University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Top Questions

The advice I would give to parents is to give their chilldren academic freedom. Most parents want their children to attend the university that they did to create or continue the family legacy. Parents try to impose schools of their choice on their children. Parents need not to dictate where their children decide to go to school but rather suggest where their children go to school. The advice I would give to students is to choose a school thats right for you academically and socially. Some people feel comfortable in a large school and some people are more comfortable with a small school setting. When electing a college to attend choose the college that's best to further your career goals. Do no choose the college are your friends chose to go to. That decision is sound for a social purpose but not for academic purposes. Don't be afraid of change, become independent. Get out and meet new people. Most importantly utilize all the resources your college has available.

Go wherever you feel the most comfortable. Don't go where people tell you is the best, go where your heart takes you. Finances are definately something to think about as well. Although there is financial aid, definately keep finances in the picture. Go somewhere that keeps your academic and career goals in interest. IF a school doesn't offer your major, then don't make comprimises to go there. Once on a campus, get involved in extra-curricular activites. Its a great way to meet people and build up your resume. You can't spend your college career ALWAYS sitting around studying. Get involved, but not TOO involved and keep your priorities straight.

Once you find the schools that have your potential major, narrow those down by deciding what size school and what type of campus would best fit your personality, such as a large city, or small campus town. Visiting these schools really helps get the feel of campus, and definitely sign up for a tour, since the tour guides are students of that school and can answer personal as well as academic questions. The University of Michigan was not my first choice, but once I came to visit and took a tour, I realized that this was the perfect school for me. It is a definitely a college town, and the atmosphere makes me feel safe and at home. I would also recommend not going to a school that half of your high school goes to, because it forces you to meet new people. Once at college, make the most by being outgoing and willing to meet new people. Regardless of your workload, don't forget to have fun and hang out with new friends. Join a lot of campus groups and experience as much as you can. Explore the campus and ask a lot of questions!

College decisions: Do I want a big school, do I want a small school, do I want to go to this school because it has a better ranking. When I started college I had one goal and one goal only. That goal was to get into the business school. Right now I have been at the university for 2 full years and I?m working on my third and do you want to know what my major is? I?m studying Sociology with a sub concentration in law and I love it. My mother was the one who advised against having such a blind pursuit of getting a business degree. Since I decided not to follow the business route I have worked for some top law firms and business firms and they both have told me that they do not want someone that has such a narrow mind set. They want thinkers who will go beyond the lines of a piece of paper. So in my final words, pick a school because it has a broad range of programs that you can take to find out who you truly are. You may never know who you are until you try.

Go for the professors and the academic program that caters to your interests best. Know that if the college gives you a lot of money that you might get more out of that college experience (especially grad school) - but you might also feel like a big fish in a small pond. Also, make sure you like the city.

Be sure to visit campuses of interest. This way, you will get a feel for the atmosphere and see if you are comfortable. Don't hesitate to ask questions about anything pertaining to campus life--you will be here for the next four years, so get to know the campus before jumping in. Get involved; giving back to the community can be one of the most rewarding things of your life. Study hard--you're going to need it. Don't forget your social life; it's important to have fun to keep your sanity. Don't take anything for granted, you never know when you may lose it. Enjoy yourself and meet lifelong friends--you only get to do this once, so make it count!

The decision about where to receive your college education is one that should not be taken lightly. At the same time, it should be a lot less stressful and more exhilirating, if anything. The college you select won't be some institution that tests and grades you, it will become your new home away from home for the next stage of your life, so the city and everyone in it should represent you and what you use to prepare yourself for life after college. Instead of just noting academic difficulty, analyze the methods that the college utilizes to better teach its students (experiments, study abroad, community service, group interaction). Instead of simply considering the number of students in the lecture and classroom, examine the depth of diversity to broaden your horizons and the availability of academic help (study groups, tutoring, peer interaction) to further assist you when outside of the classroom. Finally, after making the exciting decision about where you will continue your education, don't hold back! Rather than dipping your toe in to test the water, make a huge splash on campus by exploring all it has to offer and getting involved. Answer the question, "Who am I?"

Finding the right college is important. Both academics and campus culture must be taken into account, as they can either cripple or enhance the other. First, the right college should have a good program in the student's chosen area of study. If the student is undecided, then perhaps a more well rounded university would be a better match. Next you should take a visit to the campus in order to decide if you like the atmosphere. College isn't meant to be utterly miserable, although challenging, so the campus environment should have a variety of campus organizations, both fun and social, so that the student can find their own niche and grow through their experience. Finally, cost should be considered. If you absolutely fall in love with a college, but the tuition is too high, try anyway. Try for as many scholarships as you can and go from there. To make the most of college, get involved on campus. It is here that you really grow as a person and define yourself by what you do. These experiences will create lasting memories for a lifetime.

Finding the right college is like finding the right pair of running shoes. They have to fit just right. Sure, you might have to sacrifice quite a bit of your paycheck to the cause but in the end, the extra money you spent will be well worth it. You can buy some good shoes for a good price but for just a little bit more, you can buy some great shoes. Shoes that won?t give you blisters and shoes that will ultimately, help you run faster to the finish line. And once you've found the perfect pair of shoes, you'll know it. But even the perfect pair of shoes does no good for the person who only wants to wear sandals. You have to put them on, stretch them out and take a run on streets you've never been on before. College is about exploration. Take some chances and when you fall, pick yourself up and keep on running. It may be a long, difficult marathon but there's a prize at the end, success.

I would advise parents and students to really sit down and figure out what you want out of a school. Make a list of what is important to you; things like size, distance from home, majors available, climate, cost, and so much more. Even if it may not always feel like it, there is a school out there that will fit everyone like a glove. Going through this process of finding out what is important to the student will be a huge help in the decision process. Look at your favorite schools, compare them to the list, and see how they measure up. It will really show you what school is best for you. I will also say to trust your first instinct. Visit the schools that you are considering and trust you first feeling. After all of this, make your decision and go into college with a positive attitude. The college experience is what you make of it. It can be the best or the worst time of your life, so choose to make it the best.

Everyone will tell you to be yourself when you go off to college, but the advice they should be giving is to find a college that will allow you to grow and change. If collge has fullfilled its role in your life, when you leave you should be a better person adacemically, socially, professionally, and personally. Whether it is east coast, west coast, small, big, beaches, or ski slopes, the college that is right for you is the one where when you are campus you are relaxed, because when you are walking to class at 8 in the morning you need to be able to take a deep breath and be glad that you are there becoming a better person day by day. While the individual school will play an imporant role in whether you can learn and grow, the other half will be up to you. Don't let experiences pass you by. Take adavnactage of all your college has to offer. This extends beyond classes and clubs and includes everything from sports to parties. Study hard but take time to enjoy all the college had to offer. Learn from experience as much as from textbooks.

Parents: if YOU are searching for YOUR child the RIGHT college, you are already faulting tremendously. Because college is time for your child to test the wings of independence. And to venture from the nest. Yes you should ASSIST your child in finding the "right" school and encourage research of and visits to these schools, but nonetheless, your child decides. Each of you moveover WILL individually assess your child's needs, because no one quite like you, parents, understands their child as you do. Still your child leaves. And you will not be there. But do not fret. To ensure that your child makes the most of college, adopt the Taoist philosophy and do nothing. Do nothing until you MUST do something. Then act. Trust in yourself that you have been an adequate parent in providing, teaching, and navigating your child to success. Your child WILL face extreme challenges--yet, in your absence at those trying times, we somehow always act in the way we know best: the way our parents would. So be confident. Be present. Be bold, and cultivate independence in your child, because, out there, in the real world, we're going to need lots of it.

Finding the right college and making the most out of the college experience requires a great deal of self-discovery. Clear everyone else out of your mind; what's important to you when you think about college? Don't let your parents pride for their alma mater or your friends excitement over a college influence you into choosing a university you don't really want to go to. This is the first step in making the most out of the college experience as well, because if you're happy where you are, then you're more likely to enjoy yourself.

Most kids entering college have some idea of what they want to pursue. Many switch majors. Many chose a career unrelated to their college degree. Many take more than four years to graduate. The best advice I can give to incoming students, is to have an open mind. It's well worth your time to explore all of your options for college. Also, if you have a wide variety of interests, a school with many fields of study could be beneficial.

For me the most important thing is size. You can make a big school small, but you cannot make a small school big. Make sure that there is a club or orginization that the student can get involved with. It really helps to have a close group of friends, and clubs and orginizations really help to foster those friendships. Really think about what the student wants in their colligiate experience. School spirit may also be a very big part of that expereince. Think about the little things and everything should work out perfectly.

Do lots of research and visit as many schools as you can.

In order to find the right college, you must have an idea of what you want to do with your career. If you are unsure, then I would recommend going to a large college that offers a lot of different majors and specialities. To make the most of the college experience, you have to understand that you're going to college for an education first. Althought you must not let college get in the way of your education, it is very important to go out and experience the world for yourself.

Talk to other students to find out what the school is like and what some of the general interests of the student body are, so that you can make sure you pick a school where you're going to have a good time and meet people who are into the same things as you. Once you're there, make sure you balance out your academics and social life and keep your priorities straight. If you need help, contact an Academic or Peet Advisor who can help you devise a good plan for success.

Directed towards "you" future student I would advise you to seriously make the divide between what you want, what their parents want for you, and what their counselors THINK you want. Look inward and think about whether you learn better in smaller environments with one on one teacher time, or whether you are motivated enough to be a number in a giant University. If you do learn better with one on one teacher time, you might seriously want to consider a small liberal arts school, or a small program within a large University. Also, apply to schools that you may not think you can afford. Small liberal arts schools can give out large scholarships for talent, academics or sports involvement. Music schools within large Universities also give out scholarships, so don't limit yourself or sell yourself short. If you do end up going to a school that doesn't feel right, give it time. If, after giving it time, it still doesn't feel right, think about transfering. It may be a messy process, but it can be worth it to end up in a program that is perfect for you.

Visit the college campus, ask relatives and friends who are attending the school. Check out the programs the school offers. Enjoying the living environment is very important, too.

Make sure you're really careful about college looking. Ask people. Do lots of research. Visit the campuses. You'll know what feels right. Don't sacrifice your education for a school that you think will be "fun." Take advantage of every possible opportunity. It all exists, trust me. If you're confused in class, find a study group, and definitely go to office hours. No one wants to see you fail. Professors and grad student instructors are always happy to help. That's why they're there! Get involved in activities. Find something you're passionate about. Try different things. The point of college isn't to keep doing all the same things you did in high school. Take a random class pass fail like Renaissance Art History, Buddhism, or Linguistics. Definitely take a language even if it isn't in your requirements. Don't jump into a major too quickly. Make sure to take a mixture of requirements, practical classes, and a class or two that just really interest you. Study hard, but not too much. Have fun, but not too much. hah

Most kids who say they want to go to a big school have no idea what they'll be getting themselves into, so always remember that in a big school you're a number first. And in order to become personified, you have to work and compete against literally thousands of other equally bright, equally determined students your age.

Ignore the brochures, ignore the websites. Visit the campus and get to know some of the students. Set goals for yourself, and determine what kind of lifestyle you'll need to accomplish this in colllege. And once you find the school that's right for you, commit to it. Really commit to it. That's how you make everlasting friendships; that's how you get the most out of college. Join a fraternity, join a political group, join a singing group, anything - that's how you find your niche. And trust me - enjoy the Fall semester. Nothing will ever beat the Fall semester of college.

Visit the college

It is most important to feel at home on a college campus, because it will be your home for the next 4-5 years. I liken it to multiple choice tests...the common rule is "go with your gut". When you feel the right campus for you, you will know. Take the time to talk to students, professors, locals, anybody you can on your visit. Again, it should feel like home.

Don't let convention drive your decision. This is decision that is as much about feel as it is about rankings. Open your mind, ignore expectations, and put yourself in a position to learn in order to make the most of your collegiate experience.

The advice I give is to go visit all colleges that you are considering and try and get a feel for what it's like on campus and weigh you options equally because you do not want to make your decision based on something that is unimportant you you but other people seem to care about. Also get the facts, the real facts not just the rankings that are listed on the schools website because if you are an English major you dont really care how high the school's Aerospace Engineering program is ranked, you need to know things that pertain to you like class size, what happens on the weekends at campus, average class load for a freshman, and how the dorms and the food they serve are. So don't focus on the trivial details look at the things that will affect you daily because those are the things that are going to allow you to make the most out of your college experience.

It doesn't really matter where you go- it's what you make of it when you get there.

I don't believe in such a thing as "the right college." College is what you make of it. Any and every school out there can be right for you, you just have to mold your experience to meet your own expectations. Just choose the college that best fits your basic needs: finances, location, size, academic departments. Visit each school your accepted to and see how it feels. But ultimately, no matter where you end up, whether it's the college of your dreams or your so-called "safety school," it will be the right school for you if you make it right. Work hard, get involved, and live it up! That's all it takes.

The first and most important thing about finding the right college is researching and visiting a good handful of different schools. Small schools, big schools, public, private, in-state or out-of-state --- find all the schools that spark your interest and look into them. Get a good feeling for which schools make you feel comfortable and go for those. When you finally get there, to make the most of your experience, you should seek out the activities you know you're interested in, and even look into some that you've never really thought of before. College is a great time to get to know new people and experience new things, but you have to be active and seek them out. And above all - keep true to yourself and have fun.

Don't go to a college for the prestige or because it's what's expected of you-go to a college where you feel at home. Find a college where the people remind you of yourself, but also offer a lot to teach you. Academics should still be the most important factor in your decision, but look at other aspects, as well, such as housing options, extra-curricular options, and career options. Once you get to college, be sure to get involved with anything you're interested in-whether it's a club, sport, Greek organization,or anything else. It is a great way to meet people with the same interests, form connections and make friends.

Go VISIT! I remembering when i was looking for a school, I would go visit schools i thought i would love, and it turned out that they were not at all for me. Also, most importantly, don't stress about it. My senior year of high school was hell because all I was worried about was getting into college. I was terrified that no one was going to accept me because I couldnt do calculus and that i would get rejected because I wasn't "competitive" enough. I took 6 AP classes and was lucky I made it out alive. In then end, the ONLY big university that accepted me was the University of Michigan, and it happened to be my first choice. I always say that i owe it all to UofM because they had faith in me. Even though i had failed calc, they saw something in my essays that they thought would make me worth while. I couldn't picture myself anywhere else. I guess the moral of the story is, it will all work out in the end, and if the right school puts faith in you, dont let them down! GO BLUE!!

The best advice I can give to an undergraduate student is to make the most out of the options that life presents them. The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, was not my first or second choice, but my financial situation allotted me to attend U of M. But when I got my acceptance letter, it turned out to be the best thing that?s ever happened to me. I completely fell in love with my school; from the campus to the classes, and all of my new friends that I now call my family. I believe that finding my ?family? away from home is the one thing that has made me absolutely complete at school. We are as diverse and strange as a group of friends get! We all come from different backgrounds and socio-economic statuses, and bring different values and experiences, but for some reason, we mesh together and love each other as much as person can care for another. As I await my move in day, the thing that keeps me anxious for that day to come is the fact that I will be reunited with my Michigan Family! Go Blue!

Find the school that is big enough to give you a comprehensive university experience and small enough for the student to feel at home.

When I applied to colleges I only applied to one in state school. Although I feel that I made the best choice for myself and I'm very happy at my university, I didn't apply to more in state universities and as a result I do not know what kind of financial aid packages I might have been offered at a smaller, or slightly less prestigious university. I also want to emphasize the importance of applying to a variety of large and small schools, public and private. Finally and most importantly, visit the the campus of any university you are seriously considering and try to talk to as many current or former students as you can.

Being able to get into any college, whether it's prestigious or not, is an accomplishment that you should be proud of. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. My best advice would be to follow your heart and to make decisions based solely on you, not anyone else. The classes you take and the major you choose shouldn't be about what job you have post graduation or how much money it will make you. Choose the subjects that you are passionate about and really apply yourself. The more you give to your education, the more you will get out of it. Learning is something that gives back more the more time you spend doing it. At the same time, find a balance. College is not meant to be one giant study session. These years will shape who you are as an adult and you'll go crazy if you don't get a break from studying. Take risks. Have fun. Be passionate.

Find a place where you feel comfortable. A place where you can look around and feel at home. Going away to college shouldn't be a time where you can't wait to finish. It should be a lot of fun and very rewarding. Make sure the college you pick has all of the things you like. If you like a lot of people or a city setting don't pick the small community college because it has "the best program". Go where you feel comfortable and you will succeed.

Visit all of the colleges that interest in order to get the full experience of the college and to see if it's the right place for you. Plus, it's great to ask current students any questions that you may have regarding campus life at that school. Just do some research before you make your decision on what school is right for you.

You end up in the place that you belong.

Find a place where you feel comfortable. If not everything is perfect, don't worry, get involved and make friends. Because guaranteed: college will not be exactly the way you expected.

Don't take any opportunity for granted. Take advantage of every resource your school has to offer. Build relationships with your favorite professors and let them guide you in your class choices and career opportunities.

Students should do alot of research to see if the school has the programs and the degree the student wants, afterall they will be spending the next 4 to 5 years there. Make sure you visit and enjoy the atmosphere!

When searching for the premier college, parents and students ought to keep in mind that each school has the potential to be the best four years of one's life, as long as one is willing to explore all possibilities offered by the school. However, there are specifics that do foster both scholastic and social achievement that certain schools offer and others don't. Sports fans should go to a school where athletics are cumbersome because they will feel happy, have social opportunities, and feel relaxed and comforted by something familiar. People who like to explore and are innovative should go to a school where research is available in order to learn better and meet people with similar interests. As long as there is that single comfort at college, any troubles are adventitiously diminished. A student shouldn't go to a school because it is what others want or because they think it is going to look good on a resume. Every college offers something different to each individual that attends, so being positive about whatever school one attends guarantees an enjoyable experience.

Make sure you go to a school that fits your needs both academically and socially. Big schools offer a lot of concentrations and career paths but no one will be there to guide you - you have to be ready to make hard decisions and take care of yourself. Smaller schools may only excel in certain fields and offer less research and career opportunities. The first semester may be one of the hardest on someone mentally, emotionally, and academically, but surviving it and learning from one's mistakes makes one so much stronger in the end.

Make sure you visit the campus first. If you don't feel at home on the campus, then the school isn't right for you. Also, know your learning style. Make sure your school provides classes that suite you and your style of learning.

Like the school you get into, and you'll have lots of fun learning and meeting new people. The world is way too huge for you to think you're stuck somewhere. Enjoy.

go visit for a weekend, and stay in the dorms with a friend. go out, have a good time, see if you can make friends that weekend, if you can you're golden

Please research not only the school's academic ranking , it is important that the school has a competitive department for the major your child is interested in. Have your child ultimately pick the school because if they are unhappy then it reflects poorly on their grades!

There are many different things to consider when searching for just the right college. First of all, it's important to decide how far away from home you want to live. Personally, I wanted to be atleast a couple of hours away, but still wanted to live in state. So that narrowed down my options a little bit. One of the most important things when choosing a college is the education that it will provide for you. It was helpful for me that I knew my major already because I was able to research that particular program and it's benefits for me. The campus environment is also very important. There are many different campus styles and you just need to visit a few and decide which you like best. In order to make the most out of your college experience, you have to go in with an open mind. There are so many things to do and numerous opportunities for students at every campus. By just going to class, going back to your dorm and studying, you won't get the full college experience. It is important to try your best to get out on campus and get involved.