University of Memphis Top Questions

Visit the college. Shadow a student or two. Talk to the professors. Go with someplace that gives you a shot at your future goals.

I think a lot of people come to this school because of its location, but not for the level of education it provides. I would tell all parents and students to MAKE sure this is where you want to go. Also, have a plan on paying for college. My parents had nothing saved and I was .25 points away from being able to get a transfer scholarship. I have over $20,000 in student loan debt. With the steadily falling economy it is scary to think that the promising future I hoped for will not help me at all with my debt. Be smart about your education!

Always visit several schools before making your decision. It's important to feel comfortable in your enviornment. Get involved; it's always fun to meet new friends. Make sure that your classes are chosen properly, and your financial aid (if you are recieving it) is correct; don't be afraid "nag" or "bug" the people in Administrative positions.

In finding the right college the first thing I would suggest would be to do financial aide and make sure that you can afford the college that you are choosing. After entering college to make the most of put education first ( that is what your there for), dont party too much, and make as many friends as you can because once your done with college everythings changes. College is a learning and growing experience so study hard, party sometimes, and build lasting relationships.

Do not buy books from the bookstore on campus, or off campus; go online to buy books.

Make sure that the culture of both the campus and the city it is located in are positive for the student, spend more than a day checking out the campuses. Do research on the costs and benefits of going to a school: cost vs. financial aid, living costs, job opportunities (both during school and after graduation). Spend time living on campus, at least a semester or two because it is a great way to build bonds that are tough to make in a strictly achedemic atmosphere. Study hard, but make sure to keep an active social life on and off campus.

Parents and students should look at a variety of large, small, public, and private schools. See what the college has planned for the future of the school and students. Does the school look like make an effort to meet and exceed needs and wants of students? A small part-time job makes students feel responsible for their income and spending instead of being spoiled by parents. Parents and kids should keep good communication.

Firstly, college may not be the best choice for everyone. There are several roads people can take during their lives--college being down some of them. You should base your decision off of what you are most passionate about. If college is necessary to get to where you want to be, consider the following scenario. Let us say that where you are right now and where you want to be are divided by a river. College is not a pretty little bridge that will take you to the other side. College IS the river. You have to swim across it. There are three things you should consider when attempting this: time, qualities, and results. With respect to time, consider at which point in your life college best fits. In many cases, it is not directly after high school. Rivers rise and fall with time. With respect to qualities, consider how comfortable each university makes you feel. Swimming across an ice-cold river that races at 200km/h may not be a good idea. With respect to results, consider where each university can take you. Why swim across a river when the other side is not where you want to be?

Do your research. Comply a list of you priorities that you want in a college. Choose the one that meets those or most of them.

First and foremost, I would say don't follow someone to a certian school. Go to the school of your choice. Don't let someone else make this important choice for you. College is about networking and finding out who you are and what you want to be in life. There is a time for studying and a time for play. Make sure you balance these times appropriately to ensure that you do your best with school and not waste time. Reward yourself when you do well in school but remember it's not over until graduation, and even then keep in mind that what you do now can affect what happens down the road.