University of North Carolina at Asheville Top Questions

Finding the right college is a difficult process. The first question you should ask yourself is, "What do I see myself doing for the rest of my life?" If you don't know the answer to that, speak to a guidance counselor who can help you, through your interests and possibly tests, determine a particular type of career you'd be interested in. Look around at colleges that have good programs in that field. For example, in North Carolina there are around five universities with a good journalism program. Of those five, I chose based on location, size, and what people had to say about them. One prestigious school I opted not to apply because I didn't like the idea of giant lecture classes and a campus incorporated into the town surrounding it. Instead, I chose the school nestled into the mountains with smaller class sizes. As for making the most of the college experience, the biggest piece of advice that should be given to anyone is: Don't worry! College is blown up to be so scary and huge when it's really a fun experience. There is a learning curve but you'll quickly learn the ropes.

Choosing a college is a stressful experience for families as graduation day draws near. Decisions about cost of attendance, location, degree programs, family connections, and campus culture are very serious and must be made carefully. My greatest advice to parents of soon-to-be college students is to let their children make the decision. I strongly recommend allowing your child to spend a few days (without parental guidance) at the colleges he or she is considering. This does not mean they will be attending crazy parties parents, choose a time in the week when the student they will be shadowing will be attending classes, the dining hall, and maybe some campus events. A student can't learn from a website or pamphlet what a school is truly like until they experience it for themselves. My last piece of advice is to not let money be an issue. There are millions of dollars worth of scholarships, grants, and loans out there to cover the cost, don't let the lack of money play a part in this decision. Finally parents, let your child decide where they would like to spend the next four plus years of his or her life.

Investigate multitudes of colleges, even if you are certain of your first choice. It always best to obtain more knowledge than you need, rather than to learn something critical to your future, after you are already attending. Know what is important in a college and what is not (i.e. good academics vs. good football team.) In the end, choose the college that best reflects your values! When you enter college, although the idea of spending all day in your room: sleeping, watching TV, and playing video games can seem appealing, Don't. Be involved on your campus, whether it is with friends or with the many sports, clubs, and organizations available on campus. Of the life lessons you will learn in college, remember few will come from your classes. College is important because, for many, it is a first time experience in adult situations that occur in a new realm of complete independence. Therefore do not fear failing, for as long as you learn and grow from your college experiences, you are participating in a most lucrative adventure!

Find out what the student likes and wants out of life and finding that in the school. They don't have to know everything, but they must know somewhat of who they are and what they like. Find those things in a college, visit it, talk with faculty/staff and students and see if it's the right place for the upcoming student to grow as a person and intellectually in school and life.

Strongly consider if you want to prepare for a career or if you are looking to continue your education, there is a large difference. College is not the jumpstart it used to be and if what you are really looking for is a guaranteed career than a technical school might be a better choice. Try and get any required courses out of the way as soon as you can. It's tempting to go ahead and jump into the courses that you want to take but that won't leave you much time to pursue any interests outside of you major that you find when you take those required courses.