Brigham Young University-Provo Top Questions

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

Katherine

This is the time of greatest change. All expectations of who you are and what you want will be redefined and examined. The things you learn will cause you to question what you're made of, and how much control you have in how to make yourself anything better. You do have control. Pick a college that allows for that change, that will let you explore and learn in a safe and comfortable environment. Find a school that serves it's undergraduates, and takes them seriously. Take advantage of everything that comes your way, but do not feel helpless or worthless when you can't do everything. Learn to be selective. Be grateful enough to enjoy living, and restless enough to inspire change. There is nothing wrong with counseling, and if it's free, just go. The dragons that hid over the years rear their fierce heads during dark hours in College. It's alright to fight them with sword and sheild, but it's perfectly natural to call in for back up as well. Everyone will tell you this will be the best time of your life. It's your choice to make it the beginning of the best.

Meliame

Make sure that you pick a college that has offers your major.

Danielle

The best advice I would give would be to enjoy yourself wherever you end up going. It is a wonderful blessing to be able to go to college, so have fun! Be sure to get involved in clubs and activities that interest you; it'll help you find other people who share you same interests but it will help you develop skills in that (those) areas as well. Be sure to study hard as well because it will help make the college experience even better when you know you are doing well in your classes and learning all that you can!

Meghan

Pick one that fits in your goals in life. Find one that fits your personality and that you can get a long with the teachers and students. Go for the right reasons. Don't worry about prestige or something, because if you don't really care about that and you go to a prestigous college, you are not going to like your experience. Go where you think is best for you.

Jay

Find a place where you can excel-- where you feel comfortable and can focus on your studies. Then major in what you love, but minor in business.

Emma

College. The word may strike terror and excitement into the hearts of parents and children alike. But you can do it! Regardless of campus size, surrounding environment, financial aid, or any other ?factor? that may arise in choosing the right school, the most important quality a school can provide an environment where you can thrive. Choose a school with a program that welcomes new students; where faculty are open and friendly but intellectually stimulating?choose a school where you can feel comfortable. ?A chacun ses go?ts.? This traditional French saying?to each his (or her) own taste?holds true when picking the right university. Find a school with a nontraditional curriculum or a wide variety of major options if that suits you. Each student is different? the good news is that there are universities to match everyone. If you love sports, pick a school with a competitive program; if you love the arts, pick a college renowned for fine performances. Pick a school you love. Find students with similar interests?check the clubs available?find activities that you would enjoy. There is a place for you, where you will belong. Go find it--and live your dreams!

Amber

Think about what you want out of your future, don't always live in the moment.

Janae

Finding the right college for you requires you to be self-aware. Know what you need to thrive. Do you need a small, personal environment? Do you need nature? Do you need a large population or a big city? Will you need to be around others with similar values? Do your research and take into account the environmental, academic, and social aspects of a school to see where you can succeed and be challenged at the same time. Students: Take action! Take responsibility! So many students respond in surveys that they feel they missed out on so much in their college experience. They wish they had taken charge of their learning, taken initiative in talking to professors, or taken advantage of activities on campus. Too many just let the experience pass by and are so involved in the moment that they forget why they are at school--to learn! To grow! To have fun! Find the right place for you, and take full advantage of all of its opportunities. Seize the day.

Lisa

Choosing the right college really depends on what you want get out of your college experience. When you know what you want is becomes easier to decide where you should go. For most people college is much more than simply going to school. It is creating a life for yourseld and becoming who you want to be in your life. When choosing a college it is important to think about the things you want in the future and to think about how the colleges you are considering will help you achieve these goals. When actually attending the college of your choice you can make you college experience into what you want it to be. Of course going to class is important but it is not the only reason to go to college and one should never let their schooling get in the way of their education. By choosing a school that's right for you and by finding the things that make you happy, college can be one of the best experiences of your life.

Cortney

Find a college that suits your need, and that you are excited to go to. It is no use to find one that is too social, or too secluded. Students need balence, It is important to look for finacial aid, the type professor the college has. Also see if they have the type of majors you are interested in. Make sure that it is a school that you want. As a student, if you are not going to like it, then you are not going to be motivated to do your best and to work hard. Don't just consider where your friends are going, or which campus looks the coolest. Don't go to the one that has the best food. Pick the one that is right for you. Do your research, and stick to your dreams.

Briana

Parents shouldn't be choosing where their child goes to college. This is purely a student's choice to make. They are the one who will have to be at that school for 4 maybe 5 years. Let them make the decision. And students, choose where you want to go. Don't be pressured by where other friends are going, don't choose because it's the most presitigious school. Choose because that's where you want to go and you think you'll like it. You'll make the right choice, don't worry.

Heather

I think that a large part of the university experience is learning to be your own person. Too many students go to the college that their parents want them to attend or that their friends are attending instead of considering which school is actually going to give them the expereinces that they need. If you are willing to work then any school can give you an education but some schools will also give you the opportunity to develope as a person. Finding the right career can be a difficult process. I changed my major many times before settling on one. Most of the majors that I considered would have helped me to accomplish my career goals and would have put me in approximately the same job outlook upon graduation. The one I settled on however, allows me to enjoy and express myself while obtaining my degree and is no longer just a means to the end. Don't be afraid to attend major fairs, to ask questions, even to meet with a major councilor. At the same time do not let someone (anyone) else tell you what they think you shouold do. It is your decision, make it.

carolyn

Make sure you know what you are looking for. You need to know the kind of person you are and the kind of life you want to live. There are lots of choices and make sure you keep your options open. Don't set your sights too high, but don't settle either. College is a huge decision and make sure to take your time. Involve your loved ones in your decision and take their advice. Everyone wants you to succeed and you can do it if you put your heart and mind to it.

Jamie

Make sure that you visit the campuses that you are interested in. A place may look really good on paper, but it can be completly diffrent in person.

Sally

Students looking for the perfect college should know that there isn't a "perfect college". There will be things you will like and things you won't like about every school you look at. The best way for you to decide which school you should attend is to do some research. First off, find schools that offer the major you are interested in. From there find out the school's location, number of students, student diversity, extracurricular activities, housing and anything else that matters to you. Visiting the school is a great way to get a feel for life at that school because you see how the campus is set up, what the classrooms look like, what the surrounding towns are like and you can see the students and teachers for yourself. While visiting a campus, you should ask the students what they think of the school. They will be more honest with you than the faculty and will be able to answer questions about the social life at the school. Picking a college is not about going the most prestigious school, or the school your parents like, it's about finding a place you feel comfortable.

M.

Look at the lifestyle you want to pursue and the career you wish to have and find a college that upholds those values and ideals. If you choose a party school but want an education in law, the liklihood of you obtaining the education--and then the career--you desire is slim to none--don't be afraid of what you really want, and don't hesitate to find a school that can give you what you seek. Shoot for the stars, if you must; better to live among the dullest of them then to dwell with mere mortals all your life.

Jacqueline

I would consider very carefully whether you find academics or personal growth to be the most important part of your future college experience. Both are very important, of course, but going to college is often the first time you live relatively free of your parents' influence, and the people and environment there will often shape who you become. Good academics can be found at any school. Some schools are more widely known for their academics, and may have more academically-focused people, but good professors and good students can be found on any campus. "Good people" can be found on any campus as well, but one of the best things about BYU is the high percentage of people who want to become the best person they can be beyond academics as well. The emphasis here on community and serving and loving thy fellow man is something that is truly not found on many prestigious campuses around the world. Here, you or your child can achieve academic success, while maintaing morals and becoming the person he or she truly wants to be.

Sarah

To find the right college you should look around as much as possible and be sure to research to find what is best for you. Go to college fairs and talk to counselors at school or college representatives, so you are confident in your decision. To make the most out of your college experience, you should get involved. Find out what social and academic events are going on and socialize. Having friends and socializing are just as important as academics. It is important to maintain a healthy balance physically, mentally, emotionally, etc. Making the most of your college experiecnce will help achieve that goal.

Nicole

The first thing to realize about picking a college or university is to realize that no college or university is going to be perfect. There will always something that won't be exactly right but college can be a great expirence non the less. I have found that college can be anything you want it to be it just depends on what you put into it. I love being in college but I have enjoyed ever stage of my life from elemetary school to today. College is not a fix; it is simply a part of the journey. You choose what affect it has on your life.

Patricia

My advice would be to educate yourself on the schools. Go to their campuses and get the feel for what it might be like to go to school there. Once you have found the type of school that you want, apply to as many of those types of schools as possible. Then, when you get your acceptance letters back, look at the reputations of those schools. Make sure they are prestigious and you would be able to find a good career after attending that college or university. Make your decision on the feel, their reputation, and the opportunities you can have after attending that school.

Samantha

The right place for you to attend college isn't usually where you want to go. Look for a school that has all the things you will need to succeed. This would include more than just the right programs and majors for you. I strongle suggest you look at the environment, social activiteis, and other ways to get involed. Bing involed at college makes it alot more fun. Look at reasons why the school wants you there, and look at the help support they give.

Shantel

Make sure that you look at all the options. Figure out how much you can afford, the workload that you can handle, and the type of education emphasis you would like. Finding the right fit is key to enjoying college. Once you get to college, allow the whole college experience be one worth remembering. Play hard, work hard, and leave each semester having had learned something.

Bryce

Visit the colleges you?re thinking about to feel their vibe and meet the students. If you can?t visit, talk to someone who went there. Apply for at least one school that you don?t think you quite qualify for. It?s hard to gauge admission criteria, so just go for it! Also apply for a school that you?re sure will admit you. If you get good grades there, you might be able to transfer to your dream school. Determine your professional goals and pick a school that will help you reach them. There will be pressure to fit in socially?do what makes you feel good about yourself. You can have a blast without compromising your standards. Good roommates are key to college happiness. Do you want to live with a party animal or bookworm? Different sleep schedules and habits can cause conflict too, so tell your college what kind of roommate you want if you?re going into assigned housing. During college, schedule time for community service, like helping at community centers, cleaning the environment, or visiting retirement centers. Serving others is a great way to avoid depression?plus, it really helps other people out.

Ellen

Finding the right college comes with knowing what you want. Select and prioritize your values, goals, and expectations while you are searching for the college for you. Don't worry about the prestige of the school. At the end of the day, if it has the program that you want and you enjoy it, that's what matters. Really, it doesn't matter so much where you went as much as what you learned and how you'll apply it. Don't be afraid to choose what you want. You (usually) only go to college once. You need to select what meets your needs and wants.

Zarah

In choosing a college, a dorm, or a major, the most important thing to evaluate is the feeling you get when you think about it on your own. If you like the way you feel when you are there, you can see yourself achieving your dreams, or you know you can be yourself while you are there then you have found your niche. Whichever college campus you choose will be your home for the duration of your educational residence there. You are not merely attending classes; you are learning skills and meeting people who will touch your life. Being comfortable with the campus is much more than simply enjoying the social scene or architecture; it is being comfortable with who you are choosing to become. No one grows up over night. It is a process shaped by the twists and turns of life; influenced by the people and things encountered on the journey. Your college will help you become the adult you want to be. Whether the path you choose involves becoming a socialite, an athlete, a professional, or a musician; college is a place where you dreams can be realized, ideas can be formed, and lives can begin.

Brice

Do your research.

Sandi

Find a college that focuses on what you are most interested in and don't study too hard. Play to keep your sanity, but don't play too much.

Sierra

You need to visit the campus and learn what the school is about. Talk with professers and sit in on classes if you can. This will give you the very best information about the acidemic program. You can read all you want in maginzines and pamphlets but you need to experience it yourself before you really understand what to expect. Also you should talk with people; alumni, friends who are thinking about going there, and most importantly, current students. Get people's opinions and learn from thier knowledge. Choosing the right college is an important decsion and it shouldn't be left to guesses and chance. Learn all you can about the city, the social atmosphere, the acidemics, the extra-curricular groups, everything.

Tanner

My advice would be first, consider what kind of person you are and what kind of person you want to become. Once you've done that, look for those schools that fit who you are and will help push you to become the better person you want to be. Narrow down your choices, then ask for advice from friends, talk with your famliy and even look for opinions of the schools from online sources. Since this a rather big decision, if you believe in God or a higher power, I recommend including God in the process. Council in prayer with God about the results of your efforts. Tell him about schools you'd like to attend or felt good about. Then, with a willingness to act, ask where He wants you to go then do it. Go with an open mind and a hungry desire to learn in class as well as on your own. Be open to meeting new people, pushing the limit of your abilitiees and stretching the boundaries of your comfort zone. Be aware that there will hard days full of struggle. Just remember others have made it before you so get up and try again.

Jaime

College is an exciting time to learn and develop but it can also be a dangerous time to be influenced by the world and our current society. While looking for a college, you should always keep in mind that education is first but you must find a place where you will enjoy themselves, be free to be yourself, and have clean fun or you are bound to go crazy. I would advise to find a place that expresses who you are already as a person to help you grow and develop in that same course. College is a very fulflling experience and you must remember that it will be difficult and you should try to find a university that will push you and help you to achieve your potential while not changing what that current potential is to what the college thinks it should be.

Erin

Two simple steps to finding a college that best suites your needs are: 1) Understanding your interests, espeically as far as a career goes and 2) Finding ways to be involved. Thus far, college has been one of the greatest phases of personal growth for me because I have been able to expand my circle of interests as I focus in on my life--and specifically, my career--goals. You don't want to end up having a career where you dread facing work on a daily basis; therefore it is important to plan early in finding a career that interests you. Your interests will be one of the number one decision factors in choosing the college you want to attend. Finally, become involved at your college. I am a firm believer in attitude--if you want an incredible college experience, you must get up and do something about it. I have never had a fun "pity party" and whenever I feel like my enjoyment in college life is low, I make a concerted effort at changing my attitude. College can be one of the most amazing experiences of your life if you let it be.

Andrew

Finding the right college is really important. I feel lucky enough to have found the right college for me. Remember, just because my college is the right one for me, doesn't automatically mean that it is the right one for you. The college that is right for you should fit within budget first and foremost. It is also purtinate to find a school that fosters the beliefs and ideals that you find important. Programs that you are interested should come in a high standard as these colleges within your univeristy will stand out more to the professional world. It is very important to get involved. You are going to get out of college what you decide to put into it. If you work hard and try to be socially out-going, college is going to be a great place for you as well as a wonderful experience. Introverts who decide to stay hidden up in their rooms most of the time may learn text books but miss out on so much more the social learning that can and should take place in the college setting. College is truly a great once in a lifetime experience, make it count!

Alison

I've found or that one of the most important aspects of a college or university that one should look at when trying to find the right college is to look at the kind of people that attend that school. It is important to surround yourself with peers who are focused on the same things that you are, believe in the same things that you do, and have some of the same life goals. I believe that you become the people you spend time with. Make sure you choose a college that will provide you with classmates and peers that reflect the kind of person you are and want to "grow up to be". The friends you make in college are your friends for life. Make sure that they are the people you are willing to continue associating yourself with after the college experience is over. You want to be proud to have gone to that school and been associated with it. When making this decision, be sure to visit the campus and meet with an academic advisor that will be honest with you about the students and campus life.

Kim

Finding a college that you will enjoy is the hardest part. Search for colleges that look as though they will suit you well. Find one in a good climate with good people. If you find somewhere that meets all of your main needs and if you make the best of every situation, I can assure you that college will be a great time in your life. Get involved with school activities, as well as activities with other social groups that like things that you do. And never give up. Try your hardest; if you do, success will come, even if it's not in the form that you thought it would or should.

Scott

Focus on what would lead you to whatever dreams you have for life. Don't think about the little things as much as the things you hope for in you future.

Michael

Look to help your son or daughter understand the importance of a college education. It's more important that high school because this has an effect on what career you'll have and the ability you'll have to provide for a family someday! Find the right school that helps you develop as a person and grow to become a better example to others around you. As you look for a school that promotes such a lifestyle you will be a happier and more successful student.

Courtney

I believe that choosing a college isn't a casual decision. Make sure it's really what you want because how you perform in college will determine the rest of your life! I think it would be really helpful to visit each campus you're looking into for a weekend and live in the dorms, if the school will allow it. No matter what college you go to, make sure you find a balance between studying and socializing. College is fun, but it's also a time to prepare for the future. To make the most of your college experience, don't get too discouraged when things aren't going exactly as you had imagined them. I had a hard time taking tests and getting along with roommates and I thought I wanted to just stay home after last year. Instead, I decided to give BYU another shot, and I'm one hundred percent sure that I made the right choice. Everything this year feels right and I realize that what I learned from some rough experiences in freshman year has allowed me to grow and be very successful in my sophomore year.

Joshua

Start looking for the college you want to attend while you are young and then know what you need to do to get in and work towards those goals.

Joseph

Visit college campuses to get a feel for the college. Some look great on paper, but may not be a good fit for everyone. As much as possible, talk with students or graduates to see what their experiences have been--what they liked or didn't like, for example.

Tim

At first I wanted to go to a college with a good football program so that I would be able to enjoy their games in the fall, and I didn't look for much of anything else, I didn't even know what I wanted to do with my life. BYU has helped me see that although it is fun to go to games, it is very important to learn and grow in this time. Try to find a school that will help your children to grow and progress in their lives so that they can be happy with what they do and what they become in life. The atmosphere that the school has is also very important. At the school I attend, no alchohol or drugs are allowed. This helps us not only to keep our morals but also to keep us focused on what we want to do with our lives. College can change you, and the environment you study in can mold your life forever. It is a big commitment and the decision should not be made lightly.

Nathan

First is to dream big. Don't ever think that a college is "to good" for you to apply to it. Second is to go and visit as many campuses as as possible. Find the one that you feel comfortable with. If you don't feel comfortable while you're visiting, you won't feel comfortable going to school there. Third, work as hard as you can in high school. College is hard, so if you don't build good study habits and a good work ethic in high school, you'll be in trouble at college. Fourth, start applying for scholarships now. It'll pay off later.

Kalister

make college visits. Research the school so that you know what the school is like in all aspects. Check out all options before making a decision.

Scott

Do what you want. Never feel presurred into going some where you are not sure about. One should feel excited to head off to college.

Katie

When deciding on a college, choose the one that fits your personality and reflects your values best. Make sure it's an institution where you can grow in more ways than mentally. There are so many lessons to be learned in attending an institution of higher learning and seeking a degree; so many hardships to overcome, and a myriad of amazing experiences to help one find their true self. Once you're there, throw your whole self into it, and love what you learn. Most of all learn to love learning. For when a person loves to learn, and seeks to learn truth, there is nothing that can be kept from them, no doors that are closed to them; no opportunities they can't embrace or beauty they can't see. To love learning is to love life.

Seth

Even though many people say don't worry about the price, I think that the less time that a student spends thinking about the financial aspects of school the better they are able to do academically. Your experience is what you make it, don't just depend on the school to entertain or guarantee anything after college for you. You have to go out there ad make it happen. Actually visiting the school is a good way to get a feel for the kind of people that go there because these are the people that you are going to have to live with for a few years. Finally make sure that they have a wide variety of majors to choose from. Everyone goes to college with dreams of becoming this or that but I can guarantee you that that will change. It is so much easier to just change your major and not have to apply to a totally different school. Just go with your first feelings and not with what somebody tells you to go with .

Garrett

The college experience is one of the most crucial a young person can have in their life. There they will be able to discover who they really are. In High School many times you are unable to express your self fully without criticism from peers, teachers, parents, etc. I believe going to go college with an open mind will allow to fully enjoy it. Do not be afraid to grow and change, but be careful not to get involved in anything that you really do not want to do. Be an individual. Show the world what you are made of. You can be anything, nothing is holding you back so live up to the potential that you have.

Leah

Go to bed on time, wake up and go to class, do your homework, and read the material! Keep away from the hard-core party scene, because it will hinder your educational progress and cause you nothing but harm. Make and keep good friends who are encouraging and helpful. Stay focused on both your schoolwork and your purpose for gaining a higher education. Most importantly, don't allow anyone, any stigma, or any circumstance keep you from overcoming your trials and accomplishing your personal goals.

Lytal

To parents of future college students I ask, ?What are you doing now to help your children make the right decision about college?? I have a few words of advice. Assess your child?s wants and needs. Ask your child what they want from their college experience: a degree, independence, and life experience are a few things they might mention. It?s most important to consider the campus environment and the students that attend the school. Here is where you can talk about your concerns as you address your child's needs. Remind them their college needs the specific field or major your child is looking for; you need to know what GPA or ACT score is best to get into the school, also the limit on tuition that can be afforded. Once you?ve narrowed down the colleges from your wants and needs, go visit them. It?s essential to get a feel for things. Take a tour of campus; make plans about places to live. See if it?s everything your child needs and wants.

Nicole

Make sure to find your own niche. Everyone has different talents and interests so use them to your advantage at college because there will be a number of people who are very similar to you-you just have to find them. No matter how overwelmed you feel, remember that there are thousands of other students who feel the same way you do every day.

Natalya

I would tell them to look for a college that fits your needs and a place that you feel comfortable because you will be spending a good few years of your life there and you want them to be a blast!