Union University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Union University know before they start?

Michelle

Start looking early. Take trips to different colleges and then discuss what you like and do not like about each college. The campus tour can make the difference in deciding if you like that college or not. Do not stress. Sometimes it takes fifteen minutes on campus to make up your mind and sometimes it is a choice between two great colleges that will take time to decide. Also, do not leave out prayer. It is amazing how prayer can calm you and lead you toward great decisions. Once you get to college, get involved. Find a program or club that you like and sign up. However, do not sign up for so much that you do not have time to do schoolwork.

Kyle

One of the most improtant things about a college in my opinion is the current students enrolled there. They speak volumes about the school itself.

Heather

Don't let money make your decision for you. Explore all of your options, well in advance! Take time to seek out scholarships and develop relationships with those in your university. Figure out what suits you best, where are you most comfortable? After all, your college will be your home for the next four years. Find a place where you will be challenged and recognized. Get involved. College goes far beyond the classroom. Develop relationships with your professors, classmates, mentores, etc. Get involved in the community and on campus. Take on leadership roles and delve into your classes. Try you best in all you do. When you fail, get up again and learn from you mistakes. Learn to take and value constructive criticism. College is as much about the experience as it is the academics, so don't waste a moment of it.

Mary

Start early and work hard. If you start looking into colleges when you're younger, you'll know which university is right for you. Go and visit before you decide on a final college. When you get to school be sure to take advantage of what the university is offering you. Generally, you will have state-of-the-art equiptment and the opportunities to meet new people and forge essential contacts. Do this. Remember, you're paying $100,000+ to go to a school and you should do what it takes to use the resources available to you because of your education.

Natasha

Parents, start a college fund early in life. Look into colleges, and financial sources, as early as the tenth grade. Careful financial and scholastic consideration should be given to junior college vs. four year college for your first two years. If you are limited in finances; you may want to take online courses or live at home to cut down on housing expense. Financial Aid papers should be filled out and turned in before the deadline. You should do this even though you may not qualify. You should seek scholarships first locally, using counselor, friends, the library, college information, and the internet, as sources. Check out student loans available. Set up a budget and stay as close to it as possible. Talk to your older friends about their financial experiences. Stay away from credit cards. You should select a college that has the best program for the major you are considering. If possible, you should have an idea of that major before finializing your choice. You may be wasting time and money if you don't, Do not put all your apples in one basket, apply to a number of colleges.

James

My advice to parents and students who are looking for the right college is access what you really want out of the college experience. Parents should make a list of things they want for their student and the student should make a list of what he/she wants to gain from the experience. They should rate the importance of each item and then compare and discuss their lists. They should then come up with a list that everyone agrees are the most important things to be gained. Then search for the school that is most likely to meet their needs and desires. Contact colleges to arrange a visit and take along your list of expectations. Make sure to ask about each item while visiting campus. When parents and student feel they have found a good fit, parents should encourage their student to embrace the experience. At this point, parents need to take a back seat. They should allow their student to fully engage by encouraging their student to take part in as much as is available on their campus to help with the transition. The college experience is one thing that truly is what you make of it.

Phillip

Choosing a college is one of the most difficult decisions one will make during their entire lives. Many universities throughout the United States are fine institutions, and personally I do not think there is the one 'right college' just for you and stressing will not help anything. I would look at many different schools, visit them, and learn as much as you can about everything such as campus life, academics, extra-curricular activities, etc. Parents: do not push your student into a hasty decision or force them to go somewhere. Be completely supportive no matter what they decide because even though you will most likely be paying for it, this is their choice and they alone can make it. In order to make the most of your college experience, get involved! Getting to know students and faculty is a key component to making your college career an incredible, lasting experience. Get involved in whatever you're interested in whether it be intramurals, academic clubs, social clubs, anything. By doing this, you will make friends that you will have your entire life and it will enhance your learning experience. Do not be afraid to ask questions!

John

Private education is a lot better then public - worth the cost if you'll work hard, not worth it if you just want to coast through life.

Dwight

I would tell future students to make sure that the campus offers plenty of diversity, something my school doesn't offer. I would also make sure that they would make sure to look for a school in a setting that fits them. I chose a school in a small town when I am better suited to attend a school in a city with many cultural sites such as art museums and concert halls. The size of the school is extremely important as well.

Mollie

I would tell students to be careful to decide what they want in a college. Then, when they find that college not to let social life take over to the point where they neglet their studies.