University of Miami Top Questions

Don"t put off for tomorrow what you can do today. In high school you had a distinct schedule that consisted of: waking up, going to school, clubs for an hour or two after school, and then home. You could always find time to squeeze in that homework you didn't do the night before, or cram all night long for that one or two chapter test. In college, every day is different. Your schedule is constantly changing daily, with mandatory events and social interaction randomly popping up. You can't always afford to slack off one day because you never 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure if you'll have the time to make up the work you didn't do the next. And work piles up quickly here. And don't be afraid to try something new. Just because the name and discription of that classes or club doesn't sound immediately attractive, sign-up anyways. You'll either learn something or risk missing out on something you may have been good at.

Loren, it is crucial that you maintain a high GPA because it will help you when you are applying to colleges and universities, as well as, help you obtain scholarships and grants. If you don't have a high GPA when applying to the nursing program at MDCC you'll get denied because there are other students like you applying and their GPA's are 3.9's; those are the students that will be considered before you. I suggest that you study and pay closer attention in your classes because what you learn there will be taught to you later on depending on your career choice; your life will be so much easier if you have a solid foundation to build on. Also, try to be certain as to what field of study you want because it is very costly to switch majors, not to mention time consuming; you don't want x amount of years to pass you by and then start over and owe more money in student loans. Many people make that mistake and then struggle their way through. Please consider my words because I am really struggling emotionally and financially to put myself through school.

If I was given the oppurtunity to speak to my high school senior self, I would most likely overemphasize ,to the point of practically killing my self, how important is to manage my time. I would tell myself to avoid procrastination at all costs and get my school work done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Along with that I would insist upon taking more time to look into preparing for college and the life that comes along with college. I would demand that my high school senior self visit more campuses and spend more time finding scholarships. And of course, the last thing I would demand of myself would be to get a job and earn money towards my college education and also, indirectly, teach me responsibility, put me on a schedule, and force me into time management. So really, the most important thing to tell my high school senior self would be to manage my time incredibly well. I shouldn't have wasted so much valuable time, but really that is something you can only really understand in retrospect. It's too bad I can't go back now.

If I were to talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself that it is important to go away from home so that I would get the full experience and be able to develop into a mature, independent adult. I would tell myself that despite the large amounts of free time that I would have in college, it is important to keep up with my work and not wait until the night before the test to do it because that can be very stressful and overwhelming. I would tell myself to get very involved in clubs and campus activities because that is a very good way to meet people. I would tell myself to stay true to myself because there are many people in college that will want you be a certain way or engage in certain activties that I would not normally feel comfortable with. I would tell myself that it is not necessary to change who I am and what I like in order to impress certain people because if they don't like me for who I am, they don't deserve to be my friend.

Packing up for college and moving out of my parent's home in August, I confidently faced my future not doubting for a second I was making the right choice and that college would be just as my entire educational career had been: a walk in the park. One month into classes and my opinion was radically altered. The hardest part of the transition is finding a balance for everything, classes, work, studying, social life, sleep, plus the addition of buying groceries, doing your laundry, cleaning your dorm. All the things that at home were done for me. No longer did I have the comfort of knowing that if I slept through my alarm, my mom would come in and force me out of bed. The responsibility is on you if you skip class to sleep; no one is looking over your shoulder. What advice I wish I had told myself going into college is to not join everything right away, to pace yourself and learn how to manage your time well, it could be what saves your sanity. And learn domestic tasks like how to wash your own laundry, no one is going to show you in college.

I would tell myself to be open minded. In school you will encounter so many people different from yourself, so not everything you should take as an insult. Also, high school is not everything. Things you did not understand in high school might seem easier to understand now if you take initiative in learning. Your professors want you to succeed so ask for their help and advice if it is possible; I mean that is what you're paying the university for. Last but not least, get your priorities straight. There are going to be times when you might have to skip an interest meeting or give up hanging out with friends for studying or typing an essay, but trust me there will be other times you can hang with them. Take a deep breath and do not be too high strung.

I would tell myself to starting planning for what may lie ahead as early as possible. Many seniors geting ready to graduate, like myself at the time, want nothing more than to forget about high school and focus on the summer vacation that lies ahead. Individuals do not want to spend their summer preparing for college and this can be a huge mistake. I would remind myself to start seeking out information and sources for financial assistance long before graduating high school and plan on completing as much of the process as early as possible so that it doesn't burden the college freshman during those first few transitional months. I would advise myself to get a summer job and save money as compared to taking trips or buying unnecessary items, as one will find you can not take much with you to college anyways. I would also adivse myself to engage in as much family and friend interaction as possible while you can before embarking on the new journey, as home sickness can be a real mood destabilizer while adjusting to the new atmosphere and the expectations of being on your own weighs heavily on the soul.

Dear High School Self, I have one and only piece of advice that I must give you before you embark to college (your first opportunity toward obtaining independence). Stay true to yourself. During college you will meet and interact with people from all walks of life, but you must not allow them to change who you are and the success you see for yourself. I can not tell you how many testamonies I've witnessed where people have literally lost a part of themselves due to the negative influences of other people. I am not referring to drugs, alcohol or the other typical means of distraction that college students face. I am referring to the distractions that affect college students internally: such as negativity or stress. You are an optimistic person and as such should surround yourself with postive people. This is so no matter how bleak some days, months, years may seem (and trust me they will), you will continue to walk with your head high knowing that those trials are only temporary. So stay true to yourself, and do not change your ridiculously optimistic, ambitious persona for anyone. Sincerely, Your always optimistic, ambitious College Self

The first piece of advise I would give myself is to be as outgoing as possible. Going to a college where I didn't know anyone was a bit of a tough transition at first. Friends are what make college the amazing experience that it should be. They help you through the hard times and create the good times with you. Without those relationships college would be almost impossible to handle. The other thing that I would tell myself is to always stay focused on the reason that I'm in college. It's so easy to lose sight of the fact that I'm there to get an education and learn as much as I can to help me become successful. School should come first most of the time. Otherwise I'm paying for a very expensive party. I would tell myself to not look around at other people that are doing as little work as possible to get by but to always remember that that's not the kind of person I want to be. I want to go above and beyond what I'm asked of so that I can make the most out of college!

I would have told myself to audition for the University of Miami rather than going to a community college for the first two years. I would've had a better chance of receiving more money.

If I could go back in time when I was a high school senior, than I would have taken classes that were honor classes to get into a school like the one I am now with full scholarship. Only if I know I had a learning disability at the beginning in middle school I would have taken care of my weakness and tried to strengthen it. I could have done better in my freshmen and sophomore years of high school. At the beginning I had teacher and counselors telling me I could not make it as far as high school because my IQ was low for obtaining a passing score in an average class. In conclusion, the school decided to put me in a special ED classes to pass the time in high school. I should them wrong I knew I was not mentally challenged and tested myself and studied, on my spare time to advance my ways of comprehending. I found out I have a learning disability, which caused me to understand much slower paced then a regular student, I showed them wrong by attaining college and receiving honors.

Through the personal statements, resumes, and interviews one tends to wonder if the college of your dreams will really get to see the real you and see through the words on a page. Who knows if they will ever realize that you did not do community service throughout high school just to look good to them, but that you really love to help people. Who knows if they really think you are deserving of the GPA you deserved. However, one of the hardest and life-changing decisions of where you are going to go to college should not be as stressful as everyone makes it. When you visit a campus, you will have a certain feeling, you will feel at home and know that it is the "perfect " school for you. If you get rejected from what you may believe to be your dream school, it is their loss, and for some reason, it was not right. It is not the end of the world, the school that wants you, sees the true you and wants you to make a difference at their campus. The college application process is one of the hardest decisions in life, let it choose you.

Be prepared to work harder than you've ever worked before. Learn to budget your time very carefully. Always allow extra time for all assignments and studying. Remember to take breaks, but remember to keep them short and get back to work. Most importantly - be yourself. Be willing to get out of your comfort zone and be outgoing to make lots of new friends. Keep n open mind. Realize that the friends you make your first week should not be those you stick to like glue, continue to meet new people and make new friends. You will soon find some of your best friends ever. They're your family while at school.

Transitioning to college is hard. You need to be focused on school work, but you also need to remember that college is a chance to expand your mind culturally. Finantially, make sure you make the right school choice. You need to be able to stay at a university for all four years with out running out of money, or piling up student loans during your undergrad years. College is not high school, remember to be pro active in meeting new people and maintain a good work ethic. Grades are important, but knowlege is the most important thing in college. If you are truely interesed in gaining more knowlegde and stay commited to learning while taking advantage of collegiate opportunites, good grades will fall into place.

I have prepared myself efficently enough before entering college for the university-life style. I had great professors who cared for me and a family who instilled in me a strong academic work ethic. What I would change is instead of AP classes take Dual-Enrollment classes, but other than that my high school senior year was very good in regards to preparation. I did a great amount of reading on all the Universities I wished to attend and the programs they offered and believe I made the right choice.

I would tell people to enjoy their senior year and stress out about where they go to college. I ended up at a university that I never expected to and it was the best choice I ever made. Enjoy college, make the best friends you can, and just cherish it because the time flies by. Take interesting classes and don't choose a major too quickly and don't worry about the experience. Just experience college, take it all in, and have fun. Don't take yourself to seriously. Be easy going, try new things that you never thought you would try before. Be open to new experiences. Be outgoing and meet a lot of people. You never know where you'll meet your very close friends. Have fun.

Open up and meet as many people as possible. Get involved and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.

I feel my high school prepared me well for college, so I would just advise myself to get used to drinking. Actually, I'm just kidding (really, I am! I don't drink that much). The biggest advice I would give would be to not waste money beforehand, that way you can work for fun or because you want to and not because you have to. My next biggest advice (for me personally anyway) would be to train hard and start learning the rules of rugby to get a jump-start on the game, to be starting sooner.

I would have focused more on the AP tests versus the class information because the only thing that seems to matter is what test scores are and not how much knowledge you actually gain. I would remind myself to stay focus and not to join a varsity sport because one semester screw up can lead to 3yrs of playing catch up. I would tell myself that I can do anything I put my mind to regardless of what others say. Academics is the most important thing and I would advise myself to create effective study habits and seek help even if its not needed yet. Last, I would tell myself , to plan ahead, as well as for the unexpected.

Don't stress so much about getting a perfect 4.0 all the way from freshman year to senior year. While it certainly helps having a strong GPA, it is so important to really focus on extracirriculars as well. Too many people do volunteer work and extracirriculars to fill up their resume. Do not waste your time! Figure out what you really love to do and start talking to your teachers! Many teachers would love to help, but assume that their students don't care. Don't wait until college to get that advise from adults who have experience in the field. It is cliche' to hear teachers saying "these are the best years of your life", and while I am enjoying college much more than high school, I still wish I wasn't always anxious about my grades and took time to really enjoy the company of my peers and teachers. I would always rush out of school to get home and work on a project until nighttime instead of staying and speaking to people. Also, it is never too late to make a new friend.

The first thing I would say to a high school me would be congratulations. By my senior year of high school I already knew where I was going to school, but I was unsure at that time if the school I had chosen would be the best choice for my future. I wish I was able to tell the past me that I made the right choice. After spending almost a year and a half here I wouldn't want the way things are to be any different. I have struggled to maintain excellent grades in a highly competitive environment, learned much that will be applicable for the rest of my life, and made many great, supportive friends. I would however have two warnings for the past me. The first is not to get sucked into the insane party life. It hurts the grades you work so hard to achieve and makes you work even harder to bring them back up. Also, make as much money as you can before starting college. That scholarship may seem like a lot of money now, but you will soon realize that it is not nearly enough to pay for a high quality education.

Hey buddy, before you graduate I would like to give you some words of wisdom. Make sure that you look at all aspects of the college that you are applying too, and make sure that those aspects complement or match your personality. Also take into consideration what you can learn and how you can grow at the school, may it be academically, socially, or anything else. I would also recommend selecting a school that is in a different environment and atmosphere than your hometown, so that you will be able to experience a different way of life which will make you grow as an individual. As you transition into college, I would suggest keeping an open mind and viewing all experiences as positive learning experiences that you will be able to look back later and use to better yourself. While in college, be yourself, work hard at whatever you do, and success, friends, and happiness will all come your way in the end. Finally, I will finish by saying that you should not worry about what other people think of you, but think carefully about all of your decisions so that you can make the most beneficial ones for yourself.

If I were to go back and speak to my former self, I would tell him that he really doesn't have much to worry about in making the switch. Sure, the commute is pretty tough in the mornings, and the classes are way bigger than those he had in high school, but altogether I think his school prepared him very well for adaptation to college life. The work load is a little bit more than that in high school, but he was juggling Varsity Rowing with schoolwork; now it's changed to juggling work and financial aid packets and car payments. I would essentially tell him not to sweat the small stuff and to keep his eyes on the prize: becoming a renowned doctor someday and becoming the first member of his family to gain a degree. He tends to stress a little under the pressure, but some breathing and words of encouragement are all he really needs.

As a high school senior, I would give myself the advise that if academics was what I wanted to focus on, I shouldn't have been involved in so many sport activities. As well, I'd have told myself to better prepare for SATs and ACTs. I would have applied to many of schools by the spring of my senior year. I would have went on college campus visits and talked with advisors. I would have kept dating and guys out of my life as much as possible and studied more. I would have told myself to write a million scholarships and keep looking for new ones to apply for. That would have been the biggest piece of advice I would've given Parris in high school.

The advice I would give myself as a high school senior is to enjoy more of my last high school year. I would encourage myself to attending homecoming and the football games instead of focusing solely on my academics. I would make it clear that having a balance in life is crucial. It is important to have priorities and to have school at the top of your list, but it is also beneficial to take other activities into account. Other than joining the usual National Honor Society and Relay for Life organizations, I would tell myself to branch out and explore other fields that I was unfamiliar with at the time. This experience may have allowed me to discover new areas that could've been of interest to me. Moreover, I would make sure that I treasure my last few days at my high school and take the time to realize that I spent four crucial years of my life there. In this school, I built friendships that have lasted through college and made numerous memories that I will forever cherish.

If i was able to speak to myself as a high school senior there would be an imense amount of advice that I would give myself. Primarily, I would advise myself to become more fully integrated in campus life. As a commuter student, I feel I might have lost out on many of the typical college experiences not living on campus. I beleive this is a crucial part of the educational process, as it creates an integral support network, allows for study groups, supports self esteem. A second peice of advice I would give myelsef would be to embrace each day of learning. As most students graduating from high school, and going to college, the whole idea of studying, writting essays, attending class seems to be a chore. In reality, the whole process needs to be embraced and cherished as these four years one can never re-do or get back. These "chores" are going to be the foundation of what will be your career, the rest of yourself, and of your life.

I don't think anyone can be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} on their decision until after visiting a school. Seeing the school can seriously impact your decision and perception of the school. Also, it's a great way to get the answers to the burning questions you may have, and usually more questions arise during a visit. I think a tour of the school is the closest thing a student can get to attending the school without actually being enrolled, and thus is the best way to get a feel for the kind of experience you may have at school.

The right college for you is the one you actually want to go to and will be happy at. Any college you attend will challenge you and put you out of your comfort zone; if you are determined to enjoy your college experience and learn a lot, you can overcome the challenges. However, if you are unhappy at your school, you will not be motivated to succeed either in or out of the classroom. Finding the right college for you is about choosing a place where you will excel, be it because of the size of the classes, your amount of friends there, or the area surrounding the campus. You need to find the college or university that will allow you to be the person you want to be. Making the most of your college experience is just that - what you make of it. You determine what you get out of your college experience, so pick the college that will let you go out there and get it! Your first choice college is probably your best choice because if you set your sights on success, you really can achieve your goals.

Choosing a college is more than plugging in a formula. First, look at the statistics: student to teacher ratios, size of the school, cost of attendance, climate, etc. If you dont make sure the structure of the school is right for you, then you will never be able to make the most of your college experience. Next, look at the school as a place to live... do you want a party scene or do you prefer a college with an academic focus? Do students have trouble parking, or does everyone think green and use bikes? The details matter just as much as numbers. The best way to discover these details is to spend as much time on the campus as possible. Take the campus tour, but then stop and talk to current students. Students who are happy where they are love to tell others about it. If the students aren't happy, what makes you think you will be? Eat a meal in the dining hall (you'll be there a lot), visit the library, and sit in on a class. You dont just buy a car without a test drive. Why should choosing your college be any different?

The most important aspect of having a good college experience, is the student's avility to feel comfortable in his or her enviorment. While information sessions and brouchure tell you what the school wants you to know, I would recommend that prospective students take the time to visit the school, and if possible, stay on campus for a couple of days in order to get a more realistic idea of the school's atmosphere. I would also recommend, especially if the student will be attending a large school, that he or she become involve in a lot of extracurricular activities during their first couple of semesters. While it may be time consuming, it will be a great opportunity to meet a lot of different people who they may not have the chance to encounter otherwise.

Parents and student should be open to suggestions and comments from others so not look at schools just for what they are rated but for its academics as will. I am happy that I chose the school I did but honestly my dad chose it for me; this is why I think parents and students should go into choosing a college not only based on cost but on how it will affect you in the long run. I had not planned on enjoying the University that I attend nearly as much as I do. Although it is very expensive, I feel comfortable and that is extremely important in making your choice, my dad saw something that I didn't and in my ignorrance may never have been able to experience. I am forever thankful for his help. Parents and students should go into this process knowing that teamwork is the MOST important aspect. Students: your parents want what is best for you and you should seriously consider thier thoughts and ideas and most importantly, do not forget to consult them while making your choice, its your life, but more often than not its thier bankbooks.

Let your kids go on the visits with a friend or family member of their same age. Its easier to find a school where they feel like the fit in if they are allowed to go with a peer.

When visiting college campuses, take the campus tour and be sure you can see yourself walking those paths everyday. Think about what services you value most in a school. Do you care about the library facilities, the recreation center, or the sorority houses? Then, introduce yourself to a few students and ask them what they do on the weekends. Would you rather hit up the clubs downtown or go hiking at the local park? Think about whether you see yourself fitting in with the students and whether your values and interests are similar to theirs. Once you're enrolled in a college, take the time to get involved. This might not mean joining clubs, it might just mean going to the free floor dinners or movies on the lawn. Keep your eyes peeled for posters and emails about things to do and places to go. This is the best time of your life to get FREE stuff. You get free or reduced admission to museums and parks, free activities on campus all the time, and if you look carefully, free food just about everyday. These are also great places to meet people and have a great time.

College is more than just a great education. It is most likely the first time a student is living on their own away from home. Make sure that whatever college is chosen, it is a very well rounded school. One that will not only teach you the facts you need to know in life, but how to apply those facts in real world situations. You need to be able to find a situation that will make you comfortable to be who you are but will also push you to the next level in life. Learning how to deal with other people is just as important as anything a book can teach and because of that, the school should have plenty of opportunities to get involved that interest you. Remember also, whatever school you ultimately choose, make sure it is one you can be proud of years down the road.

There is a little-known but unfortunate fact about humans-- We are forever focusing on the wrong issues. As children, we fight over the red crayon, failing to see how little impact its loss will have on our lives. As adults, we argue heatedly about how to solve the problems of the world, without a mention of how to prevent them in the first place. In between, we stress about where to go for college. A wise friend once told me that it's not the big decisions in life that matter, but the little everyday decisions we may not even notice. It's easy to get caught up in the "big" decisions of college-- Which state? How big? How prestigious? It's easy to overlook the "little" decision we can make everyday to make the most of the day we've been given, right where we are, no matter where that is. When we make this decision, the "big" decision that we thought was important becomes irrelevant. Decide on a college based on what you love, remembering that, no matter where you end up, you can decide to make the most of it. That's the decision that matters.

Visit schools of different sizes and in different locations, and figure out what your personal preference is. Then do your search based on that criteria as well as availability of your specific major. Once you've got all the schools that meet this, go in each school's website and visit schools if possible to narrow your final list down to those you plan on applying to.

Always always research before you attend. EVRYTHING is a factor. Do you want diversity? Are you comfortable with a liberal campus? All these things matter in getting the best out of your college education!

Finding the right college is more than looking at statistics. It is about realizing that this is going to serve as your home away from home for the next few years. It is a major chapter in your life and one needs to be certain they will not only feel comfortable at their school but that they are excited about their surroundings. My adivce would to parents and/or students about finding the right college would be to not only go on school tours, but make your own. You need to walk around and see if you can envision yourself walking around alone to and from places like class, the gym, dinig halls, etc. Also look at the type of people. STart conversations. Do these people look and act like people you see yourself befriending? If not, that college isn't for you. Making the best out of college would entail stepping out of your comfot zone and trying new things/becoming involved with people and activities you usually wouldn't.

I advise both parents and students to visit the universities that the "student" is interested in going to. Also, get as much information as possible, to the student, you will be spending 4 years at this institution, it would be wise to know what you are getting into. To the parents, its very good for you to be invovled in this process, since its most likely you who will be paying for your student, however, this decision should be the students. My parents and I went through this conflict and if you make your child go to a university that they don't want to go to, it breeds contempt within the student towards the parents and the school itself. Freshman year is hard enough with a positive attitude, I couldn't imagine trying to make that transition reluctantly. So parents, please give advice but remember, it will be the child actually attending the university. To make the most of your experience, make friends with upperclassmen, they can help you alot. Lastly, don't let other people decide whats fun for you. If you don't drink, its ok, people won't look at you weird. And just have fun.

Matt interviews his friends and fellow students at the University of Miami and asks them to give advice to incoming freshmen.

Greg, a graduating senior, reflects back on his time at the University of Miami and offers advice to incoming freshmen.

Definately visit each college and carefully look into the specific program of study that interests the student! Academics are important, but I believe an active, productive, and happy environment is even more necessary for success! Carefully choose a college that best suites the student's needs on the whole: academically, socialy, environmentaly, professionaly, and personaly. The college you choose makes all the difference! After choosing a school and enrolling, GET INVOLVED! The more you can get out of your college experience, the better! Your degree is just a piece of paper, but character development through experience is intangible and will grant you success in all that you do. Good luck!! Most importanly, relax. College is a privelege, not an obligation. It should be treated as vacation not occupation. It is a time to learn and grow, not stress and be anxious. Enjoy!

Despite the fact that questions on all the college entrance tests have only one right answer, there is definately more than that for colleges that are right for you. Take the time to look around and explore options. Decide the criteria that are most important to you, and make your decisions based on those points. By narrowing it down, you will feel less overwhelmed. One of the best questions I learned to ask was "Is this school the best choice for getting me where I want to go in the next four years?" Think not only about what you want now but what you will want as you are growing, learning, and perhaps changing many of your thoughts on life. As for making the most of the experience, the more involved you are the better. Take every chance you get to meet new people, learn new cultures, try new foods, and explore new places. There is just as much opportunity to learn outside the classroom as there is inside. These will be years filled with more opportunities to get to know the world around you than ever imaginable. So, use them!

It is important to make an on campus visit to any college that you are considering attending. Make sure you consider the size of the student population and the location of the college. If it snows for 80{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the time at your college and you do not like winter, scratch that university off your list. My parents and I were very impressed with our on campus visit at Miami. Everyone we met was so helpful and understanding. I really had to convince my parents to send me to Miami because we live in New York and I am an only child. My mother kept saying it was to far away. However, she was blown away by the campus and the staff. My move in experience was exceptional. Miami went out of their way to make everyone (students and parents) feel welcome and part of the Miami U community. I would overwhelmingly recommend the University of Miami to anyone.

The best advice I can give is to talk to a recent graduate! Going into college, I was very green and unknowledgeable about the whole situation. For instance, I chose to go to a rather popular school without considering how much scholarship I would receive. Only now, after graduating about a year ago, do I realize that if I had applied to less known schools I could have gotten a "free ride." Moreover, when I started college I wanted to be a psychologist, but did not realize until my senior year how long and winding the road to a PhD would be. I now know a PsyD is much more advantageous for one going into clinical psychology. Entering college is a completely new situation and the rules/customs are foreign. When I first began I did not know all of my options and resources; which I now know to be many. There are so many things I would have done differently; like looked into scholarships more earnestly, considered which schools were less expensive, and which degree would guarantee me a job upon completion. With everything I know now, looking back, I should have consulted a recent graduate!

I think that it is important for high school students to have a good idea of what they think is best for them. It is really important to visit the schools that they are interested in and to try to get a sense for the campus and the campus life. By doing this, they can decide whether they want a large or small school, rural or city. Students should make sure that their major is offered and that there are alternatives if they change their mind. If you live in a warm climate like Florida, make sure that if you are applying to schools in cold climates that you visit in the winter to get a real feel for what you will encounter. As for the college experience, embrace it and get involved in campus life, but don't forget the main reason you are there: academics. Find the right balance between your academics and your social life. Keep in mind that these years are the foundation for your future years, but don't forget to enjoy them as well!

Challenges and obstacles will always be around the corner, you and only you with the support of your parents can and will surpass every challenge in life. When you derive from a low income family it is diffucult to endure the path towards a superior education, but that harass pathway will one day lead you and your family to greatness. Sacrifice 4 too 8 years all the possible goods and luxuries that your mind desires, after your studies you will have the means to purchase anything you desire. With endurance and hope dreams do come true; slow and steady will win the race.

I would encourage parents and students to visit the school while it is in session in the middle of the day. this way you can observe the normal day-to-day of the school. They should also stay overnight, if possible, near the college so that they can get a feel for the area they will be spending the next four years in. This can also reveal if the college is situated in a safe area. another important, and sometimes make-or-break factor is the resources that are available on campus. Free tutoring and a good career center (internships, job finding, etc...) is a must. After choosing a college, the best way to make the most of the experience is to get involved - join a sports club, form a study group, or help plan events. there are so many ways to keep yourself busy on a college campus, and if there still isn't an outlet for you, then create one. Most colleges have a decent amount of funds available for people wishing to start clubs or organizations. Being involved on your campus can be the difference between a great college experience and a dull one.

The main piece of advice I would give about finding the right college is to try and identify what you're career goals may be. If the student knows what they want to focus or major in, then they should pick a school with a strong department. Alternatively, if the student does not know what they want to study, it may be a good idea to pick a school with a strong liberal arts component, that way the student has more options and longer to decide. Either way, It is good to pick a school with strong auxiliary functions. For example, my school has several of these, such as a 1st rate library, a full time career center, a counseling center, and other functions such as a health center and shuttle services. While some of these may seem superfluous, these amenities help to maintain a psyche good for learning. Another quality I appreciate is that there are constantly conferences and presentations that get the students to think past college, to facilitate a smooth and successful transition into the workforce Additionally, one has to see if the campus culture fits their lifestyle, but remember: You need to study!

Go where your heart tells you to go, as your happiness is the number one factor in deciding your ultimate success.