University of North Texas Top Questions

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

Susan

I would tell them that four years goes by fast, so they need to make the most of it. Get involved early on. They also need to know that if they are still undecided to not worry because even if you get your degree and don't go into that field there are still many jobs available to you. I would tell the parents that even if your child is going far away to school do not worry encourage your child to go out and meet people and when they get sick for the first time when your not around espect a phone call. Also, to send care packages it makes them feel good, and loved.

robert

Dont overthink it. It sounds strange, but one of the biggest mistakes in making a choice for college is overthinking. People get stressed out and worried about making the right choice, they look at all the different aspects of multiple schools, and they analyze each and everyone of them till they choose the "right" one. This "right" one could be the complete wrong decision. New students need to try and find a good school, but they should be more focused on finding the place that is right for them. The place that they will achieve there maximum potential, the place they will fit in and learn to the best of their ability. So dont overthink about the schools, narrow it down and find that "special" place that is there for you. Good luck.

Rachel

Finding the right collegecan be a long drawn out process of applications and campus tours, but for many that process it worth it in the long run. Once you've gone on the tour, checked to make sure the university has your major, and applied for financial aid, you can finally enjoy college life. The right college for you should make you feel at home and safe, inspire you, and create an environment that you'll fall in love with. Once you get to college you're faced with so many activities, class assignments, and friends, but the key is to find the right balance between social life and academics. If you stay on top of things with your class work, going out with your friends to the movies will be much more enjoyable and worth while. Get involved, but be able to draw the line when you've got too much on your plate. Go out for a late night coffee run to reward a long night of studying. You need breaks to reenergize; you're going to college to learn, not make good grades. Basically, live each day as a new adventure.

Drew

Visit the campus. See where the students eat, study and hang out. These are what really become important once the decision to attend has been made.

Alexander

I would tell them that it?s not the parents life being forever altered by the experience; let the children makes their own mistakes. There is an overplayed occurrence in our society, parents forcing their alma mater upon their children. College is the time for a person to realize life is not a walk in the park, it has twists and turns socially and academically. Students will find themselves financially weak and in need of monetary help throughout this testament of time, but through the trials and tribulations that are presented, the student emerges the person they will be for the rest of there lives. A student goes to college with an underlying drive to accomplish something, whether it be academically, athletically, spiritually, socially, or even just in appeasing, they go to school for something. They can not "blossom" into adulthood if parents are still at the wheel in their children?s journey, and that is the reason why many do not succeed in college. They are tossed into a situation they mentally did not prepare for because the parents were in control. It should be the students roll to choose there life. Choose their successes, and their failures.

Joshua

The best advice I can can give anyone about choosing the right college would be to visit as many schools as you can and talk with actual students that go there. Not orientation leaders, not staff members, but real students that will give you the complete truth. As far as making the most out of the college experience, just get involved in stuff on campus. These are the best years of our lives and school should always come first, but if the social life is completely void then there is no fulfillment in that. Join an organization, go greek, you can even start your own organization if you can not find a group for you. All it takes are four people and there you go. The college experience can be a blast, you just have to get involved with the community and make your mark on the university.

Robin

Find a college that fits the best qualities about you and your field of study should match (the best things you interested in doing). My theory is that if you love something enough, your work at it your hardest. Sucess wil come....

Conrad

Open your mind. A vast misconception about college is that it is a transitional period between adolesence and the proverbial "real world". In reality, this four-year period is a time wherein young adults discover just who they are and what they are capable of. Open your mind. Those instructions do hold different connotations for parents as they do students, so having experienced the freshman year, allow me to tell you what I've learned. Parents, its very crucial that you maintain an active, yet distant role in your childs life. It all begins with finding the college that will be most nurturing to the growth of their personality. The more comfortable they are, the more motivated they will be to excel. Upon the initiation of their journey, they will be thirsy for your support but will also crave life out from under your wing. Let them go. See if they pass lifes tests, odds are, you have nothing to worry about. Students, get involved. The more stimulated your brain is by your daily activities, the more likely you are to succeed. Keep an open mind in all situations and be certain that your grades always come first. Good luck.

Guy

ask actual students, peek in on actual classes, fuck the tour

Lauren

The best thing to do when looking for the right college is to visit it on campus, go through tthe normal preview but also go to the local hang outs and speak to students walking around campus. Get their point of view because there are experinceing it now. Parents be openminded with your students, dont try to force them somewhere jsut show them the pros and cons and more the likely your student will realize what is best for them. When you have chosen a college go to the orientation and any freshman camps and use that oppertunity to meet new people and get more acquainted with your college. When school starts the number one thing to do is find soemthing to get involved in. It doesnt have to take up a lot of your time but you need soemthing outside of school that connects you to your college. You need a reason to want to stay on campus instead of go home and see your high school friends. Second get educated with the resources that are on your campus, they are there to help your every need and you already pay for them so you should use them.

Kelly

I would look for a school that fits the student's personality. If they are a studious person, the a party school would not be a good fit. Also, look at how big a college is. Sometimes a bigger school is better, because they have more prestige. However, some small schools have it also. It depends if you like knowing everyone that you go to school with or if you like meeting new and different people with almost every class you take. Also look at the clubs and activities that are available such as intramural sports, Greek life, interest clubs, etc. If you make a list of all the things you want in a school and find one that fits your personality and then actually follow through on all your wants, it should be an enriching time if life. Never be afraid to take risks, and never feel like you want to stay in your comfort zone. Some of the best times you'll have is when you venture outside your "safety zones."

Justin

I think that going to a community college for the first two years is the way to go, and then try to get into the best university that you can. I wished I would have gone to a community college first, just to save money and have a better chance at getting into a better university.

Jessica

I would tell them to do a lot of research and visit as many colleges as you need to and choose a college that you like and do everything ahead of time

Tammy

My advice to students who are interested in attending college is to make absolutely sure that the university has all the tools needed to help the student in their career choice. I chose the University of North Texas because the psychology program is amazing and it will definitely help me on my path to be a child psychologist. The faculty is always here to help in any way they can. I would also advise to pick a college where alcohol isn't the main thing the students do. Although there are bars around the campus, Denton is a dry county so the crime rate isn't as high as it would be in a city that has alcohol accessible to students. I would also say to stay focused and don't give up no matter how stressful it becomes. Be prepared, work hard and you will go far!

Alicia

Actually go the campus. Get a feel for the community and its surroundings. Make sure that its a fit before you choose to be affiliated with a school. Plan early and visit as many places as possible.

Raymond

First, research throughly any college or university you plan on attending. Second, be outgoing and willing to meet new people. Check out the greek organizations or any other type of club on campus. These will help you to relate to people like you and make new life long friends.

Jamaal

Just make sure you enjoy the experience

Alejandra

I believe it is unfortunate that in this country, the desire to receive the best education and become all that you can be is for many, hindered due to financial unability. It is a tragedy to see students accepted into the best universities, yet unable to attend because there is not enough financial aid available and families cannot support the remaining tuition and living costs. Until we see change I encourage students to place the greatest importance on their performance in high school in order to gain as much scholarship availability as possible. Sometimes through this process students have received a completely covered college tuition. From the minute they start their first jobs students should open a savings account dedicated specifically for college tuition and living expenses. It cannot be stressed enough that parents should begin a college fund for their children. High schools and communities need to more fully educate students and parents about the admission process, financial aid process, scholarship process, aid in finding scholarship opportunities, college expectations, college life, college problems and issues, etc. Maybe even begin a class. We need to better prepare students and parents to make informed decisions and take advantage of opportunities.

Alexis

For student, I urge them to take their education into their own hands. They will definitely appreciate the value much more, especially if they are paying for the bulk of it themselves by finding scholarships and grants themselves. That takes a huge burden off of parents as well and gives the student a sense of responsibility and, more importantly, dignity. Now they've something for which to fight and it makes that degree much sweeter!

Nina

Understand what type of student you are in high school greatly determines your success in your freshman year at college. If you are a student that needs structure to remain focused, staying near home is an option that should not be ruled out. Most students want to do the "cool" thing, but if you don't forsee challenges, you could be setting yourself up for a rocky freshman year. Don't take too many classes your freshman year, because your still feeling things out and getting more settled into study habits. Keep in mind your general personality when choosing a school. If you never went to high school games or are not that social, it might be more beneficial to go to a school with less emphasis on sports. My best advice for incoming students is really play to your interests and environment. Get involved in something, anything, your freshman year and you will find people who will remain with you for your entire college experience.

Jackie

I would share to the parents to start while in high school, junior year preferrably, talking with the counselors about career choices, there GPA and most importantly the SAT or ACT scores which will help narrow the decision of which college could best accomodate the student. If finances might be challenging fill out as many scholarships application during there junior year to help lighten the load some. Once a college has been found your enrolled and classes begin, to help the transitioning position, get to know your surroundings, make sure to keep a schedule of any assignments due to keep you focused. And finally which is most important ween yourself from home, because you will become homesick alot, make friends, find your nitch or personality which will help you know who you are.

Delora

Look around for the colleges that have the degree plan or field of study that you are interested in. Visit campuses and get to know instructors. Begin looking for scholarships and financial aid options during your junior and senior in high school. Make the most of your college preparation time. Attend seminars such as Studying techniques, How to write A papers and How to use Proper apa format. Join study groups and get and use telephone numbers of classmates. Ask questions!! Meet with your instructors during their office time. Attend class and take notes, try not to miss too many lectures. Read the assigned chapters in you textbook. Become involved in campus organizations and try to volunteer as much as possible. It is possble to have a very rewarding college experience as well as achieving higher education...

Myranna

Make sure to look for the right school that fits not only the pocketbook but also the needs, wants, and environment of the student who will be attending. The school has to fit the student just as much as the student has to fit the school.

Jill

Parents need to sit down with their college bound kid to discuss their child's reason for selecting a particular college. Both parents and child should list their pros & cons on each college with the hope that they could come to an agreement that they will all be happy with. I would prepare them for life away from home. I would let them know that college is nothing like high school. Your professors do not care whether you go to class or not. If you miss class, it is your responsibllity in finding out the assignments. I would tell them how they are going to be responsible for things that they always took for granted. I would tell them how money does not grow on trees and to be happy with whatever extras they get. Have fun and make the best out of every situation!

Vanesha

Spend your first year making sure youve picked the right major for yourself

Guillermo

If i would have to say anything it would be that parents, you should encourage your child in anything that they are interested in doing so they don't have stress coming from home, school and possibly work. Also don't put so much strain on them about their grades, the more they have to worry about the harder it is to keep focused on the grade due to the amount of anxiety possibly produced by fear of their performance and if their parents will be pleased or not. As for the students, take your time in declaring your major because in the first two years you can just focus on the core classes. This will make things easier and prevent you from taking classes that you may not need if you ever decided to change your major. Besides that, choose a college you think represents you, have fun, don't be shy, and try to enjoy your college experience as much as possible. Also try new things be unjudgemental and open minded to let yourself be able to experience things and look at them objectively.

Jamal

I would recommend that students move out of there parents house to obtain a more fulfilling experience. This will allow you to learn how to take care of yourself and actually prepare you for the real world. It doesn't matter what college you go to, but what you get out of the college experience. So therefore, when you start your classes network as much as possible and join as many clubs and organizations as possible. Eventually you will find the organizations you like the most and will be surrounded by advisers, friends, professors and people that will want to help you succeed.

Robyn

Visit every school you wnat to apply to. You can't really get a feel for a school without seeing it and walking it. Tours help a lot.

Stephanie

I think the best way to choose a college is to research specific programs at a school. If you want to study a specific field (music, philosophy, business) it is important to make sure that that specific department at the college you want to attend is a good department meaning the professors are well-respected in the field. It's also important that the program is small enough that you will get to know your professors and work with them, but not so small that the department has no prestige - you want your degree to mean something to other people in your field. To make the most of your college experience, it is important to remember that, while getting a degree is important, you are attending college in order to learn. The university is not a degree factory - it is a place of learning and growth. Don't get so focused on getting out of school that you forget to learn!

Sarah

The best thing to do when choosing the right college for you or your student is to tour the schools, ask questions and attend events. Talk to people on campus; students, professors, administrators, anyone who will take the time to give you the answers your looking for. Get to know the campus, traditions, events, and the like and attend any functions they offer to students who are considering their school. Also consider what you intend to study in college. Even if you're dead set on going to your hometown college, or your favorite team, what's the point if the program you wish to enroll in isn't offered or isn't very successful? You should be happy on campus, both in your social life as well as your academic life. Don't be afraid to travel away from your comfort zone. College is a learning experience and you'll make so many new friends that they'll become your second family and will comfort you when you miss home.

Megan

I would tell parents and students to go on college campus tours, and the student should know where they want to go from there. Also, no to worry about where their friends are attending, and to go where they will most succeed in their college career.

anitra

i will tell students that going to college is a great opportunity to figure out what field or industry that you want to work in. Students gets planners and used it . it was get hard at time , but have open minded entering the experience.Students engaged and learned all about events happening at school and joins some organization . you will love and enjoy school so much more

Adam

I have one big point to make here - do not choose your school based on anyone but yourself!! It seems so many of my friends chose a school due to their boyfriends or girlfriends, and before long they were broken up because you change so much in college, only making them miserable and making them NOT enjoy their college experience. College is a time of self discovery and really learning who you are in life. You can't limit yourself during these years. If you do, you take so much out of the whole experience. You should only choose a school that is right for YOU. One that caters to what you feel you need, be it business, music, art, education, etc. I suggest visiting several and going to the most comfortable, and the one that has the programs you want in it. I don't think you should cut yourself off from previous relationships, but you should not allow them to hinder your growth and college experiences. That's all. Thank you!!!