Samford University Top Questions

The best advice that I could give for parents and students about finding the right college is to really look. Don't just go to the college right next door or to the college you always thought you would attend since you were 4. There are SO many amazing schools out there that you probably have NEVER even heard of, that could potentially be a perfect fit for you. Explore...go to different campuses and don't let money be an extreme factor in choosing where you are going to spend the next four years. College is a time unlike any other--and those four years shape you into the person you are going to be for the rest of your life, so you want to go to a university that illuminates the person you want to become, a university that adheres to your personality, and a university that you can call home.

To make the most of the college experience, you must me honest with yourself. Ask the questions am I willing to study effectivly and not become affected by outside variables.? Remember, college is totally different from high. school. Though you did not need to study for your test in high school, college is totally different. Professors expect you to truly understand a specific topic and put it your own word. Memorization is not a key factor, understanding is.

Make sure it is what the student wants not what other people push the student to do.

The most crucial aspect of finding a college home is finding a place in which you can be successful in every aspect of your life. Although college is the time specified to further professional and academic aspirations, a balance between academics and other interests must be maintained. Otherwise, you will not perform at your highest level and may be disappointed in the outcome of your college career. For this reason, it is important to look for a college or university that fosters activities, opportunities, and values that you enjoy as well as one that offers the academic settings and opportunities that you desire. Once you have found an institution to call home, you will be thrown beyond the brochures and the guided tours into the real world of your new school. It can be tough, but at this point attitude really is everything. You must choose to be involved and proactive.; you may have to step out of your comfort zone. In the end, college is designed to foster more than just your academic succes; but you have to be an active participant in that process.

If you plan on living on campus freshmen year it will be great. If you plan on living at home freshmen year be ready because you will have to connect youself to campus, because there is no support from Samford to help you do so.

The best advice I can give about finding the right college is to visit your prospective colleges. The school pamphlets and brochures cannot give you the real feel of the campus. Spend time getting to know the school, and watching how everyday students act. Ultimately, make sure the school has sufficient ways for you to complete and get the most out of your desired major. To make the most of your college experience, make sure you get to know your roommate. Try to stay on campus for the first three weekends, because that is the time where many of your friendships will be made. Having an on-campus job is a smart way to make some extra spending money. Also, try to get involved in some way on campus whether it be Greek life, SGA, or other organizations. Of course, the most important thing is to remember to make the time to study and complete your courses. Using this advice will not guarantee a perfect college experience, but these suggestions have helped me get the most out my college experience.

Pick where you feel comfortable and choose what you want to do.

The advice I would give to parents and students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to apply to many colleges. Apply for financial aid as early as possible for the best results. Take into consideration that at eighteen years old you probably won't know what you want to do for the rest of your life. Try not to overload yourself as much as possible. Make sure you rest and stay hydrated. College can be worse than a job sometimes because you go to classes all day, but most of the time it doesn't end there. Normally you will go home and do homework most of the night. If you absolutely have to work at an outside job be sure to not work too many hours. Going to college full time is very time consuming. Stay focused and try to always keep graduation day in the back of your mind, and realize everyday is one day closer to walking across that stage.

I would advise students to visit many different colleges and spend the night with a student on campus at each one. Also, it is a very good idea for potential students to sit in on classes at school they are interested in. All of this will help potential students understand what the atmosphere at the schools they are thinking of attending is really like. Also, visitng many diverse campuses will be helpful in finding a place where they feel they can really fit in. To make the most of their college experience, students should be willing to be open and friendly with everyone around them. Homesickeness is very common at first (I would know), but what helps to get through this time is getting out of the dorm and being involved on campus and in the community. Also, try to live on campus as much as possible, for this is where the strongest relationships are usually formed. Living on campus also helps to make students feel more involved in their college community.

It's their experience. Eventually you have to let go and decide where you/they will be happiest. Forget the U.S. News Rankings - they don't matter. Yes you want to get a great education, but look at the small details and focus on the crowd that goes there. These are the people you are going to be literally living with. You can't avoid them. Are you going to get along with them and the environment from which they are from culturally, racially, geographically, socially, economically? Do you like where the school is? Do you like the buildings and the culture of the school? Stay overnight and visit some classes and see if the tour and school match up with what the tour is selling - seriously!!! That's so important! Don't be afraid to ask questions of the older students - they will be nice to you and answer questions (remember they're been there too). Get involved but find a balance. Go to class! If your tutition is $10,000 a year, missing one class costs you about $66. (Based on meeting 10 times a week over 15 weeks taking 4 classes) Relax and Breathe!

Follow your heart and personality. Definitely go for an overnight visit! Make sure the school you are going to attend won't be too hard/too easy or more than you can handle.

It is never too early to consider your options for a field of study. If you have already found your forte this should help narrow your choices in selecting the best colleges for your career. A common influence for college selection is cost. In my experience the decision was based upon the quality of education for my particular area of interest, while equally considering the cost. Having well-known friends attending the same college may be alluring in your college choice but maintaining a focus on quality of education with an opportunity of meeting new people is a key element of the college experience and will help in building your networking skills for the future. I can personally advocate this approach as it required me to be more social and self-dependent and through that process of building new relationships it enriched my overall experience. The ultimate goal of college is to provide and develop the tools necessary for success in a professional career. Decisions based on that principle will augment your college experience and professional career for life.