The University of Montana Top Questions

I honestly think that parents need to encourage their students early on in high school because without anyone pushing them students will procrastinate choosing their school, which consequently leads to procrastination when choosing a career path. I think that finding the right college is something that a student should spend time on; explore the website, visit the campus, ask any and all questions that you may have, because without the right college, the student's college experience is bound to be a bad one. When it comes to making the most out of the college experience, parents should be reminded to let your student go. They can't fully experience their new setting if they think that you are always watching. For students, your college experience is what you make it. If you want a good one, be open to new ideas, new people, and new ways of looking at things. That way, you won't be opposed to getting out there and making the most of your college experience. Also, don't be too worried about finding the right major as soon as you apply, it's all part of the experience, and the right major will come along.

I would highly recommend visiting each campus you are thinking of attending. Not only does this give you a feel of the college you may be attending, but if helps you see the town you'll be living in as well. Also, I recommend touring each place during the weekdays, that way, the activity level will be high and more accurately portray the university. When starting college, I would also suggest living in the dorms for your first year. Many of my closest friends at the University are girls on my floor in the dorms. Living in such a small space with someone else is a true part of the college experience for me.

When I looked for a college, I first chose my geographic location. I needed to be relatively close to my family and in an area where nature was easily accessible. You'll need an escape valve, something that makes you happy and relieves the pressures of academia and a new social world. If that's a trek through the desert, a shopping stint downtown, your grandma's kitchen or just a few trees, make sure you can get there. If you're in a landscape totally antithetical to your inner well-being, you probably won't be happy no matter how great the program or financial aid package. That said, the school must have good teachers in your areas of interest. Find a balance between place and educational opportunities, then throw yourself in wholeheartedly. In the end, you are responsible for your own education. Seek out opportunites to learn, interact and contribute to a better, healthier world. You will get out what you put in, or as John Lennon says, "The love you take is equal to the love you make." Attending college is a choice. It will take a lot of work and enthusiasm, but also returns invaluable rewards.

Dont just apply to one school, shop around and vist colleges. Once you have a seen a few colleges sit down and figure out wich college is the best fit for you. You need somewhere where you are comfortatble and happy dont just pick on price, this is your college experience so choose what makes you happy and will further you education in the direction that you want. When its all over and done you want to be a well rounded individual. Go for what will make you a better person and go with it.

Follow your heart. If you know you need a change, make one. College is up to the student, not the parent or institution. It really is what you make it. Visit the schools you apply to and notice the vibe around campus. Talk to students. Explore the town. Find a place that makes you want to stick around and explore. Don't apply somewhere just because your friends are, look for somewhere you truly want to go. I picked my school because it was the exact opposite of my high school and hometown. I came here not knowing a soul. I would never, ever trade it for anything. I LOVE it here. Again, follow your heart and your instincts.

I would advise students to visit as many different schools as possible when they're beginning to apply to schools. It's really important to find what's right for you, and to realize that it's ok if a particular school doesn't feel right. Make sure you get a feel for the town the school is in, because that will be your home for the majority of the year. Also, look into housing options. If you're unsure what you want to study, choose a school with a lot of options and flexibility. Make a list of the things that are important to you from your college experience, and try to find a school with as many of those things as possible. Don't go somewhere just because you have friends that are going there; this is the beginning of the rest of your life. On the other hand, don't put too much pressure on yourself. When you graduate high school, you reach the point where you can begin to make your own personal decisions about what you want out of life, so make sure you're doing it for YOU.

Actually take the time to explore and make sure you are finding the right school and major for yourself. It's okay if you feel lost to step back, sometimes the best way to find if you're going the right way is to try another direction, time off, or a study abroad. Take advantage of educational offerings, study abroad programs, minors, and any class that sounds interesting to you, when will you get another chance? Don't push yourself to rush through it or you may find what you got was not what you really wanted. Then you may have to start over (like me!). Take your time and enjoy it. Make room for studying and for friends and fun. This is one of the best times of your life.

Advice that I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is that even though each school is different and offers different classes; the experiences you learn about life, friendships, and study skills can prevail no matter where you venture. I would tell parents and students that they only live once and if they can help it, never regret any decision they make with school and the whole learning experience. The whole college experience is unlike any other time in life and I would tell them to enjoy every second to the fullest!

There are many approaches to finding the right campus for a student. What I did was apply to as many colleges that I was interested in, and then visited all the campuses that I was accepted to. I took tours, explored buildings, and even dropped in on a few classes. In the end, I chose the campus that just felt like home to me. Of course, financial aid and distance will factor into what college one will choose, so trying to find a college within one's means is a good idea. To make the most of a college experience, I recommend going to as many school- sponsored events as possible. The chance to meet new, interesting people is immense, as well as finding activities that can be enjoyed throughout life. Also, procrastination may seem like a good idea at the time, but the college experience is so much better without it!

The best advice I can give is to go wherever you want to go. Don't ever think there are limitations or that you don't have options. Go to school where you want to go, no matter where it is. I also recommend going away from home. Be your own person and follow your own path. Make the most of your college experience by getting as involved as possible. Pick a college that is in a location you would enjoy. Don't be afraid to join a club or try a new sport. Probably the best thing a new college student can do is be open to new experiences, but don't forget who you are and your values.