The University of Texas at Austin Top Questions

I think it is a good idea to assume you will want to go to graduate school in the future (do your very best). Take time to explore majors to see what you are really interested in. Know that a major does not equal a career, so just choose something you will enjoy to study for 4 years.

When it comes to finding the right school for you it's important to realize that you don't have to go to an Ivy League to get a good education or impress employers. State schools can often offer the same education with a much better price. No matter where you choose to go it is ultimately up to you to make your college experience what you want it to be. The four years that you spend there will help create the foundation of who you are for the rest of your life. Take the time to explore your interests, get involved and meet new people. Take pride in your school and learn to appreciate its surroundings. College is when you take that great leap into the rest of your life; be sure to start it off right.

I would recommend students to apply to a variety of schools and explore each one closely to find the one that is most suitable for the student.

Researching the right college for your high school senior is a lengthy and somewhat stressful process. Parents usually don't want to send their kids too far away, or to a school that is not academically credible. Although the size of the school may also be a turnoff, it shouldn't. I attend the University of Texas at Austin, which is the nation's 2nd largest university. Instead, parents should look at the school's US News and Report rankings of the institution. Parent's should find out what their kids plan to pursue in college (major) and research the best school's for that field of study. Student's should also find out exactly how much money their child will receive before they decide on a school. Many universities promise to pay for a majority of your child's schooling, but in fact, it is just to lure you in. Parents should fill of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) early and accurately. The earlier the FAFSA is filled out, the more likely your child is to receive the funding needed to attend that school. Follow these steps and you will have no problem choosing a school.

Finding the right college is an individual choice. For me, one of the most important things about my prospective schools was the environment. Was there a city close by? What was the weather like? Every person has a different idea of what "college" should look like, and the only way to find out whether any one school is a good fit is to visit and find out. After enrolling, the most important way to start making the most out of your college experience is to abandon what you did in high school and start fresh. College is a new start; an opportunity to try new things. Get involved in a few organizations and find out where you fit best. Don't limit yourself to spending time with your "high school friends," but instead, try to meet new people in your classes, in your dorm, and around campus. Be nice to your roommate and be careful around the dorm cafeterias. (If an entree has "mystery" or "magic" in its name, have a salad instead!) Most of all, remember that your college experience is individual and is what you want it to be.

I think that a lot of students want to go very far away from home after they graduate from high school. However, you don't have to go to a college in another state to be independent and away from your family. My family lives in Houston and when I moved to Austin, only 3 hours away, I hardly saw them anymore. You will start missing your family and it is nice if they live close enough so that you can visit them when you miss them and where you can be independent and without parental control. Also when choosing a college make sure that the professors are good. It is really important that the professor actually teaches and doesn't require students to learn the matterial by themselves at home.

Like any new experience, you learn about college as you go. But there is much you can do beforehand to better prepare yourself for this life-changing milestone. I know dozens of people who have transferred schools up to four times throughout their college career, and it's unsettling to think that the same could happen to you. By visiting prospective schools you can get a feel for their campus, city, people, social habits of the area, and faculty. Additionally, especially if it's a large university, it can be extremely helpful to find at least one administrator or advisor whom you feel comfortable with; someone who you know has your well being in mind, who knows you by name and can be referred to no matter what your issue. Once in school, time management and resource utility are key: libraries, office hours, and teaching assistants are crucial tools. Lastly, experience has taught me that doing well and really investing energy into a class at the beginning of the semester, will leave you with slack towards the end of the semester so you can afford a lower grade, which can be extremely relaxing and comforting, especially during finals. Good luck!

Start exploring colleges early - it gives you plenty of time to change your mind. I ended up at UT Austin after swearing I would never attend such a large school. Take time to really consider what you want in a college, then you can use online search engines to whittle down the possibilities. Don't forget to consider the surrounding area! You may have to ask around or google the city because most college sites don't have this information - some college towns are college-oriented and always have something going on; others are incredibly boring. Aside from all the obvious steps, the best thing I did when looking into colleges was talk to my older friends to get the real scoop... sometimes it's hard to really know what a college is like unless you talk to and visit current students. Once you make your decision, you need to get involved to really love your school. Everyone I know who transferred after freshman year wasn't involved in clubs, greek life, or campus activities. Also, more than anything, rely on your counselors and advisors! I was very resistant, but after going I realized they are a TREMENDOUS help.

I advise students who are looking for their perfect college to make sure that they are actually engaged in the search and are not just allowing their parents to do everything. You will not be happy at a school that your parents pick out for you. Follow your own heart and look for a place that fits your personality, ideals, and morals; otherwise, you may not find the friends and faculty that will make your college experience memorable and enjoyable. Also, it is essential to find friends who are as studious as you plan to be. Study groups are the key to college success. You do not even have to study the same thing; just plan to meet up with some friends or classmates and do nothing but study for a reasonable allotted time. Then go have fun and enjoy your undergraduate years! Live in the dorms for at least 2 years, 4 if you want a better GPA, and GO TO YOUR PROFESSOR'S OFFICE HOURS! Trust me on that one. College can potentially be some of the best years of your life. Have fun (but not too much fun)!

I would advice students and parents to research what degrees the school has to offer as well as what the location offers. Look into what extra curricular activities are available, and what career services the college offers.