University of Miami Top Questions

I believe that you should apply to a lot of colleges and visit just as many. Talk to other students who have attended the colleges and if possible do a weekend visit to the school that you want to attend. Also, I think parents should attend orientations and family weekends whenever possible. When parents feel involved they tend to enjoy the school experience as much as the students. My parents have attended all of my family weekends and attended football games which make them feel like they are part of my college experience. We are all now major CANES fans.

Do what you love!! That is the best advise I could ever give anyone. My family wanted me to go to school for business or something they felt was financially stable since my parents worked multiple jobs their entire lives. For the longest I listened to everyone telling me to do this that, all the while I wanted to do something else. So I applied to and was accepted to Columbia University for business, but once I sat down with myself about my future I realized I would not be happy doing something that someone else wanted me to do. I want to act and direct films and I had been doing that since I was able to pick up a camera. It is a passion for me and I would do it even if it was unpaid. Despite what other's tell you, they just don't know you as well as you do. But make sure you find who you are as soon as possible before someone else finds you. Don't be an emply cockpit of a plane waiting for someone else to fly you cause if they don't know how you operate then.....BOOM!!!

Join a frat or sorority.

There is no "right" college; if you embrace college, whether it was your first or eighth choice, you will be happy. The best way of finding what colleges fit you best is taking a trip, visiting many colleges. Start by finding schools that have your academic interests. Then, look for school characteristics. If you are not certain about characteristics of the school you want, visit schools with different characteristics. For example, if you are not sure about school size, visit large, medium, and small schools; let your judgement determine which school you are looking for. For parents, let your child decide the school. You may be paying tuition, but they are spending their next four years there. In terms of making the most from college, do as many productive activities as possible. Study/do extracurricular activities instead of playing video games/watching television, or if you do, do so with friends instead of alone; make it a social activity. If something is not productive to academics, extracurriculars, health, or social life, do not do it. The bottom line is to have fun, though. College can be the best four years of your life if you choose to make it so.

My advice would be to go visit the school before attending. Ask about available groups and organizations that may interest you to know what's available; ask current students what the average coursework and professor is like. Be prepared to meet a lot of different kind of people and relax; don't let college overwhelm you. Have fun and try new things but don't do anything that makes you uncomfortable.

Research--spend the night on campus, talk to students, talk to faculty, develop personal relationships.

My best advice for the parents or even students who are looking for the right college is to do some research before choosing a school. Most universities are known for excelling in particular areas, like education, music, etc. Therefore, if the student is interested in studying a special subject, research on schools that specialize on that subject. However, if the student is undecided, another good way on choosing a school is by its geographical setting. If you live in a cold area and want to switch to a warmer area, find a school in the warmer states like Florida or California. Want to wake up with a beautiful mountain view? Search for colleges in North Carolina, etc. My last advice is to look for schools that fit your budget, or prepare to apply for loans and scholarships. With today's economy, it is very difficult to find cheap schools, which may risk the educational level that you will receive; but if you think you cannot afford the school, go to the financial aid office at that school, and look for payment plans and other alternatives that each school offers for those students that cannot afford that specific college.

Try not to rule out schools too early. I applied to my school on a whim and looked closer when I recieved a scholarship and this school turned out to be the perfect fit. But, I would never have considered this school if I hadn't applied randomly. Also for the students, don't let what you think you want stop you from exploring other schools that are not in your "ideal" category. I ended up on the other side of the country from where I though I wanted to be and it was the best desicion of my life. Be open to the possibilities, don't over stretch or over stress yourself, try to have fun and remeber that many times with college, it's not about the final product but the journey you take and the experience you gain.

Money is not an issue in achieving your dreams, its all about the attitude and the direction you want to go in life.

VISIT. It is good to see exactly where you be studying and living. Go onto online forums for candid opinions about past and current students' experiences at that school.

I think the biggest thing that parents/students need to consider when choosing a college is the overall package. They shouldn't just choose a school because of academics, but also for sports, oppurtunities, social, location, and anything else that can allow a student to really experience life. I thought I knew what I wanted when I applied to schools, but am so glad I decided to go to Miami because I got the whole package. I would also say that not narrowing down your schools based on what you think you want to study is an important choice.

Whereever you go just make sure you feel at home and that everyone is willing to help you make something out of life.

Do your homework!!! (In high school and when researching prospective colleges.) The former will help you get into the college of your choice while the latter will help you determine what your college of choice is. Go beyond the college guides at the bookstore and university websites. Visit universities that you are interested in (if financially possible) and/or contact official university representatives and students to talk about the university (academics, extra-curricular activities, social scene and general ambience). Don't worry about rankings when trying to decide which college is right for you. A college cannot be fairly represented by a number. In college balance is essential. The pursuit of knowledge should be the major motivation for attending college. That does not necessarily equate to getting the best grades. What is more important is exposing yourself to different subjects, literary works, fields of research and cultural and social experiences. This is the recipe for a meaningful, balanced college experience.

In terms of finding the right college, there is really no exact science to it. But I would say your best bet is take time out of your schedule and visit the campus. That is absolutely vital, because there is not a single college brochure on the planet that can give you a real sense of what that school is all about. Secondly, its exteremly important to make a list of attributes that you feel are important in a school. Often I see freshmen who are just at a school because their friends went there or because it was cheap. The most important part of college is going there because YOU want to go there, not because of your friends or your parents or any of that. I know parents are an important part of the process, but in the end it is YOU the student who are living and working there for four years. Don't be afraid to say hello to random strangers your freshman year, chances are the person you say hi to is just as interested in making new friends as you are. Above all else, don't live in the past. Break away from highschool.

It has to feel right.

miami is great as long as you live fast.

There are many factors that should be considered when you are choosing which college you will attend. You can look at the academics, sports, social life, tuition cost, ect. For me, the main reason why I chose the University of Miami was for academics. It is the only school in the state of Florida that offered Biomedical Engineering as an undergraduate degree. I wasn't focused on the cost, since Miami is kind of pricey. But I knew that I would be happy if I went somewhere that I could study what I wanted to study. You have to go where you know you will be happy. Don't follow your friends to a school just so you know someone. Don't be afraid to change your life. One thing that is a definite when deciding is that you need to visit the colleges. The second I stepped onto Miami's campus I knew it was where I belonged. When you pick the right school you will know it, and you will not be able to wait to tell the rest of the world that that is your future school!

The most inportant thing about finding a good college is the atmosphere in which they will be studying. There needs to be a combination of school spirit, kind faces, and a place to have fun besides the tough academic work because all students need to find a break from their work sometimes. It is most important that you find what is most fitting rather than the name or reputation a school represents becuase nobody who dislikes school will be able to flourish in what they wish to do in life. I chose Miami because it was a very welcoming atmoshpere, its school spirit could be seen the minute i toured on campus, and the students were also friendly. I can honestly say that although my average is not a perfect 4.0, I have achieved something here that I would never achieve in any other school.

Find a college that will "upgrade" who you are, not change you. The key to getting the most out of your college experience is getting involved and reach out to others different than you. Making connections with different kinds of people from different walks of life only help you become more open and accepting of others, others whom you will encounter as you continue life after college.

The most important thing in finding a school is finding a place you will be comfortable. Look at your comfort zone and the academics first, price tag last. When there is a will there is a way and you should never let your present financial situation interfere with what you want in life. Find a place where you can really find an identity and can see yourself walking around campus confidently with a smile. Also, DO NOT let little things like the quality of the dorms or how attractive people are have any weight in your decision making process. These things are insignificant! Making the most out of the college experience is really up to you. First of all, take diverse classes. You really never know what might be your passion in life without exploring new fields! Socially, do not be closed-minded. Try to meet as many people as you can and learn from them. Your freshman year is the most accessible time to make friends. Put yourself in a few uncomfortable (but safe) situations and try new things. Make sure you learn about and take advantage of all of the services offered to you on campus.

The best thing that I did when I started searching for colleges was that I picked a very specific major right off the bat. I decided that I wanted to persue theatre arts management and I wouldn't settle for anything else. Since not many schools offer that major to begin with, I had already narrowed down my search by a lot. I thought about how far away from home I wanted to be, and decided that I wanted to experience a different culture than what I was used to. I am also a huge sports fanatic and would not be satisfied at a school that didn't have a good athletic program and school spirit. I then looked for the school that met these criteria, and only found one, the University of Miami. I applied despite the tuition cost, never gave up, received a scholarship that I never expected, and now that I am a student here, I couldn't imagine being any where else. I have become involved in a variety of different organizations and have met an amazing group of people. My advice is ultimately to know what you want to get out of your college experience.

I would advise parents and students to go for it. Take a chance, and find a college that not only challenges you to meet other people and join activities, but also provides a good education and support to succeed in life after college. There are so many new experiences in college, and getting oriented with being on your own and making your own decisions is a big part of going to college. Taking the opportunity to enroll in an institution that brings out your own personal attributes and qualities will enable great success and opportunity if you put yourself out there.

I would say that you should know what size of school you want to attend and focus on the right fit. Your first choice may not be right for you, so don't be aftraid to transfer if you think you need to from whatever school you decide. Being happy with you are really makes a difference in your college experience.

Advice I would offer parents and students while choosing a University would first be to investigate the racial diversity of the school. Then, I would advise them to research job placement assistance available for students after graduation. Also I would compare tuition and living expenses to other Universities in the area. Finally, I would investigate class sizes to ensure a good student to professor ratio.

internships and open your horizons to new people

You just got to go with what feels right. I had a few choices between colleges, but after visiting the University of Miami I knew it was where I wanted to be. If a school doesn't feel right to you, don't choose to attend that one. The course material is difficult enough, there is no need to deal with the stress of being in the wrong place. College is supposed to be a place to grow and find yourself. Find a campus that has people who have the same beliefs and ideas as you, but also surround yourself with those whose opinions differ from yours for these are the people you learn from the most.

When in the process of choosing adequate facility of higher learning focus on the needs and wants of your student first and your needs and wants second. It is important to allow your student to start making decisions for him/herself in order to mature and learn from their mistakes. In order to make the most out of your college experience, focus on the things that you love. If you're there to study and graduate as fast as possible you might not have as much fun as those who aren't there for the same reasons. It's important to take breaks and it's important to stay focused. Once you find that middle ground, college will be a cinch.

Advice that every student should receive about finding the right college and making the most of their college experience is to explore your passions. By finding a college that offers courses, clubs, events, or internship programs that interest you, you will be motivated to work hard and be driven to success. If you do not know what you are passionate about, any college experience will expose you to many new and exciting opportunities. If you do know your passions, go for it- and try new things as well. Nothing will be lost by a new experience. Approaching my last semester of college, I have learned that what you regret most are the things you didn't do. Simply think about what makes you happy and look for a college that will help you explore your passions. Following your passions will let you make the most of your college experience.

College choices are many and it is so important to take into consideration your study emphasis and passion. Graduating from a private day school, I thought that a larger campus would be a great fit for me. After careful consideration and listening to my guidance counselor, my decision to attend a mid size college was the best fit. To make a campus visit is helpful but not always necessary. Most importantly.....don't be afraid to take the chance and reach for your dream school.

Don't be constricted by location -- actually visit schools and find the one that fits best for you! Also, do a lot of research on how to pay for college and consider what you want to do when you are done and how much you will make. Those first repayments out of undergrad are a killer when you're a teacher in a low-income area!

There are many different aspects for as to what will make the best college for each individual student. A student should really consider where they can see themselves living for the next four years. One thing that goes into that considersation is how close to you home is it, I have had many friends that became homesick from living in a different state than their friends and family. Having foreign teachers I did not understand was a big problem for me and one that was not conisdered before I attended the school. This would be a great question to ask students on tours to schools to see if thats a similiar problem there. There are always oppurtunities to be had at any school for extracurricular activities, again just asking students on a tour I think is the best way to see if you can picture yourself attending the school. At last just be social it never hurts to just go out and find new friends anywhere on campus, in class, intramurals, you name it you will be surprised at how many people will have similiar interests as you. Just make fun whenever you can, college is more than just studying.

The most important thing to think about is what kind of school will be the best fit for you and will help you grow. It is unwise to look solely at school rankings or where your friends are going to school. For example, do you like a rural or urban campus better? What activities are important to you? Maybe you are an avid golfer so you may want to look for a school that has a golf course nearby. Or maybe you love the idea of spending Saturdays at the beach. Think about what is going to make you happy on a day-to-day basis which will in turn help you perform better in school. Secondly, it is important to make sure that you will be challenged academically in your classes. It is also not smart to go to a school that you know will be 'easy' because you may not be as motiviated as if you were at a school that has more rigorous professors. Do not be afraid to stretch yourself- that is what college is all about. Find a place will you will grow personally and academically!

Make them get a job

Finding the right college is one of the most important decisions you will have to make in your lifetime. College is not just about academics, it's about surrounding yourself in an environment that will help you learn, grow and successfully become the person that you want to be. An institution that fosters caring, learning, success, achievement, and growing will help you to reach your academic, personal, and professional goals in life. It is so important to not only focus on your studies in college, but to make the most of your college experience by being as involved as possible on your college campus and in your community. College is the time to broaden your horizons and to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Whether you have always dreamed of learning how to sky dive or have been a life long chess player, there will be a place for you on the right college campus. The experiences you expose yourself to will open you up to new ideas, friends, beliefs, and maybe even news ways of life. Remeber, college is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so make the most of it!

Finding a school that fits you best is important because it is the place you will spend some of your most influential time of emotional, social and academic growth. It is a place where you will find your closest friends and learn the bulk of your fundamental education in order to move on to the more profession-specific education of graduate school. Make sure to look at campus size and specificities when evalutating a campus. Ensure that it isn't too big or too small for your taste. Spend a weekend at the campus to get to know the workings of the school and the students that attend it. Look up courses that the school offers so you can get a glimpse of what is to come in the future. Think of the obvious and the subtle because those are the details that you will notice once you begin school.

Get involved. Try new things academically and socially. Don't be shy, everyone is new to college freshman year and want to hear what you have to say..so say it. Parents: Don't be worried.

I would definately tell students to choose the school they feel is going to be a right fit, and to take advantage of all the activities that the school offers. When looking for the right college make sure it is in a place where youre going to feel comfortable and safe, also where youre parents will feel safe leaving you. For students, make sure you DO rememeber you have school work and homework that needs to be done and you don't always need to go out. The college experience is what you learn and the experiance you gain at the University. The "experiance" is what you as a student leave with when you graduate, all the memories and the information 4 years got you. So enjoy, relax, and be good.

First of all: relax! This should be a fun experience. When you visit a college campus, look at the general demeanor of students and see if you could see yourself among them. Are they rushing off to classes, stressed out of their minds, and hauling tons of books? Or are they well-kept, strolling leisurely, and not carrying any books? Also, pay attention to what people DON'T talk to you about. Admissions directors and tour guides are paid to highlight the positive aspects of a college campus. If there is little to be said about the dorms or the dining hall and you're a homebody who loves food, it probably won't be the right college for you. Once you're in college, open up to new people and experiences. Most of you will all be strangers to one another, and you will all be homesick. Explore the campus and town together, and join student organizations that you can be passionate about. Oh-- and while you're cramming for exams and cranking out papers, give yourself some time to relax. You'll have the power to succeed academically and personally once you situate yourself at the right college.

When looking for the right college, you must take time and put much consideration into it. Research and find out what about the college you are applying to is good for you. Once you know you have applied to colleges that are worthwhile and work best for you, wait for the acceptances and from there, because you did your homework the first time, choose your school on gut feeling. Visit the college and the campus and talk to people that go or have gone there. One of the schools will just feel right and at some point you'll stop trying to be rational and know what is right. From there will come your college experience, and if it's the right school for you, then the you will have the right college experience -- just be open to new things. Good luck! P.S. STUDY ABROAD..it really does broaden your horizens and opens you up to new ideas and cultures.

I believe that finding the right college is the result of a several month process of coordinating visits to schools, meeting with faculty and students and weighing all the pros and cons. Never shut the door on any school without fully researching everything the school can offer. My final choice for the University of Miami was based upon the "Big Picture" and the benefits I would reap in the long. I did not want to be so far away from my family, but the opportunities available to me as well as the scholarships offered helped me realize that this was a "Sign" from above that this would be the right choice for me. I do not regret my choice, after having been here already a year. I am looking forward to an exciting journey in my life thanks to keeping an open and adventurous mind.

Begin with researching a large amount of schools with brevity during summer after sophomore year. You don't have all the time in the world to investigate every aspect of every school. Narrow down the selection to about 6-8 schools and do more in-depth research on those schools. Narrow it down to 5 schools. If you can, visit them all. There is nothing like visiting the campus and being able to see things first hand. When visiting a school, take advantage of those "How to have a great visit" guides, they spend time making those to help you with your selection process. I know that most of my school visits were not as great as they could have been. I had to visit my school twice (it's a 1200 mile distance) before I could decide. It would have been nice for my parents to have seen everything I needed to see the first time. Take a big step out of your shell, and call the admissions office to ask if you could talk to someone. It's what they're there for. Most of all, don't stress. If you stress, you won't have fun.

One thing you should remember when deciding which college to choose is that you cannot put a price on happiness. Even if the occupation you plan on pursuing does not offer a high salary, money should not be a major issue when narrowing down your college choice. Instead you should focus more on applying for scholarships so that you can pay for any college you decide to go to. I feel that one of the most important questions you should ask yourself before you begin searching for your future college is, ?what am I interested in?? Many people go into college wanting to be a doctor or hold some other high paying position, but after a year or two they begin to realize that they are not really interested in what they are studying. If the major you choose is also the one your most interested in, your chances of being successful as a student are much greater. If you truly love what you do, completing your class work will seem like less of a burden, interacting with your classmates will come more naturally because they will share many of your interests, and enjoying college life becomes effortless.

Finding the perfect college for any student has become a big challenge for most graduating high school seniors. There are so many options and so many different reasons to choose a specific college. The general process is hard but well worth it in the end. A high priority that affects most college applicants is price. Parents and students should find a general price range in which they can both afford. This will immediately narrow the field and make for a more realistic college search. The next aspect to consider would be the academics. The most important reason for going to college is to get a good education. Seeing as this education is going to provide for the majority of the rest of your life, the college should have some academic recognition. Next, the student?s personal preferences should be considered when looking at size, location and other activities. While the parents should help in this process of choosing the perfect school for their child, they should in no way enforce their own opinions on the child?s decision. Choosing the right college is hard but it can lead to a bright future and great memories.

The best advice i can give to parents and students alike is to find a college that fits you and your goals, not one that fits your friends or your budget. Every school gives out scholarships and grants as well as loans that can help its students get where they want to be. I advice them not to be discouragued because of their social or economic standpoint because they should be able to be guaranteed the education they deserve.

Choosing a college is one of the most important endeavors that you will ever encounter in your life. Don't just choose your school based on things like weather, or location, but rather, weight them all carefully. You have to make sure the school is right for you in all aspects. Once you become a student, get involved! There's no easier way to meet friends and learn new things about yourself. As for parents, I'd advise helping your child weigh all of the possibilities. Make sure he/she isn't picking one school solely based on one factor (such as a boyfriend/girlfriend attending that school also). Remember what it was like when you were picking your college choices and what your mother or father did wrong or not enough of. Change that view and improve it for your child's application process. Lastly, make it fun for all. Don't think of it as a point in life where you're losing so much money to pay for tuition or moving away from home. College is the most wonderful experience of your life. Make it count!

Finding the right college is about figuring out who you are and who you want to be. If you already know what you want to study, that can be a big part of your decision. As a jazz musician who can't handle harsh winters, my college search was narrowed to a place with a good jazz program and a comfortable climate. The University of Miami was one of few logical choices. Don't know what you want to study? Good! Let's be honest, even many of us who came in knowing exactly what we wanted to do have already changed our minds after the first year of college. I started out as a performance major, now I'm seeking a liberal arts degree in music. Try visiting a few schools and get a feel for the vibe of each. Sit in on some classes. Talk to the students. Can you see yourself fitting in? College is an exhilarating balancing act. Work hard, play hard. Keep your mind open. Whether from professors, TAs, friends, janitors, dining hall card-swipers, or librarians... there is always something to learn.

Don't let anyone rush you into a major or a career. There's so much emphasis on this these days. Being a student in college, you still have so much time to figure out what you really want to do. Letting someone else rush you into an early decision will only hurt you immensely. Once you're older and you realize you've stuck yourself into the wrong life, you'll be unhappy, and its much harder to change your mind later on. Especially for kids who don't feel like they were born knowing what they wanted to be when they grew up, college is the perfect time to explore options and figure out what you were meant to do. It wouldn't be fair to yourself to cut your options short, and run your life into a rut, even if you think you already know what you want.

In order to find the best possible college for a certain person, it is extremely important to take a good look at the academics. After all, one goes to college to pursue a degree, and in order to feel satisfied and fulfilled, the classes and overall academics must be stimulating and enjoyable. From there it is beneficial to decide if one will be comfortable with the location of the school, taking into account climate and lifestyles of the surrounding population. However, once a student is enrolled in a certain college, it is nearly impossible to not enjoy it if one is willing to put in the effort. The absolute first thing a student must do in order to make the most out of the college experience is to join a student organization based on what he or she enjoys doing or would like to experience. After that, it is easy to stay occupied, have fun, make friends, and become attached to the school. At that point, it will be nearly impossible to think about life having made any other decision.

Primarily choose a college based on a specific degree path, but never forget to take into account the academics of the entire school. You never know when you may end up switching majors. I would currently be entering my third year as a Vocal Performance (Opera) major with a full talent-based scholarship, on track to graduate at the completion of my fourth year; instead, I made the important life decision to become a Civil Engineering major. I am now starting from scratch, attempting to finish a four year degree in two and a half years. Little did I know that, five weeks into the semester, I would decide to switch from Civil Engineering to Computer Engineering: another semester setback, another twenty thousand dollars of tuition expenses, another valuable long-term investment. My point in outlining this story is that you should always consider the school as a whole as opposed to one single program within a school. In the future, you may thank yourself for doing so.

Analyze what the student expects out of his college education. What are his goals and career expectations. What are