Baylor University Top Questions

Listen to the Lord and see where he wants you to go. That is the best and only advice I have to offer.

I would advise students to explore all of their college options thoroughally before making a decision. The university a student chooses to attend has so much bearing on that student's future. Students spend four years of their lives at the school of their choice, so it's important that the academic elements, social scene and campus are well-suited for them. Addtionally, it is important that the university provides career opportunites for the student. A student should question how reputable the school is and the school's potential for networking in the future. It is also important that the school's location is at a comfortable distance from the student's hometown. This issue varies from student to student, but it is definitely important to consider. Ultimately, I think that families who explore every option for their future student have a greater chance for finding the right school. I feel that once a sound decision has been made, the student is less likely to consider transferring. If they are confident in their choice they will likely make more of an effort to adapt, even when adapting is difficult.

Don't pick a school based on a single criteria. For example, even if a school seems prohibitively expensive, they may have extensive financial aid available to someone of your academic/social/racial/ethnic background. Start early and ask lots of questions. I started my search during my senior year of high school and got lucky. I could have very easily been stuck enrolling in a school that I really had no interest in attending. Visit. Seeing the campus firsthand, especially during a class week, can give a great impression of how student life is. If every student you see is stumbling to class, eyes downcast, mumbling quietly to themselves, you may want to reevaluate your choice.

To the parents I would advise to really let your child decide this one, and their decision can tell you a lot you don't know about them. My parents always expected me to be an Ivy League student, and I could see my father's disappointment when I chose Baylor. But college is so much more than the name. Some unfamiliar school might have an amazing program your child is interested in, so please keep an open mind. Also, please let your child choose a major that they are truely passionate about, and don't be upset if they don't stick with it. School is about learning and growing, and sometimes we outgrow our majors. Like maybe you at one point might have outgrown a job when you were 18 or so. Students, don't pick a degree because it will give you a job that makes money. Choose something you really enjoy, something that gives you the opportunity to grow, learn and change. No matter how much money you make, you cannot guarantee your happiness. Find happiness with yourself and with your goals, and success will follow. College is a collection of choices; choose to be yourself.

It is very important to visit the campus before you make any official decisions. I definitely fell in love with Baylor by visiting and meeting the friendly people on campus. The size of the campus is also important. Smaller campuses are needed for those who don't have vehicles since passing periods are usually 10-15minutes. The size of the classrooms would be a good thing to look at also since that will usually tell you how big the classes are. Class size is important especially for those who feel like they might need a little extra help. Smaller classes means more one on one contact with the professors. Reputation is also pretty important. Asking people in the profession you want to be in which schools are know for their programs is also pretty helpful. Particularly for engineering and anything in the medical fields.

Visit the campus at different times of the year. Find a student that you can talk to about the school. Premier events tend to show the school in a light that it may not live up to at all. Which academics are usually left out of the picture and fun is emphasized. Look at the surrounding area to see if it interests you. Really take a close look at the college in mind to form an accurate picture of the college. Dont just listen to what their hired representatives tell you. Its mostly business in the disguise of a caring person.

The first and most important thing for students to do is to visit the college with thier parents and without thier parents. To make the most GET INVOLVED. if you do things at college it will make it a great experience. Do not base your college on whether or not it is a party school and don't base it on whether or not the school is highly academicly recognized. when you fit into a college you will have a much greater time.

When looking for and choosing a college, the key is to be proactive. Explore all of your possible choices, visit the schools, sit in on classes and talk to professors, talk to students on campus, eating in a dining hall, walk through a residence hall, and meet with academic advisors and financial aid advisors. It is impossible to make an informed decision based on a catalog or brochure. I feel as if I was too passive about my college application experience. If I could have done one thing differently, I would have been more involved. I applied to a handful of schools, briefly visited the top three, and made a decision. Luckily, I made the right choice. I just wish that I would have been better informed.

Take a visit to the campus, preferably during the school year when there are stil a considerable amount of students still on campus. Then walk around the campus and talk to the real students, not the advisors, or tour guides, but the real students. If you are a business student then talk to some other business student if you are interested in pre- med then walk around the science building and talk to several pre- med students. And for the parents, let your child find the campus and school he loves, and then support him all the way. Even though, you may not like the university they pick out, if they do not like where they are going to scholl, then they will not do very well in school. So instead of throwing away money to go to a university just because its pretty, or the best is not a good idea. Go to the school that you fit in at the one you will be proud to call you alma mater.

Pick a college that you feel is worth your money and where you feel that you can have the most fun while still maintaining your scholarly duties.

You only have, usually, one opportunity to experience college. Why not make the most of it? Look for the college that makes you feel like a new home can be experienced there. Once you're there, experience everything that the community has to offer! Volunteer, join a club, become involved with your fellow students. Invest in the time and effort to make great grades, AND enjoy your time there with new-found friends. You'll be glad you did. :)

A parent should encourage their child to apply to a school that has similar beliefs and similar environment to those which the student was brought up in. This will help the student to get used to college in a faster way and will allow them to meet others with similar viewpoints and ideas allowing them to make life-long friendships.

Visit the campuses and ask a lot about extra-curricular activites. Classes are generally the same at most schools, it's what you have available to you outside of class that makes the experience memorable.

The students major is not as important as the parent would like to believe, there are always basic classes that must be taken regardless of major. My advice to all parents and or students is to dive into the college world, if the major is unknown one is at least able to work on discipline and what it takes to succeed. Many schools are forgiving of first year mistakes as well, this is a different world, and therefore mistakes are expected. The final point I want to address is that when it comes to picking a major one must first and foremost consider their individual passions. Many of my friends who hae chosen "safe" majors such as biology or chemistry begin to worry because they chose their majors based on job security. This is wise, but was has continuously been shared with me is that if you love it, if you have a sincere passion for something, you will do fine, and you will be able to find a job for you after your college career is over. Finally, work hard and all else will fall into place.

First, I would advise students to find a college that was conducive to the environement in which they are most capable of learning. For example, if a student learns better in a smaller classroom, then they should look for colleges that enforce a smaller student to professor ratio in their courses. I would also advise students and parents to set up dates to attend each potential college. It will reveal much about the environment at that college. Also, read reviews about each college, both those that are considered "official" and "unofficial." I recommend both because it illuminates the good, the bad, and the ugly about the college. Alos, read reveiws that talk about numerous things for each college: academics, environment, social functions, etc. I would also recommend that you look at what the college boasts about. A few important things to look for is to see if the college boasts about the accesssibility of its professors and the variety of services provided to students (such as tutoring). You may not think you will need this at first, but you may find that you do use it. Finally, never be afraid to ask questions about anything. You can find the answer.

Don't get desperate, really take the time to figure out what is best for you. What you may want in a school right now will change as you get older. A supportive parent really helps a student be successful in college.

College prepares one for real life experiences

I think the number one rule in choosing a college or university is to follow your dreams. I could have gotten the same degree somewhere else and saved at least $30,000 but I have always wanted to come to Baylor. I know I would have regretted not following my dreams. My Baylor degree will pay off in the future!

Visit the college that you/child would like to attend. It may look different online than it does it person.

College is a big decision, and although you can transfer if you change majors or realize you belong elsewhere, it's important to research schools well before deciding so you don't have to stress out over transferring and moving, etc, when you could be having fun with friends or making summer plans. While my family has no money, I decided I wouldn't let that decide where I went to school, so although I go to an expensive private school, I love where I'm at and don't want to be anywhere else. Pick a school you can call "home", where you can get involved in both campus life and the community, a place that will honor studying and reward your efforts, and also remind you that it's good to take a break and relax with your friends. It is hard to make friends sometimes, so if it takes you awhile (like it did me), don't get depressed. Just remember that really good friends sometimes take awhile to make and it's ok to be alone sometimes. I'm further into school now and have some truly amazing friends but don't mind eating alone.