University of Nevada-Reno Top Questions

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

Lauren

To parents I would advise to direct and guide giving their child the opportunity to grow and choose. Remember that you are going to be experienceing so much emotion in letting them go, try not to allow this to effect in the decision. To students I would advise them to remember that all of our choices impact our lives for the long run. So often, I have seen college students think of the now, neglecting the impact that a single choice may have on the rest of their life. Live life for who you were created to be, not who we all so often try to be. College is so much more than an academic experience, it is a time of growth the molds us into the person we are going to become. You look back and years later recognize the effect of a single choice in your life. I would suggest prayer and seeking wisdom from others in your life in choosing a college and living out it's experience.

Anthony

When selecting a college, it is important to find one that is strong in your field, but one that also is diverse in its students and academic programs. Academics should be a strong focus, but book knowledge can only get you so far in the real world. The real world is about getting along with people, pursuing a dream, and fulfilling your own purpose in life. Diversity on campus not only teaches students about other cultures. It helps them to learn more about themselves. The most important part of the college experience is getting to know your fellow students. Study hard, but get involved in activities like clubs and sports. Sometimes it is hard to find time to fit them into your schedule, but one of the happiest people I know is an electrical engineer who plays every intramural sport he can and is on the school?s rugby team. If the art department is showcasing new work, check it out. If the foreign language department is showing a French film, ask if it has subtitles. College is a great time to make lifelong friendships, discover new interests, and broaden your knowledge.

Samantha

When searching for a college the most important step is to visit the campus of the college you are interested in. Arrange a tour to learn about the history of the school and the way things work, but most of all take time to talk with students around the campus. Ask them questions where the answer could perhaps sway your opinion of the school. When you get there, making the most of your college experience is really up to you. From personal experience I would say to take your time. There is no hurry to get through school and if you go at your own pace you will do better. Make as many friends as you can with the students and professors, speak with them outside of class and form lots of study groups. A good way to experience new things is to join a club or a team, but if those are not right for you, go to a different school event every month. Remember that college isn't going to guarantee your foot into a great job, so find an internship program and pick a major that you love, never do it for the money.

Colin

I believe that when you are choosing a place to go to college, go somewhere new. It is an excellent life expierience to leave the place that you grew up and go somewhere else completely. Pick a place that would be reasonably cheap to attend. You don't want to stretch yourself out to thin financially. The best way to start the college experience is to live in a dormitory on-campus. You meet many new and wonderfull people that you will remain friends with forever. It also forces you to become involved with your school. You really start to feel a strong sense of pride about your new school. Go out and get to know your professors. It will help you out untold amounts later on. Focus hard your first two semesters. Develop a string work ethic early on. Nothing feels better that having great success in your first year of college. Go into college with an open mind adn really find out who you are as a person. Learn from mistakes and experience new things. Lastly remember, have a good time all the time.

Dominique

To find a college that best fits their economic situation, interest and a college where you can grow as a person in your career before moving on to bigger things. It's always good to pick a college based on opportunity and not so much the name becuase people can transfer to whereever they would like in the future. It's about getting that degree the best one can!

Nicole

Definitely visit your college campus. It isn't until you actually step onto your future campus that you can really get a feel for what you are getting yourself into. Also, get involved. It is one thing I wish I had done. It makes the time go by so much faster and then your really enjoy your college experience instead of getting overwhelmed with work. While studying is important, everybody needs a break. Take time to be young and enjoy your campus. There are so many opportunities to network and meet people who share your interests and can help you with classes and hard decisions you might need to make in the future.

Kali

College. It's a word that brings about many different feelings; both positive and negative. For some it is a pathway to success, a major stepping stone in life, and four years of fun. But for others it is yet another half-decade of learning and papers and deadlines. College should be a positive experience, and with the right tools, it can be. In finding the right college there are many different factors that should be taken into account before deciding on one. You need to decide whether you would feel more comfortable at a big or a small college, since the students themselves are a big part of the college experience. The location is also key. You want to attend a college that fits your personality and preferences. After choosing theright school for you, you need to take advantage of everything that your school has to offer. Go to every sporting event, participate in on-campus activities, hang out in your library every once-in-a-while, and keep a positive attitude. With the right mindset, you'll be able to make life-long friends and keep your stress level down to a minimum. Now go enjoy your school!

Bridgette

My advice to parents and students in the process of selecting a college is to foucs on both academics and social experiences each college has to offer. College is a time to not only grow academically but also and equally as important to experiences life and find out what you really want. There is more to choosing a career than just how much money you will make. It is important to like what you will be doing and that is more important than how much money you make. Look for a college that will challange you in more ways than just your papers and tests and remember to have fun. College is a great time in your life, use it wisely. When you do get out there in the real world there are no summer vacations or winter breaks just the 9 to 5 daily grind. Make sure your daily grind is something you can look forward to. This is YOUR life , you have choices and with those choices come responsiblilty.

Lauren

Go to a college out of town, that way you get a fresh start. Don't be too scared to try a wide variety of new things to see what fits you best. It is ok to do different things and grow apart from your high school friends. Just make sure you are making your decisions based on what makes you happy and what you want to do, not what you think you need to do to fit in.

Stacy

There are a few things to look for in a college; big or small classes, the sort of people that attend the university, the environment, activities to do around campus, etc. When picking a university, you need to know what you (or your child) is looking for. For example, I knew that I did not want to be lost in the vast amounts of students so I found a college that has smaller classes, so I can learn and ask questions. It is also important to know what other activities there are to do; for example, what will you (or your child) do on the weekends? What do you want them doing? Here I knew that I would be able to go hiking, biking, walking, or kayaking to keep me busy. And last, but not least, ask the attending students how they enjoy the university, if many say they do not like it you might want to look somewhere else, but if they do enjoy it they may have some teacher preferances to share with you that will make your college experience more enjoyable.

Brannon

A student must be prepared to motivate his/herself to study diligently every single day. Do not worry about missing a party or finding dates. These gratifications will hold a solid place for the student AFTER graduation. I promise, it is always better to make the grade the first time around. Also from experience, meet with your academic advisor at least once a semester. Do not take classes you will not need! Spread classes that are directly related to your major out over your time at college so you will not be pressed to take classes you are not ready for. I know this because I took every class available to me at a community college before transferring. This has lead to my professors needing to give me a waiver for almost every class I enroll in now. Meet with your advisor and lay out a schedule that is the most conducive to learning. If a student studies effectively, does not party, and takes the time to make sure they are on the right track with an advisor, he/she will make the most out of the time at college!

daryn

really look into what you want to do and what major you are going into. look at the surrounding community and not only the campus itself as far as what there is to do there, the city transportation, and the economy of the area.

Jacklyn

The best advice I would give is to really think about what it is you want to do. From there it is all about the commitment and what you put into your education. You will get out what you put in. You cannot always rely on instructors to provide the best education, you have to take the initiative and put in the effort as well to really receive the education you want.

Jessica

Whether you decide to stay in the same city you grew up in or go and explore a new area the first and most important step in choosing a college is visiting the campus. Pictures can only tell you so much. By visiting a campus you can decide and envision yourself as a student there, if you can't well then at least you know its not for you. Talk to a student at the university and set standards on what kind of education your want (like if you want to be taught by a professor or graduate student, small classes or big lecture halls). Once you get onto your campus the best advice is to get involved whether its just for fun or helps your academic and career goals. You meet people with similar goals, make instant friends, and its something you can later use on a resume. College is the best time to open your eyes to new things and make memories to last you a lifetime.

Dawn

Although cost is usually a big concern for most students, I would focus on finding the school that best fits your overall goals such as if the degrees offered best suit your professional goals, etcetera. Accreditation is also an important factor for many students also.

Tara

With 2,363 colleges to choose from in the US, it?s no wonder why there is so much confusion about deciding where to go. Picking a college is like purchasing a home for the first time. Initially, it has to be attractive and have character. Secondly, it needs to have a strong foundation and the proper amenities. Finally, the location and price have to be right. The individual has to bring something to the table as well. Throughout the application process, colleges search for students who stand out above the rest with good grades, adequate SAT scores, and personality. Obviously, some universities have a more competitive acceptance criteria than others based on their prestige. That?s why it is so important to research potential colleges while keeping your interests in mind. What?s suitable for someone else might not be for you. Be sure to apply with several colleges to maximize your options just in case your #1 choice doesn?t work out. Even though college prepares you for a career, make the most of your learning experience by working concurrently with school to also gain the professional skills necessary to prepare you for success in the real world.

Andrea

Students, in order to make the most of the college experience, one needs to know themselves. It is important to keep in mind likes and dislikes, for example are you an outdoorsy or city person, do you like big populations or smaller populations? Picking the right enviornment is essential; there are more layers to college than studying or going out. College is not about being shy. Once you are in college, you need to open up your mind to a different world. If you live in the dorms, have your door open, meet people with same or different interests that could potentially become your best friends for the rest of your life. Get involved! Not only will extracurricular activities give you something else to think about aside from studying, studying, studying, but the people you meet there will most likely help you academically as well. You never know, you might just meet a literature or math genius! Parents, never make money an issue. There is really a lot of financial aid out there. Sometimes choosing the pricier school over the less expensive school, could give your child a richer college experience and offer a brighter, full of opportunities future.

Rachel

I would recommend looking at the cost of each college and checking out the housing, campus and student body of each college. One last thing find if the college offers intercollegiate sports or clubs that you would be interested in joining.

Erica

My number one piece of advice would be to follow your gut inctinct. If something is holding you back, then don't go. however, don't let it be money be the issue. You only have these short four years to expierence college, and if you don't make the most of it you will always wonder "what if". Also, get involved. This will be stressed a ton when you are first looking at colleges, but it's the only thing that will make you want to succeed and be able to find yourself.

Amy

The most important advice i would give is to make sure you, the student, is happy. That is the most important thing becuase this is going to be four years of your life. Make sure the college you want to attend has the necessary programs for your degree and then go from there. Make sure the college is located in an area you will enjoy. Talk to friends and see if they are maybe going to the same college because then you can have roomates in the dorms and experiance college together. Visit the campus. But most importantly make sure you will be able to afford it. If not, look into getting scholarships so that way you aren't stressed about paying for everything. You want to completely focus on school and have no worries.

Francesco

University is all too often treated as a daycare center for recent high school graduates. Young adults need time to expereince the world, learn who they are and what they want to do achieve in life before attending university. Taking time to do this will raise the quality of a university education. This break before university will allow students to be more mature, focused and have a more defined sense of purpose during their studies. All too often a students only reason for attemding university is that they have nothing else to do. This makes more like a chore or automated process than an actual learning expereince. Greater self knowledge will be very useful when selecting a school. The more students know about themselves and what they want to accomplish the easier it will be to select the best university for them. College should not be a place to kill time right after high school. Instead university needs to be a tool that helps shape the life you want. So take the time to expereince life and then deside how and what university best fits your needs.

Baby

Choose a campus where you have friends or family member living close by. It is always better to live somewhere where you are fimiliar with so that ones you go there, you don't feel lonely. Try to get involved with the on campus activities and anything that you like doing because that will keep your mind away from other school stress. Try to finish the homework and study for the exams as soon as you can because you want to enjoy the extra time you have before any exams. Go and study at the libraries and study halls because sometimes you will be able to make good friends there who might be able to help you with your studies and who might even become your good friend.

Kyle

The student must have a true desire to learn during their college experience; you will only waste money at a big university if the student is not committed to learning. The parents need to know that their child has access to many helpful organizations that are dedicated to your childs learning and growth through college, allow them to use them and not depend on you for help every day.

Brandon

Visit the college and get to know the surroundings before making a decision. Get to know the faculty and staff.

Christopher

Go to school when you are young and your parents will pay for it. I am 45 years old and school is a lot tougher when you have a full time job and a family. But more importantly find a school that is your ideal, that fits your personality, and has the program you want. If you are an athlete in high school know that there is a school for you somewhere even if you aren't the best player or even if you are second string, there are thousands of colleges looking for players and most will offer some scholarship money to attend and play. Follow your dreams and work hard...you never want to be the guy saying I wonder what would have happened if?

Mark

Don't go into college thinking that you should major in something you academically excel at. Even if you are very good at certain subjects does not mean that you will enjoy that line of research or work. If you are unsure of what you want to get your degree in, take a variety of classes from different fields to see what you actually enjoy learning about. Find your passion and get your degree in that. It took me 2 years, but I finally switched from engineering fields to economics, and it has only increased my passion for the subject of economics.

Maria

Stay open minded! Whether getting into the college of your dreams or attending the one that is affordable or keeps you closer to your family -- look at it as a great opportunity. Expect to work hard and don't stress too much about the grades. Choose challenging courses and concentrate on personal growth rather than just satisfying a curriculum requirement. Take classes that you would not normally take like a dance class that may spin your mind in a surprising direction. Attend classes! Go and listen and talk and ask questions. Too much is on the web, but convenience is not always the best option, because so much of learning happens through human interaction. The connections we make with people are as important as the connections in our brains and our bodies. Discovery is best when it comes unexpectedly, but that phenomenon does not occur without discipline and dedication. As my statistics professor told us at the end of every class: "Work hard, but be happy in your work!" But most importantly, I think, is to own your mistakes. Down the road they won't look like mistakes, but colorful experiences. Have the love and the guts to learn!

james

In all reality, it matters more what YOU make of your college experience more so than which college or university you choose. I recomend going to college; it's a blast ,and it's what you make of it.

Michon

Make sure you look into the campus life and resources available on campus. Let your child choose who they want to be. As a student try to look at various college that are both near and far from your home town. Live on-campus during your freshman year even if you are attending college in the town. Be honest with yourself and your parents about your educational progress or failures. Always have and open mind and look at college as if it is the key to your future, not just the fact that you are able to party.

Danial

College is more than just studying, getting good grades, and making the dean's list. Although those are all really important too, there are other aspects about the college experience that you need to look for when choosing the right one. One of the main things that they should look at is the clubs and organizations available to the students. Getting involved in a club can be very rewarding, especially one that is involved with many on-campus activities. Joining a club means that you are involved with school and therefore more likely to enjoy the college life, which will make you a better student. Another aspect about college that people need to research is what kind of help does the school provide. By this I mean things like a tutoring center, computer labs, counseling, and other things that will help the student survive with classes. You want a school that has top-notch accessible aids that will help them succeed. With technology advancing every year, there is no excuse why a college campus shouldn't have at least a few computer labs. Education is very important, but without the experience or help it won't be worth it.

Harland

I have asked my own parents about what college I should try to get into when I was in high school and they told me that the right college would be the one where you feel home at. I took their advice and decided to stay in my hometown and attend the University of Nevada-Reno. My advice to both parents and students about finding the right college is to find the college with the right atmosphere that allows you to be who you want to be. Don't go to Harvard if you are more of a free spirit and if you like to struggle for excellence, don't settle for just any school. The college experience is one hell of a ride. You will have the best times in your entire life, you will have the most stressful times, and you will have the flat out worst times but you find that the experiences you have in college help define who you will be, more than any other time in your life so take the experience for what it is worth. Make friends, join Greek life, drink beer, study hard, go to games, just don't miss out!

Marchelle

I would tell future students and parents to look at the whole picture. If you don't have the money to go to a big named school, then don't! There are plenty of other colleges that have similar programs that you can look into. They usually have smaller class sizes, which means that students excell faster because they are getting more one on one time with professors. Staying closer to home is not a bad idea either. I know that it helped me get though some tough times. Students also need to remember that there is not a time clock ticking once you start a program. It is almost impossible to finish school in 4 years anymore and that's nothing to be ashamed of. Study hard...keep your grades up....but most improtantly enjoy life!

Jenny

As un-appealing as it may seem, sometimes the best school to go to is in your own backyard. Often times, this is one of the cheapest options, as you get in-state tuition, free room-and-board by staying at home (if you choose that route), and the advantage of being familiar with the area the school is in. Often times, too, your friends also choose to go to that school, which is nice when you get there and are surrounded by thousands of other students that you don't know. Familiarity can be a life-saver in the beginning. Finally, college can be scary an intimidating, but it is FUN and SO worth the hard work and time you put into it. Take advatage of on-campus services, activities, and other students; even more than professors, sometimes, fellow peers can be the best resource of information. 4 years goes by quickly, so make the most of it!

Kody

It is hard to say on how to give advice on finding the right college because it usually comes out of personal choice, or parents went to school there. The only thing that I could say about picking the right college is go for a school that has your major and their program is one of the best at that school. As far as making the most out of your college experience, I would say that you need to get involved with your school. Whether its in the greek system, student government, clubs and organizations. Anything would work it all just depends on you being motivated to go out and get involved in as much as you can while keeping up with your schoolwork.

Kelsey

Finding the right college is all about finding a place you feel at home. By visiting a variety of campuses, a prospective student can really get a sense of how he or she could fit into this new college atmosphere; this is much more effective than simply looking at pictures on the college's website. When it comes to making the most of the college experience, my best advice is to try new things! There are so many unique people you'll meet during your first year of college that it would be a shame to be too shy or too scared to introduce yourself. Don't be afraid to step outside your personal bubble; say hello to the boy next to you in English, or ask you Chemistry lab partner if she likes Mexican food! Personally, I've met some of my greatest friends simply by going out of my initial comfort zone. The university setting is the perfect place to discover not only higher-level academics, but also to learn about yourself and make the most of these fun four years!

Heather

Don't worry too much about finding friends. As long as the student goes out and joins a club or a club sport; they will find a friend. Find a college that has a great student activities program because you can make many friends there and it keeps the student from attending too many drinking parties. The right group of friends can help the student focus on school especially if they're in the same major or minor.

Sarah

The best advice I have to dispense is that a student should always go with their first choice for school. If you have to work a little bit harder to get there then it will make it that much more worth it. Finding the right college is a hard choice, especially if you don't know what you want to do with the rest of your life. College is one of the biggest stepping stones in life and it is so important that the right choices are made. The experience, however, is what really counts. It is truly the adventure that counts at first, worry about the destination when it is time. And parents, it is a tough time and your little birds are getting ready to fly away from the nest but it is the best thing for them. Letting go is hard, there should be tears, emotion, words of wisdom should be exchanged but do not make your children feel guilty for their decisions to leave home or go too far away. The holiday season comes fast and you will be so happy when you see how much your children are growing from their new experience.

Monica

The key to finding the right college is simple but will require some hard work. First, understand that you are going to college to learn, not just about a specific discipline, but you are there to also learn about yourself. So ask yourself: what are your likes or dislikes, what do you want to do with the rest of your life? Leave your options open, but the University you attend should offer many programs that you are interested in just in case you change your mind. College is also about the person, and they offer great activities for you. When searching for a school I recommend finding schools that offer that a diverse arrays of activities that interest you. I recommend taking an unofficial campus tour in the beginning of the fall semester when activities are prevalent. Once on campus making the most of your college experience is also simple: try everything that is legal, and within reason. Seek to discover the new campus, new people, and a new you! In conclusion, take your time when deciding, you could be possibly spending the next four years there, it's worth it, and far easier than transferring to a new University.

Joelle

I advise parents and students to explore all of the college possiblities they have. It's important to know what majors are offered and how respected the school is. You should also consider the atmosphere of the college, what extracuricular activities are offered, and what kind of environment surrounding the school. Although classes and schoolwork will take up much of a student's time, they should enjoy their college experience which involves clubs, sororities/fraternitites, sports, intramurals, and outdoor activities.

Branden

Make sure you weigh the cost of education correctly. You do not want to be burried in school loans after you graduate, but you also want to have an enjoyable time and be at a University that makes you happy! Go and visit the campus before hand, and speak to some students and see how they enjoy it. Also, I feel that it is importand to have some type of recreaction around in the area (such as snowboarding, surfing, wakeboarding) to keep you occupied and sain when the school work starts to pile up. I would also advise joining a Greek organization to make the most out of your experience. I am very religious and have had no problems with presure from my fraturnity. Most of all enjoy yourself while you are in college, because it will be gone in a flash!!

Justin

Make the most of it. Plan early, and be aware that it is not all fun and games, but it is not hard. You don't have to be smart to get good grades; you just have to be aware that hard work will be required, and be willing to do it.

Matthew

Make sure you look at all your options because the school where are your friends are going is not necessarily the best choice for you. You should also look into the activites the college provides for students. Being busy will help keep your grades up and keep you out of trouble. You should definitely take a tour of the campus to make sure that is a good fit for you. College is quite and adjustment so the fewer obstacles you have to overcome the better. Being in a place where you feel comfortable will make the transition that much easier.

Chloe

I would have to say that families absolutely have to visit the prospective campuses, if a student doesnt feel comfortable/ enthusiastic/ and challenged at the campus then, then how are they going to enjoy their time at college and be successful when they attend. There is a lot more to a college experince than walking away with a diploma and a stong GPA, its about making yourself, maintaning a social life, networking, and growing into a strong and confident individual ready to take on their next challenge. I would also really try to encourage students to have an idea of what they are interested in, so they can make sure that there are programs and faculty at their school, so they will have the resources and guidance to keep them motivated and reaching towards that goal. Not having the resources for what you are interested in can really hinder your potential.

Mikaal

Students should look for a college that fits their personality. For example, if the student is a more liberal and green thinking person, they should find a liberal school. They will be living in that environment for about 4 years, so choose well. The parents should help rationalize this decision. "Is this college environment benefical for the student's success?" If the student is very social and parties all the time, then going to a party school may not be in the best interest for the student. Students should also look at what degree programs interest them and which schools have good degree programs in the desired field, especially if they want to do research. Students should choose their location based on how far from home they can stand being. Many students become homesick after the first few months. Money should not be the only deciding factor because there are many scholarships availible to student. Students and parents should be willing to go for the "perfect" school because college will be much more rewarding. Students can also work to offset the cost of school. Being a full-time student and working is very do able.

Michaela

Choose a college based on the things that are really important to you. It is important to find a school that offers a major program for the course of study you are interested in pursuing. If location is an important factor to you, make sure that you are not too far from home. Once you have chosen a school, learn about the history of the school, and the activities available both on and off campus. Join a club, or spend time studying in the library and eating on campus. Go to sporting events, even if athletics are not your thing a crowd of fellow students uniting for a common purpose is an exciting thing to be a part of.

Kyle

Find somewhere that you'll be comfortable. There will be plenty of times to be uncomfortable in college with classes, social settings, finding friends, etc. Find somewhere that you can realistically call home and not feel uneased.

Kyndra

If you are interested in a particular major, you need to make sure that the schools you are looking at have a good department in that particular field. I would try to make an appointment to talk to the Dean of that particular College to make sure that it is indeed the school that you want to go to. Antother thing that is crucial, are the resources that are available to the students. I would look at the Library, and the Student Union to see what kind of computers are available to the prospective student. UNR just built a huge new Library that is absolutley amazing. It has private group study rooms on every floor, that have a white board, and a t.v screen so that you can practice presentations. I would also see what activities are available to the student on campus. Does it have intermural sports, and other fun activities. Are football/basketball games well attended. Does the school have plenty of clubs to get involved with. All of those things are ways for the new student to get involveded, and make some friends on campus. College can be a great experience, take advantage of it!

Shari

Understand that a four-year degree cannot be completed by a student working full-time. This university assumes its students are covered under the Millenium Scholarship, and so gears its programs for non-working students. Submit the FAFSA early, and ask your department for additional scholarships it may offer. These are not always well publicized. Keep in contact with Admissions and Records, for prerequisite and course offering conflicts that can delay graduation by semesters. Don't rely on an academic advisor to tell you everything you need to know. Check course catalogs, etc., on your own. If you think something is wrong, it probably is. Find someone to ask, until you find an answer you're satisfied with.

Diane

When finding a college, the community aspect is very important. If people at the school are not very involved then there could be problems integrating yourself in the community. It is especially hard if the community that the school in involved in is a fast paced community. More slower communities that are integrated in smaller cities tend to be more open to meeting new people and trying new things. If you are trying to find a college community, find a small city that has a majority college population and people who have school spirit for their city's university.

Justin

My advice to parents and students is to find out what really interests you and then search for a college that will best serve your interest. If you don't know yet what you want to be after you graduate or you have trouble pinpointing the things that you want out of a college. Don't be afraid to visit some nearby campuses to get a feel for what college life is really about. Remember, it's not all fun and games. You need to take into consideration what will happen when all the fun and games just aren't fun anymore because there will be a time when you will want to settle down and get a good job and maybe start a family. Don't be afraid to take some career specific courses too. I am now a computer science major but I would have never decided to pursue that degree if I had not taken a beginning course in computer science. So take some time to figure out what you really want out of life and don't be afraid to try new things.