Southern Methodist University Top Questions

It's all about research and what is it that you and your child are looking to get out of the college education. Classes are important to look at. Even campus life is important because it actually plays an important role in a students participation in class. Well, for me it does. College is so far I've learned so much about myself and it's because of the school that I chose, that I know what I want out of life...

Always visit your college and make sure you will be happy there. Without happiness more than likely the student will not succeed in receiving good grades or making good friends. The student should always choose to go where they desire and hopefully can afford. Most people learn quickly that college is anything but cheap and that is the difficulty that I am having to live with now. Choose what is best for you.

Do your research. Whether it is visiting a colleges website, or taking the time to see the school with your own eyes, researching a college is key is selecting the right place for the student. It is important to remember that this institution will be your home for possibly four years, and you want to make it the best experience possible. By both the parents and future student researching the schools, you will be able to prepare better for choosing the right college and making a transition there.

Best advice, visit during the semester and stay with a student. This will really help you get to know the school and the attitudes of the people already in attendance. Also, go to a party on or around campus to see if you would fit in socially. If you go to that frat party and feel extremely uncomfortabe and want to leave, you probably would'nt enjoy the school for four years. To get the most out of your college experience, you should get involved on campus. Join a Greek organization or try out for the dance team or jazz ensemble. Get out there and experience college, you only get to do it once. Last bit of good advice, go to school where you like the weather. Don't go to a school in the Northeast if you hate being cold. If you've lived on or around water your whole life, you might hate it going to school in a desert climate. The area of the school you attend should be one of the top 5 considerations you make, cost being another. Enjoy your college years, try new things, and have fun!

I think going to visit the campus makes a huge difference. A lot of colleges have programs where you can stay overnight with a student. I think they really show a side to the school that you cannot get just by looking at it online, taking a campus tour, and talking to alumni. You really need to see what it is like to be a student, and it is more than just the classroom. Getting involved on campus is important in getting the most out of your college experiece, but what I think is even more important is just getting yourself out there in any way, regardless of campus involvement or extracurriculars of any kind. Meeting people and making friends for life really give you a college experience to remember, and it is the people you will remember 30 years down the line, not some random anthropology club meeting. Live life to the fullest and never miss an opportunity!

what do you like most about your high school, and then apply that to colleges.

I think you should consider schools that arent typically attended by people you know. You should also look more at the programs and offers the school makes you instead of how the school ranks against other schools. Also, if you do not get into the school you wanted, make the most of whatever school you go to. You are going to have a great time and get an excellent education at whatever school you choose.

Good luck!

Look closely at your options

Go somewhere that excites you and a place that you feel like you can see yourself at.