Texas State University Top Questions

The best advice that I would give to anyone trying to find the right college is to start out by going to a community college to get the basics out of the way, while discovering what it is that you truely desire to do and what makes you the happiest. College is expensive these days and the way the Economy is now, its not getting any easier. Going to community college will be the cheapest solution to getting a bulk of the boring classes out of the way, then deciding where transfer to for the fun classes that will lead to the carreer goal of choice. Also, do your reasearch on which schools have the best programs for what it is that you want to persue as a carreer. Any two campuses could have the same program, but one could show higher success rate in the feild for their graduates. Most of all never give up hope on finding a college because when you least expect it, the right one just may find you.

I would tell the parents: For the first semester, you're kids will call you about 5 times a day. They miss you and it's a new experience for them. It's going to be hard for them. Don't pressure them too much. Remember, they're still young and human. Once they're in their 2nd year, you'll be getting call once every 2/3 weeks. It's not that they don't love/ miss you any less. By now they've had the chance to make new friends and have a routine. I would tell the students: Go to class! I know you're probably tired of hearing it but it's very true. Write things down in a planner. It helps. Remember to call you're parents, they're worried about you. Make sure you budget yourself. You don't want to run out of money and the semster is only half over. Take care of your bills first, then put some aside for when the tough times come. Sleep is important. That paper may need to get done but if you're on 2 hours sleep, it won't help you finish on time.

When it comes to finding the right college, definately visit the campus before making any decisions. Talk to the people there and hear what they have to say about the school. Check out surrounding the area too, see what kind of vibe you get from it. In the end, you will know which school is right for you. Once enrolled, make the most out of your college experience by taking time to visit your professors during their office hours. Get to know them and you will find yourself getting more out of their classes. Also, live on campus for at least your first year. It will give greater access to many fun and educational activities on campus that you will most likely not attend if you live off campus. College is the time to try new things and make new friends. Making the most out of it will prepare you for a lifetime of success.

I believe that finding the right college is all about finding a place that is going to welcome you. By this I mean a college that is going to take time to make sure you are comfortable and help introduce you to your classmates. The administration should be very helpful and concerned about your issues and questions that you have. Making the most out of the college experience is all about how much time and effort you put into it and how much you allow yourself to get involved in and take in. For the most part you should always be welcomed to new things and never let someone hold you back from trying something new or doing something that you want to do. You really have to learn to just be yourself and not let others guide you. Be a leader for yourself and not a follower. Do what is best for you and don't worry about those that are insecure and try to bring you down with them.

I feel as though students should look for a college or university that allows them the chance to start over. So many students go to a college to follow the majority of people that they know so they can continue to be in their comfort zone throughout their education. Going somewhere that nobody you knows gives you the chance to really learn who you are and what you are capable of doing in life. Also, once you finally choose the right school for you, you should find out who you are, get involved, and do what you want to do. Don't allow your parents rules or expectations hold you back. The great thing about college is the chance to be independent and make your own life and own choices. Those are the two most important lessons I learned in my three years of college.

I would tell students and or parents to try and select a community college to attend and complete basic required courses, then find a 4 year university that offers a program of interest, although I had many fun experiences living in the dorms and making friends, overall I feel like I could have saved thousands and made it a little easier on myself and parents. Plus, courses at community colleges tend to be a little easier, so the transistion won't be hard on your GPA.

I started my college experience 3 years ago at the age of 47. I appreciate education more now than I'm a little older than if I had attended college right out of high school. I think the first priority is for the school to match the student. In other words, not only should the degree program reflect the student's interest, it should also reflect the current, and future, job market. This increases the student's chances to succeed after graduation. I also would argue that it's to the prospective student's benefit to work the year after graduating from high school before starting college. This would give them a chance to "decompress" as well as anticipate the college experience. I also think this would reduce the rate of dropouts, chances of burnout, and the tough transition from home life to college life. I enjoyed the survey and found the questions fair and well thought out. Thanks.

Visit the college and if you can, don't take the touur. Find someone you know who goes there to show you the real college. Also, just let it speak to you, when you find the right college...you will know.

Students and parents should realize that every college campus has its own personality and finding the right college involves matching the student's needs and expectations with the right atmosphere. Students will find that many schools can offer them the education they are looking for academically, but there is more to college than classes and studying. College is a part of life that will stay with a person forever; many people learn valuable life lessons, discover themselves, and possibly meet their future life partners. It is important to find a college that provides a lush environment for living outside of the classroom; one that promises new friends and a healthy social life. It is important that a campus allow students to be responsible and independent, but also provide services that are there to help students if they need it. Being out on your own and away from home can be a difficult transition that can often make students feel isolated and alone. A college campus that has a friendly and helpful staff as well as a healthy social atmosphere can bring students out of their shell and into their own.

Try and find a school that makes both the parents and the student happy. My school is close enough to my family (3 hours) that they can come visit, but far anough away that I feel independent and on my own. Look for a school that not only has prestige associated with it's name, but also with it's education. One reason that I chose Texas State is because it was a good school for my chosen field (theatre) and it was good school for my family and myself budgetwise. Yes, I could have gone to another school that was more expensive and larger, but I really felt as though I got a more hands on experience in my education here.