Texas Woman’s University Top Questions

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

Tammy

Make sure eveything is up to your personal standerds. Don't settle for a college. Go for the one that best suits you. Also, be prepared for the worst financial problems. Anything could happen and you need to be prepared for it. Be involved, be very involved, These will be the best 4-6 years of your life and take advantage of every opportunity you get. Don't be shy and meet people they can come handy when you need a job, you never know. The most important of all: disagree with your professors. They love it and it's a great way to get them to know your name.

Amber

If your son or daughter does not want to go to college, do NOT force them to do it. The more you force them the more they are going to hate whatever school they end up going to. I would start looking into colleges senior year with them. Don't let your child do it alone and make sure you go visit every college they have an interest in because somewhere out there, there is a school your child will like rather it is out of state or in state, as long as they are happy. Never tell them what they are going to major in or what classes they will be taking because that makes them want to do it less. With my major my dad was completely shocked but supported me 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the way and I'm very happy for that. It makes me want to do great in school to prove to him that my major is something important and that I can do something with it. As long as parents do that, your child is set to do well and study hard. Child know right from wrong. We've been taught it from birth.

Krystal

The first thing you should do before picking a college is to find out what you want to do for the rest of your life. What degree do you want to have? Once you figure this out, you should look at all of the colleges in areas you like and see what their degree plans for your selected degree looks like. After you have gathered all of the degree plans, you should look over them and decide which classes suit your wants and needs best. You should then set up interviews and campus tours at all of the colleges that you picked to have the best degree plans. Once you visit these campuses, you should then decide on the size that you are looking for in a campus and classes. Last, you should pick the college that meets all of criteria and not settle for anything less.

Briana

Let the student make the choice, not the parents. The student needs to find the school tht is the best fit for that indivdual.

Andra

If you do not know what you want to major in, just get basics out the way. You will find the right school and degree for you. I would recommend going to a community college first while it's inexpensive.

Leslie

Visiting a campus can make or break choices and decisions of a "home away from home." Being able to have that one on one experience can answer thousands of questions more then you could answer by looking at their website. How you feel at a university is very important because when you have to wake up at 6:30 in the morning and have to walk to class alone you are constantly reminded of the choice. Orientation and networks are very important to get involved with as soon as you hit the campus. Its a way to meet new and diverse people as well as a friend or two that you can share your first years in college with.

Jeanie

I would tell them to take their time and make sure that they have check out all the colleges that they may be interested in and then make a decision. It is also important to visit any campus that fits the requirements that they are looking for. The campus life is such a great part of the learning experience and a part of your life that you will remember forever.

Rebecca

My advice to parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience would be to be open-minded. Find a campus that fits your life style, and don't just look at the classes because the size of a campus can also be highly benefical to ones learning. Also be aware that once one decides a major that their decission may change and that is okay. Just be willing to speak up if that occurs working with the school find the place where you feel most comfortable. Be open minded and open to new experiences. People may supprise you, and become the people who will support you the rest of your life. College is an experience in life that is unforgetable, but one needs to be open to these experiences to enjoy ones self and fully learn what they will later need in their life.

Kazia

Do not procrastinate. Get everything done on time and turned in on time. That includes filling out the FAFSA, turning documents into the financial aid office on time, writing papers, doing reading for classes and studying. The main reason people drop out or flunk out of college is because they get too busy with their social lives and neglect the important things.

Giang

Visit the school early during the weekday.

Whitney

Don't pick a college because it is a tradition in your family, you have to go there, not your parents. Before you lock in on a college visit the school, see what a dorm room looks like, and the classrooms this is something that can make a big difference of what you want to get out of your college experience. Also, do not feel like you have to know exactly what you want to do when you apply, most colleges do not require you to pick a major until your sophomore year anyways. If you do feel like you are absoutly positive that you know what you want to do, that's great! But, don't be afraid to change your major, do what ever makes you happy. I though that was going to be a teacher, now that I am going into my senior year, I have now decided to become a veternarian instead. Finally, get involded in organizations that interest you, plus it is a great way to meet new people, and I am not just talking about a sorority, it is possible to make friends with out joining one. GOOD LUCK!! :-)

Brad

Go where you think is the best not what everyone else thinks

Megan

Parents should not push their children to go off to a four year school if they are not ready too. When I graduated highschool I did not feel ready to attend a four year college. My dad pushed for me to go to a four year school out of state because he felt that was the only way I would get the best college experience. My mom let me choose and I feel like attending a community college was the best thing for me as not all students are ready to attend a four year school immediatly after highschool. Once you find the right school for you, make the most of your experience by talking to people that are international students. Studying is important to them which can be a good example and have interesting life experiences to learn from. In fact, do not be afraid to talk to anyone, everyone you meet at college can make an impact on your time there whether it is finding out that you can print for free at the library or discovering all the student services your school has to offer as these can be extemely helpful while attending school.

Sara

Make sure to get involved, starting your freshman year. It makes school a lot of fun. Talk to other students and Resident assistants on campus to see what you can do. Enjoy the experience, don't be afraid to change your major, and follow your heart for your career choice. It makes college an even greater experience.

Ana

Visit the campus when school is in session and get a real feel for the university without the school tours.

Charles

Find a college that is more geared for the student and about learning. Make sure every student gets an equal oppurtunity to learn.

Meagan

Finding the right college is almost an impossible task. The whole college experience is what you make of it and your wilingness to participate and try new things. Almost every college will have its strengths and its weaknesses, but it is up to the student to be optimistic and strive for what they want most and never let anything stand in their way; anything and everything is accomplishable. College is a time to explore new things and ideas and to learn from others. There are countless opportunities in the world of college and making the most out of every situation will only help that student out in the long run.

Shanna

If I were giving advice to parents and students about chosing the right college, I would encourage them to make a list of schools they know of and want to go to. Then, I would encourage them to do some research into which schools (on or not on their list) have good programs for their major. I would tell them to form a complete list of schools they know about and schools they don't know as much about. I think that it's really important to visit each school that you are interested in to see how the staff treats their students and what the campus is like. However, the most valuable piece of advice that I can give is research, research, research. Do not blindly chose a school and hope for the best. Find information online, visit the campus, talk to the students. While you're not stuck with the school you chose, it's a lot of work to switch and can cause unwanted stress. It's best to know what you are getting into and the only way to do that is to research, research, research.

Misty

Looking back on my own college search, the most important advice I can give is this: don't rush! Especially if you aren't clear on your life goals, choosing the right college can be a very difficult decision. Many students jump into college in response to pressure from parents or peers, only to find out that they weren't quite ready. Some students need a year or two to discover themselves. Even if you are sure of your life path, this college will be your home for the next four (or possibly five) years. Your decision should be based on more than just the reputation of the program you're interested in. Whether you fit into the campus culture can determine whether you soar through easily, or crash and burn. Finally, even if you take your time, do tons of research, and choose the "perfect" school, you may find that you don't fit in after all. Don't make the mistake of feeling trapped! If the school is a wrong fit for you, it's better to get out and lose a year's work than to spend four years in a school where you are miserable.

Ashley

Practicality is sometimes a campus' best asset.

Jasmine

Finding the perfect school or best school for your child is very important. You want your child to feel at home and want them to learn as much as possible. The teachers and professors at schools are a big part of your learning experience and as well as the campus outlook. You have to determine whether you want to be on a small or big campus. To me, small campuses are better because you are able to walk back and forth to class and get there on time as well as hanging out with your friends on campus. Everything on campus should be around you so you wont have to go out of your way to be pleased. Certain schools have certain great atmospheres that lead you to them and makes you want to stay and learn as much as you possibly can.