Oregon State University Top Questions

When I was in high school I was so excited to get out that I decided not to go to college. I got a crappy full time job making very little money and couldn't really make it, so I decided to go to school because my Dad agreed to help pay for my bills if I went to school. I decided that I needed a more "college like" attmosphere after attending a local community college, so I decided to apply to Oregon State. After my third year here, I am very happy I made that decision. If I could give my high school self some advice about the future, I would suggest going to a University right after graduation and not waiting a year. College life at Oregon State is too much fun to miss out on and if you get started right away, you will be on the same track as your peers from high school and may be able to graduate at the same time as them.

Work harder in the classes you're taking in high school, don't worry so much about what others think of you. Don't waste so much time worrying about working a minimum wage job, and study like there's no tomorrow.

Having a social life is a must, but your main drive should be school. Stay ahead of your work and don't let things go till last minute. The sooner you get things done the more relaxed and less stress you will be. Don't be so stubborn and ask for help whenever you need it, you're not expected to understand it right away; it't not high school anymore things wont be as easy to understand. Learn how to study, try every way possible to study then pick what is best for you. Spend your money wisely and find a job ASAP because they are hard to find here, although you may feel overqualified for something a job is a job. If you are ever stressed go to the beach, that is your happy place; its only 45 minutes away and well worth the drive for your stress. But most of all enjoy life not that you dont but time spent being unhappy is time lost being happy.

Keep you head up, study hard, READ all the material the Professors give you!

Don't get distracted partying your first year. Work hard and make really good friends. Friends come in handy when you need support, fun, and academic help. Know yourself and what you like. Don't pick a major because you think your parents will like it.

Visit as many schools as possible before even applying. Who knows, the school that looked good on paper may not seem so great once you arrive on campus. And keep an open mind! Sometimes your last choice school is where you will find yourself the happiest.

Make sure you research your school and the location it is in thoroughly. Make sure you have a good idea of what kind of people go to the school you're interested and what kind of people live in the town or city in which the school is located.

Make sure you visit it. You need to understand what the campus life is like. You also need to make sure that you apply for as many scholarships as possible. There's so much money out there and a good deal of it is only avaliable to underclassmen. Also, look into things like ROTC, Greek Life, and major specific clubs. All of the above add structure to your life and help to ease the transition into college life.

Don't choose a college based on where your friends or parents want you to go and especially don't make the decision based on whether or not your current girlfriend is going there, as many times it won't last, and if it does, distance will only bring you closer in the end. Try to find a college that offers a wide variety of majors, but doesn't allow the variety to affect the quality of classes or material; very few students graduate from their original major and you want to have options to experiment with as you change throughout your college years. Also, make sure that you enjoy the environment on campus and take time to check out what student life is like, because classes and campus are only a small, though important, part of college life. You will be miserable throughout your college career, and likely not perform as well, if you're not in a setting where you can relax and enjoy yourself.

If you are receiving some money for college through scholarships and financial aid I would recommend that you go to a community college first. You get lots of credits for way cheaper. The only thing is that community college is usually somewhat easier than a university.