University of Central Arkansas Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Central Arkansas know before they start?

Rebecca

make sure that the college offeres everything you need for living, eduation, financial need, and convenience. some schools do not offer certain programs or degrees. be sure you are comfortable and ready to fall into the groove of the college life regardless of the chosen college. meet everyone, but stay focused.

Cristin

If you know what program you are interested in, I would first look at the schools with great programs in your area of interest. I would then look at which schools interest you more, whether it be because of the size, the housing it offers, or any other little details. These small things are very important because the school you pick will be your home for the next few years, and you want to get the most out of your experience.

Meyshana

What i would recommend to students and parents about choosing the right college is that I would tell parents first and foremost be there to guide not make decisions for your students. Make sure that while you make your opinion known don't force your opinion on to your children either. Students I would like to tell you to take this time as a great opportunity to find out as much as you can while searching for a college to attend. Also students should take the lead in this processs because its not your mom or dad that has to life and prosper at this university, it's you, so make this decision yours based on your own thoughts and personalitiy; but make sure to still listen to what mom and dad have to say because sometimes they do pick up on things that us as students tend to miss. Most importantly have fun choosing a college or university to attend, make it an enjoyable experience!

Jessica

I think the best way to pick a college is to pick the part of college that is most important to you. I knew i wanted to major in history and that my main focus would be academics, so I focused on finding a school with the best progaram for the best price close to home. The most important part of finding a college is picking the place where you feel comforterable and you feel like you can do your best. I also think the best way to get the most out of your experience is to live in the dorm your freshman year. That is the best way to make friends and experience all the extra-curriculars that the school has to offer. Get involeved with intermurals or something that intrests you, and you will make life-long friends that will also help when it comes time to need a study partner.

Jacalyn

Don't let anyone choose for you. This is your decision, and it has to be right for you. Look into every aspect of the school, including location and financial aid. Choose a school that you will attend without regretting the decision.

Amber

If I were able to give any advice to parents or students before attending college, it would be to look for an environment closest to your comfort zone. Do not attend a college way outside of your comfort zone. If you want to become involved, then it is best to live on campus your first year. This way you can become much more involved in campus activities.

Jaclyn

Make sure its for you and has the best department in the major you want.

Breeanna

I would tell parents and students to go to every college that interests you and check out the campus. The pictures on the website aren't always a proper representation of the college. Be picky! This your education we're talking about; choose the school that is best for you. When it comes to making the most out of your college experience, just get out there. Do your best to meet new people. Go to events hosted by the campus. I think the most important thing is to make sure you get out and have fun. College is supposed to be the best years of our lives. Staying locked up in your room and only focusing on studies will not make it the best years. Do study hard though, just don't let it be the only thing you do.

Austin

I would advise parents and students to work together to find the right college. It can be a very confusing process and I've seen a lot of people get discouraged to the point that they decided it wasn't worth it. If the kids and parents stick together, and find an advisor from the school that they are comfortable with, the process runs much more smoothly. I would advise starting the searching process early as well. There's a lot to learn and a lot of surprises along the way. You will want to have enough time to enjoy looking around at different schools. It's an exciting experience!

Amanda

Not to rush into finding a school. Finding a college is some thing that takes time and is a great way to get a better education. No matter what people say, go with your dreams no matter what someone tells you. And that if you want something bad enough you can do it.

Whitney

Personally I think you should choose the school you feel most comfortable with, what makes you happy. I chose University of Cnetral Arkansas for me and no one else it was my decision, do what makes you happy.

Joseph

Be open to and explore all possibilities before settling on a final choice. If there is something that you want to do, don't be afraid to put all you have into it, and go for it. If you're not quite sure what you want to do, that's fine too. I went for about a year and a half doing my basics before I figured out what I wanted to do. Experiment with classes that peak you're interest. Even if you do know what you want to do, enroll in a class that you are interested by just for the sake of learning. Also, while it's important to study, don't spend every waking moment doing so. Get out of your room and out of the library. Go to a football game, join a club, even take the time to explore the surrounding area and learn about some of the local history and culture. Meeting people is important not only to your future career, but also for your mental health and happiness. MAke new friends at the events, clubs, and classes you attend. Learn, but enjoy experience as well

Audra

Visit the school and research the programs offered. Talk to the teachers and currents students, as well as former students to find out if there is good job placement. Basically, do your research on the school.

John

To students and parents deciding on a college, I would suggest that they visit the campus, go to a sporting event, concert or reading at the school, eat a meal, and basically get a feel for the college it self. You never know untill you see it for yourself. On making the most of the college experience, I say go to class! But don't stress to much about school work too much. Do things with friends and other people from your major or classes. The only way to make friends is to take a chance with them.

Whitney

If you already know what career path you would like to take, go to a school which has a good post-graduate program in that field. The school is much more likely to prepare you well for your future job. If you are not sure about what you want to do after college, find a school that you enjoy the atmostphere. Your college experience is largely based on how comfortable you feel in your surroundings and the type of people that you meet, so be sure to visit the school and see how it feels to interact with students who are currently attending the school. If you know students who already go to school there be sure to ask them lots of questions. Once you have found the right school, get involved! Far too many students wait until their sophomore or junior years to get involved on the campus. You will meet so many more people and enjoy your college experience much more if you are active.

Liz

I would encourage students to be very honest about what you want out of your college experience. Is prestige important to you? Being involved in a sport or in a fraternity? What kind of people do you want to surround yourself with? What kind of person do you want to be in college? How much time do you want to spend in the library or how much time do you want to spend being with your friends? What kinds of new things do you want to try or not try? Choosing a school with the major you are interested in is not the only thing to consider. I thought about my major, my scholarship options, what student ministry I wanted to be a part of, knowing I wanted to be part of an Honors College, and how far from home I wanted to be. I would also encourage parents to let their kids explore all their options before choosing a school. The guidance of my parents was huge and I needed all their advice, but they let me have the final decision and that meant the world to me.

Elizabeth

The most important advice that I have to give parents and/or students during the college search, is to not limit your options! It is a lot smarter to look into many different schools and pick from those instead of limiting your choices early on. Definitely take advantage of visiting college days and early registration. A student should apply to every college that they are interested in. Another piece of advice is to major in something that you LOVE learning about, not something based on the salary you will make after college. Doing that will make for a miserable few years. Also, get involved in something and give it your all. Instead of spreading yourself super thin, find an activity that you love and dedicate a decent amount of time to it. Surround yourself with people that make your life more enjoyable, and you will make the most of the college experience.

Christina

Go visit the campus before you make your final decision.

David

If you are an Arkansas resident and you want to expand on your life experience, don't attent this college. Look elsewhere for a place that offers a different enviroment and culture.

Ben

No matter what your aspiration(s) in life are you need to work hard and have fun. College is one of the best place to it. If I were you I would pick the college that works best for you in both your future career and education. Sports (unless that is what you are planning for), relationships, and friends aren't reasons for picking a school. If children are the future then college is the door to it.