Auburn University Top Questions

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Try to get your kids to live off-campus. The opportunities really open you up for so much more that you wouldn't get otherwise. The financial savings are tremendous, it keeps you out of trouble, and the studying is much better. Sometimes living in the dorm you need a place to run away to. You dont worry so much off-campus.

I would advise parents and/or students to first off look for a college that tends to put an emphasis on tradition. This seems to imply that academics are coveted. I believe you also need to consider distance; seeing the family during breaks can be very important. Also, an emphasis on core requirements in the curriculum should be addressed. I would advise parents and or students to research a few things such as: student-to-teacher ratio, area/campus safety, housing, and overall costs in relation to education quality; check out the school's national rankings (in fields of study) and compare the cost of attendance. The next phase of research might seem secondary but actually helps in overall wellness. Facilities such as the library, student activites centers, and student unions are very helpful in fufilling a college students overall experience. Next, I would advise them to look at the surrounding area (off-campus); is it conducive to living a domestic college life, while outside of the classroom? Lastly, you get out what you put in; and by that i mean get involved. It will keep you going and open you up to new ideas and potentially wise decisions.

No matter what, make sure the student truly feels at home when visiting the campus. If they feel at home, then they will truly love it. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way because these days fly by before you know it.

Explore your options and don't totally depend on financial aid if your middle class. Your too "rich" to get any and to "poor" to afford tuition.

It always heps to have an idea of what your child wants to do. I believe it is never right to force a student into a major, I've changed my major 3 times because I wanted to please my mom. Now, I pay for college by myself, but I'm doing what makes me happy

Take a tour of the campus first. Once you found what your looking for in a college, get involved in different programs on campus. Create study groups for your classes, so you get to know people. Chances are you will have classes with them later or they have already had classes you will be taking, so they can tell which teachers to get or not to get. And attend all the home football games and at least one away game before you graduate.

First decide what you're interested in and visit schools that excel in that. Look at the curriculum and try to meet with your perspective advisor. Try to meet as much of the faculty during your visit. Ultimately you will make your decision on whichever school you feel fits you (of course that's assuming money isn't an issue). DO NOT decide to attend a school you have never visited.

Be serious about your college experience. When in college, you're training to be a professional. You should certainly have fun, but many people treat college as "13th grade". The emphasis should be placed on LEARNING not GRADUATING!

The best advice I would give is to follow your head and not your heart. Too often I hear of people going to a certain school because of a friend or significant other but don't consider that college may determine what they're going to do in life and that friend or signifcant other may not always be there.