University of Utah Top Questions

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

Adam

Your opinions about what is important and your goals in life should match those of your school as close as possible. For example, The University of Utah is of the opinion that beautiful buildings and research are the most important ways to spend their funds. Their target market are those students who want to attend a respected school, earn a degree, study what they love and be known and respected for their education and intellegence. What is most important to me is to play the business game, to make money, to progess our economy. So, the school that would match my personality and opinions would be one who focused on management and practicality. A school who made the intellegent business decision to cut unnecessary construction costs to lower tuition and thus look better in the eyes of state funding would be my flavor of school. That is the most important factor in deciding, but many other factors play a major role. Would paying for housing to go to a better "fit" school vs. paying tuition for a close "fit" school so you can live at home be more cost effective? Hence, why I go to the Univeristy of Utah.

Piper

Don't expect to have it all figured out before hand. Figuring it out as you go is all part of the journey and experience. Find your passion and don't be suprised if it changes. Find a school in a place that you love.

Trevor

DO it for YOU.

Albert

Find somewhere that's different from what you're used to, be open and try new things. Find a group of friends and try and experience everything you can with them. Visit colleges and areas of the country you might like, and you never know what could fall in your hands!

Rebecca

Make sure you know about all the programs available. Check into various scholarships and internships. Do not but books from the bookstore use half.com or another online store, it is much cheaper.

Christian

Make sure that the college you choose to go to teaches something that interests you.

Greg

Find the best school that fits your budget.

Drew

Know your priorities. Know what you want to do outside of class as well as what you want to learn in the classroom. Make sure the school you wish to attend has a quality program in place for you desired major as well as plenty of recreational activities so that you're not always at school. Everyone needs to be able to take a break. Make sure you have a budget plan. If you know you are going to need to work, make sure to choose a school in a city or town that has abundant job prospects. Make sure the school you choose has a community, be it religious, sexual, or other, that you can feel comfortable in. Take it seriously. Too many students these days don't want to learn they just want their degree. This is the wrong attitude. You are paying for a service; get the most out of it!

Anna

Apply to as many college's as you can; the more options you have the better off you are. When looking for a college make sure that they are well up to speed in technology also look at whether or not you want to live on campus and what kind of Residence halls they have. Go visit the college as well don't rely on pictures to tell you what a campus atmosphere is like. Talk to students who attend that school and not just people in your major but others as well.

moises

Choose a university, that will challenge you in every aspect. Allow admissions and registration to be hectic and difficult. This will enable the student to feel a sense of pride, persuading best efforts and dedication to education. Claiming in-state tuition helps a lot, and keep grades up in highschool in order to qualify for scholarships.

Michelle

find schools that have the "best programs" in area of study. look at pros & cons of each.

N/A

I was happy participating in the survey. Although the $10,000 is a very promising reward, I have already participated in this in the past - before the above stated drawing date. I hope my response was helpful to your survey and its purpose. I hope the feed back I have given you will get to my univeristy.

Irene

My advice to parents or students about finding the right college would be to look for one that best suits the individual. Make sure that the college is within the right price range, and if not, check to see if the college offers scholarships and financial aid. Look for a college that offers extracurricular activites that would most benefit the student, such as volunteering or a sports team the student is interested in. If the student is interested in a large or small campus, then I would suggest looking for a college with an ideal campus size. I find that class sizes are the most important. I would recommend checking out what the class sizes are, and choosing a college depending on what class size best fits the student. Culture is another very important concept. If the student is ethnically diverse, then finding a college with clubs or organizations within the same culture can make the college experience more dynamic. Finding the right college can be hard, and there are many considerations to take into account. Taking the time to find the right college that best fits the student's standards will be worth it in the long run.

Stefany

Look at more than just the school but the community around it as well. Culture can be very different just a few states or even cities over. Make sure it is a culture you want to learn about and have infulence your life. College is more than just the education and degree, it is about expereinces, friendship, and networking. See if the school does CLEP tests (or accepts them from other places) and test out of the areas you already know to free up space other classes the summer before your first semster. That way it is not a stresser during school time. Go visit them after you have narrowed it down to see if you like what you see as well as what you know.

Jason

Take time to research and visit campuses. Visit and meet with the acedemic department for the degree you are interested in pursuing. Speak with other students to find out what they like and dislike.

william

find a college that has an accredited program that you're interested in. not just in general. meaning that if you're interested in science, pick a school that has a good science program, and not one like harvard just for the name. another thing is to get a degree that will put money in your pocket, you can learn anything you want by reading or researching. but only your diploma will decide how much money you will make.

Benjamin

It's important to find a school that will help you reach your goals. The prestige of any school can only get you to a certain point, so be certain not to compromise a direct path to your goals in exchange for a degree from a school that you might think is more prestigious. Once you have selected a school, be certain to familiarize yourself with the campus and the surrounding communities. You will be spending a lot of time in these areas and knowing your surroundings will help you to adjust. It's important to be proactive and make new friends. These networks can benefit you academically and professionally, and many of these will turn out to be long-term friends. Education is a lot different in a college/university setting and may require a new approach from many incoming students. Higher education requires a lot of self-discipline and resiliency. It is imperative to keep a healthy balance of school and a social life without over-doing either category. This is an experience that will impact the rest of your life, be sure to chase your goals and make it as enjoyable as possible.

Jordan

Look into the student life on the campuses your son/daughter is going into. What is it you want, or think your son/daughter wants out of school? Is it the party scene, or is it the academics, or is it a nice mix of both? Not to mention be open to allowing your kid to move or change schools, perhaps the first one isn't what s/he needs.

Rachel

My best advice to students and their families looking for the right college is to keep your options open. If you think you know what you want, thats great, but its good to remember to keep your eyes open for different options. I definetly believe in researching and visiting as many colleges as possible. The earlier you start making your list of choices, the longer you have to revise and edit that list. Once you've started college, hooking up with a great group of friends can really help you delve into your new environment. Its great to have peers that support you and understand what you are going through. I think the most important things to remember to make the most of a college experience are to have fun, learn a lot, and stay safe!

MaryBeth

I am a non traditional student. I didn't attend college until several years after high school so my decision as to which univerasity to attend was based on different criteria than the average student. I chose the school that was close to where I lived. The degree was the goal for me not obtaining some great job after graduation. I love my college experience and the students and faculty at the U of Utah have all been great.

Kelsey

pick a college tat feel right to you when you visit. somewhere you can see yourself being. and dont be afraid to get out there and get involved.

Madelyn

The advice that I would give partents andor/ students is to make sure you have a general idea of what you want to major in. Really focus on each class and make sure you absorb all the information you recieve. Also get involved as much as you can because you are only in college once.

Anna

As a student, learn as much as possible in high school because it will make college material easier to understand if one has solid background knowledge. Try to get some college credit during high school so that graduating from college wont seem as overwhelming and the chances that you will graduate on time will increase. Know what kind of job/career you want after college. Choose classes that are interesting to you because you will tend to succeed more if you're interested in the subject matter. Choose a college that has a good program for what you're interested in. Research on the college/university that you're interested in and find out what kind of programs and degrees they offer as well as visiting the campus to get a feel for the school. Parents should encourage their children to further their education. They should also encourage their children to be independent and to work hard for their dreams. They should be supportive and available to give good advice. Overall, the most important thing is to have a positive attitude because overall it will make everything better than it would be otherwise with a negative attitude.

JaLeah

I would give the advice to go and visit the college and talk to enrolled students who are on campus. This way you can really get a feel as to what type of school it really is based on how students respond to you and what they say. You will be able to tell if it is a friendly campus, academically focused , party school, etc. I think that fitting in with the campus environment is crucial to the success and enjoyment of your college career.

Felix

For parents: try to spend time to take your students to various universities at a young age to give the students a better idea of what kind of colleges they want to attend. For students: try to research about colleges as soon as possible and learn the requirements needed to attend the college so you will know what you need to do during your highschool career to meet the requirements

Bart

I would suggest looking into what the student life is before you attend. I would look at the help they give to students as they look to market their degree in the real world. These are the most inmportant things to me as I look forward to graduating, and these are the most important things to my future. I am finding out that other schools I looked at have better networking availability and happier and smarter students.

moises

The advice that I would give to parents and students finding and looking for the right college is to first and foremost attack all of the financial issues. In some cases, a student may have a full-ride scholarship or a fund set aside for all college expenses. In the other hand and for most cases the student must find ways to pay for their education. Financial aid, loans, and scholarships are available for all students, nevertheless I feel that avoiding financial concerns and worries during your education is the best thing to do in order to help your brain retain and recall all of the valuable information you learn.

Jonathan

Four pieces of advice are my philanthropic contribution to the students of the world. (Note: I can only give this much because I follow my initial advice.) Primarily, never allow the cost of an education to deter you from pursuing your field; a quality education is the most profound investment a person shall ever make. It will affect your future profession, associates, personal refinement, and your ability to touch the lives of others. One?s entire world hinges on their education. Select the best university without counting dollars and enroll there. Secondly, once enrolled, work. Gaining an education is difficult, and exiges concentration and dedication. You will only ?get back? what you ?put in? to the experience?no more, no less. Thirdly, make time for you and your recreation (friends and family, exercise and sleep). Rest is a psychological necessity. Take rest bits now and then; enjoy the experience. HOWEVER, always remember to work when you must?never procrastinate. In short, be balanced. Finally, I finish with my papey?s habitual advice, ?Don?t associate with loose women, and don?t accept any wooden nickels!? Master these four, and you will have the most rewarding college experience one can have.

Jessica

Think about when you were in elementary school. What was college to you? Many people say it is a continuation of school and learning, but I challenge you to think about college as kindergarten all over again. When you are in your first year of school you learn the things you need to know in order to succeed in life both academically and socially. You get to learn addition and subtraction, as well as how to play nice with other people and get along. College is a place where learning outside of the academic setting can happen. It is important to visit the campus and see what the atmosphere is like so that you know you can live and succeed in that campus's environment. High school is a good prep academically for college, and college is where you learn to be a real person in the world. I say have fun in college and learn life skills. Remember, all you need to know, you learned in kindergarten.

stephen

Visit all the colleges you are considering and talk to students on campus about how they feel. Look into extracurricular activities and student involvement. Make the college experience something you live, not just attend. Look at the academic program you are specifically considering and the faculity accomplishments in that area. Look closely into the program you will be enrolled in and what it in entails, activities and such. Consider the location for year round weather and activities. Find a college that will foster the balance between a fun social life, and a nondistracted student life.

Haley

If you think you know what you want out of life, prepare to have your mind changed. Be open to new ideas, experiences, and especially to new plans. We all think we have a five-year plan or whatever, but the truth is it's hard to know what you want out of life. Keep that in mind when choosing the right college. Find a place that suits you but make sure that it will also challenge and inspire you. Don't go to a college just because it is prestigious or even convenient. Do your research and seek a school that is prepared to meet your own unique needs and provide you with the experiences that will shape the rest of your life.

Patricia

The best way to determine which is the right school is lay out your goals and see which college or university will help you achive those goals. If you are into engineering, you would look into a school that provided experienced professors, good labs and class rooms, as well as an extensive curriculum that will give you a better understanding of your field, not just a lot of "general" courses. Once that has been determined, visit the school, talk to current and former students, and see if the enviornment is right for you. If the environment doesn't match who you are, you'll find it more difficult to learn and enjoy the time you are there. Also, don't worry too much about getting into the perfect college. It is the knowledge and experience that will make you more valuable to the world then the peice of paper that said you graduated.

Cassandra

Find out what ever you can, ask questions, ask lots of questions. not sure what to ask? search for the answers on the school web site at the Student Union Building. every campus has one and you can find the know how there or if they don't have the answer your looking for they can always point you in the right direction. my campus has a student services building that has been a very help full thing for me.

Brian

Get involved, it makes everything so much more conducive to the college experience. You'll have fun and get better grades

Kariann

If your student knows what they want to major in then look for colleges that have a great program in that major. Other than that have your student look into the student government at their University and other ways the student can get involved. It really does help them with academics, having a social life, and staying out of trouble. Make sure you are allowing your student to make their own decisions. I've seen one too many cases where the parents have held on too tight and their student has gone of the deep end when out on his or her own. Let your student choose, but always be sure to keep in touch with them. Support your student! College is rough. We learn new life lessons, we face hard situations, our eyes and minds are opened as new understandings come our way. Support your children through the hard times and through the good times. And always always always ASK QUESTIONS. Show your student that you still care about them, be involved in their life!

Kaitlin

Find a college that has a solid program in the field you want to major in. Find a school that has people with similar interests as you and get involved the second you start college, whether it be rushing, joining a club or playing a sport. Put your self out there and don't be afraid what people think. It's not high school, no one cares what you wear or what party you go to. Live at the dorms your first year, great place to make friends! Find a good balance of school, work, and social life. Remember, college is hard but is something anyone can do!

Leslie

Take advantage of the resources that are available to you. Many schools have so much information that you can get your hands on, and it is really helpful in not only matching what school will be best for you, but also planning for the rest of your life. Take your time and do your research, don't just jump into the first thing that you see. College is a great experience as long as you stay focused and friendly. Don't get caught up in "college life" so much that you lose track of the whole reason you're there in the first place. Make sure that you make great friends and even greater study habits, these years are so much fun and they will determine how you live the rest of your life. Don't just learn the academics, but focus on learning life lessons and expanding your horizons on as many levels as possible. Most of all, do your best and have fun!

Kate

Choosing a college is very similar to selecting a pair of shoes. If the shoe fits, wear it, if it doesn't, find one that does. Colleges, like shoes must follow along these guidelines if you are going to include them in your everyday life. This means that like the correct college, the shoe cannot be too expensive and it must be appropriate for what you want to get out of it's use. Always try on your shoe before buying it and always visit your college before deciding to attend. DO NOT settle. This decision will affect the next 2-4 years of your life. Make sure your school can accomadate to the field of interest you're looking to pursue, that it is the correct size, that it is in a location you feel comfortable in, and that you've heard good things from the people you meet on your visit to the school.

Nicole

What do I want to be when I grow up? Who should I marry? Where do I want to live? These are all questions that have high importance in a person?s life. Among them is the very important question: Where should I go to college? Beginning to fill out college applications can be an exciting experience. Choosing a college is where the difficulty begins. There are many things to consider, including location, tuition prices, and overall opportunities offered. As I researched which college I wanted to attend, academics also played a major role. It was important for me to attend a school with the most esteemed professors in order to get the most out of my education. Considering I would be paying expensive tuition prices, I refused to settle for anything less than the best. Therefore, when choosing a college, it is important to think about what opportunities you want to obtain out of your education. Whether that includes involvement in clubs, sports, volunteer groups, academic associations, and others, it is essential to consider all the benefits of a university before making a decision. In conclusion, simply getting involved can make your college experience a memory to never forget.

Dane

I know some parents don't want to hear this but it is important for a student to choose his or her own University. The student has the responsibility of finding a University that his or her parent can efford, if he or she wants to go a college out of thier parent's budget then it is thier duty to find the funds. Applying early before October prior to attending college allows you to apply for more finacial aid. Having fun in your University is extremely important, even if you go to college primarily for school you will perform better if you have fun from time to time. Students should choose a school where they are able to enjoy themselve however you shouldn't choose a school primarilly out of enjoyment. look at the statistics and awards held by the university and talk to Academic Advisors about where alumni go and what alumni do after they graduate.

Alice

Being involved has really taught me some great lessons in life. This was one of the most important criteria for me when choosing a college to attend. One of the biggest differences between college and high school is that, for the most part, there are more students and faculty, most of which you will never cross paths with. Therefore, people end up feeling a little more isolated. I used to not mind being a loner at school, because I knew I had friends back home. Then I volunteered with a few organizations. That's when I decided I wanted to be pre-med, because I worked a lot with cancer patients. That's also where I met people who would become like family to me. Joining a club or team really changes that because people feel more connected with the school and with others, creating less discomfort. It's also a great way to meet people with the same interests. These people can really help you in picking out a career or studying. You never know what kind of doors people will open for you. And you will also learn a lot about yourself, I guarantee it.