West Virginia University Top Questions

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

Danielle

The first thing to consider is what career path the student wishes to take. If they are undecided, a state school or community college is a good place to start. They are usually inexpensive and an undecided student can complete their general education classes without spending a bundle. If the student knows what they would like to go to school for, they should find the best schools in the country for that field and also to compare prices among that list. Visiting colleges is key, if you know a current student at that school, have them show you around, they may know things that you wouldn't find out on a normal tour. If you like the campus, see if you can sit in on a class to see what the professors are like, if you don't like the professors you won't get much out of your education. The most important thing once you have decided on a school, try not to overload yourself. Don't take as little classes as possible, but don't take the maximum credits either, find a balance in between that allows for ample study time and preparation for exams/class.

Renato

college is not a continuation of high school, its singular purpose is to train potential students in upper management and scientificly specific jobs. One needs to be self sufficient and self reliant, in high school one attends school because he or she has to, however you must seek out success because for many failure is not at option. Find a school which your family can afford to send you to, no one wants to be 22 with hundreds of thousdands of dollars worth of debt. Success is by no means guaranteeded by simply attending an expensive school, however it is ultamately up to yourself to decide what kind of lifestyle you are comfortable with living. Just be happy and realize that you are still very youg, mistakes will happen however its best to avoid some which can cause serious harm in your future. Have a dream, and if you desire it enough eventualy it will manifest itself as reality.

Jordan

Choosing the right college is very important. When choosing you need to think about location, population, education, and costs. Many schools have good financial aid programs to help cut down on costs. Education is also key. You want to choose a school that has not only what you are looking for, but what has the best program for your anticipated major. Some people would rather be close to home where others want to be further away. There are many different schools across the nation to choose from. It also depends on population. If you don't like big groups choose a smaller school. Then you will have more one one on one time with your professors to help you in your courses. The college experience can be whatever you want it to be. If you work hard and keep your priorities straight then you will succeed. One thing to remeber is to make sure all of your work is done before you go out to be with your friends. Don't put it off or you will get behind. Once you are behind it is hard to catch up. Stay on top of the work and you should be fine.

Justin

Make sure you pick a school that is right for you, so know if you like, big schools, little schools, or medium size schools. Go to all the schools that you are looking at before you make your decision, visit them during the school year to get the full experience. And most importantly be sure you can afford to go to this school for the whole time that your major requires.

Katy

Visit plently of schools. Find one with the right balence of activities and education to fit your needs. Have fun but not too much fun, make sure to study and focus, because college is a lot tougher than high school.

Megan

The best advice that I can give parents and students is to start looking early, and to have a clear idea of what you are looking for in a college. Some key things to really comtemplate are how far is the campus from home, whether the students are off campus on weekends, what activities and clubs are available at the college, the number of degree's available, and how easy it is to get into your program if you go undeclared. It is extremely important to go visit the colleges, for a day AND for an overnight visit. This will give you, the student, a great feel for the campus. I ruled out a lot of colleges just by doing this. Start visiting colleges Junior year and revisit the top three in Senior year. Don't rule out a college because of cost. A lot of colleges will provide financial aid. As to how to make the most of your college experenience: GET iINVOLVED!! Join clubs, work out at the gym. Remember, all the freshman are new, don't really know anyone and are looking to make friends. Remember-have fun, get involved and don't forget...study!

Greg

It all depends on your personality and there are alot of choices, put school first and stay away from shady dealings.

Yue

research before applying for colleges. have a visit to the collge before making the decision socialize with friends and classmates, they are very helpful and while in college, make sure that you have a good relationship with all your profssors. they the people that could help you in the future with finding jobs

Jennifer

FInding the right college can be difficult, but I would definitely recommend making a few visits to the campus and attending an event like a football game or a concert, just to get the real feeel for the campus itself. Also, talk top current students, and find out what they like and dislike about the college itself. Additionally, the prospective student should really try to figure out what kind of experience they want, and where they can best see themselves. As for making the most of your college experience, take advantage of anything and everything that you can, but learn how to efficiently manage your time.

Danielle

The relationships between the professors and students is more important than the social environment at the school. However, the social environment should be a priority along with academics. If the student can not fit into a social group, it can stress the student out and force them into other emotional and mental problems. It is hard to focus on academics when the student is emotionally and mentally burnt out. Choose a school with an importance of career building. These schools will prepare a student for real world job interviews and real world work environments.

Patrick

Take a campus tour and really look into meeting current students and asking about their experience before you choose a school.

Joseph

Study hard, go to class and PAY ATTENTION. My advice would be to weigh each of your needs in a college and find the best fit. There is no magic equation, it is different for everybody. Go where you will be most happy.

Rene

Talk to a variety of students on campus and listen to there outlooks. Try and find people that match their particular situation such as status, income, race/ethnicity, and etc.. Plan ahead on how they are going to pay for school and get as much information as possible on scholarships, loans, and financial aid.

Becky

Don't spend more than necessary. An undergraduate degree is something that begins an education and is not worth 100,000s dollars in dept. If your kid is unsure of what they want to do, big schools offer more options. They can always transfer.

Caleb

Consider eveything form the geographical environment, weather, athletics, social atmosphere, quality of education, price of tuition, housing avaliablility and pricing, and all other. Also, visit the campus to get a feel for the environement and tyep of people who attend to make sure that you fit in.

Ashley

I think that parents need to let their children chose the college that they want to go to. I do believe that parents should have a say, but I feel that the child should get to make the final decision. Most of my friends tried to go to colleges that their parents wanted them to go to, and ended up coming to WVU after the first few years. I think that you need to know what you are looking for as far as academics when looking for a college. Overall, you have to pick the college that is going to suit you the best.

John

Don't settle for the one that accepts you first. Shop around and visit campuses. Remember, you will be living there for the next couple of years!

Kyle

Go into college with a positive attitude. Even if you are not where you want to be and feel your leaving the life you knew back at home, dont let that ruin college for you. This is the best time of your life where you will meet the people who you will be friends with the rest of your life and you only have this short time to be in this situation. Dont have any regrets, figure out what you want in life, mature as a person, make some mistakes its the best way to learn.

James

Don't judge the school on publications on which schools party the hardest and those sort of things. Those studies are based on a small polling of the population and can easily be manipulated. Judge the school on your experience you have while visiting, then revisist the schools you like the most. Parents, don't try to force your kids into going someplace they don't want to go and forbidding them from going to a school they want to go to. Let the students choose where they want to go. They know what they are looking for, and they are the ones that will be experiencing college. So let them choose the place they will enjoy, and not the one that you, the parents, will.

Teddy

Tell kids to go with what feels right. Also, tell them things that you deem important that you know they won't appreciate at the time.

Patrick

Come to WVU and have the time of your life!!!!!

Cassie

It is important to know a couple of things. How close do you want to be to home? Do you want a large school? Are athletic events important to you? Do you want to live in a dorm? These are all tough questions, but ones that need to be decided as a family. Best of luck!!

Chad

Visit each college early and ask as many questons as possible.

Alexa

Pick a college that not only suits your needs academically, but also socially and environmentally. Not only is your academic and educational experience important, but so is your living situation. You must be happy where you are in order to succeed!

Shane

It is a very difficult decision but i would go on as many visits as possible and get as much information as you can. I would also try to talk to as many students at the different school to get their personal prespective of the college. i wish i would of put more thought into my decision to make the same mistake i did because it makes life stressful and difficult.

Christopher

A place with a good academic reputation is nice, but if you pick a school on that alone, you wil never truly be happy. You need to pick a place that feels comfortable to you, a place that feels like home, becuase it will be for at least four years. And try new things, go new places, and meet new people, becuase the experiences you will have and the friends you make are what will stick with you for life.

Frank

No. 1 thing to look at is location, do you want to come home for weekends, or breaks, or ever... No. 2 if you think it is a drinking school, even if you do not want to there are numerous people anywhere that will accept you. No. 3 if you are unsure of you major make sure you are going to a school that offers majors that are atleast interesting to youself. No. 4 student housing will basicaly stink anywhere but make sure you have a plan for later years. No. 5 know the area a alittle bit, see the things students do there, do you like those activities?, just make sure your heart is in the school...

Madeleine

To find the right college go somewhere that has things you like to do avaliable and somewhere you feel comfortable. For most students the secrete is to be far enough away from home that your parents wont come and visit every weekend but close enough so that if/when you get home sick you have to choice to go home for a weekend. Another important thing to remember is do not just attend a college or university because your friends from high school are going there. If you do not know anyone going to the college/university you want to go to there will have to be other people just like you that do not know anyone else either. Finally, living in the dorms are the best way to meet new life long friends! To make the most out of your college experience get involved! It can be through club sports, attending varsity sporting events, student government, societies, using the universities facilities, or joining other students organizations.

Katherine

Take your time, explore many schools, and don't force or pressure a specific choice on your future student for your own reasons.

Beverly

Always go to the campus before you make your decision. You might be expecting one thing but when you get there it's totally different. Sometimes that for the better, sometimes it's for the worst.

Richard

My advice to students and parents would be to pick a school that is build around a friendly environment. A friendly environment maintains a friendly foundation. Its highly recommended that the school should be visited more than one time just to get a strong opinion about the school. Go to the campus during the week days, so that one can develop a sense of how the sudents interact and behave in their environment. Then, go during a weekend to see how the students spend there time off. Do the students all go home for the weekends? Do they socialize at parties and/or clubs? It also may not hurt to do some research and determine what kind of workload, advising, and teachers are like at the college. Take the steps and time to determine an appropiate college. If their is a close decision, you may not be able to make a wrong choice. Once he/she begins to attend school, they should not be afraid to attend activities or functions. Many of the students are in the same pair of shoes. It may take time, but the friends you make at college are basically the friends you keep for life.

Katy

Sit down and talk to your parents and get there opinion. Go to college fair and only talk to the universites that you are interested in select those ones and set up appointments and go visit with your parents and see what that college has to offer. Some will choose a small college and others will want a large college, You have to go with the one that will best fit your needs. I knew when I stepped on the campus of West Virginia I knew after looking at thre other colleges that this was the one for me I just had that feeling. It has been such a wonderful experience so far the only draw back is the cost. I am out of state so for me tution is almost doubled. I am tring to help my parents with loans we have all taken some out.Scholarships help so much I can only hope when you read this I will be considered for one.

phyicia

I think those looking for colleges should look around at more than one college, and pick ones that are different in nature. I was able to see a few and this helped me make my decision because I am very pleased in my decision and wouldnt have wanted to attended any other college.

Danielle

I would advise students and their families to visit numerous colleges in all different community settings and sizes (i.e. small colleges vs large universities, more rural vs urban) to see which the student likes better and feels more natural in. I would also advise them to look at schools both near and far from home and to think about how family orientated they are and if they think they will be okay living far away. I would advise students to pick a school they feel comfortable in and like many aspects of. Also to pick a school that offers their major. When looking at schools I would advise families to go when class is in session and talk to students to get a feel of how the campus is on a daily basis. To make the most of the college experience I would advise students to try new things and talk to people they normally would not talk to. To come with an open mind and make friends from their dorm floor. I would also advise them to go to class and to study because it is easy to fall behind. To balance their social and academic lives.

Jessica

I think parents and students really need to look at the schools and what they have to offer for the major of the student's choice. They need to look at more than just academics, they need to go walk the campus and see if it seems like a fit for them, go and talk to students on campus, they are more than willing to take the time to talk to you about it. Go sit in on one of the classes in your chosen major, you will get a chance to see what it is like. Don't rush your choice, and go with what feels right and natural to you.

Tavia

The number one piece of advice I can give is to get involved in any way you can. When college starts it gives anyone the option to reinvent themselves. That person is no longer pigeon holed into the stereotype from high school. At college you can be whoever you want to be. Check out greek life, join a club, maybe you will even start a club. The possibilities become endless on campus. This is the one chance in your life that you are able to take risks, meet new people, and have the time of your life. Most people refer to high school as the best days of their lives. They are dead wrong. College is all about what you personally make of it. My advice is to make the most of it. Academics are the most important thing, but don't waste four years with your nose in the books only. Get out, make new friends and do something new and fun. If you don't, I guarantee you will regret it!

Lauren

I'd have to say in the search for the right college, look for someplace that wows you. When you visit it, and you're not sure, it's probably not the best college for you. When I stepped onto my college for the first time, I was amazed. I knew at once it was the best place for me. But make sure you visit! It's an important step in trying to find the right fit. As for making the most of the college experience, get out. It can be a scary period when you first enter college, but getting out and meeting people and finding things to participate in will make your days at college all the more fun. But also, learn how to manage your time. Have lots of fun, but remember to set aside a portion of time for studying and homework. When you get the hang of time management, college becomes and even better place. So to all those searching for their colleges, good luck!

Daniel

Visit the campus. I think it's important to look into the academic side of things but every school pounds those facts and stats into your head. My advice is to walk around campus, hang out in the student union and see if its the type of place where you fit in, feel comfortable and can mesh with the students there. College is more than just a school, its your home and community for the next four years. Make sure it fits you.

Jenna

When looking for a college that is right for you, it is important to visit as many schools as possible. Go out on your own, talk to students and locals, and really try to get a feel for both the college and the surrounding town. The most important thing is to find a place where you can be happy for the next four years. Don't rush in to any decisions, start looking early, and get as much information as you can about all the schools you are interested in.

Dev

Take your time and pick a good college that overall suites your needs.

Erica

I recommend that you do a self assessment of your goals, desires, strengths and weaknesses. Determine what is most important to you. Then check out your college options. Start early so you don't get stressed or feel pressured. Talk to other students already attending the college, visit the campus at different times, and make sure the school has the academic program that supports your career goals. Try to find a college that has the best combination of offerings to meet your idea of a "dream school". Make sure it meets your number one criteria. For me, a reputable engineering program was important, so I chose WVU. I wanted a college that would help me find internship opportunities and prepare me for a rewarding career. I also chose WVU because both of my parents attended there and I liked the sense of tradition and loyalty, especially with the sports teams. To make the most of your college experience, I recommend that you set realistic goals and participate in a variety of activities so you balance hard work and fun. College is an opportunity to help us grow and develop in all aspects of our lives - mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially.

Raeanna

Visit the school before you decide. Research the school before applying as well. Know what kind of school you want to go to. Do you want a big party school. A school with big sports teams and lots of school spirt. Do you want a small school that is close to home.

Diana

Don't mess high school up. It all counts starting the first day of 9th grade. Also, if you are thinking about choosing between a 4-year college and a community college, and the factor is "getting away from parents". Choose the community college. Saves loads of money. Otherwise, if you went to a 4 year university you'd waste your first year getting wasted and flunking out. It's wise to just stick with the parents and then make a smooth transition after the 2 years at a comm. college.

Allyson

Advice that I would give to parents and students about finding the right college, may sound corny, but is very true. Once you step foot on the "right" college campus, it just feels right. As soon as I stepped foot on West Virginia University's campus, I knew that's where I wanted to be for the next four years of my life. I knew that the opportunities would be endless, and that since it was a large university, I could make friends from all sorts of backgrounds. Now, two years later, I am more in love with WVU then the day i stepped foot here. An important part about choosing the right school is how well the program is for your major. The Psychology Department here at WVU is known as being very challenging and the students that have left here have been very successful. I know this because alumni and company reps. have come to our classes to share their experiences. Make the most of college by joining groups/clubs you never thought you would. I signed up for acting next semester, something I would never have done in high school. Take Chances!

Amie

I would suggest to parents and students to visit the colleges and help the students learn good study habits before going to college. This is essential for students who don't need to study and where high school is very easy because for these students, college is the hardest to adjust to. Look into many colleges and don't just settle for a college because your friends go there. Make sure its what you want.

matthew

Don't settle on something that is not what you want.

Natalie

How can you know what a place is like if you do not experience it first hand? I found that visiting campuses and talking to students was the best way to discover what college would fit my lifestyle best. Reading about colleges and looking at their programs is a great way to narrow down the college search, but once a student has a list of ten colleges or less I think the only way to see what the campus is really like is to go to the college and see what it feels like to be apart of that community. If a student goes to a campus and feels completely out of place, then they will know that it is not somewhere they would feel comfortable living for the next four years. I found that once I came to my college I knew it was the right place for me and I would not be as satisfied at another university.

eileen

Visit Campus and talk to students

Eric

The students need to find a college that will help thme get a job once they graduate. Most students pick their school based on how much parting there is at the school. Parents need to talk to the students and make them realize that college decides the rest of your life.

Luke

I advise students searching for a college to go visit the campus of any prospective schools and take the tours available there. Make sure that you know about the transit options on the campus because getting where you need to go is very important. Also, closely study the institutions' websites. They very often have helpful resources and information such as maps and descriptions of the campus and lists of various clubs and organizations along with their websites and descriptions. Be sure and go with your instincts when picking the place. When you begin college, get involved in an organization as soon as possible. I reccomend faith-based organizations such as InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Whatever you do, get involved. Education is extremely important but remember to make time for your social life as well.