Ohio State University-Main Campus Top Questions

To parents: Let your kids do what they want to do. To students: Don't necessarily do what your parents say, but trust they actually sort of know what they're talking about. Also, get involved EARLY...otherwise you'll slack off and make excuses (as I have done..oops!)

Making the decisions accompanied with college are the most life-changing ones in most students' lives. It's stressful and scary for many families. Families need to expect the stress instead of overreacting to it. It's easy to get overwhelmed by the enormity of the college selection process; however, patience and honesty are the cornerstone of the success. Parents should consider letting their child explore all the options. Limiting choices creates contempt and rebellion. It is important to let the student know how much financial help the parent can offer. That way, a student knows how much money he/she is expected to provide. If a child decides to attend a school outside the means of the family's finances, he/she needs to be prepared to accept the responsibility of the debt. Students need to realize how scary and stressful it is for parents to send away a child. Parents often make requests that may seem ridiculous to students, such as seeing the security system, or knowing about class sizes. Entertain these requests; parents take joy in smaller details. And remember to call parents once in a while; they always miss their kids.

First, me sure that you follow your heart You don't want to get to your college, and realize your heart was set on another school. Don't let small matters get in your way. Things like enrollment size won't matter once you get there - that cliche about campus being as small or large as you make it? It turns out to be pretty true. Next, make sure the schools you're looking at are considered very strong in the field of your study. You want to learn as much as possible - and it wouldn't hurt if they're also strong in your second choice as well! Then, make sure you take into consideration money. Private schools give bigger scholarships for higher tuitions. What can you afford, and what kind of scholarships can you expect to be receiving from these schools? Lastly, take a look at the campus. Look in the dormrooms, look at the students walking around campus, and try to picture yourself there. Can you see yourself walking these halls? Sleeping in these beds? Talking to these people? Then you've found your home!

If you visit three hundred colleges, you'll never be able to remember half of them. Narrow down your search by ruling out all but a handful of universities- those that carry your major, are within a reasonable budget, and reside in your preferred range from home. Don't let money limit your options to just hometown schools- you can always pay off loans after school and there is no substitute for living on your own as far as experiences go. If you stay in your hometown to save, you'll never garner the same degree of independence you would have attained further from home. Finally, suit your college to your needs. Don't pay fifty thousand a year when you can get a great education at a well-accredited state school. Ivy league names may look good on your parent's bumper stickers, but getting into Harvard doesn't guarantee an easy life. You're capable of getting the same level of education from a lesser known state school just by pushing yourself to interact with professors, look for research and study abroad opportunities, and delve further into books and coursework.

Follow your dreams and heart. They will make the right decisions.

Find a freshman and ask him/her "What was the most important thing you learned here (in and out of the classroom). Then find a senior and ask him/her "What was the most important thing you learned here (in and out of the classroom). That should be a good starting guide on what the parents can expect from Ohio State Univ.

Choosing the right college can be very nerve-wracking, but know that it isn't the end of the world. Make sure you know what size you are looking for, but you can always change if it is necessary. Choose a college not only based on the academics, but somewhere you can have an enjoyable social life as well. You want to look for a college that you can be yourself at and feel as though you fit in. College is supposed to prepare you for the rest of your life and also be some of the best 4 years. Make sure to get involved on campus and make an effort to meet people. It may take a while, but make sure to find the balance between a social life and academics. Be who you are and remember that no one at college knows about your past so you make who you are to them. Have fun!

Your new college student should feel as though this college can be his/her 'home away from home'. They need to feel very comforatable, and be aware of all opportunities for community involvment. Getting acquainted with the school and their environment is imparitive, as the people they meet and activities they engage in will impact the next several years of their life. Have fun, and stand strong in your values.

When selecting the college that was right for me, I thought I had it all figured out. I picked a school based on its excellent reputation in the academic world, and I was certain that it was my first choice. However, after several months of applications and acceptance letters, I ended up selecting what was originally my last choice. What changed my mind? I visited Ohio State and toured the campus. I talked to students, faculty, and even a dean or two, and the experience changed my entire perception of what I wanted out of my college experience. Everyone was so enthusiastic about Ohio State and what it had to offer. They all wanted to help me find a place there. My "first" choice just made me feel uncomfortable when I visited. I decided to go with what felt right and I couldn't be happier! The best advice I can give is to visit the schools you're thinking about and see what feels right to you. If you can't see yourself going somewhere, then find somewhere else that you're excited about! College should be about feeling comfortable enough to figure out your future, not feeling pressured.