Towson University Top Questions

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

Sakina

My advice for students about choosing the right college is to look over all the details that your school gives about tuition, residence life, academics, location, the people and so on. After you have read all the information try to picture yourself there. If that does not help then visit the school to get a better feel for it. This is the place where you will be spending alot of time and you will have a better experience if you know more about your school. To make the most out of your college experience make sure you learn to balance school and fun. Learn to manage your time and use all the resources that are provided to you. The less stressed you are, the more fun you will have.

Theresa

Choosing a college will affect the rest of your life. The people you meet, experiences you have, and the things you learn will be a result of this one choice. Always visit a college before you make your final decision; talk to students who attend the university (preferably off the record) to find out what the campus life, classes, and overall experience really is. Make sure the university has your major and has other majors you are interested in (just in case you change your mind later down the road). I would say my biggest mistake was not getting involved right away. I made the most of my first year of college by joining multiple clubs and volunteering. As a result of doing this I met some of my best friends and have grown and matured in so many ways. I also strongly encourage those of you who have the option, to live on campus. To truly get the "full-college-experience" you will need to stick around after classes are over to meet new people and enjoy the new-founded independence. Overall, just be yourself and college will be the best four years of your life.

LaQuisha

When looking for the right college to attend, it should be a college that both you and your parents would agree on. You should be able to see yourself at the college, in class, studying, going to pep rallies, etc. It should be as comfortable as a second home when you are away from home. It should be a place that caters to your major and have the right class size and diversity. But overall, it should be a price that is convienient for your pocket. But with any college you do pick and decide to attend, become active and participate in as much organizations as possible, if only just to meet new people and explore all that the campus has to offer.

Genevieve

When speaking to visiting prospective students and their families as a Towson University Student Ambassador, I constantly emphasize the importance of choosing the college/university that students feel "at home." I feel that students attending a college with an atmosphere that they feel comfortable in eases the transition from high school seniors to college freshmen. EVERYTHING else falls into place when a student is at ease - the college work load, finding the right group of friends, being away from home, dealing with new responsibilities, coping with independence, etc...

Jacqueline

When you are looking for the best school, do not immediately jumpt to ivy league schools or well known ones. Find a school that suits you as a person. It does not matter than the princeton review says so and so is amazing. All colleges are qualified to teach. What you are looking for is what will work for you. What college will balances the things you like and also challenge you? It is your future choose the school for you. As far as making the best of your college experience, do not hesisitate to get involve. Join groups and figure out how far you can stretch yourself. This is about finding yourself and making you strong. Learn to balance your social life with your academic life. Do not let one triumph over the other. Life is about interacting with people, not just sitting with your nose in a text book. Fidn your boundaries. Most of all study hard and have fun.

Kathryn

Take your time in looking for just the right school for your career, I went to the wrong school at home and was miserable. Once i went away to school things had a much different atmosphere and i made a lot more friends.

Kelly

To the parents of the students, and to the students themselves, the college experience is a period of immense personal growth and developing independence. For most students, leaving for college is being able to do as you please without reprimand for the first time in your life. So some of you will make the mistake of applying to schools because they?re known as party schools. And parents, you?ll believe that you are investing your time and money into their studies for the sake of their future. In reality, both expectations must be met for a successful college career. After completing the first semester students will be forced realize that a careful balance must be obtained between social and work time. Their first grade may reflect the imbalance if it was present. However, this is also a learning experience for both parties. The students must learn to push themselves and pursue their own interests, while the parents must accept that their babies may be going out on school nights and partying. Not only does this build trust, but also it builds confidence and autonomy. No matter what school you choose, both parent and student will emerge stronger and liberated.

Shardae

Students should visit as many campuses as possible, more than one time. It is imporant that students feel comfortable on the campus, in the classroom, and with the students and falculty. Many schools offer campus tours and opportunities for student tio shadow with a current student. Furthermore, many schools also have listing of campus events that may be of intrest to students, and may also be a great opportunity to meet other students. Students should also consider what resource the college/university has to offer. It is strongly encouraged that new student speak with an academic adviser about various majors/programs, and a finacial adviser so that the student knows where he/she stands financially. Lastly, new students should feel confident that they will do great, ge open minded, flexible to change, and have a positve attitude. Remeber college is what you make of it, and how you begin to shape and discover who you are. Good Luck!

Shareta

Deciding where to attend school can be difficult. In the decision process students and parents need to know if that school teaches the students area of interest. If a student is undecided on a major it may be wise for that student to attend a school with many majors so that they may take courses from a variety of departments. Cost plays a very important role in deciding where to attend college for many. If there is a school a student wishes to attend but can not afford it would be wise for that student to have several back-up schools with lower tuition and fees. Students and their families will need to decide how much will be contributed to the student's education. If all families are able to provide financial wise is information for the FAFSA then the student should plan to work a part-time job during the school year. Also be aware that if you plan to attend school out of state you need to be sure that your school will allow you to live on campus for four years, as many schools require upper-classmen to move out of on-campus housing.

Emily

I think that you should definitely take the time to figure out what it is that you want your college to provide for you. Don't make your decision based on where your friends are going, or where you parents want you to go, or where you think you're supposed to go. This is a decision that will affect atleast 4 years of your life and it should be taken lightly. And once you find the place that has what you are going to need on a daily basis, submerse yourself in it. Get involved and enjoy the experience because it will go by fast and you don't want to regret it.

Kiah

The right college is all in your mind. While it is important to look at the schools you wish to attend, if you go to a school with the mind set of success, than you will succeed. All you need is hard work and will power to make anything happen!

Jaquelynn

Find a place that fits the criteria that you are looking for and is best for your carreer. Make sure you look at everything from reputation, cost, teacher- student ratio, to what type of housing they have. Visit and ask questions. Go where you want and not where someone else wants you to go... because in the end you will be the one "living that dream!"

Katharine

I would suggest to all students and their parents to do a lot of research. My mom bought many books on schools that helped me out a lot. Furthermore, get started early! it is nice to know where you are going when everyone else is questioning. Above, all, try not to get stressed. College is going to be the best experience !

Devin

The best college is one that has similar focus as you. Talk to the students, find out if you identify with them, and if so, that might be the right school for you.

Sarah

FInd a college where you feel comfortable. Make sure that there are student organizations that suit your interests, and get involved right away. Also, maintain an equal balance between academics and fun. While having too much fun can negatively affect your academics, dwelling entirely on schoolwork and not branching out and enjoying yourself can give you a bitter attitude towards academics, which can negatively affect your outcome as well.

Jessica

Finding the right college is all about what fits you personally and also your career plans. For example if you want to pursue a career in nursing, you might want to find a school that is accredited for their nursing program. Also, a school that is known to have very good professors and a great tutoring/advising program to help students is another plus when finding a school to attend. Another important part in choosing a school is what you like to do in extracurricular activities. It is important to find a school for its educational purposes but it is also important to find a school with activities that cater to one's own personal needs and maybe the areas that surround the school as well for other leisure activities, especially if you are going to live on campus.

Heather

College is a wonderful experience and in order to make the most of it, you must dive right in! Research around to find someone else to pay for college- look into scholarships, financial aid, grants, and loans with low interest rates if there are still dues unpaid. Students, get involved! Join a club, interest group, or fraternity. Be an active part of the community to really enrich your college experience. Try living on campus for at least one year. You cannot get the full college experience without doing so. It is simple, close to class, there is a zero commute, and it is much easier to make friends. It is almost impossible not to meet interesting new people when under close quarters like that! Living on campus offers a lifestyle not comparable to off-campus housing. You are never alone, there is always entertainment or something to do, and food is never far away. Three reasons why living on campus is a definite must! It may be difficult for students, but challenge yourself with a difficult class. You will learn some interesting things and it will be much more rewarding in the long run.

Chelsea

In deciding where to go to college the prospective student really needs to evaluate themself. A prospective students first and foremost should go to a school good for their major, or if undecided a school that offers a wide variety of majors. If you enjoy what you are learning, college will be a great experience because you will often make most of your friends through your major. As for personal qualities, a prospective students needs to determine how far from home they want to be, how comfortable they feel in social situations, whether or not they will benefit from big or little classes, sports, and extra curricular activities. Scholarships and grants are important; apply for as many of these as possible so you do not have to worry about money or having to work and miss out on college life. Never forget to listen to your parents, they might know you a little better than you realize and can probably help you choose the right college for you better than you think. Talk to guidance counselors and friends. Make sure you visit schools toget a feel for the area because pictures and descriptions can be misleading.

Milan

Searching for the right college takes time and effort. Its very important that you do attend college campus tours, research the average classroom student-teacher ratios, and tuition cost. Going away to college could be best for students that plan to not work while in school. I believe that will provide students with better concentration on their studies. Looking at location and campus transportation is also another important aspect to look at in order to enjoy the most out of your college experience.

Kathy

When applying to colleges perspective students and their parents should research the schools thoroughly to ensure that they meet the students most critical needs. It is important that the school the student plans to attend has available housing and meets their academic needs. If the student has a particular career plan in mind, it is necessary to enroll in a school that can help the student achieve their career goals. I did lots of research to find the school that was right for me and i found it in Towson university. I am very pleased with my choice and i feel that I will be able to have a successful career because I go to Towson.

Christopher

Go to the college and expierence what a normal school day is like at that college.

Lindsay

I would advise students to not be afraid to try new things or to take different classes or join new groups because you never know where you will find yourself and sometimes it takes a long time to figure out what you really love. i would advise parents to always encourage their kids to try new things because with the right motivation, kids will get themselves out there and figure out who they are.

FRANK

From the experience I have had in college for three years I would advice prospective college students to ask theirselves why are they going to college? To me if you are able to answer this kind of simple question that means you are on the right path, all prospective students should know college can determine what they want to be in the future so they should be able to know what they want in life and how they want the future to be. Knowing this will help them choose the right course and be happy about what they learn in school and motivate them from the very first day they set their foot on college campuses. Also they should have set goals to become prosporous in their academic work by getting exposed to all campus resource to know how each function and how it can aid in their academic work

Meagan

Find a school that fits and welcomes you. When I say "fit", I mean size and the kind of community that makes the school. Prospective students should shadow a current student if possible. When prospective students see the school in a different way other than a normal tour, they can make a better decision as to whether the school in question is right for them. Personally, Towson was not my first choice. I wanted to go to University of Maryland, College Park. Now that I am at Towson, I don't want to leave. Maryland is too big for me. My classes have at most 20 students, which allows me to have more one-on-one time with my teacher if need be. Feeling welcome on your campus is important too. Look for diverse clubs and extra cirricular activities. We have a Black Student Union, and an LGBT Alliance (Lasbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans.) If organizations like this are important, then find a school that has these! Talking with an advisor of a college university may help with decision making. They can answer any questions you may have that the university's website or information packets may not answer.

Laura

Visit as many colleges as possible. Go somewhere that has many majors and a lot of oppurtunities for the student. It is a good idea to pick a college with many majors that the student would be interested in in case they change their mind. Diversity and new ideas are important, so don't stay in your comfort zone. Make new friends, involve yourself in new oppurtunities and keep an open mind. Don't commute.

Kristyn

Follow your heart. If you know what you want to do, find a college that can get you there. I wanted to teach and I went to one of the best teacher colleges in the country. Also remember that college is about truly discovering and establishing who you are as an individual. You come in one way and come out another. There is no right or wrong answer as long as you find a way to do what you are passionate about. Once you can do that, everything else will fall into place. Good luck!

Danielle

College is what you make it. Find one that is good for the major that your're interested in but also one that uyou can enjoy. There's no sense in going to a school where you won't enjoy yourself. Coming in as a freshman, you have to make the effort to meet people and attend events going on on campus. Nothing and no one will automatically come to you. That's true for anywhere that you go. Be involved. Getting involved is how you meet people and make the most of college. Focus and get help from teachers when you need to. It's not like high school where teachers keep tabs on you. Just enjoy it while you can. It's better to try and say you don't like something than to wonder what could've been or what you should have done. Seize the opportunity to do it.

Chelsea

The best advice that I could give to prospective college parents and college students would be to start early. It is never to early to begin planning for the future. It is important that both the parents and students are not only satisfied but excited about their college choice. Taking college tours is a vital part of finding the right college. Without experiencing the campus and its student life beforehand, there is no way to tell if its a good fit. As far as making the most of the entire college experience, living on-campus is without hesitation, the most important element. Towson is a large commuter school, and is subsequently very disconnected. Without living on campus for my first two years, I would have never made the good friends that I have now and experienced the Towson area like I have. Living on campus allows students to be independent while in a safe environment. This new found independence for students is an intergral part of growing up as it prepares them for the real world.

Kelly

I would tell them to make sure if the student has to pay for their own college, then the parent doesn't claim him/her on their taxes the year before because otherwise it makes it impossible to get a loan from the government through the FASFA because of the parent's income. Other than that, don't take college for granted because it's an opportunity that most people can't have and it can get you further in life if you stick it out.

Lyndsay

Go on a college visit, ask students what they think of the program you're considering, make sure they have alternate programs that interest you in case you decide to change majors and pursue a different career.

Amy

College Selection Advice: Make sure you get the size of the school and the location right, after that - the experience is all what you make it. :)

Brittany

Make sure you go and visit the campus, maybe even spend a night there before you decide.

Evan

it really depends on the individual's personal interests; what kind of social environment do they like, what are they interested in? if they can identify a passion, that is the best place to start, pick a place you will feel comfortable and do what you love and most everything else will fall into place accordingly

Kat

Find a good college that fits your liking

Katy

Find a good balance between school and social life. If you're not studying and learning enough, then there's not point in going to college, but if you're not having fun, then you'll most likely drop out because you're going to be completely miserable.

Kelsey

I would tell students to visit the campus and get the feel for it. When I first walked onto my universities' campus, I felt a feeling of comfort and warmth. I felt like I belonged there. I would advise students to visit a campus and try and picture themselves there and in that environment. Take a gander at the extracurriculars and sports clubs and activities on campus. Participate in a college tour and possibly partake in a shadowing experience. This place will be your home for the next nine months; your second home.

Charles

Ask the students on campus if they like attending the college. Who else is better to ask then the students themselves. Look if the college has a great education standard. Also check to see if those who gradurated has a very successful job.

Alisa

It is important you find a school that is the right size for you. Also, make sure they have good degree programs and encourage internships and studying abroad.

Miranda

In aiding a child to select a university or find one yourself, it is important to make a conscious effort to visit the campus. While guided tours are offered and very valuable, it is also important to wander the campus alone. This will give you a real feel. Sit in on a class or listen outside to see if what could possibly be your future professor is working at a pace you can follow and is conducting class in a manner that will engage you as a learner. Visiting the dorms and eateriest is also vitally important because your school doesn't end at the classroom door. Finding out how crowded vital resources like stores, laundry rooms and eateries are as well as the selections they offer will help you better determine how happy you'll be on campus aside from the educational process. Lastly, find the student hall or union on campus and browse. Notice the people, the flyers and a calendar. See what is going on on campus and if it is something you would want to envolve yourself in. If classes are Monday thru Friday, you'll definately need weekend entertainment or a study group!

Kelly

Parents and/ or students looking to find the right college need to really think about what program they want to do. Going to a school with many options gives you the ability to change majors while trying to find the right path for you. Once in college you must learn to time manage so that you socialize, study, and do extracuricular activities. If your able to balance all aspects of your life college will be an amazing time for you. Students need to understand that they are the ones who need to make the choice of which college, dont let your parents force you into a field or school you dont want to attend.

Jenna

Make sure to visit different types of schools to make sure you know what kind appeals to you. Also apply to alot so you have alot of options. You should also spend a day in the area to make sure that what you see is what you want to live in for possibly four years of your life.

Kelly

The best piece of advice I could give to parents and students is to visit the college for more then a few hours. Stay the entire day, or even better, for the weekend. You can get a much better feel for what the college and surrounding community is all about. Also, ask questions like "What is the average amount of time it takes for students to graduate?" I never thought of this when I was applying to colleges, but it is a serious issue! At my school, it takes 5.5 years for the average student to graduate. Statistics like these can uncover inside secrets that schools don't want prospective students to know about!

Jessica

The most important advice I could give to parents and/or students is that they should take as much time as they need to find the right college for the student. Most students don't take enough time to research different schools, or parents pressure the student to pick a college that the parent wants the student to attend. The student needs to pick a college that THEY want to attend. After all, the parent is not the one who will be attending the college. Students should not be pressured to pick a school right away.

Katey

College is what you make it. No matter where you go, it can always be one of the greatest experiences of your life.

Diana

Research the college and make sure it has the degree and programs you want. Visit the school and talk to students there to find out the cool things to do and what they like about the school. Be open to making friends and to new things. You only live once, don't do something just because you don't feel like it, you'll never know what you are missing.

Sam

Visit every college you apply to and make certain you know the student body you will be apart of before attending a university.

Victoria

Decide what size school you want to goto first. My choices were University of Maryland- CP and Towson. I went to Marryland and absolutely hated it. The classes were too big, teachers didn't care and it just wasn't fun. Look for schools that are in a nice area of town, safety is really important espcially if you have to take those night time classes. Also lookat what you can get involved in on campus and try and find groups to go talk to and see what they are all about. Number one thing though...take a tour. The guides aren't going to lie to you and you get to really see what people are doing on campus, not just looking at glorified pictures that makes the campus look nice.

Danielle

I would suggest to parents and/or students that finding the right college in the beginning is essential. While transfering is always an option, leaving one school to go to another is a hassle, credits are lost and you would have missed that prime time when freshman meet their friends who are usually life long friends. Also, it is essential to consider the cost of a school because if you cannot afford it or the loan does not cover it, it can be stressful on the family and the student throughout the school year. So searching for scholarships is extreamly important and joing a few organizations is always a good thing. Being involved at your school can maximize your college experience and even help a person cope with home sickness, meeting new friends and making the best out of their college experience.

Jennifer

When you walk ontpo the campus that is meant for you, you will get a feeling that it is the right one. Go with that feeling and reach your dreams!

Trevor

I would say that students really need to think about what it is that they want out of their college expeirence. Is the student simply looking to meet similar people and get out with a degree or are they trying to ad more diveristy into their life? Students need to look at size, location and makeup of a universtiy as well as the offered programs to help decide what will best fit them and what will allow them to feel at home and thrive.