The University of Texas at Austin Top Questions

Visit the campus before you make your decision to attend any school. Get involoved in the campus life by joining an organization!

Talk to people who've already been to the school, people who you can relate to. Try to develop good study habits BEFORE coming to the university, it'll save you a lot of time and stress.

I would tell incoming students and their parents that it takes time finding the right college that both the student and parents can agree on. It also takes a lot of planning financially. I say that if the school is willing to give out scholarships and more financial aid than another school that is equally as good, then take the school that is willing to give you more because what is there to lose?

I would tell parents and/ or students not to look for a college that they feel has the best program for a certain degree or is known as one of the top colleges in the world. It's really important to look for which college best fits the person's personality and their values. You can attend Harvard Law because it has one of the best Law programs, but if you totally feel out of place because it doesn't match who you are, you will probably be unhappy. Something else that is really important is to not lose your identity once you attend college. If you feel that you have to drastically alter yourself to fit in with a group or the studens at the university, you may not be in the right group or the right university. Being true to yourself will not only help you to find the right institution to attend but it will help you to have a greater college experience. God made you who you are for a reason, so hey, just take advantage of it.

Research is key! Always make sure you have looked at all available options. Don't ever limit yourself because you think a school is too expensive or too far away. The most important thing is to keep your optiosn open. Visiting the campus of any school you're considering is also very important. If the campus is in the middle of the city and in a very unsafe environment you want to know this before you choose that school. It's also always a good idea to apply to a "backup" school. Someplace you know will accept you and still has a decent reputation as an academic institution. Another thing you want to look into is the real estate market in the area of the campus. Usually by your junior or senior year you might be looking for an apartment. If you're in an expensive market it sucks to find out your options are limited to the shady parts of town because you aren't making enough money to afford anything nicer or closer to campus. Last bit of advice is to relax and make sure to stay organized so you don't become oeverwhelmed.

It's easy to forget that college is more than just life after high school. College is preparation for an entire life. To make the best of it one should dive right in with no hesitation. Don't be afraid to make new friends, join a new club, try a new restaurant, or try that random anthropology class. College is a time to explore the world around you and to explore yourself. Don't forget that you're paying for this chance to learn, too. Talk to your professors and find out what made them passionate about ther subject so you can become passionate about it, too. College is lots of fun but difficult at times as well. Stick with it! It will be over before you know it. When you're all said and done and that degree is in your hand I want you to feel confident that you made each and every day count. I hope you know that you made every friend you could and saw everything you could and learned everything you could and for the rest of your life you can remember all those times and smile because you know, you did it all!

In my opinion, the most important factors in determing the right college are its academic strength in the particular area of study (or overall if you are undecided), it's cost and possible scholarships, the city and environment, and the prestige of the school. These categories should be ranked in that order. The first is important because a student must be prepared to find a job once s/he has finished college. In order to be competitive in the global market, students must learn and work from and with the best. Cost and possible scholarships come in at a close second. Students should always try and get as many scholarships and grants as they can to lower the cost of undergraduate work. However, if the student is unable to get the required money, a determination must be made to either take a loan for a better school, or go to a lower ranked school. Students must consider this carefully. The city and environment are important because they affect the student's mood and life style. If s/he does not like the environment, make sure to take it into consideration. Finally, prestige brings connections. Connections help students get better jobs.

Make a list of your personality traits as a student. Are you generally very focused, or do you need a lot of motivation? This will determine the size of school you are interested in. School visits are also very imporant; if the University's representatives are nice and helpful, thats a huge selling point. Any place that makes it hard for you to get information is a deal breaker. Take financial aid year by year and don't let it stop you from going to the school with the most attractive program for YOUR personal needs and goals.

Go with your heart, college is a grueling process at times so you have to love where you're at. I love the school I go to and I am proud to be receiving my degree from here. I remember that every time I have 4 tests, a job and a social life to stress about. Most of all don't take college too seriously or you won't get to enjoy all there is to offer, find a balance and have fun!

When a student graduates high school, they may be faced with certain pressures that come from their parents, friends, and other societal factors in general. As an individual, you must remember that you have to distinguish your own goals from those of your elders and your peers. College is not for everyone, and people need to realize it before they blow 2 years tuition on a degree they wont be able to attain due to a lack of funds, or come graduation four years later are regretful that they have pushed themselves into a career that is not characteristic of them whatsoever. The important thing to realize is that only you can decide what is best for you. If a college education is right for you, you will know it. If you are able to construct a realistic path to a realistic destination, then I say "let the hard work, dedication and focus be with you all the way as you enjoy this amazing learning experience!" If you are sure you want to attend college, you have to be certain you are studying for yourself and your own ideas of success. Society cannot always judge accurately at the individual level.