The University of Texas at Austin Top Questions

In college, you will find your true self. No matter where you choose to go, you will be able to be the person you truly want to become from your heart. Some people think they want a big school, some want a small school, but in the end, the truth always procurres from the heart and the decision is made. In the end, you don't choose your college, it chooses you.

Visit the college before applying. Talk to other students who go to the school. Stay overight. Sit in on a class.

I would say to make sure you like the weather, are ready for a large workload.

Let your child follow his heart. You may want your him/her to attend the college/university you attended because it was right for you, but remember, it may not be the right place for him/her. Every school has a different spirit and atmosphere to it. Go for school visits with your child and talk about both of your likes and dislikes about the campus, academics and social life. From there, make an intelligent decision. College is supposed to be the best years of your life, you don't want your child to resent that they weren't.

Finding the right college is not as big of a deal as it initially seems. Chances are, you're going to love wherever you end up. There are lots of differences in the social climates of schools, and that is definitely worth investigating before picking somewhere to attend. Visiting campuses is a great way to get a feel for what going there might be like. As for making the most of the experience, classes are important, but so is having fun and getting involved in activities you enjoy. I have learned more about life in general from the people I've met in my extra-curricular activities and my on-campus job than I probably ever will in class. Don't get me wrong, class is important and it will teach you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful for your major, but don't discount the difference it makes to meet new people and learn from them as well.

Don't be afraid to challenge yourself. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Make friends with as many different types of people as possible. Keep an open mind (about courses, your professors, and your career).

Know what you want from a university. Make a list of everything important in your life and then imagine what else you would be interested in. Find that university that best suits your needs and is the right distance from home. When you arrive, be sure to try new things, and if you do not like that experience or that type of food, at least you tried it and you have a story to tell your new friends. When you get to class, introduce yourself to everyone around you and be sure you get two classmate's contact information for future use when you either have to miss class or have a pending question about what was discussed in class. Read your textbook becuase the professor wanted you to buy it for a reason and prepare for every class as though there will be a pop quiz. Mainly, don't forget that you are young, so have fun, go on dates, don't forget about the gym, make life-long friends. Do not be afraid to do something alone because you will miss many great opportunities. Once you find that perfect college, enjoy life and be thankful for it.

Finding the college that fits your needs is the most important factor when you're considering where to go. What you do with your time in college will define the rest of your life. The university you pick should make you feel at home and offer programs that can help you reach academic success. College is not only 4 of the most important times of you life, but 4 of the best years of your life! No matter what college you choose, it is vital to get involved. Any University in this country offers excellent extracurricular activities that span many interests. Getting involed will help you make lifelong friends that can help you through your college years. My college, The University of Texas, offers a variety of clubs and teams for students to get involved in. I am glad I chose UT because of all the options I have here as a student. Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions you can make in your life. Above everything else, make sure your college makes you feel at home!

In my opinion, when looking for the right college, it is quite important that one finds the college that is a proper match. The prospective college student should look into colleges that fit the location they are looking for. Likewise, students should look at colleges that are in the size range that they are shooting for. Students should look at colleges that have strong academic reputations in the field of study they are interested in studying in college. Of course, students and their parents have to take the financial aspect into account. It is best to find the school that fits the student and their familiy's budget. Once the student has thoroughly gone through all the odds and ends of the various aspects of selecting a college, the student should have a working list of schools that properly fit the criteria the student researched. If possible, the student and their family should take campus tours of the schools that made the student's final list. After doing this, the student should have a fairly good ideas of which school most fits their needs and wants. The student should then begin working on getting into the school they chose.

Students: 1) Take a chill pill. Talk to everyone. Be friendly. 2) Live on-campus your first year. Going pot-luck is not nearly as scary as everyone tells you. Chances are, you'll met lots of fun people and make friends for life. 3) Do your own laundry the summer before you leave. This will be a much easier transition. 4) During the first couple of weeks, pay attention! To everything. This is when clubs advertise, things are explained [with patience] & free food is offered. Take handouts, join clubs, listen to advice & always get your share of free food. 5) Being grown up isn't have as fun as growing up. Have fun. Parents: 1) Let your child live. You've had them under your wing for 18 solid years. Don't be annoying. Have them call/email you first. It's better for them. It allows them to be independent. 2) Send them mail. Dumb things clipped from the newspaper, encouraging sticky notes, packages with a scarf for the winter. It is always a day-brightener whether they let on or not. Having something in the mailbox [besides junk or bills] is one of the absolute coolest things.

college should be a decision that is based on your view of the world and where you belong in it. If you see yourself as being able to be a great accet to society than it is your responsibility to attend a coleege that gives you the best opportunity to succeed. College should not be easy. You should make the choice that seems hard at first and convince your self that you can overcome your initial perceptions. When choosing your college you should actually be excited about how fun it could be and dont make your decision soley on academics because there are many great universities and it is up to the individual to raise himself to a great standard. Study hard for your tests but realize that everything is a process and college is not hit or quit. You will have to grind it out and find diamonds in dirt. For parents dont force your children simply into the most academic of schools because they could end up lowering there performance due to the constant pressure. Remember that the school you pick could be the place that will mold the rest of your life in four years.

I would advise them to first make sure to visit the campus before they decide where they are going. In order to make the best of your college experience I advise that you study hard throughout the entire semester so you don't have to be on the fritz at the end of the semester worried about grades. However I also recommend that people get involved with activities they enjoy doing or want to try and have never had the opportunity because college is the chance for people to try things and not regret them.

Try to figure out which major you'd like to select and find a school that is strong in that area. Always put academia before relaxation and you'll be fine.

Students: you are adults now; it is time to act like it. Take responsibilty for your academic career. Don't pick a major because your parents told you to. Go to class. If tutition is $10,000 a year, then you are paying roughly $20 for every class, whether you attend or not. Make the most of your money. Do your homework. If you do your homework and are having trouble in a class, professors will help you. If you don't do your homework, you will fail. Get a job. Even a couple of shifts a week will enhance every aspect of your life. You'll have money, work experience, respect from your friends and family, a better post-graduate resume, and something to fall back on, just in case. Remember, college is tough, but rewarding, as it should be. Parents: your children are adults now; treat them like it. Don't give them money as they will waste it. Instead, give them love and support, and maybe the occasional gift card. Remember, the more you demand of your children, the more they will achieve; demand they pursue their own dreams, as they will fall short of your own.

The best advice I can give is find what is right for you. Not your boyfriend/girlfriend, not your family legacy, not even the most popular or academically best. Find where you fit in socially and academically. Find where you want your memories to be made.

First, narrow it down to schools that offer what you are interested in. From there, pick your location that fits your budget and that you like best. Whether it's a small or big school might be important to you, but remember that each has its benefits/disadvantages. Big schools offer more choices in career paths, but smaller ones may give you stronger connections. However, it all depends on how much you go after something. Your first year at college, it would be a good idea to live on campus. This helps you meet friends and know who you might room with in the future. Also, try and join a first-year interest group or something that assists beginning undergraduates. These people can become great friends and assist you in your studies by taking classes with you. You might also want to join a club sport, so as to make friends and help alleviate academic stress. Remember, it's important to concentrate on studies and pick a good school, but it is also important to create new memories with different people and have great experiences.

I think that students shoud think about where they would be most comfortable. At UT the courses are big and there is no way to get around that. Some courses have up to 500 students. Many students are competivite and over-acheiving, and to some that can be kind of intimitdating. Certain students when considering college need to consider if they would feel most comfortable in a small classroom where their professor knows their name just by them coming everyday because building relationships with professors is important. At UT, one must make a HUGE effort to get to know a professor and you really have to put yourself out there and be a "go getter" or you will get lost in the crowd of students these professors teach every year. I enjoy getting to know professors, but one thing I wish is that it were easier and that classes were smaller, so that I would not feel so intimidated to go and ask questions privately. I always have to remind myself that professors are people too and to act normal.

Talk to a lot of people. People are the best source of information about what life is like on campus, and students are often more than willing to share both their biggest gripes with as well as their favorite aspects of a school. Many universities have special groups of students who are intended to perform outreach services, and they are very willing to give information about the school. One may be able to get a better perspective, however, by speaking to students who are not in these programs. A simple way of doing so would be to write to the social or membership officer of a club the applicant is interested in, and while expressing interest in the club, also ask more general questions about the school. This would give a decent viewpoint of the school from someone the applicant is likely to be spending time with. Also, while taking a tour of campus, don't be afraid to ask students on campus what they feel about the school. Most are very friendly and will give an honest summary of the college's strengths and weaknesses.

Take a good look at the school and make sure you are capable of picturing yourself living there for the next so many years. Find a good group of friends and work to get involved around campus. Plenty of opportunities are out there if you just look.

My advice to parents is to encourage your kids and be their support system. For students my advice to you is your first year live in the dorms. It will make life so much easier for you, as well as this will help you develop life long friendships and become involve in campus activities. Also dont underestimate your classes, it is far different from high school.

talk with other students on campus about their lives: social and academic.

Definitely pick a college based on academics but also on the student life. Don't get unnerved by a large university; it's actually quite fun. While you're in college, definitely study hard and stay on top of your school work, not to mention studing hard for tests, but also get involved on campus. Joining a student group or going Greek your first semester is such a big deal! Making friends immediately will help you adjust to college life. Also, get in touch with the city from the start. Learn about fun things going on around campus and around the city. Include yourself in any traditions on campus, and take lots of pictures. Have fun!

As a woman who already knew what she wanted, I didn't really open myself up to many choices. I recieved scholarships everywhere except the one place I wanted. I would tell students to make sure they get into a college that offers financial help so that they don't have to work and can experience college as they should. I also think that getting loans help to enhance college experience. Having to work a lot to pay for college and other expences take from enjoying college to its' full potential. Be involved, try new things, and make sure that your doing what you believe in.

I would tell students and parents to pick a university that will give them opportunities to take classes that would make them more well-rounded and give them the opportunity to not only complete their major, but learn about exactly what interests them. Larger universities give students the opportunities to take interesting and stimulating classes to expand their knowledge of different subjects. More liberal schools tend to teach open-mindness and acceptance. To make more of their college experience, I would tell students to find an organization that interests them and join to meet people with their same interests. I would also get involved in school functions like sports, since it feels good to have a sense that you are a part of something special.

Remember that all colleges have something terrific to offer so it would be best to go to one that caters to you needs. I always thought while I was in high school that I wanted to go to a fancy college that was far away from home, but staying in Texas was one of the best decisions in my life.

ask yourself what kind of college life do you expect than choose the college that mostly suited for you at all aspects include geographically, socially and academically. Live in the dorm, involve in school activities, and networking with people

Decide first what it is you really want to do in life, and how you would like to make a difference in the world. Life is not about how much money you can make. Life is about how you can take what you enjoy, learning as much as you can from it, and applying it daily. Once you've done that, find the school that offers the most in terms of what you love - and go for it. Once you've been admitted, remember that the classes you take are taught be real-world professionals in your field of interest. Take advantage of their experience and knowledge! Learn every possible thing you can from them, make friends with them. Study hard, take classes that are challenging and that test your potential for success. Testing yourself is vital in determing your dedication to your proposed major. Find an organization on campus and get involved in community service. This shows that you're serious about what you want to do, and will give you irreplaceable experience. If you follow this advice, I'm sure you will get the most out of your college experience.

I think it's important to find a college or university that offers a very diverse array of concentrations. There are very few people I have met in my entire college career that are still the same major they chose when they first entered UT and I think there are schools that embrace that students question their goals in life. It is important to find a school that feels comfortable; college will be one of the last chances one will have to truly explore and find oneself. No matter where or what school one chooses, there are organizations and groups that one's school will offer, he/she just has to be open and willing.

Finding the right college will be the most stressful thing you do before you get into college. If you think about it for a bit, though, its not as difficult as it seems. If you can be happy at Stanford, you can be happy at UT; the location doesn't matter as much as the experience. Just pick the most prestigious college you can mostly afford, and then never worry about it again. Jump in to your classes, picking things that interest you. You can get the basics out of the way later. Talk to everyone who doesn't look openly hostile, and join or start some club you always wished you did in High School. Myself, I was a theater nerd, so I made fast friends with a local troupe. Like sports? IM teams. Like music? Join a band. Love comic books? We got that. Want to make fun of all those other groups? Student publications. Yeah, you're going to make some mistakes, but hey, who going to remember that next semester? In short, go a little crazy. No one knows you from your high school, so be who you want to be. That is it.

Make sure you do an official visit to each university you are interested in. Also be sure to not just look at name brand schools. Find out what your interests are, what you want our of your college education and find a university that fits you. Be sure to attend your school's orientation and remember as a freshmen, all the other freshman are also looking to make friends, so don't feel like you are alone.

Picking a school isn't a democratic experience. It isn't about listening to others about what's best or following your friends; it's about going to that one place that you know in your heart to be the place for you. The thing about college is that once accepted, anybody can succeed anywhere. While yes, certain schools might have tougher curriculum or may cost more, you will never be successful in a school that you do not enjoy being at. While the curriculum at the school you choose may be hard, if you are happy with where you are you will have a much stronger chance of being successful. Don't worry about not knowing anybody at the school you choose to go to. Starting fresh is one of the most exciting parts of the college experience. It allows you to be yourself again and begin things on your own terms which will be incredibly important to your happiness in the years to come. Study hard and take every chance you can to get out and have some fun. It seems like a conflicting notion (studying and getting out) but learning the balance makes all the difference.

Gather as much information about potential universities as you can. Visit the campuses that you're interested and sit in on classes if you're able to. Also, get in contact with people who come from the same place as you that went to that particular university. You're more than likely going to have more in common with that person than a random person, and it can give you some sort of idea whether or not the school is a good fit. Get to know the city that the school is in, because while you're there for school, you're going to go out sometimes. If you're the type of person who needs specific things for entertainment, make sure it's there. There's no sense in being miserable for the four years that you spend in school. Also, check into extra-curricular activities. They help you meet people and can give you really great experience, sometimes in a field you might be interested in. Finally, check the program that you're thinking about enrolling in. Get to know if it's well received. You might as well get the best education available to you.

Searching for a good college depends entirely on your situation when applying, but I think that there is one thing that every student and family should take into account when searching for a good college: things will change. It may be your major, career choice, personal goals, religion, cultural identity, or any other detail, but something will change. The last thing that you need in these exciting but difficult times is a change that makes things harder for you due to lack of support on your campus. Because of this, I recommend looking for colleges that offer a wide array of well-developed programs and a staff that supports students, such as good advisors and faculty. Once you are actually on campus, do not let these resources go to waste! I cannot count how many times I have heard classmates complain about coursework without considering free tutoring or seen friends go through tough emotional times without seeking help from counseling services. Using these resources for students will assist you in academic and personal success. As you continue through college, learn to appreciate the many new ideas you will encounter; these four years are your time to grow and succeed!

The key to making the college selection and enrollment process a smooth transition is keep things balanced. There should be a balance between the schools the parents want and those the student wants; the student should maintain a balance between the "dream schools" and the "safety schools" to which they apply; and there must be a balance between academics and social life once the student sets foot on the campus of their choice. Beyond that, remember to make the most of your freshman year! It's the time when you will have the most opportunity to explore yourself and the resources the university has to offer. Many special programs or scholarships are offered only during your first year of college, but unfortunately most students don't find out about them until later on. Additionally, if you become a member of a student organization early in your academic career, you will have many more opportunities to serve in officer positions - which looks great on scholarship applications and resumes. Just remember that college isn't about having a 4.0 or partying every Saturday night: it's about the memories you make as you prepare yourself for the future.

In college, as in life, it is crucial to maintain a good balance. You have to balance work with play, classes with parties, and sleep with late-night studying. Make sure that the school you are intersted in is right for you in terms of this balance. Find a place where extracurriculars are as bountiful as classes. Find a place where you will feel at home, but where you also sometimes feel like a stranger. College is about exploration, enrichment, and enlightenment. Your school should reflect all those aspects in your life and help you develop a stronger connection to your community, and, of course, yourself.

Find a college that has degree options that fit with your interests. I have had a lot of friends who had ecclectic life plans and decided to go to smaller schools that didn't offer a major in their intended field of study who either had to change majors, change life plans or change schools. Don't be afraid to go somewhere that's not like where you live-it's nice to have experienced something different. And also don't worry about not knowing anyone; it's almost impossible to go somewhere and not run into someone you know. Don't pay for all of college with student loans because you will have to pay them back and probably before you get a job that pays well enough for it to be easy.

Most importantly, do your research! Find the school that best matches who you are and what you need. Don't go somewhere just because your best friend is going, y'all can always meet up for lunch on the weekends when you're home! Research the schools that have good programs for your desired major. Also, when you get there, make an effort to get to know your academic advisors! They help you plan out your road to graduation, they notice things you won't but should. Once you're in school, I would suggest taking time for yourself. Of course, school is about the academics, but this is also a unique time in your life. Take time to enjoy your experiences. Be positive and don't let yourself get stressed out about a final project that's not even due until the end of the semester. Take life a day at a time and enjoy every second of it!

Start preparing for college early, take all the AP and honor classes you can. Apply to several places, but not too many and try to visit them before to get a feel for what they look like. Find a healthy balance between academics and social life. Follow your heart and have fun, college years can be the one of the happiest periods in your life.

I think the most important thing to remember when chosing schools is that the focus should be on academics and not on location, etc. Being in an interesting city is nowhere near as important as being in a nationally renowned program. Make sure that you keep on top of your school work but make sure that you take some time to enjoy your university and everything that they offer.

Parents need to be informed about what a university can offer their student. Four years in college will be the years that a student discovers their identity, affirms their personal beliefs, discovers their passion in a specific field and finds friends for life. It is important to know what the student loves and enjoys and to find a place to cultivate that interest, academically and socially. The student should want to go to that institution and look forward to the upcoming years. Why? They are the years that shape you, and the place you choose to attend is an important factor. My advice is to join many groups and form small social circles to find friends for life. Be friendly to all you meet, as someone most likely will be in your class. They will help you take notes and prepare for tests during some point in your education. College is a time of growth. Take advantage of all opportunities, organizations, sporting events, and create lasting memories because it is all but a moment in life. Be audacious and be bold. Study and get to know your professors, they will be a valuable asset for recommendations. Savor the experience.

I think the best advice I could give to students is to decide first what size school they think they want to attend-- small, medium or large. To further narrow the choices, decide which area/region of the country you'd like to be in. Consider what kind of climate do you want to live in, and would your preference be a city, rural, or urban environment. With those choices made, your potential colleges should be reduced to a more managable list. Next, research the degress offered, their reputation in a particular field of study you may be interested in, and the estimated tuition/ room & board expense over four years. Visit the campuses of a few that are on your short list and talk to admissions counselors to learn what you can do to improve your chances to get accepted. I think it's a good idea to visit the campus with your parents the first time, but to go again on your own and stay with a current student. That is the best way to get an accurate feel for the campus, social life, etc.

For both parents and students, when searching for the best college, start early! You can never look at too many colleges. Talk to your guidance cousenlor at school, schedule times to visit a variety of universities and colleges, and talk to others who have gone to the colleges that you are interested in, or who are currently going through the application process. Also, be sure to apply to as many colleges and universities as you can. If you don't get into to your top choice, you should have a number of back-ups that will still provide you with the learning environment that you are seeking. In trying to make the most of your college experience, focus hard on your studies, but also take the time to try new things and get to know your university and the people in it. Take a class that you might be interested in that doesn't necessarily have to do with your major. Participate in extra-curricular activies and clubs that you have an interest in and that will help you build experience for the future. Internships are always a good way to explore the possibilites in your particular field of study.

The school should be well researched and the campus should be visited before the final decision is made. College is the chance to find yourself. You have the freedom to choose what classes that you would like to take and what you would like to get involved in. It is important to get involved in the university and jump right into the community. My advice would be to make the most of the time you have here because it goes by so fast. Join the clubs, be a volunteer, and have fun here, but always in moderation. Time management is an important skill that must be mastered if you are to succeed because it is not easy. No one is going to hand you the diploma and a job if you are not willing to work for it. College is not the place to forget priorities.

Junior year of high school is a great time to be exploring your options for colleges and universities. You should not set your sights on one particular school, as it will only cloud your judgment when visiting other schools. Finding the "right" college is a long, arduous process, but taking the time to visit their campuses (if possible) or even going to their websites and reading their mission statements and facilities available to current students will help you in that decision. If you do not get accepted to your first choice school, don't be deterred; if you really want to make the most of the college experience, you will try to stop any thoughts about "I wish I had gone to this school" and reach out to your fellow students in your current college or university. You may be surprised at what you discover -- I certainly did.

First of all, I will highly recommend students and parents of potential college students to not only visit college websites, but also visit the campus. I for one was set upon the idea of living in a dorm during my freshmen year. However, when I signed up for pre-orientation I realized that living in these dormitories had me feeling suffocated. Additionally, students need to realize that it is never to early to join various organizations. The earlier the better. Upon receiving your admissions letter, students should search college websites to find out about what is out there. For instance, Global Medical Training is a pre-med, pre-dent, and pre-pharm organization that is not widely known. This is because not many students take the time to search the College of Natural Sciences homepage at the University of Texas at Austin. This organization is one of the fewest organization that provides trips outside of the country and allows students to gain hands on medical experience. This allows students to narrow and reconsider their future goals. Additionally, organizations allows students to create multiple contacts, friends, gain experiences, and build upon their leadership skills.

Follow your heart, not your wallet.

The advice that I can give the parents and students in finding the right college is to pick atleast four schools in which the student is interesting in applying for. I advice the student to visit all four schools and then from their the student can elliminate the schools in which he dislike the environment. Also when visitng the school the student should visit the department in which he os she desires to major in. From there the student can elliminate those in which he dislike the programs for his major and mostlikly he or she will come to conclude on the right college for them and their major.

You've probably heard it a thousand times: "pick a degree you love." In some ways this is true, others not. Choosing your degree is the first step to finding the right college because choosing the college with the best job placement, tuition, and national accreditation will help you get the best, most enjoyable job and comfortable work environment. I recommend choosing your degree based on three factors: personal knowledge, subject enjoyment, and post-graduation job possibilities--in that order. To get the most out of your college experience, I believe it is important to make your college decision based on what you already know and can learn to understand--in other words, don't choose engineering just because there are jobs in that field, choose it because you understand the mechanics of math and science. The second piece of this is: will you enjoy that degree? If you understand math, but it frustrates you, try business instead of engineering. Beware of using enjoyment as your only measure as college classes are very different than the basic subjects you might love. Lastly, know the economy: college will only get you so far, a job is what keeps you fed.

I would advise parents and students to go on campus tours to see what a day in college would be like, to get familiar with the campus, get a feel for the students that attend the school, and just see if it is a place that they could see themselves being a part of for four years. If they are touring a school in a different city, they should go out and explore it, as well. There is more to the city than the campus, such as different cultures, city functions, and places people should see and experience. Once a student gets into their dream college, they should go out and see what the university has to offer in terms of student organizations, get to know people. Most likely there will be at least one organization they will be interested in. They will have to put themselves out there in order to meet new people and to not feel like just a number instead of an individual.

As an 18 year old kid, you never really know what decisions to make about the rest of your life. It's impossible to tell exactly where to go with your future when you are just starting to consider options. So, in order to pick a college you really have to ask yourself "do I want something different from what I know now, or do I want something similar to my current lifestyle?" If social life and or cultural downtown events are what you live off of, then by no means go to a small college! If you are of a very relaxed character, or the artsy, or philosophical type then maybe a quiet town is what you need for a peaceful, low-stress living situation. Honestly "to thyne own self be true" is underrated these days. If you (the student) are honest with yourself about what you want or even about saying that you DONT know what you want, then that is your first step to success. Being in college is very different for each person. It could be the most fun experience imaginable or it could be like you already live in the cold and unforgiving "real" world.