University of Louisville Top Questions

Find a place where you can be and be happy. Even if you can't find that place, it's ok to wait. College is an investment. If you are going to pay thousands of dollars for an education to benefit your future make sure that the college you choose is a place where you can make the most out of the present. The best things you can do is find a college that makes you want to wake up in the morning because you can't wait to go to class and enjoy your campus life. This even applies to what you decide to do or study. Don't get stuck in a major because it is what you have already planned or think you want to do. Take time to discover yourself. A college campus has all the resources to help you figure out who you are. It is a place for you to grow and figure out what makes you happy.

I think that parents should understand that college isn't only an academic experience but also a social experience. Parents and students should expect the student to not only try to get good grades but also to find out who they really are. Students need to be open to new things and spread their boundaries to other things they're not used to, and parents need to understand that they are doing this. Parents can't get mad at their children or ride them too hard to be successful or do more. College is very time consuming, and if the student is getting the most out of it by joining clubs and participating in a lot of things, he/she won't have a lot of time outside of school. Parents need to understand that students don't need to work too often and they don't need to feel pressured to provide for themselves also. Parents should put their child into college with the mindset that they, if necessary, can and will pay for any expense the student comes across. Most importantly, everyone needs to see that it's a new and difficult experience for parents and students.

First I would say apply for financial aid and scholarships and do it early. Always expect the cost of education to rise pretty much like everything else is in America today. I would also like to say study hard and think about what you what for you future such as money, career, and family becasue this is all apart of picking a major that will make you happy. Also pick and plan your college classes appropriately that way your not wasting any time or money. Most importantly never give up, education is a great thing and is something no one can ever take away from you and not to mention a huge success!

The advice that I would give to parents and / or students about finding the right college and making the most out of the college experience is to look closely at all the schools you consider. Take time to visit schools, counselors, and the faculty. Make sure that the school you chose is right "fit" for you; don't settle because of financial problems. There are plenty of scholarships & grants out there to help with the financial woes of college. Don't focus all your energy on one school; be open-minded to other options & opportunities. Now to making the most out of the college experience join clubs, make new friends, participate in the campus wide activities if there are some. Be responsible & make sure you know how to balance school work & play. Utilize all your campus resources. But most import of all try your best & have fun. College is a new experience that should be fully embraced with open arms; don't let fear or rejection hold you back. To the parents let your kids make their mistakes, you have to trust that you taught & raise them right. Just be their support system, friend, and parent.

Make friends with students who already attend and find out what makes the college worthwhile & what doesn't. Pray about your decisions and don't be afraid to change. This determines the rest of your life.