University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Top Questions

Visit as many campuses as possible before deciding and try to spend some time there on a normal school day. This will help you get a feel for what the atmosphere is like and help you decide if you'd feel comfortable here. Talk to faculty, staff, and students about the classes, curriculum, social life, etc. Get involved in social activities as soon as possible. Getting involved allows you to make life long friends and will ultimately help you with your entire college experience.

First of all, whereas I understand parents who are paying for their child's college tuition really want to have imput in where their kid goes, it is completely unnecessary and can even hinder the kid's chances of going to a school they will genuinely love and appreciate. In my situation, my parents wanted me to go to a very small, religious school. However, this does not at all fit with my personality and I would have been miserable. Fortunately, I was able to convince them I could handle a large school and had the luck of them approviing OU. When it comes to the student who is trying to find what's best for them - Visit! I visited all of the colleges I applied to and that made my decision a million times easier. At times, it was almost too easy to cross a school off my list because their campus just didn't feel right to me. Then, when I visited OU, it really was love at first sight. From then on, I have truly appreciated every moment I've spent here and wouldnt give it up for the world!

VISIT VISIT VISIT.

College is often one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Find a school that allows you to follow your own path whether it is a technical college, a state university or even a community college. Big names can be flashy, but your success ultimately depends on your own efforts. College is supposed to help you transition from a life of dependence to one of independence. If you know what career path you want to take, find a college located in a city that has opportunities for internships or jobs doing what you love. I cannot stress how important job and internship experiences will be for gaining friends and understanding real life. College can only do so much because you are surrounded by idealistic, hopeful students just like yourself. Real world training is essential. Search for scholarships early and if you need to maintain a certain GPA, aim for a little bit higher. There is a great sense of personal pride and confidence in graduating from college and you get an extra lift knowing you did your very best to learn all you could about your major subject - and life. Enjoy the ride, but take it seriously too.

I would tell them to find a college that fits in with what their passion in life is. If they do not know, that is okay to. Take as long as you want in finding out what drives you to do something. In college you get that wonderful opportunity to explore and make friendships that will last a lifetime. Lastly, do not be afraid of doing a study abroad or exchange program through your college. It will be a different and exciting experience you will never forget.

First off, I knew I was going to attend The University of Oklahoma when I was five years old. I've been a diehard Sooner fan forever, and the choice was a no-brainer. But for those who are still undecided, let me give you this advice. First, visit every school you are interested in. The best thing a student can do is check out each prospective universities. Find the one that fits you best and has what you are most interested in, whether that be academics, night life, extracurricular activities, greek life, or sporting team, like me. Then, when you choose your favorite, GET INVOLVED! It makes the experience much more enjoyable. Next, parents, listen to your kids and talk with them about their possible school choices. Talk to them about your financial situation. The best gift a parent can give, besides a college education, is child with little to no debt when leaving college. My parents have always been upfront and honest with me when it comes to funding for my education. And finally, don't stress out and have no regrets. These are the most important elements of college. Take risks and enjoy your college experience!

Research different schools and choose the one where you feel most comfortable!

Parent please look at the whole package the school offers not just the price. Student don't attend a school for the friends, but choose it because of the experience you can gain.

Take your time choosing and visit a lot of schools, you will know when you find it!

Be sure to know how much a credit hour costs, how much student housing will cost. Be sure you go to a college of the size that will fit you, if you don't want a class with 300 people in it a state university will probably not be for you. Make sure that the requirements for graduation are made clear and that you will be able to succeed in the classes that you must take. And be sure to go to class!

College tours may give you more insight to how the campus actually looks, but personal research speaks miles about the University. Look in the academic success and activities avaible to students. Check out coarse loads and average GPA's of the students on campus. Also, have a career/degree program in mind and look at the sucess rates of those programs to help ensure quality education for you or your child's career choice. When it comes to certain degree programs and graduate school, some Universities are just better than others. But as for the best overrall, that is a very individual decision very much dependent on individual factors.

Research - Do you research. You want a school/campus that is just right for you - and for what you want to accomplish. Just because a college has a big name does not mean it is the right school for you. Does this campus have what you need for your major. What outside activities are you interested in. You don't want to waste time or be miserable when you are away at school. Get the best fit and this can only be done by reasearch. It's never too early to start your research either. The earlier the better - it gives you time to really look at all of your options. Narrow down your options, and if possible make some visits. Decide on weather you want to be on a big campus or on a smaller campus. It's going to be a long 4 - 5 years if you are not happy. So do the reasearch and make the visits.

Make the most of your college career, you only get to do it once (hopefully)! Remember that having fun is important, but so is studying -- it doesn't help to pay lots of money for bad grades. Pick a university/college that is strong in your area of interest, this will become vital in getting a good job out of college. Also, employers look for job experience when hiring, so find school whose career placement office is held in high regard. Internships are also important! Pay attention to statistics like: student/professor ratio, class size, and returning freshman rate: these are all reasons that most people list when if they decide to transfer. Don't feel rushed to pick a major. If you don't know, that's ok -- that's what the advisors are for! College is awesome, it's truly the most fun I've ever had!

Look into what college has to offer to the students and rank those offers according to their importance to you to decide whether that college is right for you.

Do your homework and find the best school to fit your financial, social and academic needs.

For the student in search of a university, find the school that best suites your academic standing and needs above all. Check into the academic focus of the university and see if it connects to what you are looking for. Next, find a school that makes you feel comfortable and at home, especially for those students who are thinking of going to school far from their home town. Go to the school, tour the campus, stay with a student or friend currently enrolled at the university to get a feel for the campus life! Check out the housing and food offered at the university. Granted, it is not a huge issue, but that is the student's home for 9 months out of the year! You want to have an atmosphere that you feel you can relax in and connect with. For the parents , be supportive and offer your opinion and advice. When your child asks, "What do you think?" give your honest answer! Go and check out the campus with your children! Check out the university website. Talk about the school together and decide what would be best for your child and most reasonable.

The college experience is about so much more than what happens inside the classroom. What we learn in our classes gives us the necessary tools to perform our tasks outside the classroom, but there is more to it than that. College should give students the opportunity to experience new things, get to know different kinds of people, and learn what the world is like outside of thier hometowns. Involvement in extracurricular organizations helps to develop desire to succeed in students. Many groups that are primarily social in nature also give students the opportunity to network, develop their social skills, and volunteer. Leadership organizations are great for learning how to work in teams to accomplish real tasks, rather than imagined ones assigned in the classroom. They are great motivators because although many times it is hard work to put on events, organize meetings, and perform other tasks related to an organization, there is an intrinsic motivation that comes as a result of passion for the group. It's a responsibility that the student chooses all on his/her own and there is a real sense of fulfillment in that freedom. This is a very important aspect to consider in college choice.

Honestly, it does not matter what college you attend. Your college experience is what you make of it. IT IS HOW YOU USE THE RESOURCES PROVIDED FOR YOU that make your education of value. There are tons of kids at my university that just take what they can get and let things happen to them. I have found that by making my own opportunities and letting the university know what I need to fulfill my educational goals, I have had experiences that will benefit me far more in the long run. The education you recieve is important, but the connections you make at your university are even more so. The networking you set up while still in school will be the foundation for the rest of your professional and private life.

Visit in person because you can never really tell with just looking at pictures or other literature.

Make sure that what you're paying for is up to the standards you're willing to put your child through. Also, look for a good football program that gives the school lots of spirit. A great greek system also is a must.