Truman State University Top Questions

Don't ever make your final college decsion based on the price tag, unless you can also place a price on your dignity and sanity

It's not always a good thing to base everything on cost. For example, Truman is one of cheapest, if not the cheapest, 4-year universities in the midwest, but it's academic standards are really high. Truman also expects more from their students than just making the grade, especially if you have a university scholarship( there is a scholarship hour service requirement). Campus diversity is also important not just for interaction with other types of people, but the more diverse the more chances you have to branch away from what's comfortable and try something new.

Apply even when you don't think you can get in, because chances are taking a rick and getting to pick the college of your dreams is better than wishing for four or more years that you had done things differently. Don't be afraid to go out and make friends, try new things and learn outside of the classroom. Learning doesn't end when we close the books!!!

It's okay to let yourself be scared for a little while, but don't let it paralyze you. Don't let your fear prevent you from making the college choice that's right for you, and that will help you grow the most -- and don't allow fear to keep you from exploring.

If you don't know what you want to do, explore your options. Actually, I'd say explore your options anyway. If things get overwhelming, slow down or take a break. Do at least one internship, if not more. Try to get involved, but not outrageously so.

I would suggest to make sure you start looking early and visit often. Visit every school you apply to.

Pick the school with the best academic record that is also affordable. Talk to some of the professors and students on campus (that do not lead the campus tours). If you have any inkling of areas that you want to study, make sure that your school is strong in those disciplines.

Do not get overwhelmed by the process. Start by figuring out concrete things you want in a school to help narrow down the list of many, many schools. Then look at those schools in length. If possible, talk to students who are currently there, ones you know through someone, not people recommended by the school. The people who give tours and work for admissions are supposed to make the school look great, but if you talk to a different student, and ask for their honest opinion, you will get a more realistic view of the school and if you will fit well at that school. Just remember that every school if different, some will be a good fit, others won't. Do not get frustrated, you will find the right school, just don't stress over it.

I would highly advice highschool students planning to go to college to begin their search around the time they end their sophmore year so as to give themselves ample time to get everything in order as far as grades and establishing a strong background in terms of extracurricular activities. Take it in strides so as not to tire yourself out. Also, if something feels right, give it a shot even if your parents turn a mean eye to it.

College is not a means to an end. The university is an experience which should encourage the exploration of self, expose the student to new ideas and prospectives, and facilitate mental, spiritual, and social growth. The opinions of current and former students as well as the strength of the extracurricular support structure should be as much of a consideration as any academic ranking. The environmental characteristics of any college under evaluation should also be weighed against the student's preference, be it urban, suburban, or rural, large or small student body, emphasis on athletics, and so on. Take the name on the threshold with a grain of salt ; ivy league does not necessarily equate to a wholistic experience and quality education. These are dependent upon the student's disposition: you get out of it what you put into it. Satisfaction with one's environment heavily influences this attitude. As a final note, strive to remove (or delay) the financial burden from the student as much as possible, through scholarships, loans, and fellowships. Avoid requiring supplemental income (a job), so that the student can focus on the experience and their studies. You only get four years (five if you're lucky)!