Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Top Questions

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

Alex

Parents- don't pressure your children into picking a major right away. They need to figure it out in time. Students- do research and do what you think is best for yourself!

Kees

I was born and raised in a small town in Ontario Canada with a very close-knit community. I then moved to Cincinnati Ohio for my Fathers Job. I often visited the University of Cincinnati and realized how a school like that is not for me. I then visited Bowling Green and found that a big school still can have that close-knit community feel to it. I can get away from human life at this school or I can put my self in the middle of it. It is the perfect combination for me. Lots of people want to go to huge schools like Ohio State and other big ten schools but honestly, you can't get a sense of belonging at a place where you don't see the same person twice. Bowling Green is the best thing that has happened to me. I have made life long friends and have found the best girl for me. I would recommend this school to anyone. The classes are small so you can get the personal attention that you want and the instructors have so much knowledge that I cannot even begin to fathom. Bowling Green is the perfect University.

Mark

Come visit and let BGSU show you what we have to offer!!!

Rosanna

The advice I would give others about finding the right college would be to visit many colleges and imagine yourself at each one. They should pick the one they believe they can actually be happy to be themselves and not someone that they are not. Also, to make most of their college experience, they should be open-minded about school, making friends, and their commitments to their futures. The decision that they make now is the most important decision of their lives because it will be a start to their futures.

Amanda

Visit colleges to make sure you know what you're getting into. Small places are great for small people, but if you want a life-changing experience and a chance to make a difference, they may not be the greatest for you. I'm regretting coming to such a small place because I am having trouble making the impact I want to make.

Erik

Look at all the angles. Remember that you'll be there for four years. That means look at the surrounding community - is it some place you can imagine living? Consider what people do in their spare time - are there flyers posted all over campus? That's a good indicator of a vibrant student life. Are the sports teams any good? Even if they aren't, do the facilities look like they accomodate a lot people? Make sure there clubs you would consider attending. Consider the range of academic programs. You are likely to change your major a few times so make sure they have a number of programs that interest you. If you will be living on campus, make sure you check out as many dorms as possible. Check about what kinds of amenities are offered in the dorms. Sample the food from the cafeteria - you'll be eating it for the next four years. Consider sitting in on classes, attending a club meeting or event, or going to a concert or performance - they're great ways to get a sense of what students are like and what they do with their time on campus.

Alex

if you know your major you should find a school that has a good program for that major. small schools are probably better than large schools only because its easy to meet people and you'll see them a lot on campus.

Sammi

When I was looking for colleges my parents were very supportive. They researched different opportunities for me depending on my interests. They took me out probably a year or two in advance and we visited colleges together. Their excitment helped me to be excited about the process and the opportunity to obtain this higher education. Neither of my parents financially were able to attend college, and by having that faith in me it made college worth going to and worth working towards. So my advice to parents would probably don't put pressure on your kids, because really by being excited for them, and proud of them, and having that faith in their success no matter what decisions they make, it inspires them to try harder and to choose a college that they will feel comfortable and find success in. As far as students go, do your research, and whether your parents are supporting you or not, follow your dreams where ever they may be. I chose college because I know the more knowledge I gain the more I can follow my interests. I'm so happy about my decisions, and I'd never change them.

lexi

I really really liked how you kept changing the way ihad to answer the questions. it kept my attention very well

Bridget

First, make a list of good colleges depending on your major and if the student wants to stay around home or farther away. Make a list of questions before visiting any institution. I would recommend taking as many college visits as necessary even if it is out of state because then you are there personally and you get the experience you can't get by looking things up on the internet. Also make sure you have all of your questions answered before you leave. Make sure you get names, emails, and phone numbers of important people, like financial aid offices, admission offices, housing, dean and professors in the degree area you woudl like. Utilize these if you have any further questions as they are all willing to help. To make th emost of college, I would have fun and be yourself. Get involved and make friends. College will be hard at first but with friends, it gives you a life to look forward too and you are much happier also. You also need to make sure you are organized. Utilize all the resources available to you on your campus also. Always ask questions no matter what. Just be yourself!

Michael

I would tell students, not to go where are their friends are going but to go to the school best for you. You can always make new friends, everyone coming into college is looking for friends so you don't need to worry about it. Pick the school that has a program for what you want to do, or has a number of majors if you dont know what you want to do. To make the most out of your experience try things out of your comfort zone, it will always be worth it in some way.

Josh

Make sure you have a vague idea of what you want to do with your life before you commit to anything.

Joe

Go to the college or university that feels right to you. Do not go to a school because of friends, significant others, family, or anything of the like. Go with your gut-feeling, and that is the right school to attend. To make the most oof your college experience, GET INVOLVED! If you do not know a lot of people, try joining a organization on campus that interests you. It will make you feel more involved and actually feel like a part of your campus. Also, do not forget academics. That is why you are in college, so don't get caught up in the social aspect of campus night life. Get good grades, have fun, get out of there.

Erica

I feel that in making a decision about college, you need to like the environment, the culture, the dorms, and of course what kind of education it offers. A huge reason I chose BGSU was they have an excellent education program. I feel that I can gain a great amount of information and experiences. I also loved their marching band, so I joined it and it's been the best decision ever.

James

Visit campus, walk around, perhaps sit in on a class or two to try to get a feel for what the classroom and campus environment are like. Also make sure that you think that the Degree Plan for your specific major is acceptable in your own opinion.

Molly

Go to community college for 2 years first to get the most for your $ take the basics for a lower price, but make sure all the credits transfer first. Also, take summer classes because they are easier and you'll graduate faster cutting down the time you're loans are accumulating interest.

Elizabeth

What College Is Not just academic the only option always fun always easy always difficult always what you expected for the easily frustrated for the antisocial for the prude What college is a network of many interesting people a great place to reinvent yourself a great place to meet new friends a pain in the ass a place to grow a place to learn a place to change a place to transform the best experience of your life!!!

ciara

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Tim

The most important advice I would give students or parents is to choose the school that feels right to them. The feeling that you're choosing a great school is perhaps even more important that choosing a school with a well-renowned program. If you're not comfortable at the school you picked, you won't get anything out of the experience. Don't forget that you don't have to stay at a school if you don't like it. Transferring is always an option. Once you do pick a school, get involved on campus. Find organizations and clubs that interest you and just try them out. Once you get involved, you'll be making new friends and having so much fun that you'll completely forget how far away from home you might be or how challenging your new courses may be. Staying on top academically is important, especially in your first years of school. Make sure that if you have a question while in class, you ask it. If you still don't understand material, go to your professor's office hours, get help from a on-campus tutoring center, or form a study group with others.

Olivia

Go on a tour of each prospective school and spend at least a day or two exploring the city it's located in. Make sure to investigate alternate transportation options if you don't have a car. Most importantly, go with your instinct. It's not always of the highest priority to go to the best school or even the one that all your friends from high school are going to. Pick a school that's going to make the most effort to include you in it's community and expand your horizons. Classes aren't the most important part of collage, but you still need to keep up with your work load. Try to achive a good balance of school, work, and socializing and you should have an enjoyable time.

Jay

Make the right choice, it could change your life.

Brittany

Make the right decision for yourself. Some people might go to a school for the money or education or even social life but you have to make the decision for yourself for your own personal success.

Samantha

Do your research. Narrow your choices down to three or four schools, and make the time to visit each campus. Take campus tours, ask the students there about the classes and general life there. Make your decision based on what fits YOUR needs, YOUR wants, YOUR future.

Ryan

Take your time, and start planning early.

Carestin

Everyone has their own idea of the perfect college experience. For me it was to be involved and to love my school and the location of it. Bowling Green is a mere 20 minutes away from my house so I can make it as close or as far away as I want it to be. Last year, when I was a freshman, it was nice to be this close and to have my family to turn to to help with the transition. For many people this may be a great thing to consider. Another thing that I loved was how many sororites there were on campus. Out of the 14 we have here I was bound to find one that I fit in with and could get involved with. School involovement is another great thing to consider. In the end, make the desicion for you, not anyone else.

Jerrell

The advice I have for stuudents about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to get involved on campus. Use all of the resources on campus to meet new people. Its a great opportunity to network with people who share the same interest /major with you. Another thing is that students should experience on-campus living. Commuting should be an option at least a year after you have been in a dorm.

maegan

Find a school that is not too far away from home so you don't get home sick. And look for a school that has many majors available so if you change your mind you have other choices to choose from. Good Luck!!!

Drew

It is crucial that students find a place that is not only academically challenging, but that is a right fit, socially, as well. In my opinion the classroom makes up 55{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the college expereince but the development of students streches far beyond the classroom into the residence halls, greek houses, student organization offices and surrounding community. As an undergraduate, I felt connected to my campus community, safe and secure and academically challenged by the supportive faculty in both of my departments. Also, don't be affriad of trying something entirely new. If you come into college knowing exactly what you want to be, wonderful, if not, use it as an opportunity to learn about yourself and plan a meaningful career path for yourself.

jennifer

Don't just go tour the campus, your tour guide is paid to tell you how awesome it is. You probably know someone who goes there or the parent of someone that goes there. Ask them what its like , and they will probably be lot more realistic.

Benjamin

Picking a college can be difficult, but the main thing about any college is the quality of education compared to the price. Yes MIT or Yale will give you an incredible learning experiance and give you something to make your resume' stand out, but a home town university will give you just as good of an education for half the price. Once you find a price range that you're willing to pay for, you need to then look through the subtle nuances that each college present. Also, living on campus, albeit kind of expensive, is quite unique. It allows for much more social atmosphere (if that's what you're looking for) while being convenient. Not only is it convenient, but it makes people more efficient. Instead of driving home just to relax, you go back to your dorm and are much more likely to work on your homework. Once you find the perfect college, you'll love every minute of it.

Brittany

The advice that I would give to students is to find a college that meets your academic needs. Make sure that they have the classes and programs you need for your particular field. Once you get to school, get involved into certain organiztions and teams. Step out of your comfort zone and get to know people outside of your racial background. The only way your college experience will be fun is if you make it. Don't forget the reason why you are there! Remember that you are there to get an education. Which means to put your academics first and set goals for yourself. Don't let anyone tell you that you can not do anything, remember to believe in yoursel. Have fun!

daniel

stay a night on campus when school is in session that is the easiest way to know how it feels

Jennifer

When searching for the perfect college where you or your student will fit in is a very important process. In my own experience I found that the most important thing is the students on campus. I chose the college I am now attending because I felt that the students and faculty were very welcoming. While I was on my visits to different colleges, Bowling Green stuck out because I could tell that there were students that I could see myself being friends with. As important as what majors the school is known for, I believe it is more important to make sure the student will feel most comfortable. Like most students, I changed my major three times within my first two years at college. If I would have chosen the college I was to attend by which school was most prestigious for the major I initially went to school for, it would not have made a difference once I changed my major. It is also important for the parents to allow their student to make the decision as to what school they will attend. The decision should not be based off where the parents feels best suited but the student.

Gwendolyn

I would advise students to do their research. Find a school that has a program they would be interested in. Also find out what the school requires in terms of General Education courses before they can get into their major's program. Knowing these things beforehand can save on hassle when trying to schedule classes later on. I would advise parents to help their child in determining what school is best suited for them. In terms of location, how far away are they going to be, and how long is the drive between home and school. Safety, what type of security is in place? Do they have actual police patrolling the campus or only campus security? In terms of education, what kind of school will my child be attending: Liberal Arts, Conservative, Religious Based, State School, Private? All of these things are great in determening what is best for your child. Class sizes, Male to Female Ratio, Extra Curricular Activities on campus. Looking into all of these things can better prepare not only students but parents as well as they look to take the next step in their lives. These steps can help ensure procuring a quality education is possible.

Isaac

Do your work students. You go to college for a reason. I understand going out and partying is a lot of fun. I've been there, done that. But grades aren't important. The better you do in school, the more successful your career will be. Not only will you be more knowledgeable in your area of study by receiving good grades. You'll learn valuable lessons about time budgeting and management skills. By all means, have fun and go out on weekends. But stay on top of your studies as well.

Maggie

The most important thing I think people should consider while searching for a school, beyond price and whether the intended major is present at that location, is whether that institution fits the student's needs. Needs can be anything from administrative to social but the atomosphere must be conducive to the student's learning. Although there will not always be a "perfect fit" students need to feel like they fit in on the campus and to find a niche that suits their learning style. Schools that help individuals find their personal atmosphere and adjust to college life are great.

Stephanie

I think parents and students should go to look at colleges together. And I think it is very important to look at a varitety of colleges before choosing the one you are going to attend. There are so many schools out there and it can be overwhelming but do not limit yourself to just a few choices, experience and look at everything that is out there. And I also suggest starting early, begin your junior year and start narrowing down from there, don't wait until the last minute!

Teresa

Have all your college prerequisites done if you can.; like taking language, advanced english & algebra in high school. It helps to not have to pay for these classes if you can test out of them. Also, make sure to check out each and every school that you can before you graduate from high school. Make a list of your top choices, your second, and those that seem appealing but would not fall into the other two areas. Check them out thoroughly and look into every possible scholarship available in your area. The hardest thing these days seems to be financial diificulties, so after visiting the colleges on your list, also look into available work in the area. Also, try to get involved in all the on campus activities that may interest you, and maybe even some that you would not usually consider. The first year at college can become lonely, getting involved in activities helps you to make friends and stay involved. Keep in close touch with your family and loved ones, as well.

Pietrina

In my personal experience, one of the most important aspects of choosing the "right " college was how well it would suit my individual needs. I am a very family-oriented individual, and choosing a college that wasn't too far away from my home, was very important to me. I think it definitely helped me adjust faster, because I may have been homesick at first, but after some time, I knew that if I needed something, I was close to my family. I think it's imporant to find an insitution that is highly regarded in the field of study in which you are entering, and definitely choosing a college that is going to help you with succeed, and give you the right education that you need in order to become a productive individual in society. College should be an amazing experience, and students should value their education, NOT just their free time. I think students should never take for granted the privilege of attending college, and make the most of it their time there.

brandi

Research all possibilities. Find a school that fits all your/your childs needs!

Ashley

Make sure to go on college visits during your junior year of high school and to visit a large, medium and small college. Try to allow your child to spend the night or weekend, especially if they have a friend who already attends there. As a parent do not try to force your child to go to your alma mater or school of your choice, but rather let them make the decision. In some cases, it will be the wrong choice but at least the student will have been allowed to make that choice. Once the decision has been made, as a parent encourage the student and always be there for them whether they mess up or not. Most important is to continue to love and support them!!!

Daniel

Stay overnight in the dorms during the school year to make sure you could see yourself there for 4 years.

Josie

It is important to remember that each person needs a unique place to grow and learn. If a child wishes to go to a school, the parent(s) need to be supportive. Each school will offer different opportunities for growth as an individual. Do not choose a school based solely on a scholarship; rather, take the time to research all schools of interest. After researching the schools, visit the schools of choice. After deciding on the best school for you, the student, then figure out how you will pay for college. There are many third party scholarship and loan options available to help finance college. Talk to the financial aid office for this information and make decisions accordingly.

Justin

I think knowing what college a student chooses definately begins with the help you get from high school. Our high school didn't have a good guidance counselor who would help a student for their personal needs, and would only have the students rely on the surveys to determine what would be best for the student to go to college for. I would choose a college that best fits the student's needs and wants while considering the type of career path the student plans to take. Don't be afraid to change things after you enter college though, many students change their minds as they grow and learn. I have learned to go with the flow and have done a lot of learning on my own and to rely on my own needs rather than what others tell me, but when I need help, I'm not afraid to ask for it. The last thing I would say is to relax your first couple years and get settled in, because after that, the hard work starts to come. Don't get caught up in all the partying at college, you're there to learn, don't waste your money.