Truman State University Top Questions

The first thing I would tell a senior is to work really hard at your studies. Even though parents and teachers tell you this, it is really important to help you get into a good school and to potentially get scholarships. If you are planning on being a collegiate athlete, make sure you look at all aspects of the school and try to be as honest as you can about your decision. You are going to be part of a team and that team, for better or worse, is depending on you for at least 4 years.

I would tell myself to straigten up! Get your act together! Start saving money, now! Find scholarships, now! Don't wait because you never know when your secure family circumstances could change completely. Mom and dad may lose their jobs, and mom might get cancer so be prepared to be a mature adult. I would also tell myself don't be afraid. Be the outgoing girl you know you can be because these people are great and accepting. Do what you want to do with your life and don't worry about what major will "look good" to anyone else because it's about your education, Jen! You are doing great, and you have family and friends that really love you. Press on, press on, press on.

If I could go back, I'd tell myself not to take college lightly; it really is a lot harder than high school. Id tell myself to start good studying habits now, because in college the teacher's aren't there to teach you; they're there to guide you as you grow and learn on your own. I'd tell myself to get involved more, and try to make more friends. I've always been shy, but the first few weeks of freshman year are the easiest to make new friends. If I could do it over, I would have been much more social my freshman year. Other than that, I'd say to enjoy it. Relax, stop worrying. College is really the best time of my life, despite all the homework. If I'd heard all this from my future self, it would have made things much easier, and a lot more enjoyable.

Definitly visit the school before you go their. It helps the person get the feel for it before deciding where to go. Also, it is good to look into a school with a wide range of majors. This will help the student if he or she decides to change his or her major. This could prevent the person from transferring which can become a huge hassle. I would also advise looking into courses outside the major. I think the more diverse the course list is then the more rounded the education can be.

Find a college that you feel you fit into. Don't try to "get away" from your parents and go to a school thats as far away as possible. Just choose the school that appeals to you the most. Although you should choose a school you love, you need to be money concious. If you choose a school that is too far out of your budget, you will regret it later on.

To parents, I would reccomend that you let the decision be made by your student with minimal "guidance." College is a chance for your child to become who they really want to be, away from the influence of their hometown. Detailed nitpicking about their school of choice will not help them in making the decision that's right for them. That said, students, choose the school that is best for you, not the most fun. There will be time for friends and partying no matter where you go, so make sure to go somewhere where you'll also learn something that will help you in the future. Be honest with your roommates, even if it's to say that you can't stand them. It's probably mutual, and you'll all benefit from the clean air between you. Work as much as you can over the summer so that you have more time for youself during the school year. Take chances and go outside yourself. It's the only way to grow and make new friends. Don't be afraid or ashamed to drop classes. No one can do everything. Go to a football game. Enjoy life.

Start visiting schools early and visit a lot. Don't go on a visit day but go on a day when you can sit in on a class. Find a place that just feels, "right."

Always visit the campus, because on paper everything might seem perfect but once you get there it could be a completely different story. Also, make sure to ask around for people who have gone to the school, and see what they have to say. Always remember they might be biased so ask around. Don't look at the price tag, apply and if accepted seee how much financial aid they give you.

My advice to parents and students on finding the right college is to communicate with each other. As young adults, it's very hard to want to listen to parents, but they do know what's best. Parents and students need to talk about the different situations that would be available at the different schools the student is looking at. The right school has to provide the opportunity for academic success and also ways to relieve stress and have a good time. Parents should not try and make the decision for their students, but rather point out the positives that they see in each school and allow their student to make the final decision. Once the student has found the right college, its in their hands to make the most of the college experience. Students need to get involved early and often. Students should find something they believe strongly in and join a club/organization that supports that. While getting involved is very important, it is also vital that students don't try and do too much. Don't try and do everything, just do the things that are most important.

If you can, figure out what you would like to major in or focus on, and go from there. Many colleges have certain areas that they are known for. I'm not at the best university for what I want to do, but I've made friends and different groups that have made it worth it.