Oregon Institute of Technology Top Questions

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

Amanda

Definitely visit the campus and talk to current students. Colleges have a great way of sugar-coating potentially attractive details while masking anything that can be seen as a flaw. Actual students are more willing to give an unbiased view of their school than the school's recruitment committee, which will certainly attempt to advertise the positive aspects of the school with little or no mention of the negative aspects that go along with it . The only way to really know what a particular college is like is to get a sampling of students' personal opinions, which is why I think this survey will be a great tool for new freshman seeking the perfect college.

Abigale

I would advise students to personally visit the schools they plan to apply to. Many schools offer programs for potential students to get to know the campus, sit in on classes, and talk to currently enrolled students. This is a great chance to determine whether you could see yourself at a particular school, or not. I didn't want to go to OIT at first because I had heard horrible things about Klamath Falls, where it is located. I completely turned up my nose to it based on other peoples' personal opionions. However, I ended up visiting OIT, much to my dismay, because I knew they had a dental hygiene program, my planned major. I attended an event designed specifically for new students. After this, I knew deep down that OIT was the place for me, regardless of what other people had told me. I love my school. At that, my best advice is get to know the schools you are applying to. Make sure your choice is really the right one for YOU.

Lindsay

I would tell them to exhast all options. Make sure the campus is a safe place for the student, and easy enough to get around andthat they don't feel scared. Think about the cost of the school. Going to a community college first can save money, and is also good if the student doesn't know for sure what field of study they would like to go in to. Find a college in an area close to home or to family and friends if you don't like to be too far away. It has helped me only being three hours away rather than 10 or so. I came from a smalll high school, so finding a school that isn't really big was comforting to me.

Alexandra

Choose a school that best fits you! If you like a small town atmosphere, then choose a smaller school that has a smaller student to teacher ratio. Campus tours also help narrow down choices, and make sure to ask current students questions about the school and if they like it or not. To make the most out of their college experience, my best suggestion is not to be afraid to meet new people. I chose to attend a college where I didn't know anybody and I've met life long friends. Also, make friends in classes you take. It helps when finals week rolls around and you have people you can study with.

Katie-Lynn

To make the most of a college experience while ensuring the right college specific for each student a person must tour, ask questions, explore different campuses and programs they offer, and find what best fits the students needs. For parents, I suggest that they explore many colleges with their son/ daughter because what is important to the student is always important for the parent as well. The key to making the best of every situation is having a positive outlook on life and what it holds in store ; to make this possible a student and parent needs to be completely satisfied with the college curriculum, professors, living conditions, and campus social life. When as student is positive and is enjoying college life it only brings success for that person. A successfull student has a bright future ahead for their life after graduation.

Amanda

You must decide right this second what you want to for the rest of your life. Hurry up! What school will you attend? Don?t you know yet? What program will you apply to? Make a decision! How much will it cost and how will you pay for it? Figure it out! These are the overwhelming feelings and questions that we are bombarded with when trying to choose a college to attend. Take a deep breath and make a list of the top ten qualities and necessities you wish of a college. It is not required that you know what you want your future career to be, but if you do, it can help immensely in narrowing colleges that will be perfect for you. Do not feel bad if you end up changing your mind about what you want to do. It is completely natural to feel out what you like and dislike. In the end it makes you a stronger person who knows more about yourself then when you started and that is something that should not be regretted. Always remember that a college education is a privilege, so take advantage of it!

Matt

Truely think about where you want to live, rather than what school you want to attend. Most internships and job opportunities occur in the same town (close proximity) as the university. Also, most students switch majors two or three times during college, so do not attend a school only for a specific program. The school does not have to be "ranked" high to be a good school. It truely depends on how much effort the student want sto put into the program. And finally, don't be affraid to go back and get a second degree, there is plenty of time in you life to change directions. I prefer it.

Cooper

A first impression of a college is one that you should consiter before attending that college. Also, remeber, when you visit, most colleges will try to sell their college, and sometimes will give you skewed information to try and encourage you to join their college. Do not rule out a college just because of its distance from home. The most important thing to remeber is, it is your education, and your future, not your parents or relatives. So with this in mind, chose a college that you want to be at, not where others think you should be at.

Matthew

Theres a few things to consider when deciding on which college to attend: First, do you know what degree or field of work you want to go into? If not, you may want to attend cheaper community colleges and and explore different fields of study - this is a great opportunity to complete your basic requirement courses like math and writing while getting a feel for the college environment. Community college are also usually well connected with universities and are a great place to find information on programs and other fields of study. Another question to ask yourself is what kind of social environment do you prefer? Some colleges are more known for their 'college party experience' aspects while others have a more serious environment. Extremes of each are rare and every college has its own variation of educational attitude. Average class size and professor outlook is also key to look at. It's important to consider social environment because it plays a large role in how well you will learn and how best you learn. One last thing to consider is how well can they help you get into a career? Some colleges are more connected to businesses than others.

Christopher

To students attempting to find the college that suits them, don't go to a school known for parties. There are two significant groups of people. There are those that waste the money of their parents going to a shcool to drink irresponsibly, and there are those that want to learn more about what they are genuinely interested in by going to college. If you want to waste time and money, you don't have to go to college. And don't go to college because everyone says it's the right thing to do; go because you want to. It's only time well spent if you do it for yourself. There is a college out there that teaches what you are interested in, and there are plenty of ways to find it.

Julian

Most students usually want to get away from home, but what i reccommend is for students to do what they believe will benefit them most. In choosing OIT it was less difficult for me because I have a place to live in and it is way cheaper. Most students should enter college with a great mind set. Each student should be determined and should have a broad idea on what they want to major in. Ask a variety of questions to professors about the material just to get clear on what they expect from students. Students eventually get tired of college and tend to give up, well when that point comes stick it through and finish strong. Thats my advice for a student who is trying to find the right college and making the most of the college experience.

loria

Well an advice I would give students and while your still in high school, you should start planning ahead on what you want to do when your in college. Alot of students on college tend to change majors alot and struggle on what they really want. A lot of people want to make the most out of college, but there is a time to play and a time to study. If you do good in college everything else will pay off in the future.

Kristi

Talke the time to find out what will help you while persuing your education. Do you prefer large classes or things more hands on? Also look at the surrounding areas, not everyone wants to be in school all the time. :)

Thy

Making the right decision is the most importand in college, so find a school that based on what's importand to you. Once you step out of the line, you fail, so no different to everyone. Every step of my path, I have to choose and think very carefully. Graduating from highschool was the day I felt very proud of myself because I knew what I want to be and what I need to do for my future. You need the variety and depth of college coursework to determine your interest and aptitude. First of all, try to build in time to sit in on classes and no skipping will help you not getting lost and staying on track. Feel free to ask your friends and highschool's counsellor for advising. You need to examine yourself and your reasons for going to college before you start your search. What is the point to go to college? What are your abilities and strengths? What are your weaknesses? The more time you spend researching the college you're interested in, the more comfortable you will be with your end decision. Be yourself at every phase of the college. Good luck.

David

Don't wait until your senior year. Do everything as early as possible so you have a better chance of getting what you need.

Ken

Visit! It is a MUST to visit your school, talk with teachers in your degree (if known), and speak with students currently attending to get a real idea of what it will be like to attend there. The most you can learn about a school can be learned on location from the students and faculty. And if you or your child knows what they are going to get their degree in, spend some time before visiting a school researching the schools reputation in that field. See if that school offers internships for that degree or regularly invites companies to come see and speak to students. Inside relationships with companies and alumni can provide a great foot in the door for a fresh graduate. Lastly, keep an open mind to the location, it may be scary at first to come to a foreign town or state - but your first impressions can be misleading and you never know what a good environment can become until you make it one!

Nicholas

Find the school that you want to go to. Not the school your friends are going to or the school your parents want you to go to. Also go to school for yourself and earn the degree you want. And take all the classes you can. Knowledge is power.

Casey

Pick a school that you want to attend, and that has what you want. It doesn't matter how far or close to home it is. If you dismiss a school for the wrong reasons you will likely regret it later on. Definitely utilize all the resources the school has to offer. I often notice people really could use help from an academic success class or a disability service, yet pride in getting through without extra help keeps them from it. The reality is that the qualities such as being able to ask for help when needed and being able to work with others are far more valuable and will benefit you more in school and life than being stubborn or worrying about what others might think. Also, try new things and meet new (types) of people. College is really the best place to open your mind and expose yourself to new opportunities.

Jon

Don't be afraid to visit schools, sit in on classes, and take a look at different parts of the campus. Don't be afraid to ask questions when you are visiting as that school is where you may very well spend the next four years of your life. Research the places you're interested in going to, and get started on the financial aspects such as financial aid early.

katrina

In order to find the best college, you must first consider what interests you most. If you find an interest, make sure the college that you choose offers the best educational experience for your chosen career. To succeed in your chosen career, you must be instructed by the finest in the profession and that have the most hands on experience. This will allow for the optimum educational experience. To make the most of your college experience, you must remember to enjoy the campus. Utilize what the campus has to offer and to not be afraid to put yourself out there to have fun.