Tarleton State University Top Questions

To the students, really consider the reasons you want to go to college, your goals, what experience you want to have, and the things you'd like to be involved in. Also, consider the town you will be living in, can you live with it? Parents, allow your child to choose the college they think will work the best with their personality, and goals in life. I've had many friends that chose the wrong schools, for the wrong reasons, and it costs them dearly. Also really consider your degree of choice, are there an adequate amount of opportunities in the field? Once you have chosen the right school for you, never be afraid to talk to people. Join groups, rush a sorority/ fraternity. Really listen to your professors, and last but not least have fun. You learn so much in college, not only in classes, but outside of them as well. Don't let opportunities pass you by, everyone in college is eager to help you, be friends with you, and learn with you. Laugh hard, study hard, and don't forget your parents, after all they're the reason you're here! :)

Some information that I would give to parents and/or students would be to definately go on a tour of the campus. That is what gave me the most information that I needed to help me decide where I wanted to go. Also. Parents need to go to orientation with their student to help get all the information that they would need. When chosing housing, it would be best to look at the dorm during the campus tour that way when the student is signing up online they know for sure which one they want to stay in. For the student, staying with someone that you know in the dorm room is probably not the best thing to do. Room with someone that you dont know, that way you dont get tired of your best friend and you get to meet all new friends through the new room mate. Take advantage of anything that might interest you, if you don't like it at least you tried it and maybe made more new friends.

My advice to parents and students when looking for the right college is to do your research. Look at everything that the campus has to offer and call the school and talk to real students in order to make your descion. I would also go and visit the campus and walk around and ask a bunch of question so that you really get a deep fill of what the campus is about. I would also when you chose the college and you get there i would join groups that are really about YOU and it really helps you make friends that you will have for the rest of your life. To the most of the college experience get involed and don't stay stuck in the dorm all day get out and have fun and join groups to really help you experience the college life.

Pick a school that excels in the student's choice of study. You should also make sure that the environment will be one that the student can live in, and be able to excel socially as well as acedemically.

Focus most on being comfortable in your environment, not on sports or extra curricular activities

I would suggest selecting a school with small classes. It is easier to learn and communicate ideas or thoughts to professors and students. Selecting a smaller school allows oneself to get aquainted with the same group of people. Enjoy your college years it is the last chance before the real world sets in. Make good grades, you dont want to regret not studying for a grade you may need later down the road. Find a major the you will love. School is hard enough on its own, especially is you dont love what you are doing.

Talk to current students and hear what they have to say about the school because let's face it, nobody's going to know their school better than them. The answers they give you, take them and consider the good things, don't harp on the bad experiences that people have had because you have the opportunity to shape and mold your college career however you see fit based on the opportunities presented to you. Also...GET AS INVOLVED AS YOU CAN! Get involved in anything and everything up until it starts to affect your schoolwork. You'll benefit greatly!

The less that one has to worry about throughout college, the better off you'll be. Money is a big factor in obtaining a higher education. Ensure that you have financial obligations and budgets in line when it comes time to start each semester. The less time you spend worrying about the next tuition installment, the next fraternity payment, the supplemental book you didn't get for that class because you didn't necessarily need it, or whether or not you'll have enough party money, the more time you'll have to find yourself. College environments tend to foster a culture of self-awareness--personally, socially, and intellectually. Once you find yourself, you become the only thing holding you back...unless you didn't take care of your money situation in the beginning.

To find the right college be sure to visit the campus. Talk with students and alumni about their experience at the campus. Once you have found what you believe is the right campus find an organization to join. One that shares the same beliefs and/or interests. That is where friends are sure to be found.

To Parent's: Don't force your child to go to a college they don't want to go to , or into a degree they don't want to persue. And make sure they know the value of whose ( whether it's your's or the government's that they have to eventually pay back) money they are spending. To students: Don't waste your life. Make sure you're persuing what you want for your future. Go to class, if you get into trouble make sure it was worth it.