East Tennessee State University Top Questions

Visit as many schools as possible and talk to people other than those in the office of admissions and your tour guide.

Visit as many Colleges/Universities that you are considering. Do not hesitate to ask questions while visiting the schools. Enjoy every minute of college. Get involved on campus and enjoy your freedom. It is nothing like high school!

I think it is really good to just put as much research you can into the process of finding the best school. One of the best ways is to look online and search school websites. It is very important to know what kind of school you want to attend. Some people like to attend Universities, Community colleges, or Private Schools. A positive attitude is the best attitude. I try to make the best of my school experience because I know I am here and I am here for a reason. My first reason is be get an education. School is not about all fun and play. If your opinion of your school is boring than you should work on finding groups of friends and activities that will provide satisfaction.

I would strongly encourage parents and students to stay close to home for school. The transition seems to really get to the students who go further much quicker than those who are close to there family. I would also encourage students to stay away from retail jobs unless you are on the higher end of the management. Retailers tend to take advantage of college student who need money and influence them in negative ways. I have know several who dropped college to work retail because they were pressured so much with the job. Do NOT worry about that job, worry about your education and career.

Make sure you like the college and that they offer the program you want. Also be aware of the class room size and student teacher ratio. Also check into Financial Aid and find out how available professors are outside of the classroom to help with classwork.

trust your children

I think that people need to understand who they are before heading off to college. If you were born in a small town and love that small town feel, don't think you are going to love the giant universities. If you love the city and the smell and nightlife, well by all means go to the giant schools. I went to UT and I did not like it at all, I never saw professors, I had master degree level students teaching my classes. I wondered why I was paying so much. I hated having to find our scores on a paper list on the wall, not names but student number. I like the personal touches a small town college gives. If you want to be a person not a number, consider what school you will be attending.

Find a school that is safe. Try as many new things as possible. Meet new people. Don't be shy. Ask for help. Study, study, study. You most create and adopt good study habits. Don't go wild and do illegal things. Be good but have fun.

The most important thing in college is being in a place you are comfortable with. Ninety percent of colleges are great academic facilities, so the most important thing is where it will be easiest to learn and make lifelong friends.

My advice to the parents would be to make sure your child previews as many campuses as possible before choosing. Second do not pressure your child into going to a school just because you the parent wants them to. College is a growing experience and kids need to start learning how to be independent. As for the students, find a college that fits your needs, not what your parents or friends want. Second never go to a school based on a girlfriend or boyfriend! Finally when you find a school get involved! So many students I have known drop out or return home because they never give college a chance. College is an amazing time in a young persons life, it is a time to grow, become independent, and be free!