Austin Peay State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Austin Peay State University know before they start?

JaQueya

Its simple. Take a deep breath and trust your gut. God will do the rest.

Ida

First, I would encourage students and parents to compare colleges based on the degree program. The program should include a thorough core of requirements that will help build a strong foundation for the particular chosen major. The requirements should also include an internship, which will help establish good work experience on the students resume. Secondly, the location is also critical. One should choose a college that is in the state of the student?s residence. This will help keep college affordable for parents with lower tuition costs. In-state students are also eligible for extra assistance compared to out-of-state students. Thirdly, if a scholarship is a factor in deciding on a college, make sure it is comprehensive and renewable. By having all or most of the expenses paid will lessen the financial burden on parents. Also, be sure all requirements are met to ensure renewability of scholarships. Finally, to make the most of any college experience, I would encourage students to live on-campus and join organizations to be a part of campus life. These are the most important factors that I would advise to students when choosing a college and making the most of the college experience.

Amy

finding the right college is very important. You need to look into what you want to do as a career and then make sure that the college has that program so you can major in it. Look at the student to teacher ratio as well. Smaller classes in my experience have the best outcome! The teacher will know you by name and make an effort to help you when you need it.

Christian

When looking for an institute of higher learning many times prestige, size, local, sports, and cost are among the greatest deciding factors. This is unfortunate as most students have little idea what it is they want to do with their education, or they change their mind about it in the end anyway; leading to these other things only serving as distractions. Parents should help their children carefully evaluate their own abilities and desires to find the best match-up between the two. This will hopefully elucidate the general character or type of education a person should pursue. Schools that are well-suited for the decided program of study should be aesthetically pleasing to the student, which in turn, will make a for a healthy learning environment. Factors such as race, sports(unless participation is a factor), cost, size, prestige, etc., should be negligable at best. Great college experiences are made by the people who have them, not by the more superficial, commercially satisfying ivy covered walls, giant sports arenas, or outragously overpriced tuition. Finding the right school will inevitably lead to a truly satisfying experience. Take the time to choose based on intrinsic factors, not extrinsic influences and pressures.

Rosanna

Learn more about the college prior to making a decision.

Janelle

I would definitely say to really take your time in choosing the right college. Make a list of what kind of school you are looking for; what state, what the city is like, how the dorms look, the size of the school, the clubs available, the type of people that goes to the school, sporting events, class size, see if they have your major, the reputation, etc. Those elements and more should help minimize all the options. Also keep in mind that college is what you make of it. The quality and effort you put in is the quality and effort that you get back. It can be great and fun if you make it great and fun. As long as you control yourself and stay focused on the big goal you want to achieve, you should be very successful! Good Luck!

Abby

It's your senior year of high school and you're looking for the right college for you. Make sure that you look at more than one school! There are millions of colleges out there and all of them bring something different to the table. First look at the programs offered. Do they have the exact major that you want? Second, look at the location. You don't want to have to drive half an hour just to get to a Wal-Mart do you? Third and finally, look at what extracurricular activities there are. You would get pretty bored if all you did was sit in your dorm room. Once you find the perfect college for you, go out and meet new people. I guaruntee that you won't be friends with half the people you were friends with in high school by your sophomore year of college. Go out, meet new people, try new things, and have fun!

Cindy

Talk to prior student and see if they are satisfied and find out any problems ahead of time. See if the benefits out weigh the negatives. Every school has its good and bad. The nursing department is set off from the rest of the university. I really wish that our state mandated the student nursing hand book (which they make us sign) because I feel the teacher change it to benefit themselves. That my only real grip.

jennifer

I would tell parents/students to talk with students already attending the college if possible. That is the best way to know really how the school runs.

Greg

Research schools that have your major or a couple majors that you can choose what you want to do. Use college to your advantage find a place where you think you can succeed but also be challenged to do great. College is the time to learn who you really are and meet new people and begin what you possibly might do for the rest of your life.