Brigham Young University-Provo Top Questions

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

Rachel

I believe that you have to find the right college based on your priorities. If academics and real world applications are your focus, then you should look into colleges that offer that experience. You need to look for schools that specialize in the area of expertise that you are looking for. Make sure the college has a good overall reputation. Of course, cost is always a big factor, including loction, but grants and student loans will help a lot with those costs. I don't think there is a need to worry about the social life since most universities offer plenty of opportunities.

Devon

Find the college that the student thinks is a good fit. I highly encourage one that will cause you to travel some away from your immediate family. While family is great, you can do a lot of personal growth while on your own. To make the most of the college experience do what you enjoy. Find a club, organization, or even just a group of friends on campus that do something you enjoy whether that be fencing, sports, computer games, etc. The other thing I would advise is to make the most of your classes. Learn everything you can and even go outside your comfort zone a little by maybe taking some classes you normally wouldn't (like a dance class for me). You never know, you might find you enjoy it.

Kira

Look for a school that is in the enviornment that you want. For me a school with moral standards was very important because of my religion. Find a school where you will be most comfortable, and that will give you the most opportunities after you graduate. I think it is also important to strongly consider the school that was the hardest to get into, because it will probably look the best later on in life.

Sarah

Know yourself. Know what you want out of a college experience. Know what your priorities in life are. Do all you can to figure out what schools best fit your personality and your goals. Once you've found the right school for you, do all you can to qualify yourself for acceptance into that school. Talk to others who have been accepted into the school. Talk to those at the school who can tell you what will qualify you for acceptance. After you've been accepted, get in touch with staff and professors in your desired area of study. They will be able to help you get on the right track from the start. If you do not know yet what field you want to study, get in touch with those at the university who can help you figure that out. Most importantly, get to know yourself, and you will know what career field would be best for you. Knowing yourself, knowing what you want and need, and being willing to learn even more about yourself is key to getting the most out of any life experience. Know yourself, stay focused, do your best, and have fun.

Heri

You really can't tell if you made a good decision when you apply to college. For me I knew Brigham Young University was just right for me after the first day of class. If it's possible know what you want to study before you go into college.

Stephanie

Each year, hundreds of thousands of high school students seek to find the perfect place to continue their educational experience. There are multiple criteria that students must consider when choosing this important place. For me, there were a few that were at the top of my list. First, I wanted to fit in. College is a hard enough transition without ideas of social inability filling my head. I wanted to make sure that the people and students at the school were kind and made me feel like I could succeed. Make sure that as a student, you feel comfortable with the people around you. If you do not feel safe and comfortable, it will make it all the harder to make it through to graduation. Second, make sure they have the major that you intend to complete. I remember looking through schools and realizing that many of the ones I had on the top of my list did not even have the major I wanted. Just check. It is easy. Finally, be excited. No matter where you go, this experience is going to change your life. If you be excited about it, being there will be beneficial to your life.

Shelly

dont be scared to make a mistake. you never know until you try... but you take advice of others that are already attending that college.

Laurel

Selecting the right college for you may be the arduous, mind-boggling, sleep snatching process it was for me. The college you choose ought to reflect the image of who you would like to become. And the academic environment that will serve you best will stretch you until you're slightly uncomfortable, yet curious enough to want to rise to the level it expects. I chose to search for a school that would inspire my mind as well as my soul. I found a place where I would be surrounded by beautiful nature, quality music, qualified and caring professors, and an atmosphere that encourages honesty and virtue. Challenges still come, sometimes until 4:30 in the morning; yet they invite me to keep the purpose of my studies in proper perspective. Your education can be a source irreplaceable fulfilliment or a necessary inconvenience, depending on how you choose to apply it. As you uncover knowlege and gain new experiences, you will find that it can make you a better person. Seize the moments of enlightenment that come, then work to make the changes they inspire. Allow your education to serve you so you can use it to serve your world.

Jarom

The obvious first question would be if the school is one where the student can gain the knowledge, skills, and credentials to be able to be competitive in his chosen career field. As there are many universities today that can provide those possibilities though, having confirmed that most important characteristic I think second most important is that it be a place where the student can be happy and find fulfilment in their studies. It should be a university environment where the student won't be treated differently based on questions of race, religion, athleticism, etc. and where they can feel free to express who they are and what they think. Because this is a time when people discover a lot about themselves, it's important that there be an open forum, meaning an environment that encourages the sharing of new ideas, that pushes people to think outside of the box rather than restricting them to established ideas and methods. But while freedom and self-expression are essential, it's also important that there be established rules and regulations for conduct, including student-student and student-teacher relations, ensuring the provision of a healthy learning environment.

Asenath

Don't be afraid. Don't be afraid to let your baby move far away from home, to a city thats not close to you. And students, don't be afraid to leave your nesting ground, to have to start afresh from the ground up and build your life peice by peice. It can be difficult to step out of your comfort zone, but it's something that you must do in order to succeed in life.

Ashley

Pray about it.

Emily

to students: don't go somewhere because your parents want you to. parents: don't try to sway your kid's decision too much. do your research and try to pick somewhere where you will fit in, but also have opportunity to do things that are unique to you. make sure that the field(s) you are interested in are well- represented at your school.

Victoria

I would say to look for a place that not only has the best program for whatever the student is looking to do, but also a school that upholds high standards and has a reputation for turning out skilled and confident well-rounded individuals. As for the experience, from what I've learned, the best way to make the most out of it is to be wiling to learn ALWAYS, not just in the classroom. Don't take things too seriously, but also don't take them too lightly either. It's healthy to put a good amount of pressure on oneself, but not so much that you can't be better for your mistakes or enjoy the life experiences around you.

Amy

Just come and have fun. Don't worry about it so much.

Chris

Before young adults are finished with high school it is important that they have a general idea of what they want to study and do for a living after they graduate from college. If someone isn't sure what their goals are it will make their college experience very difficult for the first few years while they decide what they will be doing with their lives. They may also go through college completely confused and get close to graduating when they realize that they would like to continue their education and go to medical school or dental school or law school or get a masters degree in something, but because they weren't sure what they were doing for the last three years they have not met the requirements needed to get into their desired graduate program. Parents and their children should do their best to work out a five year plan before going to college so that their experience can be positive, successful and efficient.

Candice

It's important to look at academics, but it's equally important to look at the environment. It doesn't matter if you go to Harvard or a community college. If you feel uncomfortable you will not be learning as much as could be. I love BYU because of the fact that I fit in and I am making lifetime friendships. My most memorable moments are with friends, and I also did better in classes that my friends were in with me. Relationships and attitudes make or break your college experience. So make sure you visit to the college you're thinking of attending. Go on a rainy day if possible because pictures make every college look perfect, and you want to find the college that is perfect for you even on days when the sun doesn't shine. And don't be afraid to go off on your own. If you find a college that you know is perfect for you, you'll make friends. I live in Missouri and I came to BYU , about 30000 students in Utah, and I didn't know anyone. I'm happy, and I've really found my best friends. Good luck!

Daniel

Get to know the professors while in school so that you can learn more valuable things related to your major/career. Also, finding someone who is familiar with the school and campus ahead of time can help with getting acclimated to the school. They usually know a lot that can make class schedules, housing, and whatever else an easier thing.

K

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Nat

Go and visit. Choose to be happy about where you go.

Katie

Start early! Get a broad view of what colleges are out there and what they offer. Give yourself time to compare and contrast the schools you are interested in. Go and visit the campuses, talk to students about what they think, and talk to the parents about their impressions. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions and do a lot of research. Make a list of which qualities are a must and which you could live without. Every school is different just like every student is different. Sometimes getting outside your comfort zone will give you a more fulfilling college experience. Push yourself to explore new options so that you can become your own person. College is really the start of your own life away from Mom and Dad. It's an opportunity to see what you're really made of. Decide what's important for you and make sure to have goals in mind for what you want to accomplish and what you want to get out of college. Explore the opportunities well so that when you've made your choice you can focus on exploring the person you want to become during college and on!

Alicia

College is all about balance. The most important thing that a new student can do is manage their time wisely. If all someone does is party and hangout, then they will have a lot of fun but flunk out. On the other hand, someone that spends all of their time in the library will burn themselves out. This balance is easier to find if the two meet in the middle. Make schoolwork fun or atleast interesting. Pick a major that is interesting, because you will be studying it for 4 years if not longer. Make friends with people in class. They will be a valuable study and social resource, and your best friends in college can be your best friends for the rest of your life. Find the best balace, and remember that what works for one person does not work for everyone. Also, what works may change over time, but college is a learning expirience so do just that, learn.

Candace

I have found hindsight to be a beautifully illuminating destination. It is the place at the end of a long journey where new found wisdom obliterates old notions and opinions. It is a place of growth. As such, I have three messages for new students. Actively question your professors and their grading rubric. More often than not my work was worthy of higher grades than I originally received and by constantly communicating with my professors about my work I significantly raised my GPA. Get to know your professors. They are more likely to reward your excellence when they know who you are. Get them invested and make them part of your success as a student. You will reap the rewards ten fold. Participate in a study abroad program in your particular field of study. It was the most enlightening experience in my academic career because I did not plan to work in my field upon graduation. Because of my study abroad experience I discovered my potential to become a leader in my field and what greater confidence could I ask for as I seek higher education?

Cameron

Don't just think about convenience when picking a college. Try to pick a college where you can feel comfortable. If you don't feel like you belong, you won't do well in your classes.

Heidi

Don't decide your school by what major you think you will graduate with or the name of the school that you want on future resumes. College is more than school, it's your life for four years. The atmosphere, the people, the area matters greatly. So many students change their majors. Many students graduate and move on to graduate school, or realize that the University they attended doesn't matter as much as they thought it would. My friends that have been the happiest at University have chosen by it's atmosphere: the right level of partying, the political climate, the art and entertainment interests in the area, the acceptance of California marijuana or homosexuality. School is just part of it, and if you're not happy, you will not perform your best in school. There is a balance, too much socialization can hinder academic performance, but depression and transitional problems really get students down. You have to choose what school fits the best for you, and you will make the most of it and enjoy it immensely. You will create social and academic networks, get involved, and be more marketable and balanced.

Lawrence

I would simply tell parents to let their children choose what is right for them individually and help to find a college that matches the individual. Students I would advise to really examine their choice, not based on what their friends or parents want, but on what they want and need as an individual. They should try and examine their options from all angles and keep themselves open for new opportunities. However, once they make a decision, they should be confident and make the best of that decision. They should not hesitate, but should jump in and make the best of their opportunities and potential. It's a great experience only for those who make it so. That's part of why I think it's so important that this be a personal decision for the individual, then they are accountable and they know that it was their decision and their consequences. I believe that drives people to make the best of whatever comes, rather than blaming others or moping because someone else convinced them to do something which wasn't right for them. The individual should decide, and then do all they can to love the consequences.

Jason

I think that it's really important to find a school that suits the the student. To do that the prospective-student needs to do a little research into what fields they would like to go into. Then they need to find a school that has a good program for that area of interest. I didn't really look into those things, because I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to do. This, I believe, happens to most of us, therefore it is important to pick a school that can help the student find what they are looking for. The reason I picked Brigham Young University is because my parents went there. That wasn't a very good reason, but fortunately BYU has been a great school for me and I have loved every minute of it. So it's important to pick a school that the student will like.

Steve

Parents: Allow your children to make their own decisions about life, don?t try to control them and don?t use financial backing as leverage to get your way in a decision. College is the time when we really find out who we are and what we want to do with our life ? so be there to help and counsel us if needed, but don?t force anything. Students: You are on your own so enjoy! Don?t worry, be willing to make mistakes and learn from those mistakes. Make friends, be outgoing, be social, but still manage your time. Allow yourself to find out what your personal values are, rather than what you have been taught your life. Most of all, realize that you are only in college at this age once, so enjoy it!

Christopher

The best advice that I could possibly give is to find a college that reflects who you are. It does not make sense for anyone to attend a school that leans towards beliefs and practices that do not reflect what they feel inside. For example, if someone has a more liberal point of view it would be ill advised for them to attend a school that is traditionally conservative. Certainly, an action such as this would result in an experience that leaves much to be desired. This less than perfect experience could quite possibly prevent someone frome reaching their full potential both academically as well as socially. I strongly believe that an environment which nourishes the beliefs and, to a lesser extent, the personality of any given individual is crucial to their success as a student as well as to the impact they have on society as a whole. Those whose beliefs are strengthened from the experience they have in college will be those who contribute most to social progression.

Savannah

That's easy. The best way to choose the right college is to stop listening to other people. Sit down and think about what you really want. Once you define the priorities for yourself you can focus and start searching for the college that shares your same priorities. Then once you choose a college you have to make a concious decision that you will make this experience the absolute best. College is a beautiful fresh start so take every opportunity to meet new people, hear their stories, and learn from their examples and experiences. College should be about book learning and life learning, so don't neglect your social education. Also, keep a running list of all the things you need to do. College life gets crazy and you need to keep track of a million different things so keep a list and pen handy. Sometimes I add a fun something on my list so I can really treat myself for doing all the other things I had to do. Finally: football games. Don't miss the football games.

Denis

Visit the school and talk to students currently attending the school. Once at school, go out of your way to be involved and help people; that way you will automatically make friends and make important contacts for future careers. Then let the time fly by while soaking in the amazing experiences

Ken

Although it is possible to come away with a degree from any college, attending the right college has a big effect on the way you obtain the degree. In finding the right college, it is important to consider your personal needs, as compared to what the college has to offer. If you like being exposed to lots of activities and people, a larger college is good, while if you need a stable, close-knit group of peers, a smaller college is good. It is also important to consider the quality of education at each candidate college. If graduate school is in the future, finding a school with high acceptance rates into graduate schools should be an issue. Also, the social and academic atmosphere is different at each college, but is a very important part of the college experience. Often this is not accurately reported by numbers. I found it useful to talk to students and recent graduates, as well as to make a visit to the campus. After entering college, immerse yourself in the college life. Take part in activities, don't be afraid to take classes that may appear to be too hard or purely because they are interesting.

Elizabeth

visting the college really helps when choosing a college. You have to feel it as well as learn about it. Also you need to talk to facilty, staff and students. Work on fining a school that has the best programs and the best environment the suits you.

Bradford

The most important thing you can use to find the right school is the goals of the administration. If the administration is student oriented you will have a happy college experience. When the administration is beurocracy oriented, research oriented, or profit oriented, the student most likely will have a less than stellar experience at college. Also, find a school that has a strong moral focus - values such as honesty are important to learn in school BEFORE you go into the professional world. Too many of our current corporate scandals could have been avoided if the men involved were taught honesty in their school career.

Jacob

Start early. It seems like college is always a long way away, but it tends to sneak up on you. Start looking for scholarships early and take advantage of aids for standardized tests. The world wants you to get an education and there are a million ways to find help in paying for it. Anything that you can do to help keep your schedule open so that you can focus on your school work is definitely worth doing. But don't let academics devour you. Leave time to do fun things, to learn something totally unrelated to your major. College can be all kinds of fun.

James

Don't come here unless you're really ready for it.

Heather

I would advise parents and students to evaluate what they are looking for in their college experience. Look for the qualities and statistics shown of the schools which fit your criteria, and decide from there what you want to do and where you want to go with your chosen field. Keep your life balanced between work, school, and fun. Your main focus should be school and obtaining your degree, followed by work. Your social life is important, however it should not take presidence over your studies or ability to survive/live/stay at school if you work. College is the best time of your life and you will learn countless exciting things and make friends that will last you for life. Cherish the time you have and enjoy where you are at and what you're doing. What you learn and do now will determine what you will be doing the rest of your life.

Mikaela

Definition of you: [yoo; yuh], pronoun. 1. a partier. someone who looks for exciting things, CRAVES for exciting things; will never pass up an opportunity for fun; more focused on enjoying life than on securing a perfect attendance score in Physics 102. 2. a studious type. an assiduous person who works hard in school; focused, college is the time to learn; college degree in three years instead of four? dare me. 3. a laid-back person. class? sure. food? sure. party? sure. 4. a motivated person. a) someone who looks at a college degree as a way to earn more money and better provide for his/her family. b) someone who has the desire to finish college only to set an example for younger siblings. c) someone who works hard to finish college so "student loans" can be paid off. 5. a person easily influenced. tell me what you think I should do and I will do it. 6. [ FILL IN THE BLANK ] It is so important to find a college that is compatible to your personality, one that will allow you to thrive. But first, you need to figure out which best fits you. Pick one.

Kristin

College is an interesting experience, it's hard to decide when you're so young what to do with the rest of your life. Pick a college that will offer you a variety of classes and information that can help you make the most informed decision about which path you choose for your own happiness. The key once you're in college is to maintain a healthy balance of school, studying, and social activities. If I forego my social life for my studies I usually end up doing worse in school, and vice versa. So make sure to have fun but remember the library. College is also a time of independence and with that a time to explore yourself. Find your interests and express your individuality. Step outside your norm. Live the college experience that you'll be looking back on when you're an old alumni telling a young whipper-snapper a story they've heard a thousand times and say, "Back in my college days..."

Susan

Explore different universities, then pick the one that BEST suits your needs, academically, socially, emotionally, financially, religiously, geographically, and go. We are all individuals with individual needs that need to be met. The college your parents went to, or the one all your friends or your boyfriend/girlfriend go to , may not be the one that meets YOUR individual needs. Respect yourself. Once you're there, say hi to people, do your homework, go to events, study, go to class, go on dates. Find a healthy balance. Too much of one thing, grand as it may be, is not a good thing. Work hard. Play hard. Learn loads. Laugh loud. There is no other time in your life you will be able to learn as much and have as much fun as you will in college. Revel in it. Embrace it.

Jessica

Go by what you feel. Keep perspective. Look at what your majoring in and find a college with a strong program . Location weather. learn what kind of school it is before hand. visit the campus. GET INVOLVED live/go to a school within your finicial means, be self sufficient, learn what resources the college can provide. set goals and work towards them. Drinking and smoking is not cool and makes you waste a lot of time. Do your own work dont cheat. find a balance an be aware of your limits. dont go through things so fast that you dont enjoy it. dont be a grade whore -its a lot better to learn and gain knowledge than memorize facts. serve people!

Alden

Find out what you want to do and then find a school that teaches something in that program. Don't generalize if you can help it.

Amber

Find a college that offers programs related to what you're interested in. Don't focus on cost as much as the quality of the school

Natalie

College is an opportunity for a fresh start. For many students it's the first time living away from home, but that can be one of the most valuable learning experiences students have in the first few months. It is completely up to you to make the most of your college experience. You decide how to face the new challenges. You decide if you're going to step out and meet new people or spend all of your free time in your room studying and surfing the internet (not my perfect idea of a friday night). There really is something for everyone to be involved in at most universities and if not there's always the opportunity to start something new. I'd recommend selecting a college that reflects some of the same values you have which makes the transition of living at home to living at school easier. Surround yourself with what you want to be.

Kelsi

I think the most important thing to consider when selecting a college is which one can give you the best education you can pay for in the field that you want. The second thing to consider is the quality of campus life and standards. For instance, I would have been uncomfortable at a very libral college, but I was completely comfortable at the very conservetive BYU. It would also have been distracting to me to go to a college where there was a lot of drinking or other drug use. The student should just be comfortable where they go to school. They need to research the schools so they know the best programs and best atmosphere for them.

Tim

Make sure you do your best in your studies. Don't procrastinate. Read the text the teachers ask you to read. When looking for a college make sure that the atmosphere is somewhere that you'll be able to learn, not somewhere you'll have fun.

Gavin

Find the right school that your student can thrive in. Don't be afraid to be picky. There are a lot of great colleges out there. Take a trip to the school if you can and check it out.

Camille

You must decide what it is you really want out of your college experience. If you want a serious education with not many distractions, then look for a school with those qualifications. If you want to go to a party school, then do so. Your choice in school can make a world of difference on how you are viewed and how you perform in your career for the rest of your life, so choose carefully. Consult your parents, your teachers you respect and like, anyone whose opinion you care about. Remember that your choice of school will be looked at and analyzed every time you have a job interview, every time you submit a resume, every time someone asks you where you went to school. Choose a place that you'll be proud of having attended. Never do something in your life that will make you ashamed later. Do your homework. Go to class. The things that these great men and women are sacrificing so much for just so they can teach you are worth hearing. Some of the best life lessons I've learned have been from the lips of my professors. Make friends with the teachers, and talk to the people next to you in class. You'll always need friends. Be the kind of person that other people want to be around, and no matter where you are or what you're doing, you'll be successful.

Kelly

You shouldn't pay some outragous price becasue you think that you have to. If you get financial aid then go for it, but if you cant afford crazt tutition prices then pick a more modest school. Universities are great for undergraduate studies, you do not need to go to and ivy league or expensive private school in order to get a great education. Get a school that has a location and climat that you enjoy, whether it is a big city or a small town will make a difference. You will also care if it is hotter or colder then you are use to, make sure you are prepared for the change. The last thing is to talk to current students, they know the university well and if it has strong academic programs or if it is one big party school. Either way they will probably be able to give the best description and answer the most quesions.