University of Missouri-Columbia Top Questions

Prospective students and parents need to take their time in selecting the right college. There are ample online resources to assist you in narrowing your choices down to the type of colleges that provide the experience you would like to have. After narrowing your choices, take time to visit each campus. Speak with some students that are attending the colleges and solicit their opinion. Try and find the right "fit" for yourself. Most of all, remember that no decision is final. If you find that the college you are attending isn't right for you, remember, you can transfer to another college in which you are more comfortable.

I would tell future students to go into a 4-year college having a really good idea of what they want to do or what they want to major in. People will say that it's not a big deal, you're a freshman, you have plenty of time; but that's just not true. If you don't want to waste a lot of time and money, have a good sense of what you want to study. Also, I would recommend filling out the FAFSA as soon as you have all the information you need for it. You will receive more aid that way. I would tell their parents to just stay positive and to not put a lot of pressure on their kids. College is really demanding and takes up a lot of time, and college students don't need the added pressure of having to "check in" all the time or call home a lot, even though I always made it a point to call home 15 times a day. :) College is the time of your life. Get involved so you have no regrets.

The college experience is what YOU make of it. No matter what school you choose, if you go into your first semester with a bad attitude, you're most likely not going to like the school. I know when I first got to school, I was homesick, but blamed it on the school. But after I got over that and got myself more involved, I realized just how great my school is. When it comes down to it, choosing a school for your friends that are going there is a bad decision, because ultimately if they're good enough friends you'll stay close regardless of teh distance between you. Choose your school for you, based on your interests, and once you get to your school, get involved right away and make the most of it, because only you can determine what your college experience will be like.

When looking for the right college or university, it is always best to look beyond the school. What is important is to know what is available outside the college itself. Most parents only look at the school itself but do not take the time to know what is beyond the school environment. Look at how accessible everything is, what is available to do, where can students live after leaving the dorm, etc. There is so much information that no one takes into consideration if a student were to get hurt. Where would that student go for medical treatment and how far would it be to get to a doctor. The need to look at your medical services is important when a situation arises that is unexpected. The need to take into consideration how close your services are to your school is another important aspect when deciding a school. Is it too far to walk to get to certain areas if you have no transportation? What can your school offer as far as obtaining experience? When can you start your internships? These are some of only a few questions that parents and students can ask when chosing the right college.

I would tell the student that it has to be their choice on what college to choose. Family and friends can give their imput. In the end, however, the student has to make the decision that he or she will be content with in the long run. Also, I believe a student should try going away for school at least a year. He or she can always go home if they don't like being away. It gives a person a sense of freedom and transition into adulthood. I would also tell a student to not be easily influenced by others. College is not like high school; college costs thousands of dollars, so you would have to pay to take that failed class again. Stay focused and remember what you are there for, and everything will be fine. However, don't get caught up in just studying 24/7 and not enjoy hanging out with friends, going out, or going to sporting events, etc.. College is a fun, exciting experience, so enjoy it because it will go by fast. There has to be a balance between work and fun. I believe if a student follows this, they will be fine.

When choosing a college, the most important thing is to find somewhere that is comfortable for the student. If the student does not feel comfortable in the learning or social environment, they will not do as well in their classes or thier lives. However, you want to choose a school that has a good academic reputation as well as the appropriate degree choice. When a student is getting ready to choose a school, it is also highly advised to take a campus tour. Many times, something can sound good on paper but in reality might be the wrong choice. Think carefully about school and do not rush into a choice because this is the place you are going to be spending many, many months of your time.

If the time is coming for you, or your child, to start looking for the all-important life decision of attending college, then heed my advice. The next four years (or more) of your life is supposed to be the best. Period. So why not find the best place. Don't settle for just OK, and know that it is perfectly acceptable to search a while. Also don't get hung up on one aspect of the school. Just because there is a lazy river in the Rec Center, doesn't mean you should go there. Find a place you will enjoy calling "home", because in reality, this place will be your home. Look at things like class size and degree programs but most of all look at the surroundings. Check out the town or city near by. You'll need to get off campus eventually so make sure you enjoy the area as well. College is not going to be easy, but picking the wrong school can only make it worse. Make sure the school you pick will be the school you'll fall in love with.

I would say that when you are looking for a school for the best college experience you should really consider the experience you will have there. College is not only about what knowledge you will acquire but probably MOST importantly who you will meet and begin to associate with while you learn. Who you meet will not only set you up for furture opportunities but have the ability to shape who you become just by being around them and unfortunately this has the possibility of being for the worst. Money and Education are not the ONLY things to consider when making a college choice.