Trinity University Top Questions

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

Lauren

I would recommend to perspective students and parents to take a tour of the campus. I am a tour guide for my university, and I believe that the tour is one of the most important aspects of the college selection process. With a tour perspective students get to see the campus through the eyes of a student, the tour guide. After a while many of the universities all seem the same on paper. But when students actually see the campus and the type of people which attend, then they can start to see if they would fit in or if they could see themselves going there our not. I believe that also talking to the student giving the tour gives a much needed perspective to possible students. The tour guide obviously likes the campus or else would not be giving tours. So teh possible student can talk to the current student to see if they would like the same aspects of the university that the current student does.

Erica

A lot of times, just simply by visiting the institution, it will be evident if you would be happy there. If you are extremely carrer focused, attend a well respected instiution. However, if you are not worried about how good the univeristy you attend is, find a college where you are more likely to be sucessful.

Jenna

Choose a college that feels comfortable and one in which you know you could feel at home . If you have a specific major or area of study in mind make sure the college has all of the necessary requirements you need to complete your desired studies. When assessing the college, make sure an emphasis on the professors' level of involvment and interest with the students is present. Joining extracurricular activities is always a great way to make friends and make a more welcoming environment to be a part of. If the the tuition for the school is expensive and is going to be a stretch for your family to pay for, think hard about your decision because it could cause unneccessary tension in your family situation when you could be just as happy at another, less expensive institution. However, if you are sure that you could not feel at home at any other school, take all the measures towards receiving financial aid.

Meredith

Think about the top three things you want and the top one thing you do not want in a college and find it. As long as you have those four aspects to hold onto, your college career will be great. Don't get caught up in the rush to make friends the first week of classes - just wait it out and soon you'll end up with the people that'll stay in your life long past graduation. Be sure not to become overwhelmed in figuring out what you want to do with your life, that's what college is for - not your first two weeks of freshman year. Most importantly, stay in touch with your family and best friends from back home, you'll need that base to lean on if things get rough.

Nicholas

The mental well being of your son or daughter is something that is often overlooked when looking for colleges. If your son or daughter dose not do well in new situations or away from home, then it might be best to choose a college that is within a few hours driving distance.

Blair

As much as students think that college is about more than academics, that is the only part that counts. The attention that i get from professors that are experts in their field is invaluable. They should go to a small school and focus on making relationships with their professors, that will take them a lot farther than belonging to any fraternity or sorority.

Bill

The biggest thing when selecting a school is realizing many school are quite similar; and quite frankly you may be finding youself having trouble deciding between several. When confronting this situation realize you more than likely cannot make a bad decision. Visit each school, sit in on and class, and make sure you attend a social function; from there make your decesion and don't look back. College will be the greatest time of your life at many places, there isn't just one right fit.

Alex

Student, know thyself. Albeit short, this phrase is rich and powerful and lends to making the most out of one's college experience. Knowing oneself means knowing one's interests allowing one to find the school where one can best develop and refine those interests, as well as discover new ones. Typically, in the process of refining interests through participation in groups, one forms strong friendships with people who may come from completely different walks of life but share a passion for the same interest. It is these friendships that contribute to the best college experience. Parents, encourage your children to believe in themselves. That is, encourage your children to pursue their interests. Do not let your own ambitions for your child cloud your child's personal goals. Ultimately, your child will need to be self-reliant and so allow your child to take responisbility and own their choices. The best thing you can do is to encourage your child to pursue their interests with a passion and work hard at it, whatever it may be. The most fulfilling choice is one that was chosen, worked upon, and achieved by oneself. Through teamwork, you can find the right college.

Clarissa

The only piece of advice I would give parents and/or students is to make sure this is what the student wants, not what the parent, friend, or someone else has pushed onto the student. The key to success in college is to be content with where you are and the people and environment that surrounds you. If the student is unhappy at the university you are attending, I can guarantee they will not do well and probably fall into some kind of depression. So, no matter what you do or where you go, make sure it is what you want and that you are happy with that decision because it can make or break the next four years of your life. Good luck and live it up!!

Kathryn

I would strongly advise (if you can afford it) to visit as many campuses as possible. Don't be afraid to ask current students questions. They are your best resource. Make sure to really get a feel for the living situations you'll be faced with. Sure, it is important to check out the academics, but dorm life and off campus living is really where you'll be spending a lot of your time. Don't rush to make your decision, and when you do, be proud of it. Get to know as many people as possible. You never know who is going to change your life or whose life you might change. Don't be afraid to try new things that seem scary to you. Some of those experiences will be your best experiences. Live in the moment and don't regret any decision you make. They all brought you to where you are now.

Travis

Think about where you'd like to find your best friends, study what you love, and practice your dreams.

Rachel

Pick a school that feels like a good fit for who you are. Many of my friends picked schools based on who they want to be as opposed to who they are, and they were disappointed. If you pick based on what you know you want, rather than what you think you should want, you'll be much happier in the long run. And don't let your parents pressure you into a school!

Kate

Make sure to visit the school your child is interested in (if possible) to make sure it is a good fit. Ask questions and be an active participant in classes and tours you might go on while on a campus visit. Look at financial aid, and weigh the pro's and con's for each school you are considering. Once you make a decision and are at the college, go to all the social events you can in the beginning so you can make a informed decision on which ones to participate in. Talk to your professors and students in your classmates and don't hold back because chances are most of the activities/lectures/classed you attend while at campus are a once in a lifetime opportunity!

Cristina

Visit the schools and go with your gut feelings. Ask any and every question to faculty and students that attend the school. They are all willing to tell you the truth and help you along the way.

Zach

The right college choice isn't so important as everyone makes it out to be. Wherever you go you will be happy if you get our and do things. You've already selected the school, so you have some attachment to it. As for making the most of your experience, the most important thing anyone can do is live for the moment. The here and now is what is important, and if you follow that philosophy, you will be much happier with your life when you are 80 and looking back on everything. Dont think about youre future too much, things will work out the way they are supposed to. But the times you have with your best friends in college won't ever happen again, so enjoy every moment of it.

Ashley

Do research ahead of time to figure out what you want, and go with your gut feeling when you visit the university.

Monica

research early and dont make decisions based on where your friends are. apply for scholarships EARLY and try to get as much money as possible

Hannah

Choosing the right college is never an easy task. I would say that the best way to decide whether or not a college is right for you is to research the college by looking a brochures and the website. andmake sure that the college offers the field of study you are interested in and that it has the extracurriculars you are interested in participating in (sports, greek life, clubs, etc). You should also consider the overall size of the college and where it is located. The most important thing is to visit the campus; this will allow you to get a feel for what the college is actually like. Once you are at your chosen college it's important to find a balance between schoolwork and social life. Involve yourself in clubs that interest you and perhaps the community surrounding the campus. Additionally figure out how much time you need to put aside every day to study and do your homework for class. This way you can do well in school as well do the activities you enjoy. Meet lots of new people and most of all, ENJOY college, it's the best time of your life!

Stephany

Be an open book, but be selective about who you let write on it.