University of Washington-Seattle Campus Top Questions

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

Adina

Choosing the right college is very important decision in a person's life because college is the first step to a new independent life. It's the time where a student has more choices about what they want out of life and what kind of person they want to be so I would advise students and parents to visit different kinds of schools to see what classes are like. I would also ask the students that attend the school about their experiences because you'll get a more truthful answer about all there is to the college. It would give you information that you cannot find out from reading a brochure or talking to a tour guide. The students have first hand experiences of what their college is like so I would definately make sure to ask as many of them as you can to get a good idea of what's good about the school and what's not. It's also important to do a lot of research. Make sure to look into every possible worry you would have about college like tuition, dorms, the teachers, the students, the programs, and the size of the campus.

stephanie

Parents: The goal of parenting is to raise your child until he or she is old enough and responsible enought to raise him or herself. Guide your child's decisions; don't dictate his or her life. Students: There's having fun and there's having responsible fun. Fun will leave you with hangovers and a downwards spiraling GPA. Responsible fun will give you great memories, friends, and a strong education to help jumpstart your career. There isn't a right or wrong choice. Your college experience depends on the decisions you make.

Michael

Find a college that provides a good balance between all of the "elements" that are part of a college experience. Academics are obviously the main priority but finding a university that provides both the academics and an outlet for the student to escape from their schoolwork is vital. Someone who likes the city might want to attend the University of Washington-Seattle because of the night life and the abundance of entertainment and activity that goes along with that type of busy lifestyle. But another might prefer a smaller setting such as Western Washington University where the campus is surrounded by scenic areas and a closer-knit community. Either way, I believe that to make the most out of the college experience you must approach it with an open mind. College is a time where you will meet and interact with a plethora of people of all ethnicities, of which many may become life-long friends. It is a time to step outside of your comfort zone and begin to grow and mature as your own person. But most of all, just have fun with everything you do. For many people, they only get one college experience.

Hai-Quan

According to my personal experiences in finding my college, I found it is crucial to attend a college that you truthfully like because it will significantly help you do pursue your academic performance at your best. My first advice is to search for the college that you are considering online or throughout any means to get the most information about it. After a thorough research, take as many field trips as possible to that college to have a real experience about it. This helps a lot to decide whether you actually like it or not. Talk to your counselor about it and ask him for his advices. Finally, if you truly like it, go for it. I wish you all luck in finding your right college.

Fikreab

Visit the campus before you decide to attend and sit through a class to get the feel of how things are because it's all pretty much the same with little variations depending on subject and level of class.

Tyson

Use your connections. If you have friends or family that attend universities, use that to your advantage. Stay the weekend with them, and if possible, sit in on classes and observe how things work. Make sure to talk to advisors at the schools, and especially do the tours or previews if possible, because it give you a much more in depth view of the school than a website ever could. Remember that this isn't high school anymore. Every class you take is money out of YOUR pocket, and if you waste it, it goes right down the drain; and second chances cost just as much as the first. Even so, this is your chance to branch out and become the person you want to be. Find clubs, groups, and friends that interest you and run with them, because college is the biggest, best, and easiest networking tool there is. Most of all, enjoy it! School can be rough, but you have to keep positive and remember that finals end, papers get finished, and life goes on.

Ji

Finding the right college is not hard but not easy either. I think it is very important to students to know which field they are interested in. I want to tell students that "please don't worry about paying for college" It is better to go pay more to go to the school you want then pay less money to go to school that you don't really like. There are always ways to pay for college. Therefore money should be your last priority to think about. Also, don't ever be shy, talk to your floor if you live in dorm and make lots friends in your freshman year. Also, It is great to be involved with any one club you wanted to be in or play varsity sports. Basically "Always be Active!"

Jordan

Start early and use the summer because college aplications are an AP class that can overwhelm any student and parent. Don't settle, find the school that has all the qualities you want and always email counselors with questions.

Samantha

Visit schools after you have been accepted. There is no need to spend all that money to visit before you have even been accepted. When you visit, you will know which school is right for you the minute you step on campus. It's just a feeling.

Anthony

I suggest to find a place where you can feel comfortable to be in a new place, be aware of the resources and open yourself up to every club, group, activitiy, friend, place experience you can. Stay positive, eat fruit, drink water, and run.

Chloe

Finding the right college can seem overwhelming and...it is. There are so many choices: instate or out-of-state? private or public? co-ed or all one gender? And, more often than not, you change your mind. Originally, I wanted to attend an out-of-state private school. It was always my dream to go somewhere else and experience new things in a new place. However, when it actually got down to picking what schools to apply to, I had to rethink my choices. There was one school i really loved but tuition was extremely expensive and, being out-of-state, I also had to take into consideration airfare and if there were any other expenses that applied because I wasn't instate. I knew I wouldn't be able to afford going there and, as much as I didn't want to, I ended up not applying. Instead, I stuck to schools I knew I could realistically afford that also interested me. The school I go to now is the opposite of what I thought I wanted - it's a huge public school 45 minutes away from my house and...I love it. Keep an open mind.

Madeline

Visiting the college(s) you intend to attend is the number one thing you need to do in making a good choice. Getting info from counselors, advisors and students who currently attend will help enhance your visit and aid in your decision-making process. As for the college experience itself, becoming actively involved in some sort of club or activity that fits within your academic or extra-curricular interests is important, especially in a large school (it doesn't hurt in a small school either). The sense of community and belonging you will gain from this is unmatched by anything else you can do.

Greg

Each student is unique and there certainly isn't a universal formula for choosing a college. However, the primary advice I would offer a prospective college applicant is to keep options open, stay motivated, and gather as much information as possible. Develop a set of criteria that you value and research how each institution measures up to your expectations. These can be as general as the desire for an urban setting or as specific as the availability of a particular dual-major program. From my own experience, it is essential to take advantage of campus visitation programs. You are choosing your living environment for the next four years and, compared to that, the time and effort of attending such functions is miniscule. You will be suprised how much you can tell about your preference and comfort level for a school merely by walking through its campus and facilities. You'll gain an invaluable, tangible feel for the site and travel costs will quickly pale in comparison to the investment that you will ultimately be making. Try to remember that the effort you put in today will pay off throughout your academic career and you won't look back with regret.

Christine

Initially, I sought out colleges with the best program for my major in the nation. I made the mistake of not considering this school was in the middle of nowhere! Thoroughly research your options, remember you have to be happy and comfortable living wherever the school may be located. Also, VISIT, VISIT, VISIT! Applying to a school without seeing it first-hand is like going on a blind-date--it could end in disaster. To make the most of college simply get involved! There are clubs and activities for every interest, and if there's not, create your own! Go to the student activities office and don't be shy. Remember that no matter how many times your parents and older siblings/relatives tell you "college will be over before you know it," that it really, truly does go by quickly and you'll never be as free as you are right now. Live it up, explore you interests and concentrate on finding your major early so you can begin stacking your resume with internship experience from freshman year forward.

Caitlyn

I would advise students and their parents to search for a college that maintains a strong academic emphasis on a wide variety of departments. I personally chose my college for its strength in the scientific fields. I was 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure of the area I wanted to persue. In that respect, I was pretty lucky. On the other hand, many of my classmates have struggled to pick a major or have discovered only after beginning to persue one, that it was not for them. This is all too common of a scenario. At the University of Washington there are also strong departments in the liberal and performing arts and social programs. Therefore, if a student felt the urge to switch directions they wouldn't have to feel as though they are now settling for a "lower" program, or at least one that is not a known strength of the school.

Todd

To the student: Many children run throughout their life not knowing what direction to go. It is not necessary to know what major you want to go for at the start of college, however it would be wise to take some time and find out where your interest lie as soon as possible. Decide on what is important to you and follow it to the end. This whole University experience thing is a big deal, but it?s not THE deal. It is a launch point for the rest of your life; you know the part in which you try to make a positive difference in the world. Take it seriously and enjoy it; go find love, learn a second language, explore the artist within, and make those lifelong connections that will pull you through in the future. You are now part of a bigger picture and someday you will feel how great it is to know that people can depend on you. To the Parent Don?t spoil the kid, let them live freely, and keep the kid focused.

Jolana

When searching for the right college, be sure to visit the college campus sites and interact with faculty and students to get an idea of the type of learning atmosphere you'll have. Be sure to find out what student support services are offered, as well as getting the statistics of the success of job placement for graduates. Your college experience is a time for you to expand your knowledge and personal growth. To best make the most of your college experience join clubs, study groups, study based-fraternity/ or sorority in which you'll gain life long friendships while giving back to the community.

Jessica

visit college campuses in person. once you step onto the campus you'll get a feeling if you know it's right for you or not. talk to current students and ask them about their campus life.. what their first year was like and how they think they're doing now from when they first started. talk to faculty members and sit in on a class. take on every opportunity you can to make your college experience memorable.

Kristi

When searching for a college or university, I recommend thinking about your top five majors and looking at colleges that have strong programs in those specific majors. Also, consider your learning techniques. If you find that you work better in small classes, in order for you to get a more one on one with a teacher, then you should consider a smaller college opposed to a larger university with lectures containing about 200 students. You also should think about how far you would like to be from home. Some people get homesick and end up doing badly in school because of it. If you are worried about getting to know people, you should contemplate living in a dormitory. They offer a lot of oppurtunities to meet and get to know people in your residence hall. Make sure to enjoy searching for a college right for you. It is a lot of fun, so don't get stressed out about it. Go with your gut, you know yourself better than anyone else. Good luck!

Spencer

Don't do drugs

Kevin

It is very important to visit the school before you actually go there. Go to different classes and dorm rooms to see if this is a place where you feel at home. Talk to the financial aid office and see what's available for your situation. Talk to professors and students and ask them how they like the school and what's the school's good points and bad points. Make sure the school has the major you are interested in pursuing because transferring credit s aren't easy. Be open to new people and new adventures. Be a positive influence on others encouraging good activities and wholesome behavior. This is a once in a lifetime experience so make it the very best it can be. Reach out - don't be afraid to challenge yourself to higher achievements and goals. Study hard and have fun and look back with no regrets.

Wayne

The college experience you have will be shaped largely by how effective you can manage your time. Those who can manage their time effectively will have a great experience, whereas others will be forced to learn time management, which may not result in such a great experience. You're here for academics first and foremost: everything else comes after that. Don't forget that. That doesn't mean you have to live in the library for four years, or be sleep-deprived all the time, but it does mean that occasionally you'll have to pass on seeing a new movie or going out with friends on a Friday because you have a midterm the following week. Most of all, relax. There's a lot of pressure to succeed, but if you let it get to you you'll end up frazzled and unable to do much of anything. Take it one day at a time.

Jessica

Research all options in every direction possible. Apply to as many schools as you can. the opportunitie are endless.Take the time to look into different campus' Dream Big College is an awesome once in a life experience.

Kaiini

You have to look at all aspects. Meaning the academics, the sports, the percentage of graduates, etc. and most importantly the student body itself.

Shannon

Making a decision on what college to attend is one that should take a lot of thought and consideration. One of the most important things to consider is the location of the campus as well as the size. Some students prefer to have a lot of interaction with their teachers, and at a large school they may not have that opportunity. Another consideration should be the financial costs as well as the diversity of classes to take, especially if the student is unsure of what he/she would like to major in. There is nothing worse than not knowing what to do with your life, and realizing that you have tried all your options at your school. For students, college is one of the best times of their lives. It is important to put yourself out there and try new things. Do not be afraid to try new classes or go places on your own. If there is something you have always wanted to try, go for it. You never know who you will meet or what amazing experience you may have. Making a decision about college is one that should take time, and be personalized to each student.

Flora

I started out intending to get a degree in electrical engineering, and ended up getting a pre-law degree. It was a good thing that I had chosen to attend UW, because they had a broad range of high quality majors for me to choose from when I changed my mind. This range of high-quality options is one argument in favor of choosing to attend a bigger school. If you pick a school that's really good at only one thing, you might find yourself stuck in that major or forced to switch schools if you change your mind. Larger schools are also really good for students who aren't sure about what they want to do for the same reason. If you attend a school with a good reputation and high-quality programs all around, you can spend your first year exploring which degree is meant for you. I went into law school right after graduating, and the school I'm in now is much smaller than my undergraduate college. I must admit that I prefer the atmosphere of a larger campus, as this smaller school comes off feeling like high school.

K.

For parents, I would advice to pick a school that matches your ability to pay for it. Apply for financial aid and make use of loan programs that are available . However don't morgage the house to send a kid to school, make the student liable for some of the expences associated with attending college Working during summer breaks and even while in school never hurt anyone and it forces the student to prioritize their study times. Also, just because you are an alumni at a particular school that doesn't make it the right school for your child. Schools and campuses change over the years and what you loved about a particular school may not be available today. For students, take a variety of courses your first year and "test the waters " in different majors. It is difficult for many working adults to make career decisions let alone when you are 18 years old. Enjoy life, make time for friends and social outings. Some of your best life -long friends are made in college. Go to sporting or cultural events on campus and explore veiws different from your own. Expand your knowledge, learn how to learn.

Breanna

I would tell students that they need to decide what it is they want out of a college before they start looking. They need to talk to people that they know, or anyone, that is already in college to find out what life on a small campus, big campus, instate, out of state, etc...is really like. After they get a better understanding of what it is they want out of a college and what they value and is important to them, then they can start searching for schools that fit that. One thing that is important to keep in mind is that the name of a school means nothing if it is not what you want in a college. It is more important to find a school that fits you than it is to go to the popular school that all of your friends are going to. And try to relax, because you will make the right decision, and although it may not be the easiest, if you do get there and hate it, you can always transfer.

Galina

I think that before going to college people should know what major they are applying for and they should pick a college that is good at that field. If you are interested in medicine go to UW, if you prefer Art choose the Art Institute of Seattle. Big colleges are definitely more intersting because they offere more opportunities. Once you get accepted study hard and don't be afraid to try new things. Take challenges and don't miss any opportunities.

Kanwardeep

From the two years that I have spent here at University of Washington, I have learned that the parents should let the students pick the college that they want to attend. I have seen a lot of people struggling in school because their parents want them to become doctors, lawyers, dentists but the students simply don't have the desire or the passion for the field. So, they force themselves to try to stay awake in class and study but it all seems to bore them. My advice is that the student should figure out what fields of study interests them, and then do research on which school is credible for that specific field of study. Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions one has to make about their future and it should not be taken lightly.

Hae

Think about the kind of environment you want, whether it is an urban or rural setting, as well as the size of the campus. The focus of the campus, as well as its political views may also influence your decision. Finding a college that fits your political views, your environmental concerns, as well as your academic needs is very important. A larger college may have more diversity in its views and can help broaden your horizons, but may also be intimidating as a high school graduate. Being in a college that requires rigorous effort on the part of the student may help some to stay motivated, but may also be intimidating to some. It is important to keep all of these different factors in mind when choosing the college for you.

Riley

Visit your potential college choices. Especially if you are really looking at only one or two majors. Getting a feel for what the faculty/staff will be like can and should really influence your decision. Brochures can tell you a lot, but they can't tell you how the students dress or act - what the general vibe of the campus is. And since it will most likely be your home for the next for years, you'll feel much better and be more productive if you are in an environment that you understand and feel comfortable in. You can do so many things as a student! Especially in terms of research for your career, your interests, your life! People are usually very open to talking to someone who says they are a "student" - you don't want anything from them other than their expertise and experience, and they probably wish that they had had someone like themselves to talk to when they were figuring out what they wanted to do! So try to open up and really pursue anything that might be of interest to you - because this is the best time of your life to do that. :)

Kailey

When deciding where you want to further your education, be sure to visit the campus first. Take a tour and try and sit in on a lecture. I can not stress the importance of making sure that you feel comfortable in the place where you will spend the next four, or even more, years; the place where you will mature and discover who you really are and what you hope to accomplish in life.

Tyler

Stick up for yourself. If you don't seek help for yourself, nobody else will. Chances are, your parents won't be around to ask every teacher why you failed that test, or why you didn't get into that class, so you have to fight for it yourself. Ask around: find the teachers you like. Finding agreeable teachers is one of the most important things in college. Many teachers are very excited about they do and are very interested in helping you learn, but some just don't give a crap; those teachers can ruin a class, quarter, or an entire subject for you. If you don't like a class, find out why, and fix it. Is it the teacher? Transfer to a different section. Is it the class on a whole? Drop it and enroll in another. Is it the homework? Form a study group so you can get interested/not as bored with it. It's important to learn to ask for help and ask why something turned out the way it did. If you take a while to figure this out, it'll stick on your transcript, and that's not always easy to explain.

Joey

In order to have a meaninful and enjoyable college experience, I recommend that students do a lot of research on the different colleges they are considering applying to. Research should include visiting the colleges website, visiting websites that offer evaluations and descriptions of the college's academic standing as well as social opportunities, and, of course, physically visiting the campus. Once you find a campus that is congruent with your goals and values, explore the different living situations offered. For me, going Greek was one of the best decisions I have made yet in college. I met a lot of people and made a close-knit group of friends right off the bat. Whether you decide to go Greek or not, the key to making the most of your college experience is balance. Make sure you are organized and keep up with your classes but do not live in the library. Be outgoing and attend social events but do not forget that your main reason for being in college is academics. All in all, take advantages of the unique things your campus has to offer. Whether its studying abroad or intramural sports, do what YOU want to do!

Vien

Choosing the right school isn?t an easy task. There are many things to consider; area of study, class sizes, financial aid, available resources, location, friends, living situation, academic status among other schools, and the list just goes on and on. The best way to help you make a decision of which school you will spend the some of the greatest times of your life at would be to actually go and visit the school. Most colleges have prospective student programs in which you can spend some time at the university, and maybe even stay overnight. These experiences will help you decide if you like the environment you are choosing or not. In reality, it may even take attending the college for at least a quarter or two before you realize it is not for you. This may happen, but don?t freight because in the end, it?s all about what you learn and how much fun you have while doing so. If you are one of those truly indecisive people, you can go to a Fred Meyer?s toy section and pick up a Magic Eight Ball and let that help you choose where to go.

Dana

Invest the time and energy to travel to the school, talk to current students and staff, especially in your (in the student's) prospective fields, and sit through a variety of lectures. Don't leave until you are satisfied with the quality of information you received. Remember, this is YOUR education (students), do what YOU want. Money should not be a deciding factor. After you make the decision, continue to investigate the school, start talking to advisors and GO for it! Don't ever be affraid to change majors. I finished the pre-medicine requirements and then applied to Architecture and was accepted. I will be a fifth year but at least I am pulling all-nighters doing what makes me happy. Find what makes you tick and stick with it. Don't forget about your social life- make new friends and have fun!!!

Renee

Make sure your student stays motivated and gets involved on campus to get the best University of WA experience possible. It's a beautiful campus so encourage them to study outside when the weather is nice. Tell them to do fun activities in addition to studying such as going to the gym, dancing, skiing, or intramural sports in order to take a break from the studying. Of course it is important to budget time between socializing, school, and internships/jobs. All three are important and make the student more happy when they are involved in all three and they give the student direction as well. Take advantage of such university resources as husky jobs, the career center, and Mary Gates Hall. The academic counselors there help students decide on majors and help them find internships and scholarships. Once they decide on a major their academic counselors will step in. Most of all college is the first time the student is responsible for himself/herself. It is important to have parental support but it is also vital to have confidence in themselves; that way they can accomplish anything they want.

Megan

Plan ahead. Determine how much money is needed to avoid financial stress so you can focus on your studies. Do not overdo. If your student needs to work, then make sure they can handle the workload (hours) as well as the credits they are taking. If your student needs to work make sure that they schedule time for themselves and schedule time for their studies. When selecting the right college make sure it is one that makes them feel comfortable and welcome. Visit the college at least once and spend time on campus to get a feeling of the culture of the college. Make sure the culture of the college is not in opposition to your culture and that there are clubs and organizations that your student can join so they can make friends and thus, have a support network. Supportive faculty is very important, especially in times of struggle. Make sure that the faculty is open and available to help your student, that is probably the most important aspect when selecting a college. This ensures your student's successful completion of college.

Carly

Go to the college. If you get a good feeling, go with it. If you get a bad one, look at your other options.

wayne

The advise that i would give to student, chosing the right college can be tought, often influenced by where you live, parents, and peers. the best advise i can give is for choing the right college is to experiance it visit the college that you want to apply, walk around, ask around. often student are very helpful to answering these questions if this envirement suits you, makes you happy, go for it! it's your life you got to make your life happy and not misrealalbe. As for parents to chose the right college is not how famous the school is, the trick to find the right school for your child is to talk to your child ask them what are their dreams and hope what type of envirement they want to learn in. my professor once told me " learning is not the problem, but the influence of the envirement you learn in" at first i did'nt get it but i finally did what he ment is to learn something is not the issue but when you learn in a bad envirment you do worse, when you learn in a good positive envirement you succeed.

Beanie

I think it is very important for the prospective student to go to the campus, sit in on a lecture and get a feel for the overall atmosphere of the college. Every college is different and the student will only know by actually going to the college and experience the environment. As for making the most of the college experience, the student should be prepared to change, to be stretched, and to grow mentally, spiritually, and intellectually. Remember that these four years can never be repeated, to take things as they come and to enjoy it!

Alexander

To all students who enter a university... Remember that you are on a quest to find the person deep inside of you... Things will be tough. There will be success. And there will most definitely be failure. But in failing, do remember what Pope John XXIII once said. "Consult not your fears but your hopes and dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what is still possible for you to do." Basically, keep your head up and push ahead. Finish Strong. Do what you want to do. Study what interests you, and mingle with the people that ignite something deep with in you. However, don't forget the reason why you first set foot into college. Work hard, play hard, and keep focused. Don't loose sight of what's important. Lastly, be honest and true. Do what feels right and achieve a higher standard for yourself. Depend on the rabbit's foot if you will, but remember it didn't work for the rabbit... -Fellow college student from afar...-

Victoria

I would say research schools you think you would like to go to. I also think its important to visit the school. In addition, its helpful to speak to students and seniors to see what their plans are. Lastly, have fun.

michelle

It is important to make a list of what you are looking for to enhance your academic future. Do you like a big campus with thousands of people or more of a smaller campus with hundreds of people? Do you learn in a lecture hall type setting or hands on type class room? The preparation to find the right college will help make the college experience the most rewarding experience . Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

Ben

Going to college should be the most fun and rewarding time of your life. Make sure when you are applying that you have certain things you do and don't want in an institution. When selecting a college, try to see how each school fits into your criteria instead of just applying to what sounds "cool" or where your parents went. Also, if you have the means, visit the schools you are most interested in. Walk around, take the tour, & maybe even sit in in a class. The more you can experience of the school the better for selecting the place that really makes you happy. When it comes down to it, select the school that feels right and offers the best programs for your needs. Have fun and enjoy the ride!

brianne

Research the schools you are thinking about and apply to more than one school. Think about what you want to gain from your education and actively participate in programs and groups at your new school and always be open to the possibilities of new things and of change.

Mike

Make sure that you are prepared for the size and location of your potential college choices, because even though the quality of education is very important, the setting in which you are educated can dictate your performance. You want to find a place where you do not need to be focused only on school to succeed. What you learn in the classroom is only a fraction of your total potential education. Although you are getting smarter academically, it is the environment of your college that you will learn the most from, and it is this environment's effects that will turn you into the person that you will be for the rest of your life. You want to be happy wherever you end up. I have seen cases in people I know, where although they are very smart people, they simply do not succeed in college because they are unhappy wherever they are. In order to be successful beyond college you need to be a complete person, so even if some of the schools you find seem like they would be perfect for you academically, make sure that they are also the perfect fit for you as a person.

Brian

Simple, college is a 'once in a lifetime experience.' First and foremost, academics come first. It is important to take stimulating and classes of interest your first year so you'll know what interests you. Although it may be hard to say 'no' to a weekend of fun before a midterm, it is always important to remind the student that there are plenty of other weekends left and that this one spent studying is not going to waste. Secondly, the social experience is beyond the fun had in high school and that college is the last step before entering the professional work environment. It is important to create meaningful friendships that will go beyond the four years at the university. Not only will these friendships lead to lifelong moments, but they will also prepare you for the 'real world' by giving and expanding your exceptance of differences. Lastly, remember that you are in college for a reason which is to get a job! Actively engaging with your professors and TA's is a great step to create connections that could lead to internships or more. College isn't were you find yourself, it's where you make yourself!

Sheena

The most important thing is to keep an open mind. I ruled out numerous universities just because I thought I did not want to live in that particular state, or did not picture myself going to that university. Looking back on that now, I wish i would have applied to some of those universities and maybe if I had taken the time to visit them, my life could have been completely different. That being said, the key to finding the right college is knowing your priorities. Deciding what is most important to you, whether that be size, location, will help in your selection. As a parent I think the best thing you can do is to support your child and really listen to what it is that they want. Help them get started and gather information on schools they are interested in. The key to making the most of the college experience is to get involved! I don't know how many times I've heard that phrase "get involved" in my first year here. Especially on a large campus, getting involved is the best and easiest way to make new friends, while also gaining invaluable leadership and learning experiences.