Oregon State University Top Questions

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

Heather

When I was in high school I was so excited to get out that I decided not to go to college. I got a crappy full time job making very little money and couldn't really make it, so I decided to go to school because my Dad agreed to help pay for my bills if I went to school. I decided that I needed a more "college like" attmosphere after attending a local community college, so I decided to apply to Oregon State. After my third year here, I am very happy I made that decision. If I could give my high school self some advice about the future, I would suggest going to a University right after graduation and not waiting a year. College life at Oregon State is too much fun to miss out on and if you get started right away, you will be on the same track as your peers from high school and may be able to graduate at the same time as them.

Emily

Work harder in the classes you're taking in high school, don't worry so much about what others think of you. Don't waste so much time worrying about working a minimum wage job, and study like there's no tomorrow.

Dane

Having a social life is a must, but your main drive should be school. Stay ahead of your work and don't let things go till last minute. The sooner you get things done the more relaxed and less stress you will be. Don't be so stubborn and ask for help whenever you need it, you're not expected to understand it right away; it't not high school anymore things wont be as easy to understand. Learn how to study, try every way possible to study then pick what is best for you. Spend your money wisely and find a job ASAP because they are hard to find here, although you may feel overqualified for something a job is a job. If you are ever stressed go to the beach, that is your happy place; its only 45 minutes away and well worth the drive for your stress. But most of all enjoy life not that you dont but time spent being unhappy is time lost being happy.

Jenna

Keep you head up, study hard, READ all the material the Professors give you!

Julianne

Don't get distracted partying your first year. Work hard and make really good friends. Friends come in handy when you need support, fun, and academic help. Know yourself and what you like. Don't pick a major because you think your parents will like it.

Kayla

Visit as many schools as possible before even applying. Who knows, the school that looked good on paper may not seem so great once you arrive on campus. And keep an open mind! Sometimes your last choice school is where you will find yourself the happiest.

Leah

Make sure you research your school and the location it is in thoroughly. Make sure you have a good idea of what kind of people go to the school you're interested and what kind of people live in the town or city in which the school is located.

Nick

Make sure you visit it. You need to understand what the campus life is like. You also need to make sure that you apply for as many scholarships as possible. There's so much money out there and a good deal of it is only avaliable to underclassmen. Also, look into things like ROTC, Greek Life, and major specific clubs. All of the above add structure to your life and help to ease the transition into college life.

Benjamin

Don't choose a college based on where your friends or parents want you to go and especially don't make the decision based on whether or not your current girlfriend is going there, as many times it won't last, and if it does, distance will only bring you closer in the end. Try to find a college that offers a wide variety of majors, but doesn't allow the variety to affect the quality of classes or material; very few students graduate from their original major and you want to have options to experiment with as you change throughout your college years. Also, make sure that you enjoy the environment on campus and take time to check out what student life is like, because classes and campus are only a small, though important, part of college life. You will be miserable throughout your college career, and likely not perform as well, if you're not in a setting where you can relax and enjoy yourself.

Cela

If you are receiving some money for college through scholarships and financial aid I would recommend that you go to a community college first. You get lots of credits for way cheaper. The only thing is that community college is usually somewhat easier than a university.

tyler

Visit each college during the football season! If you like the way the campus is then you should go for it. This is the only time that you can see every tyoe of person on campus and that was on campus. It is truely the most amazing part of any school.

Annie

Pick the college based on what you want, not what anyone else wants or where your friends are going. Research everything about the campus, even things you don't think apply to you, because they might in the future. Go for the best for you, and don't settle for anything less. Try anything available on campus and get involved, otherwise you won't make friends and just be lonely all the time. Stick to your principles but don't be afraid to branch out and have fun.

Caeli

Finding the right college is about the student. Big deciding factors: 1. Distance: how far is the student willing to leave between them and their gardians. 2. Field of study: choose a school that has the upper hand of the field the student wants to study, that way there will be more opportunity when graduation comes around. 3. Enroll in a college with activities the student is interested in, that way there is something there the student can easily relate to and/or feel at home around. 4. Money: college is expensive, however the money the student and guardians are putting into the students education is an investment. This is the only good kind of debt a person will ever be in. To make most of the college experience, look in to dual enrollment program. This can help stretch a students money. This way the student can take their core requirement classes classes at a community college and the important classes at their university of choice. Also before getting into college, begin the search early for scholarships. While the student is at college, get involved in something of intrest, try a few clubs, or a new sport.

Julius

Students look for the college you feel comfrotable with whenyou visit it, Eat there and walk around campus. Then with 2 or three in mind found out facts such as location, size, sports, and money. After you already know the importance of the four major components to choosing a school your chose will become musch easier.

Ariel

Find a school that is the biggest thing in the town

Akhila

Make sure you send your child where you want them to go and where they will be happy. There is true satisfaction in blending the two.

Stanley

Find a college that is diverse in as many ways possible. That way, you'll fit in everywhere you go. Make sure that the college has the major you want. If you're not certain about your major, settle down on a major and have a backup major just in case you won't like it. Make sure that the college has the major you want and the backup major. Find a college that is big so that you will have more chances to meet new people and interact with them. The best part about college is knowing that it's the right college and you're on your way to success.

Kaylyn

Work together! Parents sending their first child off to college is not easy, but working together allows both parents and students to learn the process of applying for admissions to colleges. Students need to research schools to find those that fit their education criteria. College costs alot of money, so finding that dream school is key to making the most out of the college experience. When looking for schools find information on important factors such as location, size, cost, on and off-campus resource availabilty, and major andor minor programs to limit applications to the top schools of choice. After being accepted to college, work together once again in order to prepare yourself for the best college experience. College is a time to meet new people and find the right path into "the real world."

Kelsey

Finding the right college these days presents a challenge. Many characteristics must be determined and weighed. Questions like,"Does this school have a good program to complete my desired major?" and "Does it have the programs and activities that I want?" all must be answered. With the recession in full swing, tuition and living expenses (like room and board and books) also represent a problem. For many students, in-state schools are the only option, and most of the times, these schools are actually excellent choices. Financial aid and scholarships should be started as soon as possible to help remedy this problem. It is also a good idea to visit any possible schools and get guided tours of the campuses and living and dining facilities. A great school on paper might have terrible living and dining centers or a hideous campus. Once at college, it's important to get involved early and take advantage of any and all fun, free events. Make friends early and join a club or other social network. Most importantly, have fun! You are at college and with a little luck and hard work, it will be one of the best experiences of your life!

Jessica

The first and most important is to do your homework about schools you're interested in. Don't just look at them online, go there and check out the campus. Sit in on a class if you can, speak to the professors. Know what you can and can't live with. What kind of weather, atmosphere, teaching style, major, distance from home, and so on. These are all things that need to be taken into consideration. Become familiar with all the services provided and try to uncover what the school will be like if you were to attend it, after all the initial excitement wares off it may be different. Also, does it offer the programs you are interested in studying? Look into offered majors, minors, etc. Plan how you're going to pay for school and if you'll be able to maintain the cost. Be confident and enjoy in your choice! Remember it's what you make of it, so go out there and charge the world like you own. Take all the opportunities available to; you'd be amazed what is out there and always, always try to have fun!