Sam Houston State University Top Questions

First of all, to the parents, I would encourage them to direct their child, but not be pushy during the selection process. This is an important time in their life. Don't try to chose for your child, but be there for them during this time to help them explore all of their opportunities. To the students, I encourage you to examine all of the aspects of the schools that you are applying to. Don't chose a school just because you know your friends are going there or they have great facilities. While this can be great, there are so many other things to consider before jumping into a college career. So take your time, ask questions, and make sure it's the school for you.

The most important thing is finding the school that matches you the best rather than worrying about prestige and big names.

Pick a college where you feel comfortable, maybe not too far from home because sometimes you'll feel the need to reconnect with home and friends you left behind. That allows you to refocus and continue. Parents have to give the student their own space and recognize that they are becoming adults and let them make their own decisions about what it right for them. But students need to remember the love and wisdom that they can gain by listening to their parents. Your family are the people who love you unconditionally and truly want the best for you. I work and carry a full academic load and even though it is extremely difficult at times, it is also rewarding and is teaching me how to handle the real world. College is a time that young people need to learn just what it takes to suceed in the world on their own. So at graduation they are ready to take on that world, not go back to their parents home and try to learn to start taking care of themselves. They should be ready to venture out and take on the world on their own terms. Dustin Palm

Do not go to a school just because it is close to your friends because in the end you want to make new friends but also going to school with your friends could just mess up the friendship. You also do not want to give in to peer pressure always go to class and do your homework. Also study twoce as much as you think you need to.

Really plan out your degree and have options available if emergencies should arise. Plan on doing your best always and really work hard to do well, so that when you get to go out and have fun, you can really have fun and not worry about school.

I would say that you need to look at what you want to do in life and base your decision off of what you want to make of yourself. The social part of school will be there no matter what school you go to, and friends will always be there as long as you put yourself out there, so don't worry about those factors. Get involved but make sure that you have time for studying. It is a long toller coaster ride so be prepared to have ups and downs and know that it is normal to have hard times, but know also that the good always is so much better than the bad.

look around

In my experience, the best way to find the right college is, first, to decide whether or not to attend an in-state school. Second, if the funds are available, visiting the school is the best way to decide if the school is the right one. I visited three campuses and found that the college I am attending now made me feel the most comfortable even though I had no idea where to go or how to get where I wanted to go at first. Making the best of the college experience is up to the student. However, I have found that keeping in touch with my parents is essential for my emotional well-being. College is tough, and I get frustrated and feel over-whelmed often, but my parents are always there for me when I call. Parents cannot be the only means of support, though. Friends are extremely important because students have to get away from their books sometimes. That can mean going to the movies or just having a bite to eat, but it is vital to maintain a healthy state of mind.

I would advise parents to encourage their children to attend college in the first place. Whether the money is there or not, education is a key success in our world. For students I would advise getting very involved. May I be more specific and say getting involved in the right crowd. Universities offer so many different organizations (for your major or interests), religious groups, athletic groups, or whatever you can think of. Staying cooped up in your dorm is no way to experience college or even do well. Get to know people and find study groups. Make education the priority and make time for the social. Having friends who will suffer through staying up late and studying are a great way to experience college.

The best advice is to visit college campuses that you are interested, and talk to people that are a part of that community so you can get a really good feel for what the campus experience is like! And don't let anyone influence your decision, pick the college that you want to go to, not what your best friend wants!