The University of Texas at Austin Top Questions

When picking a school, visit the colleges you're serisouly considering attending. The vibe a prospective student gets from the campus can have a huge impact on their decision. If you can, try to stay the night in the dorms with a current student to really get a feel for the social life and the kind of people that go to that school. You may discover your dream school is incredibly snobby or that you can't surivie the New England cold for a weekend, much less a whole semester. To make the most of your college experience, don't be afraid to try new things; push your comfort zone a little. Go to the party where you only know one or two people, or sign up for the study abroad semester in Spain. It's often the things that weren't part of your normal routine that are the most memorable.

Shop around--sometimes you can find an unknown school/university that will give you the same great education and will be more affordable. If a university tells you that they will give you financial aid to come there, find out EXACTLY what they mean. Don't be afraid to tell them you need money. Does that aid include loans that you will have to pay back or not? Realize that most financial aid packages come with loans. Visit many colleges before you decide--you never know how going to a college campus may change your mind. Work the hardest that you can--have a social life, but not to the detriment of getting good grades. This is your opportunity to learn what you can. Participate in many things besides academics. Do well in high school, so you can get into the college of your choice. Get as much education as you can when you're young--often, if you drop out or don't continue past your bachelor's, you never go back. Love every minute of life and know that you can make a difference in whatever you do--if you work hard enough.

My advice for students finding the right college is to start looking for different options your Junior year of high school so that by the time your Senior year rolls around you know where you want to apply. My parents made me pick out at least five different colleges that I was interested in my Junior year so that throughout the year we could visit each college and get a tour. I highly recommend visiting the college! Visiting the college gives you a feel of what that school is really like other than what you see on the internet. When I visited some colleges that I thought I would love, I realized that the college just wasn't for me, but I would have never known that if I hadn't visited it. Senior year, I would apply as early as possible. Waiting til the last minute could be very stressful. To make the most of your college experience, I would definitely get involved on campus whether it's with a sorority/fraternity or just a club. However, you must be able to balance your school work on top of it.

I would tell students to get a degree in something they like, even if they don't want to work in that field, because it's better just to enjoy college and many people work in fields unrelated to their degrees.

Try to be as involved as possible. Meet your professors and go to all available study sessions and office hours. You will learn more, meet people, and get to know your professors. If possible, try to stay on campus during the full day regardless of your course schedule. This will allow you to be more connected to the school and will also force some study time. Join clubs during your first year so you can develop a strong connection to a smaller group.

Make sure you visit the college and talk to students who attend the college before choosing to attend. Don't worry about financial aid or tuition when choosing to attend college. You should pick the best fit for you. It won't be hard to take out student loans and repay them after graduation if you're working at a job you love. Live on campus your freshman year. It's the best way to meet people and get involved and develop good study habits. If you're struggling in a class, get help early! Don't wait until the third round of midterms to finally ask the professor how you can do better. Also, don't be intimidated by the professor. Go to office hours at introduce yourself and get to know them. They wil be a great resource and will have good advice about how to suceed. Don't cram for exams! Stay on top of the material and reading from the start and it won't be that bad. Also, don't forget to have fun!

Follow your heart and gut instinct.

The most important thing is first figuring out how many students go to the college and if that is alright with the student/s attending. Big colleges can have the same sense of community and one on one interaction as small ones, it just depends on the professor and the TA's. Also parents shouldn't nag their kids. College is stressful enough as it is and adding on the twists and turns of everyday life can make adjusting difficult at any point. Finally make sure the college you choose has a lot of resources to help with your classes, figuring out yor major, and finding a job. People spend so much time figuring out what they want to do without help and that tends to keep them from graduating in 4 years.

Talk to everyone you can about that particular college: counselors, current and former students, neighbors, etc. Read books on the school, but most importantly, visit that particular campus when school is in session. Having students there really helps you get a better feel for what the campus' vibe is like versus going in the summer or during another break when nobody is there. On that same note, when you're visiting, pay attention to how you feel when you're there: what kind of a vibe or intuition you get, and most importantly, ask yourself if you could see yourself being a student there for 4 or more years and being happy. That's really what it comes down to above all the other impressive stats and the school's reputation.

I would tell students to have an idea of what they want to major in and go to the college that they would feel most comfortable at, not the one that mommy and daddy says they have to go to. If you are not truly happy where you're at, it makes it a lot harder to do well. I would also tell the students and parents to save every penny they can. Sure you can get loans and apply for scholarships, but nothing is promised to them. Have a back up plan for any financial situations. Last, but not least, I would encourage campus visits. Get a feel for the places you're interested in before you make an actual decision.

Visit the college and follow your gut instinct. GO to a university that makes you comfortable and respects you as a person.

Make sure you do sufficient research before choosing a school; just because a particular school is rated highly, does not mean that it necessarily has a high rating program for the major that you're interested in. While I might suggest choosing a practical major as having a degree in something non-practical will virtually guarantee that you will not get a good job, that is up to the student to decide. The best advice I can give to students is to avoid drinking parties as much as possible, not only is it unhealthy and can get you in alot of trouble, but I have seen way too many students drop out of school because they spent too many nights out drinking when they should have been studying. That life-style may be suitable to liberal arts and business majors; however, for math, science, and engineering majors we tend to have much more work to do and that life-style will be the death of your GPA. A good policy is to study your ass off during the week and if you finish all your work have a few (or several) drinks on the weekend to unwind.

Look for simularities in the research interests of those who are teaching in the programs you are interested in as compared to what you are intersted in. That is how you can best determine which university is right for you. Don't be afraid to talk to your advisors, they can be extremely helpful! Get involved with student organizations! They are a great way to make friends and they look good on your resumes for jobs and grad school. Make sure you fully understand what finacial aid you will be recieving and what you will be responsible to pay. Get involved and ask questions. Look for research and internship programs, and don't forget to study abroad! There are so many resources availble to help you prepare for work in your field as well such as resume building and job faires. Don't pass up those oppertunities. Most importantly, remember, college isn't just about getting a degree. It's the learning, growing, and experinces along the way that is important. So get out there!

My advice is visit the campus, talk to students, try to meet other from the school you're interested in. Find out whether you like more of an urban or rural or city setting. Make sur eyou're going to be comfortable at the school you want to attend because I believe if you're not comfortable, it's going to be harder for you to focus on your studies, make friends nad have an overall good experience.

Choosing the right college to attend can be quite daunting. Many students, as well as parents, feel that they must attend a highly prestigious university. However, in the end, although the college you attend is important, it does not really matter in the end. All that really matters is that you are able to obtain an occupation that you really enjoy and love., and that you are satisfied with your life. Parents should be willing to allow their children make their own decisions and establish trust that they will make the right choices. And yet, parents should always be there if their children need them. Students should learn to organize their priorities but still be able to fully experience life at college. They should be able to dip their toes in all kinds of events and organizations at college. College is a time to expand one's horizons, for both the parents and the students.

I would advise that parents and/or students should look for a college that is the area they want to live, and that the area provides for activities to do in off time. I would also advise to look for a school that has a good academic standing and one that has a strong job placement program. I would also advise students to remember that college is their job and as such they have to work hard to keep their grades up, keeping a high GPA is very important and will help with recruitment and scholarship opportunities. It is smart to remember that although college life is to be fun it is also the foundation that you set in order to acheive your dreams, and you have to ensure that a good foundantion is set at this stage in life so that you can complete the rest of your goals to the best of your abilities.

I would apply to as many schools as you want even if you think its not a safe choice. Its never bad to seek new ideas and set goals and you would be surprised as to how many schools you think you wouldnt make it into and do.

The one advice that I would give to parents and college students is to find whatever you desire that most fit you. For parents, colleges have websites that show the academic record for the school and tuition all available online that can tell if the school is right for their sons/daughters. For the student, make sure you enjoy the environment of the school that you're going to. Check the class ratio size and how big the campus is. This will make your college experience much better than if you were to pick a random school and go to it, or of course, following your friends. Other than that, college is a wonderful experience and I hope that all of the new coming students will enjoy it as much as I have.

Before you go to college, make sure that it really is the right choice for you. I know that sounds like common sense but it is not that simple. Explore the city and make sure it is somewhere you see yourself living and being able to be happy. Be true to yourself and do not worry about what other people think. Most colleges have a diverse enough population that you will be able to find people that you get along with. Once you have finally made your decision and if it turns out it is not exactly what you want, do not be afraid to go somewhere else, but whatever you do, do not regret any of your decisiosn. If you do this, you will have the best four years of your life.

My biggest piece of advice from experience is to talk to an upper-classman about a typical day in his/her life. This can give many pieces of information in a short time span. First, one can learn about the time demands that the school places on a person, as well as how much time can be devoted to a social life. Second, one can learn the stress level involved with taking classes at that school. Lastly, one can discover information about recreational life on campus and how many varieties of extra-curricular activities exist on campus. Other than talking to an upper-classman, I recommend taking an entire day to visit the campus. Definitely take the time to sit in on a class if possible, but also take the time to walk across campus, just to approximate how much time and effort it involves doing so. But most importantly, one can experience the vibe and atmosphere that engulfs a campus community. This, I believe, is the most important factor in choosing a school because if the atmosphere itself is uncomfortable, one can never enjoy himself while attending the school, especially if he'll be there for four years.

Be sure you know the atmosphere of the college. Tour it to see if you like it. Perhaps, go visit during an actual school day to see what it's like on regular class days. Notice things like student density, aesthetics of the campus, and clubs available. Of course, going to college is about the schooling, so be sure that it is academically up to your standards.

It is important to know what you want out of school. For example, do you want a party atmosphere or a or a strictly education cut throat one. Know what size of school you are most comfortable with by visiting several different size schools. Lastly, choose a school that is financialy right for you.

When visiting a college, go with what feels right. If you feelings of doubt of fitting in or liking the environment that the school offers, don't ignore them. Even if the school has been recognized for having the 'best' program for what you want to do, if you don't enjoy the atmosphere, you won't have a good experience.

Definitely visit the campus, sit in on some classes, and compare the specific programs you're interested in!

I was told during my transfer student orientation that I, being a transfer student, would have the hardest time adjusting to the university. It turns out that this is true. I chose to become a liberal, city-going longhorn surrounded by the busy streets of Austin, the multiplying population of homeless people, and the most unlikely personalities from every different walk of life. Regret is never a comforting feeling to have in the back of your mind, but it seems to keep growing. I decided to go to the University of Texas in Austin because I felt it was best for my education and future profession. However, now I realize their is more to making a decision (for whether a four-year stay or longer) on which college to go to than just these two aspects. Choose a college which, of course, suits your area of study, but also has the right school and social environment for your liking. It is more important for you to feel as though you belong and can feel comfortable in the college environment. UT may (or may not) be of any benefit towards my future than a regular four-year college. I thought so.

Have fun, be studious, and follow your heart to what you want to do in college.

The first thing to look at is how it ranks in the academic area you will be concentrating in, and consider how the college ranks in other majors/departments because you might change you academic path. Don't be intimidated by schools with large student populations. Many large schools have ways of making you become part of a close knit community. Also, it is necessary to visit the college before you make your decision. Visit the shops, restaurants, and other venues surrounding campus. This is where you will be spending all of your time when you aren't on campus. Make an effort to talk to random students you run into on your campus visit. If you have questions, then they're the ones who will give you the honest answers. Once you've made your decision and are at college remember to go for it, whatever 'it' may be. Now you are on your own and have to look out for yourself and your future. If you want to take Portuguese, then do it. If you want to try the new sushi place down the street, then do it. Explore and observe because that is how we learn!

The college search is an important decision in a person's life however, it is one of many big decisions that effect your life. With this in mind it is important to realize that college can act as a stepping stone towards more ambitious and long term life goals that you may want to pursue. Throughout high school it is important to begin deciding what you like, not what you want to be. Stay focussed in high school and instead of doing 10 different extra-curricular activities do 2 or 3 that show committment and hopefully some merit (awards, leadership, etc.) Also the SAT and ACT are becoming increasingly irrelevant however, they are still a large factor in college decisions so as of now devote time and effort into doing your best on them. The most important thing I can advise students is this, make a ongoing goal that you as a student become an individual and liberal (

Must balance your studies and your social life, youwill not be happy with out either, and you will not do well without both. You'll get depressed if study to much and never go out, but you will also get upset when you fail a class becuase you were to busy learning what drinks mix together. Also get out of your convert box, try new things even just once, give them a whirl you'll never know what you like until you try. Parents do not hoover over your children, leave them be to figure out how to deal with things by themselves so they can stnad on their own two feet.

First, I would encourage parents not to put too many restrictions on their kids but instead allow them to experience college life. LIving in the dorms is great, and although you may feel community baths are dirty, they are the best option. Also, preparing for college by taking dual credit classes will really help you not only get a feel for college grading, but will provide leeway if one chooses to switch majors because switching majors can put you a semester or two behind, depending on when you switch. I would like to encourage students to get involved, make friends, be out going, and live life. This is your time to shine, so live it to the fullest. Don't be too concerned with impressing people, but work on finding yourself by deciding who you want to be. Be open minded and willing to try new things, but also know your own standards and stick to them.

Visit the campus before you make your decision to attend any school. Get involoved in the campus life by joining an organization!

Talk to people who've already been to the school, people who you can relate to. Try to develop good study habits BEFORE coming to the university, it'll save you a lot of time and stress.

I would tell incoming students and their parents that it takes time finding the right college that both the student and parents can agree on. It also takes a lot of planning financially. I say that if the school is willing to give out scholarships and more financial aid than another school that is equally as good, then take the school that is willing to give you more because what is there to lose?

I would tell parents and/ or students not to look for a college that they feel has the best program for a certain degree or is known as one of the top colleges in the world. It's really important to look for which college best fits the person's personality and their values. You can attend Harvard Law because it has one of the best Law programs, but if you totally feel out of place because it doesn't match who you are, you will probably be unhappy. Something else that is really important is to not lose your identity once you attend college. If you feel that you have to drastically alter yourself to fit in with a group or the studens at the university, you may not be in the right group or the right university. Being true to yourself will not only help you to find the right institution to attend but it will help you to have a greater college experience. God made you who you are for a reason, so hey, just take advantage of it.

Research is key! Always make sure you have looked at all available options. Don't ever limit yourself because you think a school is too expensive or too far away. The most important thing is to keep your optiosn open. Visiting the campus of any school you're considering is also very important. If the campus is in the middle of the city and in a very unsafe environment you want to know this before you choose that school. It's also always a good idea to apply to a "backup" school. Someplace you know will accept you and still has a decent reputation as an academic institution. Another thing you want to look into is the real estate market in the area of the campus. Usually by your junior or senior year you might be looking for an apartment. If you're in an expensive market it sucks to find out your options are limited to the shady parts of town because you aren't making enough money to afford anything nicer or closer to campus. Last bit of advice is to relax and make sure to stay organized so you don't become oeverwhelmed.

It's easy to forget that college is more than just life after high school. College is preparation for an entire life. To make the best of it one should dive right in with no hesitation. Don't be afraid to make new friends, join a new club, try a new restaurant, or try that random anthropology class. College is a time to explore the world around you and to explore yourself. Don't forget that you're paying for this chance to learn, too. Talk to your professors and find out what made them passionate about ther subject so you can become passionate about it, too. College is lots of fun but difficult at times as well. Stick with it! It will be over before you know it. When you're all said and done and that degree is in your hand I want you to feel confident that you made each and every day count. I hope you know that you made every friend you could and saw everything you could and learned everything you could and for the rest of your life you can remember all those times and smile because you know, you did it all!

In my opinion, the most important factors in determing the right college are its academic strength in the particular area of study (or overall if you are undecided), it's cost and possible scholarships, the city and environment, and the prestige of the school. These categories should be ranked in that order. The first is important because a student must be prepared to find a job once s/he has finished college. In order to be competitive in the global market, students must learn and work from and with the best. Cost and possible scholarships come in at a close second. Students should always try and get as many scholarships and grants as they can to lower the cost of undergraduate work. However, if the student is unable to get the required money, a determination must be made to either take a loan for a better school, or go to a lower ranked school. Students must consider this carefully. The city and environment are important because they affect the student's mood and life style. If s/he does not like the environment, make sure to take it into consideration. Finally, prestige brings connections. Connections help students get better jobs.

Make a list of your personality traits as a student. Are you generally very focused, or do you need a lot of motivation? This will determine the size of school you are interested in. School visits are also very imporant; if the University's representatives are nice and helpful, thats a huge selling point. Any place that makes it hard for you to get information is a deal breaker. Take financial aid year by year and don't let it stop you from going to the school with the most attractive program for YOUR personal needs and goals.

Go with your heart, college is a grueling process at times so you have to love where you're at. I love the school I go to and I am proud to be receiving my degree from here. I remember that every time I have 4 tests, a job and a social life to stress about. Most of all don't take college too seriously or you won't get to enjoy all there is to offer, find a balance and have fun!

When a student graduates high school, they may be faced with certain pressures that come from their parents, friends, and other societal factors in general. As an individual, you must remember that you have to distinguish your own goals from those of your elders and your peers. College is not for everyone, and people need to realize it before they blow 2 years tuition on a degree they wont be able to attain due to a lack of funds, or come graduation four years later are regretful that they have pushed themselves into a career that is not characteristic of them whatsoever. The important thing to realize is that only you can decide what is best for you. If a college education is right for you, you will know it. If you are able to construct a realistic path to a realistic destination, then I say "let the hard work, dedication and focus be with you all the way as you enjoy this amazing learning experience!" If you are sure you want to attend college, you have to be certain you are studying for yourself and your own ideas of success. Society cannot always judge accurately at the individual level.

College is where you learn to live in a real life. Everyone will make a mistake but it's learning from that mistake which makes the college experience worth it. Go to school where you can meet new friends, go to games you have never been, go party like you have never done before, go pull all-nighters because you partied the night before. But in the end, there is only one college life in your life and make the best out of it.

I would have to say that whatever college you decide on, there is a good chance that it is not going to be all that you expected. Life, especially when you make a big change such as going from high school to college, is crazy and unexpecting at times. This is the time where you can find yourself and figure out who you are and what you want. From my experience, I can say that I was a little depressed when I first attended UT at Austin. My first year was a learning experience though. I went into school knowing no one but having a boyfriend at a school only 30 minutes away. I used him as a crutch and never really let myself get comfortable with my own school and the people around me. Whichever school you choose, give clubs, sororities, fraternities, and groups that share your same interests a chance. Those are going to be the people that will help you fall into your own place at your school. Also, always remember that your family will always be there to help and comfort you in case you need anything, no matter how far they may be!

I have cousins who will be applying for college this fall, and I give them the advice that i hope they take much heed to. My advice to them is to not choose a college because you want your future to be a certain way, but choose a campus that immediately captures your attention because your first choice will probably be your best choice. I also advise them to not worry about the drastic change in the environment because everyone is so welcoming that you immediately feel compelled to be a part of them. I also advise my cousins to choose a career that does not have the highest income, but in fact interests them the most because that will most likely bring out the best in them. Finally, I tell them that people do make mistakes, students make mistake, do not worry about your first bad exam, or paper because professors are understanding and if you try harder they will recognize the effort that you have put forth on your future.

I'd have to tell parents and students not to worry about finances so much. There are ample scholarship opportunities and programs to assist with tuition payment. For example, with timely (and annual) submission of the FAFSA, it is possible to be eligible for a B-On-Time grant, which repays tuition loan debt if you garduate with a B average within four years, and subsidized loans, which interest does not begin to accrue on until after graduation. So, while still keeping tuition fees in mind, focus more on how the institution will suit you. Do you perform better in large classes where there is more anonymity, or smaller classes where you get more individual attention? Would a small town keep you from getting distracted from your schoolwork, or would you prefer a fast-paced atmosphere to keep your brain from shutting down? Make friends inside and out of school. Get involved rather than sitting alone in your room all of the time. Stay focused, but let yourself have fun. And don't worry if you're not sure what you want to do after graduation. Getting a college education will give you a push in the right direction.

I suggest attending all of the on-campus parent-student weekends and events so that the student can get a feel for the atmosphere. The environment must be comfortable to the student and parents. Living on campus is the best idea for a new college student, because they get to interact with other freshmen, and can relax without the daily worries of the off campus housing nightmare. Don?t forget to talk to many counselors; you will be surprised at how much they can help you when you?re in a fix. And finally, let go. Within month or two, the student will love college life and his/her new friends.

Don't limit yourself before it?s too late. If you?re thinking of applying to honors programs, DO IT, even if you don?t think you?ll make it. This is a onetime opportunity, and there?s nothing more frustrating than losing something simply because you were too scared to seek it. Being in an honors program is a completely different experience from the normal undergraduate fear and anxiety, because you are surrounded with a group of people who are going through the same things. If you apply and get rejected, life goes on. But there?s always the chance you?ll make it, which is so much better than not going for it at all. It?s a lesson that?s applicable in most areas of life, but don?t be afraid to do a little extra work for a month for four years of reward. I can say that my college experience has been phenomenal, but I also know that it would have been quite different had I not applied to an honors program. My other hard-learned advice would be not to despair your first year, because it?s difficult for everyone. But it gets better, you adjust, and you have an experience beyond anything you could have imagined.

The best thing that students can do in order to decide what college is best for them is for them to visit the college. They need to get a first hand experience of how the college works and the people that attend it. When they get to college they then must emerse themselves into the college. No one can have a great college experience if they don't get involved in the things that the campus has to offer. I suggest them getting a random roommate even if they know someone who is attending also so they can meet people that they wouldn't have met otherwise. It may be scary but the best way to enter a college is to dive in. My roommate during freshman year came and hung out with people from her highschool and went home every other weekend the first semester. She claimed she hated the school before she even gave it a chance. Then second semester with some of my help she got involved in things in the college as well as the city and now she absolutely loves it.

The best advice is to visit each campus, and as cheesy as it sounds, to take a guided tour of each of the colleges of interest. Most people are able to determine their fit based on the way each campus makes them feel during the visit. If this does not produce a solution, I would recommend listing the pros and cons of each college (and choosing the school that has the most benefits and/or the least drawbacks. Once you have selected your university, try to experience as much as you can while you are enrolled in college. Keep an open mind, meet as many people as possible, learn from every situation and acquaintance, study hard, form positive habits, never lose sight of your goals, volunteer, attempt new things, explore the surrounding city, and try to stop every now and then to enjoy the moment.

Selecting a college is really about what you put into it. Although I didn't attend my first choice school, I feel like I am at the best undergraduate university for me and am having the time of my life. I think the factors you should take into consideration when applying to a school, aside from the likelihood of your acceptance, should be the school's dedication to enriching student life through academic and social organizations. I have made some of my best friends here through both my social organizations and my pre-law fraternity. Don't shy away from big state schools just because the class size seems too big. College is what you make of it and the further along in your major that you go, the more specialized the classes get and the smaller they are. I am in the biggest major on campus at a school of 50K stundents and have had classes as small as 15. My last two years have included classes in which I have gotten to know professors very well and they have had a huge impact on my academic development. When you look for a school make sure it gives you the opportunity to develop as a whole person, not just academically and not just socially, because when you look for graduate programs or job placement they'd rather have a whole person than a robot or a party animal.

The most important piece of advise I would give is to visit the campus and city. Both my brothers attended UT-Austin and when I went there in the 7th grade, I knew automatically that was the university for me. The most critical part to a college life is the atmosphere you feel when you are on campus. I connected and felt a "vibe" with Austin and the UT campus automatically. This "vibe" however, is different for every person. One person might feel more at home on a campus that had more gothic architecture or more modern. If you like the atmosphere of the campus you're likely to find more places you like to study. Therefore, you will study better and make better grades. Make sure you can connect with the campus, then everything else will fall in line.