Miami University-Oxford Top Questions

I'll be the first to admit, this will sound cheezy, but it's true-you will know you found the right college when you are taking the tour. If you are able to remember everything your tour guide said, plus other things you saw, you know that you should go there. Making the most out of the college experience is essential. Get involved, plain and simple. There are organizations, clubs, and sports for any interest at my school, and if someone didn't see something they wanted to do, they can easily start it up. Get involved, go to class, and when you live in a dorm keep your door open because that is how you will meet a TON of people.

As a prospective college student, I visited dozens of institutions, asking the same questions about meal plans, dorm rooms, academic schedules, and financial aid, but I still found myself confused about which school was right for me and my future goals. How can you choose where to spend the next four years of your life when you've never been away from home longer than summer camp? Fortunately, there is an easy answer. You already know. You already know what feels right in your heart, where you feel most comfortable, and where you are excited to visit for a second, third, and even fourth time. If you listen closely, if you put the nagging worries about credit hours and community bathrooms aside, you've already chosen a school in your heart. Trust yourself. If you are comfortable in your new college environment, your positive energy will allow you to thrive and meet your fullest potential. You already know where you will succeed. All that is left to do is merely trust yourself.

College is all about making your own choices and experiencing life in a totally different way then you even thought possible. Every day is really what you make of it--whether to go to class, how long to study, when to socialize, etc. There is a lot of focus today on finding the perfect college. But ultimately, I would probably be happy at many schools and maybe there isn't just one "perfect college". At the end of the day, I would strongly advise parents to support their child through their college experience and the decision process. I would advise students to do whatever they can to succeed in college--maybe that means staying in to study, trying to seek advice from teachers, using your resources, joining groups, and stepping outside of your comfort zone. It makes so much of a difference when you have a strong support system and can accomplish your goals and contribute positively to society. College is a one time experience, and I challenge parents and students to make the best of it in whatever way possible!

Get involved.

I would chose a college whose campus is something that appeals to you, and also find a school that known for what you intend to major in. I know many students on my campus who hate it because the weather gets so cold in the winter, or because we are so far out in the country and you have to drive at least 30 minutes to get to decent shopping. But my school is also a great one for Business and Education majors, so there is a big draw there. But if you are an Art major, you would not want to go to Miami University, there arn't as many classes available, and (not that the teaching staff isn't good) there just arn't as many professors in the Arts department.

I would advise students to focus on the level of involvement they want to have in the school outside of class. In a small (isolated) school, there is little else to do besides volunteer work, studying, frequenting productions, and partying. In more exposed schools the diversity seems to be more prominent and it is easier to become involved off campus (work, concerts, socializing). To make the most out of your experience make sure you go in with the right attitude. Going to college because it's there won't push you to do your work, you must want to achieve a higher understanding in your field of interest. Also, make sure to expand on your interests and try new things. Go to plays, listen to guest speakers, join a club. Education is a privilege and should be taken seriously, but make sure to have fun with it and pursue your dreams. Parents, make sure you allow your child to learn whatever it is they wish, because in order for them to grow they need to make their own decisions. A lot of encouragement and support can go a long way in helping your child to succeed.

Enjoy yourself and go in with an open mind!

To parents: I know you want the absolute best for your kids, and you have much wiser thinking them. But, I would make sure that your child is absolutely happy with their decision and they feel like they made that decision by themselves. (Maybe with the slight guidance of their parents.) To high school students and others: Best of luck, and balance is the key. Find the happy medium to everything. Work hard and play hard. Use your time wisely and plan out your days, weeks, semester and future. However, be flexible if there are bumps in the road and plans happen to change. Everything happens for a reason, you may not know it, and the bumps in the road may be insanely sucky, but there's is a silver lining to every cloud. Boy do I know it.

Choose the place that feels best to you, and has a good program in what you think you might want to pursue as a career. Don't just go by the stereotypes you've heard about what a college is like. Take the time to get to know different people on campus and hear more than one opinion about what the school is like.

Figure out who you are before you try to pick a school. Don't worry about jobs or going to a school everyone recognizes, focus on finding some place you'll fit in at. No one will care what school you went to when you graduate but the friendships you make will last.