West Virginia University Top Questions

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

Elizabeth

Check out the school, see everything it has to offer. Meet new people, and get involved in something!!!

Dana

Make sure that there are teachers teaching the classes and not TA's.

Emily

I would tell any parents and students trying to find the right college for them to visit as many as they can and ask questions. They should ask questions about their area of interest, any sports they're interested in playing, clubs, housing. They should get all the information possible and weigh the options heavily on academics, not just where your friends are going. I believe the key to making the most of college is making as many friends as you can through your major and other majors as well. The best thing you can do is get involved in clubs and extra-curricular activities. Many students try to stay with people they already know going into college, and this isn't entirely bad. But, I have made some the best friends by having classes with noone I knew and stepping out of my comfort zone to meet new people. Have fun! But, don't disregard your studies.

Eileen

Visit campus in advance and stay over night and talk to students. Visit learning disability office if need assistance.

Richard

i would tell parrents and students that choosing the right school for you is a very important thing. If your not sure what college you want to attend upon high school graduation, or if your not even sure if you want to go to college at all college, you should at try community college to start out. it will let you get the feel of college on a smaller level and it will save you money on credits that are mostly transferable. As to making the most of your college experiance, i would say take the raods less traveled and try out some new things. Dont be a follower but instead be a trend setter, and most importantly, just be you. Don't try to impress anyone with an act because the joke will be on you. if you are yourself you will make more friends and they will be higher quality friends that will last a lifetime.

Heather

I suggest going to a school where you can obtain a new experience and not everyone from your high school goes to. It helps you learn responsibilities and be able to live on your own. Find a school that you fall in love with when you first show up. Make sure that your major is at the college you plan to attend and make sure there are other things around the school to do than just school work. Have fun and enjoy college.

josh

prepare to write

Catherine

Go to a school where you feel excited and comfortable to be.

Zachary

I think that students should go someplace where they feel comfortable and happy because those places tend to make for a much better learning environment. Take your time choosing the school, but trust your gut instinct!

Amanda

The best advice I could give to anyone about finding the perfect college would be to visit many schools and find both positive and negative aspects of each school. By visiting different schools, it can help identify different aspects that a person enjoys and can help narrow down the search for schools. Also, have an idea of a major, and choose a school that has opportunities for what you may like to do in the future. To make the most of the colllege experience, be open minded and friendly. Introduce new ideas and become involved in clubs and organizations around campus (great way to meet new people!). Study hard, but don't forget to have fun!

Paul

I think the best way to find the right college is to do two things. The first being to spend time with actual students there. The campus tours are nice, but they only show you what they want you to see. Students will give you a more honest opinion on their school. The second is to visit the school as many times as possible, and see if after numerous visits if the campus is still appealing to you. I was convinced I wanted to go to another school, but after visiting it a third time, I realized I was already bored with the campus and town.

Heather

Dont ever choose a school that has a few things here and there that you like and dislike, pick a school that you can imagine yourself saying in ten years that the school you have choosen is the school you are proud to say you went to, and mean it.

Ben

For parents and students both, find a place that you are comfortable at. I traveled to many colleges to visit before I decided to attend WVU. Many of these campuses did not fit my lifestyle. I am more laid back but still academically inclined, but several of the colleges I visited seemed to be too intense with their studies. I feel that in order to thrive you must like your surroundings including the other students.

Michael

It is crucial that you get around and experience a variety of different schools and universities, both close and far from home. Go take a tour, and spend a few days on campus during the week, during fall or spring semesters, when everyone is on campus. You should sit through a few classes and make sure the size of the class, and campus for that matter aren?t to large for your learning style. If you don't choose the right school, while I'm sure that you will still succeed, it will exponentially increase the difficulty of your course work at your choice of Colleges. Also after you have chosen you school and moved into your dorm, you need to get out and meet the other students. Meet your roommate and the rest of the people on your floor. Then I would suggest getting involved with sororities or fraternities for making new friends as well as networking. If you don?t get out and get active with friends and other groups on campus your college experience will not seem as fulfilling as it should be. So I just suggest to get out and get involved as much as possible.

kristen

pick a college that best fits you not your friends or anyone else. take things as they come to you because you could get overwhelmed with thinking of all the what ifs. plan time to do homework but also time to have fun and destress. enjoy you time in college it will only be as good as you make it.

Timothy

If you have a specific major or program in mind, don't just look at the top schools for that program. Most students tend to change their major or emphasis. If this happens, and the school doesn't have enough diversity in their programs, then you will find yourself in an undesirable place. Don't rule those schools out, but be sure there are plenty of other potential programs at those schools. Also, look at the environment at the school. Are you the type of person who doesn't like to be around alot of stereotypical drunk college students. Would you prefer to write or read on a nice Friday evening? Then maybe you shouldn't pick that one school that's well known for partying, for you may have a difficult time fitting in at such a school. Fit is the keyword. Find a place where your interests and hobbies can thrive. When it comes down to it, your are in charge of your own education, and ultimately, your destiny. So find a place that's condusive to your style and your personality.

Matt

The best advice I could lend out to pre-college students and parents looking for the right "fit" would be to find a college that gives you that fun atmosphere. It is a given that college is not all about fun, however, college is loaded with new, unique, and exciting expieriences. So, find a school that offers a full pallet of activities and opertunities. Make sure the education - to - price ratio is acceptable. Even visit the school and ask current students what they think of the campus. They will not try to "recruit" you and will be as honest as anyone.

Michelle

I understand that many people will tell the parents of students entering college to "let go" and to "set your child free". I believe the almost opposite. Though i do believe that parents should give their children more space and respect, i do not believe that they need to "let go" of them. I feel that if the parents let go of their children and leave them to be alone in their new collegiate world, they will either get scared and not be able to handle their transition into college, or they will take their new found freedom and go crazy. The compromise, as I see it, is to allow the children to experience all there is to experience in their new environment while still keeping in touch with and listening to their parents. However, there is compromise needed on the parents end also. The parents need to understand that their child is not their baby anymore and give the students the respect that they deserve. They should give them their freedom while still giving them boundaries so that they do not get out of line.

alison

i just wasted an hour taking your GODDAMN survey just to answer an ESSAY question for this scholarship? FUCK YOU

Fiseha

Visiting college and ask the almuni to find the good college.

David

I would recommend them to find a college that fits their needs and interests. For example a college that has their major, and also a college where they will be able to enjoy themselves for four years. I also recommend visiting various schools before applying to them. This way they can see exactly what college life is like. I think one should make as many friends as possible because friends always help one another during hard times, and in college there tends to be lots of hard times. The most important thing about college is learning who you really are in life.

Allison

To decide the right college focus on the distance from home you want and the number of students there are at the college. Although I feel it is very important to have many different people in a learning environment and to meet many new people when going to college, this is not the case for everyone. I think that the distance from home is especially important because if you need or want to go home for some reason and cannot because the distance is too much of an inconvience, the student is not going to enjoy the college experience as much. However, it is also very important not to be too close to home so the college experience is met. Going home every weekend is not a good thing because it breaks up the time for bonding with other students and also does not allow the child to be on his/her own. College is a time of learning independence an priorities.

Andrea

When choosing a college, make sure you visit the campus first. Also, don't sell yourself short and choose a college nearby for that reason. You deserve a good education - you're paying for (at least most)- so choose schools that have been recognized nationally in order to get some of the best job offers. The cost of attendance can be quite expensive, but check into scholarships and grants, as well as government loans. It is possible to get a free ride with the amount of money available to students. When in college, study in groups to get the best learning experience. Set daily goals and stick to them so that schoolwork does not become overwhelming. Also, make yourself known to professors and let them get to know you - you may need them as a recommendation later for graduate school or a job. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy this experience. It is life changing without a doubt, but you will find friends for life and look back on these years wishing you could go back. Don't take things too seriously or you won't get out alive.

Joel

Students need to make their own choices. You can not let your friends and family chose for you. When you are looking at coleges you need to ask yourself what you want out of life and if this perticular school will help you get there. If the answer is yes look at the other aspects. Do you like the campuss, sports teams, enviroment, size, ect. When you find the shcool you want don't let anything stop you just go for it.

Cole

Just to decide for yourself my freshmen year i decided a college based on what my friends and teachers wanted me to do. And if you don't like the education you are getting remember that you can transfer!!

Meredith

When parents or students are searching for the right college, they need to know what kind of enviornment they do best in. For selective majors, this makes deciding that much more difficult however, and sometimes there's not always many options. A school with a tight social network will help beginning freshman feel more at home when adjusting to a new place. When arriving at any school, always remember to stay open minded and if you're living in a dorm, your door should be open! Arrive to classes early the first few days, and it becomes easier to make friends with those in your class. Finally, remember that no matter how long or stressful college will seem, four years goes by faster than you'll believe.

Stephen

Visit the school for a weekend, without parents, and do what the students do for fun. Go to house parties and frat parties and see what they are like. Attend some classes and talk to professors in areas you are interested in. The more you can learn about what goes on at school when parents arent there, the better choice you can make as to what school to go to.

Justin

Find a college that suits your personality (do you like to be around lots of people, do you want a good social experience) make sure it has the major that most interests you, and make sure that you can afford to attend there for as long as you will need.

Heidi

I would tell students to look at all their options. Go visit the campuses of the colleges you are interested in and then decide which you believe you will feel most at home while attending. Make friends, go out meet other people and get involved. college is the best 4 years of your life...make the most of it.

Marshall

In order to make the most of your college experience you really need to put yourself out there and be willing to take chances making new friends in your classes and in the dorms. The more people you meet the more you open up your mind and the more fun you really have with the whole college experience. It's another chapter in your life and the last time you'll be in school so just have a good time, do well, and put yourself in a position to really go somewhere, it's a great time.

Marie

The advice that I would give starts with what type of person the prospective student is normally. If you are an outgoing person who loves to be around people than colleges and universities like WVU are where you want to attend, if not then look into smaller schools. The second most important piece of advice I could give to a student or the family is to look at the academic programs and offerings of each individual institution he/she/they are thinking about as it pertains to what the student wants to focus on; the right college offers what he/she needs in order to succeed in his/her desired field after he/she graduates. The third set of cents I would propound would be to look into how much each school costs and the financial aid that each gives/accepts - having the money to pay matters a lot. The rest of my advice would be to visit each prospective school and try to talk to at least 3 students about how they feel regarding this schoo.l. All of this should allow the student and family to come to the best conclusion.

Katy

This is such an important time in your life. First sit down and talk to your parents and listen to what they have to tell you, remember they have already been down this road. Do some research on where you would like to go and if they have want you would like to take. Determine how far you would like to go and what the cost is going to be. Go visit the colleges, take the tours they offer and talk to other students that attened that school to get ther opinion. Lastly, choose the college that feels right and fits "you".

Victor

Finding the right college for your child is a complex decision. What remains essential is the final objective of these four incredible years in its totality. College CAN be one of the most liberating and eye-opening times of one's life. Inherent in this notion is the fact that spreading one's wings necessitates self-determination, self-control, and responsibility. Without a clear goal in mind, without vision to where one's decisions will lead, it becomes easy to be lost, adding to the never-ending stereotype of the typical reckless college student. In your search, your child's choice is paramount. In that choice, however, be sure to find a place that offers exposure to diversity, supportive organizations, and a mentality that will lead towards progressive thought: a vision of the forest for the trees. College can be really fun. The key to a great experience is simply to recognize that college is just a step... and the fun does not have to end here.

Wesley

Just find a place where you feel most at home. College, even though it is about learning and receiving a good education and also finding a good job, that's not all. My freshman engineering teacher told me his thought on what every student needs most to succeed in college. And it is not good teaching, or a place with the best facilities for all needs, but a place where you have friends. Friends are a vital part of succeeding in college and if you can find a place where you feel at home, making friends will be so much easier for you and you will have no problem succeeding. I didn't go out much or spend a lot of time with friends my first year, and therefore my GPA dropped, but this year, I am spending more time with friends and focusing on studying and I already am doing much better in school and feel that this year will be much greater than my previous year. Finding a place with good friends is the key to college success. And good academics and facilities do not hurt either.

Scott

Parent(s), you are very important in the process of transitioning to college and you most likely already know that. However, remember that regardless of where you financially can afford to go, the decision of what college to attend should ultimately go to your child(ren) even if you are affiliated with or an alumni of a particular school; the decision process is very tedious, but absolutely necessary. Encourage your child to visit as many colleges as possible before applying to them and do not let state borders constrain you; many of these visits should be during Junior year of college as the application process is normally at the very beginning of students' Senior year. If financial issues arise, remember that there are many loan possibilities (such as Sallie-Mae) that can help you pay for college. For making the most out of college, students should be aware of their potential and the environment they're learning in. Students should be encouraged to be outgoing and focused to successfully mix their social life and schoolwork. Overall, remind them that they decide what kind of experience they have because, as cliche as it sounds, school is what you make it.

Sara

The best advice I could give a future student is that choose a school where you feel like you can belong and also make sure that the enviroment like distance, weather fits your personality.

Ben

Parents: Now is not the time to try and fix anything you felt like you should have done for the last 18 years. Your kid is who they are and hopfully you love them for that. Don't worry. They will be fine. Students: College has a lot to do and you are on your own for the first time to do it. DO NOT think you can do everything. Enjoy expanding your horizons as much as you want but don't do it at the expense of your studies. You don't pay thousands of dollars to play video games or join a fraternity. Lastly, college is faster than high school. Your decisions will have more value and there will be more of them to make. Trust in yourself and the people around you to help guide you but YOU alone know what is best. Enjoy every minute of it!

Michael

The best way to find the right college is to go and visit a college. Listening to what people have to say about a college is usually helpful, too. I would visit the college you are interested in on a school day and just walk in on a couple of the lectures taking place. It does not really matter what lecture you sit down in, but it is more helpful if you listen to a lecture close to what your major is going to be. You just can not be shy to make the most of your college experience. You have to be eager to meet new people and just try new things. It may take a little bit of time to adjust to your new settings, but most people get the hang of it. The only thing you really have to do is to pretty much be yourself and you will find the other things.

Laura

I would advise them to go and visit the college of their choice before attending.

Samantha

Students need to consider a number of things when choosing a college. To begin narrowing their choices, students should consider what schools offer excellent programs in their area of study. From this list, they should explore each college to determine school size, class size, availability of clubs and activities of interest, housing options, transportation, demographics of the student body and faculty, distance from home, etc. Knowing this information, the student and his/her parents should look at each school to determine how the personality of the school fits with the student's personality. For example, a very shy young woman from a very small, rural community may be overwhelmed by a University in a big city. Likewise, a student with liberal ideas from a large city or someone who thrives on constant activity, large and diverse classes, and being independent might find a small conservative, rural college too constricting. College is so much more than just academics. It is the path to the future. Students must consider not only the academics available at their chosen school but also the schools culture, diversity, size, and other factors in order to select a school which fits with the students own style.

David

The first step in picking the right school is deciding how big or small you want to go. The second step is picking the feel. Some colleges have a hometown feel while others have a very urban feel. There are historic brick schools and concrete paradises. There are scenic countrysides, crowded cities and everything inbetween. On top of this you want to pick a school that is geared toward your interest or major, but make sure you have a couple. Most students I've met didn't stay in the major they went into, it is great to have a few back ups. Now it is time to visiti their website. The internet is becoming a larger means of communication and is a great resource tool for finding information. If you don't like what you see there, you can eliminate those schools far away from your list of ones to visit. Save the long trips for the ones you really like. A lot can be told just by visiting a school's site. Finally visit, and decided for yourself if the school is right for you. Never make a decision this big without a school visit.

Stefanie

The advice I would be is to make sure that parents and their children visit the campus of their choice and be open minded. Many schools may seem like they are just right and turn out not to be or the other way around. If the upcoming student visits the campus of their choce regularly they will know what to expect when entering the next stage of their adult life.

Heather

Always ask other people their opinions about the college. Ask what they like about it, and what they strongly hate. I would suggest staying the weekend with a student that they know, and get the experience themselves, then they truely do know what the experience at the college is like. If the child is close with the family, then i would suggest staying atleast in a two hour radius, so then they are able to come home when neccessary if something was to happen, or if they are just homesick. Always have faith in your kids. It usually works out and everything will fall into place.

Christopher

Research and gather all information pertaining to a specific school and don't automatically eliminate a particular school, becuase of any one reason. In terms of making the most of the college experience, I would advise, find your own niche and just have fun and make the most your time in college, both academiclly and socially.

Erick

The advice I would give to students is to make sure you feel comfortable in the enviornment you will be in. If the school is known as a party school and you are not known as much of a partier then make sure you are okay with going with that school knowing that piece of information.

Madison

Go out to the school and visit. Take tours. Talk to students and faculty.

Thomas

Find the campus and town that best fits you. You will get a good education almost anywhere you could go, but you have to find a place where you are comfortable. You wouldn't want to sleep in a bed that wasn't comfortable.