East Texas Baptist University Top Questions

Jana, I know you think that you have a lot of time and everything will fall into place but the truth is that is not how the real world works. Choosing the right college takes a lot of work and time. You know the most important things to you in a University are; 1) a Christian University 2) a small/medium size population 3) a chance to play softball. Going off of these three musts in a college you can narrow it down. Next, you should decide if you want to stay in state or go out of state. Going on campus trips is a must!!! Virtual tours are nice but they still do not give you the true feel. You should talk to current students and faculty members at each university. Keep your mind open. After visiting every potential University sit down visualize yourself at every school and think not only of what the school can do for you but also how you may impact the school. Asking for someone else's opinion is fine but remember in the end this is your life!! Lastly and most importantly pray that God will guide you to make the right decision.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would tell myself to be more open minded. Instead of focuses on just graduating and doing well academically, I need to do well socially as well. I would tell myself to not close myself off to others just because their religious practice is different from mine. I'll tell myself to make friends have have fun every once in a while instead of hiding out in my room. By doing this, I may expand my world a bit at a time.

As a student i recommend that you make overnight visits to the schools you are looking at and choose a weekend that there is ample activity on campus. Engaging in campus activity such as intramural sports any campus events and such is futile to survival in college social life get out of your dorm room and meet people. The friends you make in college will be lifetime friends.

I think it's really important to find a school were you really feel like you belong. It's not completely about who has the most on campus activities, who is ranked higher, who has smartest students or more well known professors. I auditioned for many music departments and many schools all over the southern half of the United States and I didn't feel more wanted or appreciated anywhere than I did at ETBU. The professors seemed so excited I was there and the admissions office and financial aid were so helpful. When I left that day I knew where I wanted to go there because I left feeling liked I belonged, like I was a part of something. I knew that I would be so happy attending this school, I could just feel it. I am currently a senior at ETBU and I am so glad I made this decision. I love my school and wouldn't change anything about my choice to attened.

I would advise parents to look at the curriculum of the school and to talk with their students and make sure that is somewhere they would like to go. Encourage your children to make sound decisions concerning their own futures, and to really try hard and succeed. Do not waste time in college. Try and have fun, but schoolwork and learning are the most important aspects of college. Stay focused and work very hard.

When choosing what college to attend I would advise students and parents not to procrastinate. I would recommend applying for as many scholarships and as much financial aid as possible. Once you make your decision of where you are going to go to school, I would tell new students to get involved in as much as you can, and to get to know people. If you find that you cannot juggle your work load being too involved you can always shrink your involvement.

I believe small school education is the way to go definately but I would encourage the students and parents to be open minded when choosing a college or university. College is such an awesome and vital time in a young person's life so willingness to be open a change is a huge thing.

Atmostphere is the most important indicator of a good school. Prospective students should look around and ask themselves questions. First, are people friendly? If people are unwilling to talk to a visitor, they will probably be unwilling to strike up a conversation with a new student. Second, do people look happy. If a large ammount of the population appear to be frustrated, there is probably a reason. Third, is most of the college life on campus? If not, a freshman could be stuck on a dead campus durring the weekends with nothing to do. Ask a current student, preferably an upperclassmen, what they think about the school. Are they still upbeat and positive? That's a good sign. If they are jaded and unsure, then this is probably not a good choice for the long haul. Visit lots of colleges, and don't be afraid to talk to people. They will give you the answers you need.

Try and sit in on an actual class lecture. See if the classes are what you are interested in. It doesn't matter what the campus looks like, it's all about what you want out of your college class experience that is going to bring you the best degree.

The most important thing to look for in the great university search is to find a campus where you feel at home. Find a place where you feel comfortable, whether that means a small campus or a large campus. I'm a firm believer that no matter where a person ends up, they are going to meet great people and develop strong friendships, so the college search should really be focused on the area where one would like to go to school. Small towns can be trying, but with the limited amount of activities around town, you end up developing your creativity and friendships actually grow in the search for entertainment. The big city offers a lot of opportunities for entertainment, but there is always the risk of having TOO MUCH to do. A university should feel like home. That's the best thing you can find.