Auburn University Top Questions

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

Diane

Be sure to visit the school!!

Molly

Pay attention to your child's strengths and weaknesses when choosing what college would be best suited to their needs. Pick the best college to forward their career and everything else will fall into place!

Katherine

Don't worry so much. If you choose the wrong college to begin with it is easy to transfer. Usually you will find your place wherever you choose to go to school. If you are having problems adjusting, just throw yourself into your work and campus involvement and try to relax. Everything will work out. Don't party too much your freshman year! It's college, there will always be parties, don't fail a test because you went to a party the night before and didn't study... college only gets harder as you go along. Take advantage of everything college has to offer! Take road trips, try new things, take a SCUBA or yoga class!

Jessica

Go take college tours earlly in your junior year of high school. In my case I made many wrong assumptions about the schools I felt would be the best choice for me. In the end of my senior year I picked the one I had no desire to go to in the beginning of my college search. The campus tours gives a sense of what the school is like based on their atmosphere, community, academics, etc. So my biggest advice would be to be open minded at all times and keep searching! The school you choose should be like a home away from home.

Krista

The best advice one can receive about the college selection process is to shoot for the stars. If anyone has a dream school, it should be sought after with full effort. One should ge after their dream school with everything they have to offer. After that, work hard, plan ahead, and really think through the decision. It is once-in-a-lifetime. Never expect, however, that any decision will be without struggle. There will always be a little bitof doubt about whichever school someone chooses.

Brittany

Most of the students who attend Auburn have family who are alumni; however I chose Auburn because I knew I would get a good education. When searching for that perfect school make sure the school has your major and make sure you can handle the workload. The perfect school has to be your choice; even though you would love to make your parents happy you have to be able to handle all the challenges you will face. If you are someone that gets homesick then find a school that is close to home. If you know someone that attends one of your schools of choice then talk to that person and ask them what the campus is like and how the workload tends to mount up. Never be afraid to ask questions, and when you find that perfect school never be afraid to make friends. Getting to know lots of people will be beneficial to you when you are taking classes that they could have possibly already taken. So, get reliable facts about the schools of your choice and once you select the best school for you make the most of your experience.

Robyn

Do not focus solely on one aspect of a college or university; meaning do not only look at academia, greek life, or student diversity/population. Look for a combination of them all. Visit each campus you are looking at, and as a step further, if you know someone attending the school, let the prospect student stay with the current student for a weekend or so. This will give the prospecting student greater knowlege of what the social life is like at the college. Also, see that the college/university has a good reputation for the field that your prospecting student wishes to succeed in. Good luck!

Leannda

Finding the right college should be about what you want, not what your friends are doing. Moving away from your comfort zone is hard, but making new friends and a new place for yourself will happen if thats what you really want. College is a time to find yourself, to find out who you really are and to stick to that person once you find him/her and never back down. Following the crowd is for high school. You do actually need to study, that is why you are in college, but don't forget to have fun too. This is a time in your life you will never forget, so it doesn't need to be filled with memories of just studying. Remember, you will find your place and you will find yourself, thats what it's all about.

ryanesia

The advice that I would give to parents and students about selecting the right college is to just first sit down and list the qualities you want of a college. For instance, things like the location, weather, size of campus, student body, activities, ranking, etc. Once you've made your list, go online and search the different qualities that you are looking for and after doing so narrow your choices down to three. It would be to your advantage to go and schedule a visit to all three colleges to get a better hands on feel of how life would be on the campus. The last step is for you make your big decision. While at your dream school, I would advise every student to GET INVOLVED. Getting involved around campus is the best way to make new friends and make your college experience worth wild. Last but not least I would say the most important thing is to keep your grades number one on your list of goals. Excelling in academics is one of the best ways to get noticed by professors, friends, and companies that come to visit your school to recruit future employees. Make the right choice!

Rachael

Make sure your child chooses a school he/she wants to go to, not somewhere you went or wish you had attended. Visit all campuses you are interested in and get all the information you can about them. Go with your gut. I just got a feeling when I visited here that it was the place for me. It make take more than one visit to decide, so narrow your choices to 2 or 3 and revisit those favorites if you are having a hard time deciding.

Hanna

Finding the right college is extremely important. It will either make or break your mood or outlook on life. If you are at a college you dislike, you probably will not work very hard and probably will not enjoy much of anything. Find a place that you think will hold a lot of adventure and gets you excited about your future, and maybe even one that reminds you a little bit of home. A faraway place may not be a good college you attend if it is too far removed from the reality that you grew up in. Get involved wherever and whenever you can. Do things that get you out of your comfort zone help you to grow as a person to find out what your strengths and inerests are. Communicate with professors and work as hard as you can to get good grades, because you will not be able to go back and redo it again.

Danielle

I can honestly say that I have had an incredible and unforgettable college experince so far. I have become involved in many organizations including, Project Uplift which is a mentoring program for under priveleged children. I have been so changed by this program because it truly forces me to get out of my own comfort zone of socializing with my friends and focusing on my wants, but causes me to help others and get involved with my community. While not everyone is looking for that kind of college experience, I can not think of any better advice other than to get actively involed in your school and community because it not only changes whomever you help, but it also changes you. I belive that is the best college experience anyone could ask for.

Caitlan

If you're considering a school, definitely look into it farther than just what the campus tours show you. There are parts of every school, parts that are just amazing, that you may not see if you don't explore a little on your own. Arboretums, museums, and outer edges of campus generally don't make the high spots on the tours, and they can have some of the coolest places on campus. Also, it helps to expose what the rest of the school is like. Finding the right college is a process, but it also goes along with "following your heart" - if you feel like you belong somewhere, that's where you need to go. Don't let anything stop you from at least trying. Financial aid can overcome any money issues, good study habits can help you succeed, and good friends can help you fit in. Don't be afraid to try new things and make new friends! That's what college is all about! Have fun, study hard, make friends, get excited! High school is to be endured. COLLEGE IS THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE. These are the days you'll remember forever. Make them count!

Margaret

There is no perfect answer to this question. There is no easy way to find the perfect school. The moment I stepped onto Auburn's campus, I knew that this was where I was supposed to be. So I can't really give any logical advice for choosing schools. The only thing I can suggest, is that if the student has chosen the field they would like to obtain a degree in, try to find schools that specialize in that certain field. And find a school where you fit. When you step onto the campus, you'll know whether you are supposed to be there.

Chad

To begin with, you might be a fan of one college team, and that could lead you to choosing that college; however, don't let that be your main priority in a college. I am an Alabama fan, but chose AU for academic reasons and eventually a better job starting out of college with a pretty good salary. Parents should urge or make their children take the ACT/SAT, whichever is accepted by the schools you intend to apply to, starting early in their child's high school career. Then by the time the child reaches the latter grades, they will or should have a better chance at being accepted by the intended college. Once in college, students should definitely become involved in the school's extracurricular activities. Meeting people can be one of the funnest times in their lives. It can also help you become a more open person that which will allow them to have better "people" skills, which many companies look for involvement around the environment/community along with their academics.

Rachael

Dear Parents and/or Students, How do I find the right college for me or for my child? How can I/they make the most of my/their college experience? These specific questions are asked by almost all high school graduates who plan to attend college and is a concern for most of their parents. My advice is to research, research, and research! Think about the things you value and enjoy the most. Do you like smaller settings, or do you enjoy the vibe from a big city? Does the college offer the area of study your interested in? Is the college well-known for its academics? Questions such as these are vital when choosing the college best fit for you! Evaluate yourself then evaluate the college. It is also equally important to ask yourself questions about your future! Will attending this college benefit me and my planned career? Will this college shape me into a well-rounded, proud woman or man? Remember, your not only learning at college, your growing as a person! Ask yourself, "Who and what do I want to be?" Suddenly, you'll know which college to choose! Sincerly, Rachael Dishman

Collin

Look into the school and its atmosphere. And really look into careers. That is most important. At least have some ideas and choices.

Ami

When choosing the right college I would advise everyone to go out and visit the schools. Ask students who are currently attending the university about their personal experience at the school as well. You can never just assume that the college is right for you until you get other points of view. After all, it is one of the most important decissions that you will ever make in life. As for a career, many students are uncertain about their career. I would advise those who are still undecided to go out in the community and visit career sites of their interest. The mistake that many students make is choosing a major and then deciding later that it is not the career they wanted. This wise choice of visiting career sites can help you better decide as well as save money in the long run. When making the most of your college experience, don't take your education for granted. Instead of going out, stay home and spend more time on that paper or test. Your education is something you should be proud of. Good decisions go a long way and are admired by many people. Most importantly, make yourself proud.

Waine

When deciding on a school, the most important consideration is how you personally feel about the schools you look at. For me, Auburn is a place that I feel safe, comfortable and appreciated. As Building Science major, Auburn's program was a big consideration, but my decision was really more about the feel of the school. When deciding on a college, for me, it came down to Auburn and Furman Universities. Both had the feel I was really looking for, the people were friendly and there was a definite sense of belonging. However, money issues took the decision out of my hands. While the feel of the school is without a doubt the most important factor in deciding on a school, don't let money become an issue. Find and apply for scholarships early and often so that you have to option of really considering which school is the best fit for you. In all, find a school that you are comfortable with. Choose a place you can see yourself enjoying the college experience while still remaining focused on classes. College is about more than just academics, and don't forget that when choosing the school that fits you best.

Jenna

I would encourage both parents and students to really communicate any desires, passions, and concerns they might have surrounding the choice and pursuit of college. I would advise any students who have a dream of attending a certain college to fully pursue it, despite any odds. Have no regrets. As for making the most of the college experience, I would strongly encourage students to find a group of friends that they can count on. College, while one of the most fun and exciting times of life, can also be one of the most stressful due to all the novel experiences, as well as the maturity and independence that one must develop. The importance of good, reliable friends cannot be overemphasized. The support and accountability they offer have great implications on the decisions a student makes throughout his or her college career. Another tip of advice that I would give is for the students to not over commit themselves. I would encourage the students to be involved, but I would also encourage them to clearly prioritize what is important to them and then work to not compromise those priorities. More advice: set a positive example for others and be a light.

Matthew

VISIT THE SCHOOLS!!! And really try to meet people and get a feel for life there whan you do. It will make a big difference in ensuring that you find the perfect fit for you. And you might even be surprised what you find.

Teronica

I would advise parent to count up the cost first and decide how important the investment is to their child and to them. Also, parents should look into what their child plans to study and research different colleges and universities to see which program offers the best!

Helen

Visit. The. School. You can read as many college books as you can get your hands on, and you can crunch numbers to see which is the most affordable, and you can pour over majors lists, but what makes college worth experiencing is how you feel on campus. Take the time to visit your top three schools, and you'll be glad you did.

Wesley

Figure out what you want to do with your life, or what you think you want to do, or just something that makes you happy to do. Research different schools and do your homework so that you know where the programs are. When you visit, talk to the students. Ask them instead of the trained tour guides; that's how you get a real idea of what a school is like. Ultimately, the decision you make should be based on the feeling you get when you step on campus. You're going to be living here for the next four (or more) years, so make sure that it is somewhere you can see yourself not just subsiding, but thriving and enjoying. It could be the perfect school on paper, but if you don't get the feeling that you will be happy there, don't go! Choosing a college is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be a super hard one. Go with your heart, and the rest of you will fall right into line. Good luck!

Lauren

If you find a college you really want to go to a particular school then go for it, no matter the cost because you only get to go to college once. While you're there, don't wait until you're a junior to get serious. Get your GPA up as a freshman and you will set yourself up with a better platform for the rest of your college career.

Krista

Take your time in the selection process. Do not rush a decision about your future and be open-minded about spreading your wings beyond your comfort level.

Brad

Make sure that you do your research. Go and visit a campus and ask other people. You will learn so much more by doing this than just reading something from an article or book. Come to Auburn's campus and you'll fall in love with it immediately.

Brooke

Visit a lot of campuses and think it through. Where ever you end up, enjoy yourself and be happy there. Make the most of the experience. It's something you'll never forget and make friends for life.

Michael

Find a college in an interesting place with an interesting major. The "practical" path will make you bitter and bored. Enjoy what you do.

Alisha

Make sure when considering a college that you choose the one that will best lead you in the direction of the career of your choice. A good science based college will build a better base for choosing a professional major in the medical field.

Whitney

I attended Auburn University because I am a legacy here and have always loved and respected Auburn. Even though it seemed like what I had dreamed of my whole life I realize after actually experiencing it that it may not be the right school for me. I am not saying that it is not an awsome school because it is, but students and parents should not base their choice just on a dream. Students should believe that they are going to feel at home and get exactly what they want out of college from the school they choose. Even though Auburn has a huge selection of majors, I don't think they have exactly what I am looking for and I should have considered that more before I chose to go here also.

Heather

Go to the place that will help you become the person you want to be. Don't choose a college for your parents, your siblings, your friends, or your romantic partner. Choose a place that feels like home to you and you definitely need to visit the college you're interested in.

Billy

Find someone that already attends the college already to see what things are like and to help the student along. Make sure it is where the student wants to go to school. And take a deep breath and enjoy the ride. There are many ups and downs along the way, but in the end it will make everybody involved a better person.

Haley

Go to the college where you know a lot of people.

Nick

Visit the campus and make sure they teach your interests.

Shaina

Students should listen to the advice of parents, friends, and counselors but ultimately make their own decisions. They should not allow someone else to make one of the most important choices of their lives for them. They are the one who will be living and studying at that school for four years. Students should take a tour or at least go see their top choices to make sure that they like the atmosphere and the surrounding area. Most students do not realize that it is not just the campus that is important but the city it is in. To make the most of the overall college experience, students should explore areas off campus. This includes volunteering on and off campus to help the local residents and current/ future students. Students should take pride in their school and help to maintain a certain decorum. Get involved! Studying is not the only thing to do on a college campus, but everyone should remember that moderation is very important.

Dominique

I would say make sure they have majors that you are interested in so you can make the right decision. Parents need to understand that there opinion does count but that they aren't the ones attending the college or the classes so allow there children to grow and make their own decisions. Make sure that the resources that you believe you need to succeed are available and that you can afford the school you select so money won't be another issue you have to deal with. Whatever a school offers where you think you can excel is a good school. You're going for an education so if you know that there are way to many distractions way your options and see if there maybe a better alternative. Most of all make sure you are complete confident with yourself and your decision so you can be happy at the school you choose.

Lacey

Research degree options, and try to decide on a career you want to stick with. Once you have done this, research colleges that best suit this degree. Talk with the staff and other students currently on campus. Also, never take home for granted, nothing will ever replace it!

Michael

Look for a school that fits the definition of what you want to experience at college. If you want to party at school, go to a university that is known for partying, if you want to push yourself academically, go to a school that is known for its academic rigor. Pick what attribute is most important to you and find the school that best matches what you want. If you choose a school that does not match your idea of what college should be you will find yourself feeling isolated and disconnected from the other students. College is not the same as how your parents describe it. It is a societal norm today and expected of many high schoolers to attend and because of this, there are a number of students who either do not want to be there, or should not be there. To best enjoy the college experience find people that have similar goals as you (not necessarily the same field, more along the lines of, I want to get a good job, rather than, I want to get a good lay) and enjoy the time you spend together.

William

Be ready for an amzing and beautiful experience, but be prepared to work hard and often. Dont let partying hinder your schooling but at the same time dont be afraid to let school work hinder your socializing epecially when it comes to meeting the right person! Know that you make your grades they are enred not given and hard work is the only way to obtain a resonble GPA. Here at Auburn you will believe in it and Grow to love it if you dont the moment you step foot on her campus!

Megan

The best advice I have for parents is to make sure you calculate the tuition over your childs entire college career. Tuition is very expensive especially for an out of state school as Auburn is for me. I'm also a triplet! Thats three college tuitions to pay at the same time and with my mom being a single parent, money has always been the first thing on our minds! You'll want to enjoy college, not constanly worry on how to pay for it. Second best advice would be to go with your heart. Whatever you do, do NOT follow your friends to college. Trust me, you will meet TONS of new people from all over very easily! College really will be the best days of your life so don't use it the exact same way you did your high school years. My third advice to students would be to get as involved as your schedule will let you. It's a great way to meet new people and it look great on your resume! The only thing that's left is to just have fun and study hard; it will all be worth it in the end!