University of Vermont Top Questions

Dear Amanda, You're about to leave for college and it's going to be hard. College is not just a big party. You no longer have someone to take care of you and pick you up when you stumble. You will have to organize yourself, your time, your life and you will have to do it all on your own. You may think that you can get away with sleeping through classes and skipping on homework assignments, but the truth is that you won't. You have to work hard. You have to want to work hard. If you don't want to work hard, I suggest taking a year or two off to work before you go to college. Nothing will make you more interested in doing well in school than scrubbing dirty dishes for two years. You are insecure. It will be easy to get swept up in the drinking and partying that goes on because you'll feel less self-conscious when you drink. Don't let it consume you. Know that you are okay just as you are - you are smart and capable and friendly. Most of all, have fun and be safe! Love, Amanda

I would say to myself, "Timely - I know high school seems like a cake walk, but college is going to be a completely different experience. If you do it right, you will have the time of your life. But you have to start preparing yourself. I know you don't think you need to study for that calculus exam coming up, but if you develop strong study habits now, you will be more likely to ace those tests in college. And I know you'd rather hang out with your friends and play basketball rather than study, but you can do all of those things! You just need to practice managing your time. It may not seem like you need to do it now, but if you start early, you will do great in college. It's hard, but it's not impossible."

Find a school you really love. Care about your grades for financial aid. Don't live with a friend from high school. Join as many clubs and meet as many different people as possible. Try not to go back home as much as possible. Be yourself. Study! Enjoy the night life and surrounding area though.

I would tell myself to not look at college as something to be afraid of. Think of it as an adventure that will have it's challenges but that there will be benefits and experiences outweighing every challenge that's in your way. Look at college as an opportunity for learning, experiencing and becoming anything you want. You've already learned the basics so college is now for expanding the things that interest you, discovering new things you want to do and see and for gaining valuable life experience while still in a safe environment. College isn't as hard as you might have been told, don't think of it as something scary cause it's the most fun time in your life. Keep an open mind, work hard and have fun.

If I could have given myself one piece of advice as a high school senior it would have been: relax. So many high school seniors spend so much time stressing out about college. This myth gets planted in your brain that the moment you go to college, you are magically morphed into a whole different person. So much time is wasted worrying about something that is only four years of your entire life. There?s a nagging unspoken pressure to have the "perfect college experience" .Your whole life, you're bombarded with movies showing you THE college experience. It becomes ingrained in your brain that if you don?t have the experience depicted in the movies, you are a failure. By the very nature of it, there is no way single way to experience college. Who you are shouldn?t have to change to fit an ideal crafted by the media. It took me about a month in college to realize that I would be much happier having my own, personal college experience than trying to cram myself into an unattainable ideal. Therefore, my advice to myself would have been plain and simple: relax.

One thing I wish I knew was just how important and helpful it is to take AP classes in highschool, and do well on the exams. THe credits transfer easily and it is really nice to already have a head start on credits upon entering school. I also wish I knew that college, if you are willing to work hard and put in the time, is not necessarily that much more difficult than highschool, the class types and your scedule in general is just a lot different. I was really nervous going into college, but I have found that as long as I keep working hard and staying organized it is not difficult for me to be successful.

My advice would be to work and save as much money as possible the summer before school. I didn't have any money saved and since my parents can't afford to give me any spending money I had to get a job right away. It really affected my transition process because when all of the new freshmen were going out and meeting each other I had to work. I also couldn't do a lot of stuff because I didn't have enough money. It also hurt my academics as well. Any free time could have used for school work I was busy at my job.

As a high school senior, and still today, I was very ambitious and spontaneous. I went to Hawaii Pacific University fall semester before I transferred to UVM my freshmen year. I would advise myself to be prepared because I was about to move to a place that simulates a lifestyle change, to truly take advantage of my surroundings because that's why I'm going to college- immersing myself in new opportunities, finding out who I am as a person and what I want to do with my life to make me a healthy, happy individual that goes out into the world doing what I love to do- helping animals. I would tell myself procrastination can easily lead to defeat, meet with my advisors several times each year, get to know and become familiar with the faculty, make study groups, make time for my social life- it's just as important as my academic one, get involved in winter sports, find out requirements for vet schools from the start, continue with undergraduate research, and to dedicate myself to my school work over my waitressing job. I love UVM and can't wait for the next chapter in my life.

If I could go back and talk to myself senior year I would tell myself to keep my head up and follow my heart. I would advise myself not to get too stressed about things, that life goes on, and keeps going, whether you mess up a calculus test or not. I would support myself in the decision to go to the University of Vermont, tell myself how happy I will be when I walk to class inbetween the lake and mountains. How good I will feel when people smile and say hi to me, and then listen for answer. I would tell myself to study hard, but not be to hard on myself, and to remember to breathe.

I would tell my self to be much more condfident. I would tell myself that all freshmen sturggle to find friends, and get situated with their roommates and it takes time to adjust to school. I would also tell myself not to panic and worry about small things because everything will always work out in the end.

If i were to go back in time to my senior year of high school I would tell myself to start my college search sooner and to try harder. I would tell myself to not worry about the little things and to enjoy the little responsibility I have. I would tell myself to talk to the friends I had that had already gone through the transition to see how they dealt with it. I would tell myself to relax and enjoy the ride, it gets much easier and once your a sophomore it is smooth sailing, besides the increase in work load. I would advise myself to get involved right from the beginning and to not take a year off from anything; to keep doing what I did in high school. I would advise myself to have a great time and to live in the moment.

The only advice I would give myself is this: find a group of people you fit in with. It may take awhile to find this, but don't give up. Once you find your nitch, college is so fulfilling.

Students, go with your gut. When you are touring all of those schools that you have picked because you know they have what you need, the decision will get harder with each one that you visit. There will be one or two, however, that will stand out because that have what you want. One might have a little club that you have never heard of before, volunteering, and another might have the sports and school spirit. The one that really gets you, though, is the one where you, all of a sudden, just see yourself four years, becoming who you want to be. I chose Vermont because the school values certain things that I wanted to learn to value and an attitude that I wanted gain. Go with that feeling.

UVM is a great school. its beautiful and full of great kids. COME!

Make sure that the school fits your needs. When you go to visit the right school you will know. Make sure that the school isn't just about acedemics but also about socializing, getting involved in the community and much more. School isn't just for the acedemics it has a much larger role in life. College is suppose to fun, challenging and the best time of our lives. Make sure that where you go and what you go for is something that you enjoy.

Finding the right school is overwhelming and stressful. The thoughts that go through your mind are ?I am stuck at whatever school I pick?, ?What if I don?t like it? and ?What if I choose the wrong one?. All these thoughts went through my mind when I was looking into schools. This experience is different for everyone. My advice is to follow your heart but do not get in over your head. Go to a school you can afford that has an atmosphere that gives you that giddy feeling in the pit of your stomach. Do not be afraid to call home when you are having a bad day, but get out there and do not stay cooped up in your room. Get out there and make mistakes, if you really do not like the school you can always transfer. This is a big decision but not the biggest you will ever make. There is no need to be nervous because your major will help you find friends just like you that will be there for a lifetime. Unlike high school you can finally study what is important to you. Follow your dreams and work hard. Good Luck!

Selecting the right college can be a tough decision as the desicion that is made will be the home for a monumental transition into adulthood through the college experience. Selecting the college that best fits your needs and your personality will make this transition not only much easier, but also exciting and fun. The student must examine what type of person they are amongst their peers inside and outside the classroom. For example, if the person is outgoing and comfortable meeting new people wherever they go a larger school may be a better fit. Applying to a school that fits their academic capability will make room for success during freshman year. Applying to so called 'reach schools' is also good, because if accepted will provide great ppportunities for challenges in the classroom. Visiting the school's campus is also very important in order to ensure that the atmosphere is welcoming and comfortable, and one that the student can thrive in--pay attention to the climate of the school as well in order to prevent picking a school with weather that will make you dreary. Finally, choosing a school that provides substantial financial aid is important when making a final descision.

Go visit the campus. Talk to the students there, and not just one student but many. Talk to the professors and administrators, visit the library, the dining halls, the career center, the gym. Let the student visit on their own. Current students are more likely to give the real story to a prospective student than to their parents. Make sure the school has everything you want. If you're stuck there for even a semester and not happy, it's a painful semester and a waste of your money. I love my school, and I chose it because I loved the campus, the teachers, the students, the activities. I was involved in programs before I even moved in. When you visit a campus, stay with a student, get immersed in what college life is really like. If you do that, you'll choose the right school.

Pick a school that you know you are going to love.

Fiund the right colloege and then find the money for it ASAP.

For me, a college visit and information online was not enough to make a decision. I would highly suggest taking a day to spend in the city area of the colleges you are deciding from, to get the feel of the people, and the city life you will be around. Get a good look at eateries you would be interested, and just a general type that the city is- big, small, artsy, metro, anything. Chances are this will weight heavily upon your decision, as it did mine, since this is where your child will be living for the next 2-4 years. As a student to make the most out of college, the best way is to sign up for everything that seems interesting, keep an open mind, and just weed out whatever doesnt fit later. Dont be afraid to try and new language or a new instrument- keep your opinions yours, and chances are you will meet the best of friends. Try also to be a part of at least some of your school activities to see what everyone else on your campus is doing! And lastly, take long walks at night through campus, it is well worth it.

The college experience has changed over the years. Focus has shifted from a practical based model to the theoretical. This has allowed for other lesser known schools to compete with the better known institutions because they more or less operate from the same textbooks. A college education does not qualify you to do anything; it is to teach you to think critically and apply it to your everyday life. As a student, you should take advantage of all the ammentities you have available through your school (i.e. why tutition is so high). I wish I utilized the resources in the library to enhance my class work. Schools purchase subscriptions to databases and publications that a normal individual would not have access to. Schools also offer extracurricular programs that help you with your writing skills, public speaking, etc. Skills that do not necessarily translate over on a resume, but will in a interview. Too often we worry about the classroom when we should be focusing on the overall college experience. Try new things, meet new people, and apply yourself. In the end, no one will ask you what your GPA was or really care if you didn't attend Harvard.

When you step onto the right college campus, you will know. Choose the best academic options first, and then start your quest for a school that you can imagine yourself becoming a part of. The transition, even to your dream school, can be tough. Getting involved with clubs and organizations can make that transition easier.

Stay in tune with your heart and your mind while college-searching. How do you feel while on a college tour? What kind of emotions run through your head as you explore a campus? Are the other students friendly? Does the scenery make you smile or cringe? Think about what you might want to get out of your college experience; what kind of goals might you consider going after? Ask your tour guide about the possibilities open to you at a particular school. Discover what makes you tick. Think about it while searching for a college, and once you step on campus for your first semester, do some research about the different classes and activities available to you. Join a sports team or a club. Go see campus-sponsored films and speakers. You'd be surprised how much you can take away from a short, 2 hour meeting or event. The more you involve yourself, the more things start to work themselves out in your head. That said, the more experiences you create for yourself at a university will only help you discover your own interests and goals, and give you the tools to mold your future.

When I was applying to colleges, I knew I was going to be a theatre major. What I thought I wanted was a very competitive conservatory, where I would do nothing but theatre training. But the more I thought about it the more I realized that what I really needed was a more well rounded education. I would encourage anyone appling to colleges to look for schools that can give them an oppertunity to explore. Often times students go to a college without having picked a major. At at school like UVM you have hundreds of majors to choose from and you can try as many as you want. College is as much about finding yourself as it is about education and I would encourage all prospective college students to find a school that will let them find themselves. The key to making the most of your college experience is seizing any opportunities collleges can offer. This means going to hockey games even if you don't understand hockey, or writing for the newspaper even if you flunked English in high school. When you step outside of your comfort zone you are on the path to finding the real you.

Visit as many schools as you can, and if you don't know exactly what you're looking for, pay attention to the overall feeling you get. It's important to keep an open mind both as you go through the application process and once you start attending your chosen college. You'll be exposed to many different ideas and experiences than you were in high school; be open to the fact that as a result, your perspectives on certain aspects of life may change. What you're looking for in a college experience and what you expect to gain from it may also change once you get there. In terms of the academics: relate what you learn in class to the real world as much as possible. Previous generations have unfortunately left us with a pretty big mess to clean up, so please don't get a degree just for the sake of having one; think about how you can use it as a tool to somehow better the world. Take advantage of the priveleges that come with being a student and learn as much as you can!

Make sure you visit the college/University on a day when classes are in session, ask about career services, sit in on classes, eat the food, visit dorms, inquire about greek life, visit the town, ask random students to chat about their experiences, likes/dislikes, (i.e. not one of the tour guides). GET INVOLVED

Be open and choose on your gut instinct. Students don't listen to your parents and choose what you want.

Unless you are certain you want to go to a small school, go to at least a lovely, middle-sized school because you will be thankful for the opportunity to meet new people all the time while staying in a small community. Also, pick somewhere that you know you will love the activities and weather.

Finding the right college is about finding the right fit for the student, not the school that the parents think is best. It's like finding the right pair of shoes. Even if other people think they look great on you, if the shoes don't fit, then you shouldn't buy them or you'll be miserable with sore feet. Even if other people in the student's life think a college is perfect for them, only the student knows truly which school feels like home. Attending a school because others think it looks great will make a person just as miserable as walking around with sore feet. When you walk onto a campus, it should feel like home. Can you see yourself there in 4 years? That's a big chunk of our young lives. Envision the future--where do you see your happiness? THAT is the school you should attend, nowhere else.

Be prepared for the college transition that the student will go through - even if they think they will be fine, know that something might happen that could make the transition difficult for them. I was a "home-body" before I left for school and still thought that I was going to be fine, but then had a very hard time a month into the first semester - but I gave myself time and found the resources I needed and I am so incredibly happy now. Take into consideration the distance that the college or univeristy is away from home and make sure that the student knows that they can always go home or that their parents are there for them if they need anything - it is so important to just know that. No matter what, the student will find the school that is right for the, even if they have to transfer after their first semester or year - they just have to give themselves time.

It is very important to visit the campus, meet with teachers, and talk to students. Do research past the major your currently looking at, and make sure the school has other majors you are interested in (most students will atleast consider changing majors). Apply to more schools than you think you should.

I feel that the first thought to consider when looking for colleges for yourself is what makes you happy. Is it the beach? Is it a particular sport? If it nature? Depending on this, you should think of locations where these things that make you happy exist. Following this I would make a list in colleges in the areas which you feel would make you happy. If someone is looking for a specific program which is strong at a college, that may also be one of the first attributes to a college to consider. After the area's you preferr and the major area you preferr is chosen and linked to a number of colleges, other attributes to a college can be considered such as SAT requirements, tuition price, size of student body, etc. Overall chosing a college should be a process that is somewhat instinctive; if you feel that a particular college is the one of you, it very likely is.

Choose the college where you feel you fit in the most, even if it may not be your first choice.

Attend a school, which provides a comforting and safe environemnt to study

make sure you look into the town and apartment costs and how the school treats the students (i.e. not like cash cows)

I would visit the campus and talk to the students. They often will enlighten a person on what it is really like to be at that school.

Definately consider financial aid - it's one of the BIGGEST issues you'll have to deal with once you're at the school, and if you don't take it into consideration in the beginning, it will absolutely come back to bite you, and could really hinder the learning process because it will prevent you from registering on time, will always be on your mind, and is really hard to rework once you have accepted the package offered. Also, make sure you like the area around the college - a lot of students pick a college they like, but after a year, discover they don't like the surrounding area, and end up transferring, which can be another real pain.

You can probably be happy at any number of schools so don't stress about which choice is the absolute "perfect" one. The important thing is to make the most of it once you are there. If someone invites you to do something a little out of your comfort zone, go anyway. If you aren't a little uncomfortable then you aren't growing, and growing is what college is about. You only have four short years to take in everything you can before you have to go out into the real world...to be a full time college student is to be living a charmed life so don't take a single second for granted. Play hard, work harder, and squeeze every drop you can out of the college experience.

Visit the campus, talk to students, make sure the major you're looking into is a good one at the school (some schools have a lot of majors but the program may not be a focus or is farily new), look for a school that is known for the major you are looking into (or a school that is known for a lot of majors if undecided), make sure the school has clubs/sports you're interested in, take cost into account, look at the dorms, talk to professors, try to get the best feel for the school that you can. Also the school might not be quite right when you get accept or first look at it but it's all of what you make of it. You might feel lost when looking for the right school but take your interests into account and the area you would like to live, if you don't like snow don't pick a school in the North. But remember it might not feel like the right school when you're looking but it can become the rigth one once you've been there and made friends.

Parents should definitely help their children and prospective college students select a good college. However, the ultimate decision is in the hands of the student. The next four years are pivotal academically, emotionally and psychologically and all aspects of the schools setting, atmosphere, climate, location, size and academic achievements must be considered. There is not one single most important aspect in making such an imporant decision.

Start early but take your time. Visit the campus and make sure it has the right environment for you. Study something that interest s you and you will enjoy studying. Try to balance work with fun. It is important to have a social life and make friends but you are also there to study and learn.

Really find time to visit the school, even beyond touring. There is only so much they will tell you when it comes to life on campus. So find time to really spend a day/weekend around there. Dont ever be afraid to ask any kind of question!

Look for a college with professors who conduct actual research in the field and who enjoy teaching

you can always transfer, seriously consider if it is worth to have a lot of loans

Make sure that your son or daughter feels comfortable at the college. Make sure they see everywhere they want to see especially the dorms, library, and scientific area's if they are interested in the sciences. You should also ask the students what they think, maybe some that are walking around we would love to answer any questions. Also make sure that your son or duaghter decides on their own, you can have a say but this is their future and they need to decided what they want without pressure from you. College is a whole new world and its a chance for your son or duaghter to start to weave their own life and Vermont is a very loving and careing place I ahvent met one person who isnt beautiful on the inside.

Experience college as if it was a full-time job. Get up early, go to campus and study until your first class. Read your textbooks while you eat your meals. Study and attend classes and then go home after dinner. Then relax at night and most of the weekends.

"Wherever you go, there your are" A lot of schools have a lot to offer but its really what you bring to the table that matters. If you get involved in on campus activities and are pro-active about being social and having fun, then you will be able make the best of any school and it's resources. College is a place where you really have to be comfortable in your own skin because you are on your own for the first time and are meeting so many people who come from different places and have different histories. .. So, be happy and be who you are!!

Don't be afraid to look at schools that you'd never consider. Transferring is always an option so take a chance and try something new!! It's an important decision but it's not unreversible.

Students - remember, the decision should ultimately be yours, but if your parents are paying for it, you have to come up with a good balance. You'll want a school that's just the right distance from home that you can really be yourself, but still come home on weekends when you want to. Check to see if the schools your applying to offer not only the academic programs you're interested in, but also the extracurricular opportunities you enjoy! And when you arrive on campus, don't be afraid to check out something new, even if it's by yourself. It might prove to be a positive, life-changing experience!