University of Wisconsin-Parkside Top Questions

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

Kathryn

Students need to find a college that will have one of the best programs for their intended major. Sports, recreational activities, friends, and social events are all very important to the college experience, but it's the education the student will recieve that matters the most. It's the reason they are going to college in the first place. Find a school where the professors are known to be hard on students and push them to do their best. Don't treat college like high school. No one is forced to be in college. Do your work. Show up to class or pick another career path. Pick a college that is diverse from your pre-college schools or your town. If you've gone to religious schools, try a public college. If you live in the country, go to college in a city and vice versa. Try another state. This is your chance to learn to accociate and become comfortable with people who are very different from you. Get involved in campus. Join a club or just speak up in class often. Students can learn more from their peers than their professors. And don't be afraid to ask questions.

Donald

Be honest with yourself, parents and students alike. If you are not ready for more school be honest and share this fact. You can go to school in a few years if attending now is not a possibility. Be realistic about the money for attending the school of your choice. Housing and expenses will run from $1,000.- to more than $5,000.- per month. Tuition will be another $8,000.- per two semester year. Some states have progressive programs that work with the military to provide funds for school as well as tuition reembursement. Do not give up or loose hope. If you do decide to go to school you should feel only the pressure to succede with every possible access to any help you will need. I was unable to attend college right out of high school because I ran out of money. The military has helped me gain the strength to follow through on my subjects, as well as helping with money to attend. Do not forget your family. They will be the ones you seek when you have concerns. Write to your students often and send money. Thanks Mom and Dad

Audra

My advice to those looking for a college is to approach it with an open mind. Even if they know exactly what they want to do they shouldn?t be afraid to try different classes that are not related to their desired major. The classes may open their eyes to other careers they did not know exist. For those who are undecided about what they wish to pursue, taking general education classes can really help them discover where their interest lays. To get the ultimate college experience people should become involved in campus activities. This will allow them to meet new people and develop life long friendships as well as providing them with many opportunities.

Ruth

Research, research, research! Yes, before even visiting the school make sure you do your homework and research the school. See what programs they offer, the tuition, class size and scholarships that are offered. Then make a list of the top ten schools and narrow it down to the smallest number. Next, schedule an appointment to visit the classes that would best interest you just to get a feel of what the atmosphere is like and even what your next professor might be like. Remember, do not base your decision on just one bad or one good experience. When you finally start living "college life" make sure you get involved in a club that interests you. You may just end up making tons of friends during your first week of school! In the long run this will definitely look good on your resume, and well isn't that what we want? Get involved in areas that will give you the experience you need for your next possible job. No one will mind if you did not join the art club if what you want to be is a Social Worker. Instead join the Sociology Club. Bottom line, research and get involved.

Brittany

I beleive when choosing a college that one should consider three main areas; 1) Degree, when looking for a school one should always do their research to make sure the college they are applying to will have the courses that they need for their major. 2) Location, how far away from home is one willing to travel. and 3) Money, one should always do research on how much money they will need to be in the college of their choosing. One will need to look up the dorm prices, or housing outside of school prices, or gas prices for those who choose to commute. Also how much a semester is and meal plans. To make the most of college i would just suggest to find new friends that have the same interest, there are many ways in doing so by attending orientation when one frirst starts or joining any type of extra-curricular activity that one might have an interest for. Also by finding a study buddy for a class that one might have. Many new friends will include one in their plans with their friends which in turn can become one's friends as well.

Wendell

Finding the right school is not easy and there are many, many things to concider. First find out these10 things about the school(s) you are concidering: 1.) Does the schools overall teaching style/discipline match that of the student's ability to learn? 2.) Is lab equipment up to date and is it available to individules or small groups? 3.) Are programs or degree offerings expected to be added/removed that you may be interested in.? 4.) How well are credits expected to transfer to or from the school? 5.) What non-credit tuition costs may incured as part of the total cost of attendance; like meals, supplies, and/or on-campus activities or entertainment, parking fees etc.. ? 6.) Availability of courses: Are all courses available every semester or are some offered occasionally? 7.) How do other students perceive the school? 8.) How well does the school provide accessibility for special needs? 9.) What types of Financial Aid is the institution granted to dispurse? 10.) How big is the campus? Could there be scheduling conflicts due to on-campus transit times. This is a decision that the student must make, that fits within the budget of whomever is paying.

Matthew

i would advise prospective students and parents to do some research about any college itself. Get to know the professors, their backgrounds and teaching styles if you can. Get a feel for the campus itself since all colleges have visiting opportunities and usually provide guided tours. Be sure to get familiar with the surroundings (city vs. urban) and keep that in mind in your decision-making process. Check out all the sports and/or clubs that the college has to offer that might fit your lifestyle as well as the location's facilities. Does it have a pool? A gym? How are the residence halls? Is there a qualified center for health services? The truth is, this will be your home away from home for the next four years (or more) and these things are all important to making the College experience work for you.

Chad

My advice that I would give about finding the right college would be to figure out what school would be the best choice both on an academic basis, but also school environment . It is important to be involved with school functions and activities, because it keeps you engaged in the school atmosphere and your fellow students. It makes the college experience a more eventful experience.

Peter

The best advice I can give would be to look at all aspects of each college you visit. I found that my campus not only has a dedicated staff, but a beautiful campus, diverse students, and a strong tie to the community. Looking at only one aspect of a campus might lead you to make a decision too quick, one you will regret later. Also, llok for a college that doesn't only specialize in one field. Find a school that offers many classes so that you can go outside your comfort zone. If you are a Physics major take a theatre class! Find a school that will not only educate you for a future job, but also for life. What I can say for when you get to your campus? Get involved! Many campuses have hundereds of student organizations and if your school doesn't have one that you would like to join, create it your self. Your advisors and professors are there to make this the best learning experience for you. On that note, talk to your professors. Most love what they do and will be more than willing to help you. But most important, HAVE FUN!

Kashfia

In order to pick the perfect college a person needs to set their priorities straight and really think about how they balance their time. First students should sit down with their parents and talk about what they want to accomplish in life and how they want to go about doing that. After doing that I would recommend really looking at your study habits and social practices to further narrow down possible colleges to attend. Balancing time is also another crucial aspect when picking a college and with that comes the environment of the college and its surroundings. Take it slow and explore your options. Go take a tour of the university and look around find someone on campus that reminds you of yourself. If you find yourself then you know you'll fit right in.

Jessica

Finding the right college that meets every one of your needs is important. During your selection process it is important to tour the campus and ask as many questions needed to find out if it is the right campus for you. Don't settle for any college that doesn't meet your criteria. As a student you apply for a college in retrospect all colleges are applying to be yours. That's why you need to get involved with your soon to be college and understand how the college works from food to Professors. The goal of college is to learn and come out with a degree, however, coming out with a degree is not enough. He or she must be knowledgable with that degree and choosing the right college is essential to learning.

Kathryn

Simply go with your feelings and know that you will end up where you are supposed to be in the end.

allyzza

I would say choose the perfect college that suites your personality and of course the kind of programs they offered. If a school don't have program or courses you like then it is better to not enroll on that school. Community colleges offers a lot of courses but not as much as the University. As an Asian, I would like to advice for those who came in the U.S or just recently migrated, Community college would be the perfect fit for him. Because it is a starting point for them and they won't feel a bit of pressure. Also, it will be the first step to learn to adapt the culture and try to meet other people. College life is not easy yet it is a fun experience. You have to make a good choice everyday in life and be prepared on whatever crisis or problems you may have. And to achieve a joyous college life, try to choose the right people, just be yourself and don't let anyone bring you down.

stephanie

The advice I will give my parents or students that haven't find a great college yet. I will said to them to come to UWP, because it's a great school that brings all the definitions of finding a great college. I will let them know how great they can grow as coming and attending to UWP, because they can get involved in any of the great and value programs they have at this college. Also I will add some of beauty telling them that if they want to feel respect and value from others they will find it here at my college, because there are three things that make me satisfied: keep my values, keep my head up for my career to be follow, and finlally get close to my friends, teachers and evryone that help me through to follow my dream.

Jacob

Students should receive the permission from their parents, to choose the college that best fits their academic abilities, goals, and personality. If parents refuse to let their child select the college that best interests them, the student could have a negative impact on their education and social life. It is very important to give the students the freedom to choose the environment because it plays a huge factor that will keep them relaxed and focused. The parents should suggest and recommend their thoughts of where their child could attend college and even support their child's final decision. Students shouldn't make their college experience based only on their academics, but also make new friends by socializing and participating in campus events or sports. During my first year, I was taking care of my new born child, while my mother was sadly diagnosed with forth degree cancer. I still enrolled full time at Parkside and worked two jobs to provide for my family. I managed to have a wonderful experience, while successfully achieving Dean's List. As long as the student has the potential and determination to graduate college, they will succeed to pursue their goals and dreams in life.

Kristina

To students seeking out further education at a college or university, I would definitely recommend being realistic in his or her choice of school. Many high school graduates immediately want to move far away to a large, expensive college with famous Greek associations or extracurricular groups. However, in my experience, those students return about a year later to a smaller, more personal university that focuses on you, the student. Clubs provide a great social network to get involved in volunteering and applying knowledge and interest, but they remain an added benefit to the undergraduate education. Academics and post-graduation plans should be tailored to the individual, but overly-competitive schools too often treat students like numbers rather than people. Another factor to consider is comfort. College becomes your home away from home where you should be able to study and learn in a calm, cooperative, open environment and speak to professors one-on-one. A change in scenery to a fast-paced city and an expensive school may initially seem intriguing but can easily distract the student from the move's original purpose: higher education and personal enrichment.

Ruth

The right college is not about the college/university's credentials, it is about how you make your college career right for you. You make the decision. You make your future. Ofcourse, you also have to consider your preference on what a college/university can offer. But any college or university can be right for you only if you make the most out of it. College is a window of miles and miles of opportunities and this is the time that you're completely free to decide on what you think is best for you. Networking and knowing your sources are beneficial to your college success. Get to know your college professors and staff. Don't hesistate to ask them for advise or help. They are there for a reason. Organizations and clubs are great sources of campus awareness. Be involve in campus activities and step out from your box. It is about time to let people know your voice. Express yourself by being involved with these organizations. This opportunity will expand your horizons. Not only they are great assets in your resume, you will also exercise leadership, cultural awareness, and teamwork that will be beneficial towards your future career.

Nathan

Get out there, and look around, see what's right for you... that's what it's all about. Speak up in class, make as many friends as possible, and just have fun furthering your education in hopes of a brighter future!

Kelly

Look at loacation. It's the biggest part. Also look at the percent of students that are residence on campus vs. those who comute. Money is also always a factor.

Nathan

Firstly, college is about the individual. Regardless of the cost, location, and professors, what you bring to college is what you will take away from it. It is true certain colleges may have better programs than others but the responsibility of the student to take from this program is a more prominent factor in what that student gains in college. Secondary to the individual student are career outreach programs, the self image of the school, and the fact schools are businesses. Career centers and programs are vital. The responsibility of a college to aid the student post graduation is underestimated and skewed at some schools, and taking a closer look at this area is an import safeguard. The self image of the school is what the average student feels about the school as a collective. Some schools have student bodies that attend athletics and social programs, others have a terrible time of getting students to participate. This is a vital part of any social atmosphere of a college. Finally, cost does not relate to value in all cases and all colleges are business enterprises. Knowing they want to turn a profit is something the college student should never forget.

Cristina

Search carefully and with descion of the proffesion of what you want in the future.

Hilary

The most important advice that can be given to students is to apply to many schools. Keep your options open and shoot high. Do not just apply to "safety" schools. Once you have gotten your acceptance letters, start your research. Find what the most important thing that you want your school to have and look for it. Do not settle. College can make or break the rest of your lives so dont fall back and let others decide for you. It is your first chance to be independent so make a wise decision. Parents, on the other hand, i would say that the most important advice would be to not push your children. Help them to make the right choice but dont make them. Let this be a growing experience and show them that your trust them. Help them to veer towards a school that is safe and that has all of the resources that is needed, such as: banks, churches, and stores close by.

Ashley

Don't just pick a college because your friends are attending it. Actually look into it and make sure it is what you want. Make sure that it is either small or large enough for you, it has sport and activities that you are interested in. Most of all, make sure that it has what you are wanting to major in. I chose Parkside because it has an excellent nursing major at a lower cost. That is what I wanted. Let college be an experience you will never forget.

Kevin

The best advice I can give prospective students and/or parents is to really evaluate the reasons for which you are attending university straight out of high school. General education courses can be achieved at local community colleges. The university setting, I feel is for that more involved, in depth coverage of your topic of interest. The next best advice I can give is to know what you want to go university for. Students, you can save yourself a lot of time knowing this and parents, you can save yourself a lot of money knowing this. The last piece of advice I can offer to the student is to get involved. Once you know what you want to major in, use the university to your advantage. Make contact with professors, they could find you a job someday. Find and utilize ALL the resources they have to offer, because, after all, that is what you are going to school for, right?

Stephanie

Look into as many colleges as you need to. Do not feel obligated to attend a school that your best friend and/or parent is or had attended. The college that you pick is for you and you alone. This is your life and you need to feel comfortable with what you decide. Do make time in your busy schedule to join activities at the schools. Everyone needs a break from homework and professors once in awhile. Have fun and do your best.

Erika

The best advice that I could give to a parent or student about finding the right college would be to go out and visit as many campuses as possible. Take the different tours that are offered. Spend the night on different campuses if the opportunity is available or even stay with a friend. Choose a school based on your career goals and not its party ranking. I would tell every student out there to go to a college that you want to and not the one that your parents want you to go to, and not to choose a college because thats where all of your friends are going. Believe me, you will make alot of new friends. About making the most of your college experience, I would suggest living in the dorms for at least your freshman year. I strongly regret not living in the dorms for my freshman year and it as an experience that I will never get to have. Get invloved on campus by joining clubs or playing intermurals. Take advantage of the tutoring center. Study hard during the week so that you can relax and enjoy the weekend.

Christina

In order to find the college that is right for you or your child, you really need to look at what type of setting would be the most comfortable. Big school or small, in a big city or a small town, focused of partying or studying, or a bit of both. I think the most important thing is to be comfortable. Also, find a school where the people are there to help you. Advisors, teachers, office personnel, everyone! You need people that will be willing to talk to you, and help you should you need it. To make the most out of the college experience, you need to try a bit of everything. Study alone, study in a group, go to a party, eat on campus, live on campus, talk to professors and advisors. All of these are important to making the best out of college. Then, use it to find a good balance of things you enjoy. You can't study 24/7, and you can't party 24/7, so find a balance of both that works for you and still allows you to succeed. Finally, everyone needs help at some time, don't be afraid to ask!

Megan

The advice I would give to students is to make sure you choose a school that is not too far away from your friends and family. You do not want to be unhappy in a school far away or to have something major happen and not have a support network readily available. Parents should look at what is affordable as well as what they see would be the best fit for their child. As for students, they should also look at what would be the best fit for them, but also whether the school offers the courses they would like to take, and whether the courses they need to take for their degree are offered frequently. Students need not apply to a school that has only one or two professors teaching what they are acquiring their degree in, as this will mean a longer stay as a college student. Also, does the school offer night and weekend courses? What kinds of courses are offered? If there are not courses offered during those times and that is when you need to go to school, how are you going to achieve your goal and acquire a degree?

Linsey

The best piece of advice that I could offer anyone looking at college campuses would be to do your research! Make sure you know what the college is all about. Knowing about what the major programs offered at your potential school are, and how diverse the degrees offered are; gives prospective students the flexibility to change their mind without having to sacrifice part of their education by changing schools to get the degree they choose. You don't want to have to start over half way through. Also, know about your prospective campus's views and values, as well as the range of extracurricular activities they offer. Students need to go to a school that will bring out the best in them. The perfect combination is out there for every individual. Try not to let price get in the way of your perfect combination, because your perfect combination is your perfect education. Price worries are what FAFSA was developed for. No matter where you go to school, make sure you enjoy yourself. High school was NOT "the best years of your life." College most definitely will be.

Rachel

I would advise students to make a decisionif they are ready for college or need some time to think things through (not go to college). I advise students when and if they decide to go to college, to be involved in extra activities. Volunteering is also a great opportunity to take advantage of. For parents, I would advise that the parent/child sit down and discuss the options they have, and what is best for the student and family as well. Visit the potential colleges and ask questions. What is the most cost effective way to send my child to get a college education? And finally, I would tell students life is in your hands now, you're no longer in high school. You need to make decisions, be responsible and determined to succeed to be successful in college, and successful in life as well. Giving up is failure. Success is in the eye of the beholder.

Oluwabukola

I would tell them though the name of the school does matter, but it is more about you and what you want out of the education. If you are really looking to learn anything, then a big or ivy league school wont even do you any good. However, if you yearn to learn something new, then you can go in to a small university, make it what you want it to be and come out refined. They limit depends on you and what you set out to do.

Gurjeet

This college is well recognized in the degree which i am pursuing (computer Science). Many good companies come to campus to recruit students . Also, the tuition fees are not that expensive and people here are very friendly and always ready to help. i am new to this place but never felt alone or lonely.

Ashley

Everyone that plans to attend college is going for their own unique reason, so it is imporant to select a college based upon what you want to accomplish and experience. Choosing a college that uniquely suits you will help you have a more successful and enjoyable experience. One suggestion is to make a list entailing those things that are most imporant to you during your college experience, and then go from there. Find schools that offer the things that made your list and set up appointments with people from those schools to have a one-on-one or group meeting. Most schools have student ambassadors that can cue you in on what life is like on that particular campus and can answer the more specific questions you may have. You can only make the most out of your college experience if you want to, so get involved in areas that interest you the most and will allow you to grow. Remember, your college experience is unique compared to everyone around you and you're in control of your future. If college is the next step in your future, choose somewhere that will allow you to reach your goals.

Rydean

If I were to give any advice to students in finding the right college and making it the most, I would have to say, Visit the school. Spend time interacting with students. Eat thier food, sit through a class and spend a day "as a student." People can say what they want, but in actuality, an experient is important in making that decision. As for the parents, just let the student pick it on thier own. It's their place, their school, and their life.

Joy

Finding the right college for you isn't about the flashy campus and all the fancy ni-nac give aways that make your eyes brim and your pockets full at a college preview. And it most definitely isn't about a number that sits pretty on your parents ball point. The best choice you can make in choosing the next step in your academic career is... indefinable. Going by the books and checking off the 4 out of 5 criteria that make you a possible candidate for schools x,y and z just doesn't mean anything until you're smashing the "just a number" mentality and making a name and crafting an identity for yourself in lecture, on the campus or even in a musty study block on the 3rd floor of the library. Get over the smaller campus size, the desolate locale or even the same- sex campus. College is about unearthing your greatest potential. So start now: disregard the numbers, throw out the brochures and take a chance at a school that offers you the best in your area of interest and gives the most support to your post- college back bone: internships and job opportunities.

Cassandra

Make sure you site the campus and get the feel of the college and what they have to offer.

Ashley

Take a lot of time when choosing a college. Consider a lot of colleges, visit the campuses you're serious about multiple times before making a decison. Get your applications in early so that you're more likely to get accepted to your first choice school. Don't apply to just one school so that you have a back-up plan if necessary. Consider more important factors than the party scene when choosing a school as education is the most important reason for attending college. That said, do consider the social scene, make sure the school offers and supports functions that are alcohol-free. Attend freshmen orientations as possible, it's much easier to meet people that way. If you aren't going to live on campus it may be more difficult to meet people, but don't worry about it too much, just be friendly and introduce yourself to as many people as possible, especially in your classes as it will be easier to find study buddies. Once in college, don't lose sight of what's important to you. Be yourself, study, and don't get out of hand even when out of parental control.

Joshua

The advice I can pass on is: don?t be afraid to admit a mistake. College is unlike anything else you?ve gone through before. Why waste that one opportunity? Do well in your classes and rest assured that if your school ISN?T the one for you, they will transfer. If you have found the campus for you, then join a group. Go Greek, intramural, varsity, theatre or the newspaper; find a niche that you can fill. The right school isn?t hard to find. The hard part (and most enjoyable) is finding your place.

ELLEN

get involved!! AND dont be afaird to ask for help. Make sure the school has a good tutoring center and use it wisely!!