South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Top Questions

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I wouldn't focus the conversation on academics, but rather life lessons. I would encourage myself to meet as many new and unique people as possible. I have discovered that learning from others is the best way to gain wisdom and life experience. It is absolutely necessary to make good friends. Good friends meaning, people you can confide in and vice versa. It is impossible to survive without strong friendships and relationships; they are something that we as humans live for. I would also tell myself to be patient, live for today, and not to rush through anything. Patience is a gift, but it takes practice to achieve. Life is fast so it's crucial to enjoy every minute and to make the most out of everything. I would remind myself that I am lucky in that I have had good mentors and role models throughout my life. I would tell myself to become a mentor for others when possible. Sometimes an encouraging smile or compliment is all it takes to make someone's day a little brighter.

Parents: Let your child decide what school best fits their needs. They are adroit adults capable of choosing a college or university that successfully suits their needs. Do not beguile your child, for this may lead to far greater problems. Do not be too credulous, for this will lead to a diminished relationship between you and your child's wanted education. Students: There will always be more than one choice and, more importantly, there will always be more than one chance. You know exactly what you want, so take that opportune moment to seize your bona fide goal. Do not be irascible with your parents/guardians.

Definitely figure out what size of college is most beneficial for you. Bigger is not always better. Also look for affordable options and avoid debt as much as possible. Graduating from college debt-free is the way to go! Look for specific activities that relate to your major and look for job opportunitites on campus that relate to your major as well!

Make a pros/cons list for the schools you are applying to, and take the time in researching and to visit the campuses.

To find a great college you have to look for one with a good reputation. One where several employers come offering plenty of jobs in most of the fields of study the college has to offer. After all, that is why one goes to college: To gain the knowledge that an employer wants, so as to procure a job that could possibly be, or lead to, a life long career. To make the most of your college experience, you have to be social. Befriend those in your field, not excluding your professors. That way, if you ever get to a point where you can't figure something out, or just need help of some sort, you know where to go. Also, join groups, organizations, or teams that take your knowledge, and the knowledge of others, and put it to the test, stretching it to new heights. Don't be afraid to take a semester or two for a Co-op or an Internship. They help you gain experience that no class could ever teach.

As a student for the last four years, I would say find yourself some good and trustworthy friends. The best thing you can have at college is a good support system. Greek life is a great way to do this. These guys or girls will be your friends for life and will be in your life till you die. Enjoy your time at what ever school you decide to go to. It is short lived and you wont have another time in your life like it.

Find a college that supports your degree program and in the most economical means. The easiest transition is the one that is not a huge change to your way of life before college, like going from the city to a small town ect. Also, check into campus food beofre hand. It is important to realize that if you are living in the dorm that more than likely and depending on your food plan, you will be living off that food there on campus. If the food is not good and they have no food service on the weekends, make sure you have some compensation.

Standard advice for finding a college would be to make sure you visit the colleges you are interested in. I agree with this but, take your visit to the universities with a grain of salt. Too many people take these visits to see if the campus feels ?comfortable?. The problem here is that often a college will feel overwhelming or foreign so you feel distinctly uncomfortable. I assure you that this feeling is normal and if you decide to attend college will more than likely go away as you get to know people and the campus. Sooner or later that campus will become home where before you visiting someone else?s home. Once you make it on campus you NEED to find a good venue for meeting people. I do NOT recommend frat parties or the like with alcohol. If you want to get to know someone do it when they are all sober and themselves. You can also combine this venue with another need; find something other than classes to get involved with. Most campus have a large body of student organizations which include anything from campus ministries to board gamers. This will help make the college home.

Go to the place that will make you happy. Do not worry about the costs of academic life, as they will wash out in the end. You cannot put a price on happiness.

I would tell students and parents to take advantage of the internet and really look hard for schools. There are literally thousands of them out there and don't limit yourself to staying near home.