Oregon State University Top Questions

There are a lot of things that I can say about finding the right college. I would first advise to go visit the campus; take a tour. There are a lot of times where you might really like what the college has to offer, but when you get there, you don't like the setting and can't stand where it is placed or the people who are there. Another thing is to talk to an adviser. Talking to someone who has a lot of information to answer your questions can help in finding the right college for you. If you are living on campus, try to get a tour of the facilities where you could potentially live. If you don't like where you are living for that year, that could cause a dip in grades/GPA and social life on campus. I would also advise to join a club of your interest. Having friends with the same interest in college really helps you get to like the campus, your classes, and your overall education in college. You have to know when to have fun and when to study for classes. College will be worth it in the end.

Find the school which will help you achieve not only an education, one that will help you discover who you truly are and who you want to be.

My advice to parents would be to keep in touch with your kids while they are in college, but also give them the chance to be independent and live their own lives. Don't call every day, especially at first. I would also suggest that if the campus provides opportunities or events for parents or families to visit, that you take advantage of these events. Many college students are proud to show their parents their campus in detail and acquaint them with their new friends and the experiences they are involved in. For students I would suggest that they choose the college that they have the best feeling about. Make sure that you visit the campus and get a feel for what it would be like if you lived there and if you could be happy living there. I would also strongly suggest to students that they make the most of the college experience by GETTING INVOLVED. College provides so many great opportunities and it is essential that you get involved so that you can get the most from your college experience. Try new things but don't forget what you believe in and who you are.

College is a way to open out and be independent. Choosing the right school will enhance that experience ten fold. Having a big class conpared to a smaller one will definetly be a diffrent experience. Also the location of the school and the weather patterns that occur is very important in choosing the school. With the right school and the right environment college can be a make or break experience.

There are a lot of money out there, in the form of aid and scholarship. So parents and students, applying or currently enrolled, do not need to worry and set that as a reason not to apply to a certain school. Do not underestimate yourself. If you apply to a school where you want to go, your academics as well as social life would be better than going to a school where you ended up cause of money issues. Once on campus, join clubs, greek life, intermaural sports, the gym as well as events/shows.

Do your research and make sure you ask alot of questions. Compare each of your choices with each other and list the Pros and cons. Good luck on your decision.

Study hard, play hard!

Definitely attend a school that offers the major you are seeking! I heard for graduate school, a slight advantage is given to those who have attended that school for undergraduate studies. Also, attend campus visits to schools you are thinking about going to. Don't let money be a factor. Financial aid is always available and there are thousands of scholarships available for everyone. I also suggest living on-campus for the first year of college. Everyone around you is in the same situation and it is an easy way to meet a lot of great people from all over. Another suggestion is to utilize your resources. There are so many opportunities to get help, get advise and get involved. It can be difficult to incorporate school life and social life. Keep a good head on your shoulders and know that there is always time for both. Schoolwork can always be put off but it is really easy to fall behind and it can be difficult to try to catch up. Friends=college life. Find ones you can really connect with and keep them but don't let the others disappear because you might want to hangout with them later.

First of all I would suggest you visit the campus of any college or university you are interested in. Most students after visiting can just get a feeling that they can picture themselves at the school. I also strongly recommend that most freshman live on-campus in the dorms their first year, you make a lot of your first friends there that you will probably know the whole way through. The dorms are also geared to get students involved on campus and they are usually centralized so it makes the first year figuring things out much easier. Also take your time the first term to explore and get comfortable on campus. I would start looking into clubs your first term but not joining one until at least your second so you can have time to just adjust. Once you get comfortable I would say get involved as much as you can, most schools have more to offer than most people realize, so just look. Finally remember you aren't trapped at any school you start at, you can always transfer if you find you're not in the right place, so relax.

Think of college as a town where you will learn about your future occupation. The functionality of the school is just as important as their curriculum. Try to find a balance in the social aspect of the school as well as the technical.