Oregon State University Top Questions

First you need to make certain that you are ready for college. A good High School experience and GPA are not always an indication that you will do well in college. It's much, much harder that high school. A thorough research of available support services prior to making a college or university choice is crutial. Parents, make sure that you stay in contact with your student and ask the hard questions about grades and performance. Don't take the casual answer of "everything is fine" without verification. It's too easy to slip behind and extremely hard to recover once you are down. The overused phrase that it takes a village to raise a child, doesn't just apply to small children. It should also apply to young adults trying to make it on their own for the first time. We are still in need of a guiding hand. College experience can be very rewarding. Some day, looking back at my time at Oregon State, I feel certain that it will have been an overall positive experience.

I would reccomend visiting the campus or taking a tour of the campus, as well as talking about the school with not only teachers and other academic personel on campus, but also with students who attend the school. Get a feel for the school before actually applying for it. Also, get a good idea of what you want to study, if you know, and apply for colleges that offer good programs in what you want to study. Apply to several colleges, to keep your options open. Remember to keep in touch with your family and old friends when you get to college and leaving your dorm room door open when you're in your room in the first few weeks will help you make more friends. Be active and involved with the programs happening not ony in your dormitory, but also around campus. Make friends in your classes and talk to your professors. They really aren't as intimidating as it seems. On a last note, just remember to have fun and there will be time for a social life, as long as you budget your time.

The most important thing about finding the right college, and therefore having the best college experience is to make sure the college you are interested in fits your needs. Yes, you may be applying yourself to a certain college, but a certain college needs to apply itself to you. Ask youself questions such as: "Does this college have what I need to academically succeed?" "Does this college have clubs are organizations that I find interesting?" "Are there going to be people there that I can make lifetime friendships with?" And after you have chosen the right college for you, make a promise to push yourself, because this is a time in your life where no one but you has control. But more importantly, as hard as you push yourself academically, push yourself to have fun!

Any student and parent should experience the school for themselves. The individuals would be suggested to take a tour of the campus and visit as much as possible to get a feel for your surrounding. Students also must be willing to live in the Dorm or off campus on their first year to obtain such an experience. Personally ,this was the best choice I have made to this day!! Living at home would have been cost effective but I won't have met anyone. Going to a college close to home and being around people is also very helpful to have!! Money should not be an issue in any decision! Most of all their must be dedication to being in an active roll at your college!! If you are always out of the loop your college years won't be the best of your life. Good luck and be aware of the Freshman 15!! (It happens to everyone) Thanks for this opportunity! I enjoy teaching people about my college and getting things of my crest about my experience thus far!!

Pick a school based on all different factors and make the most of your time to enjoy your college experience..

As I complete my senior year of college, I feel qualified in offering advice to those families seeking the most appopriate college. College selection must be a commitment that encompasses every aspect of the students life, not academics alone. The student and college of choice must be a good fit for the student and their family. Success in completion of the program revolves around not only the accomplishments of study, but also true happiness from somewhere within.

I would advise parents and their children to start "shopping" for a college or university early on; during their sophmore year in high school would be adequate. It is very important to not only find a colllege in which your major is offered but to also find a campus that you are comfortable with and a city that you can live in comfortably. That means researching the climate, night life, crime rate, population, housing market and job oppurtunities. Once decided on a university, I would highly suggest visiting for a few days to get a feel for the campus and the residents of the school. Upon begining college I would advise students to take classes outside of their comfort zone. Meet new people, explore the surrounding area, go to pep ralleys, football games, and bonfires. See the fall concert put on by the school band and view the play put on by the drama department. Much of who I am today is because of my experiences in college, and I wish that I would have looked beyond studies, frat parties and a part-time job to experience those other things you will never experience in the same way again.

Start looking and applying early. Procrastination is the worst. Parents be open to students ideas/needs/wants and studends have fun with it but know when to take it seriously!

College, believe it or not, isn't soley about academics. Its about finding yourself and your passion that drives you. It is about trying new things, broadening your horizons, and finding your individual motivation. The best advice I could give to any parent(s) or student(s), is that when you prepare to enter college have in place a plan of "attack"...know where your interests lie and where they don't. Thats not to say that you can't always change the path you take, but college is expensive, and it best to have a general idea to avoid from accruing extra expenses.

From experience the best advice I can give freshman about finding the right college and making the most of the experience is don't sweat the small stuff. Don't be afraid to take out a loan. I tried to work too much and ended up working myself to death between school and work; I ended up missing out on all the things I was excited for most about college. Stressing out to much ruined my first year. Things happen, just learn to roll with the punches and don't take the little things for granted.