The University of Montana Top Questions

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

Emily

Do not be intimidated by college. It is an adventure and an amazing opportunity to push limits towards your full potential . Be prepared for a challenge. College is not easier, but is ten times better. You will work harder, study more, and have to develop better time managment skills to keep the same GPA you did in highschool. The payoff, uncomparable satisfaction in a successful days work and the reckless abandonment associated with the belief you can achieve your dreams. Do not become intoxicate with the newfound level of independence you will gain. When you feel you are becoming desensitized and losing your small town innocence, remember the standard you used to live by. Choose the high road, do nothing impulsively. Do not base decisions on what is most pleasing in the moment but look to the future and the consequences your actions will have on your goals. Have your resolution set before you come to the crossroad. It is the small decisions that eventually define a life. Your everyday habits will determine how far you reach. Do everything in moderation, but do not fail to recognize you are what you are now becoming. Keep your dreams in sight always.

khurshed

I like college life friends beautiful girls you learn profession. College is useful

Leonard

Work harder in High School to line up scholarships and grants. Spend more time studying and take more accelerated courses.

Jessica

The first and most important advice I would give is to tell myself to be less nervous and shy. Everyone there is in the same situation as you are. You have nothing to fear. I would also advise myself to get to know the professors as best as you can, they are a huge help to your success. Be smart and study, but still have time to enjoy this once in a lifetime opportunity!

Christina

The best way to do good in college is to prepare yourself in everyway. Take all the math you can, as it applies to your science major. Get to know your high school counselor really well, talk with her about college applications and financial aid. Visit the University campus about financial aid and apply for every scholarship that you're eligible for. Don't be so critical of yourself; take things more lightly and don't stress so much, because it'll be tough, but with some focus and prioritizing (less tv, internet, video games, and partying) it can be done and you'll do great in anything you set your mind to!

Deva

I would tell myself not to worry so much about money. I would do that because now I realize that you can't really put a price on education. Learning what you want to learn and what you are most passionate about is what is really important. You are going to go through so much money in your life that in a decade the few thousands of dollars that it costs for you to go to that college you really want to go to isn't going to matter.

Hosanna

To hang in there, and to try a bit harder in the classes I didn't care for quite as much. College is really a different, but good experience. There are so many different things to experience, just be as open as you can. Also, don't procrastinate so much.

Lisa

A girl lies in her bed waiting for sleep to come because the next day she will begin her last year in high school. So many questions and uncertainties run through her mind as she considers her future. She finally drifts off, but her sleep is accompanied by a strange dream. A woman approaches. ?Who are you?? the girl asks. ? I am your future self attending college? the woman replies. The girl is astonished and starts rattling off questions. ?What is it like? What school should I go to? How do I choose a degree? How will I pay for it?? ? Whoa, slow down? the woman says. ?These are questions that I can not answer. All I can say is to find your passion and let that guide you on your road through college. It won't be without difficulty, but you will find that the pieces will start to fall into place.? ?Beep, Beep, Beep.? The girl suddenly awakens and lets out a sigh. The questions and uncertainties are still with her, but she feels ready to embrace the road ahead.

Julia

Balance your life. Don't slack on your studies, but remember to have fun. When in doubt, talk to your professors. Chances are, they will be more than willing to help you. Besides, you pay their salary.

Kelsey

My advice for parents and students would be to compile a list of things that you are looking for in a college. Assign each one a number of priority at which to evaluate it. Then compare each college by writing which ones have certain aspects that you were looking for. The universities that do not have the aspects that were in the top 3 priorities can be counted out from the start. It will help when making decisions between schools that you like equally, but one may not have things that are of a high priority.

Shanice

I honestly think that parents need to encourage their students early on in high school because without anyone pushing them students will procrastinate choosing their school, which consequently leads to procrastination when choosing a career path. I think that finding the right college is something that a student should spend time on; explore the website, visit the campus, ask any and all questions that you may have, because without the right college, the student's college experience is bound to be a bad one. When it comes to making the most out of the college experience, parents should be reminded to let your student go. They can't fully experience their new setting if they think that you are always watching. For students, your college experience is what you make it. If you want a good one, be open to new ideas, new people, and new ways of looking at things. That way, you won't be opposed to getting out there and making the most of your college experience. Also, don't be too worried about finding the right major as soon as you apply, it's all part of the experience, and the right major will come along.

Lynn

I would highly recommend visiting each campus you are thinking of attending. Not only does this give you a feel of the college you may be attending, but if helps you see the town you'll be living in as well. Also, I recommend touring each place during the weekdays, that way, the activity level will be high and more accurately portray the university. When starting college, I would also suggest living in the dorms for your first year. Many of my closest friends at the University are girls on my floor in the dorms. Living in such a small space with someone else is a true part of the college experience for me.

Samantha

When I looked for a college, I first chose my geographic location. I needed to be relatively close to my family and in an area where nature was easily accessible. You'll need an escape valve, something that makes you happy and relieves the pressures of academia and a new social world. If that's a trek through the desert, a shopping stint downtown, your grandma's kitchen or just a few trees, make sure you can get there. If you're in a landscape totally antithetical to your inner well-being, you probably won't be happy no matter how great the program or financial aid package. That said, the school must have good teachers in your areas of interest. Find a balance between place and educational opportunities, then throw yourself in wholeheartedly. In the end, you are responsible for your own education. Seek out opportunites to learn, interact and contribute to a better, healthier world. You will get out what you put in, or as John Lennon says, "The love you take is equal to the love you make." Attending college is a choice. It will take a lot of work and enthusiasm, but also returns invaluable rewards.

Kaci

Dont just apply to one school, shop around and vist colleges. Once you have a seen a few colleges sit down and figure out wich college is the best fit for you. You need somewhere where you are comfortatble and happy dont just pick on price, this is your college experience so choose what makes you happy and will further you education in the direction that you want. When its all over and done you want to be a well rounded individual. Go for what will make you a better person and go with it.

Veronica

Follow your heart. If you know you need a change, make one. College is up to the student, not the parent or institution. It really is what you make it. Visit the schools you apply to and notice the vibe around campus. Talk to students. Explore the town. Find a place that makes you want to stick around and explore. Don't apply somewhere just because your friends are, look for somewhere you truly want to go. I picked my school because it was the exact opposite of my high school and hometown. I came here not knowing a soul. I would never, ever trade it for anything. I LOVE it here. Again, follow your heart and your instincts.

Mariah

I would advise students to visit as many different schools as possible when they're beginning to apply to schools. It's really important to find what's right for you, and to realize that it's ok if a particular school doesn't feel right. Make sure you get a feel for the town the school is in, because that will be your home for the majority of the year. Also, look into housing options. If you're unsure what you want to study, choose a school with a lot of options and flexibility. Make a list of the things that are important to you from your college experience, and try to find a school with as many of those things as possible. Don't go somewhere just because you have friends that are going there; this is the beginning of the rest of your life. On the other hand, don't put too much pressure on yourself. When you graduate high school, you reach the point where you can begin to make your own personal decisions about what you want out of life, so make sure you're doing it for YOU.

Jayann

Actually take the time to explore and make sure you are finding the right school and major for yourself. It's okay if you feel lost to step back, sometimes the best way to find if you're going the right way is to try another direction, time off, or a study abroad. Take advantage of educational offerings, study abroad programs, minors, and any class that sounds interesting to you, when will you get another chance? Don't push yourself to rush through it or you may find what you got was not what you really wanted. Then you may have to start over (like me!). Take your time and enjoy it. Make room for studying and for friends and fun. This is one of the best times of your life.

Shawnae

Advice that I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is that even though each school is different and offers different classes; the experiences you learn about life, friendships, and study skills can prevail no matter where you venture. I would tell parents and students that they only live once and if they can help it, never regret any decision they make with school and the whole learning experience. The whole college experience is unlike any other time in life and I would tell them to enjoy every second to the fullest!

Andrea

There are many approaches to finding the right campus for a student. What I did was apply to as many colleges that I was interested in, and then visited all the campuses that I was accepted to. I took tours, explored buildings, and even dropped in on a few classes. In the end, I chose the campus that just felt like home to me. Of course, financial aid and distance will factor into what college one will choose, so trying to find a college within one's means is a good idea. To make the most of a college experience, I recommend going to as many school- sponsored events as possible. The chance to meet new, interesting people is immense, as well as finding activities that can be enjoyed throughout life. Also, procrastination may seem like a good idea at the time, but the college experience is so much better without it!

Amanda

The best advice I can give is to go wherever you want to go. Don't ever think there are limitations or that you don't have options. Go to school where you want to go, no matter where it is. I also recommend going away from home. Be your own person and follow your own path. Make the most of your college experience by getting as involved as possible. Pick a college that is in a location you would enjoy. Don't be afraid to join a club or try a new sport. Probably the best thing a new college student can do is be open to new experiences, but don't forget who you are and your values.

Antara

When choosing a college, make sure that you are not simply taking the next assumed step from highschool. An undergraduate degree must be earned willingly and eagarly for the work to reflect in the grades. If you do not want to be there, then do not waste your time and money. Know what you want. Be decisive. And do not hesitate to explore beyond your textbooks and enjoy the learning experience. It is a privalage.

Leonard

Go and visit the schools to include the academic advisors and teachers. Don't just go by what you read or get at orientations you need to physically go to each of the areas that your student will interact with and get a feel for the people who work there. You need to talk to the financial program advisors, academic advisors and counsellors. Look at the rooms where your students will stay, the places they will eat on campus and the security available at the dorms and campus.

Adelle

When I was choosing a college, the most important part of the decision-making process was that I was just as satisfied with a potential school as my parents were. It is easy for parents to try to persuade children to attend their alma mater or their personal favorite, but the student is the one who needs to be happy with their experience. Additionally, non-academic opportunities in the surrounding area are crucial to a student's satisfaction. When choosing a school, it is important to consider not only the campus and the academics, but what the surrounding area provides as well. In order to get the total college experience, off-campus and non-academic opportunities can be just as important as intellectually stimulating classes. Finally, remember that you are about to embark on four years of amazing experiences, new and lifelong friends, and some of the best times of your life. This should be something to look forward to and to be excited about, so remember that when the applications, interviews, and campus tours start to overwhelm you.

Stephanie

make sure you really look into the schools you're applying to and remember that sometimes the place you least expect will be the best for you. and enjoy your undergraduate degree while you're there because it goes by faster than you want.

Lauren

Make sure you tour your campus choices! That was what gave me my final push, the people and atmosphere at my college is great , and you get that feel on tours and campus visits! Dont just sit online!

Laura

Every freshman has a professor tell them that to get the most of their college experience, they have to do more than the minimum required of them. I remember Profesora Bustos telling us that we should read extra books outside the ones on the syllabus. We should plan ahead so that our papers were thoughtful and well organized. I was never as thorough as she suggested but I did more work than most. I thought an A at the end of the semester reflected this. It wasn't until my final year that I realized what Profesora Bustos meant. I wasn't happy to slack off and get an A. Only when I put in extra effort did I feel good about myself. I would tell future students that they should have fun, that's part of college too. Pick a college that has a good atmosphere and set in community you know you'll like. Start early on projects and it'll be easier. But to get the most from college, you eventually have to do more than the bare minimun. In the end, it's not your GPA. It's how you grade yourself, that matters most.

John

Visit the college, talk to students who have gone to school, talk to the freshman orientation folks and spend some time at the campus.

Leslie

Visit the college in advance and ask lots of questions.

Bess

I believe that in order to find the right college, you must go and visit the prospective school. Take a few days to stay in the town or city. Experience what the area has to offer; is it an outdoors focused town, or a thriving metropolis? Go to restaurants, stores, shops, movies, and local attractions around the school. Take a few days to experience campus; sit in on classes, lectures, club meetings, activities, theater, music, and performances. Ask current students about their experience at the prospective school. Try to immerse yourself into that campus and the surrounding area to find out if it is a good fit for you or your children. To make the most out of college, my advice is to get involved. What are your interests and passions? Does your school have clubs, organizations, or groups that cater to those? If so, sign up for them all! I have met 85{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of my college friends through involvement in student groups and organizations. Take a wide variety of classes, talk one on one with your professors, and carve out a niche for yourself. You are paying for it, so make it a worthwile experience.

Joshua

Let go of your kids, and let them experience life! look at unique small town schools

Rachel

Applying to colleges can be overwhelming. There are so many choices and it is easy to believe if you choose wrong you will ruin your life. I held this attitude for a while and then realized because of finances I needed to choose a school that was not my first choice or the most prestigious. So I decided to attend the University of Montana for at least a year and then transfer if I hated it. Luckily I choose one of the most relaxed and beautiful campuses I could have found. After attending college I believe the most important qualities to look for in schools are finding a university of a size you will be comfortable at, choosing a town you like, and closely examining finances to make a wise choice for you and your family. It is easy to feel you need to attend the most expensive and selective school, but as long as you hold a positive attitude and engaged in your learning you can create a wonderful education at any institution. Once you are at school get to know your professors and get involved in activities that will enhance your four years of college.

Dean

As a parent myself, I would tell parents to expect the most out of thier students, and be sure to provide adequate incentive for that performance. Incentives based on acedemic performance and or community service would be appropriate, in my view. However a parent must also be understanding when a student changes a major, as it is common for many students to change several times as they discover the real direction they wish to go. If you demand acedemic performance, provide incentives and rewards for performance and understanding support you and your student will have a positive college experience.

Sarah

When selecting a college make sure to do a visit during a busy time of the year-like football season-it'll give you an idea of the school spirit and atmosphere. Try and do an overnight stay in a dorm if it's available. When you get to college, check out all student groups that sound appealing, and get involved! Even if you don't join a house, go through recruitment - you'll meet some great people! Most important, take classes that interest you and get involved! College is what you make it!

Allison

I suggest finding a college the fits your educational needs. It is important to feel comfortable in your surroundings and to feel secure in the area you are living. I understand how a parent feels when their child leaves home. Montana is a state that anyone can feel safe while attending college. The students and staff that I have met are genuinely friendly and helpful. People choose to attend college here because of the natural beauty of state, the outdoor activity and the quality of education. To make the most of your college experience try to find out as much as you can about the campus resources available. This can be very beneficial in providing everything from financial assistance to extra learning tools. It is important to plan ahead for housings, meals and commuting. The more organized you can be, the less stress you will have. I am still learning this! Everyone needs to have some fun. Find out about the local activities through the college you are attending. Look through your school newspaper to know what's happening on campus and participate in a club.

Dora

Find someplace where you feel comfortable. There are quality professors at most colleges, and you can get a very good education at many universities that you have never heard of.

Sara

Visit the school first, that is very important!

Eric

The best way to decide on the right college is to talk to everyone you can about it. You must first find who you are, what you like to do, and what it will take to get there. To start searching, having a general idea of what you want to major in can narrow down your choices. Assess who your friends are and why they are your friends. It will help you figure out the kind of people you enjoy hanging out with: So if they are all engineers it probably would be a little rough to attend a small liberal arts college. Obviously you should choose your college based on what your friends are doing, but what their personalities are. Finally, there is that money issue. If you are looking at getting through on loans, a place that will cost 60,000 a year is probably out of the question. So be reasonable in what you can work off and what you have available. And, if you get turned down from your dream college, keep your head up, put in some hard work and transfer later.

Kristy

Advice I would give to parents and/or students in search for the right college would involve closely reviewing academic programs and their requirements. Make sure the course of study fits your preference. Also, I would highly suggest the student to try and have a certain degree desire in order to eliminate "waste" of time and money that may or can be used for other expenses.

Caitlin

Visit the schools you are interested in. The school may look perfect for you on paper, but if it doesn't feel right--it's out. Don't think about cost--there is financial help available if you look hard enough. If you're not sure about your major, think about other aspects of the school besides programs. You will find your school. Making the most of your experience? Well, get involved in something you love. Or something you're completely new to. LIVE ON CAMPUS, at least the first year. You will make friends immediately and probably never forget them.

Katherine

When making your choice for which college you attend in the end it does not matter where you go rather what you make of your experience.

Kate

pick a major and then pick a school.

Jonathan

The best advice I can give anyone looking into college is to get to know the financial option as well as you possibly can. Hound the financial aide office and make sure you know every possible option available to you or your child. I made this mistake and ended up paying out of state tuition when I could have been paying in-state tuition fees. Also, spend some time in the area where you might go to school. You're gonna be spending a lot of time there and you want to make sure it has all of the amenities you need. A short weekend long trip or one day visit won't cut it. Spend several days to a week (at least) in the area and get a feel for the community. Lastly, before jumping into a 4-year university, try getting some of your general education classes out of the way at a community college. Now I know it's not as prestigious as going straight to the 4-year but it saves money and helps you narrow done what you really want to do with your life. This way you can make the most of you experience.

Tia

Do your research. Don't jump into any decisions. Decide what is important to you and then find the school that will match that. Think not only about the eduction standards and class sizes but also the environment that the campus is located in and the feel of campus as well. It is always a good idea to visit the campus before you commit if you can and to do it when school is in session so you can get a real feel for the campus environment.

Barbara

My advice would be, to be up for change. College is different than highschool and living at home. It may seem scary at first, but it is definitely worth trying. The right place may not seem like the right place at first, but the longer you are there the more it grows on you. It then becomes a part of you, a self-discovery. Picking a college should be done with caution also. A college may be known for partying but if you don't accept that into your life (like I don't), then it is easy to keep from that type of lifestyle. Picking a college that is close to home is also helpful in times when you are homesick. You would be able to travel home on the weekends while adjusting to this new point in your life. Waiting a year is not a bad idea in certain cases either. Doing this helps a person make sure that college is the next step they want to take in their journey of life. Overall, just be up for and try new things out. When you look back on it, you will know that it was worth it!

Patricia

Before even starting to look at colleges, let the student honestly list what are the most important aspects to them. Parents and advisors can offer support and advice, but the student will be the one attending, so it's important they look at what really matters. Use that list to narrow down the list as you begin your search, then weigh the pros and cons of each of the schools to find which ones you want to apply for. It's good to be realistic, but make sure you still keep your dream schools in the pile. Whether you end up in your top choice or backup school, make the most of it. You aren't paying to be there just to be told what books to read and what facts. to memorize Take advantage of everything your college offers. Talk to your advisors and professors, the best resources any school has. Don't be afraid to get involved and try new things, but always remember why you're there.

Kelsi

The main thing for me was finding a college that was not expensive, but still offered a large selection of programs. Look on the colleges website and view what programs they offer. See what award and honors the college has recieved. This can help you see what the education is like. This is where you are going to be living so make sure it is somewhere you want to be. Look into the local community. Do you want to live in a big city or a smaller town? In the mountains or by the beach? Warm all year round or can you live with having winter? These are imortant questions to ask. Make sure you check out any and all scholarships that are available through the school and apply for as many as possible. Make sure to fill out FAFSA because it is free money and It has saved me!!

Garrett

Just find a place that will make you happy, if you dont it can really through off, even ruin your college experience.

Josh

I would recommend vistiting your potential prospects and asking students or people who live in the town how they feel about programs, professors, housing, public transportation, how the people are and how strenuous the workloads get. It is best to have an idea of the programs offered so if your undecided you can explore a range of programs until you find one that interests you. It would be a good idea to also find out if the University is one that is willing to lend a hand when needed to answer one of the twenty million questions or problems that can come up with attending a University. Making the most of a college experiance mostly depends on the attitude you go into it with, colleges offer a lot of variety and changes so its up to you to get involved and live it up as much as you can for few years you got. Keeping up on your work and knowing when you can relax is also crucial. Being open and friendly is always a good life choice as it will get you involved with people that can change your life and make memories that you will never forget.

Rianna

You're going to hear how important college is from every mouth in education, but what's really important to realize is that who you surround yourself with changes how you feel and what you can accomplish while in college. In or out of school, you're leaving everything you've known and constructing yourself anew. For me, that meant attempting to actualize an idealized self IYou're going to hear how important college is from every mouth in education, but what's really important to realize is that who you surround yourself with changes how you feel and what you can accomplish while in college. In or out of school, you're leaving everything you've known and constructing yourself anew. For me, that meant attempting to actualize an idealized self I?d created growing up. When I got to college, interacting with a new caliber of people altered my idealized self, distant fantasy becoming more real each day I met and followed the guidance of others doing what I had dreamed for myself. Seeking out people with passion for what they do and keeping track of who I want to be while remaining flexible enough to re-assess my goals gives me the perspective to feel confident in the direction of my life. College is the place you are most encouraged to construct a new self separate from childhood. Once you're out, you will be expected to know who you are and settle into a steady lifestyle. So try college. Use those living your dreams as reference for your own blueprint. Pursue greatness.

Emily

Its so easy getting situated and meeting people on campus...my biggest fear was that i was going to be friendless. Not the case, college is turning out to be a great experience!