Butler University Top Questions

The first thing I would tell any family going through the process of choosing a college is to go visit as many schools as possible. Getting the first hand experience of seeing how the campus, class room and student life at the school works gives the potential student an inside opportunity of knowing exactly what goes on at the specific school. After seeing those different schools and how the student might fit in there will narrow down their search. Finding out whether or not they want to attend a big or small school, one with greek life or one with a big sports following are all things that a potential student needs to consider while doing their college research.

Most importantly, do research and make sure to visit the campus before you decide. If I wouldn't have visited the universities I had been accepted to, I wouldn't be where I am now. If possible, get your own personal tour rather than a big group tour so your experience is more real and your questions can be more truthfully answered. I was able to visit my campus and they matched me up with a student who had the same major and interests as I did, and I got to spend the day going to her classes and seeing what the campus and dorms were really like. This is the most valuable experience you can have while you are in the decision process. The simple fact that my school offered these types of tour options says a lot about what type of university it is. Next, discover which place offers the best program to meet your academic interests, but also consider aspects such as greek life, extracurriculars, housing, dining, and class size. Don't be afraid to take a chance if it means you will be happy and moving toward your goals.

It is always a hard experience for parents to send their child to college. I would start my search with my choice of major and then select the schools that offer the best programs. If you have no idea what you want to major in, thats okay! You can always go as an undecided major for the first year and see if anything strikes your interest. Also, Think of other things that you want in a school. Big or small? City or farms? Once you get an idea of a few schools you like, go take a tour! Getting a chance to see the campus and talk to some of the students is a great way to help make the big decision. When you are there, talk to someone in the financial aid office and find out what the costs are and what kind of financial aid is offered (scholarships, grants, loans, etc.). Also, get your applications sent in as soon as you can! Even if you aren't positive that you want to go to school there. Just in case! Good Luck!

I think it is important to be open minded. Also, don't make a quick decision. Its good to take time and think things through. The last thing is never ever let anyone decided where you should go to school but yourself.

The key thing to do is find 3 schools which you really like that all have a variety of majors you are interested in. Make sure you are in a area (city or urban) you want to be in and it has all the opportunities that will make you successful after you graduate. Visit each of these schools multiple times to make sure they are the right place for you. When you find out which schools you are accepted to, figure out your financial situation and what school will offer you the best deal. When you first go off to college keep an open mind to everyone and everything, and don't act like you are better than anyone else. Keep your options open you will never know if, for example greek life or student government, is the place where you will fit in the most. Once you find a niche, stick to it and try to advance your position in those couple organizations. Do not try to overwhelm yourself and do to many things though because you do not want to forget you are there to earn a degree. You need to find a balance of fun and work.

Do your research. Pick a college that offers activities that fit your students life style. Do not let finances be the deciding factor, where there is a will there will always be a way. Make sure to go on a tour of the campus before decided, especially of the dorms.

The best advice I could give an incoming college student and/ or parent helping their child in selecting a school would be to first take time to think about what area of concentration is the student/child most interested in. Many students enter into college without a selected major and when they realize their passion some also realize that their school does not offer the best education in that area. After taking this into consideration it would be most beneficial for that student to search for schools that meet those standards and also (preferably) offers a well rounded education that will benefit the student in the long run. Always visit every school before making a decision. Take advantage of programs for incoming students to get the best feel possible and definately look into scholarship opportunities available. The less one has to worry about tuition costs the more one can concentrate on their studies and enjoy their experience.

The best way to get a feel for a University is to visit the campus. Once you visit the campus and talk to some of the people there you will know immediately if it is right for you because it will just feel right. Look at the University as you would a new home because that will be where you spend most of your time. Food is important. Taste it. If you do not like the food do not go there. That 's what you will be eating. If you don't know quite yet what you want to do with the rest of your life, choose a few majors you may be interested in and make sure your choices have all of those just in case you change your mind a few times. Do thourough research into the costs of attendance by calling the financial aid office of the University. Don't be afraid to try new things or to be yourself. Try to establish a routine and manage your time effectively is very important. Time management is an absolutely neccessary component to excelling in college and future career. These things will be crucial to your success in college.

Visit the schools on a school day, so you can see what the campus and students are really like. Ask alot of questions, shadow a student, sit in on a class, do everything you can to get a full experience from your visit. After that, trust your gut. Make a decision and go with it, make the most of it and it will all be great!

Look at what suits your needs best: consider social life, cost of attending for four years, range of majors offered, career placement services