University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Top Questions

Find out what you want to do in life, then pick the college that will fit you.

Students should attend a college that fits their personalities and goals, and where they always feel at home on campus. For some, that means a large public university with many departments and educational opportunities, thousands of new people to meet, competitive sports teams and a large Greek system. Other people might enjoy a smaller, private college where their adviser doesn't need to pull up a file to remember what classes they still need. Parents and students should keep in mind that there is no one perfect education path for everyone. Some people might graduate in four years, while others might switch majors three times and graduate in six. As someone who left to join the work force before returning to college, the best advice I can give is to get as much real-world experience as possible. Take advantage of internships, work at the school newspaper, study abroad for a semester. Education is not just about GPAs and books. The more students discover about the world, the more they will discover about their own possibilities. By graduation, they should have a strong sense of who they are and where they want to go in life.

Don't look at just the rankings in the magazines, students must feel at home when they are touring the campus. I felt from the moment I stepped on campus, when I was in the 6th grade, that this was going to be my school!!

Go with what feels right to you, even if you may have to work to pay for one school versus not having to at another; if it feels like home to you, it is worth it. I felt a connection as soon as I stepped foot on my campus, and even though I have to work and make some sacrifices, I wouldn't trade it for the world. You need to choose somewhere that you feel like the community is yours and that you are part of a family there, I think that is the only way to succeed and to be happy through school. Make the most of what you have too, take advantage of opportunities to be involved on campus. Life is always better when you feel that you are a part of something.

If I was asked for advice on finding the right college or university, which I have been several times, I would tell them that college hard and that to stay on top they need to stay focused. I would tell students not to choose a school just because their friends are attending there, but because they are honestly interested in the degree programs and have studied things about the school such as professors, workloads and facilities. I would tell them to choose a school where they are comfortable financially because financial worry will get in the way of their studies and extracurriculars. I would tell parents to support their children wherever they decide to go because the more support a student has the more they will succeed. Also, not to push their children into too many extracurriculars such as fraternities and sororities because sometimes they can distract students from their main focus (school.) Last but not least the students should choose a school where they fit in socially and where they feel comfortable. The less social issues that a student encounters the better. Students need to have fun socially so that they don't over do it academically.

Parents tell your kids to believe in themselves and students always believe in yourself because you can accomplish anything if you believe in yourself.

I would tell you to make sure you go to the college that is best for your major. And whenever picking a major, make sure it is something you love and can see yourself doing in the future. Good luck!

Make sure that when choosing a University that you will be able to be supported financially, because a lot of times financial aid services are not helpful. Also look in to the greek program at the University and consider being involved. Take a look at what types of clubs and organizations are offered and get involved. When choosing a school, make sure that what you're looking to study has a good program at the selected University, as well.

Remember you're sending your whole self, not just your academic self there. Don't choose a school because it's for smart kids or dumb kids, choose a school because it is a place you can see as a place you can grow to love.