University of Massachusetts-Amherst Top Questions

"When you enter college, it may take a toll on you. Everyone may tell you it's about partying and having fun but the harsh reality is that it isn't if you want to be successful. The biggest piece of advice I can give you is to prioritize. And with prioritze, I also mean efficient time managment. Papers will be assigned left and right, there'll be social event taking place at the same time, and don't forget tedious things like laundry that take up time. You need to put things into perspective each day and see what's most important at every given point of your day. Another piece of advice, no matter how big or small your college, there are going to be all different kinds of people that you will encounter. Not just ethinically but also in their beliefs, their morals and values, the way in which they interact. Don't be shyed away from this. Be open to new things and most importantly, be yourself. Do not succumb to what seems popular. Do not succumb to peer pressure. Be yourself, be diligent, be open and make this the best four years of your life.

As a high school student, I was very responsible. I had excellent study habits, and always made good choices regarding my behavior. Therefore the transition from high school to college was not academically difficult for me. When I began my music studies at the University of Massachusetts, I received high grades and completed my coursework successfully. I became a better musician with each passing year. However, what I found was that my lack of ability to play the piano prevented me from being an exceptional musician. One of the greatest skills that a musician can have is the ability to listen to his or her own compositions by playng them on the piano. Unfortunately, I was not able to perform at that level. If I could give my high-school self any advice, it would be to take piano lessons and practice playing and writing piano music every single day. Although I will never cease in my endeavor to become a better pianist and continue to practice as often as possible, I believe that if I began my piano studies earlier, I would be a better musician today.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice I would tell myself to really buckle down freshmen year becuase the transition to such a large school is difficult. Doing poorly freshemn year can affect whether or not you are accepted into the program of your choice. Mine was Nursing and I had to apply three times because freshmen year my grades plumitted and it was difficult to get them up. Eventually I was accepted and have graduated December 2009 with a bachelor of Scince in Nursing. With the extensive loans that I need to repay, I would also tell myself to apply for financial aid on time and be persisitant. Some other things I would tell myself are to enjoy every minute of it because it is a great milestone in your life where you make the most amazing friends and have memories to last a lifetime.

I would definitely tell myself to take advantage of everything college had to offer me. I really regret not getting more involved in the university since with such a large campus UMass has a lot to offer. I let my friends or whoever I was dating at the time decide much of what I did and I really wish I did things more for myself than for other people. I do not regret what I have done thus far in college, rather I regret what I have not done. I also would have searched around within majors more because I went in with one and felt as if I really just got stuck. In short, I would have liked to explore the university more than I did.

I would tell myself that the name of a school is not important. I would remind myself that it is possible to find people that care about you and love you as friends, even in a rigorous academic environment. I would tell myself to love every moment that I spend with my family because even though my school is about a two hour drive away, I have only managed to go home three times this semester. I would tell myself to forget the stress of high school drama and tell myself that hard will and determination is the solution to every problem. But most importantly I would tell myself to get more sleep; it's very exciting to not have a curfew, but is not a pleasing experience to fall asleep in class.

I would tell myself to be more open to college experiences. In my freshman year of college I was shy and missed my home, but after a year I realize that the people at home will always be there so when in college you need to make friends and be open to doing things unavailable at home. The possibilities are endless.

I would tell myself to really focus on doing well, instead of worrying so much about what I was going to do after school. I spent much of my time worrying about picking a major and taking the right classes. I would advise another person to not worry too much about those things until their second year in college and to take even the easiest classes seriously because they are like easy A's. I would advise someone to be careful at a big school and to not get caught up in partying too much. That there is plenty of time to have fun and enjoy new freedom and new experiences but, you are in school to get a degree not to just have fun. The sooner you can figure out what area you want to study, the better but, don't stress about it and take lots of different electives to give yourself the opportunity to better understand what you like and don't like.

I would definately tell myself to concentrate on what career options are open to me. Advised myself to talk to the guidance couselor more, and go to more career fairs. I picked the wrong major at first, then decided on nursing, it was a waste of time. If I just spent more time thinking about what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, it would have been a much easier choice. I would also advise myself to go to a four year college right away, instead of community college first. Going back to complete your degree is much harder when you are married with children. I would encourage myself to complete my education completely then work on career then family. Finally I would tell myself to make time for fun, but do not let it consume you, as your education is more important than your social life right now.

Work hard. College isn't just a party.

Fuck bitches and make money. Also slap as many bitches with your hog as possible right in the eyes. They love that shit.

I would tell myself to be open to new experiences in order to meet more people. I would also say to hard as hard in your classes as possible in order to acheive the best grades possible.

"Never take for granted what has been given. " I would try to guide myself to fully realize the value of everything around me. My family never had much; so often I let my mind plague itself with thoughts that I wasn't good enough, that I didn't have enough - and that, if only I had more, I could be what I wanted to be. I would stress to myself the value of self-cultivation - to focus on the people and activities I love, engage in life with passion, and thus truly begin to actualize potential. I may have started this thinking as a senior, but adolescent selfishness often clouded my perception of reality and really caused me to overlook much I had to be grateful for - my mother, who would do anything for me; the relative safety and security of my environment; my own higher qualities of curiosity, imagination, spirit. To enter college, and live, with the concrete understanding that all life is a gift is to act with the constant awareness that no single moment may ever be felt to have been wasted - each moment a paradigmatic instance of that gift of life; a blessing manifest.

To follow my dreams. I would have done a greater in depth research on different colleges and applied for a greater array of schools. I would have chosen to go to my dream school in florida rather than staying local.

Take advantage of the new student orientations, attend as many events as possible. Budget your money wisely (ordering out pizza three times a week is not budgeting wisely). Don't go home for the first two months so you can build friendships and get used to being at school. Don't go crazy because it's your first time away from home. Get used to Ramen noodles and pop tarts.

I would focus on developing positive relations with both students and professors. Especially, if I knew in advance that I would be seeking a graduate education after my bachelor's, I would have worked harder to find mentors. Relationships literally make or break a student looking for a long-term academic career.

Academics are not the most important thing, so don't fret about getting rejected from those high tier, pretensious liberal arts schools. Its the college environment that is most important for success. If you dont like where you are, than whats the point of being there. Make sure that you find a place where you can be happy and where you fit in.

Make sure you go to classes and don't get sidetracked by your social life.

If I was given the opportunity to go back in time and give advice to myself senior year, I would address several things. First, I would remind myself that nursing is the right fit for me, but I would emphasize how much work it actually it. Although the work load would not deter me from deciding to major in nursing, it would just prepare me a little bit more. I would also suggest applying to smaller schools. Although UMASS has something for everyone, often times I feel that I school is too large for me. I would still, however, probably come to UMASS because they offered me a substantial amount of financial aid. Finally, I would tell my senior self that although being a nursing major in college demands a lot of work, that I should remember to relax and have fun too!

Don't Panic! Moving into school and making new friends will all seem very overwhelming at first. As long as you relax and be yourself things will turn out in your favor. And I mean be your true self. Don't be the person you pretend to be in front of teachers, your parents or even some of your friends. Just be the person you are with the people you are really comfortable with. I know it won't be easy. You have spent so much of your life being the person you think other people want you to be, you're starting to worry if you know who you really are. You know. Maybe you don't know how to describe yourself to another person, but the best way to do that is just to act like yourself. So relax. Make friends. Talk to strangers. Go to events alone and meet people there. Go to class. Be safe. Don't get caught up in worrying. Just have a good time and do your work (all of it). Live and learn and good luck.

For undergraduate college don't just look at the expensive private colleges. While they may look the best on the outside, the cost of attendance may make be too much to make it worth it. Save your money for a good graduate school. The world will take you in weird directions and you have to roll with the punches. Definitely consider state schools! At whatever college you choose they are always resources that will help you transition, use them. I know it may seem like you have plenty of time between classes and it will be fine to hold off on school work. This is a misconception. Write out somekind of time schedule to keep you on track write away before you get distracted by anything else. Even if you find yourself backed up on work don't attempt to complete it all at once. If you need to take a break and pull back for a bit then do so, but always go back to your work. There will be some people that may try to force you to declare a major, don't right away if your not ready. Pick something you enjoy and go with your gut!

If I were able to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to try and come out of my shell. There's no need to be shy, college is going to be a great experience full of all different kinds of people from all over the world. People will accept you no matter who you are or where you are from, and you are bound to find a group of people that are like you no matter how diverse or odd you may think you are. You just have to go out and be who you want to be and do what you want to do, the rest will work itself out.

So, when you get accepted to Umass Amherst you'll meet alot of new people. Your'e going to love the school and the college life in general. Keep working hard and you'll be fine.

If, I can go back to my senior year of high school, I would have done things a litle bit differently. I would have worked harder academically, to have a better G.P.A. I would have studied more. I would have know what college I wanted to go too, what major I wanted to pursue and just where I wanted to be in my 5 to 10 year plan. I would have applied for more scholarships.You know sometimes students dont know that there are a lot resources to getting free money to go to college . Especially me at that time at the age of 17 going on 18, all was thinking about graduating from high school, working and maybe going to some college, but I did not know which one I wanted to go too or what I wanted to do with my life. Looking, back at my life right now, in the present, I save to every highschool senior or any child wanting to go to college to pursue their dream, do it! Being college -educated is the best you can do to succed in life. Getting that college degree even better!

See if you can visit the campus and see if it is right for you; you may have to live there for 4 years. Some people prefer large schools for the social life, some people prefer smaller schools for the more attention you can receive. Make sure YOU are comfortable with the school first. Not your parents, not your siblings, not your grandparents, not even your cat. The friends and the parties will come later. IF you choose to participate in them. Oh, and find an extra curricular to do. It keeps you out of trouble.

College is a serious, vital commitment. When choosing one, students must remember that they are deciding on the institution from which they?ll receive their expensive education. Therefore, the quality of academic factors should not be sacrificed for a surplus of weekend attractions, because those don?t cost over $20,000 per year. Students ought to choose a campus they will feel comfortable on, whether it?s multiracial, consists of one dominating ethnicity, and is in a town or city. To thrive academically and remain happy psychologically, students should have personal serenity, which is easier to obtain when in harmony with our surroundings. Visiting the campus to familiarize with it will tell students whether they?re compatible with it before enrolling. As college is a big change for a high school graduate, extracurricular activities should be taken advantage of. This allows students to compose relationships and be social, rather than isolated in a dorm. Realistically, no GPA can replace reliable friendships, so students should learn how to manage both responsibly. One needs friends to keep the sanity necessary for academic achievement. College prepares us for our lives as professionals and humans. Students mustn?t disregard either while completing their educations.

Go and visit your top college choices. If you can talk to someone on the street and ask them questions about the schoool, it's probably a good school. Then remember to work hard, but play harder. Reach out and meet new people. Do new things. College is your chance in life to do just that.

In order to find the right college for your child, encourage your child to explore his or himself, what matters the most to him/her, and what he/she expects to get from the college experience. I believe that making the most of the college experience is not necessarily dependent on whether or not the student made the right decision, but rather what the student chose to do while studying at the institution. As long as you have an open mind and are ambitious, the best college experience will follow. The best college experience is a true result of the effort that the student puts into attaining the best experience possible. With hope and determination, even the least likely college will turn into the best experience. As long as you put in the effort, the results will exactly reflect your choices and decisions.

When choosing a university, forget about academic reputation and expectations of a university. What a student and their parents must do is find a community that will support them, make them feel comfortable, and feel that they won't be let down or discarded when a student has problems. It is essential for any student to have problems, to have a point where they're overwhelmed, angry, or distressed, but have a community of students, faculty and resources that will be able to carry them up and through a situation that will become routine and natural in the real world. Go to dorms and students when you visit universities, and observe the students instead of reading all the stats given to you. Whatever money you spend on a university is only worth it if the students are getting acquainted with their profressors and their work instead of getting acquainted with a bong. Parents, please stop thinking of school prestige and talking about how great it would be to go to X instead of Y and Z... When you're visiting schools Y and Z. You're damaging your student's confidence over events that are beyond your control!

The process of choosing a college that fits your needs and makes you happy is a lot less complicated than it is made out to be. High school counselors scare you into making a choice based on prestiege and not on practicality. You as an individual need to investigate the atmosphere of the school to find out if you could see yourself there. Finding a college that is a good fit includes a short list of essential guidelines: the major you are looking for (or a wide variety if you are undecided), students that have similar values to you, and a cost that won't leave you in debt for the rest of your life. It is not worth getting an undergraduate degree that will leave you sky-high in debt, if you can get the same education at a much less pricey school. To make the most of it, you need to take advantage of everything the school has to offer. You are paying for it, so use every resource to its potential. And don't be afraid to ask for help, because there is always someone willing to assist you in making your dreams come true.

Make sure to visit potential schools more than once and never rule out schools that are not your first choice because you may end up finding out that you fit in better at one of those lower choice schools

I would suggest that parents and their high school students start looking early at colleges. I also think that it's beneficial to look at schools with a broad perspective. It really is possible to go wherever and do whatever you want before college, so think hard and keep your options open. I went to school in Massachusetts since I grew up here, but did an exchange semester in California, which made me realize how easy and fun it is to travel around the country and experience different things. Just remember that there really are no limits and to go wherever you feel like you'll be happiest and get the best education in the long run. College is one of the best oppertunities for change and to learn new things.

To anyone looking to choose the right school, I would tell them that deep down they already know. Within the first five minutes of visiting a campus and walking around, you get a feeling if you belong there or not. The one question you have to ask yourself is "Can I see myself living here". Most people worry most about the cost of the school, however it shouldn't be the only determining factor. Most people have to take out loans to pay for school anyway, so I feel that if you're going to be in debt, be in debt for something you want. As far as making the most out of your college experience, students should put themselves out there and discover new things. Join a club, a sport, or some sort of activity and have fun. But the most important thing is to not worry too much about making mistakes. Because sometimes the mistakes are the best memories you have when you graduate.

Visit as many colleges - of varying sizes - early on in the high school years. The more you / your son or daughter sees of the different schools available to him or her, they will be able to make a choice on where they feel most comfortable. Talk to as many of the actual students as possible during your time at orientations or at open houses, they'll give you a general idea of how they feel about the school. When you get to the school, join as many clubs as possible. You don't have to go to them all, but try going to the introductory meetings. You will meet a lot of people that way, first of all, and you might actually find out you like something new. Go to sports events and artsy events. Broaden your horizons. As for class time, if you're at a larger school, you still can make an impression on your professors. Dare to raise your hand, add commentary when they ask for it, or - if you're outgoing enough - go up and say hi to them. Sometimes, it pays to be daring, as you can earn internships or T.A. jobs with them.

Finding the right college is a tough process, but it all comes down to what you want. first you need to find the colleges that have the field of study that you wish to presuit, and if you are undecided you should look for colleges with a wide range of majors. next is if you want to live at home or away, in the city or the country. There are so many choices out there. You should also visit a few of your top choices. i can not say engouh how much i did not want to attend my college till i went there and expericanced it for myself.

Choosing the right college or university to attend is a daunting process. With so many options, many wonder where to begin. The average student knows he/she has to take into account finances, a factor which weighs heavily on most shoulders, as well as location, population, and reputation. The truth of it is, however, that finding the perfect post-secondary school institution boils down to one thing: luck. Most high schoolers do not know what they want until they experience it for themselves. One can read all the college guides and visit every school in the nation, but it is a very real option for students to dislike their school. Transfer rates are as high as they are because some people faced with a new atmosphere never learn to adjust. My point is not to scare, but to encourage youth to dive in to new environments. Adapting is an essential part of life and being an adult. In order to get the best out of your college experience, do not fret over which school to attend, but instead once you get there, make the most of you time. Meet new people, join clubs, and most of all... love being different.

You really have to find a school that pampers to your desires and needs. Don't settle for a school that you may not be happy with. Don't forget you have to live, eat, sleep and learn at this college, so make sure your'e happy with your choice. Sometimes money may be difficult, but in the end you make the money worth spending by what you get out of your school. Get involved and try your best to be happy, or else, it's not worth the time and money. Enjoy yourself at college but don't forget to work hard and stay active.

The biggest mistake I believe I made when deciding on what college to attend would be not visiting the school while classes are in session. If at all possible, meet someone from the school and ask them to take you to one of their classes. If the prospective student literally pretends they are in college for a day they will learn much more about the school. Get a tour with a non-paid student and see dorm-rooms that are not used as the "example room." Getting an in-depth view of the school is not easy with the scripted tours and carefully decorated examples of dorms and classrooms. Another really important detail is to apply to schools early. There is no harm in applying a few months earlier than your peers. It will help to receive review from the school's administration before they have many applicants to compare with. This will also take some of the pressure off, giving you the next few months to apply to any last-minute schools as well as providing you with college acceptances earlier. The earlier you know about your acceptance status, the earlier you and your family can sigh with relief.

Keep in mind what your parents would hope for you to do, they usually know best. However, this decision is about YOU. Pick a school that has a program and environment that you want to try. Don't be afraid to go far, you never know what's beyond the horizon.

It is important to find a college where you can not only get a good education, but can have some fun while getting it. While parents might worry about a school that has a party reputation, but college is a place where kids can have fun and still get the education that will give them a bright future.

Especially in this economy, money is tight. Unless you're going to a school that specializes in business, engineering, or another major (ie MIT, Bentley, etc.) think about your liberal arts state school. You get the same academic opportunities/ competition at a state school and a private school. If you're going for the name, it's your loss especially as an undergrad student. The only difference between UMass Amherst and Boston University or Tufts University or Syracuse University is how much you're going to be in debt in four years. As for a social life, at a big university, you're going to have a lot of choices of who you want to be and what you want your friends to be like. No one knows you, so your choice is ultimately yours. At a small college, it's harder to move around between social groups but you can still succeed if you are outgoing enough. The residential area in which you live really plays a role in the friends you make so take where you want to live seriously. Even though this doesn't seem that important, taste the food before you commit to a school.

To students: TRUST YOURSELF: this applies to the college search process as well as the actual college experience. Only you know what it is you want in a school. Forget what your parents say; tyou have to live with this decision for the next four years, so don't let anyone push you toward a choice you're not comfortable with. And once you are at school, keep this motto alive. College is a new and intimidating experience. Its okay to be afraid, but don't let fear stop you from taking advantage of all the exciting opportunities available to you. That said, know your boundaries, respect them and make sure others do the same. Trust yourself to know what is best for you. To parents: TRUST THEM: (them being your children, who are techniqually adults now.) It is time for the dreaded Parental Retreat, when you have to have faith in your parenting abilities and trust that you've raised your baby into a strong, intelligent, and independent adult. The college selection process is not about you ; it is about their dreams and their knowledge of what is best for them. Take a deep breath, relax, and let go.

Find a school that focus both on student academic success and his social life. Professors and staffs are very supportive to students. No discrimination. Financial aid availabe to any student strong aluminu connection.

Before ever choosing a college, individuals seeking college admissions should have made decisions regarding Major choice. Choice should be made based on future prospects of the career and opportunities available in the field that best suits one's interest. After concluding this, colleges offering the best program in that career field should be sought after. Questions on Financial Aid, recommended loan source, Scholarships, Tutoring availability, Experential opportunity, and other relevant inquiries should be made prior to enrollment at the chosen school.

Make sure to visit and get information from current students about the college life. The college life at the school has impact on everything.

Visit the school - take a walk around the campus yourself, check out the dorms, eat in the dining halls and just get the feel of the college. When it's the right one, you'll feel right in place. Also, think about finance. You may believe that money should not get into the way of pursuing your dream college but money can change everything.

The most important aspect of finding the right college is to know what the student wishes to major in. There are many schools that have very good programs in certain fields but not so much in others, and therefore making sure the college that you are looking into has a good program in your field is key. Also, it is very important to know what size college works right for you. If a big University does not sound so appealing because of the size of the classrooms, and the need to be able to interact with the professor in class every day, then maybe a smaller college would work much better for you. Finally, the student needs to decide how far from home they are willing to go for their education, and then look into the colleges that would suffice their needs and goals in life.

As a student who will be attending graduate school in the fall of 2010, I have much experience concerning the college search and decision making process. With this in mind, the best advice that I could give students who are looking for the right college would be to not only visit the campus, but also to meet with a student who is attending the college in your program of interest. Take in as much as possible; sit in on a class if possible. As far as making the most of your college experience, always remember that you are there for a reason, to learn and receive as much information as possible to better your future life as an educated individual. Drinking and partying to the point of disregarding your work is not why you pay thousands of dollars to attend school, please keep that in mind. You will not look back and remember those times, but I can assure you that you will remember the pride and great feeling of accomplishment when you hand a paper or receive a good grade on a test that you worked hard for. Finding a balance between socializing and schoolwork is an absolute necessity.

I think that the best advice I could give to anyone about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience would be to say to make sure that they choose a college or University that offers a number of major choices and has a diverse student population. I think that the more organizations throughotu the campus the better. Also, I would advise parents and students to both visit the schools and talk to current students and get the opinion of someone that is attending. It is important that the school gets the student in question excited about the opportunity they will have by choosing the right school. Education and social experiences are very imporant to maintaining a balanced college experience and I think students and parens should choose their school wisely and make sure that the school represents itself well and that is concerned with it's students' success. A school that can prepare its students for achieving both their career and social goals to me is a successful institution.

The college you go to shouldn't be based on how expensive it may be or how well known it is throughout the country. The right college for you is the place you visit in high school on a campus tour and fall in love with. A place you can see yourself creating memories that will last a lifetime. College is definitely about finding the right education as well, but more than anything it is a learning experience. You learn how to love, life, laugh and become the person you want to be. You are finally able to claim the independence you have wanted for years. The future of your life is finally put into your hands. The best way to go about finding that place is love at first sight. Live everyday knowing that they call these the best years of your life for a reason. Be daring and be driven to succeed. Run with the wind and find happiness in friends. Learn what it means to be unique and color outside the lines. Absorb the knowledge from your professors and the wisdom of your peers. Give everything your best, and you will be rewarded in the end.

The advice I would give for parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience would be for the parent and student to research a couple of different varieties of schools. The parent should take location, cost, and history of the school in consideration. They should figure out what would be a good location for schooling. For example, how close to home should the school be for it to be comfortable for the parent and student. The school should also be affordable for the student and/or parent. Also, the student and parent should do a background check on the school's history. For example, the amount of graduates each year, the student teacher ratio, and the safety of the school. After researching some schools, narrow the choices down to a few and plan to visit them before applying. The parent and student should go with the school that they feel would give the student the best education for a good price that is safe.