Texas Christian University Top Questions

One of most important factors in deciding where to attend college is the environment, on and off campus. You want to go somewhere where you will be comfortable, somewhere that you will be able to learn to call a home away from home. I applied to three universities, two public and one private, that one being TCU. After my college visit there, I realized that TCU was definitely where I wanted to experience my college career. Fort Worth is just the right size for a fun night life and a peaceful stroll down the streets. It's also a cultural and musical city, which I love. College visits are also extremely important. You will be able to quickly figure out if you like what you see or like what you hear. College visits also allow you to see what life will be like once you are there. Put a lot of effort into your applications. Yeah, they are not fun to do, but they are probably some of the most important paperwork you will ever have to fill out.

Don't wait until the last minute like I did. As a homeschooler, I had no idea what the college application process was going to be like, and I was surprised at how long it took. Also, keep in mind what you want to achieve in college. If you don't want to be a hard worker, don't choose a college that will give you GPA-based financial aid. Find a college that has people who you like to hang around with, because that's all you do in college. If you don't drink, make sure the college has people who don't drink. I mean, it all depends on your personal needs and wants. Never, ever pick a college because your parents want you to go there. You need to be somewhere you WANT to be in order for you to have a great college experience.

College is full of wonderful opportunites. Take advantage of them. Seek out chances to network, learn, and grow as a person. No one is going to care as much about your personal development and success as you do. Make memories, life-long friends, and good decisions. Have no regrets. Understand who you are and decide who you want to be. Make a difference in this world and in someone else's life. Most importantly realize that this is the beginning of a journey. There will be days of joy and nights of stress, but they are all part of the learning experence. Finally, understand that you are truely blessed with this wonderful opportunity, and make the most of it!

As far as finding the right school, do a lot of research, don't settle, there are schools to fit everyone's needs. I wanted to go to a school that was affiliated with my church and not over 20,000 in population. I found that in TCU. Look at how the school will benefit you, not only academically, but also socially, and that doesn't mean parties, it also means student organizations whether it's outreach and service or religious groups or groups just for fun. Which leads me to making the most of the college experience. It's not just about going to the right parties and hanging out with the right people. Find friends that you enjoy and you have fun with and parties and social aspects will just happen. The college experience is also about finding out who you are. Join activities that you maybe wouldn't have otherwise. Expand your horizons and you may just realize that you love dodgeball and you've been playing on the intramural team or maybe you discover that you really love your foreign language and its' club. The possibilities are limitless, just don't sell yourself short.

Choosing the right college is one of the most important decisions you could make in your life. Go visit the prospective colleges. Try to meet people that go there and see how they like the school. If you end up going somewhere that you dont like, it could ruin a huge part of your college experience. To make the most of your college experience, I say get involved!!! Most schools from junior colleges to huge universities offer a wide variety of extra curricular activites whether it's greek organizations, sports, academic clubs or band. Your new school will have something that interests you. Being in a group or activity that is offered will help you get so much more out of your new experience than if you are just sittiing in your room being miserable because everything has just drastically changed. Trust me, I know from experience. If you are doing something at your school, you won't get anything out of it. If it's offered, then take it!

When it comes to picking a school, look around and get a sense for the variety of options you have. Apply everywhere (your chances of getting in increase exponentially when you turn in the application)! Pay close attention to the things that most matter to you. Studious? Look at the teacher:student ratio, look at the classrooms, or check out the library. Athletic? Check into intermurals, look at the gym, and find out more about sports on campus. Social? Look into networking opportunities, look at extracurriculars. Career minded? Look at internship programs, job fairs, and look at the alumni involvement. Most of all... LOOK AT THE STUDENTS!! Pay attention! Do these look like people you could be friends with, live with, share 4 (+) years of your life with? Finally, when you've made the decision, gotten the acceptance letter, then GET INVOLVED. Finding a niche is the best way to have a great college experience. However, you should always remember... college may not be the "best time of your life" like everyone else seems to tell you it is. There's oportunities to make it great, but take it for what it is - a step toward a bigger goal.

My advice is simple: go wherever you believe you will have the opportunity to get involved. By being "involved," I am referring to finding what sets you on fire - what you are passionate about. Quite frankly, getting a college education without making the effort to contribute to your university is a waste of both time and money. When the time comes: visit colleges, talk to admissions counselors, and have discussions with professors. All of these activities will teach you about the university you are considering; however, if you really want to learn about a school. talk to its students. A college that has nothing to hide will BEG you to speak to their students. Walking up to a current student and asking them about their school can teach you more than an admissions counselor or professor ever could. The passion of the students on a campus can make or break a college experience. Furthermore, the passion you feel about a university, after visiting, will let you know where to go.

The most important thing is to not be afraid of change. I moved half way across the country to a state that I had previously never been to. I chose my college based on academics and the surrounding area. This school was not my first choice but I am sure now that it was the best choice. Being here and having that change in my life allowed me to get involved in activities that I never would have otherwise. I am involved in a sorority, living on campus, and actually enjoying my classes and learning. I have quite a bit of debt from attending school here but nothing trumps the feeling of knowing that you are in the right place. I am studying abroad next semester and I am confident that the education I am receiving here will be very useful in my future. So don't be afraid! Just go for it, there is something here for everyone but make sure that you feel comfortable and that you will happy, that's what is most important.

To future empty nest parents- College is a wonderful experience! It is one that has changed my life for the better! I believe it is essential for a student to pick a university that suits him or her in their unique ways. Once at the college the student will be bombarded with clubs, greek organizations, honor societies, and church groups. Your student must use these groups to his advantage! In each group he can meet multiple people and make connections and friends that will last a lifetime. Of course you expect your son or daughter to stay home and study weeknights, weekends however are a time for fun and socialization amoung peers. Not all college parties are bad. College students remember what their parents told them about drinking and drug use. Believe it or not, we actually believe that you are right. We, as college students, have grown up and are adopting principles and standards of our own. We set very high standards for ourselves. So parents give your student a little wiggle room to test out the waters of the university. And remember we never forget about you, and we will always come home for money and food!

Pick your top three colleges and look at every aspect of them. If possible, visit the campuses and observe students. Talk to faculty members, Financial Aid advisors, talk to students. Observe how the students react to others around them, and how they interact with such people as physical plant workers or housekeepers. Watch how the people on campus treat the campus (do they throw trash away, for example?). Check out alumni involvement in the school, and the career center to see if there are useful networks or help to find jobs following graduation. Compare financial aid packages between schools, and look into any tuition hikes recently, or any improvements being done on campus that could lead to a tuition hike. Look at the distance you will have to travel to get to school, how close family is, and how you might be able to be involved in your favorite activities. Check out everything that you might be interested in doing in college, and don't decide on a major until after your first year, and take classes in any area you are interested in until you decide a major. And don't be araid to change your major. Have fun.