Oklahoma City University Top Questions

Take your time in finding the right college for you. Don't limit your possibilities to just outside your home town on the basis of financial need or hesitancy. Lots of schools are willing to help with financial aid if they can see that you really want to be there. After all, the degree is about you chasing your dreams. If you want to fly one day, you can't hesitate at the beginning, you have to get a running start. Even if your dreams take you half way around the world, know that you can get there if you truly believe you can and people are always willing to help enthusiastic and passionate individuals. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and make friends in a new state because, lets face it, all freshmen are in the same boat: moving out for the first time, making their own decisions for the first time, and living their own life for the first time. If you want to reach your goals, there is no better place to start than college. So go for it.

Prospective students should visit as many different types of colleges as possible, especially on school days in order to see how student life really is. Parents should ensure that their prospective student has as much knowledge as possible about schools they are looking at, especially regarding dorm life, because a poor living situation makes for a poor study area. Also, visiting the libraries and computer labs are especially important because that should hopefully be where their student will be spending a majority of their time. However, Greek life and other social organizations should be researched as well, because fraternities and sororities are fast ways to make life-long friends and a great way to establish a support system. Basically, both the parent and student should discover as much as possible about potential schools and make the choice together.

Please do your research when looking into colleges. Talk to the current students, freshman and seniors. Try and get the best feel for the school that you can - not just what the university tries to sell you on. Have fun while in school but don't neglect your school-work. It's great to have a good time, but it's better to have a degree.

Honestly, when you step on campus you'll just know when it's the right one for you. It just feels right in your gut and everything seems to line up. Focus more on what the college has to offer you as an individual, rather than the scholarship amount. The money will come. As for the actual experience, make it a point to enjoy every moment of it. It flies by so quickly! Get to know lots of people on campus and be open-minded to everything. Stick to your moral values, but listen to other people's point of view as well. Learn all you can and don't be afraid to do something a little crazy every once and a while.

Visit as many colleges as you can. Doing this will save you a boatload of trouble in the long run. I visited what was my first-choice college and realized that I REALLY didn't want to attend that particular school, so my second-choice college (after my visit to it) became my first choice. I made great friends there, learned a lot, and met my wife there as well. I am now a professional in my field doing rather well for myself at 23, and I believe that had I not toured, I would have made the wrong choice.

make sure to visit and spend a day on campus, maybe even without a parent, seeing as that is how it will really be. You need to get a feel of how it will be to be on your own on any campus

It depends on the student. If you're academically oriented, I would suggest a small school over a large or even big name school because interaction with professors proved the most helpful in my academic development. If you're looking for a 'college experience' with a huge sports team, then a big state school might be best for you. I have friends and family who have done both and enjoyed both, but be sure to think about the importance of class sizes and interaction with professors (not TAs) if you're thinking abotu doing graduate work after undergrad.

Do not need scholarship. Thanks!

Go to the colleges you are thinking of attending. College is a place where you need to feel comfortable and going to the campus' and talking with the students there that are not on the tour faculty will give you a great view of the way the university really functions. College is a very personal choice and you need to make sure you treat it seriously and don't go somewhere just becuase it has a good name. You need to make sure it's right for you.

Actually spend a good chunk of time visiting the campus, as well as the surrounding area. Observe as many classes and meet as many faculty and students as you can. Your school is soon to be your home away from home, so you're basically looking for your second family. Be assertive and ask questions. Do not feel as if you are imposing, because the school is probably observing you too. Choose a college you feel comfortable in and inspired by. Oh! And apply for as many scholarships as possible - and do it early!