University of Washington-Seattle Campus Top Questions

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

Hattie

Don't worry about the "brand name" of the school. I know I wanted to attend a glamorous private school, or a popular public school, but once I looked around and looked closer, I found that the best school for me wasn't necessarily the one that's best for everyone else. Look for a place where you can really see yourself living and being happy.

Wilhelmina

I think visiting the college is highly recommended and try talking to some current students to find out what they like about the university. Make sure you find out if the school is more science/research focused or liberal arts focused because that matters in what school you'll want to choose. Also, make sure you can enjoy the surrounding city area, depending on if you're a city person or not, location (and the weather that frequents that area) will matter for your own well being. Also, check to see whether the department you are interested in (i.e. business, journalism, pre-med, etc.) is strong at the university you plan on attending.

niina

If there is a particular major you are planning to study, make sure the school you apply to has that major. Also make sure you and your parents talk about the funding for your school, so you don't get stuck in your senior year with no funding and no money to pay for graduation.

Jane

I would advise students to talk to the college students to find out about what the experience at that respective institution is like. They will know from their experience what they enjoy and regret about their choice. Once you talk to about five different students at a college what they think of their school, you will start to get a good idea of what kind of place the institution is. I would highly reccommend the prospective-freshmen programs that many schools offer. I went as a prospective student to the programs offered by certain universities, and had a wonderful time meeting other prospective students and current students. Attending classes and hanging out on the campus for a day or two is really the best way to get a feel for how you'll do at that school.

Chelsea

When it comes to figuring out the "right" college, you probably know best. Are you the type that would feel most comfortable in the intimate community-atmosphere of a small campus, or enjoy the adventure and independence of a large one. It's definitely easier to get lost at a big university, however there are also a lot more choices (of both activities and degrees). Of course, you also want to keep in mind what academic programs appeal to you the most, and which colleges are strongest in their fields. The most important thing is to figure out what YOU want in a college. The best advice I can give to make the most of your experience is to get out there and try new things. Interested in swing dancing? Check out the club. Love movies about mad scientists? Be a research assistant or take a cinematography class. You never know what is going to strike a chord with you and there's no harming in finding out. You can join a dozen clubs and just stick with the ones you end up liking the most. Have fun! But don't forget to study, too.

Desiree

Consider most factors when choosing the right college, but alsp keep an open mind.

Amy

I would tell parents and students to visit the campuses. Also, if there is any sort of program where the potential students could stay in the dorms overnight just to get a feel for how living there would be I would tell them to take advantage of that. Talk to students on campus about their experiences there. Figure out what you want most out of your experience and then ask the questions to determine if the school will offer all that you need it to.

Joel

I would have liked to participate in this scholarship process, however: "exploitation throughout the universe, in perpetuity" "each Survey participant irrevocably waives any and all so-called moral rights they may have" The phrases above eliminated my trust for the organization. Please change the way you think about your student customers.

Alan

As a parent, this is a challenging time to find the right position in your son or daughter?s life to be the support he or her needs. There are hundreds of different kinds of colleges, each with their strengths and unique focus in areas of academics. However, the most important aspect that parents and students can have a look at together when searching for a college, are the opportunities to find a community within the college student body. A living learning community often takes the form of residence halls, Greek system, and off-campus housing. The living learning community takes on the role that your family and high school had as a support system for your student. Your student will learn and grow as a young adult more from the people around them through exposure to diversity and life challenges than they will ever learn in the classroom. For the student, embrace this milestone as a chance to be open to challenging your values and beliefs. Put yourself out there and keep an open mind to learn from people that are different than you. You will get the most out of college from exploring outside your comfort zone.

Jennifer

Many factors need to be considered before students and parents make the crucial decision regarding college. The college application process is a confusing whirlwind. It seems like the student just started senior year when the time to submit the intent to enroll arrives. Each college offers unique perspectives and experiences; consequently, not each university is the right choice for each student. During this period, the student and family are bombarded with opinions surrounding college choice. However, the student needs to look at all the characteristics of the college as well as carefully examining her aspirations and personality. The most important thing is for the student to thoroughly research the school: the intended department, social activities, and quality of guest lectures, location, and general environment. This advice may sound trite or generic but looking back on my college experience the process of self-examination and cautious appraisal of the school is crucial. The college years should be exciting ones full of discovery and growth, but to be so, students need to chose the right school for them. Once there, students need to reach beyond their comfort zones and experience all the school has to offer.

Celia

The biggest thing for me when choosing a collage was that I was caught up in senior year and my friends, instead of paying attention to what I really wanted and maybe needed in a collage. So I didn't look into schools as well as I should have. Although I was lucky and fell in love with the school I am attending, I wish I hadn't taken the easy way out and I wish I would have really reached for the stars and pushed myself to really find the school I knew I wanted to be a part of. So in retrospect and as some advice to those searching for the right collage, make sure you are looking into a school for all the right reasons, don't let friends or money restriction or athletics influence you on where you truly want to pend the next four or five years of your life and aquire your higher education.

Therese

When looking for the right college, it is important to make sure you know what it is you want out of a school. Look at all aspects of the college- the location, cost, resources available, academics, extracurriculars, etc. It is also important to visit the school before you make your final decision. College is a time to grow both academically and personally, a time where you really get to know who you are and what you want out of life, so you want to make sure you choose the school that will best help you achieve your goals. In order to make the most of the college experience, don't be afraid! Get involved, meet new people, try new things. There are so many amazing opportunities available to you in college. You'll discover who you are and where you're going in life, while making memories and friends that'll last a lifetime. College is all about new experiences and learning, both inside and outside of the classroom, so don't hold back- go out and have fun!

Monica

Be sure to talk to people at each school in the program you intend to enter. Parents, let the student make the final decision, but students listen to your parents advice. You make your own expierence. Go to school with an open mind. Invest in your experence, get involved.

Timothy

The right college to choose is hard, I knew I was going to the UW after a few visits to other colleges, I loved the campus along with rave reviews about academics I choose UW as my first pick. As for making the most of college, get involved, I am the president of a fraternity now, and love it. Get onto some IMA teams, football, basketball and get involved in some clubs that interest you. Also, look for research opportunities, the UW has a great deal of research internships and I'm starting one this winter. The more involved you are, the more people you meet and the more fun college is, don't forget to study enough to do well in all your classes and don't forget that "all work and no play makes jack a dull boy", so make sure you get your partying in too. The last thing I'll say is: The UW is amazing, great gym, football fields, tennis courts, extra curricular activities, classes, study tools and study centers, great people, and in a great city.

Jennifer

Think about what size of school you would feel most comfortable in. The University of Washington has over 30,000 students which isn't for everyone, although I loved it. Other school are like a little community and everyone knows everyone else. Also look at the surrounding areas and where you might want to live off campus during your junior/senior years.

Rosie

Research the college before you apply.

Tanner

Don't sweat it, take your time but start early. It doens't have to be a stressful experience. As for the college experience as a whole, find your people, find your passion and pursue it with all the vigor you can muster.

Jeff

Searching for the college that fits your needs best can be a very difficult process. From personal experience, the most effective way to find a great college was a three step process. First, write down a list of three or more priorities that you deem necessary in whichever college you will attend. Second, visit several colleges that you believe might be a good fit for you. Third, look at your list, and compare it with your experience on your visit. Don't go just off the list; also really listen to your gut feeling that gives you a good or bad feeling about the college. For example, my top priorities when selecting a college was to find a four year university close to home, with a great business program, and a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. I found a school that fit my needs at the time, and today I am still very satisified with my choice. My advise to parents - don't push your son/daughter to go to a college or location in the country that they aren't fully interested in. Their college choice should be completely independent of your influence.

Sara

Get involved on campus in what ever way you find interesting. Be willing to look outside of your comfort zone, you might find friends who will be there for life. Know your professors and never be too afraid to ask questions, even if they may seem out of place. Volunteer or work close to campus to stay connected!

Dilys

Where do you want to be in the next few years? Do you like the surroundings of the campus of your choice? Have you looked into all of their financial aid options? If you have a major in mind, what is the national or international ranking of that program?

Lauren

Just decide on three things: environment, size and how you feel when you visit!

Ngoc

Be sure to go beyond guided tours when looking at new colleges--sit in on lectures, wander around campus, etc to get to know the college better. Also, learn about what blunders other college students have gotten into so you don't make them. Freshman year is all about learning to strike the right balance. Once that happens, it's pretty much smooth sailing.

Carol

One thing that is extremely important to consider before choosing a college is whether it is the right size for you or not. Big colleges have their advantages: anonymity in large classes, world-class professors, lots of activities, places to eat, people to party with, and the resources on a large campus are virtually unlimited. But there are also disadvantages to going to a big school: you can get lost in the crowd, graduate students sometimes teach classes, it's harder to establish a relationship with your professors, class sizes can be ridiculous, and with so many students it's sometimes hard to get into all of the classes that you want to get into. Base your decision of what school size you think would fit you from your high school/ community experiences and preferences: Did you like it when your class sizes were smaller? Do you like feeling like you know almost everyone around you? If you did/do, then a smaller college is probably for you. As to how to make the most of your college experience: get to know your coolest teachers (they're there to help/guide you) and only party as hard as you study!

Karis

There is so much that goes into a college experience, and it's nearly impossible to generalize ways to 'make the most of it' without sounding cliche. College does by so quickly... and I suppose if I were to give future in-coming students a single thread of advice, it would be this: Maximize your exposure to EVERYTHING. Meet new people, try new things, take a variety of classes early on in your education and don't wait to start making connections. Don't rush into choosing a major, and when you do choose one, make sure you've thought about what the degree at the end of the 4 years will mean.

Brice

Choosing the right college is a major descision for any prospective student as it marks the beginning of a new phase in a student's life. For this reason, it is very important to carefully consider the many schools that are available to you based on your interests, values, and lifestyle. Research online and at your current school to narrow down your search to about six schools that you may want to apply to by keeping in mind your academic interest, lifestyle, and personal beliefs and values. The next thing that you should do in order to get a "feel" for each school that you have interest in is to set up times to visit each campus. It is a good idea to go to the student union building and ask about events that may be going on that you and some friends could attend. Furthermore, find out when you can go on a guided campus tour in order to not only see the campus, but gain information about it as well. By narrowing your search and living a "day in the life" at each school you're interested in, you can easily find the school that best suits you.

Jake

Think long and hard about the question, "What are my goals for the future?" It will save a lot of time, money, and frustration if you decide what major to focus early on, or before, if possible. After all, a lot of people never even take a job related to their degree. Make friends early on - don't be afraid to get out and meet people, since they're most likely just like you. Networking is beneficial academically (study groups, anyone?) as well as socially - it will give you a chance to explore things outside your comfort zone, and make the most of your oh-so-short-and-sweet time at school. I'm sure there's a lot more advice I could give, but it's better to learn some things by yourself..

Andrew

The most important thing is to do your research. You dont need to know exactly what you want to major in but get a general idea and try to find a university that is strong in that field of study. Find a school that you like, dont go to a school that you hate just because it is a good school. Dont be afraid to travel out of state to attend a university, you would be suprised how much more you learn when you are in a new place taking care of yourself.

Heather

Don't slack or cheat. Procrastination and plagiarism are big no-nos in the both college and the real world.

Kristianne

The only advice I would give students about finding the right college is to really think about what YOU want. If you are uncomfortable in a large campus setting apply for the smaller colleges. If you'd rather be close to home choose then choose the in state school-it doesn't matter whether or not it's ivy league if you are satisfied with your college choice. Once you are at college don't be scared to meet new people and try new things! It isn't like high school where you've all known each other for years. At college you can be whoever you want without having to deal with being stereotyped by what you did and who you hung out with in high school. Above all don't be afraid to take a variety of classes. Most college students change their major several times and just because you went into college freshman year as a premed major does not mean you are stuck with that path. Live your life the way you want to and don't let anyone convince you to do otherwise.

Anna

Finding the stongest program in your interest zone is important, but also make sure the school is strong in other areas, in case you change your mind about your area of interest. Seek out the help you need. People are willing to help, but sometimes they need to be coerced.

Nadya

To make the most of the college experience, one must take the time to "test" the area and begin networking with students that will be attending the college of interest. To test the campus, I would recommend visiting for at least two weeks. Attend classes, eat at campus venues, study in the library, attend campus events, and parties; just endulge yourself in the college life for the whole week. Do this to make sure you are comfortable and feel at home with this campus. There is no feeling worst than being an outcast in your own school. To network with students that will be attending, I would recommend using the internet. Facebook.com or even myspace.com are great networking channels for one to use: check out college groups that interest you and join and be proactive in discussions and asking questions. This will be a great way to start friendships with people that share a general interest with you such as dance, music, or volunteering. Make plans to meet up on campus and see where it goes from there! To ensure the most out of your college life, make friends and feel comfortable!

Rachael

Make sure you visit wherever you think you will most likely be attending and be extremely open and outgoing to make new friends!

Courtney

Advice I would offer to students and their parents looking for the university that would guarantee them to get the most out of the college experience, would be to visit the campus. When I was deciding where to pursue my educational future, I realized that once I stepped onto a college?s campus, I either felt at home or I did not. Once you are on the campus, you can ask yourself: Do I picture myself walking through this campus, feeling like I can relate to the environment here? It?s amazing what this experience provides when it comes time to make a decision. If visiting is not a possibility, I suggest researching as much as possible, and don?t limit this research strictly to the college and what it has to offer. Make sure to look at the area surrounding the campus, like the city/town, and determine if you can relate to the people there. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable where you live because this will enable you to be involved in the school atmosphere as much, or as little, as you desire, making your time on campus everything you can hope for.

Elizabeth

First off, try to meet an academic advisor in the field you want to go into. That way, if you end up going to that school, you already have a strong connection to an advisor who knows something relevant to what you want to do. Visit the college when it is busy, not on weekends or holidays when there might not be anyone around. If a campus seems dead, you're less likely to feel comfortable there and not truly experience what it would be like to go there. Attend a typical class (an intro class especially) to see how your first year will feel like. Lastly, take advantage of every opportunity you get. Whether on campus or off, if you see something that looks intersting (a club or an event) then go to it! If you're shy but want to join student government, try it anyway. It's amazing how easily you can get connected to campus if all you do is take that one step outside of your comfort zone.

Benjamin

Pick a college that you would enjoy even if you decide to change your majors. If you do not enjoy the city or state your college is located in you will have a much harder time getting involved with your school. Once you are in college do not hesitate to try new things and meet new people. The more you are willing to push your comfort zone the more you will get out of the experience. Take advantadge of the chance to meet people who live and think differently than you are used to. Make sure to do everything assigned by your professors whether or not it is for points. It will impact your final grade and there is no way to overstress the importance of going to class. Not only will you do better in the class if you attend you will also enjoy yourself more.

Korrie

Visit visit visit! Sit in on classes. Ask curren students their opinion of the place. Spend the night if possible. Really get a a good feel for it before you decide. Decided what is best for YOU! Don't decide on a school based on its name, mascot, color, prestige. Though all good things you need what a fit that is best for you so you will be happy!

Michael

Be friendly, and live on campus.

Alexander

Find a college that suits your needs. It should be a balance of costs and academic needs and health needs. You should also ask current students if possible how they like the college.

Jeff

Don't worry about the presitge of the school. If you know what you wanna do with the rest of your life go to a school that has a good program for what you want to do, and if you don't know, go to a bigger school where you can try on lots of hats and see which one feels the best. MAKE SURE you like the campus physically (ie size, layout, architecture) and ideology (ie don't go to a school where everyone is going to have extremely different views than you.) Do you best to push yourself outside you comfort zone and take classes you wouldn't normally think you would enjoy.

Kevin

I think it's very important to visit the college you want to attend during the school year. Talk to the financial aid office and advisors to make sure they have the courses you're interested in. Stay overnight in a dorm room, eat at the cafeteria and attend a sporting event to see how students interact. Be open, positive and don't be afraid to reach out or step out of your comfort zone. Look at this as a golden opportunity to meet other kids and accept the responsibility to live on your own. Don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.

Christine

When searching for the perfect college, I recommend taking a tour of the school first and seeing if you like the campus. Next, you should figure out where you will want to live because it makes a big difference whether you live in dorms, off campus housing, or go greek. No matter where you live, you can always make the best of things if you are open minded and outgoing. I recommend focusing 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} on school and then in your free time have fun because the main reason you are at school is to study. Most universities have programs and activities that help freshman adjust to the new college setting. Good luck with finding the right school!

Danaan

make a list of the things you want in your school: how big you are comfortable with, what sorts of activities you want to participate in, atmospere, quality of education (or how easy you want your classes to be), what you can afford, how far from home do you want to be, what field(s) you are considering going into, level of schooling you are looking for (associate's degree, bachelors, masters, doctorate), and any other relevant factors. rank these factors in importance, and look for the school that fits all of your most important needs. talk to counselors and students, and try to get a tour of the school from someone who knows it well, and (if you can) with similar interests (i've heard that sometimes counselors can hook you up with a grad student for this). for making the most of your college experience: try everything. provided that it doesn't seem like a downright bad idea (because if it seems like one, it probably is). don't be shy, and put yourself out there.

Logan

Make sure you choose a place that will be enjoyed for its atmosphere, and not somewhere based solely off of academics. Try and pick a place where you think you'll fit in, so you'll have good company.

Alicia

When looking at colleges, keep in mind how comfortable you are in small classes (liberal arts college) or large classes (state universities) and how close or far you'd like to be from home, the climate etc...location is important! If you have an idea of what type of field you'd like to major in, look for a school known for that program. Most importantly, don't underestimate yourself! If you think the school of your dreams is slightly out or your reach, apply anyways! Don't listen to counselors who tell you to only apply to safety schools! Grades arent's the only contributing factors to whether or not you obtain admission. Your essay or extracurriculars could be what gets where you'd like to be. Once you're at school take advantage of all your campus has to offer. Most schools have excellent academic sources when you need help and there's usually a vast variety of clubs, sports, etc to join. Meeting people is a sure way to enjoy college.. you'll make friends for life, have access to a study partners, and best of all, they'll understand you! They are your classmates after all!

Emma

the schools you pick should fit you not only academically but socialy as well. make sure the campus is not going to drive you crazy: not enough trees, too many trees, too much sun, not enough sun, too modern, too old. When you get to college do your best to put your right foot forward and make new friends and have new experiances. don't rely soley on old friends and old ways of being.

Joy

I would say think carefully about what you're good at and what you're interested in. To try and force yourself into a computer science or pre-med because it will make you a lot of money won't motivate you when you really need it. Rather, it's more important that you involve youself in what you really want to do -- otherwise, you're just wasting your time and your money. If you really love a particular discipline or way of doing things you'll learn what you need to in order to be successful at it.

Jennifer

When you are trying to decide what college is best for you, make sure you look for yourself and no one else. Find the college that best suits the person you are and the person you want to become, regardless of how prestigious it is. This is probably the most important thing you will want to do because while in college you truly grow into the person you will become for the rest of your life. While in college, try to keep an open mind about the people around you because you might end up meeting the best friends of your life. The college experience doesn't come to you, you have to go to it, as in, if you want to make the most of your experience, you must put yourself out there and find ways to become a part of the experience.

Marson

Honestly, know what you want to do before you decide apon a college because nothing is worst than going for a few years and then realizing that's not what you want to do anymore. Also make the best of it, it's an experience that some might not be able to have.

Cynthia

When you pick a college, it's nice to pick one that is close to home. No matter what, you will be far away because you will be so involved and busy with school anyway, you will not feel like you are still stuck at home unless you live at home.

Winona

I think that students should always look into the program requirements for their major when choosing a school, because knowing that you are following a program of study that fits with what you want to learn is very important. Also, taking campus tours and talking to students of prospective colleges is a good way to get a feel for whether a university is right for you. Ultimately, most people will have a good college experience wherever they are as long as they are willing to work hard!