The University of West Florida Top Questions

STUDY! Keep focused and stay on track with your classes. As soon as you fall behind classes become tougher then they really are. Anyone can do well in school as long as they stay on schedule with their classes. It only takes a half an hour to an hour to do this. Just stay focused on what you really want. It is easy to get off track but EXTREMELY hard to get back on track.

Conduct a great deal of research.

Search for schools early and have a variety of schools on your search list. Small schools are better if you want to be more than just a number. Get your AA done before deciding on a major, that helps you discover what you would like to do before ever declaring your major.

find the college that fits the degree you want

College is unlike anything you've ever done before. It's hard, but it's also fun and exciting. There are so many new experiences waiting for you, both academic and recreational. You'll have to learn new study habits and in some cases, seek out the professors in their offices. Limiting your learning to the classroom is not a good idea. Never be afraid to ask for an explanation or spend extra time working after classes to understand something. The dorm life experience is challenging as well. Balancing friends and school is paramount in college, but if you've chosen a school that you feel comfortable in, then it will be easier. Make friends with other students in your class, so you can form study groups and hang out at the same time. Never be afraid to say no to friends when you need to study. If they care about you, they will understand and encourage your commitment. College is fun and social, but it's also extremely important to your future. Don't let friends or even family stop you from reaching your goals in life, and getting the degree you want. Remember, it's your future!

Make sure the college has all that the student needs to be able to be successful, like internet access, space needed, cafes, sports facility, etc. Also, make sure the college is close to where you live (within 100 miles of the parents' house).

To receive the most benefit from any college experience a prospective student must be somewhat certain that college is the journey of their choice and not the fulfillment of their parents' dream. When deciding which college to attend the student and parent must take into consideration the cost of tuition, boarding, books, extra-curricular fees, and atmosphere. Once a student narrows the choices down, students and parents should attend campus tours in order to determine if the atmosphere of the campus is suitable to their individual cultural experiences and comfort level. After choosing a suitable college I recommend that the student and parent seek out various avenues available on campus to increase the opportunity for academic, physical, spiritual, and financial success. College affords individuals an opportunity to reach for dreams. It is the choice of the individual to take advantage of that opportunity.

I would definitely suggest that students and parents research the schools in order to find the one that best fits the student's needs. This includes, housing, majors offered, and accessability of the student services. As for the college experience, I would have to say the student should appreciate the people and all their efforts to help one another. Have a positive attitude when things get rough. Keep your head up, and keep working hard even if you feel overwhelmed because its worth it in the end. When you need help, there is always someone there for you. All students struggle even when they work hard, so dont feel like you're alone when things get hard. College is not about memorizing the information, you have to listen and learn. Things are always a lot easier when you start to enjoy learning new things. It is important to appreciate the work you put into school, and appreciate the teachers for providing challenges.

To parents or students it is in your best interest to find the appropriate college for you. The college that will be most comforting, safe and reliable when you are in need of guidance. To the student, know what you are going to persue before entering into a degree and changing numerous of times by the time you change the degree and go back to basics you can already have one degree. So with this in mind go for your dreams and reach them.

The best thing anyone can do is ask questions. When you tour a campus that you might be interested in ask questions to anyone and everyone. Students are the most helpful because they have been in your shoes already. They will tell you how professors are and the school in general. If you already know what you want to study, do not bother talking to a regular academic advisor, go ahead and speak with the person that will be your major advisor. They are the people who actually know what classes you need to be taking your first two years. Trust me, that piece of advice could save you some money. While you are in college, enjoy every minute of it, but do not forget why you are there. Your degree needs to come first, even if it means missing out on the biggest party of the year. There will be plenty of parties, but if you flunk out you won't be able to enjoy them. Be involved in as much as you can while still getting your work done. No matter what happens, make sure you have fun because you are only in college once.