University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Top Questions

Be ready to work hard from the get go. Don't go for a degree that makes the most money. Study what you enjoy. If you work for happiness, money will follow.

College is a hugely important step in a person's life. A potential college student should

Visit the campuses you are interested, and when you find one that feels right, go with it.

Do your research, visit the campus, and talk to current strudents. Parents should visit the surrounding areas to see the make up of the life surrounding the campus. (i.e clubs, popular hang outs, restaurants, accessibility of liquir stores, etc)

Be well infomed as to what college you may want to attend. It is going to be the place that you call both school and for some, home, for the next 4 years. Make sure you are comfortable, acquainted with the school, know what you are going to want to do in the future. Have a plan. This is one of the biggest decisions of your life, it is the beginning of your life, the transformation of a high school student into an individual ready to take on the working world in a shorter amount of time than you realize. Take the steps necessary in order to assure success for yourself academically, and God willing, for the path that you choose in life once formal education is over.

I would advise parents to encourage their children to be proactive in their search and in selling themselves to the prospective colleges, it's very competitive now; more so than when I first applied. I would advise students to make the most of their time by volunteering and being a part of their school life, but also to gain as much real life experience and not to push going to college if they are not sure a 4 year course of study is truly for them. If there were these new schools of specific study like forensics, criminology and non-professional health care jobs, I probably wouldn't have felt the pressure to go to a four year college, I would have finished long ago and have a career. Don't jump into it if you're not entirely sure what your path is. Take some time to truly figure out what it is you want to do and then plan accordingly. And parents, don't be so quick to enlist your child in a college setting before they know it's what they want. It's important, especially now with the economy being in such a poor state.

If I had to give my opinion about finding a college I would definitely tell the student to go out of state no matter how much your parents tell you that you are not ready. Staying close to home will only delay the process of you actually growing up. I would also say find a school where you don't know as many people this way you can meet more people and find yourself and experience different things. Finding a school that has the program that you want is also a must. Going to a school that doesn't offer the degree you want is just a waist of time. I would definitely recomend a school that is completely organized. A school that never answers the phone or takes 6 months to give you an acceptance letter is probably not to organized.

Look into your intended major, if you know what it will be. Also, take a plethura of courses your first semester there, to see what you are interested in.

I would visit the college as soon as you start your junior year to determain if the school has what you are looking for. One important fact is that they should apply for on campus housing as soon as possible if it is limited. Also apply for as many scholorships as you can. As parents, make this a stipulation of any financial support you will provided for your child.

Look for a school that is the right size for you; the best thing about my school was that it was big enough to offer very specialized classes but small enough that all my teachers knew me by name. Make sure that you have someone, whether it's a favorite professor or your assigned advisor, that can walk you through any situation as it approaches. Work hard, play hard, and have fun!

The advice I would give to the students in search of finding the right college would be to keep your options open. Try not to set your mind on only one college because a person never knows what could happen in the future. Base your college search on your major, the location of the campus, and also the atmosphere of the campuse. All thos factors help to play a huge role in the decision of the right college. As for making the most of the experience, try and keep your mind open and not be afraid to try new things. Try and find extra activities you may find fun or interesting. By doing this, you will make your college experience more beneficial. One thing I have learned is try and always fit in some "fun" time into your schedule. School work and grades are important, but too much of that can cause extreme stress. A good and beneficial characteristic to obtain is to be organized. In having this trait, you will be able to balance your school work and have fun at the same time. College is a stressful time, but needs a little fun mixed in once in awhile!

i have give my parent and my firends or student advice that college is the right way to go to if you want to get a better life of a better colege in your life so if you want to get a better job or a better life the right way is to go college and graduated from there and than you will get what you want to get it.

Students and Parents need to visit all of the schools that they are looking at. When you visit a campus you actually get a feel for what the university has to offer and if it is right for you. Students should also pick a school that is right for you and do not base your decision on where your friends are going or where your parents think you should go. It is your decision and in the end that is was really matters .

talk to some students as if YOU were attending there and ask some general questions to see what the inside scoop is. the ups and downs of it.

Think about what is important to you, you will need to make trade-offs. Take advantage of every oppertunity possible.

Make sure that you go over all the possibilites of colleges that excepted you and make a list to compare and contrast the positive and negative things about each college and the city that surrounds it. I know personally, I did not take enough time to think about all my options before making my decision, so if you research all the schools you are interested thouroughly, you will benefit greatly and be much more happier with the final choice of college you plan to attend.

Be reasonable/logical and pick the school that you think will help you succeed the most and won't leave you with incredibly high loans that may be difficult to pay off.

Before you make your choice on which college to attend, make sure you spend plenty of time on campus! Talk to students, especially if you can find any in your possible program and ask tons of questions! Have lunch in the cafeteria, tour some of the buildings and talk to professors. Experiencing the college first hand will help you determine if the school is right for you more than any book or website will be able to tell you.

Tour as many schools as you can - some people think they want a small campus but wind up feeling suffocated, or they think they want a large campus and wind up feeling overwhelmed. Try to be as familiar as possible with a campus before making your choice (obviously it's hard if you're just visiting for a weekend). Also, don't make a choice on a school based on where your friends are going, because it's important to meet new people. But, if you're planning on going to a school where hardly anyone you know is going, you should keep in mind that it's important to have a social support network. It's not very optimistic advice but try not to date someone that goes to a different college - it makes it harder for you to meet new people and have fun if you are constantly missing someone. That's not to say that you should go to a college just because your significant other is going there. GO TO CLASS. Your parents are paying for you to be there and it's the ONLY way to get good grades and keep up with your schoolwork.

Look into reviews, talk to current students, and spend some time on the campus (more than the day you do the tour) to see if you would really like the school because you'll be spending a lot of time there!

Find a school whose culture fits you best

My advice to parents and future students about choosing the right school would be to choose the school that would highlight the student?s character. You want to attend a school that positively influences the student; it would be much easier for the student to succeed in an environment that values their achievement. Students spend most of their time in class, doing homework, studying, and keeping up a job. On top of all that a student can?t afford to spend their remaining time trying to fit in or loosing their identity in bad influences or people that truly don?t respect them. It could have an effect on the student?s attitude and reflect into their academics. Of course there will be struggles wherever the student will go, but it will be nice to have that assurance that the student doesn?t have to encounter avoidable obstacles. Finding the right school can inflict confidence, a sense of accomplishment, and ultimately will bring out the best in the student. It's also important to take college seriously and understand that this is the first step into establishing a future. Understanding that makes college more meaningful and easier to appreciate.

Go to the school that you like and that makes you feel comfortable. You will be living there for at least four years and no matter how good the program you are looking for is, if you don't like the school, dorms, atmosphere and social life you will not have a good experience. Be self-motivated. The only way to get the most out of your education and the money you are paying for it is to have goals and to work towards them. If you are not learning what you want, or are struggling, find someone that will help you. Most professors are more than willing to help and forging a meaningful relationship with your professors is invaluable. The purpose of college is to prepare you for the world afterwards. In the world after college there are many, many people trying to make their way. If you are have learned how to achieve your goals you will be well situated for life afterwards. Remember, it is not which college you attend that matters, it is the experiences you have there that will make you who you are and will prepare you to succeed in the career you choose.

Go on campus tours and if you can spend a night on campus during the week and a night on the weekend.

Ultimately, your college experience will be based upon the decisions you make before you even enter college. You must choose the school that meets all of your criteria. Will you enjoy living there? Will you feel wanted there? Do they have the academic program you wish to acheive? Is there anything to do on the weekends? Think about all aspects of life before choosing! Do not choose the school your high school friends have chosen, chances are you will not be friends with most of them after your college career is through. When you do enter college, LIVE ON CAMPUS. This is the best way to spend your freshman year. Do not go home for at least the first six weeks of school so that you can get used to your room, your roommates, make friends and learn about your new campus. Get involved as much as you can and take every opportunity given to you to heart. Make the best of it... it will fly by very quickly!

Go some place out side of your comfort zone. Just rember, "What ever the mind of man can conceive... It can achieve." If a student wants something bad enough they will make it happen. Also parents dont hover over your child. Let them make their own mistakes for when they do become a sucess it is that much more meaningful.

It is important that students find the place that they are most comfortable in, and not necessairly where all of their friends are attending or where people want you to go. Every person is different and it is important that you find the university that best suites your personailty, whether it is a big one with an active sports and/or large social scene, or perhaps a smaller campus with a more relaxed social atmosphere and/or rigurous academics or a more religious institution. College is the time when you will discover who you really are and what you want to do with the rest of your life, this period is about you and who you will become. Look around college campuses and participate in recruitman programs they offer to get the best feel for a university. No matter where you go, you'll make new friends with similar interests who will be part of your life for years to come and if you make the right choice, the experience and academics will prepare you for the future that you desire. Finally, no matter where you go, be sure to get involved and become part of that community!

As a senior, I have seen many students with many interests. However, these interests happen to change more than the students do. My advice for any student in choosing the right college is to allow for a change of interest. By going to a larger school, one has the opportunity to change their major as often as possible. Even if one is completely sure they will be doing their current interest for the rest of their life, it is good to have a backup policy. By attending a bigger school, one has a great amount of opportunities to meet people and open doors for their future. I currently attend a campus that takes only 10 minutes to walk across campus, but there are thirty thousand students that attend the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The campus is small yet big, and I would look for a campus that feels like home but gives you the chance to meet the world. I will be attending graduate school next year, and I will be doing this very thing.

I would advise talking with students who have attended the prospective college, preferably those with similar interests because there can be a wide range of personal experiences at a single college. Attempt to get a feel for life on campus, if you are looking for an involved college experience, or considering going to a primarily commuter school. If there is an opportunity to go to a college further from home, consider taking advantage of it, or study abroad for a semester. By challenging yourself in a new environment, you will grow as a person very quickly. Visit the area that the college is located in. If you and the city aren't compatible, take this into consideration. I would also advise that a prospective college is strong in fields you would consider going into. If money is an issue, looking at the cost of living in the area will be necessay. The choice you make does NOT have to be final, I've known many people to transfer schools with positive results. Finally, to make the most of your college experience, take advantage of the opportunities you're presented with, step out of your comfort zone, and have fun!

To parents and students contemplating their college path--my advice is simple. Follow your head first, and your heart second. Know what you want to do with your life, and narrow down your college choices based on schools offering your program. If you don't know what you what to study, figure it out before you go! I know far too many people who have been in school for years and have still not decided on a major. Most importantly in the college selection process, tour your choices! Your heart will tell you what is right for you. You will know when you walk the sidewalks and tour the dorm rooms if it will work for you. Once you've made the big decision and are at school, make the most out of it! Please do not hang out with people you went to high school with. You don't want to leave college four years later with the same friends you came with. What a loss! Open your heart and your eyes to the amazing new people surrounding you. College brought me the best friends that I have and I hope the same for you.

I remember my high school college counselor telling me that most students change their major 4-5 times before graduation. Even with his advice, I thought I had everything figured out. I had top-notch grades and an appointment to the Air Force Academy; why change anything? After three semesters at the Academy, I finally came to the realization that it was not for me. I loved the Air Force, but I did not feel like I fit in very well. So there I was, at the college of my dreams and I was completely unhappy. When I made the decision to disenroll and seperate from the Air Force, I chose to apply to UW-Milwaukee. After two semesters, I was working with faculty with notariety in their fields on ground-breaking research projects. I've flourished here like never before. The advice people give you is true: choose a school where you feel like you belong. The key to success in college, as I understand it, is to be where you love and STUDY what you love. Also, get involved on campus, it can't hurt to make new friends along the way!

I think picking UW-Milwaukee is a good choice for being hardworking and wanting to gain some lifetime friends. You are usually expected to work your hardest and in some classes give your opinions, no matter how crazy they sound. Some problems that I have noticed is that the financial aid offices always have problems, the billing offices always get confused and send 2 to 3 bills to the same person but the name is spelt many different ways, and the advising could use some more knowledge about advising.

I would advise parents and/or students that when finding the right college to make sure they know what they want to do. If they do not exactly know what they want to major in then they should try a two year collge and get their generals out of the way. They can save a lot of money that way and take the time to really find out who they are. I would also advise them not to go to a school because their friends or boyfriend is planning on going there. They can always visit friends or make new friendships that last forever. Also, boyfriends and girlfriends break up. Your goal in life does not always match your friends or partner's. I would advise them to get involved with activities or clubs that relate to their field. In the long run that will them find friends, network, and build a resume for future jobs. The most important thing I would tell them is not only to enjoy themselves, but to work hard and keep their grades up. I've seen too many people fail because they let their social life get the way of school.

I would advise the student to make sure they are comfortable with the atmosphere of the campus and to familiarize themselves with the campus layout and surrounding area. I woud also stress that starting with a 12 credit workload might be a good idea to get the student introduced to school without burning them out. I believe if the student is confident they want a four year degree, their parents will be confident as well and more likely to support the student's choice to continue education regarless of location. I would advise the new student to live on campus, in a dorm for example, to meet as many people as possible. Netwoking and meeting people is critical for success in most situations including group tudying or ultimately finding a career.

Look for a school that has a great progrem in the field you want to pursue and a school where you will feel comfortable among your peers.

Don't underestimate small schools. They usually offer a better education.

Before giving any advice about college to parents, I would say teach your child about the value of a dollar. I worked in highschool but I did not save as much as I should have. I was young, and nobody really stressed the importance of saving for my college career. I now think about money everyday and wonder if I was given a chance to have more money to go for my college education that I could expand my boundaries of what I want out of my college experience instead of being limited to how many credits I can take because of money. For choosing the right college, you need to have a few in mind and visit them. Research them and decide what college matches your hobbies and plans for the future. Plan a visit and get a feel for the place. You need to picture youself living there and what benifits come along with it (Location, friends, majors). To get the most out of your experience once you are there my advice would be to open yourself up to new experiences. Make yourself try new things. It is a rewarding feeling opening yourself up to new experiences.

Go visit the college visit friends there and have fun. Don't hold anything back and be open to new experiences. live life the the fullest

When searching for the right college, location is very important. As a student, you may either be more comfortable in a smaller country city or a big city. Personally, I chose a school close to home. If you have never been away from home, it is easier to adjust when you know your family isn't too far away. Also, find a school that is diverse. It will help you to learn more about yourself and your true interests.

Pay attention to finances, undergraduate programs and living costs!

My advice to parents and students who are just starting the college process is to visit several different schools and cities before you make your final decision of where you are going to get your education. I never had the opportunity to take a campus tour -before I started at UW-Milwaukee and found that I was a little lost for the first couple months. Tours can often provide you with valuable information besides the geographical layout of your school. Often times, the tour guides are students themselves and are usually more than willing to answer questions about thier personal experiences and challenges at the school. This insider information can provide you with a better understanding of how the school rates from the perspective of a student and not the people who are trying to recruit you to come there.

All students who are looking at colleges to attend, I have this to say to you: go with your gut. No matter where your friends are going, where your parents want you to go, where your boyfriend/girlfriend is going...if you have a gut feeling about a school, go with it! My father went to UW-Madison, and that is where he really wanted me to go. He wanted me to go there very badly. I was planning on going there, until I visited UW-Milwaukee. While walking around the UW-Milwaukee campus and talking with tour guides, advisors, etc. I just had a gut feeling that this was the school for me. And I was right. I love everything about my school, and I know that if I had not gone with my gut instinct about it I would have always regretted it.

The most important thing to remember about trying to find a college is, will the student have fun here. Studies are important, and the level of high standard is great, but the overall mood and happiness of the student is what matters most. Whether you take in sporting events, activities, clubs, organizations, activities, and other things around campus to help you enjoy the college that much more is up to the student, but if the student doesn't feel that he/she can be able to participate in the college atmosphere to their full potential, then the student shouldn't pick the college. The parents can have an impact and an opinion as well when it comes to choosing, but this decision is the students' because they are the people that are going to college. Advice that I would also give is attend as many college tours as you can. Do not settle for just one college and assume you will get in. Have more options at your hand so that the decision will be one that you will have to think about long and hard once you come to that decision. Have fun and enjoy the college life. Thanks!

My advice to incoming freshmen student is make new friends and stick with the old ones. Through my experience, friends help me financially, mentally, and physically. Without my friends I really dont think I could've made it all these years. Friends influence your study habits and there the only one you can rely on if your far away from home!

Visit the college for an entire week. Get the real feal of it. Talk with program specialist and see if they really are specialists.

Students should choose a college based on their learning needs. Some students like larger campuses while others prefer smaller schools. Parents and students should take a tour of several colleges in which they are interested in before making a decision. Parents should support their childs decision and not let money become an issue. Students should really be focused on doing well and take care of schoolwork first. Students should also be outgoing and get involved with their school. At least participate in social events, but joining different clubs also helps building social networks. Having pride and spirit for your school will help you enjoy your college experience just that much more.

To talk it out with your parents about what your really want in the future and what your short and long term plans are. Also don't be afraid to make a change of schools or anything else if your are unhappy.

The best advice I could give to both a future student and parent would be to go and visit each campus the student is interested in and check out all the school and surrounding area has to offer. It is very important to feel comfortable at the campus you choose and not choose it only because your friends are going there. If you do not feel right about it, your success will change. Students, I recommend that you choose a place you see yourself being, loving, and enjoying. A place where you feel you will get that college experience that you want, because it's different for every student on every campus. Parents, I recommend that you be as supportive as you can of your child's choice on any campus they choose even if its not the one you wanted them to attend. Ultimately it's their decision and that is where they will be living, so their happieness is what is most important. Being happy at the campus you choose is a huge key to success because you are more likely to enjoy your time and do your best at everything!

Making the right decision about attending college is crucial. I chose the wrong college first, I went to a large research university for the first three years of college. If you want to be just a number and teach everything to yourself, that is the direction to take. But for me it turned out not to be. Changing to a smaller college, one more dedicated to its students has helped me regain control of my education. Instead of researchers teaching my classes I have professors who are actually in their field. I am learning from some of the best people in their respective fields. Don't think that if you want to go to a small college that it has to be in a small town as well. This is what makes your life outside of school interesting. College is about more than which college you attend, but it is about the atmosphere you put yourself in, so it is important to find a city that suits you and your needs as well. In closing, this is one of the more important times in your life, and you must take in all of the possibilities and decide carefully!

Do a lot of research about the university. Make sure it has what you want! Maybe get to know some professors before you go. See if you can meet them for office hours to see what they are like.