Brigham Young University-Provo Top Questions

What should every freshman at Brigham Young University-Provo know before they start?

Lindsey

If you are able to select a major and/or minor before you start looking, it makes the process much easier. By doing this you can weed out the schools in which either have poor quality facilities or do not have the facilities at all that you would need. After this I would do the needed research about the top five to ten schools you have chosen. Finally, try to actually visit the campus of your favorite schools and apply to all those that you liked the most. As the saying goes, remeber to never put all of your eggs into the same basket. As for making college a good experience, try your best to find good people that will help you to not only have fun, but also will influence you to do your very best academically. The people you live and associate with are some of the most important aspects of making the most out of your college experience.

Rachael

Discover the students strengths and investigate on the college and the programs involved.

Josh

The two most important factors in choosing a college are how comfortable you are with it, and how much you will be able to grow there. Being comfortable at a university is important so that you get to know people and expand your experiences. If you aren't comfortable enough with the environment, you'll spend all your time trying to get comfortable in it and never experience anything. The second part is related. You have to be someplace where you think you can grow--academically, spiritually, personally. If you don't see your college as a place where you can do that, it probably isn't the place for you.

Cassandra

Finding the right university to attend requires a lot more research than many think. If given the opportunity, visiting the campus of interest is very beneficial in deciding what sort of campus will be most conducive to the individual's learning. Additionally, seeking out guidance from counselors is also beneficial, as they have access to numerous pieces of information regarding colleges that many may not have even considered as being factors in their decisions. For many like myself, cost is probably the most determining factor as to which university they will attend. Going to school at a university that fits your budget and still will help you specialize and grow in more ways than academically, is ideal. College is a time to learn applicable knowledge for the future and discover yourself; one should choose a college that will challenge them in more ways than just one and will provided the necessary opportunities for one to be placed outside of their comfort zone--that is, after all, how we learn the best.

Kirra

Finding the right college is one of the most important things you will ever do. Which school you attend dictates what caliber of recommendations you will recieve for future employment. It implies something about your character, whether you attend a well-known party school or a reputable school. When searching for the perfect fit, make sure to take into consideration what your prospective major or emphasis will be. If the school doesn't have the program you are interested in, then its out, no matter how good of a school it is. Next, look at your financial situation. Make sure it is a school that you have a feasible way to pay for. Look at the scholarships they are willing to give you and if you will have enough money to make ends meet. Consider meal plan costs and also housing costs as you are looking at finances. Taking into account what environment is at the school is also of the utmost importance. Find one that you find comfortable by doing campus visits at the schools you are considering. The college you decide to attend affects a large portion of you future, so please choose wisely.

Chelsea

I would tell them to make sure to find a school that best fits them on an acedemic, social , and spiritual level. Picking a college is a hard and significant decsion that will affect them for the rest of their life. As for making the most of their experience all I can say is to get involved. Make friends. A few good friends can make such a difference in their overall college eperience. All in all, if they go ready to learn, study, and have fun they can't go wrong!

Alyssa

I would adivise everyone to visit the colleges they plan to attend. There are a lot of times the school looks great in a brochure, but when you visit the campus it seems all wrong. I would definitely suggest visiting every college you are interested in before deciding to go there. I would also suggest looking for a school in your academic range. If you don't feel up to a lot of hard work at first, stay at a local community college and get your GE, and then move on after some college training.

Rachel

Be social but don't forget to study. College is all about balance.

Carlos

To not rule out the possibility of a smaller college. I enjoy the school I go to but sometimes I wish I would have chosen a smaller school that affords more of an opportunity to have faculty interaction. Some of the classes I take are too large and there are few other options.

Heather

Selecting a school is a major decicision for life. The college a student attends will have one of the greatest impacts on their life. To select the perfect school, one should consider the type of campus and atmosphere they would like to live in. Do they want an academically rigourous experience, an artistic experience, etc. I also think it needs to be an environment that will mold someone into a stronger, brighter person. Another important aspect of college is taking advantage of your university. From the very beginning, become comfortable with the campus. Find the perfect spot to study away from your social life. Get to know your teachers and take advantage of their office hours. Also if your class has a help lab, do your homework in them. In addition, take advantage of your majors academic counselors. When the time comes to find interns, research opportunities and a future career, knowing the people in your major and also the teachers in your subject will be a great asset for you. And aside from the academic life, make sure you are social and take advantage of all the different activities your school offers.

Missie

Find a college that fits you. I chose a church affiliated university that fits my standards and needs. I love music and academic challenging situations; this school did all that for me. Have a school that will lauch you into a great job becuase of its high credentials; dont give up!

Melissa

There are many factors that must be taken into consideration when making the important decision of choosing which college to attend. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to: location, areas of study, curriculum, finacial aid, accomodations, facilities, size, reputation, housing and any other aspect that is important to why you would choose one school over another. Take into consideration that some of the aforementioned factors may be more important to one person than to another, so be sure that you choose the college you do because it looks to be the best opportunity for you and your needs, and not only because one of your parents or a friend attended/is attending that college. No matter which college you attend, be sure that you are dedicated, work hard and succeed as you study to ensure that your lifelong goals and dreams will be attainable and of value to you in the end.

Jean

It is important to look at such factors like campus size, classroom size, interaction with professors, what people do for recreation, and more. Figure out what is important to you and find a school that has that. Take advantage of the resources available-- create relationships with professors, find out what internships are available, create strong connections while you can. However a large part of making the most out of your experience is the student's own attitude. I really think anyone can make any college a great experience for them if they decide to do so. While there are options to transfer, I think it does take awhile to get used to a campus. It took me at least a year before I finally felt comfortable and felt like I belonged at my college but now I'm extremely glad I stuck it out because it has been the best experience and I would never trade it for anything. A lot of it has to do with your attitude and your decision to find people you like, find jobs and volunteer opportunities you like, and really create your own impetus for success.

Erin

Finding the right college is about more than just location and price. Remember to research the quality of education at each college you are considering. Don't plan to attend a certain university just because it's your parents' alma mater. Make your own decisions by figuring out what's best for YOU. When you get to school, try to remember to balance your time. Yes, studying and homework is important, but college won't be full of great memories unless you get out and make some. Don't forget to have a little fun every now and then too. And try not to stress out too much. Remember, you'll get through it (finals included) if you just take a deep breath and take it one day at a time.

Lauren

A college experience is what you make it. If you want it to be socially engaging, look for oppurtunities to do things with other people. All colleges host events on a regular basis. If you want to be intellectually stimultated, ask around for the most in-depth professors and take honors classes. It is a good idea to research colleges and visit campuses to see what suits you, but I believe that your college experience is what you do. You can find the things you want out of your college experience at any college, it is a matter of being proactive and searching out what you want. All colleges have a few teachers you won't get along with or some activities you won't like, but there will be something you are interested in and something you do want to spend your time doing. Most colleges allow you to form your own clubs and help you find internships in places you are interested. So my advice to to pick a place to study that you think you'll like and then take your education into your own hands.

Stephanie

My parents would strongly encourage me to attend Brigham Young University, and otherwise show their support for an academically challenging and religiously enriching university.

Megan

The biggest piece of advice I could give to others who are looking for the right college is to really research all of them and to attend an open house or something of the sort before-hand. My university offered a weekend for potential freshmen wherein we were put up in a hotel, shown around campus, sat in on classes, attended one or two social activities, and watched a football game at the stadium. It was pivotal in the decision I made and I wish I would have gotten the opportunity to do that at other schools.

Greg

Major universities provide incredible opportunities for growth and discovery. They can also be intimidating as students find themselves surrounded by peers who are every bit as accomplished, if not more so, than they are. This fact can overwhelm those who are not prepared to work harder than ever before to attain success. The good news is that universities are as eager for students to succeed and bring distinguishment to their alma mater. The resources provided for the benefit of students are produced at great cost to universities and are extremely effective as they have been tested and proven. Peer tutors who excel in their areas of study are cheap or free resources that may be as important for the new student as the actual lecture. Going to college is a time to grow as an individual and develop the skill sets to become a productive member of society. By using all available resources students will set themeselves up to succeed in their academic pursuits. With that foundation they will be ready to enter the workforce and leave the world better than they found it.

Kathryn

Think really hard about what you want out of your overall college experience and the dig around to find something that matches up. Definitely get out there and talk to people from your choice university, and then once you are admitted make sure you sort out what your priorities and plan accordingly. It is really important to show up with a good attitude and open mind and to put yourself out there to meet new people and make new connections. Check out what kind of clubs or organizations you can be a part of and go to social and sporting events even if they sound lame because it's a good way to get to know people and to give you an idea of what your life will be like. If there is anything that bothers you about the university or the people, don't let it stew and fester in you until you become bitter and feel stuck- DO something about it. Find out what you can to to contribute in making your university better and more enjoyable for everyone, and always do what you love and makes you happy. And of course, to thine ownself be true.

Janell

Finding the right college depends on education goals, personal views, beliefs, and what kind of social life you want. Choosing a school that will assist you in getting the best education for what you want to learn about is one of the most important things. You need to know the emphasis at your school and whether or not you want that or not. It's important to find a school that will lift you up and help you reach your dreams and goals. Find a school that will allow you to make friends and have a great social life while still being able to keep up with the schoolwork. The college experience you have depends on your attitude. Even if a school offers a multitude of activities, it's up to you to involve yourself. Get involved and enjoy your time, make friends, and get to know the world around you. Make the most of your education and be wise in your studying habits. Your education has a vital effect on the rest of your life.