University of Missouri-Columbia Top Questions

Finding the right college is not about where your parents went or what expectations your friends and families have for you. Finding the right college is solely your decision, and frankly one of your biggest decisions. When deciding where I wanted to go to college I tried to keep an open mind and steer clear of bias. I ended up attending a university that is nine hours away and I didn't know a single sole. I chose this school because it is the best school for my major and it felt right upon visiting. It is key that you visit the schools that you are interested in. You are going to be spending four, if not more, years at the school so you better check to see if the campus fits you. When it comes down to it most people will be fine at most universities. Schools today are accommodating to all and have a big enough populace to include everybody. But you don't want to be fine. You want to make sure the school is RIGHT FOR YOU. So follow what feels right, and enjoy it. College is the best time of your life!!

I would advise parents and students to research, visit and compare schools together. It is important to visit the campus and talk to faculty and students, if available. Take the time to apply and consider all of your options, and don't forget to consider the distance from home and the ease of travel to and from school and your parents home. Consider what the school is credited for and the area of focus; if you are undecided try to choose a school with a wide variety of majors for a chance to explore different career options. After the student begins school, make sure to study hard and stay focused. Use your resources; talk to your professors, meet new people, and if you need it, ask for help. Try not to visit home too much in the begging because this will help the student gain the independence necessary to suceed in school and in the future. Study hard for a solid GPA but don't forget to have fun, it is a good stress reliever. Then, most important is to have fun, you have the rest of your life to work!

Visit a lot of colleges and apply to at least one school that might seem out of reach. Also, don't overload your self with classes and try to not get too involved on campus that you never have time to just hang out with friends and relax. Finally, for students that have parents that went to college, listen to them; no matter how long ago they went, they still might be able to make suggestions so you don't have to learn things the hard way when they already have.

The right college should always be based on where you're going to succeed academically and where you can learn the most in the time you are there. If equal opportunities arise, you should choose the one that has the best campus spirit and sense of community to where you can make relationships to last a lifetime. Mizzou offers just that, and I love every minute of it.

get involved, it's easy and if you don't you'll really be missing out. To parents: Don't smother your kids with rules before college, because it's easy for them to go wild at college (like any other) and they can mess up fast if they're not used to having freedom.

Start by searching based on your major or area you think you are going to go into. Second, think about what region of the country you want to go to, particularly how far from home you are willing or able to go. I first began my search looking far away, but then realized I didn't want to be so far from my younger siblings. Third, and most important, visit the schools to see where you feel comfortable. I changed my first choice based on the atmosphere I felt during a visit that made me feel welcome and belonging.

From my experience, I think it is very important to look into a student's personal interests, future career goals, as well as accredidation of their degree or progam they are interested in pursuing. For parents, I think it is very important for them to take into consideration the needs of their child. But also, they need to look into the financial aid the school provides, and the overall value the college or university is providing. And to make the most of your college experience, you must be open to new ideas and things, because college is a place where many people discover things they never knew about and find out they love. If you try not to stay in those cliques that were formed in high school, you can get to know people from many different cultures and backgrounds. It will make you a more worldly and well rounded person, which will make you a better candidate for any job field in this growing global society.

To find the right college I would look at location first and then which academic program you want to go into to and whether or not it's an accredited program. Make the most out of your college experience by getting involved! There are tons of clubs for anyone's interests and their are many people just like YOU who will make your college experience AMAZING! My best advice to offer any college student is to GO TO CLASS, don't be afraid to ask your professors/classmates for help, try new things, attend sporting events, get involved inside your dorm (it's the best way to meet the people you live with), and RELAX. Every student started off in your shoes as a freshman in a new place. Just have a positive attitude and your college experience will become one of the best times of your life to look back on and smile at all the memories.

Pick a college where you are going to be challenged academically. Friends are important though, and this aspect should not be neglected. Decide how big of a college you want, and whether you like a small town feel, or the big city atmosphere. There are a lot of things to consider when making this decision. If you get there and don't like it, tough it out for a semester or two. Usually it just takes some time to adjust to big changes like this. And if it still doesn't work out, transfer somewhere else, but no matter what you do, keep on going. Take some time off if you need to, but do it with the intent of getting back on the horse, and only if you know you really will. College is a time meant to be enjoy, not JUST buried in books 24/7. Go out and enjoy life. That's the important part: doing what you love.

Pick a school that you think you will feel comfortable with. You want to be able to do everything that you want so look to see what they offer and what relates to you.