The University of Montana Top Questions

pick a major and then pick a school.

The best advice I can give anyone looking into college is to get to know the financial option as well as you possibly can. Hound the financial aide office and make sure you know every possible option available to you or your child. I made this mistake and ended up paying out of state tuition when I could have been paying in-state tuition fees. Also, spend some time in the area where you might go to school. You're gonna be spending a lot of time there and you want to make sure it has all of the amenities you need. A short weekend long trip or one day visit won't cut it. Spend several days to a week (at least) in the area and get a feel for the community. Lastly, before jumping into a 4-year university, try getting some of your general education classes out of the way at a community college. Now I know it's not as prestigious as going straight to the 4-year but it saves money and helps you narrow done what you really want to do with your life. This way you can make the most of you experience.

Do your research. Don't jump into any decisions. Decide what is important to you and then find the school that will match that. Think not only about the eduction standards and class sizes but also the environment that the campus is located in and the feel of campus as well. It is always a good idea to visit the campus before you commit if you can and to do it when school is in session so you can get a real feel for the campus environment.

My advice would be, to be up for change. College is different than highschool and living at home. It may seem scary at first, but it is definitely worth trying. The right place may not seem like the right place at first, but the longer you are there the more it grows on you. It then becomes a part of you, a self-discovery. Picking a college should be done with caution also. A college may be known for partying but if you don't accept that into your life (like I don't), then it is easy to keep from that type of lifestyle. Picking a college that is close to home is also helpful in times when you are homesick. You would be able to travel home on the weekends while adjusting to this new point in your life. Waiting a year is not a bad idea in certain cases either. Doing this helps a person make sure that college is the next step they want to take in their journey of life. Overall, just be up for and try new things out. When you look back on it, you will know that it was worth it!

Before even starting to look at colleges, let the student honestly list what are the most important aspects to them. Parents and advisors can offer support and advice, but the student will be the one attending, so it's important they look at what really matters. Use that list to narrow down the list as you begin your search, then weigh the pros and cons of each of the schools to find which ones you want to apply for. It's good to be realistic, but make sure you still keep your dream schools in the pile. Whether you end up in your top choice or backup school, make the most of it. You aren't paying to be there just to be told what books to read and what facts. to memorize Take advantage of everything your college offers. Talk to your advisors and professors, the best resources any school has. Don't be afraid to get involved and try new things, but always remember why you're there.

The main thing for me was finding a college that was not expensive, but still offered a large selection of programs. Look on the colleges website and view what programs they offer. See what award and honors the college has recieved. This can help you see what the education is like. This is where you are going to be living so make sure it is somewhere you want to be. Look into the local community. Do you want to live in a big city or a smaller town? In the mountains or by the beach? Warm all year round or can you live with having winter? These are imortant questions to ask. Make sure you check out any and all scholarships that are available through the school and apply for as many as possible. Make sure to fill out FAFSA because it is free money and It has saved me!!

Just find a place that will make you happy, if you dont it can really through off, even ruin your college experience.

I would recommend vistiting your potential prospects and asking students or people who live in the town how they feel about programs, professors, housing, public transportation, how the people are and how strenuous the workloads get. It is best to have an idea of the programs offered so if your undecided you can explore a range of programs until you find one that interests you. It would be a good idea to also find out if the University is one that is willing to lend a hand when needed to answer one of the twenty million questions or problems that can come up with attending a University. Making the most of a college experiance mostly depends on the attitude you go into it with, colleges offer a lot of variety and changes so its up to you to get involved and live it up as much as you can for few years you got. Keeping up on your work and knowing when you can relax is also crucial. Being open and friendly is always a good life choice as it will get you involved with people that can change your life and make memories that you will never forget.

You're going to hear how important college is from every mouth in education, but what's really important to realize is that who you surround yourself with changes how you feel and what you can accomplish while in college. In or out of school, you're leaving everything you've known and constructing yourself anew. For me, that meant attempting to actualize an idealized self IYou're going to hear how important college is from every mouth in education, but what's really important to realize is that who you surround yourself with changes how you feel and what you can accomplish while in college. In or out of school, you're leaving everything you've known and constructing yourself anew. For me, that meant attempting to actualize an idealized self I?d created growing up. When I got to college, interacting with a new caliber of people altered my idealized self, distant fantasy becoming more real each day I met and followed the guidance of others doing what I had dreamed for myself. Seeking out people with passion for what they do and keeping track of who I want to be while remaining flexible enough to re-assess my goals gives me the perspective to feel confident in the direction of my life. College is the place you are most encouraged to construct a new self separate from childhood. Once you're out, you will be expected to know who you are and settle into a steady lifestyle. So try college. Use those living your dreams as reference for your own blueprint. Pursue greatness.

Its so easy getting situated and meeting people on campus...my biggest fear was that i was going to be friendless. Not the case, college is turning out to be a great experience!

It is important to let the student decide where they will be the happiest. Although it is very easy for parents to become overinvolved in the process and want the final decision regarding where their child will continue their education, this is the time where children grow and become their own person. If a student feels pressured into selecting a particular school for reasons other then their own, the overall experience will not be as enjoyable. When a student is given the opportunity to research, visit, apply, and attend a certain institution they immediately develop a much stronger connection and sense of pride in their college. Attending a school in which one is proud to attend will also lead to the student performing well in the classroom, creating more friendships along the way, and becoming more involved both on campus and throughout the community. In regards to a student selecting a particular school, it is important to fully investigate the areas of academic interest, professor and student relationships, as well as the University as a whole. College is a very expensive investment and you must be sure that you will be receiveing the best education possible.

Do not limit your options just because you think you know exactly what you want to do and where you want to go. I thought for sure I would be going out of state for school, but the scholarship opportunities, world-class education, and natural beauty attracted me to the University of Montanan, an in-state school for me. Make sure your school offers a variety of degree programs in case, which is highly likelyl, you change your major. Look for schools that are multi-faceted in ways that fit your interests. If you enjoy being active in a variety of clubs, check to see if your school choices have an active student body. Look for an overall life experience, because that is what college is meant to be for you. It's not just tests and finals, there's a lot of living, experiencing, and learning going on outside the classsroom.

Look for the college that best fits your person interests, look at the surroundings, talk to the staff there if you can, and above all else make sure you will feel comfrontable going there

You CAN have do all of the fun things you want to experience like skiing, starting a band, partying, etc. But you MUST have time management. Instead of procrastinating for twenty five mintutes before dinner or class, STUDY! Every minute counts for studying and those odd minutes add up fast! Study for five minutes while you are waiting for coffee. Do frequent, short study sessions, you will be more alert and involved with your studies compared to cramming all night before a test. I wish I realized that when I started college but I had to learn it for myself the hard way. Also, hang out with the person from your class even if your friend doesn't really like them. They could be cool. And its good to meet new people and try out new things.

I think the best advice I could give would be to get started as soon as possible. Take all the advanced placement classes you can and make sure you get college credit for finishing them. With that I would place special emphasis on college level math and english skills because, if you are further along in these subjects you will finsh quicker and have an easier time with materials presented to you. Its also important to get started thinking ahead. College moves fast and rewards those who are prepared for the challenges ahead. Make sure to find a major you can stick with for the long haul, if you start thinking about it now you may even be able to find a school housing your doctorate program. These are key movements to making a successful college career work for you. You may not always get the grades you want, the financial aid you need, or things just might take longer than you expected but, a little planning ahead now will go a long way in the future.

As you look for the right college or university to attend, be sure not only to look at the school but the community as well. I think it says a lot about a school if its community shows unyielding support. Remember that college isn't just about the socializing, but setting yourself up to have a successful future. It is important that if you know the area of study you want to go into, speak with alumni and department heads in that area at the school to see what kind of experience you would have academically. College in itself is an amazing experience and if you can walk away knowing you received a degree where you were really part of the program and not just a "blip" on the screen, it makes that experience even better. Find a college that speaks to who you are as a person. Colleges have their own individual personalities and you should know stepping onto the campus that you belong there. Think about whether that school would motivate you to learn new things and take opportunities you might not have considered before and expand your knowledge of life.

I believe more than anything, a student needs to find a place that makes them happy and comfortable. Money matters, school size, and amount of diversity are all important, but at the end of the day if you arent completely comfortable in your surrounding then none of the other things really seem to matter. Don't worry about whether or not the school is in too close to your home town or across the US, because no matter where your at, its the school itself that will be your home and comfort zone. I believe that academics are very important, but I also know that a student can not thrive in a place they doesn't quite feel like themselves. I guess what I am really saying is to make sure that as a student you can really see and feel yourself as a part of that community. Once that happens, then look at all the other details to decide if the school really is a perfect fit.

My advice to parents about finding the right college would be to look for colleges that are noticed for certain areas that the student is interested in. For example, if a university has an excellent pre-med program, learn about the university and see if it would appeal to your student. My advice to students about finding the right college would be to look for colleges all over the United States. Don't set your sights on a college just because it is easy to get into. Try and really look into what the colleges have to offer, especially if they are known for a field that you are interested in. To make the most of your college experience, get involved in anything and everything. Go to football games, concerts, plays, anything that lets you experience the college and what it provides through all different types of academics. If your a shy person such as myself, try a sorority or fraternity to help get you out of your shell. Sometimes getting encouragement from others in your position can help you interact with the college on a new level. They are not for just cheerleaders and football players anymore.

As a student who has attended three different colleges or universities, I strongly advise prospective students to make their decisions based on what is important to you. While thinking about where you want to go, keep in mind how far away from your family you will be, if the school is well-qualified in your potential area of study, and what extra-curricular activities do they offer. Once I was able to sort through these questions, I finally found my home here at the University of Montana.

The most important aspect to factor in to your college decision is whether the student will feel comfortable in the environment. Are the people friendly, are there abundant activities that the student would enjoy, is there accessible assistance for any issue the student might have? College is an important step and can be a difficult transition but if the student feels comfortable in their decision a lot of stress can be aleviated. Since college is a big transition, it is important for parents to stay involved in the student's life. The student is transistioning to becoming an independent adult and that can be scary. A lot of students check their mail several times a day, with the hope of correspondance from family or friends they no longer see regularly. I strongly suggest to parents to use the mail for communication as well . I encouage new students to meet new people and give themselves some slack in relation to grades. The first year is going to be tough in respect to organizing your time. My advice is to focus on getting through the first few semesters before focusing on grades too heavily. The stress is not worth it.