Temple University Top Questions

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

Ryan

Visit the campus first and interview the students

Kelli

My advice comes in four (4) parts. The first piece of advice would be for students to learn as much about their choice schools as they possibly can, though it's best to vist them because nothing will be more convincing or encouraging as their own experience with a campus. Secondly students should make sure they know the real details about loans and payment plans, from personal experience I've found that finding a way to pay for my education has been much more straining and daunting than the work load from my classes. Third, I would tell students to not get carried away with their free time, because when you're a college student there really is no such thing. Of course there are fun things to do and lots of great friends to be made. But having the freedom to pursue those interests cannot overshadow course work. I can't count how many times I've seen friends slack off only to regret it later. The work will be challenging enough, time should be used wisely. Finally the college experience will be what they make it, and they have the power make the experience wonderful, or horrible.

Syreena

Choose a place that makes you feel as comfortable as possible because it will be your home for the next 4 years or so. Make sure that it is within your budget as well as a surrounding that suites you. Write down a list of all the things you would like in an ideal college such as location, cost, student: teacher ratio. Try to stick to that list as close as possible. Look for things such as clubs, study abroad programs, extracurricular activites so that you know you will be able to broaden your horizons and stay social to avoid becoming home sick. Make sure the school does offer things such as tutoring, counseling, financial aid assistance for when you may need help. Most importantly make sure you choose a school that is safe. It should have campus security as well as emergency phones throughout the campus. They should provide some sort of shuttle service for the late night hours or even in the day traveling across campus.

Michael

Make sure that when you pick your college you go into it whole heartedly. If you are waivering it is not your best choice. And most importently make the MOST of where you are at. Everything is to some effect what you make of it. If you think it's going to be great it will.

Rannita

It is coming out of your own pocket so choose the university/college that will make you feel as if you are home, because this will be your second home.

Angelica

Find a college that you feel is right for you. You might want to take into consideration the size of the college and the college life. Maybe you might want a smaller colege because professors are more dedicated or maybe you want a large college. Pick one that you know is worth the money. Pick a college that is ranked high in assisting students with the help they need to get closer to their career.

Ahna

Dear Parents and/or Students, Whatever you do, don't do whatever everyone else tells you to do unless that's what you truly in the bottom of your heart want. I know so many people who have failed semesters or flunked out of college because they were living someone else's dream. You need to do some serious soul searching before you decide what college you go to. When I chose to got to Temple University, I picked it because my mother had died and I wasn't exactly sure where to go. Deep down inside I wanted to got far away, to California or Vermont or Arizona, but instead I chose to stay in my home town, Philadelphia, PA, in the hopes that all of my friends and family would always know where to find me. As it turns out, no one comes back to see me and my heart yearns desparately for nature. This school is wonderful and I'm sure any school you choose will have a lot of ups. Just make you pick the one thing you want most and find the school that whole-heartedly encompasses it. Thank you for listening, Ahna N. Kolts

William

As benign as it may seem in highschool, choosing the right college for you is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. This choice affects what you study, what career you choose, who your friends are, where you end up living, and so much more. It is worth it to make the right decision based on what you need; this will affect the next four years of your life. Go with what you feel suits you the best; if it is a party school you're interested in, then so be it, but keep in mind that partying most likely will not launch you into a rewarding career. Apply to a school whether you think you meet the credentials and/or will get in or not. After all, you'll never really know whether or not you'll be accepted to your top school unless you try and submit an application. Your college experience will be one of the most memorable of your entire life; it just doesn't make sense to have this experience unless you're enjoying the school of your choice to its fullest potential.

Sheryl

Visit, visit, visit schools. A half tour is not enough to decide. After the tour, just walk around and get a feel for the campus. Ask your guide lots of questions. If you don't like where you are, the name is not going to make anything better.

Mary

Do the time and investment of looking into the place and learning about the surrounding environment and available activitiies; it's worth it.

Christina

Students need to search themselves, what they stand for, what they like and dislike, and the type of person they are and want to become. A college is supposed to shape and frame you into a person of confidence and pride. A person who is willing to go through the fire and come out on the other side as beautiful glass--multifaceted and shining with self-esteem and the achievement of self-actualization. A student should look at a college and see how it functions, how they blend in or don't and if the necessary outlets are available for them to be their own person and still feel a strong sense of belonging. For parents, finding the right college should be based on the feeling that your child will learn how to be responsible and stand on their own feet. Upon graduation a parent should proudly and clearly see the transformation their child has undergone. Parents must know what lessons of life they want their child to be exposed to, and what they feel will best prepare them to be released in world. These things should be taken into consideration when choosing a place of education, inspiration, and growth.

Maria

Go with your gut. Lots of schools look good on paper and in theory, but unless you actually visit that school and have the feeling that you belong there, it's useless.

Dominic

The best advice I can give is to find a school that best suits your interests. Go and visit a number of schools from your list of potentials. Do a lot of research as well and ask people questions about the school, especially those in your major. Try to get all the financial aid and your means of paying for school organized and prepared beforehand. This was something I had trouble with at first as I was a bit unprepared. I would suggest going to the financial aid office of your school to make sure that everything is taken care of. Other than this, try to make the best of your college experience because college is a great time in one's life.

Jen

Picking a college is one of the most important decisions of a students' life. I'm from a suburban, middle-class area and moving to Philadelphia was the biggest step I've ever had to make. At first, I was scared and lost. I had never moved in my life and being in an unfamiliar place was uncomfortable. Because Philadelphia IS so different from my hometown, I was forced to grow up--a lot. Once I broke out of my comfort zone, I took notice of my boost in maturity. And, now I love the place I currently live in and will probably stay in Philadelphia after I graduate. In order to find the right college and make the most out of the college experience as a whole, go outside of your comfort zone. Don't pick the safety school or a place that all of your friends are going to. Go where you think you'll grow most as a person. Making the leap will definitely benefit you in the end. Although it's scary at first, when it's over, you'll look back and be proud of yourself for the decision.

Fendia

The advice that I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college is make you list all the things that you want in a college, so you know what you are looking for. Do as much research on colleges to find the one that best fits your standards, as well as, your economic standards. This includes academic, extracurricular activities, college environment, and much more. Make sure you visit college because there is a lot of students that do not go to visit the college they want to attend, then end up transfering due to the fact that they realize that they do not like to college. I would also recommend look for scholarships, grants, work-study and any way that would get you money to pay for college. As for making the most of the college experience, I would say get involoved with college activities, such as clubs, volunteer programs , and many more.

Vin

I would reccomend that both the parents and future student go there and check it out to make sure it is somewhere you will want to spend the next four possibly five years of your growing life. It is an experience that is needed to be enjoyed in order to grow not only as a student but a person as well. GO WHERE YOU LOVE

Matthew

Go to college because you want to become better at what you like to do, don't just go because mommy and daddy are sending you or you feel obligated too. If you have no purpose in life than stay out of the way of the people that are really trying to accomplish something in this crazy world.

Donnaye

Research colleges that best fit your personality and your academic standards. College is great for meeting new people, and being able to explore different aspects of life. You'll be tempted to party or go against your parents rule but, never get too distracted where it effects your school work. Have fun and enjoy a great experience!

Molly

Know what environment you thrive in. If you do better in a more personalized setting, take that into consideration when a campus tour guide is showing off a big ten's brand new gym, while glossing over the fact that most classes are held in lecture halls. If you're drawn to a larger school's facilities, take the time to find out if professors make themselves available outside of class. Go see the campus. Don't pick a school from a brochure. This is all advice that you?ve likely heard a hundred times over, because it?s practical and true. But there?s something else that students and parents should know. Sometimes, a student?s going to do all the research in the world, and not know until a few months into freshman year that a school is wrong for them. It happens, and it?s no one?s fault. It?s better to find this out early than two years into a program. A college degree is a huge financial investment. Don?t be so afraid to admit you?re unhappy that you wind up investing in a school that doesn?t invest in you.

Christine

It's a very personal decision. You can always change your mind, but you are better off if you don't have too.

Montez

Make sure that the school is suitable to your interests and offers your major!

Justin

Make sure you know exactly how much college will cost you. Check out the total learning experience and quality of the faculty before you commit to going to a particular school.

Tomara

I would tell the students not to worry about choosing a major early on and to just find something the student is passionate about and develop your college choices based upon that. While finances are important, DO NOT base your enrollment at a particular school strictly upon this. Embrace your choice and get involved, the more people and relationships the student develops, the better the experience. This will also increase post-graduate networking opportunities.

Emily

Make sure that you like the people and the food. If you are uncomforatble with the people you see and meet you probaly wont like the school. .and you'll be eatting the food for 4 years. also make sure they have the major you might want to take. If they dont but have something similar, you probably won't be happy in the end.

Julianne

Study. Make friends. Be yourself. Everything else is irrelevant. College is a lot more intense than most people expect it to be and it's vital to stay organize and on top of school material. But on the other hand, it is also essential to make good friends. Even if you're not comfortable in new situations or putting yourself out there, just do it. Making thebest friend I have now has been one of the most important events of my life, and it wouldn't have happened if I had been holed up in a dorm or walking around by myself, as I had previously done. Finally, be yourself in college. That speaks for itself. You're in a new environment with new people who have no previous expectations of you. What's the worst that could happen, they don't like you? So what! They weren't worth your time anyway.

Miesha

My Advice to students that are trying to pick the right college is to pick the right college for them. Research universities that appeal to crucial aspects of your personality. Try not to attend a school solely based on the school's reputation or based on your parents preference. You have to spend four years of your life there. And for the parents, when looking into colleges know your child. Help them to pick a school that will suit their personal needs best. There's nothing worse than getting into a school and being uncomfortable or stressed.

Alyssa

Finding the right college can often seem like a guessing game, but the most important thing to remember is to be true to yourself. You have to choose the place where you feel the most comfortable, the place that you feel you can make your home for all the time that you will be there. The rest of it will follow. As long as you are happy with your surroundings and with yourself, you can be successful in all aspects of your life. It is also very important to take advantage of all that your chosen school has to offer. Every college and university will have tons of groups and activities and events for you to join and participate in. Do it! Get involved! Enjoy yourself! This time of your life is all about expanding yourself and the best way to do that is to get out there and try something new. I can promise you that you won't regret it.

Patricia

My advice to parents and students is college is an exciting, new, and educational chapter in students' lives. It is an important decision that should not be rushed, but considered with care. The key to choosing the best college is to consider your personality, academic goals, and hobbies because college should be fun as well as educational. Secondly, cost and distance should be considered. In addition, it is very important to visit the college you are interested in attending. Once you are at the college, take a good look around at the environment and the classrooms, speak with professors and fellow students. By doing this, you can get an idea of what it would be like to live there and be educated there. Check out the different organizations offered there and ask yourself if this college will give you the ultimate college experience for the next four years.

Kammini

I would suggest to the students to go and visit the campus before they decide on which college they will attend and also to take in consideration how their own personal interests are addressed at the school of their choice. To make the best of your college experience you should really try to get as involved as possible and to go out and meet new people. To the parents, I suggest that you take an interest but don't let your own opinions become your child's, they have to make this decision by themselves. And lastly to both parties, if finanically a school is out of your range you should still apply because if you want something bad enough things will work out in the end, you shouldn't let the fear of not being able to pay for a certain school stop you from applying because you never know what could happen.

Maggie

To find the most out of your college experience you really need to rely on yourself. This is the time of your life to findout who you are and to be selfish. You ultimately need to do what is right for you, regardless of what your parents, friends, or teachers say. Folling your heart is the path to discovery and in discovring who you are you will find out what you love to do. Once you've figured it out, do it. Do what you love! Make friends, be invloved, and get good grades so that you can get th perfect internship to your dream job. But have fun too, all work and no fun is not good for your mental health. College is a time to learn and grow. So have fun while doing so!

Irina

Try all things that interest you and dont declare a major till youre absolutely sure.

Lisa

Make sure you are finicially able to pay off the debts of student loans because I know I made that mistake. Also make sure that it what you really want in life. Many people go to college just to go and end working somewhere they did not need a college degree for. Some even drop out before they graduate because they really have no clue why they are in college. I think that this is sad, but it happens all the time. So please make sure you make the right decision before you sign your life away to college debt.

Fatiha

The best advice that I can give is that, it is essential to understand what type of community one likes to be around, because a lot of your time is spent within the college. Alo money is very important, when deciding on a school make sure one can really afford it, because it does get stressful when deadline are coming up and one doesn't have the money to pay for classes. When one is in college, one should try to experience everything. Join different groups talk to the proffessors, try to have a great relationship with proffessors, they can help in the job procees post graduation. Also it is essential to communicate with faculty and students, about how you one is feeling if a negative situation arises, keep people informed. In college try to party and hang out, but don't forget to study, and do all the assignments, because once someone falls it's hard to get back to the top.

Elissa

I would tell parents and students to look in depth at each school the student is applying to. Schools can surprise you with what they have so don't be afraid to ask tons of questions. Take advantage of open houses, student for a day activities and orientations so you can really get a feel for what going to that particular school is like. Once you decide on a school, do everything and anything you've ever wanted to. Try new things, take a class you never thought you'd be interested in, join a club or intermural sport. Don't be shy! Everyone wants to meet new people and try new things in college so why shouldn't you? Expand yourself and stretch to your very limit. That's the only way to live while at college. You don't get these years back so take full advantage of everything your school has to offer.

Ryan

Make sure you will be financially ready to make payments in the worst case senario's that your family might have to endure...if you believe you can financially rebound based on the situation and the school's tution, I suggest you go there. Also go to a school thats within about 2 hours away from home, that way its not as expensive to come to and from home during vacations and such. Also do'nt stress your self out to buy books on time, Professors usually dont start using books untill the second week of school, depending on the seriousness of the subject matter, and whether it pertains to yhour major.

Cara

Choosing a college can be overwhelming. I think the best way for students and their parents to find the right college is to first think about what type of general location you want to be in, and then move foward with selecting schools in that area. I knew I wanted to be in Philadelphia and Temple was the clear choice for me when my mom and I visited the campus. Taking advantage of on-campus tours and talking to friends who are already in college can be quite helpful in making your decision, but it all comes down to what you want your life to be like over the next four years. To make the most of your college experience, be out going and accepting of all types of people. Be open to change, as this time in your life is one that allows you to grow. Take advantage of the activities offered by your school and have a great time because these four years go by too fast!

Curtis

The best advice I could give, would be to go and visit the school, stay for more than one night, and truely experience the college before you make your choice. It's a really big step and considering that you will be living there, it's important to gain that knowledge before you make your decision. Life away from home is new and can be extremely fun, but it must be taken seriously and althought all of your friends may be going to one school, it may not be the school for you. So take your time in your selection, stay for a while and make sure you want to be there for your own reasons, not anyone elses.

Dimple

Make sure to check out the type of college. Would you want to live in the City? It had a deep impact on life and make sure you figure out what you really want to do in life before starting because if you keep changing your major you will fall behind.

Jordan

I would definitely do a lot of research online as well as in person. Also, I would suggest picking a school where your child/you would feel comfortable and safe, and a place where your child/you can succeed and make the most of the next four years. It is important to pick a school where a person can feel that they can work to their best potential. When a college is actually picked, I would encourage a student to make the best of it. These are going to be the best four years of your life, where you will be diverse and interesting people, who just may end up being life-long friends.

Jorie

I would encourage students to first identify what they are looking for in a school and then visit the campuses of your prospective schools. Also, I would recommend the students eat the food in the cafeteria on a day that most people aren't visiting because that will tell you how the food really tastes. Make more than one visit to be sure that you want to attend that school.

John

I think when trying to choose a college, it is important to look at what you want to get out of life. If you are comfortable with how your life is now, you may want to choose a college that reflects that. However, I think it is better that you choose a college that is much different than what you are used to. This will allow you to break out of your shell and really get a feel for what life is really like. Being exposed to different social and racial grous lets a person find out who they really are, rather than settling with what they grew up being.

Mary

Visit the schools you are interested in and find out if it is possible to spend the weekend with a student who already attends the university . Shadow them in school during FRiday classes and then spend the night. This allows you to see both the academic and social aspects of the campus. Good luck!

Joseph

Let the school choose you. Never attend a school if you have even an inkling of an idea that you won't like it. There are plenty of colleges/universities out there to choose from so start broad (search by area) and then narrow it down.

Jacqueline

Make sure that the college has different kinds of majors you'd like to explore. A lot of people think that know what they want to do but when they get to college they change their mind. Don't be afraid to be your own person. Its easy to go to parties and drink but its not worth it. Do what you want to do, join the groups you want to join, and take the classes you'll enjoy. Find good roommates and great friends. Take advantage of what the school has to offer.

Sam

Go to a school that can teach you what you love. A school's clout isn't everything, understand that ultimately you are the one who will determine you own success.

Joy

Make sure that you are one hundred percent dedicated to your studies. Make sure that you are comfortable in the school and available to see your teachers when you need help

Noelle

I would make sure that you've experienced the college before you put all your pennies into one barrell. I would also apply to other schools just in case you don't get the one that you want. I would also suggests that parents allow their children to freely choose the college they would like to attend . College is an awesome experience but some places just don't work for some people they need to express themselves the way the want. I believe this is one of the biggest problems that people encounter.

Andrew

Writre down you preferences FIRST, then look at schools. Look at many schools, because there are planty out there, and the more you look at the more easily it is for one to be perfect for you.

Natalie

I would suggest to incoming students and their parents to take their time- a lot of students applying to schools at the end of high school feel a lot of pressure to get in to a school and rush through the application proccess, and then once they get in somewhere they can relax- I'd say relax throughout the process, if it means you take a semester off while you figure out what you want to major in, so be it. Also, if you start school right away and don't know your major yet- don't just choose one at random, you will lose credits. Call yourself undeclared for a little while, there's nothing wrong with that, and take a few classes that overlap your core requirements with a major requirement that you might want to declare, so you can get an idea of whether or not you'd fit in that major and you won't lose credits. To make the most of your college experience, just be real in everything you do - be yourself and you'll make friends in an instant.

Catherine

Make sure you go and visit the colleges you are thinking about attending. While reading about the college is very informative no ammount of words can descibe actually bing there. Also talk to students who go there see what they don't like and if those are things that you can deal with.