Southern Methodist University Top Questions

I will always remember the feeling I had when I first walked on the campus of SMU. It was an overwhelming joy and I new this is where I needed to spend my next four years. As high school students search for the perfect school for them, they need to feel comfortable the instant they walk onto the campus. Parents should give guidance, but not influence their students in one way or another. The school will feel right, and first impressions and feelings rarely lead you in the wrong direction.

With the stiff requirements and growing costs of obtaining a college education, it is an honor and privilege to be considered and accepted into an insitution of higher learning. Altho' most college costs will be assumed by the parents, it is important that the choice of college is really suited to the 'student'. It is not necessary to select an Ivy League school, but a reputable school will more than likely ease the employment search in the long run. Please, please visit the campous of choice and include at least three choices in the list. Orientation is critical and will not only expose students and parents to the 'real' life on campus, but lend itself to developing lasting relationships . Keep all receipts, stay in touch with enrollment services, financial aid and seek assistance when needed, no mater how small the issue may appear to be, before it festers into a major sore spot. Communicate with professors when ever possible and stay healthy mentally, physically and spiritually.,

Do a lot of research ahead of time and take into account more than just academic reputation. Consider the culture you are looking for in a school, and talk to students at those schools to find the best fit.

My advice for parents and students about finding the right college is to first find out where you want to live. If its a big school with 35000 to 50000 students or a small university of 10000 students and if they want to go to a private or public school. I suggest to go on as many college visits as possible and try to find students that are enrolled in that unviersity and ask them some questions. Although it is likely for you to change your major several times its good to look at schools that offer the best programs for what you plan on doing later in life and what you want to study. Take in factor location, size of school and size of student, weather, and the staff and student ratio, class size, and the programs that each school offers and most of all the cost of the school and the amount of aid they offer. Remember to have a plan when you start college and meet with several counslors and advisors to help you decide what you want to do because you want to take the right courses towards your interest of study.

Make alot of close friends but don't neglect your studies.

Visit! Talk to students!

Choose a major that is right for you, not what your parents want. STUDY ABROAD! Being a student is the cheapest way to see the world, and you'll have a great experience.

I encourage students to step out of their comfort zone when choosing a college. Choosing a school that drives you and fosters ambition is a must. Make sure a thorough tour of the school, not just of the dorms, is undertaken. Student's should not be hesistant to choose a college thats much different than home. A little culture shock and change builds character. It will also force a student to become independent and responsible. Also, I would suggest that students become involved on campus from the start of their college career. This will help them be better connected throughout school and better prepared for an internship. Lastly, never be afraid to challenge yourself. College is full of distractions and one must keep focus and keep school a priority-- the priority.