Arkansas Tech University Top Questions

look for a school that fits your personality

The main thing that parents and/or students should look at when looking for college is the quality of the department they will be enrolled in. You should not choose to attend one college just because it is close to home, because they might not have a well established name in the field of choice. Another thing that should be looked at is the size of the school. Some people will feel uncomfortable at a big school. If the student does not feel like they fit in, chances are they will not be as successful. The third thing parents and/or students should look at is the cost to attend the college of choice. I put this item third because I do not think it should drive your decision for college; however, it is something that needs to be considered. The less loans you take out for college, the better off you will be when you graduate. The final thing that should be looked at is the social activities the school sponsors. No matter where you go, you will meet a lot of new people and will make friends, but the more activities sponsorsed, the better time you will have.

I would encourage the parents and their children to go through the buildings on a tour, as is provided by the campus. Also, talk to the staff at financial aid and student services so that you can develop a full idea about the campus. This will allow you to see if it suits you in your personality and interests. This is so that you can choose the school for its academics, activities, and facilities.

The most important thing is to find the school that is right for you. The enviroment and the people around you must be your kind of atmosphere for you to be sussessful. Don't stress about it when you find the right school you will know that it is the place that you want to be.

Check all of your options and apply to any school that you might have the slightest interest in. Look at there actvities and programs of studies. The best answers you are going to get about any school is going to be from those who graduated or are currently attending that school. They will give you all the positives and negatives. Stay on campus at least your first year. Thats where you meet so many people and get involved in so much that you get a sense of direction in life. I absolutely loved my first year and was always meeting new faces. College is where you can bust out of you box and get to explore who you are and who you will become. Apply early and visit the colleges you can. You will be surprised at what is out there for you. Especially when it comes to scholarships. Apply to everyone you can get your hands on. You will be surprised at the ones you can recieve and far they really can stretch.

The advice I would give to students is to truly think about what the colleges you are considering are offering. It's an important decision and truly taking into consideration the options is key. Parents need to say their opinion but try not to force their student to attend a certain college. This can lead to frustration. College is a great time in a young adults life. Making the most of it is important. Trying not to get too caught up in school work is important because it can make a person go crazy! Go out and do something every once in a while. However, knowing your limits is important. School is the reason you are there, so that should be your first and foremost priority. With careful consideration and knowing your limits, college can be the best time of your life! Enjoy it!

I would advise everyone to walk around campus with their parents to get familiar with the surroundings. If it feels comfortable, go into some of the student buildings, library, and classrooms. This will allow you to see what's going on before you're actually there. Usually there are tours with higher level students for this. Also, I would look into the financial aid as you get higher up in classes. Make sure there's enough. Look into jobs on campus because it often creates ties with people and allows you to get great recommendations for graduate school or careers. Another thing to do is ask students about the food in the cafeteria and go to a couple of games on campus to see if you like the environment. It's important to get involved before going to the college. You don't want to end up somewhere that makes you uncomfortable or bored. Also, speak to professors in the area you may be interested in. This is all very important for anyone going to college.

Make sure students are actively involved in activities that will further their career goals from the first day of class. I'm a broadcast journalism major, and work on several student-produced television programs. At my university, students are encouraged to participate in all areas of production from their first semester. Nearly every other university I applied to required students to be juniors to participate in student-produced programs and restricted on-air positions to seniors following an audition process. Everyone's college experience will be different; be aware of exactly what you're looking for, and talk with students and faculty to find out if it's available at the schools you're interested in.

Don't skip classes, do all your work, and don't choose a school based on the amount of scholarship you will receive.

To read in between the lines on if they would actually want to go to the school.