University of Arkansas Top Questions

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

Brooke

The best advice that I could give a student and their parents is go and look at the school of your choice before you apply. Make sure the academic program is up to your standards and has the degree program that you are interested in. When you are visiting is the best way to find out the atomsphere of the school. Even go and meet some of the professors that you might have and if you find all the things that you are looking for it will make your college experience something you will never forget and never regret!

Hannah

The one advice that I would give to both parents and especially students when it comes to finding the right college and also being able to make the most out of their college experince is find a school that fits you! Find a school that you are comfortable with, a school that offers what you want and has the potential to be the catalist to the rest of your life. For the students, this is the next big step in your career, experiences and life. Make it what you want it to be, what you have always dreamed of and what you want out of your future. And for the parents, find a school that you know your child is comfortable with but at the same time that you know they will be taken care of. We all know that you want whats best for your children and you have to be comfortable as well. Both parents and children go and be active in your choices, research your schools, visit them. Be happy with what you find and what you decide, this is a great time in your life, take ahold of it and let it lead to untold possibilities.

Whitney

If given the opporutnity to advise a family through the college selection process, I would tell them exactly what I wish someone had told me. I would tell the student to look deep in their heart before deciding on a major. I would tell them to ignore what anyone else has imposed upon them and remind them that they will have to remain happy with this decision for the rest of their life. I chose a major my parents were comfortable with and am now spending time and money back tracking to achieve what I want in life. I would then tell their parents to brace themselves and trust that their money will not be wasted. If the student studies a subject they are passionate about, more than likely they will excel. With a major in mind, the proper school, fitting both educational and financial needs will appear. Reach for the stars though; for where there is a will, there is a way. Billions of dollars are available in scholarships in the U.S. each year and will remain available until students reach out and decide to to honestly persue their dreams.

Jessica

Selecting the right college is a tough decision. I advise all potential college students and their parents to do heavy research, which is easy to do today because we have the internet! No matter what major your parents would prefer you to study, please pick one that you are most interested in. You will be in college for 4 or more years, and studying in the field you love the most is crucial to your success in school. Become very familiar and friendly with your department's faculty, often you will find yourself in a situation such as attempting to get into an over enrolled class or financial aid advice and your faculty will be a tremendous help. While you do need to work hard, make sure to involve yourself in programs on campus whether it is assisting bringing in guest lecturers or going to a free concert on campus. This will not only relieve class related stresses but you will meet new people and perhaps even meet an icon of yours that influenced you to be in the field of study you chose to be in.

Stephanie

Find a place that is the right size and has the right sense of community. Also, be proactive about getting involved and making friends...the earlier the better! A great college experience is unforgetable!

Nancy

College is about new experiences and meeting new people. Education is obviously so important but so are friends.

Lauren

Study hard but make time for socializing and enjoying the college experience! Get involved in campus activities and class discussions. You only get to do it once :)

Jon

If I could give parents and students advice about choosing the right college it would probably be to take your time. Make sure to have a back up school just in case you 're not accepted into your first choice. Also if you are wanting to attend a big school and want to have a lot of friends and a great social life it would be in your interest to join a fraternity or sorority; if not then it would be wise to go to a somewhat smaller school thats not so dependent on Greek Life. College is a great experience to meet new people, and what students love the most, being on your own. So go to class make good grades and live it up while your here because it goes by quick and before you know it you'll be graduating again.

Rodolfo

There are always going to be several factors that go into play when individuals go out to seek the right college. My adivce to those that are seeking the right school is to not just resort to the school's sugar coated website. Of course the website is going to appear very appealing to viewers. It is almost a fact that one will never find a negative detail of the university of the website. For this reason, one should always schedule a guided tour of the campus. The major advantage of an actual tour of the campus is that one can have a first-hand glance at the atmosphere of the campus, the students, and how positive or not positve the campus makes you feel overall. This overall feeling that the campus gives you should also give you an idea on how much potential one has at having the best college experience. A good overall feeling from the first impressions of the campus is a good start. Ensure a maximum college experience by going to meet & greets and getting to know your professors. Remember though a good college experience mainly consists of acedemic excellence.

Rachel

Parents and students need to keep in mind that everyone is different and every school is different. Pick the one that fits you best and have a great time while in school! Stay focused on acedemics but also get super involved in as much as you can because this is the best time of your life. When picking schools, it's okay to be worried about money and location, but at the end of the day choose what will make you the happiest and don't worry about where everyone else is going.

Hannah

If I were to give some advice to parents and/ or students about college, I would have to advise that in order to find the right college and to make the most of the whole college experience, one should always be open-minded. Throughout the whole process, being open-minded will help both parents and students adjust to college life and enable them to make the most out of the experience. Also, having an optimistic outlook is a key to success for college for parents and students. With open-mindedness and optimism, parents and students will be able to be stress free and worry free, which will help both enjoy the moments and experiences that a family goes through together in college.

Ashley

Finding the right college is a difficult process. I struggled throughout my first two years of school. I tried to get involved and tried to be active, however, I knew that I wasn't happy. I finally decided to come to the University of Arkansas. It was the best decision I have made. You need to be somewhere that truly makes you happy and this place does. Don't worry about making anyone else happy. Base your college decision on your needs and on your passions. Having the courage to get involved has helped me so much. Making yourself get out there and meet people is key. Also, declaring a major will help to make friends quickly. You have classes with many of the same people each semester and this helps to ensure lasting friendships.

Ashley

Visit the campus. Spend some time with your advisor, teachers and in the buildings of your school. Make sure you feel comfortable on the campus, in the buildings, and with the people around you.

Kate

Find a college that has lots of ways you can get involved.

McKenzi

All parents and students must be sure to explore all college options, do lots of research, and make a educated decision about what school is best for them. Students, make sure not to be influenced by others choices around you. You must pick the place that is best for you, otherwise, you will not be happy.

Micha

To get the most out of your college experience, you should get away from home. This will get you out of your comfort zone an force you to meet new people. If you have trouble meeting people, I would defintely encourge you to join a fraternity or sorority. Just by joining in the greek system, you will automatically have a network of friends, and through those friends you will meet new people. Get involved in other things on campus, such as ASG, VAC, or other programs that might tie into your major. Attend sporting events, even if you aren't that fond of the sport. Just being a part of the student section and cheering gives you a sense of pirde for your school. Look for a college that will push you to your limits and open your eyes to things that you probably would never have considered. Everyone says these are the best days of your life, but that doesn't happen by chance, you have to go and make it spectactular. You only live life once so make the best of it! Don't get in your last year of college and have nothing to show for it!

Jennifer

Parents should attend orientation and campus tours with their student. It is very important that both paretns and students know whta the environment is like.

Hannah

I think parents need to know that, in the end, cost shouldn't be an issue. Loans and scholarships are available everywhere and it is very important that students go where their heart desires. If they go somewhere they are forced, it's very likely that they will not apply themselves as much. For students, you need to choose a school that has programs and activities that you enjoy. You want to be involved in your school and on your campus. This will help you so much in the long run. Also, remember that it is so important that you balance your social life and academics. After you graduate, you will have a transcript that follows to show your academics, but nothing to follow you around saying what parties you went to or how many people you dated. Enjoy school while you are in it. It's so much harder and no where near as fun once you're working. LOVE IT!

Andy

Find out what you want to do or be. Look at the top schools in that field and go to the one that fits your budget the best. If you dont know what you want to do, go to a huge school in your favorite region and do business or computer science.

Trevor

You must look for an affordable school that nurtures your interests and has great professors in your area of study. Take that step forward and become involved in campus activities, because networking is arguably the most important thing that you will gain from college. Much like the stock market, college is an investment and you must choose the college with the best value that will help you grow into the person you hope to become. College is hard work mixed in with wonderful times.

Laurie

When trying to find the right college, parents and students want to look at the students. They can do this by visiting the college and looking at the students' faces and their attitudes. Asking them questions would give them an idea for how the students feel about their school. By asking many different people one can get the same feeling for the school. The future students need to look into the clubs and organizations that the school has and see if they would be interested in any of them. Networking is one of the most important things in college. It can provide a help and support system during and after college. This is a special time in an adult's life. This is where one's life truly begins. Nostalgia can bring a person back to these moments. Learn to do the laundry, don't forget to wear sandals in the showers, stay up all night studying by drinking a lot of coffee, and have fun. One should make the most of this experience because it will not come around again.

Rachel

Don't be afraid to do something outside the box! Explore areas and opportunities that make you nervous because they are the ones that will develop your strengths and show you the potential that you have.

Desiree

Go on tours of the campus look at where your going to be living see how friendly people around campus are, go where ever you feel at home. Parents- you've raised us well so it's time to let go.

Ramie

Make sure that the campus feels comfortable, and that it has the career program that you want. Don't just settle, go for what you want! And don't just think that when things get rough you can just take a semester off and pick right back up as if nothing happened. I tried that and didn't come back for ten years, when I couldn't put it off anymore. And don't skip class, even once, unless you really are sick; those are the days that they spring pop quizzes or bonus points on you!

Lucinda

Being a parent and a student I think that visiting all colleges that you are interested in is very important. Each college has a specialty that they promote. A prospective student should visit the campus, take a tour, spend the night, ask questions, meet current students and even sit in classes. If the prospective student has a learning difficulty they should talk to the councelors on campus to see what is offered as modifications and what is required to receive them. I would research the college of your desired major and see how competitive and sucessful its graduates have been. Talk to an advisor or the dean of the college to get a feel for what is expected and available. Finally, I would check out the housing facilities and the meals. Most of all I would have fun and enjoy the experience of finding the right university . Once you have found the right university for you, I would relax and enjoy the first year experience.

Penelope

In order to find the right college research is a key factor, I think that it is also important to visit the college campuses that you develop an interest in. What looks good on paper and in pictures may not feel right to you once you're actually on campus. Once you've chosen and are in classes take care that you keep up with coursework and have a good relationship with your instructors. But don't forget, while it's important to work hard, make some time for fun as well so that you don't burn yourself out.

Dylan

I would tell them take your time and don't rush. Please visit and attend a class that you are interested in and see how high the education level is. Also, look at the facilities and off-campus surroundings. Make sure everything is available that one will need. Then take it one day at a time. To make the most of a college experience, just do what makes you happy. Don't think you have to study all the time. Relax! Schedule things in an orderly fashion and make sure you can have time with your family and friends. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you have to enjoy what your doing and what you want to do in the future.

Teighynne

For me, it was extremely important that the faculty pay attention to its students. I feel that the environment on campus is vital to making your final decision. You should attend the college that best fits with your personality and expectations. While in college, you should primarily focus on academics, but also be sure to get involved in campus activities. That way, you can make the most of your college experience. It is important to be involved, and to make acceptable grades.