The University of Montana Top Questions

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.