Baylor University Top Questions

You only have, usually, one opportunity to experience college. Why not make the most of it? Look for the college that makes you feel like a new home can be experienced there. Once you're there, experience everything that the community has to offer! Volunteer, join a club, become involved with your fellow students. Invest in the time and effort to make great grades, AND enjoy your time there with new-found friends. You'll be glad you did. :)

A parent should encourage their child to apply to a school that has similar beliefs and similar environment to those which the student was brought up in. This will help the student to get used to college in a faster way and will allow them to meet others with similar viewpoints and ideas allowing them to make life-long friendships.

Visit the campuses and ask a lot about extra-curricular activites. Classes are generally the same at most schools, it's what you have available to you outside of class that makes the experience memorable.

The students major is not as important as the parent would like to believe, there are always basic classes that must be taken regardless of major. My advice to all parents and or students is to dive into the college world, if the major is unknown one is at least able to work on discipline and what it takes to succeed. Many schools are forgiving of first year mistakes as well, this is a different world, and therefore mistakes are expected. The final point I want to address is that when it comes to picking a major one must first and foremost consider their individual passions. Many of my friends who hae chosen "safe" majors such as biology or chemistry begin to worry because they chose their majors based on job security. This is wise, but was has continuously been shared with me is that if you love it, if you have a sincere passion for something, you will do fine, and you will be able to find a job for you after your college career is over. Finally, work hard and all else will fall into place.

First, I would advise students to find a college that was conducive to the environement in which they are most capable of learning. For example, if a student learns better in a smaller classroom, then they should look for colleges that enforce a smaller student to professor ratio in their courses. I would also advise students and parents to set up dates to attend each potential college. It will reveal much about the environment at that college. Also, read reviews about each college, both those that are considered "official" and "unofficial." I recommend both because it illuminates the good, the bad, and the ugly about the college. Alos, read reveiws that talk about numerous things for each college: academics, environment, social functions, etc. I would also recommend that you look at what the college boasts about. A few important things to look for is to see if the college boasts about the accesssibility of its professors and the variety of services provided to students (such as tutoring). You may not think you will need this at first, but you may find that you do use it. Finally, never be afraid to ask questions about anything. You can find the answer.

Don't get desperate, really take the time to figure out what is best for you. What you may want in a school right now will change as you get older. A supportive parent really helps a student be successful in college.

College prepares one for real life experiences

I think the number one rule in choosing a college or university is to follow your dreams. I could have gotten the same degree somewhere else and saved at least $30,000 but I have always wanted to come to Baylor. I know I would have regretted not following my dreams. My Baylor degree will pay off in the future!

Visit the college that you/child would like to attend. It may look different online than it does it person.

College is a big decision, and although you can transfer if you change majors or realize you belong elsewhere, it's important to research schools well before deciding so you don't have to stress out over transferring and moving, etc, when you could be having fun with friends or making summer plans. While my family has no money, I decided I wouldn't let that decide where I went to school, so although I go to an expensive private school, I love where I'm at and don't want to be anywhere else. Pick a school you can call "home", where you can get involved in both campus life and the community, a place that will honor studying and reward your efforts, and also remind you that it's good to take a break and relax with your friends. It is hard to make friends sometimes, so if it takes you awhile (like it did me), don't get depressed. Just remember that really good friends sometimes take awhile to make and it's ok to be alone sometimes. I'm further into school now and have some truly amazing friends but don't mind eating alone.