Ohio State University-Main Campus Top Questions

As a senior looking back, I would tell prospective students and their families to keep in mind that every college they visit is not going to be the perfect fit for the student. During campus visits, actively seek out tour guides, students and academic advisors who can help you obtain an accurate and fair view of campus and student life. I would recommend that students take their time and put every effort into the college search and subsequent application processes. It might be the most important form/essay they ever have to complete. I would also encourage the student to go with their gut feelings when applying to colleges. They should not apply to any school for the sake of a parent or loved one, but should want to come to the college that best fits their needs. Once they arrive on campus as a freshman, I would encourage students to meet people and get involved with their Resident Advisor and other students in the dorms. Get involved and actively participate in organizations that are committed to making a difference in the community and university life. Make sure to have a social life, but save time to study too!

Spend a lot of time checking all your options including student loans, housing options, finacial aid, classes, opportunites in careers in your major, what kind of credits transfer if you change colleges, and also you college may be accredited but your program may not be making you have more requirements after graduation to get a job

Go to Ohio State! And don't rule out places you've never seen or visited - KEEP AN OPEN MIND!

Finding the right college is about more than finances and reputation. Finding the right college is about finding a place that you can call home. It is a place that will help you develop into a young adult and provide the tools for you to become a strong, independent individual. College is where you can experience the diversity that life offers to help you find yourself. Visiting campuses and going on tours is only one way to find out what a campus has to offer. Talking to a wide range of students, and not just the tour guides, about what their campus is like will give you a better idea of whether or not it is the right place for you. Keep your options open and don't rule out any schools just because they are too expensive, or too far away, or too small or too big (etc.). That school might just be the place that you can call home.

Go where your heart takes you. I f you pick a college that you don't want to go to you're most likely not going to be happy. College is an amazing experience and you need to be happy where you're at.

Just let your kids decide where they want to go. I know that some parents out there like to try and guide the path of their children so they don't make the same mistake as themselves. Students, just look for the school that has the best education it can offer for your carrer path. Or if you really can't decide on a college, just go for your favorite NCAA football team.

Vist the colleges

Do what is right for you. Do not worry about what your friends and classmates are doing. It is your career and your future so you have to do what is best, and if you don't, you will have to live with it for the rest of your life---or accept that you just wasted your time and money and go do something else.

Make sure to make the effort to visit the campuses of the colleges you think you might want to attend. You might think that a brochure will give you a lot of information, but it is not possible to form a full feeling for the college unless you experience it yourself firsthand. I would reccomend this even if you only feel strongly about one school, and are set on the fact that it's the right one for you. Even if you do end up loving it just as much as you thought you would, at least you now know that you won't be stuck on a campus that you don't like for at least a year. It will also create a great feeling of excitement when you go back later next year to move in!

I feel that in order to pick the right college it is nececssary to visit the college first. The college will feel right to the student; they will already feel like they belong there. Also it is important to always have a back up plan in case for some reason a student does not get into the school they want right away. They can always transfer. College is about feeling part of a community. College is meant to be fun, but the reason one goes to college is to get an education. School should always come first. It is possible to have a social life and good grades. A person has to make time for both, but too much of either will ruin the best years of your life. People learn a lot about themselves through independence at college. Although many people still have the financial crutch of their parents, students learn to take care of themselves and handle situations on their own. It's a very liberating experience to feel so independent in a safe environment. I felt during my freshman year I grew so much as a person and realized who I wanted to continue to grow into.

Encourage your kids to experience life, take full advantage of the college tours, check out all that the surroundings schools have to offer and don't be afraid to go for it. I don't regret anything about my decision and my choice of colleges. I think OSU rocks.

Choosing a college has become a very involved, and often needlessly stressful, process. First, commit the decision to prayer. God needs to be at the center of your college decisions. Realize that college is not for everybody. College is not at all a requirement for life, although peers and magazine articles may make it sound that way. When you look at college rankings, DON'T LOOK AT THE ACTUAL NUMBER RANK OF THE SCHOOLS!!! Seriously. Those numbers come from one specific ranking system. When magazines publish college rankings, do they base them on a detailed study of your personal life and interests? Not at all. The data that goes into the ranking system is important, however. Sift through the numbers to see what is most important to you. Price is a huge factor, despite what you may have been told to the contrary. Be responsible. There is funding available for college, but it is not unlimited. I know too many students who are weighed down as an undergraduate by tens of thousands of dollars in loans. It makes it incredibly difficult to appreciate a college when it is effectively bankrupting you.

When looking for the college that ?fits? you and your student the most you have look for what makes your child happy. If he/she likes a small classroom setting then a major state university might not be the right choice for them. When it is time for your student to apply make sure they turn all application materials in on time. Application essays are also a very important and key part, so make sure these essays are reviewed by your high school guidance counselor and English teachers. Once at college make sure to become involved with as many different extra circular activities as possible, without overwhelming yourself. Balance school with fun! Joining new clubs is a great way to meet new people and make connections. College is a time when memories and experiences will be made that will last a lifetime, so make the best of it!

There are so many things to overcome when you are college bound. I would tell others who are applying for the first time to look around at several schools and make a list of the pro's and con's. It is also beneficial to take a tour of the school and talk to current students (the insider's view is the best view in the house). Heavily weigh out your options based on things like location, finances, and overall academics and activities the school has to offer. Parents involved need to listen to their son/daughter and take their opinion to heart because an unhappy student will not succeed.

Go out and visit. You really have no idea about a school until you go, visit, and check out the college atmosphere. Go to many different places and find what type of school fits your personality and expectations.

Making the most of a college experience is basically your mind set and how you are willing to be open. Every period of your life is important but college is where you develop into who you are going to be for the rest of your life. The best advice I have for anybody going into college in be yourself. Never lose yourself. Be strong and cofident and never compromise your goals. Go with your gut instincts visit college campuses and attend one that just feels right to you. Don't go to a certain college for your friend or your boyfriend or your family, do it for yourself. You are going to have to be independent and being yourself is the only way you can really achieve happiness.

Finding the right college is a very hard decision. To find the right college you must first determine what is important to you, for example, do you want a big college or a small college. How much emphasize do you want on the academic perspective. Then a college visit is VERY important, this will tell you what the current student population is really like. My advice is always know what you want and take a college visit to see if that college matches what you want. To make the most of the college experience, find what you are interested in and surround yourself with those kinds of people. If you do not know, make sure you put yourself out there and explore. Join clubs, talk to faculty, work with peers to speecialize in something and find people who can help you out with any decision. Lastly ENJOY the best years of your life.

When choosing a college, I think visiting the campus and staying a night or two really gives a good idea of what the campus life is like. I went to a different college my freshman year and ended up transferring because I went without really experiencing what the school was all about before making my choice. In addition, by getting involved in completely different activities or classes, you can really find out what you are interested in and who you will fit in with on campus. The only way you can make the most out of your college experience is by creating your own experiences, and that can only happen if you get involved.

The college experience is what you make of it. You can be successful, no matter which school it is you choose, but be sure to put a lot of thought and effort into the decision-making process. There are a lot of great colleges out there that will offer you an unbelieveable amount of opportunities. You have in front of you the chance of a lifetime. Make sure to choose a school that will offer you the most, and once you are there take advantage of everything that you can.

It's important to realize that what you feel now isn't necessarily what you're going to feel in 4 years from now. Think about your interests; think about what is important to you. The college experience is very important in terms of development; you'll challenge your beliefs and either change them or strengthen them. You'll learn to share, and to interact. In choosing a school, realize that the program you decide to follow will impact you for the rest of your life. With this in mind, find somewhere that will make you happy, and has the type of atmosphere that you can thrive in. Don't let you parents make this decision; you must make this decision. It's about your life, and you know most the environment in which you will succeed.

Start looking early do not wait until you get towards the end of your high school years. Apply to as many colleges as possible. Do not take your time with appling for grants and scholarships and apply for as many as possible to. Also apply for FASFA. Try your best to pick some were that fits you. You are spending lots of money to go to school and you will be there for some years so make the best of it. Most people I know that went to college said that those were the best years of their lives.

Visit. and know that it is alright not to like a college. You will never know what you like or don't like until you get your feet wet. And it is alright to change your mind

First, think about what field you want to go into and what YOU want out of college. Then, look at the stats to see which college is best in the field of your dreams! Don't just look @ this, also look at the other things they are excellent, be sure that if you decide to change majors, they will still be able to accomodate you. Research your schools to see which one you think best suits you. After conducting research, visit the university on a guided tour. If you leave feeling ok or bad about that school, it is not right for you. If you leave feeling filled with information and extremely excited, chances are this is the right school for you!!! To make the best out of your college experience, I would highly recommend sitting in the front of classes, answer lots of questions and ask lots of questions. Also, every college student needs to make some really great friends. Start these two things your first quarter and you will be set!

Try to focus on your future and exactly where you want to go in life. Don't allow yourselff to be too distracted by the idea that college is just another fase of life. College is the time when you become the adult that you will be when you graduate! Stay focused on your goals, and don't forget to spend time with your family when possible.

In searching for a college I would advise parents and students to really think about what they want to get out of it. Do they want a big school with unending options for extracurriculars and events to attend? Or is the availability of professors more important? There are a lot of questiosn that you have to ask, and once you've figured out what you want, talk to current students to get a good feel for what the college is like. And once you're there, make the most of it. Put your school work first, but don't let that become your whole life. Have one night a week reserved for fun, and don't let your hobbies fall to the wayside. College is all about balance, and you can find a way to succeed academically without losing track of your friends and your interests.

Make sure to check ALL of your options, and make at least one back-up plan for your future plans. Be flexible and get involved on campus, even if it's not something that will look great on your resume or get you connections- sometimes it's those interesting things that make you stand out anyway. There's no way to know exactl what you want going to college from high school, but you can do the best you can to sample it. Sleep overnight if you can- most schools have some sort of program where you can shadow a student for a day, and nothing can help you more than that. Do it more than once if you can with different students, it's the closest you can get to feeling what real campus life would be like as a student there. For parents, be open and understanding. Talk with your sons and daughters about what they want. Of course guide them, but let the ultimate choice be up to them. Happier students make better students.

I feel that it is very important to visit the college to get a feel for the campus and the student poplulation. Evaluate course/degree offerings to insure your area of interest is available or if undecided, evaluate career options to determine if there are broad academic options. I also think it is beneficial to shadow a student for a day to get a good feel for classes. A thorough evaluation of college cost should be determined to insure adequate funds for a 4 year degreee program. It's important to evaluate the distance from home and the size of the university including the size of the surrounding city. Participation in extra curricular activities has introduced me to many students. Living in a dorm has also taught me responsibility and I'm sure I've built lasting friendships.

Look for all the scholarships you can. College is very expensive when your parents cannot give you money for you education. It is better to do it yourself, it gives you pride in yourself, but difficult to make ends meet. I wish I would have looked for more in scholarships.

Make sure you are really ready to go to college and take it seriously. Also, make sure it makes financial sense!

I would tell anyone looking for a college to do three big things to make their decision well educated: 1. Go visit ALL colleges you might want to attend (personally I would attend a large, medium, and small college to compare what the can offer). 2. Research-talk to people that you or someone else might know that goes there, look at their websites, and talk to their admissions advisors. They will give you first hand accounts, not just the book answers. 3. After taking it all in, listen to yourself. Parents, coaches, and friends will have many opinions, but they are not the ones that will be in college for 4+ years, so really decide where YOU want to go.

I would tell them to get out and meet as many new people as possible. Get involved in the social scenes and involved in any clubs and rec sports. Get your name out there and make as many contacts as possible to make things easier in school and for future bussiness contacts once you out of school.

Tour as many campuses as you can, and trust your instincts. You will know when you've stepped foot on the right campus. You will also know when you don't want to go to a certain school. The campus will feel uncomfortable. Trust your parents' judgement, but know that ultimately, this is your decision. It's your future, and if there is somewhere you absolutely want to go or somewhere you absolutely DON'T want to go, make it clear, and work for what you want. To make the most of college, you have to have fun. Choose classes you'll have fun in. Have fun outside of class, but don't be stupid about it. You have to study and do your homework. You won't survive college by procrastinating. Talk to your professors. They want to help you, and they love talking to students. They are great resources for everything. The easiest way to get the most out of college is to love your school and love what you're doing. It may take a while to find exactly what is right for you, but when you do, don't let anything get in your way.

Make sure you visit every school that you are considering while class is in session. You wont really know what campus is like unless you can actually observe students that are currently enrolled.

Get inolved!

Attending this university can be a struggle for some, but also a very important learning experience. I have learned how important it is to make choices that are suitable for your own needs and not base decisions on the various accolades that an institution has achieved. Even more important than environment, the choices you make regarding the company you keep and the activities in which you involve yourself are paramount. The people and experiences you encounter in this extremely formative period in your lifetime may dictate the rest of your life. The years you spend achieving your degree are not only for learning in the classroom, but also for learning many valuable lessons outside of the classroom. It is important to expose yourself to as many opportunites as possible, keep an open mind and a caring heart. Most of all, work hard to achieve your dreams and don't be afraid to take another path if you should encounter a few bumps in this road called life!

Don't overthink it. Find what suits you and make sure the college you pick is comfortable for your lifestyle. When you get to your college or university, don't be afraid to ask questions. Meet lots of new people because the relationships you make could become lifelong bonds. Make this the best time of your life. It is a time of lots of stress, all the while, being a time with lots of fun. Learn how to become independent and self-sufficient. There won't be another period in your life when you are old enough to make important decisions, but young enough to make dumb ones.

While looking for the college that best suites your needs. A large university such as Ohio State is perfect for someone looking for an amazing opportunity for excellent research and great internships. Professors at a large university are easily accessed but are extremely busy and usually working on their next book or world changing research product. A small college can allow a student for a more intimate experience by having smaller classes and teachers who are able to focus more on the students. The best advice when choosing a college is to know what experience the student WANTS to have and to choose a college that can give that experience.

My experience at Ohio State was great because it gave me something different and allowed me to meet a group of friends now that I cannot see them not being my lifetime friends.

When looking for the right college or university there are several things I think one should consider. First off is what school is going to best serve you in your area of study. Next on the list should be, what atmosphere would you feel comfortable in. Do you want a big campus or a small one? Is being close to home important? Is it important that the school supports your political or religious views and ideals. Last but definitely not least, is the institution affordable for you. The best way to get the most out of your college experience is to learn balance. Yes you are in school to further your education, but education does not stop where the books end. You need to gain some life experienceswhile in college. Joining clubs and extracurriculars are an easy way to have a life outside of the books. These also can help you in making connections for jobs after graduation as well as make you more prepared for adult life. However, one must be sure to not put too much on their plate. Everything in moderation is what kept me sane and helped me graduated within the four years.

Parents-Help them, but don't baby your kids. College isn't just about getting them to a good job. If you are helping with tuition, than you do get more of a say, however, the final decisions aren't yours. Watching your child in college is just as much a learning process for you as it is for them. You must resist the reflex of helping them when they fall down, even if it means turning around when they screw up. You have already given them all of your ideals for a great life. Now you can sit back, relax, and celebrate or comfort them through their own journey. Students-I bet the majority of college students question whether or not they picked the right college every day. If you are completely comfortable with your decision, than you are still in an ignorant bliss. Through college (classes and all) people truly discover a little more about themselves. It's not only about graduating cum laude. You will know when you have made the most out of college; but you do NOT need to know how to get there. Really, it's OK, just live a little.

I would tell new students to visit the campuses and stay a weekend if you can. You can't always tell what a campus is like until you're around it during game days and/or actually spend time amongst the students. Also when you're looking, be sure to check on the resources that the college has to offer you. You want to feel as though you're getting the most you can out of your college experience.

There's no rush! Many parents feel the need to push their child out the door following high school. Though we are prepared to continue into the college years I feel most students are not ready. We are still very young entering college and don't know quite who we are and what we want to do with our lives. Giving the student maybe a year or two from school allows them to explore their options into what college they want to attend and what major feels right to them without wasting thousands. I believe students would also be more mature and finacially responsible entering college in their twenties. College students are faced with many pressures of finding money, jobs, the right circle of friends, a future , that they tend to lost track of who they really are and why they are there in the first place, to learn! I also think this time would allow students to travel the world, seek different job opportunities and to experience the world beyond the US of A to add to the college experience. Though parents feel the need to keep "parenting" following graduation I feel they should let them explore their self.

Look for somewhere that will make you smile. It doesn't matter where you go, just how well you do.

Visit all different kinds of schools and don't count out schools until you have visited them. Also, pick the school thats right for YOU, not anyone else.

Making the most of your college experience begins with selecting the right university, and ends with leaving after your first year. It's all about the first year. You need to talk to students who already attend, and really pick their brains about what goes on around campus...ask about the initiatives the school is taking on, and ask the student to describe what they think the school will look like 10 years down the road. If they say they see it getting forever bigger, and they see a lack of quality for what you will get, look into other education options.

Not everyone has to know EXACTLY what they want to do for the rest of their lives. The important thing is to look for a school where you know you'll be able to fit in and enjoy your college experience as well as benefit from what it has to offer. Finding the balance of educational wealth and social wealth is key. College isn't about partying all the time or being as social as you can; it is about taking advantage of what a university has to offer and to learn as much as you can while still enjoying yourself. Dont be afraid to shoot for the stars, not everyone is meant to stay in the city or state that they're from. Never be afraid to apply for a school that might seem outrageous. If you're not going to aim for your dreams, who will?

Make sure you visit schools so that you can get a feel for the campus and the surrounding area. It sounds cliche, but you'll know if a place is right for you when you go there. Be friendly, get involved, and balance work and play. These are some of the best years of your life. Enjoy!

The very most important thing is to start looking early and to go to all of the colleges you may be interested in. There is no better way to get a feel for a college/campus than to actually go there and visit. All the numbers and statistics in the world don't mean a thing if you don't even like the place. Go to the colleges you're interested in, listen to what they have to tell you about their school, and then take a look around for yourself and see what you can see. If you pick the right school and spend the time to make sure that you really like the school you choose (it's going to be your home for four years) you will never regret it for a moment. That should be something you keep in mind as you look for the right college. You have to find the right place for you. That's the thing.

I think the most important thing to consider is proximity to resources. It is very important to ensure that your child will have access to at least some of the following: grocery outlets, social venues, research facilities (On/Off Campus), employment, and transportation. Without a few of those key resources, life may be especially difficult. I also think that money should be considered but not the decisive element. I think it is important to see going to school as an investment in the future that will pay large dividends in the future. It is important to see that by spending now, you will increase your income later. I would say that another one of the largest things that a student should do, is really investigate the student activities on campus. Whether your student is looking for social or career based involvement there is so much that is offered. Whether you join a social or academic fraternity/sorority, clubs, or volunteer organizations, it will help diversify your routine and make your school life spontaneous and stimulating.

Give me the scholarship, please! I stayed up later than I should have to fill this survey out.