Baylor University Top Questions

Be sure to visit each school extensively and asks students and professors lots of questions. Do not soley rely on the tour guide.

Follow your heart, and do a lot of research. Expect to change your major and what you want to do with your life. Be open to new friendships and activities and changing your views about life.

When choosing a school, I would suggest talking with other students beforehand. Campus visits are also vital, because that is the best way to get to know the school dynamic and the types of things the school values. Make sure that these things line up with what you believe and value. No matter what kinds of people you find on campus, if the basic values line up, there is sure to be a group that you will easily fit into. To make the most of your college experience, it is essential to get plugged in as soon as possible. Many schools present new students with countless opportunities to get involved, and it is crucial for students to get involved with something they are passionate about. This gives students the chance to meet others that love to do the same things they enjoy doing, and that is how lasting relationships are made. Living in community with these people is not only fun, but also challenging, forcing individuals to find out their true identity. This is exactly what the college experience should be.

I would recommend parents and students to take their time researching all options. First decide what you are looking for, how big of a school do you want, does it have a major you plan to pursue, what percentage of students graduate in four years. Another thing that I recommend is to not go by the school's name. For example many people apply to Harvard simply because its Harvard, however Harvard may not be the best school for the area you seek to study. Another suggestion i would make to parents or students applying to college is to keep it real. Many students do not have the qualifications to be accepted, yet they still dream on going there, the applicant has to make sure their attributes match or surpass the requisites. In regards to making the most of the college experience I would recommend someone to practice good time management. It is important to be able to have more than enough time to study, but always remember to have fun. Otherwise you will end uo wearing yourself out.

Have your children talk to students, they live the experience and are going to tell you what it is really like to attend that university. Colleges all start to sound the same, but if you hear why the students selected the way they did, what their background was, and what their experiences have been like that will give you the best insight.

Be yourself. (As we say at Baylor, "B.U." haha!) In all seriousness though, go into college confident of who you are. People will respect and love you for being geuine and personable. Make the most of everything, because it flies by!

Searching for the right fit when it comes to college can sometimes be a tough process, but if students and parents carefully examine their options I am sure they'll make the right choice. First I recommend visiting the schools you are interested in. Not visiting a prospective school is like buying a non-returnable outfit with out trying it on; once you make the choice you can't change your mind. I also recommend talking to some of the students and professors to get a feel for the learning environment. and the campus life. Is the school top tier or Ivy Leauge? Does your school have lots to do on campus? Is there an air of school spirit? These are all important questions you should be looking to answer. Also I feel that its important to find a school that caters to your needs in your particular feild of study. If you are a business major find a competitive business school. If you are a fine arts major, audition at a prestigious arts school. Once you find the right school you'll know it. Just have fun exploring your options. It's an eye opening experience.

When you are beginning your college search, you shouldn't limit yourself to just one school. Keep your options open, and don't close yourself off to other opportunities. Apply early and go visit the schools you are serious about. A school can be completely different than their website. Ask your advisor if there are any scholarships that they can suggest for you, and apply for them quickly. Interact with students when you visit a school, and ask them why they chose their specific university. They will be able to honestly answer questions for you without over exaggerating, and most of the time, they will be passionate about their school. Find a place where the students all go to hang out and study and check it out. Don?t be embarrassed to ask questions because everyone has been there and understands where you?re coming from. Most importantly, don?t stress about it. It all ends up working out and it will be one of the best times of your life. You will make friends that you will have forever, and they will experience the defining moments of your life with you.

The most valuable piece of advice I would give to a student trying to decide the perfect college is, go where YOU want to go. I know that does not sound profound and it mostly just sounds like common sense but after my own experience and listening to many of my friend's story once key element to college is going where you will most fit in, where you will thrive, and where you will not just be satisfied but filled with joy. Not going to a college where your boyfriend is going, or your best friend will be, or where your family legacy comes from. In the end YOU are the one living in that city, taking those classes, being in that fraternity or sorority, and going to that college. And then I would reasure them that transfering is always an option, that the pressure placed on this decision is not really that big, and that they can always transfer if it is not all that they dreamed of. College is supposed to be the best years of your life, but they can't be the best years of YOUR life if your living them for somone else.

Exhaust all financial aid options first and push yourself/and your child to earn a scholarship. Make sure your going to a particular school for the academics and not for miscellaneous items. Too often people are at a school where the environment is not good for them and their studies. Have fun but stay focused don't get caught up in other folks drama because it is easy to immerse yourself in someone Else's' situation and forget about your priorities. Many colleges have so many resources available take advantage of them because they usually are a tremendous opportunity and can help give you an advantage in the field of study you choose to pursue.