University of Nevada-Reno Top Questions

The first piece of advice I would give is to go visit every school you have an interest in. When I came and visited UNR, I had NO idea how beautiful the campus was- and it's one of the top reasons I ended up coming here. Also, set up appointments with professors or advisors in the field of study you wish to get a degree in. They will give you all the information and tools you'll need to know about prior to declaring your major. You should also survey the student-life. Can you see yourself chatting with people on the grass? Participating in the activities and intramural sports they offer? And lastly, find the right college that you feel you are going to get the most experience out of, and not just academically. College has so much to offer, and it makes it that much more of a life changing experience when you open your eyes to activities and ideas you had never thought about before college. These should be the best years of your life and you should undoubtedly make them count, because you don't get them back.

"College is a fountain--and the students are there to drink." Although this quote has no knowledgeable author, it can be derived that if a high school graduate is thirsty for knowledge, they need to find the right college to quench that need. In order to do so, one must research thoroughly and explore all of their options. As a Student Ambassador for UNR, I am constantly giving tours to prospective students. I don't sugar coat anything, I just blatantly tell them the truth about campus and my own personal experiences. Sometimes they are disappointed but sometimes they fall instantly in love. Finding the right university is like trying on clothes--you wouldn't pick out an outfit that didn't fit perfectly, or wasn't your style, or a good color for your skintone. Students must find the right school for them. For example, I want to be a future educator and I love dancing; so when looking for my future university, I sought out schools that offered teacher licenses and also had dance teams. I also love snowboarding so UNR was an obvious choice for me. If you're thirsty, get out there and quench your thirst!

The largest struggle seems to be getting competitive education that does not break the bank. Do no assume that only private schools boast prestige or small class sizes. Visit fastweb.com and find schools that match your (or your child's) preferances and you'll probably be surprised by the results. University of Nevada, for example has one of the most prestigious Journalism departments in the nation, and tuition here is a third of what Carnegie Mellon will charge, and one fifth of what New York University will charge. Always, always visit campus before you make the big decision. It is well worth the time and money to check out the college or university for yourself. Keep in mind websites show the best parts of the school and romanticize the experience. You can't base whether you would like to attend a particular college if all you have to go on is their marketing tools. Once on campus, jump right into some clubs. The people you meet outside of class is essentially your social life, which no matter how independent you are, you're going to need to remain sane.

I think it is important for students to find a college that offers the programs they are interested in studying (obviously), and one they can afford to attend. However I think the single most important thing to do in choosing a college is to visit several and see, in person, what the campuses are really like. Visiting a university is the only way to get a feel for its campus life. Is it the right size, in both number of students and campus acreage? Does it have a competitive, success-driven attitude or a more laid-back and fun-loving feel? Are the size and layout of the buildings agreeable? Does it offer the right kinds of jobs and/or extracurricular activities? Is it a campus that has a cohesive community? I visited five colleges my junior year of high school, but only one clicked and felt like it was the right place for me; four years later I know I made the right choice. Only the prospective student will know what they want out of college, and visiting the campus is the only way to find out which college they'll be able to thrive at.

The "right" college is not as important as what you plan to do there. Allow me to qualify this: Most major colleges are going to provide a good, solid academic emphasis with lots of extra curricular and outside activities to get involved with. It is more important that you take advantage of all of the opportunities available at whichever college you attend. My advice for college is the same as my advice for life - go at it full force, 100 percent. Get your work done, get involved, have fun, and meet new people. There is so much to do - just make sure you do it! You'll never look back and regret all of the fun things you did...what you will regret are all of the things you did not do. Generally speaking, that's the best advice I can give you for making the most of your college experience. More specifically, to make sure you can do everything you want to do, follow that old adage - "If you do the things you need to do when you need to do them, you can do the things you want to do when you want to do them."

Look around at different colleges before you pick one! Explore the campus, classes, faculty, and extracurricular activities that the school offers. Find out what there is around the campus to do in your free-time. Pick a college that suits your personality and you are comfortable at. Don't worry about whether or not your friends will be going to the same school, you will make a ton of new friends at college. Base your decision on your own preferences and tastes. After all, it's your school and you will be living there for the next four years!

Major in a science program. Almost all liberal arts degrees will not get you a good job after college. If you don't know that you are ready for college or you are not sure what you want to major in, go to a community college and find out. It is way to easy to get distracted with other things if you dont have wel difined goals and reasons for going to college. If you are doing engineering, get an A in all your math classes.

Find a college that suits the needs of your student, as well as being financially plausible for your family situation. Find a campus that offers many of the things your student is looking for and try visiting it on more than one occassion before actually committing to the college or university.

You should make sure the college has all the classes you need to take for your choice of study. You should check to see what programs or clubs are offered. Make sure the campus is willing to help you succeed in your adventure through college. Look for some place that has diversity a place where you can meet all kinds of new people and are able to get the help you need.

Research the programs that the scholl has then look at the schools themselves then apply to them all and accept the scholl that fits you best from the acceptance letters you get back.

When looking for a college don't make a decision solely on money, or if the school is at an IVY-league status. See how the school will help you as an individual. Look at what the school offers for people of your ethnicity and also your gender. It is also good to look at what is around the campus and if it interests you because you not only have to go to school there you also have to live there.

When choosing a college, the first step is deciding whether you want to live close to home or if you want to be more adventurous and move far away. It is important that the student really takes the time to decide what is best for them since, for a mojority of the time, the parents are probably going to want their son or daughter close to home. After making this first choice, the next step is finding a school that matches the student's dream college. The student will need to take into consideration the quality of the school in regards to the student's major, the quality of the education offered, the size of the school, the size of the city, the quality of the living, and the style of the school (i.e. classic or modern). Then, of course, the student and the parents should tour the school, just to make sure it is the best choice.

From experience, I would advise students who are both sure and unsure of their area of study to take core classes and explore diverse courses in their first year. Though it varies, jumping into a major can cause stress and uncertainty later in the academic career, hindering the overall college experience. In addition, the four year plan tends to fail in these cases. In finding the right college, go to a school that offers more than one area of interest in case one does not work out. Also, explore financial aid and check out the surrounding areas to guarantee success. I believe success comes in two ways: academically and personally. It's important to understand that college is four years of your life. Whatever you do in those four years will have an impact on your future in the long run. Though staying academically driven is crucial to your success, it is also important to experience life. Take a snorkeling class. Go to University productions. For particular career interests, join an organization that is active in that field. Not only will you have fun and make friends, but you may also gain networks, internships and even jobs after graduation.

Choosing a university is a deeply personal decision. There are many factors that should go into the process, including future ambitions and personal interests. These two factors will help ensure that the student will choose the appropriate school for their individual needs and desires. When considering a university, the future one wishes to achieve is extremely important. There are many people that are pressured to attend one university over another because of influence from family and friends. These should not be immediate factors that determine the decision. What should be considered is whether or not the university in questions offers everything the perspective student needs to accomplish their goals. Present interests are another significant factor. College is not all about academia. There should be an equal balance between education and personal interest. Researching the opportunities each university offers is a good way to ensure that all desired elements will be obtained and the experience will be a positive one. These factors are imperative when considering which university is best for the perspective student. Both of them will help to focus the student on what they need to look for out of each school before settling on one.

I would advise both students and parents to look at college as a very smart investment no matter how much they spend on tuition because if used right, you can get more benefits in return than you paid for. For instance, many campuses offer all kinds of free amenities to the students such as, articles of clothing, movies, fitness centers, tutoring, discounts for various places around town, and even things you can't put a price tag on, such as library resources and a pleasant environment in which to live. The biggest benefit that a student can receive at the school is free health services. Basically if the student is ever sick or injured, instead of paying a fortune at the doctor's office, that student can go to the school doctors for free at any time. To make the most of your college experience you must take advantage of all of these free amenities that are offered to you. By the end of your college career you could easily get more free amenities and services than you paid for in tuition.

The number one thing to remember before starting your first year of college is to START EARLY. Discuss your financial situation and if you need to apply for loans and scholarships, do so several months before you begin school. If you want to move away from home, seriously consider staying in the dorms. While the prospect of using communal showers and toilets might not sound appealing, you will meet incredible people (some good, some bad) and you will find your experience much more enriching. Look at what classes are offered and make sure you take enough to keep on track but not so much that you find yourself bogged down -- the first year away from home is hard enough without 19 credits resting on your shoulders. Finally, visit the campus, talk to people, watch some people. If it's the right place, you'll know. And if it ends up being the wrong choice, make sure you've studied how to properly transfer your credits!

Don't listen to other peoples opinions of where you should go, or what your major should be. Go with your gut. If you don't know what you want to major in then don't stress. Take classes that you like and you will succeed. Your degree will take shape as you find your niche!

Advice for parents: Encourage your children to go to college. It is best to start thinking about college early and set aside an education account, and by the time they are ready to go there is money for a head start. Finding the best college in some cases is trying to fit within your finical means. Starting out a community college helps with the transition to a university, plus less on the wallet. Anyone can go to the college of their dreams, but for some their dream university is harder to get there. It is better to do your best for what is available and that way you still will hold a 4 year degree and in the meantime plan for the college of your dreams. To me, making the most of my college experience is to learn and study with the time I am there to take full advantage to help prepare myself for the career world. It helps to network and meet teacher and fellow students because they might know something you may need. Have and open mind and do your best. College is hard, but making the best of it is what effort one puts into it.

Visit the school, talk to professors, find out if it is economically suitable, housing costs, greek life, basically the essentials that make a good college experience. Find a school that has good accessible jobs for students and a friendly welcoming group of peers.

I would find a college that would suit the student's personalility and their comfort level. For example if you are not a big city person, don't go to school in a big city. Also, look at schools that offer degrees that are of intrest to the student. Also if the school has a really good program in the field of student that the student is intrested in it makes the college excperience even better. For example I am an education major and UNR is one of the best schools for an education degree.

Finding the right college is a difficult task. Parents and students should look at the programs and degrees that the college offers and then the general atmosphere of the college. Every college campus I have been too has a different feel. I choose a college for the nursing program they had but also because of the vibe I got from the school. The campus is beautiful the people were very friendly they smiled when I walked by and they answered questions when I was lost. This school has a very successful athletic department that the entire community supports and I enjoy attending these games. College is what you make of it. It is very important to do well in school but it is also important to enjoy your time there. It goes by so fast, make friends they will probably be your best friends that you will know for the rest of your life. Join groups, organizations or clubs be active in the community. You will get so much more than just an education. Most importantly have fun.

Research the school, the tuition and the area around it before you decide to enroll. Make sure you feel comfortable on the campus and in the area around it since you have to live there for atleast nine months.

Visit the schools without friends prior to making a decision

Choosing the right college all depends on the person. But personally, I would recommend finding one that's a little far from home yet close enough to visit during the holidays because being away from parents, is what I believe the main point of college. Being on your own is what teaches you how to be responsible and how to survive in the real world. You learn the value of a dollar as well as finding your real friends. Being away, also helps students have an even better relationship with parents. College is the bridge to the real, adult world. If I can go back to my first day of school, I would try to participate in the events more. Enjoy every minute of being a college student. Because it does not take long for it to be over.

When looking at what university is best for you; you need to look at a variety of things: the credentails of the schools, the size, the location, the cost, the transportation, the on campus activities, as well as the off campus activities. You need to choose the unirversity that has your major, has a good staff, is in a location that is near things you enjoy to do, and is affordable for your situation.

In order to choose the right college you have to visit it first. Visit the school while classes are still in session and walk around campus with everyone else. If you feel out of place, it's not for you. You'll know when a college is right for you when you can walk on campus and feel accepted before you even apply there. Also, sit in on a couple classes (if you can), and see how the professors are. Make sure you find a college thats not only good for you academically, but also socially. College is about learning for your future, but also about making long term friends.

I would tell parents that children need to make their own mistakes, Yes it may be hard to let go, but college is a learning experience. They need to figure out what to do and what not to do, although there are times it is ok to interfere. As for students, Have fun! You can get the best out of your experience if you do what you love. But some times it is ok to say NO and do homework or study. It's a matter of finding a balance and working that balance to the best of your advantage. Also don't be too hard on yourself your freshman year, it is always the worst.

The best advice I can give students and parents is to open your mind. When I first arrived at UNR, I hated it. I'm now a junior and I absolutely love it. Students just never know what road they're going to take until they get there so there's no point in putting up DO NOT ENTER signs just yet. This school, and most schools, are full of opportunities and you really have to seize them before the apathy of the post high school life seizes you. So what if you have to take a class that isn't relevant to your major? In the long run, it's going to prove useful by expanding your mind and letting you become a more well-educated individual. So just let go of all apprehensions and step into college with a fresh mind and a hunger for knowledge because this may be the only time you have the world at your fingertips.

Visit the college before you decide.

The advice that I would give all parents and students about finding the right college would be to consider what is important to you and figure out which schools cater to those needs. It is important to do your research about the professors and the reputation of the school itself. Find out what there is to do on and off campus and the resources that will be available to you as a student there. As for making the most of the college experience, get involved and be a part of campus life. Meet new people and have an open mind. Be willing to learn and grow as a person not only professionally but emotionally. Have fun but remember to balance your schoolwork with social activites. Find your passion and pursue it. If your not sure what you want to do with your life, don't rush it, explore your options. College is the place to find what your good at and what you love so that you can be happy in your career choice and make a difference for future generations.

Reasearch schools thoroughly online before diciding to visit. This can narrow your choices down. Online resources are the best help for finding a school.

I would recommend intensive research and patience when trying to find the right college. Choosing a college can and will be very stressful for the students and parents. You want to make the right decision because this determines your future and that is a very important thing. Considering it's resources is also very important. Financial matters play a huge role in determining what college you might attend, but also seeing what is has to offer is a big step. Different colleges have different programs and have different graduate opportunities and that is also something to consider. Picking a college might seem like it will be one of the most difficult decisions in your life, but in all reality it is what you make of it. You are going to get so much more out of college if you put in everything you have. Having a balanced lifestyle along with your study hours is very important too! If you get involved and try your hardest, you will surely succeed in everything you do! Your college experience is defintely what you make of it!

My advice for students and parents when choosing a college is not to be swayed by the schools' prestige. In high school, I had no idea where I wanted to go but as my other friends were going to Berkeley or Georgetown, I thought that everyone would look up to me if I went to as school with a good name as well. To be honest, people probably would look up to me if I got into Stanford... but that is not the most important thing. I go to Nevada and I have had a blast ever since I arrived! The way to make the most of your college experience is to get involved, no matter where you are. Look into the school's extra-curricular activities, join a club, and go to the events that their student governement puts on. It is a great way to meet new people and make life long friends. Education is what you make of it, so whether you are at Harvard or at a community college, learn what you can... dedicate yourself to your field of study, and get out there and have fun! You only get to be in college once!

Look for a college that offers what you are looking for - this applies to extra-curricular activities as well as majors and classes. Finding where you belong is a huge part of the college experience, and college goes beyond taking classes and graduating. Going to a university should be more about receiving a piece of paper at the end of four years. Look for clubs and organizations that interest you, talk to former students, email professors and university administration... make your voice heard! Choose a campus where you can make a difference, meet new people, and stand out on your own. Live on campus and visit the residence halls. Attend university events before you are an official student. Grab your parents and go for a walk on campus. Don't rule out local colleges because they are close to home. Don't go where all of your friends are going. College is your time to shine, your place to grow as an individual. It's your choice. It's your education. It's your life, so make it whatever you want it to be.

Finding the right college is like taking a big first step. It can be exciting, scary, and important. That first step is what you need to accomplish before you can make the most of your college experience. In order to make this decision, you should make a pros and cons list, which is a list of good and bad aspects, of the prospective colleges you have in mind. Take a closer look at the schools with a high amount of pros. If you can afford it, travel to the schools and take a tour both inside and outside of the campus. Make sure you are comfortable with the school and its location. The next step should be clear, pick a college. Now you are ready to begin your college experience. Having an open mind is important in making the most of your college experience. Soon you will be trying new things, making new friends, and building new memories. Keep that mind open and don't forget the main reason you are attending college, which is for knowledge and a degree.

You have to get to a campus that feels like home to you when you first get there. You do a little research and know that it is where you want to be and that you will belong there.

The most important part of the college experience is getting involved. Your college experience is what you make it. The more on-campus events you go to, whether it be an athletic event, book reading, Guitar Hero tournament, lecture, movie, concert, mechanical bull riding competition, BBQ, Homecoming or anything else that interests you, will make your experience richer. Make sure that your university of choice cares about their students. To find the right college, investigate the student government and read their campus newspaper. That will tell you the most about the university because it is information concerning current students and what is going on on-campus, good or bad.

Don't be afraid to try something new.

People are often surprized when they hear me say that in-state tuition ruined my life. Truly, it is a bold statement. However, when I selected my college I made the mistake of allowing myself to be lured into attending a school that is academically disatisfying, and socially disconnected. The lesson to learn from my mistake is simple: you get what you pay for. I encourage all who apply for college to do so with boldness and bravery. Do not allow yourself to be intimidated by a school's challenging reputation, or dissuaded by its price tag. The cliche that an education is priceless is true. Remember that you are not paying for a degree. That is only a piece of paper. You are paying for an education. You are paying for knowledge, experience, growth, and oportunity. Never underestimate the value of an education from a serious university that is more qualified to provide all of these things. It is often said that an education is an investment. Like any investment, the initial sacrifice may seem overwhelming, but in the end you are rewarded with a return far greater than what you gave up.

Do your research and narrow down schools that interest you. after doing this, make sure to visit the ones you are seriously into, if you step on campus and think, why did i want to go here, then the school isnt for you. if you step on campus and think and you could definately fit in there, then that is a definate measuring tool. then, when at school, talk to people that you are sitting next to you in class, especially in classes that pertain to your major or a subject of interest. that way you can form study groups and possibly make new friends. also get involved, find something you are passionate about, whether it be politics or your religion or whateever and find a club or sport you like and join. thats teh great thing about college, you can meet a bunch of people with different perspectives and maybe find something you never thought of before.

Being from Las Vegas, I have had many friends come up with me (to U of N, Reno) and go back because they didn't enjoy their experience. College (and life in general) is what you make it. If you have a bad/difficult or good/easy time, its because thats the environment you created for yourself. But the one piece of advise that is the most important is to never stay home for college. Leave your home and go somewhere were it is different. It's something that will mature you and make you more independent in life. Go as far away as possible.

This advice is for the students. Be honest with yourself when it comes to what you want in a college. Forget about if your parents want you to be closer to home, or if all your friends want to go to a certain school, or if the town that the school is located in doesn't sound exciting..it's ultimately your decision..I mean you're the one that has to be there for four plus years. But above all, don't be afraid to make a choice that doesn't exactly seem practical at the moment. I made the move from a very small town in Alaska, to Reno, Nevada. There were times that I felt like I might of made the wrong choice, mostly because everyone around me was saying that I had. But I saw through the doubt, pushed myself to go there, and four years later I'm loving it! I made the school work for me and as a result I've got a great education, some great friends, and some even greater memories.

The advice that I would give to parents and their students when finding the right college and making the most of their college experience is to do the research and look around. Take the time during the student's junior and senior year of highschool to discover their options. Of course an instate school is going to be cheaper, so if you want to save money, stay where your at and your child will be closer too. Make sure you know what financial aid has to offer, because too many people think that they don't qualify when they really do. Let your graduate make the decisions, it is their life, let them become their own leader, but let them know that you are there for them when needed. And lastly, take a tour of the campus and set up an appointment with an advisor; even if you don't think you want to attend this college, speak with a person who has been there longer than you, because that institution may have to offer more than you think. Good Luck!!

We'll start first with finding the right college. Choose first in which state(s) you want to go to and what areas you would feel comfortable in. Then do research on the degree programs of your choices and see what the colleges in the chosen areas offer. Next, set up campus visits so that you can get a sense of the area around the campus, the campus itself and also the people on campus. Then making the most out of the college experience would be to live on campus if possible. Whether or not you get a good roommate or your own room living on campus gives you the experience at being away from home and having to do many things on your own. So that you have money to do off campus activities and spice up the dorm room, fill out as many scholarships until you are at your student budget prescribed by the school or at least $2,000 over the semester or quarterly charge. Then depending on the academic schedule, join different campus groups that interest you. Everything else is up to you.