The University of Texas at Austin Top Questions

college should be a decision that is based on your view of the world and where you belong in it. If you see yourself as being able to be a great accet to society than it is your responsibility to attend a coleege that gives you the best opportunity to succeed. College should not be easy. You should make the choice that seems hard at first and convince your self that you can overcome your initial perceptions. When choosing your college you should actually be excited about how fun it could be and dont make your decision soley on academics because there are many great universities and it is up to the individual to raise himself to a great standard. Study hard for your tests but realize that everything is a process and college is not hit or quit. You will have to grind it out and find diamonds in dirt. For parents dont force your children simply into the most academic of schools because they could end up lowering there performance due to the constant pressure. Remember that the school you pick could be the place that will mold the rest of your life in four years.

I would advise them to first make sure to visit the campus before they decide where they are going. In order to make the best of your college experience I advise that you study hard throughout the entire semester so you don't have to be on the fritz at the end of the semester worried about grades. However I also recommend that people get involved with activities they enjoy doing or want to try and have never had the opportunity because college is the chance for people to try things and not regret them.

Try to figure out which major you'd like to select and find a school that is strong in that area. Always put academia before relaxation and you'll be fine.

Students: you are adults now; it is time to act like it. Take responsibilty for your academic career. Don't pick a major because your parents told you to. Go to class. If tutition is $10,000 a year, then you are paying roughly $20 for every class, whether you attend or not. Make the most of your money. Do your homework. If you do your homework and are having trouble in a class, professors will help you. If you don't do your homework, you will fail. Get a job. Even a couple of shifts a week will enhance every aspect of your life. You'll have money, work experience, respect from your friends and family, a better post-graduate resume, and something to fall back on, just in case. Remember, college is tough, but rewarding, as it should be. Parents: your children are adults now; treat them like it. Don't give them money as they will waste it. Instead, give them love and support, and maybe the occasional gift card. Remember, the more you demand of your children, the more they will achieve; demand they pursue their own dreams, as they will fall short of your own.

The best advice I can give is find what is right for you. Not your boyfriend/girlfriend, not your family legacy, not even the most popular or academically best. Find where you fit in socially and academically. Find where you want your memories to be made.

First, narrow it down to schools that offer what you are interested in. From there, pick your location that fits your budget and that you like best. Whether it's a small or big school might be important to you, but remember that each has its benefits/disadvantages. Big schools offer more choices in career paths, but smaller ones may give you stronger connections. However, it all depends on how much you go after something. Your first year at college, it would be a good idea to live on campus. This helps you meet friends and know who you might room with in the future. Also, try and join a first-year interest group or something that assists beginning undergraduates. These people can become great friends and assist you in your studies by taking classes with you. You might also want to join a club sport, so as to make friends and help alleviate academic stress. Remember, it's important to concentrate on studies and pick a good school, but it is also important to create new memories with different people and have great experiences.

I think that students shoud think about where they would be most comfortable. At UT the courses are big and there is no way to get around that. Some courses have up to 500 students. Many students are competivite and over-acheiving, and to some that can be kind of intimitdating. Certain students when considering college need to consider if they would feel most comfortable in a small classroom where their professor knows their name just by them coming everyday because building relationships with professors is important. At UT, one must make a HUGE effort to get to know a professor and you really have to put yourself out there and be a "go getter" or you will get lost in the crowd of students these professors teach every year. I enjoy getting to know professors, but one thing I wish is that it were easier and that classes were smaller, so that I would not feel so intimidated to go and ask questions privately. I always have to remind myself that professors are people too and to act normal.

Talk to a lot of people. People are the best source of information about what life is like on campus, and students are often more than willing to share both their biggest gripes with as well as their favorite aspects of a school. Many universities have special groups of students who are intended to perform outreach services, and they are very willing to give information about the school. One may be able to get a better perspective, however, by speaking to students who are not in these programs. A simple way of doing so would be to write to the social or membership officer of a club the applicant is interested in, and while expressing interest in the club, also ask more general questions about the school. This would give a decent viewpoint of the school from someone the applicant is likely to be spending time with. Also, while taking a tour of campus, don't be afraid to ask students on campus what they feel about the school. Most are very friendly and will give an honest summary of the college's strengths and weaknesses.

Take a good look at the school and make sure you are capable of picturing yourself living there for the next so many years. Find a good group of friends and work to get involved around campus. Plenty of opportunities are out there if you just look.

My advice to parents is to encourage your kids and be their support system. For students my advice to you is your first year live in the dorms. It will make life so much easier for you, as well as this will help you develop life long friendships and become involve in campus activities. Also dont underestimate your classes, it is far different from high school.