Missouri State University-Springfield Top Questions

The advice that I would give to parents and students is to first understand what they want in a college for their children and themselves. The parents and students should know what type of activities they might like to be involved in such as groups, organizations, social groups, etc. Then look at the schools that they see fit the bill the best. Once you have found that school, the parents and students should then expect the best from their decision.

My advice to a parent or student about finding the right school is to go visit multiple times if possible. I would also recommend talking to students attending. If you go on the campus tours many times the answers that those students give have been given to them by the university, so they might not even agree with the answers. Also making the choice for youself. If the school has what you are looking for then go even if it is farther away.

Finding the right college is important to students because it can determine the direction of the rest of their lives. When looking for the right college, I would advise parents and students to visit as many college campuses as possible. It is hard to know if it is right if you have never been there. While at the campus, look around and explore. Explore the buildings and look in on a few classes, and explore the town the college is in. Make sure you feel comfortable in that town and on campus. Remember you will be living there for several years. Check out the academics, make sure the field you are interested in is offered there. To make the most of your college experience, get involved. Join a club or two, and make new friends. Don't stay hung up on all your high school friends, keep in touch if you can but make new college friends too. Live on campus your first year if possible, it is a great way to meet people. Don't become so social that you neglect your classes though. Afterall, that really is why you are there.

Visit the schools you're interested in, and do not base your decision on the social scene. Check out their academic status, sports rankings, and make sure the dorms are a place you can live in and the library is a place you can study in because that is where most of your time will be spent if you want to be a successful student.

When choosing a college it is important to find the right learning atmosphere for the future student. Small or large class sizes do make a difference in the learning experience, as does the availablility of study facilities and aides. One important detail to check into when college searching is the resources of the campus advisors. A student's advisor is an important aid in their college experience because they can help the student plan and build their future. Most students come to college undecided in their future goals but with the help of a good advisement and career center they are able to find something which suits them almost perfectly. Another good detail to examine is the dorm life on campus. Its important for students to live in the dorms for at least the first year of college because it is a great place to build friendships and a social skills. Dorms should offer a wide variety of social activities because they are great ways to prevent stressful and harmful lifestyles from forming. Also the campus should provide a wide variety of activities such as sports, plays, and concerts to build a well-rounded educational experience.

There are a lot of factors that need to be weighed by any prospective student. One of the few things that should not be taken into consideration is how good the athletics are (unless the student will be on scholarship for sports). Class size, campus size, amount of financial aid available, and overall cost are the four most important things to pay attention to when choosing a college. To make the most out of being a college student, you have to put yourself out there and join some organizations, they don't have to be greek organizations. Make sure you find the college that fits you best and then be yourself, don't worry about anyone else.

Know if you do well in a small or large class setting. Get involved!

When choosing what university you will be attending, go with your first instinct. Ask yourself where you think you'll be happy, where you think you'll get the best education, what college you'd be proud to tell anyone you're attending or have attended. Forget about the name of the university, the prestige it has or doesn't have. In the end, the name isn't going to matter. What will mean the most to you is the fact that you spent four years at a university you feel supported you, a university where you grew not only academically but personally, a university where you would encourage generations after you to attend so they could have the same exhilerating experience. When you find the univeristy you can call home, be sure to make the most of it. Academics are important, no doubt. But, be sure to have as much fun as possible. Hang out with your friends when you're the most stressed; take a break from studying and have a dance party with friends randomly in the hall. In the end, it's during these times that you will make the memories you will forever remember.

I would suggest finding a school that will best suite your academic needs as well as a school that you or your family can afford. College is expensive so you may need to get a part time job so check into on campus employment as well as off campus employment. Look at the on campus social activities and make sure they have some that will be beneficial for you, because college work is hard you will need an outlet to relieve stress.

My parents made me go to an in-state school in order to save money, and due to my major, that only left one option. I feel it would have been worth the money to attend an out of state school in exchange for a more vibrant college expierence. Don't settle on a school just for the cost. With the amount of money you are already paying, you may as well spend a little bit more and make it worth it.

Get involved early! Don't wait until your senior year. Make contacts.

I am an older student and I encourage other older people to attend college. It's never too late and even though most students are younger, the quality of education offered here is great for all ages.

Go to college to get a job. Don't go to college to just get a degree and figure it out. Too many kids graduate with a good degree with a good GPA, but can't get a job because they never really knew what they wanted to do. So get involved, meet people in your field of study, work for companies that are related to your field, and have a plan of action AFTER you graduate. While in college have fun, and don't stress too much about school, making friends and connections is the best thing college can offer you.

I would suggest taking a couple of campus tours; it really helps the student and their family to get a feel for the campus atmosphere and it helps the parents feel better about sending their teenager there. It's also very important to make sure the school has a good program for the major the student is interested in; the student can know they'll be able to get where they want to go in their career. In addition, make sure to talk with some students who are currently attending or have recently attended the school the student is looking at; this will help get some extra insight into what happens on campus and how other students feel about the school as a whole. Choosing a school is a very important decision and takes a lot of thought and consideration. Make sure to understand what is important to both the student and parents in a college and try to respect their views. Be sure to include everyone in the decision-making process and get all the information possible about each prospective school in order to make an good choice.

choose one that will fulfill you wishes as a student

Make sure that you aren't just picking a school based on where your friends are going; college is about branching out, and learning how to grow up. Not being exactly as you were in highschool.

College is a great way to let a student grow. I lived at home for my first 2 years of college but once I got to Springfield, I felt like I had missed out on something great. If you are a parent, encourage your child to go to college and encourage them to join clubs and get involved. If you are a student, your parents care for you and want the best for you. Call them every once in awhile, because they will miss you, but do not stay at home because you are scared of what will happen. You might not know what you want to do with the rest of your life, but go to college as soon as you graduate high school, otherwise you might not ever go. Take some general education classes to find out what you might want to do. Always do what you enjoy and if you do not enjoy it anymore than stop doing it. Life is too short to do anything you hate.

Choosing a college can be one of the most exciting (and frightening) times of a student's life. Don't be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone! Choose a college that best suits YOU, not necessarily where all of your friends are going or where you think you'll have the best time. Talk to students who attend the college. Take tours of the campus. This will be key in making your decision. When you've chosen a college, BECOME ENGAGED by joining student organizations or intramural activities that interest you. This is especially important if you chose a college where you know very few people. You will be able to meet people that have the same interests as you. College is a time to not only secure your future, but to also make lifelong friendships and memories that will last the rest of your life. At the same time, STAY FOCUSED! You need to find a balance between socializing and making the most out of your last academic years. These years are going to be the best in your life. Take full advantage of every opportunity that lends itself to you. Be bold. Make friends. Study hard.

I would definately tour the campus. If you don't like the campus astmosphere you won't like being there at all.

give it your all!