Middle Tennessee State University Top Questions

Look for a school that is helpful and friendly. Also look at the surroundings such as environment, people, apartments, etc.

Dont choose a school because you think its a party school choose a school that you think you would get the best eduation ad enjoy the most and fit in.

Be involved.

I would research the availability of on campus housing. The off campus housing is affordable to most students but it pulls students away from the campus. The result of this is a low turn out at sporting, clubs, and department events. This will also reduce the comradery off the student body. I would advise students to go to schools that have a large amount of on campus living in order to build this community of the students. The other thing i would look for is a campus that is as green as possible. This would include active sponsorship of recycling progams. If the campus does not already have solar energy in place i would look to see if it has been budgeted for a future building project. If the campus does not have renewbal energy all ready in place, I would check their budget to make sure they are purchasing green energy credits in order to reduce their environmental footprint. Finally, I would look at the amount of greenspace the campus is preserving to maintain thje environment and allow students places to congregate.

I would tell paretns and students that are looking for a place to attend college either for themselves or for his/her child to just be well educated about the school and the programs that areoffered there and to just do what feels right, makes sure that you visit and know what it is that you are looking for, ask questions and be involved. I think the most important thing though is to find a place that makes you happy and feel at home.

Visit as many campuses as you can, you really get a feel if your comfortable and if your child is comfortable with different environments. I am originally from a big city and I visited many city schools and I felt the most comfortable at a very big university but in a small town rual community school

Parents should actually take the time and effort to review colleges together with the student before the student decides "I want to go here just because". Visit the campus together, take tours of the buildings, and meet as many people as you can. Find the school's financial aid department, and talk with someone personally about your plans for paying for college to avoid having to apply for a loan. There are more options out there than most people realize - you just have to be open to finding them. Tour where the students will live, whether on or off campus. Become familiar with all the extra curricular opportunities the school has to offer. Don't feel pressured to pick a major immediately; take the time to make a solid decision that you feel comfortable and secure with. Meet some professors in the fields you are considering - their advice may help you make your decision. But possibly most of all, parents need to realize that their student is growing up. Going to college is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and students should be allowed & encouraged to make the most of it, but wisely so.

Study hard and have some fun every once in a while after achieving goals.

As someone who never took this advice in high school I feel I can have the audacity to tell others with a particular earnest. Challenge yourself. Don't let anyone tell you you can't do something that you know you could be great at. Learn on your own. Aquire experience through your own means. Put yourself out there and show the world what you can do. It is okay to fail because you learn how to improve, but never trying is something you will always regret. Whether you are looking for a school or evaluating the one that you are currently attending, always remember you have choices. Never opt for the easy way out. ?Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.? - Mahatma Gandhi

When looking for a college that will best fit you I think that a person needs a good support system. College is a new time in your life and a period of adjustment so you will need people in you corner that can help guide you. The college doesn't necessarily have to have support if you have friends or family around so long as the school has a good academic program. The other important aspect a school needs is an atmosphere that work for who you are. I encourage families to visit your school of choice before hand and get a good feel before you commit to it and make sure it is a good fit for you and the goals you want to accomplish.