University of Central Missouri Top Questions

Look and see what the rating is for your major is, and then take a campus tour. Sit in on a class and observe what it is like.

Never think that an out of state university is not possible because I almost thought that until i sent in applications to UCM and to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. My family may not be rich but we found ways through financial aid.

Start early. Don't wait until your senior year in high school. Your high school career will make or break your chances of getting into a great college and getting into a good college. Make sure that you start looking early and often into what kind of college you want to attend and what kind of degree you want to get. You have to work hard once you get to college. If you slack off all the time, you're just wasting your time and money. Make friends, but make the right friends. If you're around people who work hard and have fun, its so much easier to do the same. Get your priorities straight. You're at college to get an education, a degree. Anything else comes second to that.

I would tell students the most important thing to do before picking the college you want to attend would be to visit the college. Just visiting the college allows students to get the vibe of the college, students and faculty and staff. It also gets students ready for college. To make the most of your college experience, students should become involved in activities that allow them to be themselves and pertains to the major and future career. However, I do believe what is helping me the most through college is getting to know my professors in my major. Students should not be afraid to talk to their professors because once the professors were students as well. Overall, the most important thing to do to make the most of your college experience is to have fun.

Get involved, leave your door open, and just take it all in

When you begin looking for a college, take a lot of campus visits. Even if you're just a little interested in the college, you may get on campus and realize its the most wonderful place you've ever been. Once you decide on a college it gets so much easier. The best advice I ever got was to get involved. I didn't really believe it until I got to school and realized how lonely it can be if all you do is sit in your dorm and watch t.v. So the best thing to do is find something you're interested in, whether its going greek, a campus organization, or even starting a band, just find something to do.

For students, I would suggest doing things out of the box that one would not normally do. Have fun, and take advantage of all the opportunities one gets.

I would make sure that the student knows the ins and outs of the degree program they are interested in, appearance of the campus, the size and location of the school, their perception of the attitude they get from students, social opportunities, job-placement services, cost of the school, etc. and weigh them all as if they are equally important. Do things that are outside of your comfort zone, don't be embarassed for asking questions, and try to get to know as many people as possible.

Choosing a college is not easy. There are many options and this can make the process extremely difficult and stressful. Parents and students must work together in order to find the perfect school. My advice would be to do all the research and find out as much as possible about each school the student is interested in. Tuition is an important aspect to acknowledge when looking for a college. Not every school is created equal so it is smart to know what kind of education the student would recieve for the amount of money being paid. Class size is also important. Does the student enjoy large or small classes? Are there plenty of opportunities to meet with professors and recieve help if it is needed? Will they be a number or will they be on a name to name basis with the professors? All these things are very important to know. Envolment opportunities are also helpful. Having many options of sports, clubs, and groups helps students get involved and gain a sense of belonging. In short, take plenty of time when looking for the perfect school. The right one is out there it just takes time to find it.

Look aheah at cost and academics