University of Delaware Top Questions

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

Sanjana

I would give the following advice:Apply to all the schools you think you would attend, or even maybe attend, because who knows what will actually be the right fit for you in a couple of months.Once you are accepted make sure you visit the schools that you would like to attend or are even 'iffy' about, because you never know till you get to the campus.When you go on the campus tours make sure you utilize every second and ask all the questions possible as the university is at your disposal. Once you finally decide and make all the necessary arrangements and get to school, have a VERY open mind. You will meet people and become friends with those you never thought you would. Keep your eyes and ears open for what?s going on around campus as there will always be something to your liking, and if not, MAKE IT HAPPEN, go talk the school, and get funding for what moves you. Basically just utilize your school, academically and sociably; you are paying for it, so make it worth it! College is probably the best four years of you life, so make it count!!

Michael

Check out all different types of schools so that you can make an imformed decision when it comes down to choosing the right college.

Lena

How do we root out the unworthy and grasp the future that we crave or crave for our children? Landing that dream college is no longer a sweat, as an experienced hand shall guide you through. When selecting a school, the most crucial factor is career. What college offers the majors you or your child desires? How prestigous is that program and job-marketability within the school? Finally, is it attainable for you or your child? (Remember, not everyone is Harvard material!) If you had answered yes, then the school offers a promising start. Next, take a look at personal preferences. Ready for chilly Alaska, sandy Oregon, or sweltering Florida? Want a populated campus or small, personalized classes? Finally, does it offer extracurriculars you wish to continue? Now with the leftovers, consider runnerup factors of importance: campus location and quality. Students, do you prefer to journey miles from home or rebuild local connections? Parents, do you encourage their choice? Finally, can you financially afford college out-of-state? Next, if the school has a superior reputation, up-to-date facilities, and a respected faculty then, give it a thumbs up. Soon enough, you have landed the college of your dreams.

Laura

In order to make the most out of the college experience, it is important to start preparing in advance. It's impeccable that you visit multiple schools and really focus on the question of "can I see myself here?" There are so many schools out there that it is important to have a few guidelines, to help narrow your decision down. These can be: distance from home, size of school, all female/male schools, types of majors offered, available extracurricular activities, types of available housing, surroundings off campus, etc. In the end it comes down to which school caught your eye the most. Overall it is not an easy process and can be stressful for both the student and the parents involved, however many people forget that if it ends up to be not what you thought it would, it's not the end of the world, transferring is always an option. So take your best guess at what school fits you the most and you'll be surprised by how enjoyable your college life will be.

Elise

College is what you make it. You can be as involved or uninvolved as you choose. Go somewhere that is the perfect fit for YOU, not your parents or friends. This will be your home for the next four years. You will have the best and worst times of your life here; your highest highs and your lowest lows. Just remember, the work never ends, but college does. Live these four years to the fullest, and find some place you can truly be yourself and you will be happy.

Jaclyn

I would encourage parents and prospective college students to visit a variety of schools in different settings, varying levels of competitiveness, and with a range of student ethnicity. It is best to keep an open mind regarding different schools. One never knows what environment one will enjoy until it is experienced first hand. For example, just because a school sounds large when considering the number of students that attend, doesn?t mean it will feel big while walking around the campus. Also, try to picture oneself attending the school while on a tour. Ask oneself questions like, ?Could I see myself walking to class here?? or ?Could I see myself hanging out with these people?? With the price of college rising every year, getting the most of one?s time there is very important. The amount of time spent studying will depend on the student, major, and school. However setting academic goals will lead students to success. College is also a great chance to enjoy a social life while getting to know diverse people and learning about unique beliefs and backgrounds. Finally, being involved in one?s school allows students to take advantage of many activities, services, and unique opportunities.

Alicia

I would tell a student who is trying to find the right college to go where you want to go. The best college is the campus in which you feel at home. No one should be allowed to make your decision for you. The college that you choose is going to be where you spend the next four years of your life; your parents, your friends, and anyone else trying to help you make a decision do not have to live on the campus that you decide. You want to pick a school where you can see yourself happy at. College is the first time you will be off truly on your own, so you want to pick a place where you will feel comfortable. Money sometimes can be an issues when deciding on a college, but it should not be allowed to dictate where you go. The college that is right for you will be the college that you will be the most sucessful at because it is where you want to be, not somewhere where others want you to be. In the end, choose the college where you want to go.

Jonathan

I would tell them to choose what is best for you. Don't worry about rankings or poll. Actually visit the schools and pick the school that really connects with you when you visit. I went to a couple decision days for schools I was accepted to and i knew Delaware was for me by the end of that decision day. I loved the environment, the people, the educational opportunities, and all the extracurricular opportunities. Just remember you're planning on spending the next four years at your college so worry about yourself when choosing a school and choose what fits you.

Jacqueline

The best advice that I can give is to make sure that you go to the place that makes you the happiest, regardless of cost or practicality. You only get one shot, don't ruin it like I did.

Danielle

Be sure to go to a college you like and makes you feel at home. Be sure to chose a college that has the major that you want and if you're undecided, gives you many choices to decide from. Do not attend a school that you don't really like because chances are you still won't like it when you're there. Once in college, be sure to be balanced in your activities. School is first priority but be sure to have some fun or else you'll drive yourself crazy. Be sure to get involved in school activities immediately because it really helps with making friends.

Ryan

I would advice if you are an athlete go to a school that you would go to if you didnt play a sport in college.

Daniel

The best advice I can give anyone is to visit as many schools as possible. There are so many factors including price point, location, existing students, job opportunities among graduation, size, and of course academic programs. The one thing to keep in mind when choosing a school is to find that perfect balance based on your preferences. For instance, when I chose to go to Delaware, I saw a location just within my price point and not too far away from home, which wasn't too big for me to get lost, but not too small for me to get bored. The collegiate experience also entails finding professors who actually care that you succeed, rather than choosing a school with "easy" professors. In the end, this will ensure you take new and useful skills with you into the real world upon graduation. Also, a professor who cares about your well being will be more likely to help yield successful results than an "easy" professor who may not give a damn. Many freshman lose sight of the real reason we go to school and spend much of their time partying, but the right school will ensure a much needed balance instead.

Rebecca

Research on how big of a party school the prospective college is. Many colleges are known for their students who study hard and party harder, so do the necessary research.

Melissa

The right college can only be found through visiting the campus and taking a guided campus tour. It is absolutely critical to talk to students their and get thier opinions about their experience. To get the most out of a college visit it is wise to plan to stay several days, look into campus events, sit in on some class if it is allowed, and check out the general area and local sites. It will give the prospective student a chance to experience a little taste of what could be to come. It also gives the parents a chance to prepare their child and know that they are making a decision for which they are knowledgable.

Kara

Campus tours are over rated and may hinder a false idea of what the college is actually like. You are better off asking a typical student rather than someone trained what to say. To make the most of the college experiance BALANCE BALANCE BALANCE school with your social life!!! Definitely get involved with extracurriculars too!

Marissa

My Advice would be not to put all your eggs in one basket. Make sure you apply to more then just one school in order to leave your options open. Also going to visit the campus and taking a tour is a good way to figure out if the school is for you. If you know someone that attends the college that you are considering asking them to show you a typical day would be helpful. Once you have decided on a college I would suggest making yourself open to new experiences. Be friendly and introduce yourself to everyone in your dorm, and sign up for some programs that catch your interest. As for your courses it can be difficult to get used to having larger lecture classes. Try to make yourself known to the professor by sitting closer to the front and asking questions after class. This way when they are grading you they can put a face to your name. Also for your first semester try to not pick the most difficult course combinations. Give yourself this first semester to get used to your surroundings and this new transition.

Lindsie

I feel that the more colleges you visit does not help you pick the right one. As soon as you find a school that you are happy with you should attend it. While at school, work hard to keep your grades up but at the same time make sure you have a social life or you will be miserable and suffer at school. Try your hardest and do not give up. Keep up with the work and make sure you enjoy your major because you must be able to have a happy future and enjoy your life.

Amarie

Visit the college first and see if it seems like a good fit. Once a college or two is narrowed down make sure to check the financial aid package that they normally give to students and make sure that there is a plan to pay for college. I'm currently struggling to pay for school.

John

Have a plan and be honest about it. They say you should do what you love, but don't tell you how to make a plan that will alow you to do so. Most of all, learn to work the system.

Andrew

Ultimately, when it comes down to making that final college decision, the factor that influenced me most was not the strength of the program, the size of the school, nor the diversity of the student population. It was whether or not I could see myself enjoying my time here for the next four years. Would I still be close enough to home to visit every so often and see my old friends while still being far enough away to feel independent? Could I see myself walking around this campus going to class, to work out, play sports, or just han g out in general? If you can answer yes to these questions about one college in particular, then that should be the one for you. Of course money always plays a role in determining which college to choose, but if it's not too much of a financial burden, and your gut feeling tells you that this is the one, than that is all you really need. Get as much inside information as possible, but try not to look too much into facts and figures as what really matters is whether or not you will enjoy your time there.

Adrienne

In finding the right college, know your limits--if you want to move away from home or not. Also, try to pick a major before-hand, that way you can choose the college that has the best options for you in that field--make sure the college has enough options for you in that field in case you have a change of heart.

Rob

The transition into college life is almost universally difficult. It is a different lifestyle than most young adults are used to. However, a well chosen college can help with this change. As far as picking a college is concerned, focus on the size and typical weather of the campus as well as which school is offering the best financial aid relative to their tuition. The bit about the weather is more important than many people realize. If it is always hot, or rains a lot, or snows too much for your taste, then even an otherwise ideal school might not be the one for you. When you do get there, get to know the people you're living with. Usually, they're going through the same thing you are, and it is a great way to make new friends. Then, find a club that does the sorts of things you're interested in. The people you meet their may turn out to be some of the best friends you ever make. Finally, go to class. One of the biggest and most common mistakes I've seen new students make is skipping classes. You'll regret it. Now, get to it!

Kaci

My biggest tip for parents and students when finding the right college is to follow your gut. If you feel that you'd be better in a small/large school, pay attention to that feeling. If you get a weird feeling while walking around campus, don't ignore it, it probably won't go away. Sure you can always transfer if you realize you made the wrong choice, but the transfer process is more of a pain than the original application process, and you won't have your high school counselor there to help you with it all. Plus, sending grades and transcripts are a lot cheaper as a high school student than they are once you start at a college. College is the time when you learn to transition from student to adult, from a sheltered world to absolute reality, and the last thing you need is to be uncomfortable and unhappy.

Lauren

In order to find the best college, you must first determine who you are as a person. The college that you chose to attend should reflect your personality, your aspirations and the principles that you hold dear. For example, if you are a very independent person and look forward to operating in an environment with independent goals in mind, a larger school might be best, because a person who is a go-getter and individually inspired will be rewarded for their efforts. If you thrive off of comradery from peers and teachers, a smaller school, or a larger school with a more intimate setting for your major or an honors program, would fit your needs. If you are able to hone in on what your own value system is and the best setting for success for you, then you can use your own internal compass to guide you to the perfect college. It will be that college that you will be most happy at and will satisfy your needs the most. Then, you will be successful and, most importantly, happy; the perfect college comes from within you.

Mitchell

choose whatever you feel is right for you! i've found that UD is the best school for me and hope that you would too!

Jessica

When selecting a school, get the most use out of the resources available, such as tutoring or extra help, scholarships, internships, or job availability. Make the most out of college by participating in campus activities. It makes finding friends easier when you join clubs, fraternities/sororities, sports, and other activities and gives you something to do both during the week and on the weekends. Get to know your professors whether it's a big class or small, it will benefit you in the long run. When looking for a school think what environment you see yourself most in, for example do you see yourself in the city, or suburban environment? Make friends with upper class men so you can learn more about your school and get pointers on what classes and teachers to take. Make the best out of your four years!

Chloe

The FISKE guide to colleges really helped me, as well as searching through collegeboard.com. Both of these resources gave me a good look at the basic things I was interested in, such as school size, cost, what majors they offered, things like that. I think knowing what size school you are looking for is important, because that's a big part of how you learn. If you don't learn well in big classes, a huge school wouldn't be right for you. I believe making friends is easy wherever you go, but if you go to a big school and want a smaller environment, I would suggest joining some sort of club. I would suggest that anyway, to anyone, because I think it's nice to have a community within a community. You meet lots of people when you join clubs, so sign up for a bunch and see what you want to stick with! But if you don't know what type of school you're interested in, just go visit! I had no idea where I wanted to go and I couldn't be happier where I am now.

Alicia

Choosing a college can be overwhelming...I know! I went to at least 12 different schools along the east coast, trying to find the one best suited for me. When trying to find the perfect school for you I suggest you keep an open mind because each school I looked at offered something special and unique. Know whether you want small classes, large leactures, and a small or large student body and that can hel you narrow down your search. Also, it helps to know what major you want to focus on! I suggest looking for an exciting student environment and the extracurricular activities each school has to offer. Look at the library and study center (you'll be spending a lot of time there!) and check out the sports facilities (intramural sports are offered at most schools and are a great way to relax). Some schools even allow you to see a dorming facility (It's not the home you're used to, trust me, but you learn to love it!!) Finally, I'll suggest looking at the University of Delaware! It's a fun school with a great student-faculty relationship and an exciting, thriving environment!

Jessica

When you visit, you can feel where you belong.

Corey

Make sure you select a college you can afford. A better college may look more appealing but it's important to weigh and the pros and cons getting a degree from that institution versus graduating with a huge amount of debt. Get to know people on campus, form a social network. Get to know people in your major, it will be useful. Take advantage of any tutoring services on campus, a lot of times they're free. Always ask your professors questions, don't be too shy to raise your hand. Someone else in the room is thinking the same thing. Don't procrastinate, it will come back to hurt you.

Tim

I would first advise students to visit any schools they are interested in. Environment is important in college life and living somewhere you don't feel comfortable will ultimately hurt your college experience. Happier people will typically receive higher grades than unhappy people, so it is of the utmost importance to choose a school where you feel you can be happy. This also involves distance from home. It's important to be on your own in college, but if you're too far from home you may regret it. As far as once you are in college, my best advice would be to make as many friends as possible. Choosing only a small group of friends may put you in an awful position if you end up not liking them as much as you thought you would. Also plan your time and make sure you study. For parents, help your students find a school that is both fun and academic. After all, all work and no play makes for a dull student. College should be fun, exciting, and challenging. Look for these qualities when choosing which college is right for you.

Bethany

One thing is to start searching early. Look for colleges which have distinguished faculty in their fields. Make an appointment and go visit some of your potential professors. Make sure you like them and get along with them. Especially for smaller majors. I'm a music education major and I have mostly the same professors for all four years. If I didn't get along with one of them, life in college would not be near as enjoyable as it could be. The last, most important thing is to walk around the campus. If your meant to go there it will feel right to walk around the campus. If not you will know.

Kathryn

I would say really think about what is important to you. Do you want to be close to home? Have a school with sport teams? The big city feel or small town? These questions can help you answer all the questions. Do research about each school and the programs offered and what sets each school apart from the others. Go visit! It is important to see the campus first hand and go multiple times if you are highly considering a school. Drive around the town and see if you can imagine living there for 4 years.

Jonathan

Find a school that matches your personnality, not your degree

Melissa

I would suggest to students to look around at a bunch of colleges and visit before you apply. I also suggest that you apply to a couple even if you have a first choice. I would say the best way to make the most of your college experience is to get involved! Find a school that has activities and clubs that interest you. Join a club, greek organization, sports team, or communittee service organization. It is a great way to meet people your own age and even older students who can give you advice and help you through your first year. Remember college should be the best time of your life so make the most of it. Meet as many people as you can. You never know who can help you in the future. Lastly, work hard! School is never easy and you can get caught up in the social aspects of college so make sure to keep yourself grounded and focused. Remember, you will get as much out of college as you put into it!

Lydia

VISIT! Try to visit the colleges that you are seriously interested in. See what kind of tours they do. Some allow you to do an overnight stay with a current student. If you are not sure what you want to major in don't pick a really expensive school at first, you can always transfer once you figure out what it is that you really want to do. Also, apply for as many scholarships as possible there are so many scholarships which mean less money you or your parents have to pay. See your high school counselor and talk to them about colleges, visits, scholarships, and any other concerns you may have. This is a very big decision to make and your counselors are there to help you find what will best suit your needs!

Megan

College is more than just four years of work, studying, and a little stress. It's more than just parties and fooling around. It's a right of passage; an incredible experience that students should feel blessed to be given such an opportunity. As a result, I feel it is important for prospective students to really consider their college choices. The choice should feel like the right choice - not just a hasty decision. But no matter where a student decides he or she should attend, it is imperative to go in with an open mind, and to try new things. These four years are our time to explore who we are, and to make the most of it - to ask questions, to make new friends, to start a new club on campus, etc.

Sonia

Tour any and all colleges that seem like they have a program that might interest you. When you are touring colleges go on the official tour but also just walk around the campus to get a feel for it. If the campus doesn't feel "right" or you don't feel at home then it's probably not the school you really want to go to. Don't make your decision based on the tuition or financial aid, your happiness is about where you think you fit in not the money it costs to go there. Find schools with extra-curricular activities you are interested in, they are a great way to make friends and keep in shape if they are athletic organizations.

Brittany

When it comes to finding the "right" college for students and parents, I would advise them to visit the campus and to have a general understanding of the programs that are offered at the college. Some colleges do not offer the program of interest of the student, which many parents and students do not realize. I would also tell them to consider the location of the college when it comes to deciding which college would be best for the student. Some questions to think about are "does the student prefer to live closer to home or across the country?" or "would the student prefer living in the city or the suburbs?" Making the most of your college experience is a common concern among students and parents. I would recommend that the student get involved in clubs and organizations in the school to meet new people and to explore areas of their interest. In addition, I think that it is important to attend sporting events and any other events held by the college to really feel like he or she is a part of that school.

Rebecca

My search was very major orientated (I'm a wildlife conservation major). I would pay attention to size of the school as well as how diverse its students and its majors are. If the student has no idea what they want to do with their life, I suggest they go to a large school where they have many options for majors. I also suggest spending a weekend there (just the student) so they can get a feel for the social environment on the weekends because that is an important factor.

Jessica

Make sure you look at all colleges and get advice from students.

Melissa

I came to college to learn. Sure, I learned a great deal in the world of academia, but that is a tiny part of the experiences and life lessons I have had in college. Wherever you go, or whatever major you choose, to take the most out of college you need to remember each day to try something new, go up to that stranger in the dining hall and sit with them, talk to your professors as real people and not just that person standing in the front of the room, join an activitiy you wouldn't have the opportunity to do otherwise, study abroad. College provides you with opportunities you will never have again, so take the risk and go for it while you can. In twenty years you won't remember that test that you could have studied harder for or that class you aced, but you will remember the people you met and the experiences gained from "that one night in the dorm" or the championship football game. Just remember to take it all in and treasure it, because four years fly by faster than anyone could imagine, and I promise they will mean the most.

Tim

I found that being completely reliant on tours and information provided by the school is a very risky thing. It should be recognized that they are pitching you a sale. Students and parents should not only hear what the school has to say, but, if possible, they should find some way to speak to current students at the school in a completely candid environment. And when doing this dont be afraid to ask questions that are important to you as a student and a person. Questions that enquire about classes, jobs, research and the like are all good, but ask about the students' lives as well. How is the food? the social life? How do students spend their weeks and weekends? The fact is that this is going to be your home for the next 4 years. Moreover, your expensive home! if you're going to be spending all this time and money, make sure its a place you'd really like to be. There is a college out there for everyone who wants to attend, it just may take some thinking and prodding to make sure you find the right one. Good luck.

Ariel

I was always told not to pick a college based on the price, but I think in this day and age that is HORRIABLE advice and not being mindful of my schools price has affected my entire family a great deal and has put a serious damper on the start of my future. Other then that I would tell student to BE HONEST WITH YOUR PARENTS ABOUT EVERYTHING!!! weather its drugs or sex, becuase if anything were to happen to you someone trustworthy needs to know what EVACTLY is going on in your life so that they can help or even save you!

Holly

Making a college descision can be difficult, but first and foremost college needs to be seen as an education. You should make sure that the instituion has the programs that you want, but also classes outside your major that you might want to try in order to find interest in something else. Also find a college that gives you all the opportunities to succeed, a college that wants you to do well. Other than education the size of the campus really needs to be considered. Some people can be thrown off by the adjustment to college because after all it is a very big step, so choosing a college with a comfortable size is key. Lastly, after you narrow down your decisions actually go on an overnight stay with a current student so you can truly get a feel for the social aspect of the college. Yes, you are going for the education but you are going to socialize, it is inevitable, so you want to feel at home.

Jared

Visit as many schools as you can so that you have a diverse knowledge and understanding of what you want in a school.

Hailey

My advice would be for parents and their students to sit down together and discuss what they are looking for in a perspective college. There are many things that can influence your decision. How far away from home the school is, how much tuition is, what kind of reputation the college has for academics and sports. Also what kind of sports programs are offered. College is a great experience and should be taken by the horns. Clubs and other activities offered at the college are important. Looking into programs like study abroad is beneficial. I have found a new love for different cultures through study abroad. Also housing and the social life of the college. Talking with students who currently go to the college would be an excellent idea to get a feel for how involved most students are and how satisfied they are with their classes, and education overall! And for students, find something you love to do or to learn about because it only makes college that much better and more interesting!

Emily

When applying to college,you should definitely visit every school you are considering if you can!! When looking at schools, look at where you'd fit in most as well as the academics and cost. I have so many friends that went to a school without visiting and when they finally got there, they realized that they totally didn't fit in, and they were miserable. Make sure that if you aren't sure about what you want to study, you go somewhere that has many options. When you get to school, don't join a club or a fraternity/sorority or take a class just because your friends are doing it or because it's the cool thing to do. Just be yourself, and you will easily find the best friends you've ever had! Also, don't wait till the last minute to do work. Some classes don't have any assigned work due for a while, but still keep up on reading! And have a good time!!!

Emily

There is more than just one college that may be right for you. Don't be afriad of transferring. If a college that you thought was right for you isn't a great fit, find another one!

Shanna

I would suggest that students make a list of what they want out of a college. For example, how far do they want to be from home, how much can they and their parents afford, what size they would their college to be, etc. Then I would do a search with the selected criteria to find out what matches and go to visit those schools. As a rule of thumb, I would apply to a minimum of three schools and a maximum of six, making sure that at least one of the schools is a "safety" school. If the student can, they should apply to one "reach" school. To make the most out of the college experience, I would suggest being friendly and making an effort to get to know people. Most importantly, join activities that the student enjoys and above all, try to get along with the roommate. This is key because they are going to be the person you spend the most time with.