Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Top Questions

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

Tara

Parents let your children choose the school they want to choose. This is very important because it is their education. Also if they are interested in joining a Fraternity or Sorority I would HIGHLY recommend it. They are a great way for a social life not just on campus and while attending college but after college as well. They are a great source of networking. Also they should join as many organizations on campus. I would also recommend them to join the organization associated with their major. It helps them get to know other people in their major and they can build a better relationship with the faculty. Being social on campus is key to a great college experience.

Rebecca

The best advice I can give is to keep your eyes open for all opportunities and jump straight into the college life with passion and direction! There are so many opportunities to gain experience in your chosen field, and the sooner you can get involved, the better! Faculty are often touched by inspired students and eager to work with them to guide them further in their respective fields. It is also good to get involved in student-run organizations on campus that benefit the university, community and students' lives in general. Having these experiences certainly depends on picking the right school; this can be hard because there are so many good ones out there! A major issue is financing: in-state tuition will often be the deciding factor, but if scholarships are available, distance should not limit your choices! Word-of-mouth and touring the campuses are great ways to get a feel for how well a school will fit your personality and goals. In the end, even if a "perfect school" wasn't chosen, the college experience can still turn out to be very satisfying if the right steps are taken after enrollment.

Katie

The advice I would give is firstly, not to choose a campus based on appearances alone. Just because the campus is beautiful does not mean you will like it once you attend. Secondly, choose a campus where you feel comfortable and at home. and Thirdly choose a school based on what you personally want to achieve, not on where others want you to go (ie. Harvard or the local community college). And remember just because the college has a famous name does not mean that it is the only university where you can achieve your dreams!

Sarah

Make sure that you know for sure what size campus you want and don't just go because you want to get out of town. I did that going to a different school before coming back home to Oklahoma State University. Get involved and make lots of friends if you do go away from home, so that you don't dwell on what you're missing at home.

Andrew

Make sure you find the college that fits you. You will spend so much time, effort, and money, so make sure its the perfect choice. Actually visit the campus and get a feel for life there. Talk to students and see how they treat you. Learn as much as you can and then make the choice about the one that feels right for you.

c.

Get involved, make friends with people outside of your socio economic class and race.

Eric

Follow your heart and mind. Not every school is perfect for every person, and you need to remember that. You need to find a school that makes you happy and feel comfortable. Go visit schools, take the tours, talk to people, eat out, go shopping. You are shopping not only for a place that you will be living, but for a place that is going to be shaping your future. You want to make sure that the place you choose, is the place that you feel the best at. If you have a passion, make sure you can grow your passion at the school. Make sure they have courses and degrees that interest you. Make sure the town can support your lifestyle (e.g. if you are in a band, make sure there are venues to play; if you love theatre, make sure there's a place to perform). The worst thing you can do is to lose yourself, destroy your ambitions, and forget what makes you you, just for some school. The school should be an extension of you. Believe me, when you look back, you want to be able to say "What a ride!" not "I regret".

Michelle

College can be a fun and exciting place. There are so many people to get to know and learn about from different walks of life. Also, there can be many fun social events to attend and be a part of. It would be my advice to make sure any student takes advantage of the social scene at his or her school; it is a good chance to network and relax. Also, I?ve always heard that college is where you make friends for life. But with that idea in mind, any student needs to stay on top of their academics. There needs to be a good balance between being social and being responsible with schooling. Also, every student should take advantage of the facilities that their campus has to offer. Going to the gym is a good way to be and feel healthy. Some campuses offer these types of things for free to students. All of these suggestions are are vital to having a happy and healthy life while attending school.

Reagan

Finding the right college and making the most of out of the college experience is very important. There are a few things to take into consideration in order to find the right place for you or your child. The most important to consider are the quality, comfort, and support that a college offers. The quality of education comes from the professors, their interaction with students, as well as the studentsFinding the right college and making the most of out of the college experience is very important. There are a few things to take into consideration in order to find the right place for you or your child. The most important to consider are the quality, comfort, and support that a college offers. The quality of education comes from the professors, their interaction with students, as well as the students? willingness to succeed. The comfort of the student is very important as well. If you come from a very small town it may be harder to adapt to a large school, and a community college would be a great transition from small town to the college world. This just depends on what is important to the student enrolling. Support being the final and most important thing to consider. Having a place to call your own, friends to interact with and positive activities that enhance the learning experience are vital to the success and happiness of the student. Getting involved and enjoying life on campus can make a world of difference at college.

Heather

To find the right college, leave yourself a lot of time to start thinking on what you would like to do in life. Then start searching for schools that offer what you would like to major in. Afterwards, check each school website out or ask for information from the campus. Look the information over and then check on how much it costs to go to ensure it is something you or your parents can relatively afford without taking out many loans. Once you narrow that list down further to your reasonable price and major, call and schedule a tour of each campus on your list. Take notes as you walk around the campus and if you get a chance, speak with a few of the current students around as you walk. Make sure you like the campus before you agree to anything. Always let the campus know too that you will think about it before you fill out an application, but take one with you. Do this for all the colleges you are interested in. This will narrow down your search even more. Finally, decide on which college you want to go to and apply for it.

Shakibra

I would have to say the best way to determine your college is to visit the campus. OSU - Stillwater, was not my first choice but I visited the campus and meet some of the students and they were so friendly and helpful and made me feel as if the school was one big family and that they would all be there if I needed anything. Money is another issue, make sure you are paying for a excellent education, one you would tell others about. I would tell all my friends about the experience I gained. And lastly, but certainly not least, the cultural diversity. Majority of us grow up in a place where we are surrounded by people of the same ethnic background, make sure your college is well diverse and offers opporunities for you to learn about these different cultures. Rather it be through a culture not or just a lecture. Another thing that draw me here, was the research experience, I am a psychology major so a lot research will be nice, but make whatever major you plan to declare the school has enough resources to help along each step of your educational career.

Kyle

The most important thing is to find a college that fits you. If you want to be in an urban environment, go there. If you want the experience of a large state school, go there. If you want a small school environment, go there. Always consider what you want out of your education. Never allow money, location, or loyalty to another school get in the way of choosing the right college. College is a time to discover who you are and what you want out of your life. If you go somewhere you have always known, you will never know what sorts of experiences you could be missing. Once you get to college, expand your horizons. Get involved in activities on campus. Never allow school to get in the way of going to college. Also, keep an open mind. Your experience at college will expose you to many new ideas, cultures, and ways of thinking. If you never open yourself to these new perspectives, you will not grow as a person and you will not have truely learned all that college has to offer. In short, most the most of your college years; it truely shaped the person you become.

Kesha

I would advise them to visit the campus and meet with the faculty. I would spend a minimum of one day to check out everything: library, tutoring facilities, housing, financial aid, etc.

Randel

take your time on choosing. get involved

Jessica

Listen to advice from students currently attending your choices, and be sure to atleast make one visit to all of the locations.

Adrian

The advice I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is easy, but important. First, the students and the parents need to discuss how the schooling will be paid. If they cannot aford 4 year universities even with loans, than smaller schools will be the options. Secondly, the students needs to decide what his or her major will be and then search for the best schools for that specific major. If the specific major is chosen and it seems far away from his or her parents, they may discuss it and see what will make their child happiest. (If they can afford out of state) The student also may be happier living instate, closer to home. To make the most of the college experience is more of a personal preference. I would say to get involved as much as you can, but don't let your grades decline in doing so. At the end of the day, studies are the priority and meeting new people and social activies come second.

Nikki

When choosing a university, it is detrimental to the student to pick a place they fit in and feel welcome, also the best learning environment for the students. When choosing OSU I contemplated what I wanted to be and realized that OSU and FFA have enjoyed a long and prosperous career together. Because I chose to carry my involvement in FFA past high school, I knew OSU would provide a supportive environment with ample leadership opportunities. I am involved in the Collegiate FFA chapter, Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlewomen?s, Block and Bridle, and spend most of my time in the Agriculture Department. When contemplating what university to attend, Oklahoma State was easily at the top of the list, not only because of the instructors and curriculum of the Agriculture Department, but also because of the friendly and safe atmosphere for students to learn and to make life-long friends. I believe in Oklahoma State, and I make an extraordinary team.

Holly

Parents and students should keep their options open when looking for the right collegel. Every aspect of the college life should be considered when choosing a particular school. To make the most of a college experience the student must be willing to earn their education and get involved socially and academically.

Jeremy

Apply to all schools that interest you. Be sure to tour the schools and ask every question you can think of!

Logan

finding the right school is hard if you have no idea what you want to do with your life. So before looking at a college make a list of goals you have for your life. take those goals and find a major that will help you meet those goals. Then look for a school that has that major and fits your budget, morals, and lifestyle. in making college enjoable, you must get involved with some activity or club. Try to find a club that will help you network. no matter what you have been told, it is who you know, so networking is a must.

Malorie

Decide if the college is right for you or your child by visiting the campus on several occasions prior to enrollment. Decide if the college offers majors, options, and extra-curicular activities that interest your child. Make sure the cultural and social atmosphere isn't gonna be a shock for you or your student. For example, if you or your child is from a very small town or highschool it may be in their best interest to first attend a junior college with a smaller student body and atmosphere . Also, make sure you or your child will not be a minority at the college.

Andrew

Concentrate on schoolwork and you'll do fine. If you make above a 3.0 life will work itself out. Make as many friends as possible. And go to every class; do not skip. Enjoy college you only do it once. Get active on campus and if you're a guy, do intramurals sports.

Jennifer

College is an experience you can do as many times you like but it's never as good as the first time around. Make the most of the experience, try new things, meet new people, never say what you won't do but only what you've done and might not do again. This time may be the most important time in your life so make sure you spend it in the with people who will make you laugh and not waste it on those who will make you cry. Make sure you take advantage of each resource available, college isn't cheap, so get your moneys worth and ultimately work hard, play hard....have fun!!!!!!

Elizabeth

Visit as many college campuses as you can. Talk with current students about their experiences at that school, after all, they know better than anyone what you will be experiencing and the best ways to deal with all the stresses of college. Research your choice colleges in depth and find out what schools best cater to your interests of study. No matter what you are interested in, there is a school somewhere that is best for you and your interests. If you're still unsure what you want to study narrow your choices to schools that offer diverse coursework. If money is an issue, talk to your school as early as possible about loans, grants, and work study programs that you may be interested in. Most schools are great about working with students who need financial aid and finding the best financial assistance options for them. Visit your school's website to find answers to any questions you may have and contact them with any questions or concerns. Finally, get involved in campus activities! you will make friendships and potential job connections that will last a lifetime!

Angela

Dont slack off, you will regret it later!

Alexander

Apply to several colleges, even ones you may not be sure about. Tour the campus during the school year while on a day classes are going on. This will give you a feel of who makes up the campus, and how friendly those people are. Live in the residential halls for at least one year. You will make an incredible number of friends and connections through residential life. Do not get discouraged by cost of an institution, because you can always take out student loans. Also, when you graduate college, you will be making money to pay back the loans, which a lot of students do not understand.

Katie

Go tour the college you are going to attend. I went to a community college for my first two years but never went to see my first university I attended. It was the biggest mistake ever. I spent a year there and hated every minute of it. Make sure that the college fits you as person as well as in your career path.

Andy

First, it is important to stress to High School students to do research about the colleges that he or she intends to apply too. Following this students should try to visit each of these colleges. Compare price versus quality of education. It would be a mistake to look at the one particular area of study that the student is interested in. Most students change majors several times before finally deciding what area of study interests them. Before visiting a university, both the parents and student should tailor a list of questions for the university guides. Once the student decides on a school, they should try to become involved in clubs, organizations, etc... Conversing with people in these organizations will make for an easier transition into college. Some of these clubs and organizations could also lead them to figure out what they want to pursue as a career choice. Wherever a student ends up, the best advice I could give them would be to meet others and converse with your teachers after class. Many times, these teachers could play a vital role with helping you find a job after graduation.

Michael

Make sure that the college you go to has a good program for the degree you are looking to obtain.

Jodie

Make sure to keep up with your studies, if your parents are willing to support you all the way dont get a job! Enjoy college and meeting new people while keeping up with your education to succeed. Check out the clubs, most likely there is one or more for your personality and talents. Whatever you get involved in, do it to your best ability and really be fully involved everything you are in. So dont spread yourself too thin so that you dont really learn and enjoy the things you are involved with.

Tate

Make sure you are open to meet new people that you will probably know for the rest of your life. While not all of them will be your best friend, they will be people you see later on and probably quite often. Be willing to network, sometimes the old addage is true, "its not what you know, its who you know". This doesn't mean you are using people, you are building report to show that later on you are qualified and can personally relate to them.

phillip

I would say to them go and meet the people on campuss. just from talking with a few students you will know everytrhing abput campuss and the life around it. Also you should meet a few professors. Talk with them see how you might fit in with their way of teaching. You should also go and explore the life outside of the campuss. There may or may not be anything off campuyss to do. this could be a good or bad thig depending upon what you prefer. most importantly I would say to a student looking for a college that they should sit on the internet and look up every bit of information about that school and the sourounding communities.

Ashley

Phone # 580-585-0042 Zip code: 73501 The advice I would give to the students are that they should make the decision based on what they want their college experience to be about. They should look at all options to make sure the decision is the right one. Get prepared early on filling out scholarships and grants. Make sure your comfortable on the campus, and don't be afraid to step out and make friends. I would tell the parents to be supportive of their childs life changing experience.

Nick

No matter whether you think a college is the right fit for you or not, make a campus visit. You definitely get a feel for the atmosphere on campus and the general attitude of the students. I originally intended to attend the University of Oklahoma, but after I made a visit to the campus, if was definitely not where I wanted to go. I'm sure it's a good school, but it wasn't for me. It wasn't academics or the quality of education that turned me away, but the atmosphere on campus. I just couldn't see myself going there for four years. So the next day, when I visited Oklahoma State, which I visited just because I had a free Saturday, I was blown away by the complete difference in atmosphere. Within five minutes of being on campus, I had decided that this was where I wanted to go to college. The atmosphere just agreed with me completely, and I knew it was the school for me. The campus visit is, in my opinion, the best way to decide between schools that are right for you and those that are not.