The University of Texas at Austin Top Questions

I think it is a good idea to assume you will want to go to graduate school in the future (do your very best). Take time to explore majors to see what you are really interested in. Know that a major does not equal a career, so just choose something you will enjoy to study for 4 years.

When it comes to finding the right school for you it's important to realize that you don't have to go to an Ivy League to get a good education or impress employers. State schools can often offer the same education with a much better price. No matter where you choose to go it is ultimately up to you to make your college experience what you want it to be. The four years that you spend there will help create the foundation of who you are for the rest of your life. Take the time to explore your interests, get involved and meet new people. Take pride in your school and learn to appreciate its surroundings. College is when you take that great leap into the rest of your life; be sure to start it off right.

I would recommend students to apply to a variety of schools and explore each one closely to find the one that is most suitable for the student.

Researching the right college for your high school senior is a lengthy and somewhat stressful process. Parents usually don't want to send their kids too far away, or to a school that is not academically credible. Although the size of the school may also be a turnoff, it shouldn't. I attend the University of Texas at Austin, which is the nation's 2nd largest university. Instead, parents should look at the school's US News and Report rankings of the institution. Parent's should find out what their kids plan to pursue in college (major) and research the best school's for that field of study. Student's should also find out exactly how much money their child will receive before they decide on a school. Many universities promise to pay for a majority of your child's schooling, but in fact, it is just to lure you in. Parents should fill of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) early and accurately. The earlier the FAFSA is filled out, the more likely your child is to receive the funding needed to attend that school. Follow these steps and you will have no problem choosing a school.

Finding the right college is an individual choice. For me, one of the most important things about my prospective schools was the environment. Was there a city close by? What was the weather like? Every person has a different idea of what "college" should look like, and the only way to find out whether any one school is a good fit is to visit and find out. After enrolling, the most important way to start making the most out of your college experience is to abandon what you did in high school and start fresh. College is a new start; an opportunity to try new things. Get involved in a few organizations and find out where you fit best. Don't limit yourself to spending time with your "high school friends," but instead, try to meet new people in your classes, in your dorm, and around campus. Be nice to your roommate and be careful around the dorm cafeterias. (If an entree has "mystery" or "magic" in its name, have a salad instead!) Most of all, remember that your college experience is individual and is what you want it to be.

I think that a lot of students want to go very far away from home after they graduate from high school. However, you don't have to go to a college in another state to be independent and away from your family. My family lives in Houston and when I moved to Austin, only 3 hours away, I hardly saw them anymore. You will start missing your family and it is nice if they live close enough so that you can visit them when you miss them and where you can be independent and without parental control. Also when choosing a college make sure that the professors are good. It is really important that the professor actually teaches and doesn't require students to learn the matterial by themselves at home.

Like any new experience, you learn about college as you go. But there is much you can do beforehand to better prepare yourself for this life-changing milestone. I know dozens of people who have transferred schools up to four times throughout their college career, and it's unsettling to think that the same could happen to you. By visiting prospective schools you can get a feel for their campus, city, people, social habits of the area, and faculty. Additionally, especially if it's a large university, it can be extremely helpful to find at least one administrator or advisor whom you feel comfortable with; someone who you know has your well being in mind, who knows you by name and can be referred to no matter what your issue. Once in school, time management and resource utility are key: libraries, office hours, and teaching assistants are crucial tools. Lastly, experience has taught me that doing well and really investing energy into a class at the beginning of the semester, will leave you with slack towards the end of the semester so you can afford a lower grade, which can be extremely relaxing and comforting, especially during finals. Good luck!

Start exploring colleges early - it gives you plenty of time to change your mind. I ended up at UT Austin after swearing I would never attend such a large school. Take time to really consider what you want in a college, then you can use online search engines to whittle down the possibilities. Don't forget to consider the surrounding area! You may have to ask around or google the city because most college sites don't have this information - some college towns are college-oriented and always have something going on; others are incredibly boring. Aside from all the obvious steps, the best thing I did when looking into colleges was talk to my older friends to get the real scoop... sometimes it's hard to really know what a college is like unless you talk to and visit current students. Once you make your decision, you need to get involved to really love your school. Everyone I know who transferred after freshman year wasn't involved in clubs, greek life, or campus activities. Also, more than anything, rely on your counselors and advisors! I was very resistant, but after going I realized they are a TREMENDOUS help.

I advise students who are looking for their perfect college to make sure that they are actually engaged in the search and are not just allowing their parents to do everything. You will not be happy at a school that your parents pick out for you. Follow your own heart and look for a place that fits your personality, ideals, and morals; otherwise, you may not find the friends and faculty that will make your college experience memorable and enjoyable. Also, it is essential to find friends who are as studious as you plan to be. Study groups are the key to college success. You do not even have to study the same thing; just plan to meet up with some friends or classmates and do nothing but study for a reasonable allotted time. Then go have fun and enjoy your undergraduate years! Live in the dorms for at least 2 years, 4 if you want a better GPA, and GO TO YOUR PROFESSOR'S OFFICE HOURS! Trust me on that one. College can potentially be some of the best years of your life. Have fun (but not too much fun)!

I would advice students and parents to research what degrees the school has to offer as well as what the location offers. Look into what extra curricular activities are available, and what career services the college offers.

Think about the types of classes you would like to be taking and the various things that would interest you. Think about the important aspects of your lifestyle that you would like to continue in the area to which you move. Lastly, think about the career services offered by your school and how you would evaluate someone with a degree from your chosen school. Also, think about paying all of your bills and how affordable the area is.

As a Senior I would advise students to make sure they feel comfortable. Make sure you use the resources that are available on campus and take advantage of them.

Find out as much about the school beforehand. Talk to professors and try to sit in on classes. Look at the course schedules over the last few years and read the class descriptions. Think about what it is that you want to do and whether or not the classes are appealing to you. Take into account the cost of tuition, living expenses, books, food, etc. Also, keep in mind that some public schools have excellent professors and reputations and help save money as compared to private schools. Look into the research opportunities available on campus. If applicable, think ahead of what sorts of experiences are going to be beneficial for graduate school. Ask yourself whether the school you are considering has all of the components needed to have a competitive application. Visit the school and imagine yourself being a student there.

Be there for your kids if anything happens and always support them in their decisions. Its their life not yours and now let them live it please!

The college experience is going to be what you make of it. I found it helpful to find a group of people with similar goals and join organizations that were in line with what I would like to do after I graduate. Take the time to get to know your professors -- they are a great resource and often know of opportunities you may not otherwise find out about.

Pick a college that accels in the field that you want to pursue and you should definitely go visit the college prior to choosing it. If you need more one on one time and attention from the teachers and don't want to get lost in a sea of people, stick to a smaller college. Once there, enjoy the time that you have in college because it really does go by very fast. Be open to meeting new people because there are so many different types of people that are really interesting and have different ways of thinking than you. Make use of all the different things you have access to as a student, like at my school we have the health services building, the free printing offered depending on which courses you are taking, Gregory gym, all the different places you can study such as the PCL, the union, the fac.

I would simply say, do your research and then pray that God leads you in the right direction!!

Take into account location, weather, size, and the student population. Visit the campus and stay with a current student if possible. Also look into extracurricular activities beforehand. Be out going and meet as many people as possible. Study during the day, party at night. Don't do anything that could affect you negatively long term. Well, not too many things. :)

Apply to as many colleges as possible. Research the schools, and take into consideration your financial situation and what you want to study. See what schools give you the best offer and from those decide which one fits you best.

The process of finding the right college can be scary and very intimidating. As you narrow your choices down to about five schools, I've learned that you can enjoy a great experience at any of those schools. Many of the friends I went to highschool loved their first year of college and wouldn't change schools for anything. After going through the college's application process you will know which college is for you. Just trust yourself and be flexible to what comes your way. If for any reason you dont enjoy your college, nothing is permanent and so transfering is very simple. But of all the people that I know, about two people were unhappy with their selection. When you get to college the best advice is to just go with the flow. Making friends is really easy after that and through that your college experience will be great.

I don't think a decision to go to college should be a stressful task. However, this may be because my decision was easy. The University of Texas is the best public institution in the state of Texas. I knew I wanted to stay in my home-state so the transition of being a teacher would be easier. Not to mention, amazing school spirit and tradition brought on by incredible athletics. My advice to parents is to give your children time and space in the application process. My parents gave me full independence whether I got things completed or not...whether I went to college or not. I know it was hard for them to sit back but I think it made me a stronger individual. Students must find that inner motivation to achieve what they feel is required out of their college experience. One must be willing to put in as much time and effort as they expect to receive in return. I wouldn't trade my one and half years of college for anything.

When it comes to finding the right college, trust your instincts. Go with the school whose philosophies and values are in line with yours and whose atmosphere makes you feel at home. While it's normal to have fears about being on your own or doing well in your classes, they shouldn't extend much further than that. Any deep rooted uncertainties should probably be carefully evaluated to ensure that the college of choice is in fact right for you and that you're choosing to attend for all of the right reasons (academics, career placement, diversity, extracurriculars etc...) As for making the most of the college experience: manage your time! It's too easy to immediately relish in the social freedom of being away from home and on your own. Just know that it's much easier to bring your grades down than it is to bring them back up. One should definitely have an outlet from homework, but prioritizing your time is key. While school work is important, do be sure to take time for yourself. These are undoubtedly some of the best years of your life and you should enjoy them as much as you possibly can.

When it comes to finding a university that is right for you there are many factors to consider. Academics, athletics, social atmosphere. However, the major question to ask is "Can I call this place home?" College isn't only about how hard you study. Nor is it about how well your football team does. It's not even about how well prepared you become for the professional world, how well you learn to interview or what your eventual GPA is. The 4 years spent in college is the perfect time to find a new home and in doing so become the person you will be for the rest of your life. If you can learn to balance your time, make deep, meaningful relationships and become more and more comfortable in your own skin then your time in college will be a success. Finding a school that will help you do this is a very important step. So before signing on at your parents' alma mater make sure you consider a school's size, its overall feel and the city it is in. Trust me, these things will be just as important as how many wins the football team gets.

Go to the University of Texas at Austin.

Make sure to visit the campus, if possible, for more than one day. If the prospective student could "shadow" a current student around campus, classes, and home life, a better perspective of student life can be formed. Reading brochures and speaking only with admissions counselors will not give you an honest idea of the university's spirit. It is important to consider the type of environment that you feel will foster your best self as well as the university's academic program. Academics are priority but innumerable lessons are taught outside of the classroom. Utilize your University?s facilities and surroundings to the maximum amount allowable. Don't be afraid to try new things! College is a time in your life when you're learning about yourself, perhaps for the first time ever, on your own. Learning sometimes requires that you move out of your comfort zone in order to discover something new.

I would recommend that both parents and students take plenty of time to gather information about any colleges that the student may be interested in. In addition, it would be really beneficial to speak to current students of the universities that you are interested in. And it is important to keep in mind that the transition from high school to college can be difficult for anyone. Motivate yourself to get out and join groups in order to meet new friends. It'll take time in order to start to feel that this school is truly where you belong, don't expect it to come together right away (although it certainly could). Many students take a long time to discover where they fit in and make true lifelong friends. Don't give up! College is a unique experience that you will treasure for the rest of your life.

Finding the right college is never an easy decision for anyone. However, it is imperative that you take several considerations before you choose the school that fits you. It is essential to decide what type of environment you would like to live in, the amount of schoolwork involved, the cost of attending the school, the amount of debt you are willing to get in to, housing expenses, student diversity, the competitive nature and ambiance of the school, but most importantly the school's proximity to your home. Sure, it sounds insane to be close to home when you are raging with hormones of living as far from your family as possible. However, in college many things can go awry and it is important to be close to your family and friends to help you through the difficult process of adjusting to your new independent life. In order to maximize your college experience, BALANCE your social and school life. Do not fall behind! Stabilize your emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing. Branch out of your comfort zone! Find a school that fits your interests and magnify the positive aspects of it! Accomplishing this will ensure a positive and unforgettable college experience.

It's important to remember that when chosing a college, you want to find a place that has a lot of diversity. College is a time when your child will discover the person they are going to be, and by attending a diverse University, you will give your child a lot of opportunites to experience things, and become a well rounded person.

I think location plays a huge part in liking a college or university. If you like cities, go to a city; if you prefer small town life, go there. No matter how much you like the college or university, if you don't enjoy the surrounding area it won't be as fun. Secondly, pay attention to size. If you strongly prefer small classrooms with hands on learning or more involved professors, make sure yuo go to a place that offers that. If you don't mind or prefer large classrooms, look for that instead. Otherwise, just make sure the school has a good department in your area of study.

It aint gonna be easy...but it's all worth it.

make sure you will study before you choose a college you would only play around at. Studying is important and time management is also crucial

Going to a no-name college is probably a better decision going to one that has one.

You really have to make the decision yourself. You're also not going to know what you really want to do until halfway through college. So, don't beat up yourself for it. Just make sure you land in a respectable school that you want to go to. You're also going to graduate with debt. It's a fact of life. Another thing, that GPA. It needs to be kept up. You're probably not going to realize it until your junior year, but it really counts. Recruiters look for a min of 3.5 where I go. Make sure it's right about there. Internships, do them. You'll really learn a lot about what you really want to do through these experiences. Also, don't be intimidated to apply to them. Just apply to all the ones you are interested in. You're bound to get an interview with one of them. Once you get in an interview for anything, just be yourself and talk! No one likes silence and it makes you looks sort of awkward. Talk!

It's just a step in life, everyones expierence will be different so make the most of yours

Pick the college that suits your major/career path best. Do not pick a school just because your friends are going there, but rather a school that fits your personal needs: big/small classes, liberal/conservative, social/studius, extracurricular activities/study groups. Of course, also consider the location and what's around there to do/ work opportunities provided. Just weigh the positives and the negatives of each school and consider which one is worth it.

I would say that both parents and students should visit the campus before making a decision, and that they should try to talk to a few of the students and professors. Sit down and determine what you are looking for in a school, and how much you are willing to pay to get what you want. You may even want to make a list of pro's and con's for each school that you are considering. This will help you determine which school fits you best. And remember, college is about making new friends not just sticking to the path of least resistance and staying with your high school friends, so make sure you don't choose a school based on whether or not some people you know will be going there too!

Both students and parents should visit the college or universities before choosing the institution to agree upon a good choice and find out as much information as possible for financial aid information to make sure the price in reach. Residence halls should also be visited and the city surrounding it as well. Keeping in touch is also vital once the student is installed to enforce trust and make the transition as smooth as possible.

Get a job and save your money. Use student loans for financial aid as a very last resort. Don't just visit the campus for a day, spend a couple days living in the town so you can decide if you like the atmosphere or if it's not what you expected. If you're a private person, a dorm is not for you because your privacy will be invaded due to the lack of space. Get involved otherwise you will feel lonely and like you don't belong; others are getting involved because they're looking into making friends, too.

If you have no idea what you want to major in, make sure you pick a school thats awesome at everything, like I did.

The University of Texas at Austin is an amazing school. It has so much to offer from great academics, tons of extra-curricular activities, and lots of opportunities on and off of campus. I have never had a problem with professors, advisors, making friends, finding something to do, or finding a cool new restaurant. You get the feeling of a college town, but you are in one of the coolest cities in the country where there is so much to explore. My classmates are goal-oriented and hard-working. I have learned so much about careers, life, others, and myself. I have yet to regret going to this school. This school has so much school spirit and pride, it can give you the chills. If you are worried about it being too big of a school, I know the feeling. The key to success at this school is finding a group, club, fraternity, or sport where you feel comfortable and then your world becomes smaller. Don't wait around for things to find you, explore and experience as much as you can during the four years and you will learn more than you thought imaginable.

When picking the right college, students should consider the career path they would like to take and hoiw strong a college is in their programs gered towards that path. They should alson consider the environmeent they will be in in comparison to the type of per son they are (liberal, conservativce, etc.). THey should also research extracurriular activities, social clubs, niches, etc. Also consider the proximity of drug stures, grocery, and transportation. Parents should think about first and foremost the financial situation they will be put in when their child attends a cewrtain school. Distance is important not just for sentiment but a closer school will allow a parent to send money and clothes and other necccesities over a lot more quickly as oppossed to a farther out of state school, which is also porbably more expensive. Parents should consider medical provisions, safety and security, the availability of informationla staff, as well as the overall environment of the school.

My journey through college thus far has been an adventurous voyage. I have had the pleasure of meeting creative, venturesome, and goal oriented fellow students, which I am now proud to call my friends. My search for where I would be attending college was, to say the least, abrupt. Instead of applying to as many schools as possible, I decided to attend a college that was close to home. It would be comfortable I thought. A few friends from high school would be there to keep me company, and I wouldn't have to worry about the added pressures of "fitting in" at a new school. I had made my first error at college. I felt entrapped. My choice had been curt and now I faced the consequences, realizing I sat in the same position I had been for the past eighteen years. I had to make a change, a change in myself, and the knowledge that I surrounded myself with. I ventured out and found a university that accepted my indifferences and encouraged me to explore them. I found the change that I had long been yearning for, and at the end of this lengthy journey, I found myself.

Make an effort to get involved in things on campus. It's tough to balance school with extracurriculars but it will pay off. So really make an effort to pursue ANYTHING and EVERYTHING you're interested in. Also, study hard and really make an effort to make good grades from the beginning, because the farther you get in school the harder it will be to improve your GPA if it's low from the beginning.

The best advice I can give a student and his/her parents when they are picking a school is to be sure of what they want their college experience to be. For a young student leaving high school, college is a frightening yet exciting time in their life and it is important to know that there will be challenges no matter what school is chosen. I believe it is very important to choose a school that provides its students not only with a high educational experience but also one that inspires and ignites passion within the student. College is what will prepare the student for the rest of their life and that should be considered when picking the school. Once at college, the student should try to make the most of their experience by being aware of all the resources available to him/her. Most big schools and several smaller schools have all sorts of help availble to students who need it, advisors and tutors just being a few of these. College is a time to meet new people, expand intellectual ability, and prepare one for future challenges. Study hard, learn alot, but don't forget to have fun!

This will be where a student spends at least the next four years. Size is important- some people prefer the closeness of a smaller college while others like the resources a larger university can offer. Also it is very important to visit the college to understand its particular "personality." This is a concept that cannot really be defined, but the student will just be able to tell by being there. On that note, do not pick a college just because it is comfortable though. College is a time to expand horizens and get out of your comfort zone. Pick a college that feels right but also will challenge you to think about new ideas. Lastly, if the student knows their major, check out that department beforehand. Different colleges have different setups for departments and it is always helpful to meet with professors.

One of the most important aspects of a school is its size. It is imperative that ou know what size is best for you. If you like to stand out, or havent had the chance to prior to college, a smaller college will make you feel comfortable. However, if you're like me and went to a high school where everyone was your best friend, there is something very comforting in being immersed in other people and feeling one of a large group. From there, make sure you visit the top schools on you list and SIT IN ON A CLASS! Tours are wonderful, but actually sitting in on a lecture in your projected field of study will help you get a feel for the way the department is set up and what the expectation for learning is.

My biggest piece of advice would be to remember that four years is a long time, so a student should go to the college where he/she will be the happiest. Sometimes this means going somewhere you hadn't previously seriously considered, or going to a different school than your parents' alma mater. Remember that there is more to college than just the campus; the town in which it is located plays an important role, too. Also, be open to new things. There is nothing wrong with not majoring in business or pre-medicine. Do what makes you happy, and you will be much better off. Take classes about subjects you don't know. Learn who are you really are before deciding your future. IT'S OK TO NOT PICK A MAJOR AT FIRST!! If you aren't sure about what to major in, take a year to take different classes and find out what you like! Finally, live every single day to the fullest. Meet everyone you can, and spend lots of time with the people you care about. College is the best time of your life, and it flies by! Friends are more important than 4.0's.

The most important thing to get out of college is an education which will set you up for success in the real world. So first and foremost, attend a university which excells in your major, or in your areas of interest. Because college students usually change their major multiple times throughout their college career, it is best to attend a university which has many career options. Also, it is vital to get involved around your university. So look at student orginizations and different extra curricular activites your prospective university has to offer. It is also a good idea to take into consideration the region in which your university is located. If you hate the snow and attend a university in the Northern United States, then your college experience may be horrible because you would be immersed in cold weather. There are many things to consider when chosing a university. If you have a faith in a God, then I suggest you pray about it. It's always great to have a peace of mind about your final decision.

Let your kid decide which college. A good football team is very fun to have and brings a lot of school spirit. Check out the campus and the surrounding area.

Go and visit the campus!