University of Arkansas Top Questions

The most important part of any students college selecting process is actually getting out and on to the campuses which they are considering. I really implore all students to get out and visit multiple universities. I believe that I was swayed by my University because it was the only one I visited. However, college and the experiences you have are really dependant on you, the student.

I think it is important for prospective students and their parents to sit down and discuss their options. Parents need to inform the student of their opinions, while remembering that it is not their own experience it is their children's. Students need to be realistic and understand that their parents usually do know what is best and can help them decide on the right fit for them. I feel it is very beneficial for parents and students to tour the campus' they're interested in pursuing. If money is an issue, it is crucial to realize this early on so the student can accomplish what they need to in high school in order to receive financial aid for college. Although not everyone ends up attending the school of their dreams, you can make the school the best experience by remaining open-minded and adaptable. There are great students and programs on every campus and the four years in college go by too fast to have a pity party.

When deciding on the right college, I would advise students to visit college campuses so that they may assess which environment would be more conducive to their educational and personal well-being. The college visit allows prospective students to get the point-of-view of current students on the good and the bad that come with being a student at their respective schools. The visit also allows the family to meet faculty and advisors so they can assess how serious the institution is about placing the students' interest first. It's important that students choose an institution that will foster their interest both inside and outside the classroom; the college experience is about educational, cultural, and social enrichment. Whether one preferes to enhance their experience by joining a greek organization, participating in local volunteer opportunities, or starting a new student organization on campus, they should make sure that these opportunities will be available to them at their institution of interest. Overall, visiting the college and asking the appropriate questions is one of the best ways to ensure that prospective students don't get duped or disappointed by making a decision soley based on college information and pamphlets received via mail.

Take note of the sizes of the colleges and find a size that suites you. Don't feel like you have to have a career goal and/or major selected as soon as you get to college. Most people end up changing their majors at least once, so don't feel obligated to stick with something you don't enjoy. Take fun classes if you have time. If you enjoy tennis or art and don't plan on majoring in anything related to that, don't wory, take a tennis or art class for fun. Don't feel overwhelmed, there are tons of people going through the exact same things as you. Don't get so wrapped up in the social scene that you forget what your in school to do --learn. Don't schedule early classes your first semester, you might regret it later. Know that your teachers are there to help, they are not evil people who are out to get you. Go talk to your teachers if you are having trouble, just they fact that you came to them for help can give an advantage if you need one. The main thing is to have fun!

It's best to explore as many options as you can. I choose my college too quickly wished throughout my entire undergraduate career that I would have toured more colleges. Start your search early, visit as many places as you can, and don't feel like you have to pick anything immediately. You should take your time!

I know it is very hard to find the best university, but my advice to parents of future students is to pick University of Arkansas at Fayetteville for the future of their children, because they will make the best choice in their life! For students I would recommend to get involved in extra-curricular activities on campus, as well as visit the Career Center at the university for more future job opportunities!

Figure out what major interests you before reaching college, and then when you get there stay focused. The Times you put into your homework and studies will give you more self reward mentally and financially than anything wlse you will do while in school.

Spend time comparing the majors. Listen to what your child wants to do with their careers. Find the best fit of a school that offers majors which align with your childs goal. Encourage your child to spend at least one year in a dorm, this is where a lot of friends are made. Dorm life also helps prepare your child for living in off campus housing much better then jumping into an apartment from the beginning. Encourage the use of out of class help like school offered tutoring or extra study sessions. Stress the importance of your childs GPA for potential employers. Teach your child how to handle high levels of stress and how to be adequately prepared for each class.

I would tell parents and students to do their research. Most High Schools give students college days. Students should use these to their advantage. It may not seem "cool" to take mom and dad along, but most-likely mom and dad will be the ones footing the bills. So they should definitely be part of the decision making process. When students and parents visit the campuses, they should sit-in on a class. This will give the students a good feel of what class life is like for students at that particular school. Parents and students alike should use these visits as days to ask tons of questions. Both parents and students should sit down and make a list of questions that are important to them to ask students or faculty of the schools. Some of the questions should definitely involve academic life, social life, and financial aid.

Make sure that the place offers your major. Also check up on the teachers in that area. Overall, go where you would be happiest.