Montana State University Top Questions

First, I would tell the parents and students to talk to current students at the school. I worked as an orientation leader for MSU Admissions, and I know first hand that the school will always talk themselves up and say all the good things about themselves to make it sound more appealing to the students. If parents/students talk to actual students and get their perspective they can have a much better mind set as to what they should expect when first entering college. Also, it might also be best to talk to students who are currently in the same major that the student is interested in. Second, I would tell the parents/students to come and actually sit in on a regular class. During orienation they put on a sample class, but again, they do all the fun things that happen throughout the semester in this one class. It is not a very accurate representation of the classes. I would suggest sitting in on a couple classes that covers the materials of the major the student is interested in when they actually come to college.

You have to go and visit the campus, do your research, talk to the students there and find out what they like best about the college and see if those things are what you would enjoy too. Make sure the college has a couple of areas of study you might be interested in, just incase you decided part way through that its time to change majors.

Parents and students need to first take a look at whether the school offers the programs of study the student is interested in. If the school offers this degree program, then the student needs to find out how much it costs to attend each year. After widdling down there choices with these methods a student will then find a school that is best suited to them academically and economically. A few other considerations should be taken into account, however. If the student is interested in sports they would need to research the sports programs offered at there desired schools, and also if the student is a very social person, what kind of social activities are available to them. A final area of concern for them is the availability of financial aid and work study. These are all things which I would recommend a parent and student research before choosing which school to attend.

Whatever college you decide on will be the right one. College is expensive but not everything will be spoon fed to you. Believe it or not, you will need to look around outside of class if you want to really get your money's worth. It would be best not to lean too heavily on everyone around you because this is the time to learn how to deal with the state of independence you have been thrown into.

Don't consider one thing. And faculty to class size ration is extremely important. Also don't listen to your parents.

The best advice that I can think of is to get involved with some sort of group or organization on campus, or affiliated with campus. Sometimes even more than one group can be beneficial in order to get maximum involvement. My reason behind this is because many people come to school completely focused on school only, and don't allow time for their personal lives, and thus suffer socially. Even though groups may interfere with school work at times, it is better to judge how to juggle the problems offered by school and the group, for then you learn how to be responsible. It's one thing to be responsible for yourself, but learning how to be somewhat responsible for and with others is a learning experience you sometimes won't get in the regular classroom, but it is an experience and asset that is essential and/or helpful in many careers and jobs. Get involved and learn to be responsible while socializing and still working hard in school.

Make sure the students best interest is in mind first. Also consider important things like money, distance, and living situations. Make sure that they have as much fun as they can and get invovled with as much as possible because its all about oppurtunity. Dont be afraid to say hi first and learn new things and stay focused in class because its easy to get distracted. There is a fine balance between social life and studies and you get what you put in.

Making the most of your college experience is easy. Remember to do your homework, take advantage of services offered to you, and most importantly, just have fun. You do not need to have the next ten years of your life planned out in order to start going to school and broadening your future horizon.

My greatest suggestion is to pick a school to fit your personality. Most degrees are offered at campuses across the nation. Pick a school atmosphere that fits well with you. Yes, college is a time to branch out and try new things but a huge culture shock can be detramental to new students. If you do find a school environment that you do enjoy, try to find three more and then make your choice. Don't just jump at the first school you like.

Visit colleges! Ask questions! Be persistent!