Brigham Young University-Provo Top Questions

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

Annelise

You need to focus on the needs of your student first and foremost. What are they good at? Where do their interests lie? What is important to them? If you answer those questions, it will be easier to find a college or university that will support them. I go to the shool of my dreams, and I'm very happy. Your child can do the same.

Kathryn

Because college is an important part in a person's life, one must choose carefully the school she will attend. Most of the biggest and most influencial choices will be made at the college age and level. One must choose a school she wants to attend. Forcing her go to a certain school will make wanting to stay there much more difficult. This is the students life now, and she needs to be where she wants to be, or she won't be there long or will be unhappy and school will become a chore. Make sure out of those choices that they have the major desired. Last but not least, after one has made the decision, turn to Heavenly Father and ask Him if the choice is right or not. With God in the decision making, one cannot go wrong.

Lauren

I would pick a college that provides an atmosphere which is friendly and uplifting and gives you hope for a new tomorrow. Pick one that doesn't conflict with your standards and beliefs.

Hortencia

to the parents; Let them decide, but never let them alone.To the students; college is a treasure but do not hide it use it.

Jonathan

If you want to find the right college, do your homework. When I was trying to choose which school to attend, I was influenced most by visiting the campus, talking to students, and meeting professors. My goal in attending college was to obtain a good education that would prepare me for work in my field and help me be a well-rounded person. After doing the above mentioned activities, I chose the school I felt would help me most in achieving my goals. If you want to get a much out of college as possible, don't be afraid to try new things. Here are a few activities that have helped me while in college, I wish I'd thought of them earlier: take a class each semester not required by your major--particularly one that students with your same major are not likely to take, make a new friend every day, get involved in lots of clubs and activities--especially those oriented toward volunteering and service, study history and learn to write well, take pride in your work, do the best you can, and be honest.

Rainy

One of the most important things to consider when looking for the right college is finding a school where you belong. The school I chose fits me like a glove and I love everything about it. When I chose this school I considered not only the level of academic difficulty, but also the ethnic and religious diversity of the school, the campus, and the social scene. However, finding the right school is only the first step. Nothing is more important than making the most of the college experience. The experiences you have (or don't have) in these few years will shape the rest of your future. It is important to find a balance between academic and social aspects of college life, because both are important. Most importantly, don't forget to find time for yourself. These few years will most likely be the only time in your life when YOU are the main focus. Find out who you are. Discover talents and cultivate them. Don't be afraid to learn new things about yourself, especially if they're not what you expected. This is the time to become the best version of YOU.

Jared

Finding a college is not as hard as it may seem. One just has to look for a college that fits you needs: budget, size, and education level. I actually applied to only a single college becuase it was the college that fit all of those categories. I did not even worry about trying to weigh the choices. I knew the education for my money would be the best value I would find anywhere and that drove my decision all the way to a single application. Once at college its yours to make the best of. You make your own experiences by just being yourself. Just do your school work and be social. Its the only way to succeed.

Allison

About finding the right college, I would recommend visiting colleges of interest. Talk to students you see around campus. I believe that people would be pretty honest, and what better place to get an opinion on the school than by students who attend? Do a lot of research. Make sure the college you choose shares your values, academic goals, and so on. And about making the most of the college experience. Write down goals before attending, and figure out how to accomplish these. One of the key lessons of freshman year is developing healthy study habits and balancing school and social life. Many people blow off responsibilities and go off the deepend with their newfound freedom and let their grades drop. Some people also work too hard and burn out way to early. Study hard, take advantage of the knowledge of your professors, and take your education seriously. But, also give yourself plenty of relaxation. Make friends that share your morals and socialize. It is also important to get involved in school activities, volunteering, and enjoy yourself!

Melanie

I think it is extremely important to find a school that meets one's physcal, emtional and spiritual needs while providing an excellent education in the classroom and in life in general. In order to find such a college, one must identify what is most important to one's self, not only at present but what will best benefit their future. Choosing a college is also choosing it's student body. Choose a school that has students that live the sam standards you do. College is the time in your life when you need good friends whom you can come to love as family. But with all things considered, choose what gut tells you to do. Go with the little voice that ropts you to choose the more conservative school over the party school if that's what you feel will best set you up to succeed in your present life abut more imortanly your future.

Andrea

I went to college not knowing a soul. Now, after two semesters I have developed friendships I will cultivate my entire life. You must be courageous. Reach out a friendly hand, and you will get one in return. Choose a school that you know will have the same standards you are used to living by. Many people, once they are no longer chained by the restraints of their parents, often take flight in the wrong direction. So don't forget to keep your focus. Remember who you are and believe in yourself. Another tip; don't be afraid to sacrifice social experiences for study time. You can find something going on every single night of the semester, so make studying your priority and then the social aspect will fall into place. Talk with your professors and develop relationships with them. The professors have so many people to teach, and frankly they don't care about knowing everyone's name, so you must initiate it. You can't wait for the professor to come to you because you're going to need their help eventually, and when they have no idea who you are, it will not help you at all.

Abigail

The college experience is for YOU! Not for anyone else but you. Getting the most out of it, is soley up to you. That is why, when deciding what college to apply to, it is important to ensure that the college is well rounded in all aspects of study. Even if you are confident in what you will major in, it is vital that the college offers other fields of study; college is a time when one is forced to 'find' himself and changing one's major is almost guaranteed. Keeping this in mind, it is also critical that one explores as many of the fields as possible to either rule them out, realize a potential backup plan, or consider that field as a major. College can be a fun, educational, memorable expereince or it can be a miserable, rough, forgotten time, it all depends on one's ambition and attitude!

Celeste

I would advise any parents or students looking at colleges to research them and find one that they think would fit them the best. Don't decide on a college based on whether you know others going there or because it's the least expensive school. Find something that has the class sizes you want, a good reputation, and people that you think you'll be able to relate to. Also, it's important to know that you can have fun and also get good grades. It's simply about working to find that happy medium and making friends who will be willing to spend time with you and to also form study groups with you.

Jesse

Go big, or go home.

Rachael

Choose a school that not only will help you achieve your educational goals, but also has students and professors of similar values and cultures as you. This will give you a connection to your fellow students that will aid in new friendships, student-teacher relationships, and the overall social experience of college; these are the best years of your life, after all.

Emily

The most important thing about preparing for your future is to set goals and look for a place where you can fulfill those goals and feel good about yourself and your beliefs. Colleges all over the country are different and specialized to fit your academic interests and social needs. It's especially good to learn how to manage time, and to know that there is moderation in all things. It's ok to have a social life and to enjoy leisure time at school, but learning the correct balance of school work and other activities will be a benefit to you while continuing to have a rewarding college experience. Another thing to think about is your desire to learn. It's easy to become discouraged when facing a difficult class or a boring professor, but if you really want to learn, take advantage of all the help offered to you from teaching assistants, professors, and study groups. Settling for the bare minimum will not help you to become the best that you can be.

Lauren

Although it's tempting to go for the big name universities, you need to keep in mind what will be best for you as a student. Consider your interests and learning style. Once you get to college, get involved! It sounds cliche, but it's a great way to get to know people, expand your interests, and feel part of something. College is a unique and fabulous experience, so try to take advantage of all it has to offer--both academically and socially.

Tasha

Decide what you want and look for schools that meet your most important needs. Visit the school if you can because the environment is what makes or breaks the school. The programs may be great but if you can't feel welcome there then you won't enjoy it. Talk to people young and old who have gone there. Decide what your priorities are and be willing to sacrifice some less important things if you have to. Stay true to yourself and your intrests. Above all, pray about your decision. God best knows where you will be happy. Good luck!

Noelle

The student needs to have a positive outlook on whatever school they choose to go to. They will know when it feels right and parents will need to accept their child's choice and support them. It is very important that the parent is very willing to help their child in anyway because it makes the process easier for them. I would caution the student to think thoroughly which college is best for them before making the choice. I also would warn them to not let other people influence them through fear, doubts, and threats. Being out going is always a plus when you are starting out on your own and it helps to keep open minded.

Cynthia

One of the biggest mistakes I made my first semester in college was to load myself up with too many difficult classes. The freshman year is when students set patterns for the rest of their college careers. I set a pattern of overloading myself, not being able to handle the work, hating school, and then not doing as well as I wanted or expected.. Learning from my mistake, I have discovered I have to lace classes I love into my schedule and keep my class load a little lighter. This gives me a proper balance between what I have to do and what I want to do. The entire college experience is like that; from choosing the college you want to attend, to actually taking the classes and graduating. Whether it's choosing a college that has fits your personality and needs academically, socially, and emotionally or splitting up your ]required classes with swimming, creative writing, or art; finding balance is the key to success as a college student. Yes, college is about the academics, but enjoying the experience is what keeps you sane. Learn from my mistake. Start your college experience with balance already in the plan.

Haley

Decide before you start looking at colleges what you want out of your entire college experience, not just the academics. Also, don't rule out a college just because you are afraid you won't be able to afford it. Once you get into a college, much more financial aid becomes available.

Christopher

My advice would be to visit the campus and involve yourself in a regular day of school. Be there when class gets out. Watch the social nature of the students and see if you think you would fit in. Explore the possibilities of your educational focus or profession of choice.

Katharine

Every person is unique and therefore has different priorities and needs. There is no one right college for everyone. My advice to students would be to look around and examine all the options before deciding which college or university to attend. Do not limit yourself for any reason, including financial position. Once you find where you want to go, don't let anything or anyone stop you. You can do it! Opportunties are everywhere if you but seek them out. Obstacles can be overcome! Finally, once you do get accepted to the school of your choice, put your whole heart into it. Your college experience is almost entirely dependent on you; the choices you make, the effort you put in, and the attitude you embrace. Take advantage of all the Univeristy has to offer and never hold back. Be yourself and have a great time!

Meghan

In the pursuit of college enrollment, the most important factor I've discovered in my former and current application experience is the chemestry you feel with the school and it's faculty. If a prospective student is treated well and given the proper attention during the application process, the sentiments will most likely carry over during attendence. Choose a school in which academic freedom is practiced, professors become mentors, personality is emphasised, and career-goals can be made a reality through the school's excellent network.

Shannon

Visit the college campus before choosing. It makes a huge difference. Look at places that you wouldn't normally consider. Sometimes you'll find a better fit. Once you are accepted and enrolled in college, work hard. You're paying to get an education, so make the most of it. Balance your studies with social activities, you don't want to over do it on either side.

Jordan

I would tell them that a conducive college environment has the potential to significantly prepare a student for life. This is a decision that needs to be made using more then just academic qualifications. Cultural, social, religious, and acedemic desires should all play a role in the college that the parents/students select. I personally would recommend to almost all students to go to a college at least one hour away. This is so important to the student's personal development. When students continue to live with their parents, they're deprived of so many opportunities to grow emotionally, spiritually, socially, and and financially. I personally have grown so much from my college experience. Although I have had a lot of fun, my college experience has not revolved around social events. Instead, I have been able to take challenging classes, travel to exotic countries, and meet, who I would consider, the most amazing people I have ever met. When selecting a college, the question shouldn't be, "where is the best college?" Instead the question should be, "will I be intellectually, socially, emotionally, and spiritually enriched from this college experience?"

Hilary

When you are deciding what college is right for you, decide upon what you like to do most and what is important to you in your education. Ask people you trust about schools they know that have these things and then contact a representative from the school to help you understand what they have to offer. Take the information from these helpful people and see what is most appealing to you, the student. Apply to your top schools and a few backup options, just in case something doesn't work out with your top choices. Once you are accepted and start classes, reach out to those around you, make friends! Don't be afraid to get involved and try new things. Some of the funnest experiences for me have been when i tried something new. Take some fun classes and get involved both on and off of campus. Be open to new ideas and be ready to share your ideas. Often your ideas are better than you originally thought. Be willing to work hard and that will pay off immensly! Good luck! You can do it! College is for you!

Rachel

Look for a college that has your major, then look for a college where you can pursue your dreams. Dream big and apply to a few colleges that are your safe choices, but don't forget to believe in yourself and apply to your dream colleges, because dreams do come true. Never hold yourself back. If you work hard, study hard, and apply yourself, you can succeed anywhere. When you do start college, make the most of every moment--get to know your professors, do more than just read textbooks, take time to explore who you want to be. Don't forget to take a moment out of your schedule and volunteer somewhere too--it will refresh your perspective to help someone else. At your job, whether on campus or off, learn everything you can, for education is not always just books but learning from every experince you have. Live life, love life, and learn.

Phil

Picking the right college is like buying an automobile. You have to take several different factors into consideration. Your style, preference, financial situation, and background all will influence you decision. You need to consider what you want to do with your life, who you want to serve with your talents, and how the university will help you reach that goal. Each University has its strengths and weaknesses. Finding the University that both fits your style and career path will be easy once you identify what your goals are. Ultimately you have to make a choice. Perhaps a good question to ask yourself would be: "what would I do in life if anything was possible?" Best of luck in your decision making process.

Jenni

My advice to prospective students is two-fold.: The first piece of advice is that life is what you make it. When you apply to a school and get in, you need to realize that someone else did not. You need to live your live with integrity and squeese every last drop out of the opportunities that have been given you. Higher education is not just a window. It is an entire hallway that while leading to something better, is rich and expansive in and of itself. The second advice is more practical. That is not to say that one cannot be selective. The best thing that I did was visiting the campus and realizing the kind of lifestyle I was looking at living for the next four (or more!) years of my life. I did not know what I wanted to study, but knowing what I was getting myself into and how I would be living made the biggest difference for me. Make the most of your education, enjoy it, savor it. If you dream of too many tomorrows you will wind up with a lot of empty yesterdays!

Josie

I think that it is important to not only look at the school and the degrees offered but also the area where the school is located and the type pf people that typically attend there. it is important to be comfortable and happy so that you can enjoy your college experience.

Megan

My biggest piece of advise for the parents concerns free choice. Let your kids go to whatever college they want! If they want to travel, let them travel. If they want to stay home with you, let them. College is a very stressful time of life and it is crucial to know that your parents support you 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the way. I have had several roomates who were either not prepared to go or held-back by their over-protective parents. Its a great time of self-discovery and development. I also think that parents should encourage their children to study whatever field they wish. If their career does not promise much income, they'll be better off anyways because they are doing what they love. College is all about finding your passion and then working to achieve it, regardless of the corresponding income. Life is too short to waste time in Biochemistry if you're dreaming of writing, singing, or dancing. Overall- Parents: love and support your students no matter what... Students: Study what you love and love what you study!

Hilary

If you are looking for the right college for you, you need to look at things that interest you and then find colleges that have those things and are good at them. Once you have several colleges to look at look at the other things that each college has that is specific to them and decide what interests you the most and what you will most enjoy. By finding a college that will fit your interests, you will feel more comfortable in your environment and in your goals. A college experience is great if you put forth the effort to make it great. You have to make the effort to make friends and make the effort to get what you want and do your best to reach it. By being determined and faithful to yourself while still doing things outside your box, you will expand your capabilities and your horizons. College is a great thing to do in your life. Make the best of it. Only you can make it worthwhile.

Summer

It is worth every prospective student's time to put a sincere and sufficient effort into choosing the right school because the opportunity of being a student shapes so much of your worldview, knowledge, experiences and friendships--and the school provides the environment in which this growth occurs. For many of us, the privilege of being a college student will only come once in our lives, and if we are so privileged to have this experience, we want to look back on it with the best of memories--and glean the most from it that we can. While the acedemic knowledge and career skills we gain as a student are very valuable, there is something more we carry away from an institution of higher learning which will remain with us the rest of our lives. Establishing new values, or remembering forgotten ones, seeing the world and humanity in a new light, developing meaningful friendships with those of another culture, or connecting with those of our own culture in a new way are just some of the life experiences we can treasure from our education.

Eric

Finding the right college for your student or as a future student is a very time consuming and tedious process. My top advice would be, first to visit the college campus. If you don't like visiting the college location or the feel of visiting the campus, then it is likely you wont want to live there. My second piece of advice would be to talk to students currently at the school, that way you can get the opinons of people actually experiencing college life. Lastly and most importantly, make sure that the college has the program, or prerequesites to the program that you want to go into. Making the most of your college experience is all about finding balance between school, friends, and work. Doing home/school work should be the top priority, but it is not healthy or fun to be a hermit all the time. So you must balance social activites, including clubs and campus organizatoins with your work. If you have a job, make sure not to overdo your hours. If you continue to modify and balance these principles, then you most probably will have a fufilling college career.

Sarah

Start early and take your time. You want the most out of the college experience and the best way to get it is if you cover all the bases. Apply to every school that you are considering and visit your top two choices if at all possible. Talk to current students of the colleges and universities you are applying to and ask them about their experiences on campus. Once you've been accepted and chosen your college, try and get in contact with your room mate(s) if you can, it helps to know the people you're going to be living with. FInd out if any friends or people you know are attending the same school so you can keep in contact and commiserate about the frustrations of college life. When school finally starts, make sure to be friendly to everyone you meet and respectful to your professors. This will help you make friends and get on the good side of the person who will be awarding you a grade at the end of the term. Explore. Don't be afraid to try new things. Takes classes you're interested in, not just ones required for your major.

Adam

The best advice for parents and their potential students is to look at multiple schools that seem appealing to the student. Next, thoroughly investigate what each school has to offer as far as an education and compare this information with the expectations and accomplishments that the student wishes to achieve. Once the student's list is narrowed down to a few choices, investigate each campus and the surrounding cities and compare these to the lifestyles which the student plans on abiding. Following these investigations the student will feel comfortable with the choice he/she has made; thereby, providing the foundation for finding success in the achievements that the student wants to achieve throughout his/her lifetime.

Raven

When looking for a college that fits you there are two main things you should do: first, make a list of majors you are interested in; second, visit campuses.. Most people do not know exactly what they want to major in on the first day of college. However each person knows what they like and do not like. Making a list of possible fields of study and finding a college that has a program for those particular fields will let you keep your options open. Visiting campuses gives you an idea of campus environment, housing, and extracurricular activities the university affords you and will help you make your choice. Once you are in college be sure to balance your social and academic life. You want to have fun: participate in activities, go to sporting events, and join clubs. However, be sure to study and do well in class. Professors and Ta's are there for a reason. If you have questions and concerns taalk to them. Balance makes for a rewarding college experience.

Benjamin

I attend Brigham Young University and I am very pleased with my experience so far here at this school. When i thought about going to college i wanted to go somewhere where i could grow both intelectually and spiritually. Brigham Young University seemed like the perfect choice for me. So I applied to a few different campus's and made it into BYU provo. There is no one right college for everyone because everyone is different. The applicant should look into the desired colleges and see which ones fit his or her personality the best and which ones will have a life long impact for good on their character. Once the right college has been found and the student has been accepted it is time to start learning more about the school like where the classes and dorms and appartments are all located, and where major events are held. It is also nice to visit the campus and talk to some of the students there and get a better idea of what the average day entails. There is an experience that is unique to every college and the BYU experience has been amazing. Be involved in social orginizations and clubs.

Garrett

Finding the right college: Perfect is the enemy of good enough. Determine what you are looking for in academics and culture, list pros and cons of universities you are considering, and apply to those which best meet your criteria (if possible, interview at or visit said universities to gain a feel for the true nature of your priority considerations). Talk to students who attend these schools to get a more broad feel for student experiences, school culture etc. Your feelings may change as you mature at school but this is natural and in some cases you will have to choose if it is worth it to you to transfer elsewhere or finish your degree and move on. Making the most of college: Get involved. Find things you like and broaden your interests by trying new things (this adds dimenion and enhances the quality of your life and happiness!). Take responsibility for your academics and try to go above and beyond what is expected for you in order to master material vs. simply getting good grades. Study what you like (this may take time to figure out, that's OK)! Set a flexible five to ten year plan and relax!

Alexandra

Don't let the schools dictate your decision. This is the best advice I can give anyone trying choose the best university for them. A lot of schools will offer you scholarship money and different perks to attend their school, but in the end it's your decision. Realize that you will be there for at least four years and that the experiences you have, people you meet, and classes you take will most definitely make up the most important years of your life. This is the beginning of the rest of your life and should not be decided based on who sent you a cooler sweatshirt. Take the time to envision what your life will be like there and where you see yourself after graduation. This is one of the most important life decisions you will make . So take your time, do the research, and make the best choice for you--and your future.

Tracy

Know yourself. That's the most important thing. You get to be selective about your university so pick the one that fits you best. If you know what direction you want to go with your studies, research the best programs for that area of study. If you don't then pick one that has an all around good academic program. And most importantly, pick one where you feel comfortable. Go and visit the campus before you say yes to anything, and while you're there, talk to some of the students and sit in on a class if you can. The years you spend in college will define who you are so picking a college is like picking the person you want to be.

Amanda

The most important thing about a college is to make sure it has the majors you are interesting in. Another thing is the envrionment. You should visit the colleges you are thinking about and ask yourself..."can I see myself here and enjoying life?" It is also important to look at the resources it offers. Ask if they have TA's for your classes and if the teachers are easily accessible. Location is also important. You want to live in an area that has a grocery store, doctor's office, etc close. Also if you are planning on living off campus make sure there is sufficient transportation available to get you to campus. The very most important thing though, is if you like it. You will be spending the next four years + of your life there...you need to love it!

Ashley

I would encourage students to find a college that allows you to move away from home. I have learned a lot from being on my own and taking on more responsibility. There is a completely different feeling when living in your own apartment and being involved in the things that you want to be involved in. Also, a campus that has a lot of activities, performances, volunteering, and just allows students to be involved in a variety of different things makes the college experience better. Most importantly, find a college that you (the student) want to go to. It does not matter where your parents want you to go or anyone else. The college experience will only be enjoyable if you want to be there. I have encountered many students who absolutely love attending my college, but I have also met many students who do not enjoy it. I have found that most of the time, these students who do not enjoy college are those who went to a school that their parents wanted them to attend. Not only that, these students were not involved in the many activities that their school offers. Find somewhere that you want to be.

Brian

The most important thing you can look for in a prospective college is a university that resonates with your core values. I am confident that the personality of the student and parents should mirror the culture of the prospective college. I also suggest looking into those schools that give you the greatest return on your monetary investment. A good university should be one that allows you to glean a wonderful, well-rounded education without burdening the student and his or her parents with large amounts of debt following graduation. Students will be able to make the most of their college experience by not being afraid to involve themselves with their peers in the classroom. Creating study groups will allow you to make friends while devoting needed time to studying. It is important to socialize often and strive for excellence in all classes.

Ari

The personality of the student should help determine whether they should go to a college close or far from home. Majors, activities, clubs etc that each college offers should be factored in. To make the most of your college experience you need to go into everything with the right attitude. Make each day count. Try to do at least one productive thing each day. Have and use a planner. Get involved in school activities. It will give you a chance to meet new people and broaden your horizon. Take mostly general classes your first semester regardless of how sure you are with your chosen major. Talk to counselors often to make sure you are taking the necessary classes. Introduce yourself to your professors. They will remember you and be more willing to help/assist you during the class. Don't take everything too seriously. Have a healthy balance with school and your social life. Have fun!! :)

Amber

No matter how great a university looks on paper, remember to take culture into account. The culture is something that you are going to have to live in and deal with for anywhere from 2-4 plus years. Make sure that you understand the mentality and general attitude that encompasses the campus. Is it a very liberal culture and you are very conservative? Is it religiously exclusive and you are looking for a place to explore spirituality? Is it in a big city with so much to do that you know you will get distracted or is there not enough to do? These are just a few examples of questions that need to be asked; the reality of these answers will be a significant influence in your college life and how you deal with your academic pursuits. However, before you can answer any of these questions, you have to know yourself. If you?re not really sure what you like or what you want this is the time to explore different options and different campuses so you can compare your feelings and experiences with the facts to help you make the choice that is right for you.

Sarah

Finding a good school is more about the attitude of the student than it is about the school itself, so make sure that you approach the situation positively, wherever you end up going. I was accepted to two colleges and didn't get the scholarship that I needed for my top choice, but I ended up loving my school more than I ever thought I could. Make sure to consider attending a good community college for the first year or two. It's definitely a worthwhile investment! Attending a school that has strong career placement and good undergraduate research opportunities is vital. Approach the "where-do-I-go-to-school" decision from more than just a social aspect. The social stuff ends up being pretty much the same where ever you go, but not all schools have the best career placement. Another thing to consider: after the first year or two (when a community college might be the best choice) the larger the school, the better the resources and the better the opportunities.

Noelle

The biggest factor in finding the "right" college is making sure that the colleges you apply for emphasize the same parts of the college experience that you do. Climate can be endured, location can be overcome, but if you are constantly at odds with what the college itself insists is important, the friction may make you unhappy with your overall experience. The three mearsurements I believe every incoming freshman should take account of are: size of the student body, competition for program admission, and level of academic achievement. Students who enjoy a more personal, student-to-teacher learning environment, may not find the attention they need at a larger college, where classes tend to be larger and more impersonal. Likewise, not everyone thrives under the pressure of the intense competition some colleges have for entrance into their programs. However, to make sure that you don't look back on your college days with regret, you have to take into account the level of achievement reached by those who have previously attended this college. If you find a college that fits your ideal learning environment, and keep a balance between extracurricular and acedemic growth, college will be a success.

David

Choosing a university can change the direction your life is headed. I chose Brigham Young University because of the amazing environment that surrounds me each day. Everybody seems so supportive and positive. One must consider the quality of education they are recieving as well. In everything there needs to be a balance between academics, social life, and fitness to maintain happiness. Its definitely a bonus when the school has a great sports program to follow. A university can have a wonderful impact on all aspects of life. Live life to the fullest. The biggest regrets of life are generally the things we DON'T do.

Nathan

The best advice that I can give is to go the the college. Don't just do one of the tours that they offer but find a way to be there and experience what it is really like. Check out the apartments. See if you can sit in on a class or two. Get the best idea of what the college is like by experience, not by reading about it.