Texas State University Top Questions

The best advice that I would give to anyone trying to find the right college is to start out by going to a community college to get the basics out of the way, while discovering what it is that you truely desire to do and what makes you the happiest. College is expensive these days and the way the Economy is now, its not getting any easier. Going to community college will be the cheapest solution to getting a bulk of the boring classes out of the way, then deciding where transfer to for the fun classes that will lead to the carreer goal of choice. Also, do your reasearch on which schools have the best programs for what it is that you want to persue as a carreer. Any two campuses could have the same program, but one could show higher success rate in the feild for their graduates. Most of all never give up hope on finding a college because when you least expect it, the right one just may find you.

I would tell the parents: For the first semester, you're kids will call you about 5 times a day. They miss you and it's a new experience for them. It's going to be hard for them. Don't pressure them too much. Remember, they're still young and human. Once they're in their 2nd year, you'll be getting call once every 2/3 weeks. It's not that they don't love/ miss you any less. By now they've had the chance to make new friends and have a routine. I would tell the students: Go to class! I know you're probably tired of hearing it but it's very true. Write things down in a planner. It helps. Remember to call you're parents, they're worried about you. Make sure you budget yourself. You don't want to run out of money and the semster is only half over. Take care of your bills first, then put some aside for when the tough times come. Sleep is important. That paper may need to get done but if you're on 2 hours sleep, it won't help you finish on time.

When it comes to finding the right college, definately visit the campus before making any decisions. Talk to the people there and hear what they have to say about the school. Check out surrounding the area too, see what kind of vibe you get from it. In the end, you will know which school is right for you. Once enrolled, make the most out of your college experience by taking time to visit your professors during their office hours. Get to know them and you will find yourself getting more out of their classes. Also, live on campus for at least your first year. It will give greater access to many fun and educational activities on campus that you will most likely not attend if you live off campus. College is the time to try new things and make new friends. Making the most out of it will prepare you for a lifetime of success.

I believe that finding the right college is all about finding a place that is going to welcome you. By this I mean a college that is going to take time to make sure you are comfortable and help introduce you to your classmates. The administration should be very helpful and concerned about your issues and questions that you have. Making the most out of the college experience is all about how much time and effort you put into it and how much you allow yourself to get involved in and take in. For the most part you should always be welcomed to new things and never let someone hold you back from trying something new or doing something that you want to do. You really have to learn to just be yourself and not let others guide you. Be a leader for yourself and not a follower. Do what is best for you and don't worry about those that are insecure and try to bring you down with them.

I feel as though students should look for a college or university that allows them the chance to start over. So many students go to a college to follow the majority of people that they know so they can continue to be in their comfort zone throughout their education. Going somewhere that nobody you knows gives you the chance to really learn who you are and what you are capable of doing in life. Also, once you finally choose the right school for you, you should find out who you are, get involved, and do what you want to do. Don't allow your parents rules or expectations hold you back. The great thing about college is the chance to be independent and make your own life and own choices. Those are the two most important lessons I learned in my three years of college.

I would tell students and or parents to try and select a community college to attend and complete basic required courses, then find a 4 year university that offers a program of interest, although I had many fun experiences living in the dorms and making friends, overall I feel like I could have saved thousands and made it a little easier on myself and parents. Plus, courses at community colleges tend to be a little easier, so the transistion won't be hard on your GPA.

I started my college experience 3 years ago at the age of 47. I appreciate education more now than I'm a little older than if I had attended college right out of high school. I think the first priority is for the school to match the student. In other words, not only should the degree program reflect the student's interest, it should also reflect the current, and future, job market. This increases the student's chances to succeed after graduation. I also would argue that it's to the prospective student's benefit to work the year after graduating from high school before starting college. This would give them a chance to "decompress" as well as anticipate the college experience. I also think this would reduce the rate of dropouts, chances of burnout, and the tough transition from home life to college life. I enjoyed the survey and found the questions fair and well thought out. Thanks.

Visit the college and if you can, don't take the touur. Find someone you know who goes there to show you the real college. Also, just let it speak to you, when you find the right college...you will know.

Students and parents should realize that every college campus has its own personality and finding the right college involves matching the student's needs and expectations with the right atmosphere. Students will find that many schools can offer them the education they are looking for academically, but there is more to college than classes and studying. College is a part of life that will stay with a person forever; many people learn valuable life lessons, discover themselves, and possibly meet their future life partners. It is important to find a college that provides a lush environment for living outside of the classroom; one that promises new friends and a healthy social life. It is important that a campus allow students to be responsible and independent, but also provide services that are there to help students if they need it. Being out on your own and away from home can be a difficult transition that can often make students feel isolated and alone. A college campus that has a friendly and helpful staff as well as a healthy social atmosphere can bring students out of their shell and into their own.

Try and find a school that makes both the parents and the student happy. My school is close enough to my family (3 hours) that they can come visit, but far anough away that I feel independent and on my own. Look for a school that not only has prestige associated with it's name, but also with it's education. One reason that I chose Texas State is because it was a good school for my chosen field (theatre) and it was good school for my family and myself budgetwise. Yes, I could have gone to another school that was more expensive and larger, but I really felt as though I got a more hands on experience in my education here.

My advice to students is to be open and choose a school that is right for you, don't go somewhere just because your highschool friends are going there. If you want to know something about the school go to their homepage and find out. Weigh in every factor that matters to you and decide from there. The College life starts a week before the first class. Make sure you have all living necessittes ready to go in your dorm, a bike is also a very handy life tool on the campus. Once you are moved into the dorm go out and have fun with your roommates and neighbors, you will be seeing them a lot the next few months so mine as well be friendly with them. Leave your door open to the hallway so passerbys can say hi. Open yourself up to new opportunities an experiences, the best way to learn is by hands on experience. If any club sparks your interest try it, nobody will tell you you can't do it. Keep up in your classes from the start and go over your notes twice a week, this is much easier than cramming.

My advise to parents and students would be to visit the campus and talk to the students currently attending. The most inside information will come from the current students who are more than willing to answer questions that the tour guides don't answer.

It is importnat to make sure that the college you choose offers the courses that you need for your major.

I would say to look at all the factors involved. Look at where the school is located and take into consideration how far away from home you will be and what kinds of things you will be able to do at school. Look at the schools reputation and see if you think that it is the place for you. I would also advise to visit the campus first because when I visited Texas State I fell in love with it becase it is such a pretty campus and it looks like the kind of place i have always had in mind for where i wanted to go. At school, make sure you go to class and be resposible but still make time for fun and friends. The main thing is to get your priorities straight and to understand that you are their to get an education but that does not mean that is the only reason you are there. College is all about growing up, having fun, learning, and getting to know and understand yourself, so enjoy!

To these unknowing parents and students, I would say take a chance. Most students upon graduating high school, are focused on going to the best University that's closest to their parent's home. I know I wanted to go to the University of Texas because both of my parents did, and it was right down the street. Once, I didn't get in, I decided I'd take a chance on a University 30 miles away even though I was terrified. I did, and I could not have made a better decision for myself. Taking a chance on Universities you wouldn't have chosen first can be a huge opportunity for students who are timid about the real world, but want to create their own independence. Once you've taken the leap, and are out of your comfort zone, it forces you into a lifestyle that makes you realize who you are. Self actualization is a large part of college and should not be something to be afraid of.

I recommend a school that is big enough to feel like a typical college, but small enough for professors to be hands on with the students. Nothing is better when I feel like I'm getting advice from a professor that is interested in my success. Pick a college that provides a so called get away from the heavy stress of college. I go to a school where it's serious business, but I can also get away to clear my head by going to the river to reflect on my life. Make sure to have fun, but be serious on your future.

First, I would talk to your high school counselor about what your career goals are. Second, I would see what my grades are in high school to determine whether i'm ready for a university or a community college. Then, I would discuss with the family what the financial situation is if they can afford to send me to a universtiy or not. After that, when all of the above is discussed, pick the colleges your thinking about attending and go to an orientation day where you can visit the schools and see what the campuses are like. When all is said and done, just find out for yourself if you are ready to move away from home or you rather stay in town near your family to go to a nearby college and move on to the next step of your adult life and be ready mentally and physically to work on getting your education.

If i could give advice i would say, send your child to community college first then to a four year university. Also if you are from a small town then a private school is a good choice.

Finding the right college can be really difficult, sometimes the best thing to do is actually tour around the campus and see how it feels. For me, once I stepped on campus I knew that this was where I wanted to be. A lot of knowing which college is right for you has to deal with comfort; you don't want to go to a college where you would feel alienated and uncomfortable for the next 4 years or so in what should be the best years of your life. To prospective students, a college does not need to be the "very best" according to others to be the right one for you, this is your life and your life only, trust your gut and it will not lead you astray. To make the most out of your college experience you are going to have to learn to use your time effectively. Take time to rest, relax and live your life to the fullest, and explore and try new things, but never lose sight of your goals and dreams and why you are there.

First decide whether you would like to attend college in state or out of state. Also make sure that the area you would like to major in is offered at that University. Also I would highly recommend living on campus, not only do you have all the resources of the campus at your steps you also make life long friends and always have someone to turn to when you need help with school or just somebody to listen. Oh, and make sure you have shower shoes!!!