Auburn University Top Questions

In rearing children, parental control is a necessity and is benefitial. As the children grow, however, parental guidance should decrease in order to allow the child to grow on his own. The college decision should be a major decision that exercises this new freedom on the part of the child. At this stage, the child is at the beginning stages of adulthood and the parents need to recognize this. This is a critical stage for the child to learn to focus on his future and how to make important decisions. Guidance from the parents is very helpful, but ulitimately the decision should be up to the child and the parents need to allow him or her to make the decision without experiencing pressure from the parents. At this time in the child's life, the parents have the opportunity to shed light on how to make the college experience great. Parents can give advice on how to be involved at school, share their own memorable experiences such as at sporting events, and how to excell in school. The parents, though, need to allow freedom to the child to deviate from their expectations, to be different.

make the right decision and the choice that right for you not the choice that someone else wants you make.......

My advice to parents and students would suggest them to consider schools whose academic curriculum specializes in what they are majoring in. Often times I see or hear about students who don?t receive the best or most productive college experience either because of a poor curriculum at their school or suffering from educational costs. Either two of these predicaments can cause students to change majors or worse to drop out of school. Most importantly I would advise my audience to focus maintaining at least a B average during their college career. What most people fail to realize is that when a student has a B average or a 3.0 GPA that makes their school look good and when you make your school look good they are more than willingly able to reduce your costs by means of scholarships and grants. Because this is not a perfect world these rewards are only partial amounts of total costs but since this is the real world and monetary aid will be greatly appreciated by anyone who receives it.

Don't invest in college until you know why you are there and what you're trying to achieve by being there. Do research on the faculty. Learn about the research they have done and if their research will be helpful to your chosen career choice. Visit the campus and walk around without a tour guide. Strike up a conversation with a student in the college that you would like to attend. Ask them about the academic advisors and how helpful they are. Get their opinion on the school administration.

Choosing a college is a nerve-racking and thrilling venture. However, the stress of selecting the perfect college can be reduced with just a little research. Before starting your search, make a list of criteria to meet such as campus size, schools within the college, distance from home, etc. If you know what you want from a college, finding the right one will be easier than you think. Choose your top ten favorite universities and start applying! If a college does reject you, it is not the end of the world. Remember, there are plenty of fish in the sea! After you have your acceptance letter in hand, it is time to start thinking about how to make the most of your college experience. First step is adjusting to the different location and styles of teaching. Organization will play a key role in helping you manage your classwork through those first semeseters. Once you have the academic part down, try to have a little fun! Get involved in organizations on campus and meet new people. New friends will allow you to adjust quickly to your new "home." College is time to prepare for a career but try to enjoy yourself!

Take your time and visit as many schools as you can

Make sure to pick a college that both the parents and the student are comfortable with. If the parents are having to worry a lot about the safety of their child, I found that it takes away some of the new freedom of moving out and being on your own. Also, make sure to pick a college that is best for what you want to study. Many people in the South pick colleges based on family loyalty or a sports team. This is ok if your team wins. But if they dont, you're still stuck at that school that may not be suited for you. I would strongly advise getting plugged in to a club/social group that suits your personality. Its really hard to make it in college without friends, especially if your away from home. So meeting new people that share your same interests is really important.

I would strongly advise visiting the college campus and talking with the admitting office and attending pre-registration. I would suggest getting a general overview of the college town. If living off campus, I would suggest visiting prospective rental properties early. I would me with the head of the department of the degree I have chosen and discuss options on classes, future jobs, etc. Mostly familiarize yourself with all aspects of the college; so you have a "feel" of it before you are there.

Make sure that the college you choose feels best. I had little trouble adjusting to Auburn life because of the people there made me feel like I was home. The idea of a family best describes it. Look for and find that. Theres a place like that for everyone. Even if it is Alabama.

Don't worry if your son or daughter does not know what they want to do for a living. No matter the degree, all students must take the state "core courses"--you can always take those for up to two years before on must decide on a major. Just make sure that the school has a diverse set of interests that matches your childs abililties and talents. That way when he/she does decide on a major, it will be available. Also, make sure the school takes their academics seriously--football and other things are nice extras; but, academics and reputation for jobs after the degree is awarded is very important.