Truman State University Top Questions

To students I would advise that you pick a school that feels right to you but that you can afford. You don't want to be worried about your financial situation your entire college career. The bottomline truth is, college is a blast no matter where you go so find a school that fits and make the best of every situation. Get involved early, you really can not ever meet too many people. Everyone has something to offer, you just have to give them the time to find out what. As far as advive to parents, I might not be the most qualified but from what I observed, watching the firsh child leave is the hardest no matter how much trouble they caused you. After that it get alot easier. Also, if your son/daughter does not call you for a week that doesn't mean their mad at you, they're just really busy. It is probably actually a good thing because it means they have adjusted well. Finally, trying to enforce the same rules, the summer after freshman year, as there were in high school normally does not fly. There has to be some compromise from both parties.

Visit many different campuses. This will really help you see what you like and don't like. If you can, stay the night in the town and get a feel for it. You may fall in love with it. Apply to many different places, even if you don't think you'll get accepted. Use the promise of money from other schools to get more money out of your possible school. Try you're hardest at everything you do. Fill out as many scholarship applications as possible. Go to interest meetings for different groups/clubs--they could turn out to be the best thing you ever did. Most importantly, do things becasuse you would like to do them. Don't let others tell you what you like. If you don't think for yourself, then you will not be as happy later in life. Live for today as well as for tomorrow.

It's hard to know what kind of college you want to attend to before you go. Pick whichever one you think is best for you. The important part is once you're there. One you are at college, it is up to you as a student to make it work. Join activities, talk to people in your classes, in your dorm, do whatever you need to do to meet people and make friends so that you feel comfortable there. Give it a chance. If you need help with classes don't try to handle it alonbe, go speak to teachers/tutors, etc. Only if you go to college with a good attitude and an open mind will you enjoy it. College should feel like your home away from home.

When I was looking for a University to attend, I was just looking for affordability, but there is so much more to consider. The best way to find out if a university is the right fit would probably be to ask the students currently attending the university you are considering. If you know your major, see if you can find someone with the same major. This is probably one of the best things someone could do it find out if a school was right for them because they would be able to communicate with someone similar to them and understand the time commitment and other responsibilities. I also think it is important to look at statistics about the students? graduation rate and the number who receive employment upon graduation. It is also really important to look into the organizations available because getting involved makes the college experience really enjoyable. My final piece of advice would be to visit the school so that students can get a feel for atmosphere and even the weather. I developed terrible allergies when I went to college, and last year students renamed my university the ?Arctic Tundra? because it snowed a lot.

I would tell parents to listen to their kids. It happens so often that parents want their kids to fulfill some fantasy they have about visiting their kids or going to dinner together. At my school, the surrounding town, let's say, leaves something to be desired. The hottest hang out for locals is the Wal-Mart on the main drag. My parents weren't too excited when we came to visit when I was a junior, but they knew I loved the school, so they supported me anyway. I would tell the kids to pay attention to the college students on campus when you visit. Do they look happy? Are they interacting with those around them? Those were important questions for me. Think about the ideal college for you and don't settle for anything less. It might even been helpful to make a list of some characteristics you're looking for and bring that with you on your visits. Once you're in school, make sure to join some kind of organization. It's a lot more fun if you know people in passing around campus. That's one of my favorite things around here!

I would remind students to remember their values so that they do not lose themselves when they go to school, but define themselves further.

Go where you want to go not where others think you should go.

As for finding the right college, the most important thing is that it feels right for you. Different colleges will have a different feel for different people. One college is not right for everyone, but there is one college that is right for you. The best way to discover this is by visiting many different types of colleges, staying overnight there, researching about their pros and cons, and reflecting on which one you feel fits you best. As for making the most out of the college experience, there are many things that can help you get the most out of it. First of all, going to campus events is one big way to get alot out of the college experience. They are fun, though-provoking, and a good time. Fraternities and sororities are a good way to establish a sense of fellowship, but are not necessary. Joining clubs and other organizations can serve the same purpose. Being a part of some sort of group is important, not only for meeting other people, but also for making you feel like you are a part of something. It only comes around once, so give it your all and don't give up.

I would advise parents and students to consider first and foremost who the student is and what they hope to become, assessing which colleges would cater most fully to those areas. They should examine the student's learning strengths and weaknesses in this process, analyzing environments in which the student thrives. Students should seek a college experience that will challenge them, develop their confidence in vital areas of work and social life, and encourage them to think beyond themselves and work for the good of humanity and the environment. Secondly, students and parents should have a monetary strategy, factoring in all costs, evaluating their ability to pay within a reasonable period, and considering the type of lifestyle the student would like to achieve after graduation. Finally, I would advise them to discuss the issue of distance from home with open minds, ideally finding a compromise and taking it into account when choosing a college. To make the most of the college experience, students should stay focused on academics but set time aside for social life and rest, taking opportunities they will only have in college. Parents should be supportive while allowing students to discover their own wings.

Money should not be the deciding factor in finding a college; it should be a place that the student and parent feel comfortable. Go to a visit day or spend the night and sit through some of the classes before you make your final decision. You have to remember that you are picking out a place that you are going to be living for the next 4 to 5 years not just a school to go to, so pick wisely. Do your homework; I know that?s what everyone tells you, find out what you can about all the colleges you want to go to, it will give you a chance to show your parents that you are responsible and that you know what you are talking about. Lastly don?t just pick out one college, have a list of at least 4 possible choices just in case the first choice doesn?t work out.