University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Top Questions

Spread out your search and try some schools you didn't think about. OU was actually pretty far down on my list, but when I came for a tour of the college, I was blown away by what they had. After that, get plugged in. Join clubs, go to the games, make friends. These people are going to be life long friends and who you turn to when you need help before and after graduation.

Coming into college stay on top of your studies. Work now play later. Don't give into peer pressure because the decisions you make today are the ones that will decide your future. Choose a college that is stong in your profession. Live your life one day at a time and always know whatever you put your mind to you can do it.

Choose one that feels right. Study hard and enjoy the ride.

One important piece of advice that I would give is to visit as many potential colleges as possible. Because I did not visit many schools, I was not exposed to all the possibilities that universities could offer. In addition, it is very helpful to visit the campus of a school while it is in session because you can get a very different feel from being there in the midst of classes. Because I visited my current university during a dead week, I did not realize that the majority of students belong to fraternities and sororities, which is not something I am interested in. Although doing research on schools helps narrow down the vast possibilities, interaction with current college students is probably the best method for finding the right college. Once you do select your school, it is best to involve yourself in extracurricular activities so you can make friends and familiarize yourself with the school. Also, making friends of different ages helps you to obtain many points of view about college life.

Acquire as much relative information as possible. Don't just rely on the shiny pamphlets of laughing people. In order to find the best college, prospective students should first compile a list of things they absolutely must have in a college, such as wireless internet across the campus or affordable student housing, and a list of things they absolutely can't live with, like large class sizes or inadequate library resources. Check schools against these lists. Look at desired programs of study-is this college strong in these areas? Also, whenever possible, students should audit classes or take a tour of the prospective campus, and ask currently enrolled students about programs, social activities, and dorms. The official tour intentionally shows the campus in the best possible light, so go ask someone who will tell you what it's really going to be like. Estimate expenses, and be realistic. Factor in everything, including quarters for laundry. Decide if the school will be worth attending in terms of finances. Can you get enough financial aid? Are you okay with tons of debt? Apply for every scholarship possible. Overall, remember that this isn't a life or death thing-you can always transfer.

I would have to say that realize that state schools are just as good as any other school, you can get a good education with less money. Think about how you will feel when your away from home, because I know a lot of people who have gone out of state then transferred back. I would also say to be careful with what you choose as your career choice, what you've grown up wanting to do may or may not be what you've always wanted to do. Take a variety of classes your first semester to figure out what your really interested in. Also, get involved on campus, its a good way to be well rounded , meet people, and get yourself out there.

Apply to a lot of schools. Apply for as many scholarships as you can.

When choosing the right college, a person needs to choose it for completely selfish reasons, otherwise they would be choosing for the best interest of someone else (parents, boyfriend, etc.) and can create a completely negative experience. To make the most of a college experience I would recommend to meet as many people as possible, teachers and peers, who become your family and support system. Also get involved in every aspect, work hard, set goals and achieve them. Those guidelines set you up for success and a great career and life ahead.

My advice would be to not go to a school just because someone else thinks or wants you to go to that particular school. This is a choice that could potentially determine the course of the rest of your life, and you need to choose carefully and wisely. In the end, if you choose the college that makes you happy, then the people who really love you will be happy for you. To get the most out of the college experience, students definitely need to have an open mind. I grew up in a small town, so when I first arrived at my large university it was somewhat of a culture shock. I quickly learned that if you have a good attitude and an open mind, you will succeed and end up loving the school you chose.

Don't go to a college just because your best friend is going there or because your parent(s) is/are alumni. Visit many in-state and out-of-state universities with an open mind but most importantly don't let someone else dictate which college you go to because it could be something you end up regretting. When you get to college, make sure to get to know the people on your floor or at least within your immediate vicinity because you'll be spending a lot of time with them. Also, don't spend all of your time sitting in your room or in the library because while learning is a big part of college, there's also more to it than just the learning.