Ohio State University-Main Campus Top Questions

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Finding the right college is not about getting into the most expensive school with the strictest admission requirements, nor is it about finding the cheapest one. As far as education goes, a good college is one where you can maximize your potetial and cater your education to your needs. Is the field that you plan to study very specific? In that case, a larger school might have a bigger program. Are you interested in pursuing research or study abroad opportunites? Furthering your education outside the classroom is just as important as your education inside the classroom. The college search is not all about academics, though. A college environment that you can see yourself living in is also important. No matter how good the educational program, if you can't fit in with the student and social environments of a college, then you won't be happy with your choice. Ask about the most popular activities on campus. Are the students highly school-spirited? What do students do for fun? Is Greek life popular on campus? The perfect college is one that is affordable, a place where you can grow intellectually, and most importantly, a home away from home.

Parents and students should always look at the quality of education and facilities of the department of your field rather than the school as a whole. For example, at OSU, Mechanical Engineering has extremely new facilities, building and good equipment while Aerospace Engineering has older building and equipment. On the other hand, Aerospace has better computing facilities. Use online resources provided by state government. These resources include detailed information about colleges and offer comparison tools ? all free of cost. Access to these resources can be gained from high school administration. Once in college, think wisely of what you choose as extra-curricular activities. ?Getting involved? and ?having fun? are not the only criteria. There are things one can do that are not only fun but can help in career by building skills and making contacts. Such activities related to your field also look good on your resume. An example: rocketry club. Also work with other classmates outside of class. This helps in finishing your homework faster without being bored or getting stuck. Some extra free hours per week can be gained in this way. Finally, talk to upperclassmen. They will be your guide at least till you become experienced.

Good school.

Make college vists and stay the night if possible. Make sure that there are plenty of extracurricular activities and get involved in atleast one or more. Don't think that you will be too busy with school work and end up not joining. Once you join you can always quit if it ends up being too much to handle. Never sit in your dorm room with the door shut, always leave it open as this is the only way to meet new people and seem open to anything. Talk to strangers. This may be the cardinal rule of little kids and not talking to strangers but at college it's the only way to make friends and seem like a really great and open person.

One of the most intergral parts of choosing a college, in my opinion, is the college visit. There is nothing you can read online or in a brochure that could compare to the feeling you get when you're on the campus or interacting with faculty and students. When searching for the right school for me, I had a list of criteria that my future school had to meet. However, it wasn't until the campus tour- when I felt excited, secure, and optimistic all at once- that I knew that this school was the one for me. Starting a new school, especially one as large as the Ohio State University, can be overwhelming. A new student might feel lost and out of place, like they will never find their niche. My advice to new students is to try new things, and a lot of them. Explore clubs and organizations that address your current interests and challenge yourself to participate in activities you never thought about participating in before. At the very least you will have tried something new and discovered something about yourself. Or, on the other hand, you may find the "niche" you've been searching for.

The advice that I will give parents and incoming freshman is to research every school of their choice and also to visit the school to make sure that the school is the right atomosphere for them. At some schools you can even sit in a classroom to see if large or small classes are right for you. Finding the right college is very important and a big choice to make and I believe that you should find the college thats is right for you and not what your parents or friends think.

Before you go searching for that right college make sure that you know exactly what your major is going to be otherwise your going to go there and waste time and money trying to figure out what to do. Make sure that you have a plan of action, know what classes your going to take so that you can be in and out quickly. Don't feel that making friends is a top priority because it is will happen without you evening trying. Try to enjoy your campus.

Join student groups/organizations. Get involved. Chose a major that fits your personality and interests. Take classes that appeal to you. Study hard. It will pay off.

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