Oregon State University Top Questions

Take the time to research the school and think about what areas of study really interest you (the student). Take every opportunity you can and meet new people. Learn from friends and form study groups in classes that are difficult for you. Get that support group early and take advantage of the study rooms in the library. Above all, always get your butt to class. It's easy to loose focus and stress out if you don't go to class--remember you'll be paying for it later so you might as well go! Know where your professors are in case you need to stop by. I would always try to visit my science class professors at least once a week and ask them questions I had written down from the week's lectures. By doing this, the professor gets to know you and you get more out of your class than if you just did the minimum. Always ASK QUESTIONS when given the chance.

The most important suggestion I could provide to a student is that he/she should become involved with on-campus and off-campus activities/organizations.

Keep an open mind. Be open to trying new things and meeting new people. Be ready to work hard, school is more than just sitting in lecture and taking notes. Get involved with different groups on campus and/or join a club. And don't give up when the going gets tough, I've seen people do that and it leads to academic probation. Instead, seek help; there are many people willing to help you.

Do not just focus on the courses that are offered, but look at what the campus offers for activities and things to do around the town.

Visit the campus. Oregon State has an amazing campus that conveys the academic spirt of the university.

Doing what you love to do is the truly one of the greatest things life has to offer. My suggestion to any college bound student is to simply explore. Get into classes you find to be interesting. Don't necessarily shut yourself off from all the other subjects the school has to offer and only focus on your major, take this time to investigate your interests. When I fist started school , I was set on being a phamacy student, after a year and a half, I found myself to be a sociology major. My interest in sociology has surpassed my interest in pharmacy, this is becasue I allowed myself to search and investigate. Colleges around the world have so much to offer, make sure your're getting the best out of it, cause it only happens once.

stay close to home, it saves money

Find the best that will suite you academically, socially, and locality. Don't pick a school half ways around the world if being close to family is important for you. Find the middle ground, and be proud to go forward with it. Follow your dreams, not your parents'.

Find a place that you like, don't be afraid to move far away, or even some place close to home. Having said that, don't hesitate to another campus, if the place you chose doesn't work out. Now is the time to find what you like and what works for you.

I would make sure you really research mutiple majors you are interested in at the college, in case the one you initially choose proves too difficult. This way you have a fall back at the same school. I would also really get to know the people that live around you by leaving your door open and just talk to them. They probably know what you are going through, and are willingly to at least have dinner with you once in a while. Parents, allow your student to decide their college, do not force them to you alumni school. Even if it is your money they are spending, it is still their experience and their life and their future, so don't force what you opinions on them. Students, really choose a college that you are comfortable with, where you know where the Target is, (if there is one) and the Winco.

Pick a school that has things of your intrest and in a area that you can enjoy activities that you like. Talk to people from the college to see what they have to say about the school and their experiences.

Spend at least a weekend at your prospective school and attend classes that would be in your major to get a better feel for the school.

Students should try to get away from home. I know that is scary for parents, but at some point, they will need to learn to fend for themselves. Don't go to college in your hometown - find another college that has the academic program you want and that is still within reach for your parents (for parents' weekends). It's okay to explore in your social life, but never let yourself miss class over it. That's one of the biggest mistakes students make. If you learn to skip class, you are much less likely to graduate. Parents should not be afraid to ask their student about classes and grades if they are helping to pay for college. Students need to realize that parent contribution gives them this right. Above all, go somewhere where you can have fun - everyone needs a release valve.

Follow your dreams. College is expensive, but if you work hard, it's possible. It's possible and important.

I would tell them to visit every college they are interested in and see if they can sit in on a class. Websites and pictures can only tell you so much about campus life. I would also tell students that college can be fun without drinking and partying all the time. Most places there are safe and legal ways to have fun or unwind on the weekends.

Visit the campus and stay there for a couple days. Oregon State University was at the bottom of my college choices until I visited the campus and decided to go here. I got into all 11 Universities that I applied to and OSU was one of my backup schools, and now I'm here and I love it.

Choose that college that fits you best, and has any possible major that you may want to persue, because it is highly likely that you may change majors!

To make the most of the college experience, I would recommend that students go out and not be afraid to meet others. There are surprisingly a lot of people that have similar experiences and things in common with one another. I met my best friend in college and I couldn't have done it without going outside of my comfort zone to meet him. Also don't be afraid to try new things. In college, everything is pretty much acceptable. Doing new things makes it much more exciting. As for parents, they should come and see their child once in a while, especially during Parent Weekends. It lets everyone see each other again and creates a new bond.

Travel to all the schools your interested in and then research the ones you felt most comfortable at. look into financial aid and go to classes that relate to your major.

I would say that you should make sure that the college has the major, minor, or whatever you are interested in. If you choose a college and find out they don't offer as much as a different one, then it will be hard. Also, visit the school. Make sure that when you are on campus, it feels right and you could imagine yourself being there whether it's to visit as a parent, or live there. Also, cost. Make sure that the college is a good value for you and would be worth any money you need to pay. When you're in college, try to be outgoing and meet new people. Talk to people in class to get to know them, and sign up for small volunteer opportunities. Also, it's important to manage time! Don't get caught up in all the new freedom that comes with going to college. Make sure that priorities are set and that homework always gets done on time. Enjoy your experience! It's really fun exploring new areas, learning new things, and experiencing new adventures.