Auburn University Top Questions

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

Kellie

First of all, choose a campus that you feel would fit your personality. Do not let parents, friends, or other family members to choose for you. Also, live on campus. You will learn to share, plus make new friends. Join organizations such as cubs or geek organizations. Do not worry about what others think of you. College is nothing like high school, you can be friends with whomever you like. Also, spend as much time studying as you can; however, it is OK to go out and have fun with your friends. Make the most out of college!

christopher

i would say that you have to find a place that you feel comfortable attending, and one that has well educated professors. college is for learning and experiencing new things, if you are comfortable with challenging classes and are disciplined in time management than a college or university is best. Althou if you are a lazy person or jus dont care about doing work or going to class then you will be in for a rude awakening at any institution, so the best thing to do is learn to work hard and complete the coursework, but have fun and get involved with the university programs, hang out with your friends and enjoy these years of college life.

Erika

When choosing the right college, you should choose a place that you feel will allow you to develop as a person. For example, pick a college that is going to allow you to broaden your horizons and open up opportunities to try new things that you might not have been able to otherwise. Make sure it?s a place where you can spend the next four years of your life. Visit different Colleges. It is like making a major purchase, you want to shop around and compare different prices and styles before making the decision. Once in college, the best way to make the most of your experience is to get involved in something, whether it is clubs, student organizations, sports, etc. This will allow you to network and meet new people. Lastly, if you always keep in mind that you?re in college to get and education and prepare your self for the next stage in life, there is no doubt that you will not enjoy every minute of you college experience.

Katie

I would tell student to think about what they really want in a college. Do they like small class sizes where it is a close relationship between the student and the professor? Or would they prefer a larger setting where you see different people everyday? I think it is also important to ask yourself if you want to experience something different. For example, out-of-state schools. I wanted to go somewhere different and meet new people and get away from old high school routein of seeing the same people everyday. Another important question is whether or not you want to be away from your family. If you are looking for independence then an out-of-state- school is a good choice but if you know you will be homesick then you would want to stay in-state. While there, you need to take every opportunity you can. Open yourself up to new and different things. You will learn SO much that way and make tons of friends in the process. Try a little bit of everything at least once. You may find that what you want to do with your life is not what you had expected.

taylor

Both parent and student need to find some middle ground where they can agree on some aspects of schools they are looking into. There's no way that both sides will agree on everything. I suggest the family take into account the financial part of it first of all and see what's worth the money. Also the student needs to have a major in mind because he or she does not want to be at a school that doesn't even offer their course of study. Location is a sticky subject because of travel costs and how easy it is for the student to see his or her family. My drive home is about an hour and that's a good distance, the student is'nt too far away to drive home if something happens and vice versa for the parents. The somewhat of a long drive also gives the student some breathing room away from the parents for a while before they get out into the real world.

Stephanie

First off, I would recommend going to a college at least 100 miles away from home. It gives students a chance to live on their own, but also allows them to be just close enough to come home. Secondly, college visits are a must. It would be a mistake to look into the accademics and the involvement online without actually seeing the campus. I came from a small town, and going to a huge city would have been a culture shock. On the other hand, if you are from a small town you may want to get away for a change. Again, visits can completely change your mind. Another important aspect of finding the right school would be the individual schools at that university. For example, if a student thinks they may be interested in Pre-Pharmacy they should make sure that they attend a university with a pharmacy school. This cuts down on pre- graduation transfers. In closing, the best advice that I could give to highschool students or parents, would be to go with your gut. If you do not think that the college is right for you, then chances are that it probably is not.

Susan

Finding the right college is a different process for everyone. For this reason, the first thing you should do is make a list of your top priorities such as tuition costs, sports programs, academic ranking, etc. Use this list to weed out the schools you know you don't want to attend. Once you have a more clear list of colleges, think about the cities or campuses you would and wouldn't like to live in. For example, if you know you hate cold weather, you should probably not consider going to a school where the weather is cold the majority of winter. Most importantly, don't listen when people tell you it's not necessary to know what degree you plan to study because if you do wait until your third year, you'll most likely run into problems getting into classes. If attending a university, there are often core classes which can change from college to college so at least decide which college you will most likely want to be in( for example, business or liberal arts) so that you won't take any of the wrong classes. Get involved and Good luck!

Amy

College can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. The number one piece of advice I could give to parents is do your research. Learn as much as you can about the colleges/universities you are interested in attending. Try to visit the campuses that you are trying to choose between. While visiting try to sit through a class and tour the entire campus. This will give you a much better idea of the on campus atmosphere. Moreover, spend some time around the town the campus is located in to make sure the atmosphere suits you. Additionally, do your research about financial aid and scholarships to help with the cost. Make sure you can really afford the school you are looking at attending. Once you do all of this, you will have a much better idea of the differences in the schools you are choosing between for your college experience.

Wesley

Make sure it is a good environment filled with like-minded individuals who will help you to get the most out of your experience. If you have an idea of what field you want to enter, look at that as well, but that's not really as important as the people and surroundings that you will be immersed in.

Amber

Let students make their own decisions and do not be overbearing

Nathan

In rearing children, parental control is a necessity and is benefitial. As the children grow, however, parental guidance should decrease in order to allow the child to grow on his own. The college decision should be a major decision that exercises this new freedom on the part of the child. At this stage, the child is at the beginning stages of adulthood and the parents need to recognize this. This is a critical stage for the child to learn to focus on his future and how to make important decisions. Guidance from the parents is very helpful, but ulitimately the decision should be up to the child and the parents need to allow him or her to make the decision without experiencing pressure from the parents. At this time in the child's life, the parents have the opportunity to shed light on how to make the college experience great. Parents can give advice on how to be involved at school, share their own memorable experiences such as at sporting events, and how to excell in school. The parents, though, need to allow freedom to the child to deviate from their expectations, to be different.

roderick

make the right decision and the choice that right for you not the choice that someone else wants you make.......

Jeremy

My advice to parents and students would suggest them to consider schools whose academic curriculum specializes in what they are majoring in. Often times I see or hear about students who don?t receive the best or most productive college experience either because of a poor curriculum at their school or suffering from educational costs. Either two of these predicaments can cause students to change majors or worse to drop out of school. Most importantly I would advise my audience to focus maintaining at least a B average during their college career. What most people fail to realize is that when a student has a B average or a 3.0 GPA that makes their school look good and when you make your school look good they are more than willingly able to reduce your costs by means of scholarships and grants. Because this is not a perfect world these rewards are only partial amounts of total costs but since this is the real world and monetary aid will be greatly appreciated by anyone who receives it.

Elizabeth

Don't invest in college until you know why you are there and what you're trying to achieve by being there. Do research on the faculty. Learn about the research they have done and if their research will be helpful to your chosen career choice. Visit the campus and walk around without a tour guide. Strike up a conversation with a student in the college that you would like to attend. Ask them about the academic advisors and how helpful they are. Get their opinion on the school administration.

Caryn

Choosing a college is a nerve-racking and thrilling venture. However, the stress of selecting the perfect college can be reduced with just a little research. Before starting your search, make a list of criteria to meet such as campus size, schools within the college, distance from home, etc. If you know what you want from a college, finding the right one will be easier than you think. Choose your top ten favorite universities and start applying! If a college does reject you, it is not the end of the world. Remember, there are plenty of fish in the sea! After you have your acceptance letter in hand, it is time to start thinking about how to make the most of your college experience. First step is adjusting to the different location and styles of teaching. Organization will play a key role in helping you manage your classwork through those first semeseters. Once you have the academic part down, try to have a little fun! Get involved in organizations on campus and meet new people. New friends will allow you to adjust quickly to your new "home." College is time to prepare for a career but try to enjoy yourself!

Meredith

Take your time and visit as many schools as you can

Stephen

Make sure to pick a college that both the parents and the student are comfortable with. If the parents are having to worry a lot about the safety of their child, I found that it takes away some of the new freedom of moving out and being on your own. Also, make sure to pick a college that is best for what you want to study. Many people in the South pick colleges based on family loyalty or a sports team. This is ok if your team wins. But if they dont, you're still stuck at that school that may not be suited for you. I would strongly advise getting plugged in to a club/social group that suits your personality. Its really hard to make it in college without friends, especially if your away from home. So meeting new people that share your same interests is really important.

Victoria

I would strongly advise visiting the college campus and talking with the admitting office and attending pre-registration. I would suggest getting a general overview of the college town. If living off campus, I would suggest visiting prospective rental properties early. I would me with the head of the department of the degree I have chosen and discuss options on classes, future jobs, etc. Mostly familiarize yourself with all aspects of the college; so you have a "feel" of it before you are there.

Brad

Make sure that the college you choose feels best. I had little trouble adjusting to Auburn life because of the people there made me feel like I was home. The idea of a family best describes it. Look for and find that. Theres a place like that for everyone. Even if it is Alabama.

Timothy

Don't worry if your son or daughter does not know what they want to do for a living. No matter the degree, all students must take the state "core courses"--you can always take those for up to two years before on must decide on a major. Just make sure that the school has a diverse set of interests that matches your childs abililties and talents. That way when he/she does decide on a major, it will be available. Also, make sure the school takes their academics seriously--football and other things are nice extras; but, academics and reputation for jobs after the degree is awarded is very important.

Anna

Parents: Find a school that fits your child. Listen to your child. No matter what you want him or her to be, they will never be happy doing something they are not passionate about. A doctor's salary can't make the writer inside happy! Also, a balance between letting your child spread his wings while still keeping him safe is hard. Too much freedom can be detrimental, while too much shelter won't allow him to grow. Find a comprimise that works for both of you, and stick to it. Tough love can be hard to handle for young people sometimes, but it teaches us about the real world and how to be an adult. Students: Your GPA will matter to you eventually! Be serious about school. Do everything will your whole heart, including your social life. The people you meet here will be your friends for the rest of your life. Find out who you are, what makes you tick, and who makes you happy. This is the one place where you can find people who like what you like and who accept you for who you are. Don't change to fit in; stand out.

Leigh

College. The expected next step following high school graduation. In the search for your alma mater, you must ask yourself what it is you most desire to gain from your college experience. Is it knowledge? Because undergraduate degrees are becoming more and more irrevelant, the key to choosing the right college is finding the one that will prepare you most for graduate school. It may be, however, that you more interested in the experiences. The key here is to seek out the college that will motivate you to try new things and get outside of your comfort zone. Do your research! Find out what classes are offered, the level of skill among faculty, the kinds of students who normally enroll, the activities provided on campus and in the community. Prioritize your findings and, ultimately, project yourself onto what you've found the university to be. When you can see yourself there, happy, and growing as a student and a human being, then you've found a winner. To make the most of your time here, get involved! Find something you are passionate about, dedicate yourself to it, and in the process, meet people and make memories that will last forever.

Sarah

Choose a college that makes you feels at home right when you step on campus. As for making the most of the college experience, study don't just figure you'll get it. Also don't let your life interfere with your education.

Annie

The most important aspect of finding the right college is finding somewhere where you will be happy. Do not pick a school based on where your high school friends are going or which school is closest to home. Visit as many schools as you can and really think about where you can picture yourself spending the next 4 years of your life. One of the best decisions I have made thus far in my life is the choice of Auburn University as my college. I am the only one from my high school that left North Carolina but it has been the most rewarding and fulfilling experience so far. Making the most of your college experience is completely up to you. The more you get involved and give to your university, the more you will get out of it. I have found my home away from home through my sorority and the various clubs I participate in. College will be 4 of the most memorable years of your life and the best part is, you get to have a say so in where you will spend those 4 years. Make the decision for yourself and give it your all!

Brittany

Don't be scared to venture out of your comfort zone. Many students dream of one college since childhood and decide thats the only school they will go to. Having such a narrow view about your educational career can result in a disapointing outcome and year off of school. It's good to have a first choice when selecting potential colleges, but don't limit yourself to just one college. Students and parents should do research online and find atleast 5 colleges they are interested in. I would recommend visiting all these colleges and then decide which ones you would like to apply to. Apply to as many as possible; you would rather have to many options to choose from than none at all.

Drew

It doesn't really matter where you go if you aren't open to the new experience you won't have fun. You have to be willing to experience new things and meet different types of people. So I would advise the parents to try to keep their kids open to anything, let them go out and get drunk and let them experiment with drugs as they are going to do it anyway. They might as well hear it from their parents as they can give them advice to stay safe in the process and not do something stupid.

Lindsey

You should research many schools before ultimately making a decision. I find it's important to check out the town once they are considering a particular school. Find out the quality of the academic department of the field they're thinking of studying. Research extracurricluar activies. My school had an excellent orientation, which helped make my decision. To make the most out of a college experience, I think it's important to always go to class. It might not always be fun but in the end it makes a big difference. Getting good grades is most important. It's also crucial to have fun every now and then, or school gets really old. Once you make good friends, and balance your social life with your school life, everything seems to work out perfectly. Just stay busy, and try as many new things as possible. This is supposed to be the best time of your life, but you have to make it that way! Just study hard, and play hard too - everything will work out perfectly as long as you try!

Matt

Visit them, take both a guided tour and a tour from someone you know already attending the college. Walk around and look at what you want to look at as well as the surrounding area of the school

Bryttnee

Choose a university that shares your beliefs and excitement about life. Go to a place you feel comfortable with. Financial aid is an important component of an education, but don't let that be the final factor because you could miss out on a great opportunity to experience things.

Marshay

I would say go on college tours because it gives you more insight about the school your lookin at and you can see for yourself whether its right for you and not from a brochure. And to have fun and enjoy every experience but also not to lose focus and find a balance between school and fun and everything else will fall into place.

Carly

First and foremost, PLEASE visit the campus. Many of my friends picked a school based on it's reputation, family ties, or what they found from a website. Visiting the campus, taking the tour, and seeing other students during a typical school day makes all the difference in the world. If the students don't seem like you at all, you probably aren't going to be happy. For parents, you want to make sure the campus seems safe, and there is a strong feeling of community. My decision was so easy as soon as I took the campus tours.

Aubrey

visit all the colleges that you can

Chuck

Make your own decisions.

Sara

The best advice I could give someone about choosing the correct college, is to make sure it makes you feel like you are at home. I would also make sure that the college you choose offers everything that you are looking for, and that you would expect out of your school. Things like housing, meal plans, and academic credibility. I believe that to make the best out of your college experience, you have to feel comfortable wherever you are.

Margaret

Follow where your heart beats the fastest. You want to wake up every morning more excited to be at your college than the day before. Challenge yourself, but don't feel pressured to try to be someone you are not. Also, know that you are not taking your parents or friends and all their opinions with you to college. This is your time to shine and make the memories that you'll tell Your kids about someday. War Eagle!

Candace

The advice I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college would be to explore your options before making the decision. If there is a school you have always had in mind, do some research and college visits, because the college may or may not be to your liking. As far as making the most of your college experience, I would reccomend studying hard (especially in the first year) and trying hard to stay focused. It is so easy to get distracted when you get to college. The temptation to stray from one's studies is very strong. It is okay to enjoy college life to the fullest (parties, football games, etc.), but it is still best to prioritize for maximum success. Maintaining a steady GPA and a good social life is in my opinion one of the best and fulfilling ways to enjoy the college experience.

Matthew

Try to find the school that fits the students lifestyle. Almost all colleges are great, but all are different. Also apy attention to what the school is known for. Auburn is an engineering school for example. For parents, ask your child questions to see what they are looking for and listen to them when they comment on the school, good or bad.

Keith

be sure that you like everything about the campus from the food choices, clothing stores, sports teams, weather, cost of apartments, hospitals in local area and how you feel. You may have your heart set on one place your whole life and you find out they dont have the major that you wanted and then what do you do?? amek sure you look around at everything!!!

Sheena

My advice would be to always remain focused and don't allow your social life to get in the way of academics. It's ok to be social and entertain yourself, but always study first. Time management is very important as a college student. It is also important to develop good study habits. When searching for colleges, it is important to find a campus environment that best fits your personality. Attending a college that interest you and is really in your heart may cause you to work harder, stay focused, and be academically successful. Once time management is mastered, everything else will fall into place.

Connor

find a school that fits your needs not only in the classroom but also outside the classroom. if you are a social person who likes to be surronded with intelligent people, find a campus with strong academics but located in an area with options for things to do outside of class. look for strong student unions and diverse organizations. college is at least 4 years of your life. make sure its fulfilling in all ways possible, because you can't go back and do it all over again.

justin

visit

Brian

Try to get your kids to live off-campus. The opportunities really open you up for so much more that you wouldn't get otherwise. The financial savings are tremendous, it keeps you out of trouble, and the studying is much better. Sometimes living in the dorm you need a place to run away to. You dont worry so much off-campus.

Matt

I would advise parents and/or students to first off look for a college that tends to put an emphasis on tradition. This seems to imply that academics are coveted. I believe you also need to consider distance; seeing the family during breaks can be very important. Also, an emphasis on core requirements in the curriculum should be addressed. I would advise parents and or students to research a few things such as: student-to-teacher ratio, area/campus safety, housing, and overall costs in relation to education quality; check out the school's national rankings (in fields of study) and compare the cost of attendance. The next phase of research might seem secondary but actually helps in overall wellness. Facilities such as the library, student activites centers, and student unions are very helpful in fufilling a college students overall experience. Next, I would advise them to look at the surrounding area (off-campus); is it conducive to living a domestic college life, while outside of the classroom? Lastly, you get out what you put in; and by that i mean get involved. It will keep you going and open you up to new ideas and potentially wise decisions.

Katherine

No matter what, make sure the student truly feels at home when visiting the campus. If they feel at home, then they will truly love it. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way because these days fly by before you know it.

Lauren

Explore your options and don't totally depend on financial aid if your middle class. Your too "rich" to get any and to "poor" to afford tuition.

Adrian

It always heps to have an idea of what your child wants to do. I believe it is never right to force a student into a major, I've changed my major 3 times because I wanted to please my mom. Now, I pay for college by myself, but I'm doing what makes me happy

AShley

Take a tour of the campus first. Once you found what your looking for in a college, get involved in different programs on campus. Create study groups for your classes, so you get to know people. Chances are you will have classes with them later or they have already had classes you will be taking, so they can tell which teachers to get or not to get. And attend all the home football games and at least one away game before you graduate.

Catherine

First decide what you're interested in and visit schools that excel in that. Look at the curriculum and try to meet with your perspective advisor. Try to meet as much of the faculty during your visit. Ultimately you will make your decision on whichever school you feel fits you (of course that's assuming money isn't an issue). DO NOT decide to attend a school you have never visited.

Sean

Be serious about your college experience. When in college, you're training to be a professional. You should certainly have fun, but many people treat college as "13th grade". The emphasis should be placed on LEARNING not GRADUATING!

Martin

The best advice I would give is to follow your head and not your heart. Too often I hear of people going to a certain school because of a friend or significant other but don't consider that college may determine what they're going to do in life and that friend or signifcant other may not always be there.