Texas A & M University-College Station Top Questions

By far the most important piece of advice anyone could give to a prospective college student would be to go where you feel comfortable. Trust me, you can learn just as much information at a local college as at big university, but you won't be able to enjoy yourself if you are in an uncomfortable situation. Always visit the place you want to attend because no matter what it says in brochures or on the internet, you just don't know until you go. Don't listen to jaded high school classmates who have biased opinions of a school based on what their parents said: only you can make the decision at where you want to spend the next four years of your life. Also, make sure while in college that you get your priorities straight. Planning is also something college students seem to lack. Have a vision for the future and plan your major and classes around that vision. For example, if you want to go to medical school, don't mess around your first year. Or if you want to go into engineering, try and get a job lined up before you graduate.

The right college should be a place that resonates with the student in two primary fields: academics and overall college life. The school should have both the student's desired course of studies and the right faculty to properly educate the student in his/her field. Academics should challenge the student and make him/her work toward their degree, while also equipping him/her to succeed in the real world away from the classroom. What good are years of study if they don't teach students how to properly function in their chosen fields? The college life at the institution a student chooses should fall in line with his/her beliefs, morals and desires. The kind of school a student goes to shouldn't clash with his/her personality, nor should it put the student in a situation in which (s)he is forced to compromise who (s)he is and what (s)he believes. Quiet, relaxed introverts shouldn't attend party schools, nor should strongly religious individuals attend staunchly secular schools. In finding a college with a lifestyle matching the student's, it will be ensured (s)he will make the most of the college experience.

Texas A&M is the best school in the country, don't cheat yourself by going somewhere else.

Go visit College Station!!!! Go visit, go outside of a tour and ask normal students what they like and dislike about the school. If you talk to normal people you will be a more real answer.

The best advice I can offer after one year of school at Texas A&M is to take advantage of all the opportunities that are made available to students. Whether your need is for financial assistance, emotional support, or academic concerns, there are people and offices across the university to help. My experience is that far too many freshmen students sit in their dorms or apartments and worry about how they will get through the challenges of being away from home for the first time and how to best navigate the large-school system. Help is available but will not come to your front door and knock. Help must be asked for. And literally, all you have to do is ask.

I think it is very important for parents and their kids to tour each college, and talk to some of the students at the college they are interested in attending. By talking to the current students at a University, prospective students get a feel for what to expect from that college. It is very important to find the right college for yourself, because not only is that where you'll be living for the next 4 years of you life, but the friendships and connections you make in college will help you out in life. You want to find a place where you can be yourself and fit in. One thing I would advise students just heading off too college to do, is to be very open to everything around you. Yes, most students are probably sad that they're leaving their family and friends, but they need to be willing to meet people and make new friends, because if you don't their college experiences will not be very fun. Most students only spend 4 years in college, so I would advise all students to make the most of it and do some things you wouldn't normally do.

When it comes to finding the right college, the best advice I can give is use the resources around you: look up school reviews online, VISIT THE CAMPUS, talk to several people who attend the school and can descirbe what it's actually like, as opposed to recruiters. Once you have selected a school, make sure to get involved. My school has tons of intramural sports, and many many students enjoy taking part. Or, find a club you like: chess? video games? But don't forget to focus, especially your freshman year. Meet people and have fun, definitely, but remember that freshman year is a huge transition and it's a really good idea to ease into it. For example, don't join three clubs and take leadership positions in all of them, sign up for eighteen hours, and expect to be able to go out four nights a week. A good piece of advice is to live on or very near campus your first year, take a low-moderate class load, get a meal plan, and join maybe two clubs that you like. You have four years to get everything done, so don't overload that first year.

To find the right college you need to first do your research. Search for schools that offer your expected degree plan, the size you want, location, as well as public vs. private. Once you've narrowed down your choices to about three or four schools, you should visit all of them. Try to envision yourself at each of these campuses. If you don't get a good first impression or feeling, then this school is probably not for you. Make sure you feel comfortable and happy at the college you choose. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions, get them all answered so you can make the right decision. Most importantly, choose your school for you and you only. Not for your best friend or boyfriend/girlfriend, this is your life, not theirs. The best advice I can give for when you get to college is to join an organization. Be committed to one and stick with it. Don't try to join too many or you'll get overwhelmed. More importantly, stay on top of your studies. Don't let yourself fall behind because it's very hard to catch up again.

When choosing your ideal college out of your best options, consider the three aspects of your college experience: opportunity, community, and style. Firstly, opportunity, in terms of academics, is most important! Consider what career path you might want to take, and how your potential school can prepare you for that career. Next, think about the college's community. Consider the placement of the school, and what the school stands for. Consider the kind of friends you want to make, activities you want to be involved in, the kind of area you want to live in, and how far you want to be from home. And, lastly, but still importantly, style. Consider the size of school you want to be in. Consider your own style and personality, and think about how it will work with the school's style. These three aspects will ensure you're well suited to your new home away from home. When you get to college, simply be yourself. Remember who you are, but be sure to try new things. Work your butt off, but still have fun. Get involved, but don't get too involved. It's all about balance. That's the key to success.