Texas State University Top Questions

The best advice that I would give to anyone trying to find the right college is to start out by going to a community college to get the basics out of the way, while discovering what it is that you truely desire to do and what makes you the happiest. College is expensive these days and the way the Economy is now, its not getting any easier. Going to community college will be the cheapest solution to getting a bulk of the boring classes out of the way, then deciding where transfer to for the fun classes that will lead to the carreer goal of choice. Also, do your reasearch on which schools have the best programs for what it is that you want to persue as a carreer. Any two campuses could have the same program, but one could show higher success rate in the feild for their graduates. Most of all never give up hope on finding a college because when you least expect it, the right one just may find you.

I would tell the parents: For the first semester, you're kids will call you about 5 times a day. They miss you and it's a new experience for them. It's going to be hard for them. Don't pressure them too much. Remember, they're still young and human. Once they're in their 2nd year, you'll be getting call once every 2/3 weeks. It's not that they don't love/ miss you any less. By now they've had the chance to make new friends and have a routine. I would tell the students: Go to class! I know you're probably tired of hearing it but it's very true. Write things down in a planner. It helps. Remember to call you're parents, they're worried about you. Make sure you budget yourself. You don't want to run out of money and the semster is only half over. Take care of your bills first, then put some aside for when the tough times come. Sleep is important. That paper may need to get done but if you're on 2 hours sleep, it won't help you finish on time.

When it comes to finding the right college, definately visit the campus before making any decisions. Talk to the people there and hear what they have to say about the school. Check out surrounding the area too, see what kind of vibe you get from it. In the end, you will know which school is right for you. Once enrolled, make the most out of your college experience by taking time to visit your professors during their office hours. Get to know them and you will find yourself getting more out of their classes. Also, live on campus for at least your first year. It will give greater access to many fun and educational activities on campus that you will most likely not attend if you live off campus. College is the time to try new things and make new friends. Making the most out of it will prepare you for a lifetime of success.

I believe that finding the right college is all about finding a place that is going to welcome you. By this I mean a college that is going to take time to make sure you are comfortable and help introduce you to your classmates. The administration should be very helpful and concerned about your issues and questions that you have. Making the most out of the college experience is all about how much time and effort you put into it and how much you allow yourself to get involved in and take in. For the most part you should always be welcomed to new things and never let someone hold you back from trying something new or doing something that you want to do. You really have to learn to just be yourself and not let others guide you. Be a leader for yourself and not a follower. Do what is best for you and don't worry about those that are insecure and try to bring you down with them.

I feel as though students should look for a college or university that allows them the chance to start over. So many students go to a college to follow the majority of people that they know so they can continue to be in their comfort zone throughout their education. Going somewhere that nobody you knows gives you the chance to really learn who you are and what you are capable of doing in life. Also, once you finally choose the right school for you, you should find out who you are, get involved, and do what you want to do. Don't allow your parents rules or expectations hold you back. The great thing about college is the chance to be independent and make your own life and own choices. Those are the two most important lessons I learned in my three years of college.

I would tell students and or parents to try and select a community college to attend and complete basic required courses, then find a 4 year university that offers a program of interest, although I had many fun experiences living in the dorms and making friends, overall I feel like I could have saved thousands and made it a little easier on myself and parents. Plus, courses at community colleges tend to be a little easier, so the transistion won't be hard on your GPA.

I started my college experience 3 years ago at the age of 47. I appreciate education more now than I'm a little older than if I had attended college right out of high school. I think the first priority is for the school to match the student. In other words, not only should the degree program reflect the student's interest, it should also reflect the current, and future, job market. This increases the student's chances to succeed after graduation. I also would argue that it's to the prospective student's benefit to work the year after graduating from high school before starting college. This would give them a chance to "decompress" as well as anticipate the college experience. I also think this would reduce the rate of dropouts, chances of burnout, and the tough transition from home life to college life. I enjoyed the survey and found the questions fair and well thought out. Thanks.

Visit the college and if you can, don't take the touur. Find someone you know who goes there to show you the real college. Also, just let it speak to you, when you find the right college...you will know.

Students and parents should realize that every college campus has its own personality and finding the right college involves matching the student's needs and expectations with the right atmosphere. Students will find that many schools can offer them the education they are looking for academically, but there is more to college than classes and studying. College is a part of life that will stay with a person forever; many people learn valuable life lessons, discover themselves, and possibly meet their future life partners. It is important to find a college that provides a lush environment for living outside of the classroom; one that promises new friends and a healthy social life. It is important that a campus allow students to be responsible and independent, but also provide services that are there to help students if they need it. Being out on your own and away from home can be a difficult transition that can often make students feel isolated and alone. A college campus that has a friendly and helpful staff as well as a healthy social atmosphere can bring students out of their shell and into their own.

Try and find a school that makes both the parents and the student happy. My school is close enough to my family (3 hours) that they can come visit, but far anough away that I feel independent and on my own. Look for a school that not only has prestige associated with it's name, but also with it's education. One reason that I chose Texas State is because it was a good school for my chosen field (theatre) and it was good school for my family and myself budgetwise. Yes, I could have gone to another school that was more expensive and larger, but I really felt as though I got a more hands on experience in my education here.

My advice to students is to be open and choose a school that is right for you, don't go somewhere just because your highschool friends are going there. If you want to know something about the school go to their homepage and find out. Weigh in every factor that matters to you and decide from there. The College life starts a week before the first class. Make sure you have all living necessittes ready to go in your dorm, a bike is also a very handy life tool on the campus. Once you are moved into the dorm go out and have fun with your roommates and neighbors, you will be seeing them a lot the next few months so mine as well be friendly with them. Leave your door open to the hallway so passerbys can say hi. Open yourself up to new opportunities an experiences, the best way to learn is by hands on experience. If any club sparks your interest try it, nobody will tell you you can't do it. Keep up in your classes from the start and go over your notes twice a week, this is much easier than cramming.

My advise to parents and students would be to visit the campus and talk to the students currently attending. The most inside information will come from the current students who are more than willing to answer questions that the tour guides don't answer.

It is importnat to make sure that the college you choose offers the courses that you need for your major.

I would say to look at all the factors involved. Look at where the school is located and take into consideration how far away from home you will be and what kinds of things you will be able to do at school. Look at the schools reputation and see if you think that it is the place for you. I would also advise to visit the campus first because when I visited Texas State I fell in love with it becase it is such a pretty campus and it looks like the kind of place i have always had in mind for where i wanted to go. At school, make sure you go to class and be resposible but still make time for fun and friends. The main thing is to get your priorities straight and to understand that you are their to get an education but that does not mean that is the only reason you are there. College is all about growing up, having fun, learning, and getting to know and understand yourself, so enjoy!

To these unknowing parents and students, I would say take a chance. Most students upon graduating high school, are focused on going to the best University that's closest to their parent's home. I know I wanted to go to the University of Texas because both of my parents did, and it was right down the street. Once, I didn't get in, I decided I'd take a chance on a University 30 miles away even though I was terrified. I did, and I could not have made a better decision for myself. Taking a chance on Universities you wouldn't have chosen first can be a huge opportunity for students who are timid about the real world, but want to create their own independence. Once you've taken the leap, and are out of your comfort zone, it forces you into a lifestyle that makes you realize who you are. Self actualization is a large part of college and should not be something to be afraid of.

I recommend a school that is big enough to feel like a typical college, but small enough for professors to be hands on with the students. Nothing is better when I feel like I'm getting advice from a professor that is interested in my success. Pick a college that provides a so called get away from the heavy stress of college. I go to a school where it's serious business, but I can also get away to clear my head by going to the river to reflect on my life. Make sure to have fun, but be serious on your future.

First, I would talk to your high school counselor about what your career goals are. Second, I would see what my grades are in high school to determine whether i'm ready for a university or a community college. Then, I would discuss with the family what the financial situation is if they can afford to send me to a universtiy or not. After that, when all of the above is discussed, pick the colleges your thinking about attending and go to an orientation day where you can visit the schools and see what the campuses are like. When all is said and done, just find out for yourself if you are ready to move away from home or you rather stay in town near your family to go to a nearby college and move on to the next step of your adult life and be ready mentally and physically to work on getting your education.

If i could give advice i would say, send your child to community college first then to a four year university. Also if you are from a small town then a private school is a good choice.

Finding the right college can be really difficult, sometimes the best thing to do is actually tour around the campus and see how it feels. For me, once I stepped on campus I knew that this was where I wanted to be. A lot of knowing which college is right for you has to deal with comfort; you don't want to go to a college where you would feel alienated and uncomfortable for the next 4 years or so in what should be the best years of your life. To prospective students, a college does not need to be the "very best" according to others to be the right one for you, this is your life and your life only, trust your gut and it will not lead you astray. To make the most out of your college experience you are going to have to learn to use your time effectively. Take time to rest, relax and live your life to the fullest, and explore and try new things, but never lose sight of your goals and dreams and why you are there.

First decide whether you would like to attend college in state or out of state. Also make sure that the area you would like to major in is offered at that University. Also I would highly recommend living on campus, not only do you have all the resources of the campus at your steps you also make life long friends and always have someone to turn to when you need help with school or just somebody to listen. Oh, and make sure you have shower shoes!!!

Visit the colleges that you plan on attending. It will help you get a feel for them, and also show you what kind of setting you will feel most comfortable in or that you like being in. The atmosphere of the college most often determines whether you want to go there or not. Be sure to walk the campus on your visit to know what the terrain is like and get a feel for which dorms you would most likely be more comfortable in. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions. It can give you valuable information about not only the question that you were asking, but also how the administration of the college responds to questions. This enables you to have more information for your decision. Furthermore, do not discount colleges just based on cost because most of the time there are plenty of scholarships associated with each and every college. You just have to find them.

Go to community college first. It saves you a lot of money and gives you more time to choose the right place to go. Do your research on everything about the places you are looking for. Don't go just because your friends are going.

Take advantage of every opportunity presented to you. Most of these opportunities will never arise again in your life and you'll find yourself looking back and wishing you had made the most of your college experience. College isn't just about balancing studying and partying. It's about learning things that you will carry with you for the rest of your life, making friends that you'll find you could never have done without, and growing physically, mentally and spiritually. Remember, you won't be laying on your death bed thinking, "Why did I do so much with my life? I really wish I'd have done less." Try new things- you'll learn more this way than you ever could in the classroom; never be embarrassed- because chances are the people around you won't care; introduce yourself to anyone and everyone- there are some interesting people out there; and when things seem gloomy- remember that it can only get better from there and that eventually it will only be something to look back on and laugh at... lastly- be exactly who you're meant to be, and not how other's wish you could be.

Take your time, and really try to figure out what you are looking for in a college. Because there is always one out there that is best for you!

My advice that I would give parents and students is to actually go to the schools and check them out. Visiting, and taking tours and just walking around the campus and town really gets you to feel what it's like. To really make the most of the college experience do everything; join clubs that look cool, extracurricular activities, take advantage of what the school offers, like studying abroad or doing any other things like that. Enjoy the town you live in, embrace yourself in the college life.

Finding the Answers Brain racking admissions essays, towering stacks of application papers, and soul-searching questions that you have no answers to.......For a high school senior, it is extremely easy to drown in the endless sea of processes and technicalities that have to be completed in order to find and hopefully be accepted to the college you dream of. However, as daunting as this may be, and as terrifying as it may seem to fly free of your parents protective nest, finding the right college is like finding a new home. Walking across the campus of your future college should feel like walking the streets of your hometown. Friendly faces, smiling upper classmen, and helpful hints should embrace you and just as you feel accepted in the halls of your high school, so should you be welcomed at the college you choose. In regards to making the most of your college experience...squeeze out every last drop of its liberating, who-cares-if-you-went-to-class-in-your-pajamas goodness! College is a time to figure out what you want to do in life and the answers that were so elusive in high school will unfold before you.

Make sure you manage your time well by allocating times for studying throughout the week, while leaving yourself plenty of spare time on the weekend to do whatever you like.

During your first visit to a college do you feel like its home away from home? As soon as I stepped foot on campus for orientation I was greeted by a girl whom is now my very best friend. It set the tone for the rest of my collegiate career here at Texas State. Although your education is very important, it?s also important to feel comfortable and confident. Two of the qualities I find prevalent here at TSU. Texas State has a great communication program but has so much more to offer. I knew that, even if a couple of years down the road I wanted to change my major I could find something great here. Three years later, which seems like yesterday for me I am a very involved person within my education system and community. Something I never foresaw me experiencing in a populated school of 30,000 students. A little fact of how much I love it here, ?I never did visit Texas State before orientation in the fall, and that might have made the best impression yet!? I let the school and it?s environment set the standard, not the pretenses.

study and participate in organizations. Research research research!!

Parents and students try to find a college that fits your child or yourself best. Don't let financial worries get in your way on deciding on a college that you want to attend to. Parents encourage your child to have a fun time and safe experience in college. Students make a study time for yourself so you dont get behind in your classes, having a calendar will help you if you write your test and quizes out on the date its given. Try to study as much as possible remeber you have to work,don't let your parents money go to waste! Have fun interacting with students and teachers, they both can teach you alot about the surroundings at school. Last but not least students call your parents on a daily or weekly basis to let them know how your doing they will appreciate the gesture and will be happy to hear from you.

Directed directly to future college students. College will be the best time of your life. Don't go somewhere for your friends, girlfriend/boyfriend, or because your parents or family is influencing or pressuring you to go there. Go to a school that catches your eye. Go to a school that will help you best succeed in your future career and later in life. Don't choose a school because of what you've heard from others. Find out for yourself by visiting and researching the places you would like to go. Lastly, don't be afraid to go outside the box or against the grain. Wherever you go there is always someone to help and guide you long the way.

Research schools, talk to students and save money. Ensure that you visit the campus and actually look up faculty acolades.

Look at the size of the school and it's surroundings for things to do. It was a huge deciding factor for me. Austin is only 30 minutes away and a river runs right through campus. I definitely do not feel stranded here. I love where I live, and I highly suggest students and parents look into the living situations the town and university offers. Make sure the college has your desired field and a good program that will help the student find a job before graduation.

Wherever the student feels most accepted and comfortable is the right choice for him/her... If times get hard while being away from home, things will eventually fall into place... Do not give up on anything you endeavor and believe in, and always strive to become the absolute best at what you want to do and become in life!

Research and find a university that fits your environmental confort zone. Do not confine your personality, but express it. It is easy to make friends, just don't hide yourself. Join an organization or club that is right for you and that you can be yourself. Everyone experience classes differently, but take advantage of it to find what you really want out of life. Do not just choose a college; choose the one that attracts your attention and that you can enjoy every minute of. Expand your mind and build your intellegence. Make your self proud of what you have accomplished. That is what counts.

My advice to parents and students about finding the right college would be to follow your heart. When visiting campuses, if a certain college stands out to you above the rest, and you know in your heart that you would be proud to get an education and college diploma from that school, then that is the school you should attend. Picking a school shouldn't be about where your friends or boyfriend/girlfriend is going, it should be about how good of an education your going to get. My advice to students about making the most of the college experience is to put yourself out there. Join the clubs/sororities/fraternities that you are interested in, go to sporting events, support your school, make friends with your peers and your professors. College is not all about drinking and getting drunk, there is so much more to it than all that nonsense. College is about making long-lasting friendships. The ultimate goal of the college experience is to get a good education and graduate, get a job that will allow you to support yourself by making a good living, and set the foundation for the rest of your life.

Go to your campus and find out if this is this place you want to live for the next four years.

To find the right college, a student must understand their comfort level about several things. If she comes from a small high school, she must decide if she wants a small college with small classes or if she is ready to step outside her comfort zone to attend a college with enrollment that exceeds the population of the county where she lives. Another comfort issue to consider is distance from family and home. If she knows what she wants to study, online research can locate the schools that excell in that particular area of study. Availability of financial aid or loans is also an important issue for many students and is easy to research online as well. Most colleges host orientations in which students are made welcome and meet new friends. Most colleges have social groups and interest groups that are an excellent way to meet people. The best way of all, however, is simply to decide that you are going to approach this new experience with a positive and open mind to new ideas and new people. I am a firm believer that positive thinking and hard work lead to success wherever you are and whatever you do.

I would tell parents to allow their children to first understand and fully appreciate what college has to offer and not just go to the college or university that is closest to home for sheer comfort sake. It is important to get out and see what the world is really about and have some diversity introduced into a students' life. For pure academic reasons it is important to have an idea in what direction a student wishes to go, but not solely as important as having some fun and excitement thrown into all the academia. Most importantly there needs to be something on campus that will help to hone a students perspectives and knowledge and to attract them to the college that they choose to attend. This will ultimately help them stay focused and accountable.

Pick out your degree first before you jump into college. That way you are not around for a long time!

Visiting college should be your number one priority. You need to find a college that fits your style. The first time I visited Texas State University I fell in love with it. I knew right away it was perfect for me because it was a big university with a small town feel. Do not choose a college based on how good their football team is. My football team is awful but I still have school spirit. You are going to school for an education not to win football games. You need to make sure you like the size and location of your college. Also, try to get involved with some organization. There are TONS of options but if you cant find one you like you can always create your own club!! Just remember to have as much fun as possible but make sure you create times during the week to go to the library and work on your studies.

College has to be a fun place in order for students to learn the right way and get the right experience. College is not just about going to school and getting a degree so you can get a job, it is also about growing up. Growing up is the most fun people ever have, learning from their mistakes and having more fun than they know what to do with. People get so caught up in GPA's and social clubs that they forget what college is really about, discovering who you are. Kids today have enough pressure as it is and sometimes a bad college experience is enough to throw some over the edge. College is supposed to be fun but also informing that is why Texas state has been such a positive experience for me, it has just enough of both to truly enrich me as a person. Texas state is the best school im sure of it.

Research research research. Make sure you can find affordable living, make sure that the college offers the degree program you want, and be involved. I'm not involved with anything, except when I was in the marching band, and I have barely have any friends. I drive an hour and a half home every weekend because I am not involved.

Go See It!!! I think visiting a campus and getting a feel for what it is going to be like is the best thing anyone can do before making one of the biggest steps in their lives. My whole life I thought I wanted to attend a different college and even (without seeing it) went and attended in my first year, when I went to visit one of my high school friends for the weekend I realized I was in the wrong place. I made the transfer the next year and have never been happier!! I love it. I think visiting the campus you can get a feel for vibe that will be there when you make the ultimate decision.

Finding the right college is a tough and time consuming activity. I would recommend that parent and student take a trip to see all the schools they are interested in applying to. Get to know the surroundings and basically picture yourself in that school and see if you feel comfortable. Academics are important but this time in our lives we also have to find ourselves, see what we want to do and what we want to become. Do focus your time on work but also find time to make friends and go out around your town. Joining clubs or intramural sports are a great way to make friends and have fun! Making the most is learning who you are and having friends accept you. Forgetting about the high school worries and passing your classes. This is the time when you are as free as you get before becoming a full blown working citizen.