The University of Alabama Top Questions

What should every freshman at The University of Alabama know before they start?

ashley

I would probably try and teach myself good study skills as a high school student and try and keep my options open for the schools i would choose to go to college to.

Jesse

The purpose of this letter is to inform you (myself) that although high school has been very fun and rewarding, college is much better and will be even better for you if you adhere to my advice. First of all, I wish to inform you that the transition to college is actually going to be very difficult to handle. Living in a dorm and away from your parents for the first time in your life is going to be quite the experience. Know that many of your friends will fail out of school by the second semester because they are not mature enough to know at what times it is acceptable to cut loose. However, you will find that by following your father's advice of studying during the week and only partying during the weekends will come in handy. Also, unlike highschool, you will realize that cramming information for a test into your brain in one night and not going to sleep is not very effective anymore. Furthermore, to do good in school and have a supportive lifestyle, I encourage you to become friends with as many people in the Chemical Engineering department as possible.

Corrie

Looking back, I would advise myself to take my schoolwork much more serious and establish a study plan. Along with schooling, I would myself to become more social and join more clubs and organizations to make useful connections to use in the future.

Ashley

That i should always take college seriously, and in order to better myself, I should choose the college that is best for me. I should check out pontential great colleges to see if it actually suits me. I should also seriously think about a major that I would really love and something I would enjoy.

Jennifer

Take it easy on your parents. I know you are more than ready to escape the small town you have always lived in and step into semi-independence, but Dad is going to miss you more than you could ever know. You are his baby girl. When he emails, respond quickly. When he calls you, don't ignore him. Visit him every chance you get. Don't you dare forget his birthday. He is going to download a ringtone by Sugarland called "Baby Girl." I know you hate that song, but when he sets it as your ringer id and asks you if you like it, say, "I love it". Remember, he is just like you. If you miss him, he misses you more. When you get homesick, call him. When you need some advice, ask him. Even if you already know what you should do, ask him anyway; he gets a confidence boost when he sees that you are willing to learn. Constantly remind him that you love him and appreciate everything he does for you. Whatever you do, do not let him down. You mean the world to him. His world rides on your shoulders. Make him proud.

Matthew

I would strongly encourage students to seek a college that best suits their needs. Make sure that the university of interest has a good department in your intended field of study and that you will be able to succeed in that environment. Don't go to a university just because your friends are going; you may come to dispise it quickly. Go to a college that is right for you. The most important aspect of the college experience is stepping out. Do not be afraid to leave your comfort zone and have fun.

Jenny

The right college choice is not always depending on what the school offers academically. You need to have a feeling for the atmosphere of the school, and if it fits you, then you will have made a good choice. Making the most of the college experience starts right away, and it is up to the student. You have to put yourself out there and step out of your comfort zone just a little. If you do, you will not regret the new and great things you will experience.

Nichole

Finding the college that best suits a person's expectations can be a difficult task. The best way to approach this decision is to pick your favorite five. Then, compare each college. Consider the size of the campus, the student-to-faculty ratio, the diversity, and the extra-curricular activities available. These are only a few of the examples to compare. Safety is also a contributing factor. When you know what you're looking for, take the opportunity to actually visit the campuses you're most interested in. Try to meet some new friends while you're there. They can give you the best perspective on the college life. Meet a few teachers in your field. When you choose your college, check out all the activities they have to offer. Being involved gives you a better chance of finishing college. However, don't sign up for every organization and spread yourself too thin. Just pick a few, and dedicate your time to those. That will make the best impression in a future job interview. But most importantly, just have fun. College years are the most important of your life. Those are most times where you find you life-time friends.

NiCarla

Remember that the ultimate goal is finding a school that best fits your child. This is the students opportunity to grow and mature. Don't hold them back because you're scared to let go.

Amber

Sending a child off to college is not an easy task, and for most families proves to be a stressful time, but that does not have to be the case. Finding the perfect college can be alot simpler if parents and students would make a few changes to the way things are typically done. Students should start with college visits their sophomore or junior year of high school to gain exposure to the campus atmosphere. Junior year of students can begin filling out college applications, but before that they should create a check list of things they expect from a college and begin crossing schools off due to inadequacies. The check list should include items like academic major, eating options, housing, costs and financial aid, location, and amenities. Narrow the list down to three schools and apply. You may finalize your choice by personal preference. I would like to encourage any college student to take advantage of today and plan for tomorrow it's something that I live by and has yet to fail me. Be sure to have fun, work hard and build networks to advance your career beyond the classroom.

Randi

I would tell parents and students to take tours of any school they are interested in because it can change your total perception of the school. You might think the school is the one for you, but when you finally step on campus it could totally change and be nothing like you expected or be everything you expected. So, look into everything and make sure you (the prospective student) makes the final choice of where you want to end up.

Jordan

When finding the right college, students should attend a full orientation. Also, students should spend the night on campus to get the full efffect of campus life. If a student does this with several different colleges, he or she will be able to narrow down the decision.

Shawn

The biggest mistake I believe I made in choosing a college was not choosing based on the schools reputation in my planned major. The University of Alabama is not known for its engineering; it is known for football and business. I would also suggest that students should not join fraternities or sororities, as this limits the people you can socialize with. Other than that, I would just say to make sure you can meet new people; do not go to a college that all of your friends are going to.

FabryeAnne

Start Early! The key to finding the right college and enjoying the college experience is to start early. Being potent in all your decisions will allow you to take full advantage of the college life.

Kayla

I would advise that you weigh all your options and decide which school is best for your major. I went to my favorite school but didnt take into account what was best for my major, therfore, i am now transfering. I would also consider the costs. Parents and Students need to communicate well and work together on making decisions about costs. For students: get involved in anything that interests you because that will only make your college experience better. Live your life to the fullest and do everything you want. You are young and now is the time to experience everything you can before your out in the big world on your own. Last but not least, HAVE FUN! College isnt all fun and games but you cant be all hung up on school work. Take some time for yourself and make sure you have a great time.

Lauren

Regardless of what you hae heard about a particular college, it is important to go there yourself and decide what college is the best fit for what you are looking for in your college experience.

Willie

For both is to be strong and let things fall into place.

Adam

When beginning the daunting yet exciting task of choosing a college, there can be no greater advice given to you than simply ?be true to yourself?. Don?t go where friends are going simply in fear of the lonesome embark on the journey of college. Go where you need to go. If that happens to be the place where your friends end up, so be it, but you will have new friends wherever you go. Be true to yourself.

Angela

Really look into the school you are considering to attend. Make sure the school's environment fits your personality and, most importmantly, make sure that the school have the major that you would like to study.

Kenny

The most important thing parents and their children should do when looking for a college, is to start early! At least after your child completes their junior year, you need to start looking for colleges that interest you and have the right blend of academic and social life for your child. Not everyone can excel and enjoy college in a rigorous academic setting; some cannot handle all the freedom at a big party school. So, finding a school with the perfect balance of academic rigor and extracurricular activities is another important factor in finding the right college for your child. Living on campus my first two years helped me make the most of my college experience. I was able to get to know my roommates and floor-mates and start out with a good group of friends. As far as academics go, my motto is simple: start early, study often. To excel academically, do your homework right after class, and review your notes every couple of days. This helps you stay prepared while still having your nights and weekends free to hang out with friends.