University of Mary Washington Top Questions

Don't put a pricetag on your college education. Find a school were you want to be and are comfortable because you have to live there the next four years of your life. If you think the school is too expensive, remember that schools offer scholarship opportunities and so do most other places- like employers and the military. Partying isn't the make-up of fun in college. Learning what you want to and being in the environment that is right for you is the best way to make sure you get the most our of your college years.

First off, it is imperitive that college is an experiance that you enjoy. In the words of one of my professors, "Don't be so teleological!" Do not be so worried about what you can 'do' with your degree that you miss out on enjoying the learning. College is a time to figure out who you are and who you want to be. Do not get swept up into the flow of things but rather make your own decisions on who you want to be. Do not choose your major(s) because of what you think you can do after college but choose the one(s) you are genuinely interested in. Especially at a liberal arts college, having a degree will get you to places even if you don't think the subject fits it, for you learn more important skills then the facts involved in your major. College is a time to learn not simply a nessecary step to get a high paying job, do not miss out on this opportunity!

Your first choice isn't always the right one. Go to the school that really gears towards your interests and not those of someone else.

Be open minded. You may have in mind what you want like size of school or location, but look at several different "genres" of schools. Do an overnight stay at at least your top 3 schools and talk to students and teachers, even alumni if you can, doing an overnight can really make or break your idea of the school you like and is very helpful. Make a list of things that are really important, aside from your academic goals that are must haves like good food, school spirit, campus weekend life, and then a list of things you'd like to have but maybe aren't necessary like single rooms, campus transportation, etc.. whatever is important to you. Don't not apply to a school just because of cost be it private or public, lots of schools are ready and willing to meet your financial aid and even if they can't meet all of it there are lots of additional scholarships out there. Lastly, if you have an idea of your major, go and meet with professors who teach that subject and pick a school with several interested options.. you never know when youll change you mind!

Go with your gut instinct. People seldom know for sure what they want to do for the rest of their lives while they are still in high school, so try a little bit of everything. Don't worry about declaring your major your freshman or even sophomore year (unless you have to) - life will catch up with you soon enough. Make friends with your professors! They are probably very nice and would love to get to know you. Don't be afraid to join clubs and eat alone between classes if you have to - everyone else is just as scared as you are, and that's how you make friends. Get a random roommate if you live a dorm your freshman year - you'll be surprised just how awesome random people can be, and it will help you a lot in the future. Most of all - HAVE FUN. High school is nothing compared to this.