University of Oregon Top Questions

When students or parents are searching for universities or colleges I would suggest applying to colleges that they may not think they will enjoy. Some schools will really surprise you, and the university that begins as your top choice may not end as your top choice. Also, parents and students should really consider the size of a school when searching. I discovered, after visiting a larger school, that a smaller private school would not satisfy my college needs.

I recommend visiting the schools you plan on apply to, you will know immediately whether it the school for you just by experiencing the campus environment. I also recommend getting involved in any ofthe freshmen-oriented programs available on campus, not only are they a great way to meet peole in the same situation you are in, but they are also a great way to introduce yourself to the school's activites and resources in a non-threatening environment. Good luck!

College is pointless and expensive without a goal. Too many people never graduate because they have no career goal or major. Knowing what major or career goal you want will make finding a college easier. Also, if you can't get anyone on the phone you probably don't want to give them thousands in tuition.

The first college I chose was not a very good match for me. I originally chose it because it had the cheapest tuition in state and was a small college, with no Greek life. In a small college you may get more attention from professors and have a tighter knit community, but there may be less diversity, fewer academic options and a smaller social network especially if it is in a small town. I am much happier in a bigger college with more choice in everything. When choosing a college you should think about whether you mind this trade off. I would also recommend visiting the college you want to attend, but not in early fall when everyone has their new student attitudes on. Visiting the campus during the middle of the year and talking to students and staff about their experience may be the best way to get an idea of what the college is like. You might also check out what percent of students are new and what the student retention rate is to see how many students like the campus and stay there.

We are a diverse people. Advice, like a fine suit or dress, should be fitted to the individual. Bearing that in mind, allow me to give the most universal advice I can: whether you are a type A or B personality, whether you are an optomist or a pessimist, whether you are reluctant, excited, nervous, or downright terrified to plunge into your new college experience, the right school for you is wherever you feel comfortable and happy. Growth and learning don't come from the institution; the institution's job is to facilitate your growth. YOU are the catalyst in this reaction called learning and the school just supplies the beakers and flasks. Wherever you go, sate your soul. Knowledge will follow.

Picking the right college is not specifically about the specifics of your intended career, or lists of prestigious alumni, but essentially where you feel that you might get put on a more general path. Look at the school's location and geography to get a feel for what you will be dealing with. Try to make sure the student body is as diverse as possible, mostly because you want to really put yourself out there to grow in those years. Academic and career advising can be the most crucial part of you collage experience, so try dealing with those offices even before enrolling to see if they are friendly and engaging. Have a general idea of what you might want to do and look for a school that has an applicable program, a host of extracurricular activities related to this field, and an availability for internships near by and abroad. Mostly make sure that you are going to the best school for your personality and money. Do not pick the most prestigious school by rankings or numbers, but instead one that can be a perfect fit for you.

Be open minded about where you want to go, even if you want to leave your state, look for the pros in the places that your parents suggest that you may not be to excited about and see if that outweighs your innate desire to fly the nest. Look for schools that offer your majors, and if they don't see if they offer it as a concentration (ex. UofO and Pre-Med), then see if they have a major that closely mirrors the class requirements for the Concentration, so you don't waste money on classes you don't need for your desired field. Lastly, don't be scared of, or idolize, any person or group of people on your campus, they are just people too. Look for superior human characteristics, rather than giving into the physical, racial, or group supremacy mentality.

The advice that I would provide for parents or students trying to find the right college is to first decide on rather the student wants to attend a school close to home. Next, visiting the schools and applying for more information from the school should be done. Searching for the right schools who attend to the subjects of a students anticipated major and preferrable environment are also a needed detail to confirm. The student's opinions should be highly considered and matched to the parents' opinions for the right choice for a school. They should especially match academic preferences, as well as, cultural, environmental surroundings, and social connections with the school and ideals the student holds and parents wish to uphold.

Don't pick a college just because you want to be closer to friends or family...you need to pick a school that will help you and further YOUR education. Another thing is with scholarships. If someone is offering you money if you sinmply read a book and write an essay...THEN READ THE BOOK AND WRITE THE ESSAY!!!

I would tell parents to always support their kids in what ever they do and which ever school they choose. Their kids will miss them whether they admit to it or not. I would tell college bound students to apply to as many schools as possible so they can have options. Visiting schools of intrest is a great idea to get a good feel for a school. The best advice I would give college bound students would be to have fun but be smart. College can be the best years of your life. Always remember you're in college for academics first and foremost. Don't be afraid to ask questions or for help. Keep your mind open. You never know when you might learn something new. Most importantly, pick a college that you feel most comfortable at. If you're able to picture yourself in the school colors, singing the fight song, and cheering till you lose your voice, its a school you should definately look into. Lastly, never give up and always try your best. :)