University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Anne

Having successfully found the perfect college for me after a whirlwind of a year spent searching, I am eager to help other students find their perfect fit, because I know it is possible. Toward the end of my college search I was very confused about what I wanted, moreso than I had been at the start of my search. I took a very smart and beneficial step back, and analyzed where I had always pictured myself at college. Did I see myself on a city street corner laughing with friends while waiting for the light to turn, or did I see myself walking through a grassy quad surrounded by students playing frisbee? Did I see myself walking to class and knowing every student en route, or only recognizing a few? After reflecting on my visions I was able to substantially narrow my options. As for making the most of your college experience; get out there and try new things! The only way to learn what is going to make you happy at college is to experiment. Find out what makes you smile and stick with it. Ultimately, listening to yourself is what will aid you in finding your perfect fit.

Ryan

Apply to more than one school. Seriously. Some places WILL offer more money than others, and it is absolutely worth the time to fill out the extra application. To students: don't bother being someone you aren't during freshman year. Relax, be who you were in highschool and make friends with similar interests. If you didn't party in highschool, you don't HAVE to party in college. If you try to force yourself to be something you clearly aren't, you will only drive yourself towards insanity.

Sara

Make sure you visit the campus before deciding anything. I was sure I wanted to go to one school until i visited it. And once you pick a college, make sure you put yourself out there..make friends, try new things. I'm not the most outgoing person but it's so worth it to make new friends. STUDY..college studying is different from high school studying. A LOT more reading. But don't forget that there are other things. Get your work done and then have fun! Don't ignore any art and theater experiences your school has to offer; you'd be surprised how amazing they can be. And don't forget your family..sometimes its easy to get caught up and forget they exist but you will truly miss them. And for anyone unsure that they made the right choice: hang in there and give it a chance. It might be new and different but that isn't a bad thing.

Stephanie

Narrow your search, decide a few top things you are looking for in a college, including things such as how close or far from home you want to go, the size you want your classes to be, whether you prefer a more rural or urban setting, what kind of extracurriculars or internship opportunities you want and even if you would need a large amount of financial aid. Find schools that match your personal list, these decisions are going to effect how much you enjoy and benefit from your college experience. Choose a college and a major that you want, because it is your future.

jasmine

Obviously, picking the right school is a very important choice. First, do your research. Spend time looking at the courses the school offers and the graduation requirements etc. Once you have narrowed down your choices, you should definitely visit as many schools as possible to see how you likke the campus and possibly speak with current students. Once you decide on a school, the fun begins. Getting to campus is an exciting time that you should use to familiarize yourself with the campus, its surrounding areas, and to make new friends. You should look into joining clubs or organizations. If you pick the right school, in my opinion, things will just sort of fall into place. It just feels right. You start to feel at home and your new friends will become your second family.

Xinyan

If the university is not your first choice, don't fret, there's a reason the admissions officers let you in. They believed that you fit in on campus. Don't be afraid or too shy, there's people from all over the country, even the world, and a large enough selection that there's a niche to be fit in somewhere. Try everything at least once, be a part of campus life instead of disdaining it. By getting involved, you get your money's worth out of the fees you pay, and become more informed about the school in general, and you'll be way ahead of your peers who drink and play all year long.

Joshua

When deciding on a university, look for a well-rounded environment, somewhere you are comfortable living, and diversity in academics. You are going to university for an academic education, so remember that although you may think you know exactly what you want to do/major in right now (and maybe you don't, this applies just as much to you, if not more), most students change their major at least once, if not many times. Find a school that offers many programs, including sciences, arts, business, engineering, and pre-professional studies. This will allow flexibility to pick what you really want to do with your life, even if it wasn't what you planned. You need to be happy and comfortable living in the area surrounding the university. You'll be there for most of the year, considering that another suggestion is to stay on campus (not go home) as much as possible and develop your independence. Lastly, you what happens outside the classroom, social experience and growth, is just as important as what happens in the classroom. Find a school that has various clubs, volunteering, sports, study abroad, internships, and acitivies, both in the school and the community.

Sara

I would tell students and parents to make sure that they visit the campus and go on a tour. I feel that it is very important to see a campus before you make such an important decision. Also, do not be scared to ask questions to a tour guide or to a student that is on the campus.

Whitney

Apply to more places than you think you will need. My school was my last choice but since they gave me a full scholarship I came here and could not have been happier. Think outside the box when considering things you are looking in a school, such as sports teams, environment on campus, their policies, size of school and where its located, resources that big schools can offer you small schools might not be able to.

Katlynn

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a college. I think one of the most important things to remember is to look past classes and costs. Of course those are extremely important, but they shouldn't be the only thing you consider. There is so much more to college. Location, size, atmosphere, sports, clubs, and more are all things you should think about when visiting schools. Make sure you can picture yourself there everyday being successful and happy. Once you do choose the school for you make sure you take advantage of every opportunity. Since I've been at school, I've done things I never thought I'd do. Don't be scared and hold back, just give everything a try and you'll be surprised.

india

pick something that works best for you.

Courtney

When looking for the college that is right for you make sure to really sit down and spend time giving it considersation. Choosing a college is a very important step and can mean a lot in the end. Of course you need to consider what colleges have your desired major and how well the program is recognized so that when you graduate you will have an easier time finding a job but you also want to make sure that the college you choose is in a location you are satisfied with and feel comfortable living in. Food services at school are also much more important than you might first think so be sure you find the types of food and food plans you are used to and can enjoy. Finally, when you do choose your college please make sure you take advantage of every opportunity possible, meet as many new people as you can, and find out what you are truly passionate about and want to spend the rest of your life doing. Good luck!

Joanne

You should definitly visit the school before agreeing to attend. Keep all different types of schools in mind because what you think you want might change once you experience a certain campus. Just because a school has an amazing name attached to it, doesn't mean that it is the best decision, you need to go where you feel at home and can see yourself enjoying this next stage of your life. Find out what types of internship opportunities are available through the school. Once you're there, the best way to make the most out of the experience is to be open to all of the opportunities, clubs, etc. available to you. If you keep an open mind throughout the process, you will have a much easier time. (and don't wait until the last minute to fill out applications!)

Trista

Go to a college that "feels right." And by that I mean, you have to feel comfortable with the University and people there or else you wont have a great college experience and you definately wont do well academically. Also, visiting as many colleges as possible is very helpful, because then you can see what you like in a college and what you don't, some people like small class sizes other people like all the activity of a large university. But when the college is right, you can just tell. During college, be as involved as possible, do research, join student groups, be a teaching assistant. The more ways to put yourself out there to meet peers, faculty and staff, the better off you will be.

Sarah

Even if you don't really know what you want to major in, or really why you're going to go to college at all, think of the things you really like to do and what career options might be available regarding those interests, and then apply to schools which have strong programs leading to majors in those fields. Definitely attend open houses and tours to those schools, because you want to make sure you like the environment, and meet people there, and you want to see if the location is okay. I'm attending college relatively close to home, but still far away enough that my parents can't ask me to come home and visit. Keep in mind that in-state tuition may be cheaper than out-of-state, but you may be more eligible to get scholarships and grants for out-of-state schools. Start looking for scholarships as early as middle school (the youngest age requirement I've seen is 13) because the more you apply for, the more likely you will receive one. I suggest getting a job as early as possible to save up for school. And try not to feel pressured about it.

Kenda

When looking for the right school, the potential student and helping parents should seriously consider what type of environment the student prefers to live and study in. Personally, I come from a small town but I always knew that I wanted to go to the city for college and potentially stay there after I graduate. Also, the colleges in question should be considered according to their academic standing and how that institution can assist in getting a job after graduation. It's a stressful decison but more than anything, you will know when a college feels right for you and my advice would be to trust that instinct--it worked for me. Once you're at college, immediately meet everyone on your floor and get involved in organizations and groups. Just be careful not to get involved with too much because above all, you must remember that you came to college to study. Making the most of college is really just balancing social activities and academia. Take your course work seriously and work hard, but don't get burned out. Make sure you're having fun once in a while and course work will be much more manageable.

Kimberly

Pick a school that is in an area you like. if you like being in the city around a lot of people then Pitt is a awesome choice but it's not for everyone. Also for being as prestigious as Pitt is, it's a lot less expensive then most schools of it's caliber. But don't pick a school just for prestige or money but realize that this is your choice to be where you want and do what you want to do. Pick something that will make you happy.

John

It is dire that you make multiple campus visits. Check out everything and anything you can while visiting your potential college campus. Most importantly, make your choice on your own. Don't be swayed by sports or where your friends are going. Choose a campus that really fits you as a person

Raquel

don't stress if you don't know exactly what you want to do go to a college that offers a variety of opportunites and take full advantage of being a student explore new things and you will easily find where your interests and passions really lie

justin

Look for a college that has the type of student body that you would like to become. Try not to make any long term decisions when your young.

Adina

Make sure that you visit the University a couple of times before you choose it. Make sure that you actually know what environment you work/study best in. Size and location is significant. Only make the choice based on what you want not others.

Suci

Pick a school that meets your academic and social standards because the environment in which you learn has an effect on what you learn. Make the most out of college by taking advantage of all the things that the school has to offer.

Ashley

I would tell parents and students to be sure that you have checked out all the aspects of the college you choose before making the final decision. Remember that you won't always be doing homework, so check out the activites and entertainment around campus to be sure you won't be bored. The most important thing is to way out your options. Compare the price of tuition with what the school offers. Otherwise, in the end you will be asking yourself, "Was it really worth all that money?"

Richard

Do not make it as long

Heather

Find some place that has everything you want, because it is out there.

Karen

If your son or daughter wants to go into a profession that requires applying later to a program or department, it doesn't matter where you go to school to meet the requirements to apply. Most schools do not favor their own when selecting applicants and it almost looks better if you went to another school, so as to diversify their own program.

Hilary

My advice to parents and students would be to start thinking about college early on in high school because it is one of the most influential times of their lives. By doing this, students will be able to complete as many college credits in highschool and during the summer before college as they can. This way your college experience will be more laid back, and you can really have the time to enjoy the activities and the overall experience, or you could even graduate early and leave a semester for an internship. Another word of advice would be to live on campus because the friends that you make in your first year of college will likely be some of the best friends that you will make in your life. I feel like I missed out on alot of friends by living at home. My last bit of advice would be to never let financial troubles affect your decision of wether or not to go to college. There is always a way through grants and loans as long as you don't miss the FASFA deadline! (june before freshman fall term)

Caitlin

If you keep an open mind, you can enjoy any school you attend. A good academic program with good professors is important, but so is your willingness to do work outside of class. An active selection of clubs and activities is important, but so is your willingness to participate in them. Band or sports can be a great way to make friends, even if there aren't many other activities. Don't nix a college right away because it's too big or too small; it's the size that you make it. The best advice I heard is that a class is only as big as the people in the rows in front of you. I took a freshman psychology class with 360 students, but sitting toward the front, I never felt left out. Figure out if you'll need a way to get to the neighboring town for groceries or anything. And remember to find a balance between fun, work, and class. Even if it's not your first choice, you can enjoy any place you go if you'll only be open-minded.

Michael

First off, when picking a college or university it is necessary to find a school that offers your interests and choice of study. The biggest advice I can give is to research schools thoroughly. By researching schools, it allows you to determine location, size, and strong assets the school offers. It is important to have an idea of what type of school you think is best fitting, such as a larger school or a smaller school. Larger schools tend not to give one on one relationships consistently with faculty and peers; you have to make yourself known. A smaller school might be easier for professors and peers to remember names and personalities in a short amount of time. Research the geographic location, because location can be everything. In an urban setting you can find opportunities that could help you tremendously to build a resume that may interest graduate schools and employers. However, a school in a rural area may not offer such experiences, but may have strong assets such as research and development. You just have to look at what best fits your personality and career/educational goals. Research, follow your goals, and base your decision on yourself, not others!

Ashley

I would advice parents and children to visit the school for 3-4 days during class time, if possible. That way, students get a real feel for what it would be like to be on campus and get the education from that school. I would also recommend checking out both city and suburb schools, in and out of state.

Maranda

Check out all of your options. Even if something looks unappealling at first, check out all the academic services offered and the academic or social community as a whole. It may just turn out to be that place for you. Also, it may help to sit down and make a list of the most important things you're looking for in a school. Then try to find the school who has the same priorities that you desire. It hopefully should be a perfect fit. Most importantly, take your time. Don't rush yourself into choosing a school because all of your friends already have or you feel like it's too late. Make sure you know what's most important to you and carefully choose the one you think is right.

Nathan

Let your heart have an effect on what you pick because if you aren't somewhere that your in love with then the college experience won't be everything that it could and should be.

Emily

Finding the right college is an extremely important process. The people you meet at college and your experience at school will really shape who you are going to become later in life. Its important to first determine whether you would like to attend a big school or a small school. Smaller schools tend to have better staff - student interactions, but larger schools have more opportunities. When looking for a school visit as many as you can to make sure you are happy with the people and the environment that will be your home for the next 4 years. Once you've found that school that suits you, make sure you get involved. A lot of campus activities and groups end up becoming like family. Find out any extras that your school offers and take advantage of them. Its important to study hard and put a lot of work into your studies, but it's equally important to make good friends to experience your school life with. College only lasts 4 years so make the best of it!

Lawrence

Pick a school that is close to you and your family and you will be able to enjoy their comfort and support. You should pick a school with a good record for solid academics and a close-knit environment. If you want to enjoy college life, take everything in moderation and keep your schedule open, and make sure to make plenty of time to study outside of class not just right before tests.

Varun

There is a big difference between a city school and a school with a campus. Realizing which setting would be best for you is very important. If you want a college campus life, then look for a school with a defined campus perimeter. Many city schools lack both a defined campus and a campus life. Also, along with setting, the amount of attention students recieve is just as important as how strong the major programs are. I made the mistake of coming to a school with typically larger classes when I should have looked more into schools with more attention per student. However, I don't regret my choice, I just know now how I could have changed it.

Dorothy

Paying for college has become a greater issue for many students. I feel that a student should choose a school that he completely loves and adores. Money will come. If one's career and future life is not of great importance, then the school they select to attend perhaps will not matter so much. However if one is willing to work hard and diligently, then the money will come eventually. Choosing the right school is everything. It is your new life for four years; where you will learn about yourself, make friends for a lifetime, and prepare for the rest of your life. Take advantage of all the oppurtunities school will can offer; only then can you make the most of it.

Michelle

visit the school before you send in your money

Daniel

One of the biggest decisions is probably if you want a rural or metropolitan college. Visiting a few colleges is really important to get a feel for if you like the campus, and if the general attitude is friendly. As for the experience, try everything new-- why wouldn't you? College is a great place to branch out and expand your horizons, and make life long friends, so don't stay shut up in your room. It's all about the experience!

Paul

The main thing in coming to college and enjoying the best college experience is to keep an open mind. You should be willing to experiment in everything that you do. All the advice that you get from friends, older students, and adults should be taken with a grain of salt. You should be willing and able to make all of your opinions and decisions on your own. Just because your father was a business major or your mother pursued nursing, should you be limited to the wishes of your parents. Look forward to what college has to offer and be prepared to work hard, as you will only get back what you give to your college experience.

Tara

Take as many tours with actual students of the schools you are interested in. Obviously, the student's point of view is what is of greatest value to prospective students.

John

Finding the right college is a difficult decision to make, but there are a lot of small, simple things that most people overlook in their decision process that can really ammount to be big factors. When you visit the college (and you should visit them), make sure you check for things like cell phone service, cheap transportation availability, and banking convenience. Having to change your cell phone plan or switch banks three weeks into the semester can really cause a much bigger problem than expected, especially if you are going out of state. If you are not yet sure about what major you are going to aim for, look into schools with a large selection of majors. That way, when you decide, hopefully you wont have to transfer, which can be costly and may affect your credits. When you do move in on your first day, remember that its ok to be outgoing in your attempts to make friends. There will be a lot of people, of all differant types, so while your odds of establishing a relationship with one individual may be less than guaranteed, it is a certainty that it will happen eventually.

Karen

You have to visit the college before you make a choice. I didn't think this was really necessary when I first started to look at colleges. I thought I could adapt anywhere if I had to. But it is more important than you might think. I've turned down colleges because I didn't think the location was safe and I didn't like the feel of the area. You're going to want to be comfortable, have things to do, and most importantly, you're going to want to feel safe. So go and take a road trip! Look at colleges and what they have to offer. Don't rely on a website to tell you what you need to know about the place you will spend the next four years of your life! Who knows? When you go you may just see it and know: This is where I want to be. Trust your instincts!

Elayna

When it comes time to visit and select the college you will attend, it can feel overwhelming. Afterall, this is the choice that is supposed to create the pathway for your future. That sounds pretty intimidating if you ask me, and I can say that from personal experience. However, after making my selection and attending school for a year, I can honestly say I know I made the best choice. I think that the process of choosing a school requires many considerations. You need to keep in mind things, such as location, cost, academics and the overall feeling you have with that school. When I visited Pittsburgh in the summer before my senior year, I felt one of those "feelings". Something just clicked, and I knew from then that Pitt was where I wanted to be. I think parents and students need to discuss all of the pros and cons to each, but overall, the parents need to be supportive of what their child decides. While education is important, that is not all that college is. It is a time to try new things and meet new people. Get involved and make the most of it!

Evan

Make sure the student looking at colleges is comfortable with everything that is happening on the campus. If there is something that they feel uneasy about, don't force them to attend this school. Also, always weigh out the pros and cons of each school before deciding whether or not to attend. College is the best thing that has ever happened to me!

Jen

Parents should take a step back and think about what their children want- while their children at the time may just want to pick the school with the best basketball team or greatest parties, they have to make their own mistakes and live on their own. The independance you receive in college is a much greater life experience than your child will get in any classroom. Plus, if you pressure them to go to a school they're unsure about, they'll never be completely happy there. Let them get a feel for what they really want- and always give them the option to transfer. Sometimes high school seniors are so nervous about leaving the safety of their high school that they pick the wrong college- let them know you support them no matter what. This is a stressful time for transitioning freshman and family is very important. I would have never stayed at the University of Pittsburgh if my parents did not help me as much as they did. Care packages are always good too!

Lisa

The most important piece of advice I could give to parents and/or students about finding the right college is to visit, visit, and VISIT! In order to really know which college is right for you, you need to experience it, not only in books or online, but going to campus and meeting people there. Also, to make the most out of your college experience, you need to step out of your comfort zone and get involved! My one regret from my freshmen year is not getting involved and if you get involved you can meet more and more people that you would never have been able to come in contact with.

Vincent

Try to visit all the schools you're interested in. It is very easy to build up a mental image of your dream school in your head and you may be disappointed once you finally get to school. When I was choosing schools I visited my top three and in the end it really made the difference when I selected a school. To make the most of your college experience you need to stay involved. I know too many people who just sit inside on the weekend and play video games or watch TV. The more stuff you can fit into your schedule while maintaining a good GPA the better your college experience will be. It is important to do well in school, but it is also important to go out and start living your life away from home.

Robbie

When deciding on a college, you need to take it seriously and choose a school that fits you, not one that your friends or family have or are attending. You need to talk to current students and see what sorts of activities are available outside of the actual academic arena. Remember, college isn't just about academics--college is your new home. This is the first time you're on your own and you've got to rely on what you've learned, not only in school, but socially. No one is going to guide you by the hand here, either. It's up to you to reach out to others and to make the most of your college experience. Not only do you need to be academically prepared, you need to be mentally prepared.

Katie

Prospective Undergraduate: Stop. Before you sign any contract of enrollment, put down the pen and get in the car. VISIT wherever it is you want to go to school, and make sure it is just as you expected it to be. I cannot emphasize enough that being comfortable with your new home is the most important aspect of college, and the most challenging for me to overcome personally. If you live in the country, and you have always dreamt about living in the big city, please go and visit the city for a few days to be sure. And don't go shopping and sight-seeing! Try to pretend you are REALLY there to be a college student. Ask yourself if you can really imagine living there everyday for the next four years. On the other hand, make sure you don't limit yourself by fear or a little discomfort. College is about stretching yourself- reaching outside your comfort zone- to learn new things, and experience a different way of living. Do NOT compromise yourself because of your fears. Learn to embrace change and love who you are. Be who you are; become who you want to be.

Chris

These are the best years of your life, you silly little twits. Make the best of it. Really, there's too much importance placed on finding the "right" college. As long as you get along with people and choose a college that has a good program in the degree you're interested in (if you know what you want to do) then you'll be fine. Live it up.