Truman State University Top Questions

Ask your friends and parents for advice, but don't be compelled to choose a school based on other people. Visit and research every school, and then pick the school where you feel that you really belong. Get to know current students, and think about whether they are people that you could see yourself becoming friends with. Also, don't pick a school just because it has a great program in your desired major. Make sure that you choose a college that has many strong programs; most people end up changing their major after they matriculate.

Travel around and visit college campuses before applying/accepting to get a better feel for what you are looking for. Attend a school for YOU, not for your best friend or significant other. When looking for a school, note the school's reputation, location, cost, and student/teacher ratio. Study hard--it's school for a reason!--but take time for yourself and making friends. Keep an open mind towards your peers and their beliefs, but remember where you came from and what you value/believe in. Save money when you can, journal when you can, and take pictures when you can. Working towards a goal in extracurricular activities (volunteer, athletics, etc.) does wonders in the name of self-accomplishment as well. If/when you have trouble in a class or with an assignment, visit the professor; he/she will usually appreciate that you took the time and effort to learn. It is better to ask and be correct than to guess and potentially be incorrect. Best of luck!

Visit as many colleges as you can. That is the only real way to know what you want. When you walk through a campus and it just feels right, then it is. Don't overthink it and go with your gut feeling. I am not saying don't take other factors into consideration, but it really comes down to where you feel right. If you don't get a great feeling on the campus, don't force it. To make the most of your college experience, you have to get invovled. There are so many activities to do on any campus and it is super easy to get involved! The friends you make in college are great friends that are going through the same things you are. Another thing that will help you get the most out of college is to take advantage of all the opportunities there are. Do research, go to fake interviews, take free practice standarized tests, go to the on campus concerts and game nights...there are so many ways to meet people and have a great time!

When finding the right college, I think it is important to choose a school that has a strong general studies program, like the Liberal Studies Program. This program will immerse students in classes that stretch over varies areas of study beyond what they are taking for their major. It will help their critical thinking skills and make them well rounded. In making the most of their experience, I would tell students to get involved. Colleges offer many organizations and discussion groups, so it would be easy to find one that expresses a certain hobby or interest. Service and social fraternities/sororities can help students to find other students who share similar interests and they can form a bond that can last a lifetime. If you are interested in music, many schools offer choirs and bands that you do not have to tryout for. College is what you make of it. By studying hard and finding a good, close-knit group of friends, it can be one of the best experiences of your lifetime.

The single most important factor in choosing the right college is identifying your goals, whether they be financial, career/professional, personal development, or some other kind. The school I attended for my undergraduate degree focuses more on developing and nurturing responsible citizens through an emphasis on the Liberal Arts rather than training students in how to find or do specific jobs. While this is a drawback in some ways, it aligned with my personal goals. The same could not be said for someone with different priorities. So, once you've established the goals that are most important to you, you have to go shopping for a school that complements those goals. Making the most of your college experience is a bit easier, and it's two-fold: do your work to the best of your ability, and have fun. My school was very small and located in a rural part of northeast Missouri, so social and cultural opportunities didn't abound on their own, but it taught me how to entertain myself and make good, lifelong friends.

I would advise them to be thorough during their searches, and be sure to visit with the specific professors in their fields. Also, start early in applying. It can actually save time, money, and energy.

I didn't start looking for schools until I was a senior in high school. I was overwelmed that year, because I did not have a chance to visit all of the schools that I wanted. Start visiting possible schools during your junior year in high school so that you have plenty of time to make final decisions during your senior year. When I applied for schools, I didn't know what questions to ask. Find out what resources will be available to help you once you are in college. Talk to professors who will be teaching your major classes. Sit in on a class. Most importantly, talk to current students - they will be able to tell you how the residential life, academic life, extra-curricular life, and general feel of the school is. As them what their biggest advice in choosing a school would be. Finally, I am a very faithful Christian. If you pray about the decision and trust that wherever you end up is the right place, it will make the search for a school much easier. It took me two years to realize that the school I ended up at was absolutely perfect.

The selection process can be overwhelming. Know what you want. Small town or big city? Large or small campus? Strong athletic college or strong academic college? Price is also a big factor. My choice was easier because I knew that I wanted a small campus in a small town that had a large focus on academics and encouraged teaching rather than research from faculty. Once you know what you want, finding the perfect college is much easier. Be sure to utilize resources. Almost every college will be happy to send you information if you only ask. Making the most of your college experience can be done several ways. Some students find happiness with Greek life. For me, meeting people who are different from myself and learning about them has made my college experience amazing. I have made friends with International students who come from all over the world. These people have really made my experience better than I ever expected socially. Academically, just remember that professors are always willing to help. You can talk to professors about hard classes or even life decisions. They are valuable resources.

When choosing a school you should consider what will be condusive to learning and working, as well as be a place where you can live for 4 years. You should visit the campus because pictures can be deceiving as well as meet the professors and talk to the students; they will have the real scoop on the school. Find out about the school's plans for the next few years, like tuition cost changes, room/board, or meal plan changes; look into anything that could affect you after you enter the school. Don't worry if you choose a school and then change your mind. You're spending too much money not to like where you're going!

Visit the college first and talk to as many students as you can.

Pay attention to tuition and room and board costs. Money matters because you don't really want to graduate with thousands upon thousands of dollars in loans. A lot of people these days have to go on to graduate school so spending ridiculous amounts of money on undergraduate school is not advised. Also, get involved on campus. Find something that interests you and meet some new people. It looks good on resumes and makes college more enjoyable.

I would say that the best advice that I can give to parents and students out there about finding the right college and having the best experience possible is simply to not doubt your own potential. Many students coming out of high school think that they could never succeed at a particular college or that certain universities are too hard. Who here thinks they could make a 4.0 at Yale, right? I personally think that it is possible for almost anyone to do so, given that you put in the work and believe that you can succeed. That thought might scare some; they might fear that the amount of work necessary would ruin their college experience and hamper their social life. Not true. Even at the most buttoned down university there's always time to hang out, have fun, and let off steam. Don't let your fears or misconceptions of college life stop you. College isn't for the elite only, and it's better to push yourself to new heights than to wind up picking a college that you are entirely overqualified for.

Visit the school and talk to students who currently attend that school.

Parents and students looking to find the right college and make the most of the college experience can feel overwhelmed by the multitude of factors to weigh, but they can make the best decision for themselves by avoiding the three R?s of college pitfalls: region, rankings, and regrets. First, many students and parents, fearful of separating themselves by a great distance, consider only colleges falling within a predetermined range, typically those that can be driven to within a single afternoon. Students and parents should realize they are closing the door to hundreds of opportunities by not looking beyond this artificial boundary. Secondly, many are susceptible to placing too much weight on colleges? rankings. These rankings are based on attributes of the school that may not ultimately matter to the student. The absolute best way to know if a school is right is visiting the campus and imagining being a part of that community. Lastly, once at college, there is no room for regrets. Students should not mistake occasional loneliness for a bad college decision. Students who miss their homes and friends should make homes of their own on campus and become involved in extracurriculars to form lifelong friendships.

Go to the campus! You can never tell what the right school is until you go see it for yourself.

I would suggest that you check out any college that fits the criteria of what you're looking for, and don't be afraid to look at some that may fall slightly outside of your criteria. It turns out that I was just humoring my mom when we went to look at the University I ended up deciding to attend. I would also recommend that you choose at least one fun class each semester so that you remain interested and mentally stimulated in college, because sometimes the courses you have to take can start to drag you down. Definitely make an effort right away to try out several clubs, sports or organizations that interest you so you can find friends, but don't get so involved that you burn out too quickly. Of course academics are really important, and the reason why you go to college, but I wish I had sometimes made more time for a social life. Try to find a good balance.

Don't get too caught up in "shopping" for colleges. Find a place where you will be motivated to work hard and one that won't leave you paying student loans for years.

Trust your gut. There are so many different variables that can make a college a perfect fit for some students and a disaster for others. Most of these differences have nothing to do with the statistics in all those brochures you get in the mail. In most cases, you'll be able to tell which college is right for you by visiting campus and seeing how you feel. Does this college feel like home for a while? Do I fit in here politically, religiously, or ethnically? Do the students really look as diverse and happy as the pictures on the website would have me believe? If the campus or the community just doesn't feel right on a brief visit, how would you expect to live there for a long period of time with the added complications of classes and homework? If your gut instinct is telling you this college just doesn't feel right, then trust your gut.

When searching for the right college, parents and students should take into consideration factors that will affect the student's overall well-being. For example, what kind of social climate does the student want? How much will this cost parents and students, and what kind of financial aid or employment opportunities are available to students? Is the environment conducive to the social and educational needs of the student? Do the mission and values of the institution match the student's goals and personal values? There are many factors to consider when trying to find the right college. In order to make the most of the college experience once they have chosen the a college, students should make connections as early as possible. Get to know your classmates, professors, RAs, and the people you live with on campus. Go to interest meetings for Greek Life, service organizations, clubs, discussion groups and forums, and other campus events. Get to know the community you live in, both on and off campus. Be aware of the resources that are available to you, and remember to have FUN, to LEARN, and to GROW!

When looking at schools, find a school that, when you're there, feels like you're at home. Of course, make sure the school has the degree program that you want , but if you don't see yourself living, studying, playing, praying, napping, eating, and smiling there, it's probably not for you. You have to find a school that you can call your second home - where you can see yourself feeling comfortable making friends, joining organizations, and doing well in classes. While an excellent degree program and superior research facilities are important, if you're not happy with the personality of the school and your classmates, are you really living the college experience? College is a time to learn a particular subject, but you also learn how to grow as a person and find what your passions are in life. Go with your gut instinct of where you can find that passion!

When searching for the right place to spend the next four years of your life as a college student, it is important to try to find a school that matches the personality of the student. So many factors can be considered here: a student's interests, preference in living arrangements, setting, level of motivation, and many others. If you can find a college that has a similar personality to the student, you can be confident that the student will be comfortable and flourish there. This will help the student take advantage of the opportunities the school has to offer, meeting new people and making lifelong friends, and getting the most out of the college experience in general. That setting will give a student confidence necessary to succeed after graduation, whether entering the workforce or further education.

go and look at each place before you make a decision. Try to list priorities and only look at schools that fit the most important ones, it is pointless to attend a huge school because you think the campus is pretty if you know you need to have smaller class sizes and interaction with professors to keep your grades up. Always list pros and cons, research each school try to find what classes they offer, extra-curriculars, what is in town, and rules and policies. Once you get to college, mix in fun classes with requirements, stay on campus at least your first semester, try to interact with as many people as possible, join groups you know you will enjoy. Always persue your interests, if it turns out a group or class is not working for you, you can find a different group and register for a different class, and always try new things, thats one of the great things about college, there are tons of new opportunities!!!

Don't go home every weekend! Use your freshman year and the orientation programs implemented to get involved, meet new people, and stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone. You will learn more, find a great network of friends and a support group, and lead a balanced life. In finding the right college, look at the whole picture, the academic programs, class sizes, tuition, campus community and extracurriculars, and the setting of the college itself. Make sure that the University's goals match your own (as far as being more research based--big classes, world reknown professors, etc... or teaching based--small class sizes, expert professors but not necessarily leading world figures, etc...) and that the environment offers you the comfort and enrichment that you are looking for (state of the art museums in the community?, rural versus big city? visiting orchestras and plays?).

First, the student has to pick the school based on how it feels to THEM. Parental support is very important but if the student is going to the school to please his/her parents, the outcome will be bad. Second, you can't buy your job. Simply put, just because a school is more expensive doesn't mean that it is a better school or that it will "guarantee" you a job after graduation. A degree is a degree, no matter how much it costs. Finally, once you get there, get involved!! You will discover so much about yourself. You will make so many friends and connections for the future and it will make or break your experience. College is about adventure and growth - take advantage of it while you can!

I would tell students to find the college that makes them feel that most at ease and comfortable. I would also tell students to evaluate what they are looking for in a college. For example, students should try and figure out what they want to do with their lives and try and find a school that matches their desires but has enough variety in case they change their minds. In order to make the most out of the college experience, I would encourage students to try new things and try not to depend on home too much. Students should try all kind of things that they think they might enjoy, whether it be the equestrian team or a fraternity or sorority. I think that parents should trust their children and support their child's desicions. College is whatever you make it - the student is in control. If the students has a good attitude, he or she will have a better experience. Parents need to help encourage a good attitude and get students excited about attendting college. All in all, students should be proud of the college they choose and want to encourage others to share their same great experience!

My biggest advice to going to a college would be to to to that college completely because of what you want to do. Don't look at your friend and go there because they are. Go to the school because it is what fits your wants and needs most. Tour the college and dont' be afraid to try new things!

Finding the right school is not merely about money or prestige. The right school is one that has a little bit of everything that you are interested in- from research to extracurriculars to courses. It is the best combination of scholarship and community- because, as any professor will tell you, several of the lessons you learn in college occur outside of the classroom. Once you find the school, your college experience is not about grades or socializing- it is finding a balance between work and play, realizing that failures are a part of life that everyone must endure, and that priorities really do change as you grow up. To maximize your college experience, you need to take risks and be willing to fail, knowing that at least you can have the satisfaction of trying something new, and learning how to do it better the next time. It is taking courses that you find interesting, even if you may not get an A, it is being in organizations that have nothing to do with helping you succeed because you enjoy them, and it is finally realizing that the best years of your life don't have to end here.

Choose the college you feel most comfortable at. Consider your surroundings and the demographic.

get involved in studies AND other activities!

When choosing a school, make sure you really examine all the options available to you. Don't automatically choose what feels the most comfortable or safe. I chose my school because I was too afraid to consider anywhere else. I chose what was comfortable, and I regre it. College is a time to disover who you are and step out of your shell. The way to make the most out of your college experience is to step outside the box. Someone once told me to do something everyday that makes you feel uncomfortable. It's the only way to truly learn what you enjoy and what you don't. Otherwise one lets preconceived ideas and emotions rule, thus restricting one's ability to grow as a person.

Don't ever make your final college decsion based on the price tag, unless you can also place a price on your dignity and sanity

It's not always a good thing to base everything on cost. For example, Truman is one of cheapest, if not the cheapest, 4-year universities in the midwest, but it's academic standards are really high. Truman also expects more from their students than just making the grade, especially if you have a university scholarship( there is a scholarship hour service requirement). Campus diversity is also important not just for interaction with other types of people, but the more diverse the more chances you have to branch away from what's comfortable and try something new.

Apply even when you don't think you can get in, because chances are taking a rick and getting to pick the college of your dreams is better than wishing for four or more years that you had done things differently. Don't be afraid to go out and make friends, try new things and learn outside of the classroom. Learning doesn't end when we close the books!!!

It's okay to let yourself be scared for a little while, but don't let it paralyze you. Don't let your fear prevent you from making the college choice that's right for you, and that will help you grow the most -- and don't allow fear to keep you from exploring.

If you don't know what you want to do, explore your options. Actually, I'd say explore your options anyway. If things get overwhelming, slow down or take a break. Do at least one internship, if not more. Try to get involved, but not outrageously so.

I would suggest to make sure you start looking early and visit often. Visit every school you apply to.

Pick the school with the best academic record that is also affordable. Talk to some of the professors and students on campus (that do not lead the campus tours). If you have any inkling of areas that you want to study, make sure that your school is strong in those disciplines.

Do not get overwhelmed by the process. Start by figuring out concrete things you want in a school to help narrow down the list of many, many schools. Then look at those schools in length. If possible, talk to students who are currently there, ones you know through someone, not people recommended by the school. The people who give tours and work for admissions are supposed to make the school look great, but if you talk to a different student, and ask for their honest opinion, you will get a more realistic view of the school and if you will fit well at that school. Just remember that every school if different, some will be a good fit, others won't. Do not get frustrated, you will find the right school, just don't stress over it.

I would highly advice highschool students planning to go to college to begin their search around the time they end their sophmore year so as to give themselves ample time to get everything in order as far as grades and establishing a strong background in terms of extracurricular activities. Take it in strides so as not to tire yourself out. Also, if something feels right, give it a shot even if your parents turn a mean eye to it.

College is not a means to an end. The university is an experience which should encourage the exploration of self, expose the student to new ideas and prospectives, and facilitate mental, spiritual, and social growth. The opinions of current and former students as well as the strength of the extracurricular support structure should be as much of a consideration as any academic ranking. The environmental characteristics of any college under evaluation should also be weighed against the student's preference, be it urban, suburban, or rural, large or small student body, emphasis on athletics, and so on. Take the name on the threshold with a grain of salt ; ivy league does not necessarily equate to a wholistic experience and quality education. These are dependent upon the student's disposition: you get out of it what you put into it. Satisfaction with one's environment heavily influences this attitude. As a final note, strive to remove (or delay) the financial burden from the student as much as possible, through scholarships, loans, and fellowships. Avoid requiring supplemental income (a job), so that the student can focus on the experience and their studies. You only get four years (five if you're lucky)!

To students I would advise that you pick a school that feels right to you but that you can afford. You don't want to be worried about your financial situation your entire college career. The bottomline truth is, college is a blast no matter where you go so find a school that fits and make the best of every situation. Get involved early, you really can not ever meet too many people. Everyone has something to offer, you just have to give them the time to find out what. As far as advive to parents, I might not be the most qualified but from what I observed, watching the firsh child leave is the hardest no matter how much trouble they caused you. After that it get alot easier. Also, if your son/daughter does not call you for a week that doesn't mean their mad at you, they're just really busy. It is probably actually a good thing because it means they have adjusted well. Finally, trying to enforce the same rules, the summer after freshman year, as there were in high school normally does not fly. There has to be some compromise from both parties.

Visit many different campuses. This will really help you see what you like and don't like. If you can, stay the night in the town and get a feel for it. You may fall in love with it. Apply to many different places, even if you don't think you'll get accepted. Use the promise of money from other schools to get more money out of your possible school. Try you're hardest at everything you do. Fill out as many scholarship applications as possible. Go to interest meetings for different groups/clubs--they could turn out to be the best thing you ever did. Most importantly, do things becasuse you would like to do them. Don't let others tell you what you like. If you don't think for yourself, then you will not be as happy later in life. Live for today as well as for tomorrow.

It's hard to know what kind of college you want to attend to before you go. Pick whichever one you think is best for you. The important part is once you're there. One you are at college, it is up to you as a student to make it work. Join activities, talk to people in your classes, in your dorm, do whatever you need to do to meet people and make friends so that you feel comfortable there. Give it a chance. If you need help with classes don't try to handle it alonbe, go speak to teachers/tutors, etc. Only if you go to college with a good attitude and an open mind will you enjoy it. College should feel like your home away from home.

When I was looking for a University to attend, I was just looking for affordability, but there is so much more to consider. The best way to find out if a university is the right fit would probably be to ask the students currently attending the university you are considering. If you know your major, see if you can find someone with the same major. This is probably one of the best things someone could do it find out if a school was right for them because they would be able to communicate with someone similar to them and understand the time commitment and other responsibilities. I also think it is important to look at statistics about the students? graduation rate and the number who receive employment upon graduation. It is also really important to look into the organizations available because getting involved makes the college experience really enjoyable. My final piece of advice would be to visit the school so that students can get a feel for atmosphere and even the weather. I developed terrible allergies when I went to college, and last year students renamed my university the ?Arctic Tundra? because it snowed a lot.

I would tell parents to listen to their kids. It happens so often that parents want their kids to fulfill some fantasy they have about visiting their kids or going to dinner together. At my school, the surrounding town, let's say, leaves something to be desired. The hottest hang out for locals is the Wal-Mart on the main drag. My parents weren't too excited when we came to visit when I was a junior, but they knew I loved the school, so they supported me anyway. I would tell the kids to pay attention to the college students on campus when you visit. Do they look happy? Are they interacting with those around them? Those were important questions for me. Think about the ideal college for you and don't settle for anything less. It might even been helpful to make a list of some characteristics you're looking for and bring that with you on your visits. Once you're in school, make sure to join some kind of organization. It's a lot more fun if you know people in passing around campus. That's one of my favorite things around here!

I would remind students to remember their values so that they do not lose themselves when they go to school, but define themselves further.

Go where you want to go not where others think you should go.

As for finding the right college, the most important thing is that it feels right for you. Different colleges will have a different feel for different people. One college is not right for everyone, but there is one college that is right for you. The best way to discover this is by visiting many different types of colleges, staying overnight there, researching about their pros and cons, and reflecting on which one you feel fits you best. As for making the most out of the college experience, there are many things that can help you get the most out of it. First of all, going to campus events is one big way to get alot out of the college experience. They are fun, though-provoking, and a good time. Fraternities and sororities are a good way to establish a sense of fellowship, but are not necessary. Joining clubs and other organizations can serve the same purpose. Being a part of some sort of group is important, not only for meeting other people, but also for making you feel like you are a part of something. It only comes around once, so give it your all and don't give up.

I would advise parents and students to consider first and foremost who the student is and what they hope to become, assessing which colleges would cater most fully to those areas. They should examine the student's learning strengths and weaknesses in this process, analyzing environments in which the student thrives. Students should seek a college experience that will challenge them, develop their confidence in vital areas of work and social life, and encourage them to think beyond themselves and work for the good of humanity and the environment. Secondly, students and parents should have a monetary strategy, factoring in all costs, evaluating their ability to pay within a reasonable period, and considering the type of lifestyle the student would like to achieve after graduation. Finally, I would advise them to discuss the issue of distance from home with open minds, ideally finding a compromise and taking it into account when choosing a college. To make the most of the college experience, students should stay focused on academics but set time aside for social life and rest, taking opportunities they will only have in college. Parents should be supportive while allowing students to discover their own wings.

Money should not be the deciding factor in finding a college; it should be a place that the student and parent feel comfortable. Go to a visit day or spend the night and sit through some of the classes before you make your final decision. You have to remember that you are picking out a place that you are going to be living for the next 4 to 5 years not just a school to go to, so pick wisely. Do your homework; I know that?s what everyone tells you, find out what you can about all the colleges you want to go to, it will give you a chance to show your parents that you are responsible and that you know what you are talking about. Lastly don?t just pick out one college, have a list of at least 4 possible choices just in case the first choice doesn?t work out.