Brigham Young University-Provo Top Questions

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

Nicole

Find what you truly love in life. Once you have found what you love take that passion and put it to use by furthering your studies in that area. A life doing a job that you hate is not a life to cherish, and we should cherish every moment that we are on this Earth. If one finds an area in which they cherish they should study in that area and chose the school that is most accomadating to that choice. One should also consider the atmosphere in which they are entering. I do not drink or do drugs therefore I was searching for a school where such activities are not permitted. This has greatly impacted my better abilitiy to study and to make friends that have similar morals. Most importantly go with your insticnts. Only you know what you truly want, so listen to what your mind and heart is telling you.

Sarah

In finding the right college to attend, one may want to consider what aspects he or she would prioritize. Do you have a preference on whether you want to live closer to home or further away? Would you feel more comfortable at a laid-back community college with smaller class sizes, or have you been dreaming of following your parent's footsteps at that prestigeous private university? Are you seeking some basic schooling for a better career, or an enhanced view and understanding of life, or do you wish to pursue graduate-level schooling in the future? Asking questions like these can help you find your nitch and the most beneficial college atmosphere for you. In whatever you decide, be sure to stick it out and finish your educational degree. The learning suite you obtain during the course of your education will be one of the most valuable and worthwhile enhancements you can make in your life. Also, keep a good balance between your work on "intellectual enlargement" and your physical, mental/emotional, and social health. When all of these are kept in balance, you will also have a rich and happy experience at college, with sufficient rest and rejouvanation.

Ben

In order to find the right college for your son or daughter, select a few schools that seem appropriate for your child. Too many options will make deciding more difficult, but not enough limits and restricts your potential to choose the right college. Weigh the costs and benefits of each, taking into consideration financial aid and scholarships. Make an informed desicion by going to the college of choice (where possible), talking to alumni from that school, online research, etc. Choose a college that amplifies the strengths and interests of your child. In order to make the most of your college experience, you must have the right attitude. Be positive and outgoing in order to have a balanced social life. Plan and schedule your time diligently. Balance schoolwork with friends, work, fun, etc. Spend time doing the most important things first. Prioritize! Work hard and make worthwhile choices. Abstain from things that don't help you grow as a person. Most importantly, SMILE!=)

Marcus

I would strongly suggest that every student participates in at least one study abroad program sometime during their college career, preferably within the first two years of college. There is nothing that can possibly replace the experience gained while studying an area of your choice in a different country. A student will become much more independent and most likely be much more successful in the rest of his or her college career. An experience abroad will allow a student to look at the world in a whole different light and thereby helping him or her choose a more enjoyable field of study. Some sort of job shadowing or internship will give a student a real understanding of what to expect in his or her field of study. This does not always have to be a whole semester, even a week or so of hands on experience would be extremely helpful. Always keep a look out for scholarships and grants both through your school and private. Talk to a financial aid advisor to see what kinds of funds are available to you. Working and studying at the same time can become very tiresome after a while.

Steele

Oh there is much I would tell! You want your child to find a college with high moral standards, an honor code to abide by, and high ethical reputation. You dont want your children going to college where there is so much alcohol, drugs, etc rather than high academic achievement. You want your child to be in an environment where a lot is expected (academically, ethically, and socially) The college years are the best years!! Years to be remembered as the ones that shaped your future and who you will become. Now, the moment you (student) walk onto the campus go to three places: the deans office, the student leadership office, and the office in charge of service activities. Ask the dean about what his and the university's expectations, culture, and focus are and how you can make the best of your college experience. At the next two places, ask them how to be involved. Join a club focused on community service. Join a committe or apply to the college council. As you do so, your college experience will not simply be one of getting an education. It will be unforgettable as you focus on others and leadership development.

Saul

Stayed focused on school and realize you are very fortunate to have the opportunity to study at an institution of higher learning.

Robert

Select a university that will provide the student a well rounded and academically challenging education where the student will be surrounded by people that will help him/her succeed.

Angela

Visiting the campus and talking to students who are currently going there really helps. Apply to many schools because you never know what they will offer.

Christine

My advice to parents and future college students would be to find a campus that will offer you the things you want. Whether it is small class size, conservative beliefs, good social environments, or the majors that would be of the most interest. Both parents and students need to investigate and of course visit the campus before deciding. The last thing I would say would be to not be afraid of the person you are. Everyone on college campuses is diverse. Learn to be comfortable with who you are. The school you will be attending will be where you make most of your lifetime friends. Be true to yourself so you attract the kind of friends you are comfortable with. You will also probably meet your future spouse in college. Being yourself and proud of it will help you succeed in school as well as in the rest of your life.

Carolyn

I would definitely say to visit the school. Take a tour of the campus, and talk to students there to get their opinion of the school. If it has bigger classes or if it's allowed, sit in on some classes that you are interested. Definitely make sure that the school you choose offers a major you enjoy. Make sure that they are recommended for your major. Look into scholarships as soon as possible, since the sooner you apply the better chance you have. If you have the opportunity, take advantage of your school's study abroad program. Make use of outside resources in your school. Go to the counselors and the TA's. Make the most of every opportunity, and get involved in some service! You meet new people and it really enhances your college experience, as well as looking good on your resume. Most importantly: stick to it. Don't let people or certain classes get you down. College is hard, but it's worth it. If you know what you want to do, go for it.

Jordan

College is really about exploring one's self and expanding one's horizons. A fantastic college expirence begins with chosing a college that fits. There are hundreds of them, and each has thier own personality and culture. Chose a college that will match your rigor of study and and has a culture that will best fit your life. If your an uptown girl, you probably wouldn't like laid back feel of a slow rural college, and if your Joe the Farmer, city life can be very stressfull. While attending college, try to put your foot in everything. Do things that you've never done before or may not even like doing. College is a unique time in life where you can try new things with ease and with few consequences. So go young man! Button up your briches and take that foxtrot class, play intermural ultimate frisbee, join the American Sign Language Club, build houses for the homeless, take the foreign exchange to China. The people met and the expirences gained will be far worth the risk of doing something new.

Josh

Go with a college that has a great program for the field you want to get into. Also, if possible try to go to a school with a large alumni network and a solid reputation in the professional world.

Jason

Go for the gold

Camilla

I would advice all potential students to know what they are looking for in their school career. There is nothing more important in life than one's education, as it may be the stepping stone to one's future career, the meetingplace of one's future spouse, or source of one's fondest memories. College is edifying, enriching, and worth everything one sacrifices to attend. Don't be afraid or intimidated of the pressures of academia--step forth boldly and claim what each American has the right to discover.

Erica

The advice I would give parents and students about finding the right college is to look at all the options. Each campus will have its own unique experiences, which will be be heavily influenced by the pros and cons each individual assesses about the college or university. What is a pro for one person might not necessarily mean that the college will be advantageous to another in the same way. Take into consideration all the factors, no matter how insignificant they may seem at the time. It is safe to say that at one point in your college experience any misgivings you had about choosing that university will affect you. Make the most of your college experience by taking advantage of any opportunites which become available to you. It is easy to disregard opportunites because of financial or other factors, but the regret that will shadow your college experience after you graduate will only remind you that you passed up one-in-a-lifetime experiences that you can never get back. Seek to make the most of the present because life and your situation in the world is always changing.

Danielle

College can be a fun and exciting time in a person?s life, or it can be a horrible one. The biggest factor that comes into play is choosing the college that best fits you. First, think about what you want to do. If you are a math major, don?t go to an art school. If you are serious about studying, don?t go to a nortious party school. Don?t go where it?s cold if you love the beach. Location, price, and religious beliefs also play a factor into finding the perfect school. When you do find that school and receive the acceptance letter-- get involved! Join clubs, participate in study groups, go to football games, get to know your professors, and ask your classmates what are some things about your school and surrounding areas that are unique and fun. By doing this you will quickly become familiar with your school, make connections with your professors, and gather friendships that will last a lifetime. There are so many things to do at college, and while you shouldn?t let your studies slack, great friends and fun memories will make the college experience one you will treasure forever.

Jon

To the parents: Don't worry too much! Don't be afraid to give your child some space to explore the world on their own. Please don't send them to college with a car. There isn't enough parking, and they will learn a lot more about their new world if they have the opportunity to negotiate it as a pedestrian. To the student: One of the most important things you can do as a freshman is live in the dorms. It is a lot easier to make a lot more friends this way, and you will have a lot in common because you're in the same situation, for the most part. Some of these friends will be lifelong helps for you. DO NOT keep to yourself too much. DO take advantage of campus advisement resources. They can save you a lot of time and money; never be afraid or embarrassed to ask questions. DO have fun. Seek it out!

Jane

My advice to students looking for the right college would be to consider all your options. Look at the factors of the different schools such as the academic focus of the school, the social scene of the school, the extra-curricular activities available at and around the school, and the proximity the school is to home. Then, with these choices, it is important to decide which is most important to you and start narrowing your schools down to fit what you want. To make the most out of the college experience, I have found it important to notice how lucky I am every day for the opportunities I have. Writing in a journal helps you remember all the events that occur in life at this time, the things we learn, the people we associate with, and the activities we're involved in. The more you get involved with school, friends, and activities, the more enriched the college experience will be. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way and keep close to your friends and family. This is a great time in life and it helps to remember that every day!

Sam

My advice for making the most of your college experience is twofold: First, find a happy medium between liesure and studies. So many students finish their freshman year in a GPA hole, from all the partying they have done. Take classes that you enjoy, and you will get much more out of your experience. I had a professor who once said "An education is something that most people pay for, and then try their hardest not to get." I have found throuh experience that I get much, much more out of my classes if I enjoy them. My second piece of advice would be to take a large vareity of different classes early on, to explore your own interests. So many people are already decided before they are admitted what their major is going to be; they end up pidgeonholing themselves into one field, and come away from their college experience with a very narrow education. College is the only time when you can take as many classes as you want for one flat fee- make the most of it!

Jennifer

When searching for the right college, think about what you want out of your four years. Do you want a fabulous social life? Do you want to blend into the crowd in your classes? Would you like a university where sports rule? Are you focused primarily upon your studies and doing well? Also, LOCATION! How close would you like to be to your family? Can you handle the cold/heat? The best advice I can give, is remember who you are and where you function the best. If you like to be around students who have your same values and ideas, then choose a university where you can have that support. If you thrive off defending what you believe, then go for a university with a lot of diversity. Look for a university where you can be celebrated but also where you aren't forced to become a full-blown adult in one semester; you're still a kid when you start college. Pick a university where you can discover your potential and then build upon it.

Lindsey

If you are able to select a major and/or minor before you start looking, it makes the process much easier. By doing this you can weed out the schools in which either have poor quality facilities or do not have the facilities at all that you would need. After this I would do the needed research about the top five to ten schools you have chosen. Finally, try to actually visit the campus of your favorite schools and apply to all those that you liked the most. As the saying goes, remeber to never put all of your eggs into the same basket. As for making college a good experience, try your best to find good people that will help you to not only have fun, but also will influence you to do your very best academically. The people you live and associate with are some of the most important aspects of making the most out of your college experience.

Rachael

Discover the students strengths and investigate on the college and the programs involved.

Josh

The two most important factors in choosing a college are how comfortable you are with it, and how much you will be able to grow there. Being comfortable at a university is important so that you get to know people and expand your experiences. If you aren't comfortable enough with the environment, you'll spend all your time trying to get comfortable in it and never experience anything. The second part is related. You have to be someplace where you think you can grow--academically, spiritually, personally. If you don't see your college as a place where you can do that, it probably isn't the place for you.

Cassandra

Finding the right university to attend requires a lot more research than many think. If given the opportunity, visiting the campus of interest is very beneficial in deciding what sort of campus will be most conducive to the individual's learning. Additionally, seeking out guidance from counselors is also beneficial, as they have access to numerous pieces of information regarding colleges that many may not have even considered as being factors in their decisions. For many like myself, cost is probably the most determining factor as to which university they will attend. Going to school at a university that fits your budget and still will help you specialize and grow in more ways than academically, is ideal. College is a time to learn applicable knowledge for the future and discover yourself; one should choose a college that will challenge them in more ways than just one and will provided the necessary opportunities for one to be placed outside of their comfort zone--that is, after all, how we learn the best.

Kirra

Finding the right college is one of the most important things you will ever do. Which school you attend dictates what caliber of recommendations you will recieve for future employment. It implies something about your character, whether you attend a well-known party school or a reputable school. When searching for the perfect fit, make sure to take into consideration what your prospective major or emphasis will be. If the school doesn't have the program you are interested in, then its out, no matter how good of a school it is. Next, look at your financial situation. Make sure it is a school that you have a feasible way to pay for. Look at the scholarships they are willing to give you and if you will have enough money to make ends meet. Consider meal plan costs and also housing costs as you are looking at finances. Taking into account what environment is at the school is also of the utmost importance. Find one that you find comfortable by doing campus visits at the schools you are considering. The college you decide to attend affects a large portion of you future, so please choose wisely.

Chelsea

I would tell them to make sure to find a school that best fits them on an acedemic, social , and spiritual level. Picking a college is a hard and significant decsion that will affect them for the rest of their life. As for making the most of their experience all I can say is to get involved. Make friends. A few good friends can make such a difference in their overall college eperience. All in all, if they go ready to learn, study, and have fun they can't go wrong!

Alyssa

I would adivise everyone to visit the colleges they plan to attend. There are a lot of times the school looks great in a brochure, but when you visit the campus it seems all wrong. I would definitely suggest visiting every college you are interested in before deciding to go there. I would also suggest looking for a school in your academic range. If you don't feel up to a lot of hard work at first, stay at a local community college and get your GE, and then move on after some college training.

Rachel

Be social but don't forget to study. College is all about balance.

Carlos

To not rule out the possibility of a smaller college. I enjoy the school I go to but sometimes I wish I would have chosen a smaller school that affords more of an opportunity to have faculty interaction. Some of the classes I take are too large and there are few other options.

Heather

Selecting a school is a major decicision for life. The college a student attends will have one of the greatest impacts on their life. To select the perfect school, one should consider the type of campus and atmosphere they would like to live in. Do they want an academically rigourous experience, an artistic experience, etc. I also think it needs to be an environment that will mold someone into a stronger, brighter person. Another important aspect of college is taking advantage of your university. From the very beginning, become comfortable with the campus. Find the perfect spot to study away from your social life. Get to know your teachers and take advantage of their office hours. Also if your class has a help lab, do your homework in them. In addition, take advantage of your majors academic counselors. When the time comes to find interns, research opportunities and a future career, knowing the people in your major and also the teachers in your subject will be a great asset for you. And aside from the academic life, make sure you are social and take advantage of all the different activities your school offers.

Missie

Find a college that fits you. I chose a church affiliated university that fits my standards and needs. I love music and academic challenging situations; this school did all that for me. Have a school that will lauch you into a great job becuase of its high credentials; dont give up!

Melissa

There are many factors that must be taken into consideration when making the important decision of choosing which college to attend. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to: location, areas of study, curriculum, finacial aid, accomodations, facilities, size, reputation, housing and any other aspect that is important to why you would choose one school over another. Take into consideration that some of the aforementioned factors may be more important to one person than to another, so be sure that you choose the college you do because it looks to be the best opportunity for you and your needs, and not only because one of your parents or a friend attended/is attending that college. No matter which college you attend, be sure that you are dedicated, work hard and succeed as you study to ensure that your lifelong goals and dreams will be attainable and of value to you in the end.

Jean

It is important to look at such factors like campus size, classroom size, interaction with professors, what people do for recreation, and more. Figure out what is important to you and find a school that has that. Take advantage of the resources available-- create relationships with professors, find out what internships are available, create strong connections while you can. However a large part of making the most out of your experience is the student's own attitude. I really think anyone can make any college a great experience for them if they decide to do so. While there are options to transfer, I think it does take awhile to get used to a campus. It took me at least a year before I finally felt comfortable and felt like I belonged at my college but now I'm extremely glad I stuck it out because it has been the best experience and I would never trade it for anything. A lot of it has to do with your attitude and your decision to find people you like, find jobs and volunteer opportunities you like, and really create your own impetus for success.

Erin

Finding the right college is about more than just location and price. Remember to research the quality of education at each college you are considering. Don't plan to attend a certain university just because it's your parents' alma mater. Make your own decisions by figuring out what's best for YOU. When you get to school, try to remember to balance your time. Yes, studying and homework is important, but college won't be full of great memories unless you get out and make some. Don't forget to have a little fun every now and then too. And try not to stress out too much. Remember, you'll get through it (finals included) if you just take a deep breath and take it one day at a time.

Lauren

A college experience is what you make it. If you want it to be socially engaging, look for oppurtunities to do things with other people. All colleges host events on a regular basis. If you want to be intellectually stimultated, ask around for the most in-depth professors and take honors classes. It is a good idea to research colleges and visit campuses to see what suits you, but I believe that your college experience is what you do. You can find the things you want out of your college experience at any college, it is a matter of being proactive and searching out what you want. All colleges have a few teachers you won't get along with or some activities you won't like, but there will be something you are interested in and something you do want to spend your time doing. Most colleges allow you to form your own clubs and help you find internships in places you are interested. So my advice to to pick a place to study that you think you'll like and then take your education into your own hands.

Stephanie

My parents would strongly encourage me to attend Brigham Young University, and otherwise show their support for an academically challenging and religiously enriching university.

Megan

The biggest piece of advice I could give to others who are looking for the right college is to really research all of them and to attend an open house or something of the sort before-hand. My university offered a weekend for potential freshmen wherein we were put up in a hotel, shown around campus, sat in on classes, attended one or two social activities, and watched a football game at the stadium. It was pivotal in the decision I made and I wish I would have gotten the opportunity to do that at other schools.

Greg

Major universities provide incredible opportunities for growth and discovery. They can also be intimidating as students find themselves surrounded by peers who are every bit as accomplished, if not more so, than they are. This fact can overwhelm those who are not prepared to work harder than ever before to attain success. The good news is that universities are as eager for students to succeed and bring distinguishment to their alma mater. The resources provided for the benefit of students are produced at great cost to universities and are extremely effective as they have been tested and proven. Peer tutors who excel in their areas of study are cheap or free resources that may be as important for the new student as the actual lecture. Going to college is a time to grow as an individual and develop the skill sets to become a productive member of society. By using all available resources students will set themeselves up to succeed in their academic pursuits. With that foundation they will be ready to enter the workforce and leave the world better than they found it.

Kathryn

Think really hard about what you want out of your overall college experience and the dig around to find something that matches up. Definitely get out there and talk to people from your choice university, and then once you are admitted make sure you sort out what your priorities and plan accordingly. It is really important to show up with a good attitude and open mind and to put yourself out there to meet new people and make new connections. Check out what kind of clubs or organizations you can be a part of and go to social and sporting events even if they sound lame because it's a good way to get to know people and to give you an idea of what your life will be like. If there is anything that bothers you about the university or the people, don't let it stew and fester in you until you become bitter and feel stuck- DO something about it. Find out what you can to to contribute in making your university better and more enjoyable for everyone, and always do what you love and makes you happy. And of course, to thine ownself be true.

Janell

Finding the right college depends on education goals, personal views, beliefs, and what kind of social life you want. Choosing a school that will assist you in getting the best education for what you want to learn about is one of the most important things. You need to know the emphasis at your school and whether or not you want that or not. It's important to find a school that will lift you up and help you reach your dreams and goals. Find a school that will allow you to make friends and have a great social life while still being able to keep up with the schoolwork. The college experience you have depends on your attitude. Even if a school offers a multitude of activities, it's up to you to involve yourself. Get involved and enjoy your time, make friends, and get to know the world around you. Make the most of your education and be wise in your studying habits. Your education has a vital effect on the rest of your life.

Cara

College has been described as the best years of a person's life. That is a conditional statement. It is important to find the perfect school for your undergraduate studies in order to make it the best years. Study the various schools that you think you may be interested in. Look at their demographics, the majors they offer, and the location. If at all possible, visit the campuses that you think you may like to go to. The campus is one of the main aspects of your college experience, especially your freshman year. Walk around, talk to people and you will get a feel for the way things are at any given place. Once you have chosen the university, really make it your own. Go to all your classes, study, make new friends, and participate in activities on campus. Gain pride in your school, wear your school colors and make the school a better place. There are many free activities on campus and opportunities to serve, take advantage of all of the wonderful resources your school offers because you may never be in such an environment again!

Brinai

My recommendation is that students and their parents find the right college based on not only the academic sophistication, but also on the environment that the college offers. Decide which environment you are looking for and then find a school that fosters that same environment. I choose Brigham Young University not only because it is a wonderful school academically and is promising in the future that it offers to its students, but also because it has the environment that I was looking for and still offered exposure to other cultures, ways of life, and ideas. Choose a school where you will be able to feel at home in its environment, because college is not only about learning facts and figures, but is also about learning of the world of which you are a part and the relationships that you will form. These college years are great! Find a school where you can make the most of them.

Katey

Take time to visit places you are interested in attending school. Talk to professors and current students. Make sure the school has the program you are interested in and that it will have a fun atmosphere where you will enjoy being a part of school. Find something you love to do and put all of your effort into it. The payoff in the end is well worth it!

Chelsea

When trying to find the right university for you, you should consider your needs first. Will the school have the activities that you enjoy, will the course work be challenging, but not overwhelming, will you be able to afford the school if you do not get the financial aid you are seeking for? Researching on school websites, making phone calls, and visiting the campuses really helped me to gather the information I needed to make my choice. To make the most of your experience at school, you need to become involved. Most schools offer oreintations to familarize the students with the many options the school offers. Don't be afraid to ask questions or get to know your professors. Though it may be intimadating, it's the best thing you can do for yourself. Mostly, just enjoy the experience, but stay focused, you are at school to learn!

David

Think outside the box. I had a high GPA and ACT, but I went to the same school my parents went to. It is a great school at a great price, but I should have considered other options.

elyssa

know that anywhere you go is goign to present tons of opportunities and challenges. just be aware of what you're willing to deal with and what you're not. don't kid yourself; know your goals and your limits, and realize that you really can succeed and be happy at any school. whatever you decide, remember once you're there that you made the decision. no matter where you are, you can make changes and inspire people while you have the opportunity to learn. be your best person at all times, regardless of the circumstances. and remember, college is fun--so don't make the process of getting there so stressful! just relax and go with your gut.

Katherine

Choosing the "right" college to attend can seem an overwhelming task. Begin by asking yourself what is important to you in your college experience. For example, do you want to be close to home or far away? Do you want to focus on your education or on your social experience? What career field interests you? Then, research the colleges you are interested in and pick out the ones that most match your ideals. Travel to each of these campuses and take a tour, having made a list of questions to ask beforehand. Then you can made an educated decision. Once you are attending your school, make the most out of it. No college you attend is going to be exactly what you wanted or expected. Try to appreciate the fact that you are there and that you have gotten this far in your life. Get involved with people and subjects that interest you. Try to strike a healthy balance--not too much partying, but not so much studying that your brain wants to explode.

Erika

Your decision in the college search should be based on priorities. If your highest priority is a good program for your chosen major or career path, then that's what you should look for. If an alcohol-free school would be most important to you, look for that. Ultimately though, in order to make the most of your college experience, you need to have a good balance in your life. You need a school that will give you a quality education without you having to live in the gutter in order to pay for it. You need to have a social life too, but that can't take over your life. Prioritize and base all your decisions on that.

Tessa

Allow yourself to discover who you are and what you love during your first year. Try all sorts of things then focus in on what you're passionate about.

Sara

I would tell parents and students to start looking early and to get involved in the college. They should look for a school that has the best program for their field, but that also has many other great oppotunities. They need to know what the available resources are for the student before he or she becomes inrolled there. The best way to get the most out of your college is to start early and take advantage of all of the great opportunities that are there!