngers in the cafeteria, everyone. Even if you don't stay friends with the people you meet freshman year, they act as a springboard to meet even more new people. The people you meet are an invaluble resource for study groups, job searches, and just relieving stress.

Megan

College is a new and excting adventure to all incoming freshmen and it is hard to decide the right fit for you. Try to engage in the real campus like for a weekday or weekend before making it your final decision. Once you are there, give it a chance. What you though you wanted before may not be what you actually want. be open to all types of environments, people, and activities. Try some of each and branch out to get everything you can out of your college experience.

Derek

Do a lot of research, and have an idea of what you want to do and what kind of a school you want.

Justin

I would say to the student to find out what it is about themselves that they wish best to improve on. If youre shy and you want to make friends go to a large school like uconn. If youre a bit lazy and you want to get motivated to to a face paced school like NYU, etc. This is the opportunity you should take to grow and learn about yourself, and change to become the person you want to be.

Kate

Don't put too much pressure on your kids-let them figure it out but be there for support!

Benjamin

As for the right college I strongly feel that a student needs to imagine where they will be in ten years and see if that school can take him or her there. Now the best piece of college advice I can give anyone is to be open to new things. College is about getting lost then finding yourself. Don't get me wrong college should be focused on learning and doing well in school, however, your going to meet some of your best friends in college and have some of the greatest experiences at the same time. So my advice would be to study and make the grades, but also to relax a little bit and lose yourself in the moments that surround you. The reason I say this is because real life never ends but college does.

Ellen

The most important thing about chosing the right college for the individual is creating the right "fit". for me, UConn was the absolute perfect fit i was ever going to get; not only did it have an exceptional nursing program, but had hundreds of clubs and organizations that I could join when I was not in the classroom. i went to a bigger high school and knew that i would want to attend a larger sized college; if the individual ever wanted to change his or her major, the options are there with a larger school. although academics are the main reason why a student attends college, the experience also includes getting involved with the campus community and making lifelong friends; both which are completely possible at UConn for me!

Sean

College is a huge part in a students life and choosing the right school is extremely important. Don't be consumed with what a college has to offer but be consumed with what you desire. Know what you want and need to be successful and have the best experience possible. Academics come first so if you have an idea of what you want to do focus on what school's have to offer and start there. If you're not sure what you are interested in look at liberal arts schools but also their focused programs as well for when you do decide what you will want to study. From there your options are unlimited; look at what the school's reputation is in different areas such as career options, environment, location, activities, sports, living etc. Most importnatly though this is about you the student, so know yourself and make your college all about you!

Kathryn

I would tell them it is important to know what you value most in a school. Are you looking for a particular area of study? Does the school have the type of social life that you are looking for? Is it in a location far or close from home? It can be a bit overwhelming when you first begin your college search and then it is a big decision as to where you are going to go. The best thing to do is relax. Everyone, for the most part, finds a school that suits them and a place they love to call home. Those who did not love it the first time around, transfer and gain more life experiences by doing so. As for making the most of your college experience. Just get out there. Meet new people, you at least have the fact that you both choose the same school to attend as common ground between you. Do not be afraid join new clubs, intermural sport teams, or other activities on campus. Now is the time for you to do the things you love, no one is stopping you from becoming the type of person you want to be.

Hyun

first make lists of colleges thats in 3 hours driving range from you home. because knowing that you can go home anytime makes you feel secure at college. visit every single colleges and note the things you liked about that campus. after choosing the right college. dont drag all your stuff from home to college. be social and be nice.

Ralph

Finding the right college is something you cannot do on paper, with friends, or in front of a computer. Though it is true virtual tours are nifty, and your friend may be ten minutes away via university shuttle, or the approximate demographics listed on the college's website appeal to your interest; at the end of the day they're just numbers and pictures. They mean nothing until you have visited the college for yourself. Arrange a campus tour with family before and after admission, because financial aid awards may affect enrollment. Regardless, visiting a college is the most important aspect of deciding where you'd like to spend the next four years, and sometimes more, of your life. I live in CT, but flew as far as Tampa, FL to visit USF's campus first hand. They had offered me generous scholarships, admission into their honors program; I even had family near by and it just felt like the perfect fit. However, actually walking around the campus, seeing the potential dorms, and interacting with actual students...I saw huskys around every corner and am proud to say on the flight home I knew UCONN was the college for me.

Kyle

I would say this to anyone who would ask me. Follow your heart. A big step is finding a school you enjoy. If the first school you attend doesn't work out for you, the option to transfer is there. Being happy with where you are really does make the difference. It boosts your interest in extra-cirricular activities and your GPA. So the key is to like where you are. And out of that, you have to be more open to things. This doesn't mean being completely open and willing to do everything, but you kind of have to be willing to do stuff you weren't before. Being open to talk to new people, take in new ideas, or even just being open to living with someone is a big step in forming all of the amazing stories people always hear about from college. In order to have those experiences you have to be open and you have to like where you are.

Ivan

The advice that I would give to parents and/or students would be to visit the colleges that you have applied to and talk to the students and teachers. Go to a class if possible and see how the students learn within the classes, go to the library and see where you may study next year, and spend time in other places around the campus for a week if possible. Try to do this with someone that lives on campus and can show you around. This way you will know what your college may be like. To make the most of the college experience I would say for the student to live on campus. This will make the student study better and feel more independent. Though the price of the school will be higher for living on campus it will be worth it. The student should join some clubs, form study groups and talk to the teachers after the class is over and if possible at the end of the week. The student should ask the teacher for help if it is needed as the teacher will help the student.