The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Top Questions

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

Dwan

I have always told those that are younger than me that when they are looking for a college to make sure they find a college that they feel comfortable growing in. Because in college you grow up so much, make so many transitions and learn so much about yourself, you need to be able to feel comfortable in your surroundings because if not then it might not be a good situation. Ive known plenty of people that would come in the Fall and get so homesick or just didn't like their surroundings so that basically made them leave school. Now I understand that school isn't made for everyone, but I do believe that if you are comfortable with your surroundins and with yourself then you are more likely to stay where you are. Going off to college is a crazy and scary times but I believe it's all worth it!

Justin

Find something affordable. The name is not everything. Any school where you apply yourself and give effort at is a good school. College is what you make it.

Crystal

The best way to find the right college is to 1) limit to the place which you live to save on tuition costs, 2) go online to find all the available colleges/universities in the state which you live and 3) find a college that your major is well known for (ie. medical, law, etc) or one that offers a program for you to pursue. To make the most out of your college experience, you must definitely be involved with a club/program/event to keep you from just studying all the time. That can help you make friends, especially in something which both are interested in. Being involved can also help on a transcript or resum?. Being involved makes the college experience more fun!

Kimberly

Find a school that has your or your child's major and extra circular activities. Also to make sure that the college is going to give you enough funding to attend the school so you want have to pay as much out of your pocket.

David

Choosing the right college and learning through the college experience are two of the most important experiences in the lives of parents and especially students. For me, the most important deciding factor in choosing my college was its adaptability. I chose a campus where I could build my confidence in myself through interaction with new friends; however I also made sure that my college would challenge me to travel beyond my comfort zones, allowing me to improve areas of weakness in my life. In order to make the most of my college experience, I chose a university where emphasis was placed on academics and nationally ranking programs in my career field choice. However, I also made sure that there were plenty of extracurricular activities through varsity sports and team spirit as well as clubs and organizations to meet most interests. Basically, the key is to do your research beyond what universities tell you on their websites. Ask current students and alumni. Visit the campus. But above all, make sure that the institution you choose matches and exceeds your expectations for yourself or your son/daughter.

Abigail

There are two important categories to consider when selecting a college that is right for you or your child - academic and non-academic. In the academic category I place quality of classes, academic standards, and help with career placement upon graduation. The non-academic component, however, is just as important to one's overall college experience, and may not be as easy to detect. No matter how serious a student is academically, he or she will still have other aspects of his or her life that need to be fulfilled as well. I am referring to quality of relationships, exposure to new experiences, and overall happiness. To asses these areas, one needs to analyze the culture of a school and the key thing to look for is variety - variety of people, extra curricular activities, and events going on in the area surrounding the campus. The best way to get a thorough and accurate feel for the culture is to talk to the students that currently go there, especially upperclassmen. I also recommend walking around campus when classes are in session and looking for variety in how people dress, fliers for campus activities or events, and the surrounding area's newspaper.

Allison

Make a list of what is important in the college experience. Cost, location, meal plan options, residence options,Greek life, sport programs, etc. Prioritize this list, what's the most important to the student, what's important to the parent. Honestly, parents need to learn to back off. This is the time for kids to become adults. Let them move away. Let them participate in the activities they want. Let them pay for it. Now is the time to learn the responsibility of the real world, with a little help from mom and dad when times are rough. Students: get out there, meet new people, have FUN!, bring a digital camera, go out, learn something new, go to class, and most of all, enjoy it now because before you know it, it's all over and the real world is looking you in the face.

Jennifer

There's a lot of pressure when it comes to finding the right college. The best advice I can give you is to keep your options open. Apply to a variety of schools with a variety of locations, sizes, majors, etc. TALK to as many people you can about their college experiences whether it is at a school you are applying to or decide to go to as well as read up on these different schools. But always remember, these are other people's accounts or professionals opinions, your college experience is just that, yours. You define and make your own memories. Don't go somewhere just because all your friends go there, you will meet new friends and give yourself a place to visit or fall back on when you need to. Don't let distance stop you, but don't think that the college 20 minutes away from home will hold you back. Get involved with enough activities at school so that you have different connections but do not feel that your academics are being hindered. Don't be afraid to open up to others, to be yourself and to dream beyond belief--opportunities are everywhere.

W

Learn what's available early. Use the first few weeks to get a feel for the campus, and get involved with a campus organization or initiative. From there meeting new people and finding new opportunities can be far easier. On the side of academics, don't feel too restricted too early. Speak with an academic advisor about possible majors, minors, and concentrations. Not knowing exactly what field to go into initially is ok, try narrowing it down to about 3 or 4. From there, take introductory courses to determine where your interests really lie. There's a chance that double majors or minors might be in the future. The college experience is about discovery, and the time should be taken to truly discover self-interests. Take advantage of any situation that presents something new and different from what was available at home. Try new foods, learn languages. Parents should encourage their child's discovery of all the world has to offer. Be there as a source of support, but let their students make their own decisions about things. College is a somewhat incubated environment to possibly make poor decisions without it detrimentally affecting the rest of their lives.

Amanda

Visit the school, pay attention to both big and small details, like class size and location. Look a amenties and resorces. Get a tour from a real student and not just the admissions office approved tour guide. I let a high schooler shadow me around campus for a few days and they really enjoyed getting a more realistic view of campus life. Most importantly, find a place you feel comfortable.

Julia

Do not only look at the accedemic reputation of a University. While that is very important, it is the experiences that you have and the people that you meet that you will remember forever.

Kristen

It is what you make of it.

Kristin

Research the schools and ask questions to see if you would best fit in this place you are looking at.

Meghan

Just wanna say F you guys for tricking all of us to take this LONG survey, then say OH answer this question, THIS will be what's judged for the contest...when you clearly implied on the facebook ad and the start page of your website saying take this quick survey to win $10,000. I am senior in college. I am so busy with school work and my job and just volunteering to b around my field of work that I don't have time to put MY EVERYTHING into this answer. I would love to win $10,000. By all means that'd be one of the greatest things to happen to me but the fact is even if I poured my heart and soul into this you guys wouldn't pick me. But really, it isn't about the 'best advice'. Its about how satisfied you are with your own college experience. I am a senior in all senior level classes and I have begun to get my hands deep in Deaf culture, education, community,& teaching methods and my life feels, magical really. I have found my passion and love in life, my calling to Deaf education.

Laura

Make sure you get involved in everything that you can, and do it early. Don't wait until you are an upper classman to get involved, that is the best advice I can offer.

Megan

Balance is the most important aspect of survivng your first year of college. Choose a college that you feel comfortable with both academically and socially. It is important to stay true to yourself while embracing every new experience earned. Having fun is key to not burning yourself out, however keeping sight of the big goal is imparative to your success. Always remember that you are your own person; a unique individual that adds to a beautifully diverse equation of a college campus. Parents must instill some trust in their children, and let go when they make the transition to college. At the same time, students cannot take advantage of that trust and always practice sound judgements in all of their decisions. Overall, make the most of it because it will be the best years of your life!!

Ryan

My best advice is to go to different schools and check them out, really spend time on campus. If it feels right to you then you are probably making the right decision. So basically go with your gut feeling and make sure your school has the major and academic interests that you have in mind.

Crystal

I would first tell them that every school does not offer every major. That needs to be a deciding factor. Also, visit the school. You can learn a great deal by actually intervieing the current students. We'll tell them what the real deal is before any decisions get made. This is a decision that will stick for life. Be extremely careful.

Katharine

The best advice I could give is to make the best out of every situation in college. There is no such thing as a perfect school; there is bound to be something you aren't please with. But always give something a chance before you write it off. If your peers are different from you, whether it's socially, racially, or economically (or maybe their just not into the stuff you like), give them a chance. You might enjoy yourself, and you'll definitely learn something new. If your school seems different from what you are used to in high school - perhaps it's too big or too small - adjust to it! Just because it's different , doesn't make it bad. College is about learning, but it's also about collecting experiences. While you're there you'll be able to do things you'll never get to repeat. Complaining about your circumstances and making excuses for not living up every situation are things that you'll only regret later in life. Studying, socializing, working, and even partying are all important experiences to collect. The only thing I can discourage is wasting time.

Cassandra

The transition from high school to college is going to be difficult. Accept that and move forward. Once you understand that it's going to be difficult--the next step is to minimize the downfalls and maximize the benefits. It's easy to say that following your heart is the best plan for finding the right college for you or your son/daughter. In theory, that's great. But in practice, it's not always that simple. I found a school that financially was right for me and with the current economy, finances have to be a large part of the decision. Once you've decided on a school, for whatever reason, you have to be devoted to your time there. Get involved! Go to football games; go out on Thursday nights, go to a local church--just go. Give your school the chance to become your home, and parents give your children the freedom to find their way to class and out of class. I promise, if you do, they'll come home and appreciate it more.

Brian

My advice is comfort. In finding the right college, one should choose an academically challenging school that he or she is comfortable with. Without being comfortable with one's surroundings, that individual will find it hard to make new friends, have engaging intellectual conversations, and enjoying all the extra curricular activities the school has to offer. If the student is comfortable with his or her surroundings then that student will excel academically and socially providing the full college experience.

Charles

Simply get out and live. Don't stay all huddled up in your room all day, get out and socialize. With that said, do remember WHY you are at college in the first place--academics (well if you play sports then you are the exception). You are here to serve such a small time in comparason to your entire life span. So prepare yourself well enough now, so for the remainder of your life, you can live a happier, more fulfilling one.

Carly

I would reccomend visiting the college before you apply. I visited several colleges during my junior year of high school. I could tell from walking around on the campus and looking at the classrooms and programs offered if the school was going to be a good fit for me. Almost ll colleges offer free campus tours that I would reccomend taking as well. Find a school that offers activities, clubs, or sports that you enjoy and you will have a much easier time getting to know people and make new friends with the same interests as you.

Cassie

I would have to say visit the college more than once. Try to talk to people that have recently attended the school or students that are there right now. Make sure you find out all of the details about what really goes on there if you are a student. For example, if it is a dry campus is it really? Ask the tough questions so you can make sure that you have a quality experience at the college you attend.

Emily

I definitely advice to go with your instinct. It also helps to know at least one pretty close friend that is going to be attending the same college that might have similar social interests at the very least. Most importantly, decide early what direction you might want to take in life because switching majors can really put you behind if you do it too late. I know that I am behind because I decided to do pre-medicine and anthropology. Remember, it is ultimately up to you and always pick the career that makes you HAPPIEST, not richest. Study hard, but remember that this is the best time of your life.

Selena

Be sure to visit any school that peaks your interest or even just has your program, you can never visit to many schools. You never know exactly what you may end up liking.

Kendra

Make sure you are in good standings as far as grades, and make sure they stay good. College is a fun experience as long as you don't put any stress on yourself.

Karyn

There are a multitude of factors that go into the decision making process of choosing the 'right' college for you or your student. Such things involved are what majors are available that you plan on or are interested in pursuing, what activities/organizations are available, and money, of course, along with many other factors. I advise , above everything, to sit down and research all of these factors and more about each prospective college. Once you've done the research, your decision will be a lot easier. Knowing this could have helped me out , a lot. When I chose my college, it was between UT and MTSU. I ended up deciding on MTSU. The colleges seemed fairly equal to me; the reason I chose MTSU was to get away from everything I knew and to start over, get away, meet new people, etc. I ended up only staying the one year, and transferred to UT. Had I researched more into my decision, I would have decided on UT to begin with and wouldn't have to worry about transferring, losing credits for courses that weren't comparable, etc.

Rhys

When picking a college do what you feel is the right choice for you. During your senior year of high school when you visit different colleges you will just know when your at the right one, if you can't make up your mind on colleges maybe you need to look around some more. Listen to the advice of others but at the end of the day the you will know what college is right for you more than anyone else will.

Angelica

Choosing the right college is an overwhelming and life changing decision for most people. The college experience shapes us into the men and women we will be for the rest of our lives. That is why it is very important not to settle for anything less than your dream. There is a place that encompasses all your needs and wants, trust that you will find it. You need a good education, an involved campus and a social life. As cheesy as it sounds, follow your heart and find the place that feels like home to you. Make memories and relationshipd that will last you a lifetime. Find an institution of higher learning that challenges everything you ever thought to be true. Only then will you break through your barriers and become the great leaders of tommorrow. We owe it to ourselves, our parents and our future children to be all we can be and lead the new generation into prosperity.

Jennifetr

Look around and visit the sites, because it is all about the atmosphere of the school to better enhance the motivation and success of the student. College is a fun time but a lot of students can get caught up with their social life so make sure it is more job and success focused school.

Jill

The most useful piece of advice that i have for choosing a college is to consider the city that the college is in. It is very important that there are things to do on and off campus.

Alex

Just be yourself and have fun! These are the best years of your life so far!

Samuel

There really isn't a "right" school for the "right" person. Rather, it is more about being open to new experiences and making the most of what your school has to offer. Despite the fact that most college orientations are cheesy and seem stupid at the time, the suggestion to "get involved as much as possible" really is terrific advice.

Stevie

Finding the right college can be very frustrating, the best advice I can give to those looking to venture off onto their own is to find a college where they feel comfortable. I don?t mean go take a tour and see if you feel comfortable by the surroundings, go spend a day on campus, sit in on a class, and talk to the students. See if they are the type of people that you are comfortable hanging around. Academics mean a lot to the parents, but they need to remember that just by going to an Ivy League School does not mean their son or daughter is going to fit in. Learning is what you put into it, a student can learn just as much from a teacher at a community college as one at an Ivy league School.

Kendra

When it comes to finding the right college for you, research is the best advice I can give. There are lots of factors to consider when choosing a college, but the most important one is whether or not the student feels comfortable. When you feel like you are part of the community, you will be more apt to jump into campus life. Becoming involved in the activities at your school is the best way to enjoy your college experience. Those memories will stick with you forever, a reminder of the best years of your life. Getting involved on campus is something everyone can do, and there is always a place were you as a student can feel at home.

Scott

One of the most important factors in fiding the right school is to ask a wide variety of students what they think of the activities that occur at the school, as well as how the students are treated by faculty. I've found that no matter if you live on campus or off campus, these two factors have determined whether or not my friends have enjoyed thier college experience. I've also found that a campus that offers a wide variety of intermurals can help relieve stress, and it can be very easy to find one that you like. To sum things up, study hard, play hard, and remember that you are not in this alone. Find others like yourself and get to know them well. Friends made in college are friends forever.