University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Top Questions

Money is a huge issue. Parents should help the student pay for college even if it means the student will pay the parents back at least this way they will not have to pay interest on loans.

My advice for parents as far as choosing a college for a child would be to allow it to be for the most part your child's choice. I feel that choosing what college to attend is the first major decision a person makes. For me, the first time I walked onto the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse campus I was a sophomore in high school and I instantly knew this is where I wanted to go to school and after researching I was positive I would attend this school. I think it's important to research the school and compare it to others. Every school has it's own pros and cons and it's important to evaluate. As far as making the most of your college experience, my advice would be to get involved right away. Go to the opening week activities and just meet people. Every freshmen at you school is in the same boat as you and is feeling the same way. So go out and meet people...you won't regret it!

Make a lot of campus visits because you get a feel for how happy students are there and you get to see the living conditions as well. Check RateMyProfessor.com also because you get a clear idea of what the professors are like and get honest answers about how qualified the professor is from students who have actually had them for class.

Go and visit the school. You can never tell if you really like something by how it looks on paper. Take a chance to go explore the school, see how and feels, and make sure you feel comfortable there. Once your in school, be friendly, open up, try new things. You never know how fun and exciting something might be untill you try it. Get involved, you have a chance to make so many new friends, some which could become lifelong friends. Dont be scared to open up. Everyone else is new just like you are, and everyone else is just as scared, be brave and introduce yourself to someone new, you never know you could end up being the best of friends.

I think one of the best ways to find a college is to first decide what area of the job field the student would like to go into. This can be a broad category such as science, or business.. If you can determine an area of interest, it makes it easier to narrow down your choices for school. You can start looking at schools that are known for having good programs in you area of interest. After you ahve completed this, I would start using college search engines. You can type in some personal information that will allow the website to match you up with possible colleges. Then, start looking at the websites of those colleges. Some you will be able to rule out immediately based on factors like distance from home. After you have narrowed down you selection of colleges to 4 or 5, I would recommend scheduling a campus visit. Maybe even attend a lecture to see what the college classes are like. Once you get to college, do as many of the activities as you can early in the year. It's the best way to get involved and meet people!

Entering college is a pressing and stressful time, but think of it as a lifetime investment. Select a campus where you feel comfortable; you should be able to breath deeply and picture yourself enjoying your time spent there. Enter college with the mindset that you will learn new ways of interacting with people, and be willing to accept others' opinions... you may find yourself intrigued by the viewpoints of others, and then even change your own ways of thinking. Choose a major that you enjoy rather than one that will earn you the most money. You may find college much more stressful if income is your ultimate goal. In my experience, college can fly by, or it can take an eternity; it all depends on the enjoyment you experience through your chosen classes/ major. Classes that spark your interest-- ones that you will gain knowledge from and then use later on in your life-- will be more beneficial not only in your future job, but also for your mental and physical well being. Enjoy your time in college; get involved, meet people, and use the time to find out what it is that will lead you to eternal happiness.

I would not only suggest visiting the colleges you're considering attending, but also having candid discussions with a number of students in attendance. And certainly, don't just stick to the campus area, but look around - how close are things like parking, banks, the post office, etc. As far as making the most of your college experience - be sure to get involved. Even if you're not sure you'll enjoy a given group or organization, sit in on a few meetings. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, and you'll have the time of your life!

If I could give any advice, it would be to take at least a few weeks to write down your goals and asperations. Take time to get to know yourself and what you want to achieve in your life. Once you have done that research your choices and contact professors or alumni of the college to get their persepectives. Finally, look at your finances to make sure you can afford your choice. I wish I would have researched more and I wish I would have thought more about my future when I made my choice. I didn't think about myself or my future career when I picked my first college and I did not look at the costs. This poor planning led me to transfer from a private university to a public university.

Finding the right college is a very personal process. The most important thing to do when looking at colleges is to actually visit the campus at a time when students are there. This gives you the opportunity to see what life is like for those students that are currently attending that college. It is a hard thing to describe but when you are at the right college you will just know. I think one thing that helps make the most of your college experience is taking the time to reflect on the things that you have learned outside of the classroom. College is a time to further your academic knowledge but it is also a time to further your personal knowledge. By taking the time to acknowledge your personal growth and independence throughout your college years you will be able to make the most of everything you have learned in the classroom and will not regret your decision to attended the college you choose.

I would say that you should definitely research whether the students at the college have a voice or not. It is important that the administration and faculty actually listen to the student's wants and needs.

Visit the college (more than once if needed) and see if you can picture yourself there in the future! Find a school that supports your interests and has a variety of programs- including ones that interest you, even if you are undecided.

Be wise

I strongly believe that the parents and students should find the right college based first on the area of study they wish to pursue. Most importantly is that opportunities are available in your field of interest so that students can stay in a school for a period of time in which they can feel at home there without having to transfer out for educational opportunity reasons. Another piece of advice I would encourage students and their parents to physically go to and tour as many colleges as possible. Take advantage of the tours by asking questions and talking to students currently attending that school. These students will be your best source of information and be able to answer some potential questions you may have about the college experience you want to have. Lastly I would just tell them to go with your instincts as they are most often right. Trust yourself and find a school that you believe will feel like home when you're there.

Finding the right college takes time, so don't put it off! You should research and visit at least two colleges. See the surrounding city, ask current college students what they think of their classes, professors, and the campus, and picture yourself there. If you can see yourself at the college, and you like many of its aspects, then it could be a winner! Additionally, take into account the availability of financial aid awards, volunteering opportunitites, organizations, and campus jobs as they will help you spend your time wisely! Do keep in mind that what really matters is comfort. If you feel comfortable there, then nothing else should matter. For example, if it's financial, remember that your education will pay off. You're not the only one who doesn't have as much money as you'd like, and your career is what will take care of it in the end. As I say to my siblings, don't let anything and anyone hold you back from doing whatever you want to do. If you know you will regret not doing anything now, then you should go on and do it so you'll never regret!

Find a place that fits the student not only academically but socially

Every student is different. What was right for me, may not be right for the next person. I started my school by attending a technical college and completing courses that would transfer to college to save myself and my parents money. That has to be a goal that you set, and you have to work just as hard at tech school as you do college. Every grade matters no matter where you are attending school. My parents were very supportive, let me make my own decisions no matter how crazy they were at the time, they seemed to know that my common sense would eventually turn on and everything would work out. College is the next level, it is alot of hard work, but rewarding. There is an appreciation for creativity, participation, and attendance. If you can accept that, you'll love college.

Make sure that the college is the right fit for you, the student, even if you are unsure going into college about what it is that you want to do, you will still know whether or not a big school or a little school is right for you. It is your choice whether or not you will want to walk a half hour or take a bus/train a half hour to a class, or walk 2 minutes to class, the college has to fit you, not the other way around. Explore your options, do not feel like you have to stay in a major you went into college with, you have all the time to change it, or declare it. Have fun, study hard and remember that college sometimes means no sleep for a few days, but in the end, I bet it will be worth it. Having fun means being smart about your choices, you are an adult, so act like one. Make smart choices. Be proud of what you do. Once again, have fun, study hard, and make your own choice, college is worth the money.

Look for a college that fits your personality. If you are from a small town and looking to branch out more pick a college geared more towards a city atmosphere, if you are looking for just that next step up from high school pick a school more geared toward a small town atmosphere. The college experience is what you make it, yes school is important and so is getting a degree and a job, but it is also a time to let lose and have a little fun, if you go through college without experiencing all it has to offer your going to regret it and look back upon the experience as just more school. It is important to realize that college is just as much a social experience as an educational one.

To find the right college one must consider many factors. These may include size of campus, price, majors offered, sports affiliation (e.g. division 1), sports offered, clubs, dorms that are provided, fraternities/sororities, food service, accreditation, the city and size (e.g. metropolitan, small town), courses offered, and much much more. Although a big list, these factors have to be considered to find a great fit for a student. Once these are well thought out, one of the biggest decisions of your life (or your parents) must be made. After finding the college that best matches your list of factors from above, one can now experience the joys and struggles associated with college life. Making the most of your college experience is essential. In addition to receiving a degree, lifelong friendships will be formed, great memories will be made, and knowledge for a successful, thriving carreer. To actually make the most of college, join a sport, start a club, go downtown, workout, and think how your life would be different if you didn't make that one big decision.

I would recommend that any student looking at college checks out many different places and tours them. It's kind of cliche to say but you really just kind of get that feeling of whether or not you feel right there. That is how I decided on choosing my school, I just got that feeling. Just go with your gut and don't worry about the money. How often would you take out a loan for a car and as soon as you drive off the lot you're losing money. But taking a loan out for college will only benefit you.

Tour schools and get a feel for the athmosphere of the university. Enquire about the major you are interested in. Get involved and explore all the resources the college has available to students, including exercise centers, clubs, health services, social programs, and advising services.

visit the college before applying

Spend a while at the school and visit a class. Professors are generally very receptive towards prospective students. Ask a lot of questions of current students inlcuding availablity of research and why they went in to their field.

When looking at colleges, students and parents should pay a lot of attention to the involvement of the faculty in the college. The faculty members can influence students in enormous ways, from whether students enjoy the classes to the opportunities students are given outside the classroom. Faculty members all teach in different ways and some may show enthusiasm for the subject more than others. Students and parents should search outh the best faculty that convey classroom information and enthusiasm in a manner in which the individual student is most receptive. A school may be the best for a certain program but if a student cannot learn from the faculty in the program then it is not the best for the student. In order to make the most of the college experience students should try to be involved on campus. Working on campus or being involved in intermural sports is a great way to meet new people. I would also suggest, for incoming freshman, to stay in a dormitory that has people from all different years in it. All freshman dorms can cause a disadvantage because students cannot just ask their roommates or neighbors for information.

I would say that the parents need to understand that thier child is all grown up and should give then some space on finding the college that the students wants to go to. The student should visit colleges, talk to students of the colleges that they visit and when on the tour, if the school feels like a home where you can livbe there for four plus years then go to it.

You will really find yourself while you are at college, so don't worry about distance away from home. Even if you are unsure about what you want to go into, go to college! Most locations will have the resources to help you find something you will enjoy and love. Do not expect to be able to slack off in college. The information you learn is important and is helping you prepare for the rest of your life, so take it seriously! Check out many options, do not settle!

know what you'd like to do before going to school

Students and parents alike are looking for the absolute best education for their money. This is why it is so cruicial for them to visit a variety of campuses and eventually narrow their search to the genre of university that suits the student as well as the parents. And once this narrowing is complete the only reliable way to fully gauge what a university offers is to talk to the students and even sit in on classes. This the fundamental way to truly see what a university/campus/community has to offer. As for making the most of a college experience, this falls on the able shoulders of the incoming freshman. It is important for parents to make sure their prospective student understands that what a students gets out of college is a function of what the student puts in. Anecdotally, my freshman year I was not involved and I struggled academically and socially alike. I was told by my parents the advice I mentioned afore. By the end of my first semester sophomore year I was starting on the Rugby team and in multiple clubs. I could not have been happier. I wish only the best for your experience.

When a person makes a decides on the college they will be attending, they should make the decision based on two primary considerations. First, "Does this college offer the type of education I want to experience?" If it does not, then it should be taken off the list off candidates. More importantly though, ask one's self "Is this college's community right for me?" Remember, this place is home for the next four years! Personally, I could not bring myself to attend Madison over La Crosse because Madison's size made me feel like a tiny cog. For others, I am sure the Madison experience is perfect for them. Additionally, if you can find some physical aspect of the surroundings that is similar to your home town it can make the experience less foreign, while still providing you with a great chance to explore and experience new things. However, the best advice I can give is to talk to actual students at the school, not the Freshmen Vanguard type, but real everyday students. These people can tell you what about the school makes them happy, and hopefully let you judge for yourself if the school is right for you.

it should just feeel right. make sure to make time for fun.

I would advice students to decide where they want to go for themselves--not what their parents or friends want them to do. Don't be afraid of traveling half way across the country to a school that you will know virtually no one--its what makes the expereince and you will grow more as a person and an individual. The best way to see if the campus AND town/city is best for you is to do a tour of the campus, stay over night and see what kind of activities and opportunites the surrounding community gives you too. The more you enjoy your campus and the surrounding community, the more you will have a better outlook on your future. You as a student will learn these things too late if you follow the advice from your parents--don't go to a college you're not absolutely dying to attend, you probably won't have has much fun and will wish you did things differently when you applied back in high school.

It is essential for students to find a school that fits them right in size and location. A good school in my opinion is far enough away from home and parents that a student can see them in an hour or two. Also, make sure there is a wide selection of majors just in case plans should change... because chances are they will! There is really no wrong choice in a college as long as a student is open to new experiences. College is really about the student learning in an environment conductive to learning and growing to know more about himself. College life should be a way to expand beyond the known and making new acquaintances that can become friends for life.

You should know by taking the tour of the campus right away if it feels right to the students and the parents. It will just feel right

You should definately tour the colleges you are thinking about. You need to feel at home on campus. Also, talk with other students who go to that school to try to get a feel for what the social life is like there. But touring is the biggest thing.

Don't be concerned about pretensious universities or which field will be the "up and coming" jobs when you graduate. Go somewhere you will enjoy living for four years and you'll learn more out of the classroom than in it.

I would say that the biggest thing for finding the right college is finding the right scene, or scenery around campus because you will be seeing it long periods of time and you want to make sure that you like it. As for make the most of your college experience...Well, try something new, whether it is trying different foods, or trying hang gliding, make sure that it is what you want to do and is a little outside your comfort zone. But make sure to have fun!

don't listen to what others want you to do. pick the school that you feel fits your personality the best. if you are unsure about majors don't rush into declaring but take your gen eds to find out what your interests are, the courses are not like highschool so you may discover you like an area of study you did not in highschool. also during the first weeks of being on campus get out of your dorm room and outside of your comfort zone inorder to meet new people and experience new things

Go with your gut feeling. When I visited my campus as a high school student, I had this feeling. I knew it was the place for me and it is! I am so happy here and I am getting a great education and becoming a well-rounded individual. Once you are a college student, remember that you will only get out of your education what you are willing to put in. It's as simple as that. Believe in yourself and don't be afraid to ask for help! You are paying good amounts of money for this, don't let anyoneor anything stop you from asking questions and learning as much as possible. Learn not only in your classrooms, but outside of them as well. There are so many opportunities to get out and become immersed in other cultures and open your heart to people in need. Sometimes those situations teach you more about yourself than you would think. Have fun, laugh, and be positive!

I think that the most important thing about choosing a college is that you choose the one that fits you the best. Don't choose a school based on how it was placed in some list academically or how good of sports teams that it has. Choose it because it is where you feel the most comfortable and where you can see yourself succeeding both academically and socially. I strongly suggest that you go and tour a few colleges. I know that I figured out where I want to go based on my tours. I know that it sounds funny, but you will just know when you step on a college campus if it is where you want to go or not. Also, once you are actually at college, make sure that you meet people with similar interests. I have found life-long friends who I have a lot in common with. Yes, college is a time to focus on your classes, but it is also important to find friends and people who are going to support you.

Speak with current students.

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In order to find a college that fits you well you need to follow your instincts. You should be able to tell upon walking on campus if thats the place you will enjoy. Remember, your major will change several times so you need to be somewhere that you feel comfortable with the environment. Don't go somewhere just because your parents or friends like it, you need to find a place that suits your tastes. College is a lot more work than high school. Be prepared to put in 4xs the amount of effort to achieve similar grades. Keep your head up and be positive and you will make the experience worth while!

To find the right college, I really think that you need to tour a couple of schools and figure out which one fits you the best. Not every college is right for everyone and you shouldn't choose a school just because that is where your parents went or it is the best school in the state. You will know once you are there whether or not you think that it would be a good fit for you. Once at school, I recommend that you do not stay in your comfort zone, but instead try new things. I met a lot of my friends by just simply talking to people that I didn't know in my dorm or joining a club. Of course school is important as well, but college is also about the experience and there is no other time in your life when you are surrounded by so many people of the same age. Get to know people and I guarantee you that you will find friendships that will last the rest of your life.

I agree with most people that finding a school that has your major is pretty important, but that should not be all that you consider. Make sure you tour your campus ( if at all possible) at least once, hopefully two to three times. Get a real feel of the campus to see if you would be comfortable there or not. Another big thing to consider is how big of a school you want, or how big of a city you would like it to be in. I know many people who were from large cities and went to school in small towns, or people from small towns who went to school in large cities and absolutely could not handle it. Most of them ended up transferring after a semester or year.

I would tell students, and this is indirectly for the parents too, to choose a college that you want to go to. A place that feels right to you, and not for anyone else. That a chance to get away from home is sometimes a good thing, being on your own helps learn responsibilties with your schooling with that in college, you are on your own, people do not check to make sure you are doing homework or studying, you want to make sure that you can do this. I would also say that, even if you have no idea what you want to do with your life, that's okay, you do not need to know right away. College will let you explore options to figure that out, you do not need to feel pressured to have a major coming into college. Lastly, I want incoming students to know to just have fun, make friends, do not be to serious or the stress will show on your school work. In having fun, keep up with school work, its what you are paying to go to school for. So have fun, and study hard.

Picking the right college is not always as easy as it sounds. You may know people who go there that enjoy it, you may like the sports teams of the campus, or maybe you have wanted to go there since you were little. However, from my experience in finding the right college you must tour the schools you are interested in and stay over for a night if that is an option. You may like all the campuses that you stay on but the one you feel most comfortable at is the one to choose. Once kids get to school everyone's reaction is different. Some love is right off the bat and others have a hard time adjusting. I know there was times when I just wanted to go home. Despite that, you must stay involved on campus, meet as many new people as you can, and stay true to yourself. It is ok to feel home sick but after a few months you will have a new place to call home.

In finding the right college, parents and students should be looking for a place that they feel fits them. From my experience in talking to people, you will get a great education at most of the places you are looking at but if you're not happy with the campus then you should look elsewhere. As for making the most of your college career, all I can say is stay focused. You don't necessarily have to come in knowing what you want to do but you should understand that college isn't just about the parties or hanging out with friends. College is not easy and will require your utmost attention. I'd also recommend getting involved on campus and finding like-minded people. Finding a new sport to play or a school group to join is critical to being happy at school.

I would have to tell parents that they need to be actively involved in the school their child attends. Look around and ask outside brochures of the school to get the full scoop. Once the student starts school stay actively involved and look for signs of binge drinking, depression, and other things that bother your son or daughter. This will be a wonderful experience and you won't want to miss a thing!

Visit lots of schools and try to talk to students and get their opinion of the school.

Touring seveal campuses and getting a feel for the atmosphere of each campus while classes are in session is vitally important. It's virtually impossible to know how one is going to fit into a campus when it is completely barren. Also, making sure that a student is comfortable enough to get invovled is a decisive factor. By getting involved on campus, it reduces the feelings of "homesickness," starts to make the campus feel more like a second home, and will help a student to be more engaged and productive in this new experience. One of the greatest decisions I made coming into college was taking the initiative to get to know as many people around campus as I could. Not only did I meet some great people that are now like a second family, but I was able to familiarize myself with what resources were available, and network myself for so that I could build connections that extend into post-graduation job searches. Overall, the best piece of advice is that every student is as different as each campus. Go with where you could see yourself succeeding, because that really is the ultimate factor.