The University of Texas at Austin Top Questions

I don't think a decision to go to college should be a stressful task. However, this may be because my decision was easy. The University of Texas is the best public institution in the state of Texas. I knew I wanted to stay in my home-state so the transition of being a teacher would be easier. Not to mention, amazing school spirit and tradition brought on by incredible athletics. My advice to parents is to give your children time and space in the application process. My parents gave me full independence whether I got things completed or not...whether I went to college or not. I know it was hard for them to sit back but I think it made me a stronger individual. Students must find that inner motivation to achieve what they feel is required out of their college experience. One must be willing to put in as much time and effort as they expect to receive in return. I wouldn't trade my one and half years of college for anything.

When it comes to finding the right college, trust your instincts. Go with the school whose philosophies and values are in line with yours and whose atmosphere makes you feel at home. While it's normal to have fears about being on your own or doing well in your classes, they shouldn't extend much further than that. Any deep rooted uncertainties should probably be carefully evaluated to ensure that the college of choice is in fact right for you and that you're choosing to attend for all of the right reasons (academics, career placement, diversity, extracurriculars etc...) As for making the most of the college experience: manage your time! It's too easy to immediately relish in the social freedom of being away from home and on your own. Just know that it's much easier to bring your grades down than it is to bring them back up. One should definitely have an outlet from homework, but prioritizing your time is key. While school work is important, do be sure to take time for yourself. These are undoubtedly some of the best years of your life and you should enjoy them as much as you possibly can.

When it comes to finding a university that is right for you there are many factors to consider. Academics, athletics, social atmosphere. However, the major question to ask is "Can I call this place home?" College isn't only about how hard you study. Nor is it about how well your football team does. It's not even about how well prepared you become for the professional world, how well you learn to interview or what your eventual GPA is. The 4 years spent in college is the perfect time to find a new home and in doing so become the person you will be for the rest of your life. If you can learn to balance your time, make deep, meaningful relationships and become more and more comfortable in your own skin then your time in college will be a success. Finding a school that will help you do this is a very important step. So before signing on at your parents' alma mater make sure you consider a school's size, its overall feel and the city it is in. Trust me, these things will be just as important as how many wins the football team gets.

Go to the University of Texas at Austin.

Make sure to visit the campus, if possible, for more than one day. If the prospective student could "shadow" a current student around campus, classes, and home life, a better perspective of student life can be formed. Reading brochures and speaking only with admissions counselors will not give you an honest idea of the university's spirit. It is important to consider the type of environment that you feel will foster your best self as well as the university's academic program. Academics are priority but innumerable lessons are taught outside of the classroom. Utilize your University?s facilities and surroundings to the maximum amount allowable. Don't be afraid to try new things! College is a time in your life when you're learning about yourself, perhaps for the first time ever, on your own. Learning sometimes requires that you move out of your comfort zone in order to discover something new.

I would recommend that both parents and students take plenty of time to gather information about any colleges that the student may be interested in. In addition, it would be really beneficial to speak to current students of the universities that you are interested in. And it is important to keep in mind that the transition from high school to college can be difficult for anyone. Motivate yourself to get out and join groups in order to meet new friends. It'll take time in order to start to feel that this school is truly where you belong, don't expect it to come together right away (although it certainly could). Many students take a long time to discover where they fit in and make true lifelong friends. Don't give up! College is a unique experience that you will treasure for the rest of your life.

Finding the right college is never an easy decision for anyone. However, it is imperative that you take several considerations before you choose the school that fits you. It is essential to decide what type of environment you would like to live in, the amount of schoolwork involved, the cost of attending the school, the amount of debt you are willing to get in to, housing expenses, student diversity, the competitive nature and ambiance of the school, but most importantly the school's proximity to your home. Sure, it sounds insane to be close to home when you are raging with hormones of living as far from your family as possible. However, in college many things can go awry and it is important to be close to your family and friends to help you through the difficult process of adjusting to your new independent life. In order to maximize your college experience, BALANCE your social and school life. Do not fall behind! Stabilize your emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing. Branch out of your comfort zone! Find a school that fits your interests and magnify the positive aspects of it! Accomplishing this will ensure a positive and unforgettable college experience.

It's important to remember that when chosing a college, you want to find a place that has a lot of diversity. College is a time when your child will discover the person they are going to be, and by attending a diverse University, you will give your child a lot of opportunites to experience things, and become a well rounded person.

I think location plays a huge part in liking a college or university. If you like cities, go to a city; if you prefer small town life, go there. No matter how much you like the college or university, if you don't enjoy the surrounding area it won't be as fun. Secondly, pay attention to size. If you strongly prefer small classrooms with hands on learning or more involved professors, make sure yuo go to a place that offers that. If you don't mind or prefer large classrooms, look for that instead. Otherwise, just make sure the school has a good department in your area of study.

It aint gonna be easy...but it's all worth it.