University of Houston Top Questions

I recommend going to a school that is academically challenging and the campus is diverse. First, if a school is challenging, I believe the student can get the most out of the education. If school is too easy, I worry that your not learning anything new and valuable. Second, a diverse campus can open your eyes to the world. Seeing people from different socioeconomic backgrounds makes a person learn about different ways of life. Those from other countries bring their culture and prevent a student from being sheltered. Brotherhood and sisterhood is a very positive outcome because people want to be there for each other when times get tough. Making a campus whole yet unique is one of the main reasons I love going to the University of Houston.

In choosing the right college, one must never forget his or her dreams about the future. The right college is supposed to guide students to construct their path for their future, so select the college of your choice depending on what you want to accomplish and how the college would help achieve those goals. Upon entering college, learn to balance the time you have between academics and social life. Leaning too far to one side could become a disadvantage over time, so figure out how to be studious yet wise in interacting with peers who will help build your future and help you walk down the path of success.

Is there such a thing as choosing the "right" college? Some would say no, but I say yes. Colleges all offer different degrees and all excell in different departments. I believe character is built while in school. As a student, your mind is vulnerable and easily molded. Attending the "right" school could possibly make or break your career. Prestigious/recognized schools have more recognized/reputable well-known companies recruiting their students. As for choosing the right college, that I cannot help. There is not a true definition for the "right" college as everyone's wants, needs, and expectations are all different. But when choosing a college, make sure you research all aspects of it before making the plunge. I believe students should make the best of their college experience, join clubs, attend school functions, be proactive! Make college life as enjoyable as possible because it is a once in a lifetime experience and most likely the last thing you do before you move into your adult stage (marriage, work, etc.).

Talk to alot of different people about the schools that they went to. Visit the campus. Also, get as far away as you possibly can for your first year. It gets lonely sometimes , but the experience is so worth the struggles.

To find the school that works for what you want educationally, not about what the name or the experience offers. If you don't know what you want find one that is flexible. Don't worry about what type of college experience the school offers because you will have fun either way, and it's up to you to be involved. If you aren't involved on-campus then you won't have a great college experience either way.

Look for a college that is strong in the fields that you are interested in, and that offers large financial aid packages if you need them. Also see if they have good campus housing for an affordable price, and if the professors are welcoming and buildings are easy to navigate. If you're commuting, be sure to look for colleges that are close enough so that driving isn't torture every morning. Check out the clubs ahead of time so that you can find some based on your hobbies and interests! And if you're going to graduate school or professional school, make sure the school has some significant academic clout so that its an asset on your application.

Pick a class randomly and go sit in it. Be skeptical of what the tour guides say. Of course they will boast about the school. I always believed everything the campus recruiters told me without question when I was in high school. Ask the students about what they do not like about the school. I wish I did that, it would have ast least prepared me for the stupidity (for lack of a better word) of the people working in most of the administrative departments.

When chosing a college, picking one that specializes in your intended major is ideal. However, when chosing a school it is also important to consider the location of the school. You need to know what kind of city or town you would like to be in. Its hard to focus on school when you are unhappy with where you live. Some students from big cities who go to school in a small town often have times adjusting to the small town life and are not always happy with their environment. Also I would encourage students to be themselves. You will soon find out that who you were in high school may or may not be the person you want to be in college or as an adult. Don't try to hold on to fake high school friends and don't be afraid to make new ones in college. The friends you meet in college will be your lifelong friends. Find yourself while you are in college and don't be afraid to change.

Before students choose a college, they must know their talents, gifts and interests. During high school, they need to travel, go to camps, and try out different organizations and classes in order to figure out who they are. The more they know, the better they can choose. They also need to visit as many campuses as possible in order to figure out what they require. What makes them comfortable and nervous? What do their abilities require? Do they need great labs, gyms, lecture rooms, music or athletic facilities? Do they like new or old buildings? Do they want to be downtown or in a suburb? Do they need easy access to venues offered only in large cities, or do they need the quiet of small towns? Some students think they know these answers without experiencing them. They are often resistant to trying out camps and summer opportunities. They allow fears and superficial judgements to block them. Sometimes they think they can only be happy in a particular situation, only to discover they have short-changed themselves. They would save themselves from poor college choices if they would be brave and adventurous in high school.

One of the worst mistakes to make in choosing a college is to enter blindly. A student should visit the campuses he or she is seriously considering. Meet the students, meet the faculty, the advising staff, and sit in a few classes to understand the atmosphere of the school . It is so easy to convince yourself, or your child, that this school is perfect because it's famous, its's presitigious, or everyone else loves it there. College is about finally making a decision, your very own decision, about your life and what you are going to do. There is no one to hold your hand anymore and you have to start taking responsibility as soon as you can to prepare yourself for independence. Though it may be very tempting, don't pick a school because it offers you the most scholarship. Yes, finance is an aspect of your education, but it should not rule your decision. You never want to wonder what could have been. Visit the school, look at all the aspects, and decide for yourself if you belong in this college and whether you can see your life playing out there. Then, live it.