Baylor University Top Questions

Have a plan! Make a list of all the things you want as far as living conditions for the next 4 years. For example, do you want to live in a small town or a big city. If you the college of your choice is in a city contrary to where you want to live, you might want to pass it up. Don't settle because this is a big part of your life. Also, know exactly how you are going to pay for college, down to a penny. Don't expect funds; know where they are coming from and if they are guaranteed. Unexpected costs will occur.

The answer to this question is very dependent on what the student would like to study. Generally speaking, look at the quality of programs that the student would like to study. Investigate the factulty's background and qualifications and make contact with some of them to see if they seem like a person that you would like to study with--this is critical! Most importantly, it MUST be up to the student to decide where to go, not the parents--the parents may be helping to pay, but it is more important that the student find a comfortable place to nurture his intellect than paying alliegance to a certain institution (assuming that the purpose for attending a college is to become educated). Balance is the key in enjoying your college experience. Work hard, but seek to balance studying with time socializing and developing friendships (and, consequenty a network) that can last a lifetime. Also, don't forget to leave time for yourself! Find time to work out, relax, and unwind, too. Your sanity will thank you.

I really think its all about what you are looking for. The options you have in a college are so great that you can pick one that is perfect for you. Find one that isn't too big and isn't too small. Public or Private. Close to home? Near or far. You can have your Goldilocks moment and find one that is "just right."

Graduating from high school and becoming a college student is a big step in life. You go through alot of change. More responsibility is handed to you, and you don?t have your parents around any more to take care of everything. It is REALLY exciting! Suddenly you have all this freedom! You can eat and sleep whenever you want, hang out and study whenever you want. Everything is so new and you meet people from all over the world. Get excited about it! I know looking back on my college decisions, I worried way to much over it, when I didn?t need to. Eventually, everything just clicked, and I love my other home! That is definitely what college has become for me. I still enjoy returning to my actual home- eating non-cafeteria food, and having a big bed- but college is just special. It?s a community that I could?ve never imagined! There is always something going on, and its always a perfect mix of ridiculousness and fun! So don?t worry about anything. You?ll be fine. Everything will work out in time. And get excited, these will be the best years of your life!

When looking for the perfect college, there are two things that are very important to keep in mind. Finding a place where the prospective student feels comfortable is the most important part, but it is also important to find a college that will let the student succeed in future endeavors. A college that allows the student to be independent and maintain his or her individuality is key. College is a time for self discovery and where the true colors really shine. Being comfortable in a new surrounding will open many opportunities for great friendships and experiences. On the more practical side of things, it is extremely important to find a university where the student has the resources succeed in his or her chosen field of study. Having the right tools and a helpful faculty is essential to being successful as an undergraduate student. These things are two core aspects the student should look for when choosing a college, but once they visit the campus that they are supposed to attend, they will know that's right where they need to be.

Study. Do your best to take good notes and do all of your assignments. College is a place to grow and make new friends, but it is also a place to learn and better yourself. If someone tells you that you can't do it-prove them wrong by doing it. Trust me, that's exactly what I'm doing, proving them wrong. Just be yourself, do your best and put school first. There is always time to have some fun while getting your work done.

Keep in mind your dream and what it will take to achieve that goal. If the finances are not available for your first choice university, apply for as many scholarships as you can and do not give up! Be prepared for changes to happen that you never thought would. Expect the best; expect the impossible; expect a change.

vist a bunch! learn all u can about the universitites

While parents can offer great insight during the college selection process, the student should be allowed to explore his or her options and form individual opinions without outside influence. Look outside of your state; the best school to educate the student in his or her field of study may not be the state college a few hours down the road. Also, financial aid can be difficult to come by, but do not rely on the information on university websites. There may be more money available that is not listed. When you do finally make your decision, get involved in groups that share your interests. This is a great way to make lifelong friends! Go to all the sports events and develop school spirit. Be sure to study though; college courses require much more time than high school courses. I learned the hard way!

Get involved on campus. Invest heavily in a few important friendships.

Picking a college is an extremely difficult decision that is filled with joy but probably some fear and tears. In my opinion, visiting each college campus is an extremely important part of deciding your future destination. Four years is a long time. I had friends tell me I would absolutely love this one school. I was accepted, and was certain that would be my college of choice. My parents suggested I visit, and I'm so glad they did. The moment I set foot on that campus I knew this wouldn't be the place for me. After deciding the school, my biggest suggestion would be living in a dorm. Many of my friends dreaded this required reality. With absolutely honesty, I can say that I know very few people who didn't fall in love with the dorm. As a freshman, the most important thing is finding your group of friends. Living in the dorm made this easier in every way. When each of my friends, both new and old, left our dorms after freshman year, the consensus was: "I never want to do that again, but I am so glad I did for that first year!"

First off, be smart about it. This is a big important step that can redirect a future. Second, consider all the factors. As much as I want to say that one should pick a college that suits their personal tastes best, considering the finianical situation of one's parents, your own, where you want to be in the future and your parents' opinions. Just as much as college is an experience that is solely yours, there is that annoying practical reality that cannot be ignored. Also, give everything a chance, be open to new things and get involved. At the same time, hold on to your values. Hold them tight because they will be questioned, challenged and even ridiculed. Treasure them, but take a step back and evaluate them yourself. College is a time all your own. You chose what you are and what you become throughout it. Consider all your options, ask for help and advise, and choose wisely.

The best and most important advice I can give is this: go with your gut. Go to the school that picks you. Go to the school that will let you fulfill your dreams. And don't sell yourself short on those, either. I hate when I run into people who are in majors they hate just so that they'll be able to make money when they're done with school. I know it's hard to believe these days, but money isn't everything. The most important thing is that you go somewhere you belong, and you do something you love. Life isn't just about crossing things off a to-do list; it's about going out and breaking boundaries and living extraordinarily, changing lives by being yourself and doing what you love. I can't stress it enough. Be who you are, go where you belong, and everything else? It's all details. You deserve more than the status quo. Go out into the world and be exceptional.

By the end of those four (five or six) years, you will be a completely different person than who you were when you and Mom carried in those boxes. You'll make new, best friends. You will learn more than you ever thought possible. You will see the world differently. Don't take homework too seriously. Making a C won't keep you from getting into grad school or passing the LSAT. Don't expect a husband or wife but don't be afraid to find one. College is such a special time in your life. It will go by faster than you think is possible. Make the most of every day, go outside your zone, talk to that girl/guy you thought in highschool would never respond. You'll be on top of the world, then totally depressed. But don't forget, you are free. You can do whatever you want, and that means learning hard lessons and sometimes painfully admitting, "Mom and Dad were freakin' right". Don't stress. You can always start over, pick yourself up, change, redo, re-submit. Don't worry about picking the right one. Fear not, have fun...you will love it.

Don't jump into choising a college so quickly. It takes a lot of time and college visits to truly find the right college for you. Parents, don't inhibit your children's decisions either. Let them check out whichever schools they want and they will ultimately make the right choice for themselves. Be there to help them and guide them; not detour them. Once you finally find where you belong, make every moment count. Attend everything you can and be a part of whichever organizations appeal to you during your freshman year. After that, you can decide what is truly important to you and what you want to continue in your next three years (or more) of school. However, don't let extracurriculars get in the way of your GPA. That is the most important thing if you are on a pre-professional track or want to attend graduate school. Have fun, but don't have too much fun. Don't let partying get in the way of your studies. You're paying for an education, so earn your degree.

Look closely at the academics offered at the school and what is going on with the administration before choosing. Nothing worse than going to a school that says they offer something that really isn't available.

My biggest advice is search, search, and search some more, but beyond that make sure to visit the campus. Visiting allows the student to be on the campus and get a feel for how it may be if they attend and I know for my sister and I visiting allowed us to get that "this is right" feeling. Also, Allow students to make their own decisions in choosing a school because if they feel pushed into attending a school that is not right for them they may not perform to their abilities. It is important for the student to feel happy in their place of study so they will be comfortable to do work, make friends, and get the degree they want with the enthusiasm all college students should have!

In my opinion, the true reason for attending college is more than just continuing ones education for another four years. I belive that the university we chose is part of how we identify ourselves and also how we plan to grow for the four years that we will spend there. That being said, parents and their children should consider not only the academic record of the college but most importantly, the culture of the campus that they plan to attend. This culture inlcudes how differences are viewes on campus and to what extent success in encouraged as opposed to just "graduating." Also important is finding a college that will be compatible with some of the backround that the student might possess in order help with some of the shock and instability that can occur when starting something new . Having at least something that the students can fall back on as a support when they feel entirerly alone, be it a religious group or an orentation group that stays in contact with them, can sometimes make the difference in how they continue their next four years of college: either connected with their peers or as merely another graduate of "x" university.

It's a great time just do your research before it starts

I know this advice isn't what most people will tell you or what you'd likely want to hear, but here goes anyway. I graduated from highschool with an average GPA and didn't expect to attend a four year university. Over that next summer, I met an amazing girl who had an astounding scholastic record and was granted tons of scholarship money. After a semester at a community college, I decided to follow her path towards a four year college. People might not think that it was the smartest idea for me to do that, but it's worked out very well for me, and even though I'm not with that intelligent woman anymore, I'm still grateful she opened me up to going to this university. In short, parents shouldn't second guess their child's choice: we know what we want and need more than anybody. And to the future college students, don't sell yourself short. If you want to go somewhere, try your best. If it doesn't work out, it's not the end of the world. Life has its funny of way just, well, working. (Oh, and be outgoing, a lot.)

Listen to the Lord and see where he wants you to go. That is the best and only advice I have to offer.

I would advise students to explore all of their college options thoroughally before making a decision. The university a student chooses to attend has so much bearing on that student's future. Students spend four years of their lives at the school of their choice, so it's important that the academic elements, social scene and campus are well-suited for them. Addtionally, it is important that the university provides career opportunites for the student. A student should question how reputable the school is and the school's potential for networking in the future. It is also important that the school's location is at a comfortable distance from the student's hometown. This issue varies from student to student, but it is definitely important to consider. Ultimately, I think that families who explore every option for their future student have a greater chance for finding the right school. I feel that once a sound decision has been made, the student is less likely to consider transferring. If they are confident in their choice they will likely make more of an effort to adapt, even when adapting is difficult.

Don't pick a school based on a single criteria. For example, even if a school seems prohibitively expensive, they may have extensive financial aid available to someone of your academic/social/racial/ethnic background. Start early and ask lots of questions. I started my search during my senior year of high school and got lucky. I could have very easily been stuck enrolling in a school that I really had no interest in attending. Visit. Seeing the campus firsthand, especially during a class week, can give a great impression of how student life is. If every student you see is stumbling to class, eyes downcast, mumbling quietly to themselves, you may want to reevaluate your choice.

To the parents I would advise to really let your child decide this one, and their decision can tell you a lot you don't know about them. My parents always expected me to be an Ivy League student, and I could see my father's disappointment when I chose Baylor. But college is so much more than the name. Some unfamiliar school might have an amazing program your child is interested in, so please keep an open mind. Also, please let your child choose a major that they are truely passionate about, and don't be upset if they don't stick with it. School is about learning and growing, and sometimes we outgrow our majors. Like maybe you at one point might have outgrown a job when you were 18 or so. Students, don't pick a degree because it will give you a job that makes money. Choose something you really enjoy, something that gives you the opportunity to grow, learn and change. No matter how much money you make, you cannot guarantee your happiness. Find happiness with yourself and with your goals, and success will follow. College is a collection of choices; choose to be yourself.

It is very important to visit the campus before you make any official decisions. I definitely fell in love with Baylor by visiting and meeting the friendly people on campus. The size of the campus is also important. Smaller campuses are needed for those who don't have vehicles since passing periods are usually 10-15minutes. The size of the classrooms would be a good thing to look at also since that will usually tell you how big the classes are. Class size is important especially for those who feel like they might need a little extra help. Smaller classes means more one on one contact with the professors. Reputation is also pretty important. Asking people in the profession you want to be in which schools are know for their programs is also pretty helpful. Particularly for engineering and anything in the medical fields.

Visit the campus at different times of the year. Find a student that you can talk to about the school. Premier events tend to show the school in a light that it may not live up to at all. Which academics are usually left out of the picture and fun is emphasized. Look at the surrounding area to see if it interests you. Really take a close look at the college in mind to form an accurate picture of the college. Dont just listen to what their hired representatives tell you. Its mostly business in the disguise of a caring person.

The first and most important thing for students to do is to visit the college with thier parents and without thier parents. To make the most GET INVOLVED. if you do things at college it will make it a great experience. Do not base your college on whether or not it is a party school and don't base it on whether or not the school is highly academicly recognized. when you fit into a college you will have a much greater time.

When looking for and choosing a college, the key is to be proactive. Explore all of your possible choices, visit the schools, sit in on classes and talk to professors, talk to students on campus, eating in a dining hall, walk through a residence hall, and meet with academic advisors and financial aid advisors. It is impossible to make an informed decision based on a catalog or brochure. I feel as if I was too passive about my college application experience. If I could have done one thing differently, I would have been more involved. I applied to a handful of schools, briefly visited the top three, and made a decision. Luckily, I made the right choice. I just wish that I would have been better informed.

Take a visit to the campus, preferably during the school year when there are stil a considerable amount of students still on campus. Then walk around the campus and talk to the real students, not the advisors, or tour guides, but the real students. If you are a business student then talk to some other business student if you are interested in pre- med then walk around the science building and talk to several pre- med students. And for the parents, let your child find the campus and school he loves, and then support him all the way. Even though, you may not like the university they pick out, if they do not like where they are going to scholl, then they will not do very well in school. So instead of throwing away money to go to a university just because its pretty, or the best is not a good idea. Go to the school that you fit in at the one you will be proud to call you alma mater.

Pick a college that you feel is worth your money and where you feel that you can have the most fun while still maintaining your scholarly duties.

You only have, usually, one opportunity to experience college. Why not make the most of it? Look for the college that makes you feel like a new home can be experienced there. Once you're there, experience everything that the community has to offer! Volunteer, join a club, become involved with your fellow students. Invest in the time and effort to make great grades, AND enjoy your time there with new-found friends. You'll be glad you did. :)

A parent should encourage their child to apply to a school that has similar beliefs and similar environment to those which the student was brought up in. This will help the student to get used to college in a faster way and will allow them to meet others with similar viewpoints and ideas allowing them to make life-long friendships.

Visit the campuses and ask a lot about extra-curricular activites. Classes are generally the same at most schools, it's what you have available to you outside of class that makes the experience memorable.

The students major is not as important as the parent would like to believe, there are always basic classes that must be taken regardless of major. My advice to all parents and or students is to dive into the college world, if the major is unknown one is at least able to work on discipline and what it takes to succeed. Many schools are forgiving of first year mistakes as well, this is a different world, and therefore mistakes are expected. The final point I want to address is that when it comes to picking a major one must first and foremost consider their individual passions. Many of my friends who hae chosen "safe" majors such as biology or chemistry begin to worry because they chose their majors based on job security. This is wise, but was has continuously been shared with me is that if you love it, if you have a sincere passion for something, you will do fine, and you will be able to find a job for you after your college career is over. Finally, work hard and all else will fall into place.

First, I would advise students to find a college that was conducive to the environement in which they are most capable of learning. For example, if a student learns better in a smaller classroom, then they should look for colleges that enforce a smaller student to professor ratio in their courses. I would also advise students and parents to set up dates to attend each potential college. It will reveal much about the environment at that college. Also, read reviews about each college, both those that are considered "official" and "unofficial." I recommend both because it illuminates the good, the bad, and the ugly about the college. Alos, read reveiws that talk about numerous things for each college: academics, environment, social functions, etc. I would also recommend that you look at what the college boasts about. A few important things to look for is to see if the college boasts about the accesssibility of its professors and the variety of services provided to students (such as tutoring). You may not think you will need this at first, but you may find that you do use it. Finally, never be afraid to ask questions about anything. You can find the answer.

Don't get desperate, really take the time to figure out what is best for you. What you may want in a school right now will change as you get older. A supportive parent really helps a student be successful in college.

College prepares one for real life experiences

I think the number one rule in choosing a college or university is to follow your dreams. I could have gotten the same degree somewhere else and saved at least $30,000 but I have always wanted to come to Baylor. I know I would have regretted not following my dreams. My Baylor degree will pay off in the future!

Visit the college that you/child would like to attend. It may look different online than it does it person.

College is a big decision, and although you can transfer if you change majors or realize you belong elsewhere, it's important to research schools well before deciding so you don't have to stress out over transferring and moving, etc, when you could be having fun with friends or making summer plans. While my family has no money, I decided I wouldn't let that decide where I went to school, so although I go to an expensive private school, I love where I'm at and don't want to be anywhere else. Pick a school you can call "home", where you can get involved in both campus life and the community, a place that will honor studying and reward your efforts, and also remind you that it's good to take a break and relax with your friends. It is hard to make friends sometimes, so if it takes you awhile (like it did me), don't get depressed. Just remember that really good friends sometimes take awhile to make and it's ok to be alone sometimes. I'm further into school now and have some truly amazing friends but don't mind eating alone.

I would suggest visiting the colleges you are interested in. It is beneficial to take tours, talk to professors, sit in on a class, talk to current students, and explore campus facilities. After you have chosen your college, get pulgged in. Meet with professors, join in on campus activities, get to know people, and find your niche.

I would advise parents to simply ask their child what they really want in life before they bring up any conversation about attending to college. There is no point in forcing them to go if they have no desire because if it is not in their heart then they will be wasting time and most of all money. So it has to be up to the student to want to better their life and seek something better. Also, your child needs to find a college that meets their needs and fits into their lifestyle. I do not think a parent should force them to attend a college/university that goes back to family tradition if they do not want to go and have another school in mind that may be better taylored for them. I would suggest students to really ask themselves what they want in life before they decide to go to school. There is no point if the student does not have the desire so it is up to the student not mom and dad. I would tell a student to make sure they are going to school for the right reasons and make sure they study hard.

Connect with your major. Poke around into its history and problems. Memory works by association with things you already know. A sense of familiarity makes the ideas you'll be encountering more sticky. You'll forget less and know more. You're in college to become a field-specific expert and permantly learning your stuff happens to be the only way of doing that.

Look into every choice that you might have. Each school is extremely different and make sure you pick the school that you can see yourself attending for the next four years. Some schools have different resources for their students, so always take that into consideration. A school with a large alumni chapter is always great because it can help you get a job when you graduate. It also helps to know what you will be studying because many schools have different programs and some of them have more resources and opportunities for the field you're interested in. When you get to your first semester, make sure you keep an open mind about what your college experience will be. Get involved in any way you can but always make sure that it doesn't interfere with your grades. Research groups on campus that you're interested in. Finding a study group is a great way to make friends with similar interests. If you have any trouble, know that its okay to use the university's resources for academic success. Most of all, have a great time! College is a wonderful experience and you should cherish the time you have there!

Choosing the right college can be one of the most important decisions a student and/or parent can make. College is the road to the future, full of life changing experience that nothing else can replace. It is in college were a person discovers their true self away from parents, siblings, security, and the comforts of living at home. A student must learn how to depend on and trust in their own abilities to basically survive. When I was choosing where I was going to attend, I visited many universities around the state. At the time I was very lost in life and knew I needed to find my path, the right path. For many, this journey to the right path may need a few wrongs turns in order to discover, but ultimately the decisions a student makes at college will lead them to the main road. The main road that everyone ends up on is often filled with traffic, road bumps, and accidents, but our experiences in college are what teach us how to overcome these tribulations. Happiness and success have to start on our own individual paths at college, but they all ultimately lead to the main road.

Tour the campus before you enter the school.

Parents should help their children choose a college based on their academic standards as well as its location. Students will find that they will enjoy their college experience far more if they attend a school that shares the same principles of life whether it be religiously or politically. That way, they will find many other people with the same interests and will be better able to make deep connections ultimately creating strong lifelong friendships. The location of the school is also important because it ultimately decides what kind of activities and recreational things there will be available for the student do take part in. Both the student and the parent should make sure that the student is receiving the best possible education while still allowing for some fun adventures!

Because college is so expensive I think it is important that a student truly analyzes what his/her goals are for the future. The student needs to make the decision of what type of environment they will be comfortable in and what it will take for them to excel and reach their goals . They need to research the mission, the campus life and the academic programming of the school they are considering and see if there is a match with their personal and professional goals.

Know exactly how much it will cost and plan accordingly.

Pick the college that makes you feel at home and welcome. It is necessary for your education to feel comfortable at the college or university!!!