The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Top Questions

Start early. Apply to several schools

Visit lots of schools. Don't be set in your mind where you want to go without doing so. Don't pick a school because of the football team or the parties. Pick a school that you feel can provide you an atmosphere in which you can thrive academically, socially, and culturally. Parents: Don't pressure your child into attending your alma mater, but let them be their own person. The aspects of college that you sought when looking for a college to attend aren't necessarily what your child values. Students: once you are in college, don't take anything for granted because it will be over before you can blink an eye. Play a club sport, join a special interest organization, and pledge a fraternity or sorority. Focus on schoolwork, but remember that communication skills developed through your social activities will be the most valuable supplement to your degree that you could ever possess. Who you know is as important as what you know. Most importantly: USE YOUR RESOURCES. The only thing I regret is not taking advantage of free tutors, writing labs, and other great resources that could have benefited my college experience.

I would visit as many colleges as you can before you make your choice. That way, you get to see how things are at small and large colleges and which ones seem to fit you better. Making the most of your college experience is all about getting out there. College is, in addition to getting an education, about expanding as a person and meeting new people. Join a sports team or a club on campus. The number one thing that everyone has to do in order to succeed in college is GO TO CLASS. Most of the people I know that are struggling neglect to go to class like they should. Most professors are very understanding and appreciate your continued attendance and effort in their class and will often take that into consideration if you have a borderline grade.

Go visit the school before actually deciding.

Make sure to VISIT EACH CAMPUS before deciding! Check out what types of activities occur throughout the school year by talking to current students. Ask what type of students the university setting caters to most. RESEARCH to find out what types of financial aid are available. Do not be close-minded and be sure to HAVE A BACKUP PLAN. Pick a VARIETY of schools to apply to then make a decision based on the STUDENT'S best interests. Once enrolled, ALWAYS add an extra class every semester in case you decide to drop a class. Also, if you leave home for school and are not a morning person, don't sign-up for morning classes because your parent IS NOT THERE TO WAKE YOU UP anymore!!! Trust me, I know from EXPERIENCE. If living on campus, GET OUT OF THE DORMS! That can't be stressed enough. Find people to INTERACT with and MAKE FRIENDS. Remember to ENJOY life while in college because, afterwards, all that's left is work.

In finding a college, my best advice is not to worry about where you end up. Every college offers something unique and a place for you or your student to fit in. If after a while, one college doesn't fit, try another. You will end up at the institution that is best for you. In making the most of college, my advice is to be open-minded. Don't say no to a person, an organization, a place because of preconcieved notions-Check them all out and then make a decision based on your first hand observations. College is about exploration and self-exploration; By saying no to something, you are denying yourself an oppurtunity to discover.

For the most part find one that suits the student. It is really important to get the student to want to learn, so find one that makes the student feel at home.

research is the most important thing. do your research on the campus and on the availability of financial aid

When looking at colleges it is most important to think about what you want your experience to be like. If you want to get involved make sure the school has organizations you are interested in. If you want a nice place to live make sure there is satisfactory housing. As long as you are honest about what you want you won't be disappointed. Also, do plenty of research about the school and even talk to students at the school when you visit. They usually give you the most honest and dependable answers, the stuff the admissions office won't tell you.

The best advice I could give anyone is to focus on what you came to school to do. Dont allow friends or others aroud you distract you from what your money is paying for. College is supposed to be enjoyable but also productive. Pick a school that has at least one or two friends there. That sounds like bad advice but I went to a school where I knew no one and it is very difficult to make friends in college. I was always jealous of my friends who went to school with people that they knew.