The University of Texas at Austin Top Questions

Be sure you know the atmosphere of the college. Tour it to see if you like it. Perhaps, go visit during an actual school day to see what it's like on regular class days. Notice things like student density, aesthetics of the campus, and clubs available. Of course, going to college is about the schooling, so be sure that it is academically up to your standards.

It is important to know what you want out of school. For example, do you want a party atmosphere or a or a strictly education cut throat one. Know what size of school you are most comfortable with by visiting several different size schools. Lastly, choose a school that is financialy right for you.

When visiting a college, go with what feels right. If you feelings of doubt of fitting in or liking the environment that the school offers, don't ignore them. Even if the school has been recognized for having the 'best' program for what you want to do, if you don't enjoy the atmosphere, you won't have a good experience.

Definitely visit the campus, sit in on some classes, and compare the specific programs you're interested in!

I was told during my transfer student orientation that I, being a transfer student, would have the hardest time adjusting to the university. It turns out that this is true. I chose to become a liberal, city-going longhorn surrounded by the busy streets of Austin, the multiplying population of homeless people, and the most unlikely personalities from every different walk of life. Regret is never a comforting feeling to have in the back of your mind, but it seems to keep growing. I decided to go to the University of Texas in Austin because I felt it was best for my education and future profession. However, now I realize their is more to making a decision (for whether a four-year stay or longer) on which college to go to than just these two aspects. Choose a college which, of course, suits your area of study, but also has the right school and social environment for your liking. It is more important for you to feel as though you belong and can feel comfortable in the college environment. UT may (or may not) be of any benefit towards my future than a regular four-year college. I thought so.

Have fun, be studious, and follow your heart to what you want to do in college.

The first thing to look at is how it ranks in the academic area you will be concentrating in, and consider how the college ranks in other majors/departments because you might change you academic path. Don't be intimidated by schools with large student populations. Many large schools have ways of making you become part of a close knit community. Also, it is necessary to visit the college before you make your decision. Visit the shops, restaurants, and other venues surrounding campus. This is where you will be spending all of your time when you aren't on campus. Make an effort to talk to random students you run into on your campus visit. If you have questions, then they're the ones who will give you the honest answers. Once you've made your decision and are at college remember to go for it, whatever 'it' may be. Now you are on your own and have to look out for yourself and your future. If you want to take Portuguese, then do it. If you want to try the new sushi place down the street, then do it. Explore and observe because that is how we learn!

The college search is an important decision in a person's life however, it is one of many big decisions that effect your life. With this in mind it is important to realize that college can act as a stepping stone towards more ambitious and long term life goals that you may want to pursue. Throughout high school it is important to begin deciding what you like, not what you want to be. Stay focussed in high school and instead of doing 10 different extra-curricular activities do 2 or 3 that show committment and hopefully some merit (awards, leadership, etc.) Also the SAT and ACT are becoming increasingly irrelevant however, they are still a large factor in college decisions so as of now devote time and effort into doing your best on them. The most important thing I can advise students is this, make a ongoing goal that you as a student become an individual and liberal (

Must balance your studies and your social life, youwill not be happy with out either, and you will not do well without both. You'll get depressed if study to much and never go out, but you will also get upset when you fail a class becuase you were to busy learning what drinks mix together. Also get out of your convert box, try new things even just once, give them a whirl you'll never know what you like until you try. Parents do not hoover over your children, leave them be to figure out how to deal with things by themselves so they can stnad on their own two feet.

First, I would encourage parents not to put too many restrictions on their kids but instead allow them to experience college life. LIving in the dorms is great, and although you may feel community baths are dirty, they are the best option. Also, preparing for college by taking dual credit classes will really help you not only get a feel for college grading, but will provide leeway if one chooses to switch majors because switching majors can put you a semester or two behind, depending on when you switch. I would like to encourage students to get involved, make friends, be out going, and live life. This is your time to shine, so live it to the fullest. Don't be too concerned with impressing people, but work on finding yourself by deciding who you want to be. Be open minded and willing to try new things, but also know your own standards and stick to them.