Virginia Commonwealth University Top Questions

Let's be honest, I could give the same advice as everyone is going to give...go on tours, visit an unnecessary amount of schools and take all the advice you can get from your friends. I'm not going to give you any of that advice, though. What I am going to tell you is listen to your gut. That sounds cliche, but it's true. If you had any inkling of an idea of where you wanted to go to school your sophomore or junior year, you were probably right. Now, what to do when you arrive at that school is another story. To really make the most of your college experience, I would tell you to just have fun. That, yet again, is also a cliche piece of advice, yet I truly believe it to be true. Go to parties, stay up all night at least once, even if you have to make those crucial 7-11 runs at three in the morning. Take a day trip to the river, or beach with your friends and a cooler. It's all part of the experience, and it's one you'll never forget.

First and foremost, I would suggest parents and students to visit all the universities that they are interested in. Whether the life style, or the surrounding area, or the programs that the school offers, every upcoming college student should at least come and spend a day there to experience the real life at the campus. On the day visiting the university, parents and students can ask as many questions as they want from the students who currently go there. Make sure that parents and students have written down everything they want to ask in case if they forget to. Again, do not hesitate to ask any student about the school. However if financial problem is the most important to the students, then students have to compare and choose whoever offers the most money to cover all the college expenses among all the accepted universities. Once students choose to attend the university, they have be responsible for their tuition fee, so if the students have money difficulties then do not choose to go the school they like but cannot afford to pay and waste time for transferring.

The advice that I would give to a parent would be to choose the college that offers the most money. College is a big transistion from high school and if possible let your child talk to someone that has been to college. Maybe before their senior year let them stay on a college campus to get a feel for what it is like. School never gets easier it's only to going to get harder as you get closer to being out in the real world. College is going to be the best time in your life. Make friends that are trying to go the same place that you are going. The friends that want to succed in life and make something of themselves. Focus more on your education and not your social life. Your social life can sometimes take your focs away from the prize and don't let it happen. The best college I would say is whatever you can afford.

I believe the most important part of decidng what school you want to attend, is to make sure you visit the school on a Friday. I say this because, you can experience the most important part, the classroom experience, and also the social experience. When I say the social experience, I do not mean the parties (yet), I mean seeing some of the people you will be interacting with on a daily basis. You can do this by eating a meal at the main cafeteria, which allows you to taste the food you will be eating (for at least freshman year), and also the types of people who attend that school (and seeing them in a relaxed food setting is best). It may be apprehensive at first but before you know it, you wil be wondering where your first year went.

Find a good group of friends, and balance you work and play time well.

No matter how many hours you can spend sitting and flipping through pamphlets or websites on a certain school, nothing can compare to actually going out and visiting colleges. In order to find the school of your dreams you have to be able to visualize yourself living there. Most students attend college for at least two years or more; therefore if your not comfortable enough to simply visit a school, chances are you won't like living there for four years either. The most important thing to remember is that college should be a reflection of you as the student. With tuition costs rising more and more each year, it would be absurd for your parents to shovel out so much money for something your just not that passionate about. As much as we would like to say, "pick the school with the best academic standings," it all comes down to what YOU want and who YOU want to be. VCU is not listed as one of the greatest schools in the nation, however I as a student and as a person have never felt more complete and sure about myself since I've been here. Remeber: Passion is knowledge.

The best advice I can give about finding the right college is find a college that fits you! When you walk on to a college campus you should just know that that college is the one you are destined to go to. Also, even if a college has a huge population of students it is easy to become a number but it is just as easy to stand out and find your way. To make the most of the college experience I would say focus on academics first and social life second. It may be the most 4 years of your life, but if after those 4 years you have no where to go you may regret it. It is easy to have a social life and still do well, you just have to know when you must focus on work and when you can play. Overall, have fun but don't slack!

It is important to have a clear view of what you want to major in. Though not everyone knows what they want to study right away, if so, then you should look at the areas aroung the college and see if you would feel at home there. The most important thing to remember is that college is a life experiance and it will be where you will grow as a person so you should pick what feels right.

I would tell students find the school that is right for you, not for your friends or parents but for you. The school should have what majors you are looking for and what interests you. You should try and keep you work load to a moderate level your freshman year. Overwhelming yourself your first year is not a good idea transitioning to college is a different experience then anything you have done before. It is a great experience, but different. Always remeber to have fun, college is for learning but also to make friends and have fun.

My biggest piece of advice is simple: Don't pick a college based on that fact that you already "know" what you want to do. Take "plan B" into consideration. Most kids have an idea of what they want to do, or a dream job, and most of the time college is the road to that job. That's great, but most kids change their mind about what they want to do once they get there. If you're stuck in a college that only really focuses on one type of career and it turns out that you want to be something else, you're (for lack of a better term) screwed! Set yourself up to have the freedom to change your mind and still come out with a degree that employers recognize. If it turns out that you kept your original plans then you didn't hurt yourself, but you could if you get stuck in the aforementioned situation.

Go and check out the college and see if it is the best for you. Check out the statistics and demographics to make sure you won't be an outcast. You make school fun so it is up to you to go out and become social because events won't come looking for you. Also learning a foreign language is a great medium for communication between different people.

Size, location, diversity, and programs offered.

I would say the best advice to give would be to choose a university that fits your personality. And with that if you choose the right one will help you make the best of your college experience. Make friends, join clubs, get involved with your school as much as you want.

Don't wait until the last minute for things. That is a terrible idea.

To the student: Go to the school you want. Do not go somewhere because your family did, you like the football team or you think the institution?s name will give you a step up in competition. Choose a school where you feel physically, emotionally, mentally and academically comfortable. Visit every campus you seriously consider so you can get a true feeling for the setting. While visiting, interact with the institution?s students and faculty. They are the best tool for receiving information about the university. The institution you choose will nurture you for the next four or more years. You will feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed if you are not honest in making your decision. Do not allow admissions to distract you. Stick with figuring out where you will achieve the most success. As a result, you will flourish academically and enjoy the overall college experience. Students who do not have to compensate for or cover subpar grades enjoy the social aspects of college more. The most important piece of advice - be honest with yourself during the college hunt. To the parent(s): Listen to your child. Remember, they will live the four years not you.

College is everything that a person needs to experience in life. When students decide to go to a particular college, it?s choosing his/her specific path in life. Yes in many cases, students may go one direction and choose another later on in like, but outside that education box, there is something else that shapes and molds the students into who they can be in the future. In order to choose the right college for someone can be hard, but also simple. First I would like to recommend thinking about his/her dream. What they want to be or what they want to accomplish in life. This is one big chapter that they are going to write about. When they have found the perfect view or a possibility idea, and then choose the college that best represents their interest. All University or college would have something close but I believe there would be that one specific college will shine. Making the best experience in college is to achieve more then you have to and to do your best. Professors, education, friends, whatever you come across, just give your best and your all. So you won?t have any regrets.

The perennial pursuit of finding, surviving, and thriving in a college can be accomplished easily keeping in mind a simple age-old aphorism: Know thyself. Leaving the nest for college can cause anxiety for both parents and students, but one can truly relish the college experience for what its worth with planning and preparation. Before deciding on the right college or university, prospective students and their parents need to ascertain their preferences for a higher education. The size, location, environment, and programs offered at different institutions should all come into play when making such an important decision. While finances can be instrumental in making the final decision, scholarships and loans cannot be discounted. After acceptances have come in and finances been taken into account, even if a student does not end up at his or her first choice for college, the potential for an amazing experience is still there. One cannot sell him or herself short. Students should follow what already interests them, making sure to explore foreign coursework and extracurricular activities also. Most importantly, balance and restraint should be present in the aspiring student's life; balance between work, fun, and time for oneself. The ride is worth it.

You need to analyze yourself & your reasons for going to college prior to starting your search. Why, really, are you going? What are your abilities & strengths? What are your weaknesses? What do you want out of life ? something tangible or intangible? Are you socially self-sufficient or do you need warm, familial support? Talk with your family, friends & high-school counselors as you ask these questions. The people who know you best can help you the most with these important issues. Your college does not have to be bigger than your high school. college is a time to explore, and a smaller community is more conducive to internal exploration. It is not the number of people, but the people themselves and the kind of community in which you will learn that really matters. You will likely find that success in life has less to do with the choice of college than with the experiences and opportunities encountered while in college, coupled with personal qualities and traits. Employers and graduate schools are looking for outstanding skills and experience, not college pedigrees.College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won. Finding a good fit requires time/thoughtfulness.

Choosing the best college for you might seem very tedious but once you've found the right college, you'll be very pleased with your decision. Everyone wants to feel comfortable and have friends, and that?s exactly what you should look for when scouting for colleges. Making college everything you want it to be is totally up to the student. You can be a party animal or a study bug, which ever makes you happy, go for it. But we must always remember, the choices we make in college will definitely affect us in the future?so be careful and make wise decisions.

Have fun, do you best and make the most of it

Pick a school that a student feels comfortable attending.

Make sure that you read reviews on the school, visit the campus and talk to students who are just walking the street. Also talk to different professors, you will get many different opinions to make the right decision.

Make sure you tour every school you are going to apply to. Things are very different in person than on paper, and you only know how it really it is after you have been there. Also, do not let an application fee or tuition get in the way of your first choice. That application fee may be worth it, and there are all kinds of financial aid available. Do not be afraid of having to pay off school loans. You will have plenty of time and it is more than worth it.

At this point in time, with the current economy being so bland, I would highly recommend using resources available to create & give the student the most financially sound education. There are many resources available, both at individual colleges as well as websites, that provide scholarship oppurtunities. Additionally, it would be beneficial to sit down with someone with loan expertise and explain the different financial options that students have when attaining a degree. I would also suggest getting genreal education credits out of the way at a community college, then pursuing the rest of the bachelor's degree at a four year college. Not only will this save money, but it will also help the student grasp a better idea of which field they would like to pursue. While attending school, it's important to really understand and learn about yourself. You're on your own and figuring out the world, which can be both positive and negative but try to remember that balance is key. Don't be overly social & ignore your studies, but at the same time, you will make friendships that last a lifetime, so make use of social activities and events to network, make connections and friends.

I would tell the student to think long and hard about the major he or she wants to be. Don't go to a certain school based on what friends are attending or if your high school girlfriend is going. Do college for yourself, not others. It is an investment in yourself, and well worth every penny. Once you are in school, give it your all. Showing up just on test days doesn't cut it, and STUDY! This isn't high school where you can get away with not studying and do well. To the parents I would tell them to start saving for their kid's college as soon as possible. You would not believe how much stress trying to come up with college payments can be, mounted on top on school work and social lives. I'm not saying let them not have a job, but just make them worry about rent and food. Parents and students, work as a team to ensure success. That is my advice to you.

When you or your child decide to go to college, find the place that will define you and not necessarily what you wish to become. Do not choose a college soley based on the statistics behind them because that will soon lead one into a sea of doubt and quite possibly turn into a downfall. It is not to choose the best college but to choose a college that fits one as a person. Once you find out that this college will be what you want, whether it is greatly diversified or have small classrooms, it is the small things that truly will define how one would succeed in college. Sometimes the best colleges are not necessarily the best colleges for the brightest even though they say they are, because perhaps one will find a college that will fit them and truly make them shine in that field just because they found that particular professor in that small college who touched that student in a way that would truly lead them to develop to heights of their potential. College doesnt make leaders but they lay the path for potential leaders that can change the world.

Be sure to check out many schools and figure out which one you would feel safest attending, and what has the most to offer for your specific interests.

It really helps to know what exactly what you want to do for a career to find the right college. Instead of going to college to find out what you want to do, you should really find out what you want to do first, then find the right college that offers the best courses.

To find the best college one must definitely visit the college to experience the atmosphere and the place where one might stay for the NEXT 4 years of their lives. It is best to have a diverse college that provides the most opportunities as possible. College is a place of development and change, and without the option to choose a different path, one is trapped. Research some of the professors in your selected major if you have one and find if they are well-known. Join as many activities and groups as possible that you are even slightly interested in because it is a great way to make friends and find out who you really are.

To not pressure their kids and support them as much as they can

Going to college is a milestone in every student's life, but this process doesn't have to be stressful. Just be organized and make a plan long before application deadlines. The key to success is to start a year in advance. Based on academic performance and SAT scores, one may realistically decide which universities one has a chance of being accepted to. With this in mind, think of one of two possible majors and research their curriculums at each of the schools' websites. Narrow down your top 12 choices and visit each of them, focusing on the campus, dormitories, meal system, academics, finances, and relative area as criteria for each school. There are numerous charts online to help you with this step. The earlier one starts, the more colleges one may see and experience. Once narrowed down, complete the applications to each university the summer before senior year to avoid last minute rush applications. Once accepted there is no set way to make the most of one's college experience since there are usually a plethora of activities at most universities - just focus on keeping your grades up and you surely won't regret it later on.

I believe in fitting the college to the student. If the student feels comfortable in big crowds and is a people person then a big college is for them. If they prefer a more one on one approach, I feel that a smaller college is the way to go. The more comfortable the student is the better they will do.

Start filling out scholarships for your children before they get to college.

go for what you want. not what your friends or parents want. this is your future and you are in control.

First thing you want to do after you make a list of colleges you want to consider is to take your top 5 choices (that fit with what you want to major in and the practicality of attending it) and visit them. You don't want to make choices on a place you've never been to, especially since you will be investing four years into it. Visit the campus, ask around, and see if the shoe fits. You don't want to be disappointed, college is supposed to be where you learn and have fun. This is where you grow up. College is where you'll make mistakes, turn your socks pink, and stumble around in the dark. Can you see yourself growing up with the people around you? That's what you should consider after finding out they meet all your other qualifications (like what academic programs they offer and how they rank there). If you have financial concerns just remember to fill out a FAFSA and try to find options that are instate as well. Try and also look up work-study programs or see if the area around your campus might hire students. Remember, have fun.

Student- Take time to evaluate your options and dont hesitate to change your options. Know that your parents may not be able to afford certain college educations that you may would like to recieve. Parents- Teach your child the best from a young age, but as they get older use reserved guidance instead of hands-on parenting as they get older. Try to accept the fact that your little one is growing up and is becoming more mature and is leaving soon. Parents/Students - live your life to the fullest everyday

Try not to make your decisions based on just the name and prestige of the school. Wile cost is an inevitable factor remember you will reap what you sew. Take the time do do some research about your school and visit the campus at least once. Talk to potential Professors and visit the carrier center. Talk to some of the students if you can, seniors will usually give you the most honest answers. Make sure that the school will be able to provide you with the resources you will need to succeed.

consider all factors, not just academics

My advice would be simply to stay positive. Keeping your head up and realizing that there is always tomorrow are good ways to go about school. If a school doesn't fit, you can transfer until you find one that does. There are always going to be days that everything is too much and you're overwhelmed but if you decide to think about things in a white light, they will always work out. Take every day as it is and study what you really want. Don't mix work and pleasure. Get your school work done and then take your time spending the rest of your hours with friends. Don't get caught up in grey areas that can distract you from your goals and don't ever let anyone tell you that your goals are too big.

It is extremely important to find a school where you know the area who would like to major in is specific. Also it is important to know whether you like the location or not; whether it is the city or country etc. But above all, think of where you would be the happiest, do not think about your boyfriend and friends, think about yourself first. After you get accepted and you start attending that school, things can be very rocky at first. Do not get discouraged because things will get better. Stay focused on what you want out of your college experience and it will happen if you chose the right school.

Moms and Dads, this is your child's future and four years. Please let them pick their school. Stay involved with them if you can, there is no PTA in college, but that just means you get to talk to little Mikey or Suzie about what's going on (instead of their roommates). By all means, visit (bring money), help with the laundry (drop off quarters), get the mealplan, and invest in the parking space. Encourage on-campus housing if your student-to-be is not the terribly social type (they will want it already if they are), it helps your freshman get involved with the school itself, make friends, and stay focused on the schoolwork that they are actually there for. Yes, your student will occasionally forget that college was the point of this venture, you are allowed to remind them. Last but not least, do not be afraid of that community college up the street. A two year degree will transfer just about anywhere and cost a fraction of what those two years would be at a university. My fellow students, do your work. Pay your rent. You make this experience- make it a good one.

Finding the right college is different for everyone; it really depends on what degree you would like to pursue. I would visit each college and ask for examples of social events that go on throughout the year. For someone who is shy or has a hard time making friends, I would 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} recommend living on campus the first year. This will introduce you to people in your dorms and make it easier to make friends. Making the most of your college experience means focusing on your schoolwork but also balancing it with clubs and activities.

Don't put a price tag on your/your child's college experience. th amount of education has increase 17{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} every year, but inflation should not effect your decision about a institution that is going to nurture and mold you into the profession that you have chosen for yourself. Visit other campus gets the prospective students and guadians a sense of what the university is all about, anybody can send you a pamphet about their intitution and highlight the good qualities, but you as a comsumer is investing four or more years into this university, so tarvel arrangements should be made soon.

It is important to find a college based on academics but it is more important to find a college that is comfortable for you. If your college is number one in your major but you don't feel comfortable or you don't seem to fit in...it will mean nothing because you will be miserable. It is hard to excel when your under stress and pressure and maybe depressed. When looking into college check the size of the school and decide if you can function in large or small classes; observe the surrounding area of the school, are you comfortable in a rural environment or do you prefer more suburban. Look at the statistics and decide is it too diverse not diverse enough. Consider the idea that you may want to come home, and is the school a decent distance if you may want to come home often if not think about in case of emergency and holidays. Not saying that accredation and ranking isn't important, it's just not the main factor which makes your decision because your well-being is far more important.

Take your time and start early.

Attending a university is neither the same as high school or middle school, nor is it similar. It is a totally different and ultimately life-changing experience; whether it be for the better or worse is up to the student. Once you choose a college to attend, one should expect to be there for a minimum of 4 years. For these reasons, choosing the right college should not be a process taken lightly. The student should be satisfied with the level of education administered, the environment , the possiblities in a social life and the available opportunities on and off campus. Of course, even the most accredited institutions aren't perfect, butba student should apply to colleges that are the closest to their desires. Once accepted, students should do their best to not succumb to the negative aspects of college life and stay on track with what they came to accomplish at the university. Many students lose sight of their goals and become caught up; my advice to them is, "No matter what the adversities may be, remember overcoming it will build your character. Adorn your motivation proudly and know that failing to succeed initially doesn't mean you failed ultimately."

When looking into a school you shouldnt be naive about a school, if a school dosent exactly have what you want you shouldnt look over it because it may have something else that you never experinced. and college is all about expanding your ideas about life i believe cause in the real world people are so diffrent so is only good you get a head start in college. to make the most out of your college experince you should always remeber what you are in college for, and that is to get a degree. you can make the most of your experience if you manage your time. always get your homework done and study and the partying will be more fun than normal trust me, all the rec activities will be more rewarding and on top of that you will maintain good grades.

Deciding on which college to attend is the first major life and financial decision a young adult will have to make . It is a decision that has the capability of affecting almost all other major benchmarks in life: career choice, when and where to buy a home, finding a spouse, and even the year of retirement. So, yes, you better choose wisely! Choose a school that gives you the biggest bang for your buck- and make sure you know exactly how far that buck will stretch. But also be sure to choose a place that you will start to call home after the first semester or so. More and more students are opting for degrees that can take four and five years to complete; be sure to feel comfortable in and enjoy your surroundings since transferring can ring up costs and tangle up credits. And parents: my biggest piece of advice to you is to not be afraid of a school that seems just out of financial reach. There are so many ways your student can make up the difference with scholarships, aid packages, and not to mention a job after graduating! You can only go to school once.

Make sure u find and get enough information about your desired school. It would even be better if you asked someone from that school that you don't know so that the person can be honest. If you ask your friends or someone you know, they would just tell you what u want to hear cause they are your friends. Moreover, school is no joke, so work hard and it is easy to procrastinate, trust me. Still have fun and get involve and most importantly, make SMART choices and don't forget God.

Look around at different collegees. Don't wait til the last minute to start looking. Widen your horizon and apply to a couple different places. Decide what you want to do and find a university that fits that want. Once you get there, continue planning ahead and enjoy yourself.