Ouachita Baptist University Top Questions

Do a lot of research. Visit the campus. Talk to current students.

First, make a list of things that you do and don't want from your college experience--for example, small classes or a large campus. Second, visit the campus before enrolling; take a tour of the facilities and meet faculty, staff, and students whenever possible. Ask them their favorite things about the university or things they might dislike. Next, pick a major that you know you will enjoy learning about, even if the curriculum appears difficult. As you pick your major, keep in mind the various job possibilities that would stem from your choice of major, and consider whether or not you wish to do those for a long time after graduation. If possible, get ahead in coursework by taking required subjects online or during the summer. Once you're there, make friends who will make you a better person. Be involved on your campus--have school spirit! Form good study habits and study often. Parents, always be realistic and honest with your child about your financial situation and your expectations from them as they make this transition. Be as helpful as possible, but also learn to recognize when to let them make their own way. Support their final decision.

Throughout middle school and the greater part of high school, my primary thought regarding college was, "I will NOT go to Ouachita Baptist University." You see, as a straight A student, enthusastic athlete, etc., I always did everything by the book, just how everyone wanted me to do it. So when it came down to deciding on a college, I was firm in my desire to not do what everyone expected me to do-- attend OBU. That was the college for all the good little girls like me. "No," I thought, "For once, I'm going to do something they won't expect." However, in fall 2006, I found myself loving every second of OBU. The problem was this: those things that I thought others were expecting of me, I was expecting of myself. That's the first step in determining the direction your college path will take. What do you expect of yourself? Are your decisions, both those of the present of the future, going to propel you to those ends? I believe that you can be educated and thrive at any school. It's what you expect of yourself while you're there that will make the difference.

Many people are so focused on getting into the most prestigious college possible they don't take the time to think about what type of college will be best for their own learning style. Start by using the process of eliminiation: research any campuses that have somehow caught your attention. Then, use your personal preferences and what you know of your own learning style to filter the massive number of colleges down to a handful... I recommend five, but that is an arbitrary number open to interpretation. Once you've got the list narrowed down the best thing to do is go and visit the campus. All the literature in the world can't tell you what you see with your own eyes and feel in your gut, so to speak. Your campus will be your home; if you can't see yourself living there and that place becoming a part of you, then you'll never be able to relax enough to do your best. College is all about learning to exist in community. Becoming a part of that community as soon as possible (i.e. getting to know professors, peers, etc.) builds you a nearly indestructable safety net!

For me, what made me certain that I was supposed to go to Ouachita was my tour. I highly recommend touring the universities you're thinking about. Ouachita felt like home, and for me that was important. My parents live overseas, so I can't just go home on the weekend. If you'll be commuting, though, go for the school that spends more of the tour talking about academics than student life. That's a big deal, actually: If you're planning to be on campus most weekends, try to chose a campus where most of the students stay in town. If you're a commuter, you might feel left out on a campus where most people only go home on holidays. I really don't recommend chosing a college purely for what they have for your major, because most people change their majors. I've changed mine, and I was pretty sure that I wasn't going to.

Start early, do your homework, make phone calls, ask questions, request information like no other. Most universitys in America are looking for students to enhance their campus, so make yourself attractive and pursuit worthy. The financial aid won't drop in your lap and doesn't come easy...but it's definitely there for the taking. Don't be afraid to ask for money, make office visits with the administrators that can make that happen. More importantly, VISIT THE CAMPUS. An overnight stay at my school is what caused me to fall in love. Go to some classes that you are interested in, meet with the faculty, dine in the facilities, go to the dorms!! haha...for sure, go to the dorm you would be staying in. All that said, this is probably most important. Don't compromise or settle for anything other than what you want. However you have to do it...make it happen. You only get one shot at Higher Education, make it count. And have fun, it's not the Army...it's your life for a few years!! Everything you want to be IS achievable if YOU want it hard enough and make it happen!

College is the best time of your life. Whether you enjoyed high school or not, your college experience is the one that you will remember years later and tell your children about. Finding the right college can be difficult, but it is definitely worth all the trouble. First, apply everywhere you think you would like to go. Even if you do not think you can afford it, apply anyway! Second, visit as many schools as you can. Touring schools and walking around the campus is one of the most important things you can do. It helps you understand what college is like and it allows you to make your own judgment about the atmosphere. Of course, make sure that the schools you are looking at have a good program for what you want to do. Lastly, contact as many people as you can and ask them about the schools you are considering. Talk to alumni or current students and ask as many questions as you want. It is so important to have a good college experience because it will effect the rest of your life.

Make sure they get out and socalize some but not too much. School work is important too. About finding the right college just make sure they have all the facilities that your children needs for a reasonable price . also needs a very good library one big enough that it would have multiple copies of the same book just encase they need to do a report on something they will be able to get it. I dont know just talk to the kids and ask them what they want out of college. Make sure they have a friendly environment. you can usually tell when you go and tour the campus, which you should definately do that too, how you feel around the people there. And make sure that the professors are willing to talk to you too. It wouldnt hurt for it to have an orientation program for the new students to get to know each other which most usually do. all i can say about the college experience is go to games, activities, and get outta the room once in a while :D be nice and friendly and have an open mind.!! have fun!

My advice to parents when helping students find a college is that they allow for the student to make thier own decision about were they want to go. I am not saying don't care about it but don't decide it for them. Rather have an active part in helping them make thier decision and support them no matter were they go. When selecting a school make sure that your professors care about weather or not their students will succeed because this will help with weather or not you will understand their lectures. The professors here at OBU have their door open for any of the students to come and talk, get advice, or even get help with assignments. Also be sure that the school has a good introduction program. This really helped me in meeting new people who are now some of my closes friends. Finally it is good to find a school who is willing to go out of their way to make sure that your college experience is the best that it can be. Finally just have fun, sure your away from your family and friends but college is a one time experience, enjoy it.

Relax. It is an important 4 years, but it is only 4 years. College is an exciting step towards independance. Savor it.