Texas A & M University-College Station Top Questions

My advice to students loking for the right college is apply for and visit every college you are interested in. Explore your options, research, and ask questions. Find out from actual students what classes and professors are like, and what to expect academically and socially. Pick a college where you feel comfortable and could fit in. Most of all, dont rush your decision, take your time and be sure before you commit. Once you decide and the experience begins, get involved. Be outgoing, make friends, get involved in clubs, greek life, professional societies. Volunteer with service organizations in the community, join a local church or place of worship. Basically, just get plugged in, you wont reget it and you'll probably make many lifetime friends along the way. Finally, keep in mind the main reason you are in college: getting a diploma. Don't let your social life get in the way of making good grades. Take your studies seriously and put forth the neccessary effort to excel academically. If you learn to balance school and your social life, you will be well on your way to having a successful and fulfilling college experience.

Find the college that best suits your personality. Try and go to a particular college for the right reasons. Stay focused in your search for the college that fits you best. To the parents: Help guide your child through the many processes that are involved with choosing a college. Be sure not to pressure your child into joining a certain college because it is where YOU want them to go. Remember, people go to a college for THEIR education and so that they can do what is right for them as young adults.

Go visit the school and experience the campus and the students. Getting a feel for the town its in and realizing whether or not you enjoy it makes a HUGE difference in your college experience.

Let your students make the decision for their own and let them experience as many Colleges as possible. I understand that there is probably that one great school that you attended and would love to see your child attend, but ultimately it is their own decision. Allow them to get out of their and your own confort zone and not be afraid to attend somewhere that may be far away or different from the kind of school you saw them attending. Always encourage your child but be sure that you give them space. They may trip and fall, but the best way that a student can learn from their mistakes is to pick themselves up. When you talk to your child make sure you always ask about their grades and keep them on track. Do not think that just because your child was a straight A student in highschool that it will continue as easy. Always be their for them and they will appreciate it and thank you for it.

Find a college that YOU feel comfortable walking onto. Look at the faces of the people surrounding you--do they look content? Happy? Miserable? Tired? If you like what you see, there is a good chance that other people do, too, meaning that the college experience will be gratifying! Examine the spirit of the college--are there traditions? Socials that you can see yourself attending? Put yourself into shoes that YOU would like to see yourself in. Don't look at classroom size because that isn't indicative of a healthy learning environment; just think, large classes mean more people to get to know you! Find someplace that YOU can see yourself at, a place full of spirit, family, comfort, and life. Gig 'em, Aggies!

The best advice I would give is find the best fit for you, not for your friends or teachers or parents, but for yourself. Choose a college that fits your needs and desires and will help you feel happy while at college and confident in your own future choices for afterwards. Don't slack off on grades and schoolwork, but don't let it swallow your entire life either. Do your best in school but have fun too. Look for ways to enjoy your time and help the community around you as well. Keep some perspective in mind too. Don't stress out too much over one bad paper or test; it won't matter much in the long run. And try not to let mean professors get to you - you'll be done with the class in just a few months, and it makes the rest of life seem much brighter in comparison. Though the days may drag, this will be the shortest four (or five or six...) years of your life - enjoy them while they last.

Check out as many schools as possible, take in the atmospheres. Sit in on some classes. Get a complete feel for each college.

Make sure that parents keep an open mind about college life. Your child will come across things that may not fit in with your morality, or what you think is appropriate. You must remember that this is a time for people to find the person they are outside of their family influence. Be open if their new personality does not exactly fit what you think it should. As their parents, you obviously have a say in the activities that they engage in. As a good parent, you would be remiss to not take an active part in who your child is becoming, and want to helpl shape who they will be in the future. Be sure though, to let them experiment a little bit without too much punishment, as this will further drive them away and into these harmful behaviors.

The most important advice I give to students and their parents when searching for the right college is to go and tour more than one school, making sure to spend enough time to get a feel for the campus and community. You are about to invest alot of time and money in this university so don't guess which will be the best choice! Students: If you have dreamed of going to a specific school your entire life and to you there are no other options...look at other options! If your wardrobe already consists of the colors of your dream school, it won't hurt to look at other colleges. You may discover a college that has a more advanced major department that can get you closer to the career of your dreams, or a school where students have similiar interests and ideals so you won't feel alienated. Parents: Go with your kids on the campus tours, it is important you feel safe about where your child is too! Keep in mind you are searching for the student's ideal college though, not yours. Lastly, when packing to move to your chosen school don't forget an umbrella!

My advice to students is to pick the University that best fits your personality. Also, once on campus, get involved in clubs that support your major or interests. These allow you to meet students or faculty who may be of help to you or provide some needed advice regarding classes or professors. Networking among students is invaluable.

Visit a college, talk to the financial aid department, faculty, advising, as many people as you can. Assume they are putting their best foot forward. Talk to students around campus and visit the town and really see what it's like. There are so many things that can surprise you once you move away from home and to a new city. Once you get to your college of choice, join clubs and groups. Get involved, because it's the best way to meet people and make friends. Don't be discouraged. However, make sure you balance your time between school and social life.

I think the most important part of finding a college that will not only let you be successful there, but also for you to enjoy your time there, is visiting the campus and talking to current students. It is crucial that you feel comfortable walking around the campus, that you like the dorms or the apartment you will be living at, and that you can get involved. Once you make the choice of the college or university, a big part of enjoying your time there is the social aspect, because everyone needs time to get away from school and studying or you'll go crazy. Even if half of your high school class is going to the same school, you need to branch out and meet new people and form new friends. One of the easiest ways to do that is by joining clubs, being a part of greek life, or playing intramural sports. As long as you like the school and environment your at and you get involved early on, you should love the whole college experience!

Research the school yourself, don't rely on others to make your decision on where to go.

Make sure you are in a community that will support you when you are down and when you are up and one that you can find diversity and equality at the same time. Save up money for college while you are still young and take in to consideration what you want to get out of your money's worth. Good classes, determined teachers, good campus, and a strong spirit. But most importantly, the will to have integrity and to do the right thing... An aggie will never lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do! Make sure the goals of the college match up with those that you are trying to attain, because what you learn at the college will stay with you where ever you go. You represent the college you go/went to, so choose one that you will be proud to represent. I represent Texas A&M with everything I do, say, and dream of doing. I am an Aggie and forever will be!

The quality of the academic program should be the first concern., but college is just as much about the experience as anything else. The campus community and the community as a whole should be observed. A university should provide an environment in which students can experience diversity: people from all over the world, different views, and different religions. Whether we agree with them or not, we live in a world that is globalizing. In that spirit, we should seek exposure. Understanding is too much to ask, but exposure is essential in the modern world. That exposure will allow students to leave college and work in diverse communities and work environments, with persons unlike themselves. College is a time of an opening of the eyes. Many of the things learned in the classroom are immaterial, but , in the least, it should prepare us to enter a world that may or may not be like the one we have previously known It should prepare us to face adjustment to different persons and environments, to open our arms to a world different than that where we spent the last eighteen years of our lives.

Finding the right school is quest to discover the place that best suits your desires, intrests, and needs as a student. Many things should come into this decision; everything from location to academics to social aspects should be weighed before enrolling in a school of higher learning. Most of all, however, one should visit any and all schools that he is even remotely interested in. There is no substitute for an actual on campus visit. Nothing gives you better insight into the true spirit of the school than being there and talking to students and faculty. Once you have found you're school, having fun and making the most out of your time there is incredibly important but at the same time you are there to learn and get a degree and while having fun all the time will be incredibly tempting your studies must be equally if not more important. The fine balance between fun and studies is something that, when perfected, will allow you to have a much greater experience than either of those two aspects alone. I hope this has been helpful to you and I encourage you to at least look at Texas A&M Universit

Definitely visit the colleges that you have considered attending and talk to the college advisors. It is VERY ok to campare the campuses and pick the one that suits your style academically, population wise, and cost wise.

I believe college is not just about grades, but I equally believe it isn't about having fun either. It's a time to grow as a person, develop friendships that will last, prepare for your future, and to find out who you really are. Make a list of what is important to you, and use this to determine what college you think would be best for you and your future. Picture where you want to be in ten years, and then choose the university that you think can get you there. Visit campuses, talk to friends, and don't compromise; there is a college suitable for everyone.

Texas A&M University was once known for its Legacy factor which occasionally led parents and other family members strongly presuaded students who really did not want to come to A&M to come. These students resent A&M as a school and potentially long lasting professional and social contacts in the future. I also worked int the admissions office here at A&M witnessing students who are so gung-oh to come to A&M that are not mentally ready to come to a 4 year university. My advice to parents, family members and students is do not chose a college on the basis of my parents or other family members went there I have to go there to. Remember it is not written into stone you have to go to the same school your family went to. Learn about the schools ask questions. Potential students should choose a school that you are comfortable with and that has your interest in what you want to study. Do not be ashamed of taking your time by going to a junior or community college or taking time off. College is a big deal it is not something you can take lightly.

The most important thing you can do is visit the campus. But I would advise not just taking the standard tour that the school offers. Spend a few days in the town and try to get a feel for the entire area, not just the campus. I would also advise spending as much time in the department where you want to study. There can be an entirely different feel between the architecture and education school. And as obvious as it sounds, ask questions. Try not to ask people who have been designated to answer. Catch someone coming out of the library at midnight and ask them about their course load. Find someone alone in the dorm lounge on a Friday night and ask them about the social scene. It's important to make sure that you are hearing the bad along with the good because there is always a downside to any school. You have to know the pro's and con's before you can make a truly educated decision.

To parents: Don't limit your child's options based on your personal preference. Encourage him/her to branch out and grow. Don't push but instead support and help your child to research the different options. Money is an issue, but at least apply and see what scholarship or financial aide options are available. To students: College is a time to grow and discover who you really are. Don't let fear or anxiety hold you back. Keep an eye out for opportunities and subjects of interest. You can always change your major - most people do. My biggest point of advice is to push yourself to go places and do things on your own; realize it is okay to be independent and you don't limit yourself to what's comfortable. Trust me, it will open doors.

There are several things that you must look for when deciding what college to attend: do they have my major, what is the culture, can I call this city home, and what are the students' opionion of the university over all? Talking to students is the most important step in finding the right college for you. The faculty and staff will tell you what they want you to here. What they won't tell you about are drawbacks of the university. Every university has drawbacks. For example, they will say that we have 15 on campus dining facilities, but won't say that it's the same food everyday, which gets very old. The students will tell you the facts about the campus that the faculty will not. Taking a tour of campus led by the university is also very important. If you get the chance, take a tour from someone who does not work for the university. This will show you more of what it is really like to attend that university.

I believe that money is not everything, and the fact that some students may be pressured into choosing one school over another simply because of financial situations is not acceptable. There are more than enough ways to receive financial assistance at any university or college, and a student should be more focused on the opportunities each school can provide for achievement in their chosen career path. Size, culture, distance from home, and opportunity to get involved around campus are all important aspects of college life one should consider as well, but prospective students must make sure they base their decision primarily on academic needs, as they are attending college to get an education.

I would advise people to visit the university. It is the only way to get a real idea of what type of university you will possibly be attending. Sit in classes, etc...

It is nothing like high school....you can be whoever you want.

I suggest going to campus and even speaking with an academic advisor and financial aid advisor on campus.

Follow your heart. Don't go to a particular school because a friend or boyfriend goes there, only go for yourself. Go to class. It's amazing how much easier classes are if you actually show up for them. Take your hardest classes early on in your college career so that you're not worried about grades when graduation comes around. Enjoy yourself. These are the best years of your life. After college, all you get to do is work and if you spent all of college working and studying non-stop, you're never going to have experienced life. Study hard, play hard. Don't let others influence you to do things you know are wrong. Join a club. Do volunteer work.

go visit colleges and find where one makes the parents feel comfortable and the child feels at home. As far as getting the most out of your college experience, as far as classes go, paying for it yourself is the best way to ensure that you will go to class every time and study hard. Knowing that if you fail a class it is only money out of your pocket makes it much less likely that you will fail. You will study harder and work harder when it is necessary to complete your classes.

The first steps that should be taken to find the right college for yourself would to get a grasp on what you would like to study, and research which school speicalize in that. Visiting the school to get a feel for the atmoshpere, as well as utilizing the schools resources for recruiting so you can talk to current students is helpful. You will want to know if you will feel comfortable there. With that in mind, also realize that college is a time in your life for growing. A

The college would depend on what career the student wanted in the end. If unsure, I would recommend going to a junior college before a university. Researching the hire rates for certain schools may help determine if the school is worth the expense.

Find out what resources are offered to students before making the decision. I'd also pay attention to the atmosphere of the school. Texas A&M has one of the best atmospheres all around. We are definitely a friendly campus.

College is one of the most important times of your life and when choosing a college that you will attending for 4-5 years you should make sure that all of the parts of the university fit you. The academic selections you have, the university setting, the faculty, the community and the people that you will be sharing your life with. If all of these things fit you then you will have an awesome college experience.

Find somewhere where you have a passion for the school... And try to find somewhere a little ways from home, but not too far!!

Choosing a college can be a daunting task, but it is best to start your research process early to identify schools that you are interested in. It is best also to pair yourself up with schools that you actually have a chance of getting into. It is alright to take classes from community college or even transfer into an university from a community college, but don't try and downsize yourself to a community college that cannot adequately fulfill your needs just because you don't think you are up for the type of challenge an university might give you. As for the college experience, these four, five, six, or however many years, are supposed to be the best years of your life. They are meant to be enjoyed, but best in moderation. Just remember that you came here for learning, and learning only helps motivate you to do more things that can sometimes lead you down a new life pathway.

The worst thing you can do is choose a college based off of other people. This means don't go somewhere because your parents went there, or your boyfriend is going there, or because all your friends will be going there, or even because it's the one place you can go that no one else will be going. This is about you. No matter where you go, though, it's your own decision to make the most of your college experience. You can choose to sit in the dorm all day, or you can choose to join an organization and make friends. Experience new things without fear. Know that these will be the four (well for some five or six...) fastest years of your life and you need to not waste them.

Everyone says you have your whole life ahead of you and plenty of time to figure out what you want to do, but THERE IS NEVER ENOUGH TIME! I am 23, I have graduated, and I am still considering going back to school because I'm still not sure what I want to end up doing. So think long and hard about what you want. Look at your personality traits, your passions, and head in that directions andstay in close contact with your advisors throughout your college career!

First off...go to college far enough away from home that its not easy to go home on the weekends. You are going to college for a degree, yes, but you are also going to learn life. Get overly involved. if something intrests you, give it a try. When are you ever going to get the chance to be surrounded by thousands of people in the same boat that you are in. The kid next to you in class is just as nervous about the future as you are. Go into college with the mindset that you are going to become everyone's best friend. The more open you are to learning about people, new ideas and trying new things will only enhance your college experience and make you glad you graduated from the school that you did...but at the same time, each and everyday make you want to go back and be apart of campus once again.

Finding the right college can be difficult because of the wide variety of issues to sort through. The most important issue though is the student's comfort level with the university and surrounding town or city. A student can feel lonely or even become depressed if they do not feel comfortable in going to campus events or feel left out on campus. The flip side though is if the student feels obligated to go to every sporting event, campus event, or party they will probably become overwhelmed and feel like there is not enough time for everything. Students need to find a balance between these two situations in order to succeed in getting the most out of college, both academically and socially.

The mistake that I made was wanting to go too a university that my parents graduated from. My parents convinced me into selecting a school was a mistake. You wanting to make them happy sometimes doesn't make you happy. Which is fine but the ultimate person going to that university is the student. Universities have changed much. The university that your parents went too in the 80's is not the same now. People and faculty change every year at universities. It is their job to teach, mentor and give their knowledge to the students. Some schools take pride in their professors and pay them well. Some don't pay well but the professor takes pride in what they do and teach from the heart. Those are the professors I like. Professors that take pride, teach, will help you throughout life. Also, some parents want you to stay close or move as far away as possible. It is your choice to pick the amount of travel and how close you want to be if you are in trouble. Remember students don't have much money. The main determining factor is what do I want and be a successful person.

Where you go should be a compromise between where you really want to go for non-academic reasons and where will give you a good education for what you want to do.

You can go to college any time. Chose that one time to be the best in your life. College is not about drinking and partying. It is about finding the freedom to be yourself. So many expereinces are offered not only at the college, but around town. These opportunities give you the option to find what you like best. Concentrate on school and get involved. Completely immerse yourself in college and soak up every minute of it. It won't last forever, but once you feel the love for your school, you will never want it to end.

I think that the best thing that students can do to find the right college is to sit down and really think about what they want to do with their lives or what they think they are interested in and from there look at different colleges. Parents can support their children's decisions to study in whatever field they choose and not put undue pressure on their kids. Remember parents, it's not your life, it's your child's. Aside from that, visiting campuses and talking with current students will also help.

Finding the right college is not where your parents, or anyone else for that matter, attended, but what would provide the best opportunities for the student. As a prospective student , you will receive advice from every corner of your existence. In order to make a quality decision for your future, you, and only you, need to determine your priorities. My requirements for college are not going to match anyone else's. Only you can ultimately decide which college will offer you the best opportunity for success in life. Of course, the financial aspect is of great concern, and it played minor role in my selection. Set your college goals high, but realistic. The only mistake in selecting a college is not taking advantage of any opportunity to attend if you are eligible. My father quit college when he felt it was not what he wanted to do. He went to school as an apeasement to his parents, not because he was interested. I was 4 months old when Dad returned to college to complete a path to a profession in which he was truly interested and excited. Students should make the final decision based on their values and goals.

Let you students be students to be helicopter parents.

Visit as many colleges as you can. Chose a school based on your long tem goals and not on your friends choices. Make sure that the school is a fit for you socially, financially, and academically.

Make sure you know what major you want to go into and the job associated with that degree when you graduate. Get involved in organizations that have to do with those jobs before you graduate, and be realistic about the money and time you will spend in that first job. College is a means to a career, not a career in itself.

Study and do well in your classes, but most importantly invest in lasting friendships. Your friends in college will be some of your best friends for life and they'll help you make fond, meaningful memories in college.

Make sure that it will be a place that you can connect with and be happy at. You will be spending 4 years plus here.

Visit the institution and talk to current and former staff and students.

Visit the school first, join as many clubs and organizations as you can, and have fun!