Northwest Missouri State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Northwest Missouri State University know before they start?

Sarah

My advice would be to make sure that you are prepared for college. College is an amazing period in a person's life, but you have to be prepared to study and make the most out of the time you have. Many students falter in college because they are too busy with the parties and being away from home, it all means freedom to them. College can provide so many opportunities for your future, you just have to have the self discipline and drive to obtain them.

Jennifer

I know that deciding what college is right for you seems so hard to do. There are so many colleges and they all look perfect. The key is to find a college that is a perfect match for you. Do you like small classes? Would you want to live in a large city or in a smaller town? Think of college as a place you will be living and learning for the next four years. Important advice I would give is not to look for colleges just around home, look state wide, or maybe out of state. I went to a college where no one from my high school went, but it forced me to make friends with new people from all over. My final point, which will be hard for parents to swallow, but college is so much more than fending. Remember not to limit yourself my setting a price on your education. If you find the college you want that is right for you, price shouldn't hold you back. There is always ways to get funding for things you want.

Claire

Pick a school that best suits your personality and will help your with what you want to accomplish in life. College may be one of the hardest times but enjoy it because it really is the best years of your life. Join clubs, activities or sports to better your self-accomplishments and networking.

Kara

When it comes to choosing a college, much of the advice I can give is obvious; look at the school's academic record, the size of the college, the school's location, how much financial aid the school provides, etc. These are all very important. But one thing I really suggest is that you take a campus visit while class is in session. This way you can see how professors interact with students, what classes are like, and even talk to the students about why they chose that school or what campus life is like. Once you've selected the right college and have settled in, get involved. Try any activity that looks interesting or you think may help you with classes. Once you find something you really enjoy, stick with it. Also, get to know some upperclassmen in your department/major. This way, you will have someone you can go to for advice about classes or homework, organizations in that department, or just little questions you might have about getting around on campus. The biggest thing I can say about your college experience is that you'll get out what you put into it.

Lindsay

After graduating from college, I realized you never can be fully prepared to choose the perfect college. In life, you live and you learn; you change as you get older, and you will always want different things. Do what makes you happy. Choose a school based on many criteria, not just because your parents went there, your boyfriend or girlfriend is going there, or because they have great parties. You may pick the best college for you right now, but you may change your mind, and that's okay! You are allowed to make mistakes, and you are allowed to change your path. That is life. In college, do what makes you happy. Trust your gut, but do your research. If you are unhappy with your chosen major, switch! Even if you have to take a few more courses, you will be better off in the long run. Join an on-campus organization. You will make many friends, and gain experience in your interests. Plan ahead. Use a planner and practice good time management, believe me, it will catch up to you. But overall, do what makes you happy.

Emil

Apply to many school, even if you think you won't get in. Visit the campuses, involve friends and family in your discision. Go to activies, meet new people, and have fun. Make the most of your college experience, ou can only go threw this time in your life once.

Jessica

Find a place that you will feel comfortable in. I'm very pressed for time, this survey took lots longer than I thought it would. So I would have a lot more to say, but I can't right now!

Sunny

I recommend touring many different places before making your decision. I didn't tour any and just went with who gave me the best bang for my buck. I will never regret what I have went through but I always wish I made a better choice. Just because it is close to home is not a good reason to go to college either. Your child needs to be the one that is happy with the decision not the parent. I know that might be hard to come by but if you don't do that then your child could be miserable and give up on their dreams. If they do, you may never get a college graduate out of your child.

Elizabeth

Schedule as many college visits as possible. Get a feel for the campus: the activities, the classes, dorm-life, etc. Ask as many questions as you can think of. Write down the pros and cons of each college you are considering. Narrow your list of choices until you feel you've found the right college for you. Don't allow your friends, significant other, parents, or anyone else to influence your decision. If you choose a college that suits you, you will be happy and enjoy your college experience. When you've finally kissed your parents good-bye, remember to be responsible. Stay involved on campus with organizations that interest you and may benefit you in the future,. If you are feeling stressed, homesick, lost, or depressed do NOT hesitate to find help. Most campuses have professionals who are waiting to talk with you. They are not there to judge you but to help you cope with the difficulties that come with college life. Go to your school's football game and cheer on your team. Attend a school production. Stay active; join an intramural team. Appreciate the freedom but don't forget to call home every now and then.

Keaton

Don't base your decision on what's what your friends are doing or what seems right. Of the top schools you like, you need sit down and talk together (student and parent) about what strengths and weaknesses each school has. Be very detailed, and don't just focus on academics because college is a lot of fun too. Make sure your decision is career oriented as well because that is what college is all about. This is the job before your job.

J

Find a place you like, and try to follow the golden-mean.

Steven

Make sure you ask alot of questions and take more than one tour. Talk to some of your professors in the field of study that you want to go into and make sure you like them. Make sure you look at housing and how much books and everything is ging to cost. Make sure it is the right distance you want to be away from your family.

John

don't pressure your children into your profession. they will never be happy unless they choose what they want. Just because something has been sucessful for you doenst mean the same thing will happen to them. they need to want to do something, not see to themselves that "statistically" it is the best for them

Mary

Choose whatever feels right. I would highly reccommend getting away from home to gain independence but staying close enough to home that you stll have a little bit of comfort and a place to go! :)

Greg

None im speechless

Adam

do what's best for you

Jacob

Don't pick a school that reminds you of home. Change it up to better ensure that you or your kid will be more culturally aware. Chose a safe, academically sound campus. Choose Northwest!

kc

look at all the options and if you know the major look at resources and courses offered, what looks to be best for the students future and how much the student will learn for the price. also if it is an enviroment you want to be in. even though cost shouldn't matter it tends to so financial aid and scholarships should be a factor but not a main one when deciding a college to go to.

Melissa

The advice that I would give the student is tour the campus before you pick. Because you might think you know because of pictures but once you get there it is different. Also to get the most out of college is join club/ groups that you want. By doing that not only will you meet new people but you will also find that you share a lot of the same things. Those people will make college feel like home. Also call home to mom or dad they would love to here from you. My advice to the parents is let your student pick the school because they know what they like and want. Also send them letters once in a while, it is always nice to get mail from home. A care package is the best maybe some cookies added in. It is just an idea!

Amber

My advice would be to visit alot of schools, and find the one that really fits who you are. Make sure it has everything you want in a communitiy as well as school, as well as social things. You will know when you find the school thats right for you.