University of Louisiana at Monroe Top Questions

My advice to parents and students when searching for a college is to take your time. Find the right college. Don't settle. Too many students and parents get caught up in the college frenzy and wind up making a quick choice. Don't go to a college because it has a cheaper tuition, offers you a better deal, is flashy, etc. Find a school that fits the student. There are so many different qualities to consider other than just the features that get advertised. Spend time at the school. Talk to the students and audit some classes (not just one). You don't want to wake up in 4 years and wonder why you chose this school over another one. You may think that this is just the next four years of your life, but the memories and experiences you have during those four years will last your entire lifetime.

Get them involved with on-campus activities. Have them live on-campus. And get them a bike, as there are significantly more bike racks than parking spaces, and most are within 50 feet of the doors of the buildings.

When parents and students are looking for a college to attend they should take into account the quality of the programs offered at each school, how far away the school is from home, and how comfortable the student would be on campus. To make the most of the college experience students should not have to work all the time. They should have time to study and just relax. Students should try to participate in some campus activities, such as tailgating and going to sporting events. Having a job does make a student more responsible and ready for the real world and is also a part of the college experience.

In our current era, every prospective student is in search of the 'right' college. However, there is no 'right' college for every student, since this question is purely subjective. There are several schools that most students could have a good experience at. The decision of finding the right one for you should be made on your values. Some people like school spirit, learning academically, partying, or just hanging out. The beauty of this is that there are options for all of this diversity. Basically, when choosing a college, go where your heart tells you, and do not just follow the crowd. Making the most of the college experience is important. These are suppose to be the best years of your life. Have a good time while in college. That being said, it is important to keep your eye on the prize. Do not let having fun interfere with your scholastic progression. After all, one goes to get a degree , and it is not a popularity contest. Most of your values and beliefs will be made during this time, so keep an open mind. At the same time, do not let anyone tell you what to believe. Decide for yourself.

I would advise them to be sure that the location and the focus at the school agrees with the student's individual personality.

Don't every, under any circumstances take out loans from any where and af any kind to pay for school. Struggle if you have to, get a part-time or full-time job, but never take out a loan. Loans only add to bills once out of school. They cause you to miss out on enjoying spending your money how you want to spend it. It's not worth it. You actually wind up paying back all of the grants and scholarships you earned because the loans plus interest and principal you have to pay back is more than what the goverment "so called" gave you. You are actually giving it right back because you pay back what you borrowed and then some.

I would advise parents to do a campus tour with the student and I would advise the student to research the school and participate in shadowing programs if they are available.

Make sure that the college you attend offers the career plan you want to continue with after school. Look at the amount of students who get jobs in the career feild they graduated from. Also see if the students are gradtauing in 4 years or if it takes them longer. Look at the amount of professors that are about research becasue that will effect the amount of effort they put into teaching you as a student.

I would advise parents to allow their child to pick the right school for them, and to search out scholarships that fit their child's major and capabilities. I would tell students to become as active as they can within their school and to live in the dorms for at least a year before moving off campus.

When choosing a college, don't stress yourself out about what you will major in when you get to college, whether you believe you've decided or not. It's not set in stone and many people get to college and then find something they love and pursue that goal. When you are weighing your options about applying to different colleges, go to the colleges if you can and check them out. If you're meant to go to school there, then you should feel comfortable there. Once you've made your decision and you are living the college life, don't let yourself get caught up in drinking and partying during college, even though many people around you may be heavily engaging in it. Pay attention to your studies and make sure you focus on your schoolwork so you can succeed. You also, however, need to have fun while you are in college. College is largely about getting an education, but it's also about making friends and enjoying your youth (if you are a traditional student). If you learn to find a balance between academic focus and a healthy social life, then college will be a wonderful experience.