University of Missouri-Columbia Top Questions

Be prepared for the larger classes and not getting that one on one with your professors as often as you'd like. Buy a planner and write EVERYTHING down in it, from due dates to appointments. Don't slack and think you can get away with it like you did in high school. :)

Study, study, study! Don't slack off because you think you know the material. don't be afraid to make new friends! Be open to new possibilities! And have FUN!

If I were able to talk to my high school senior self I would focus on one thing, finances. I knew it was important at the time that I should apply for FASFA and apply to scholarships, but I did not take into account how there are hundreds of other who are just as good and even better that are applying for the same scholarship. My freshman year of college I went to an out of state school and I did not handle my finances as I should have. It caused me to pay late fees and eventually I learned that I could not afford to go there, so I returned to my home state. Even though I am getting better at handling my finances I would tell that 18 year old me to work more and save more in case something were to go wrong.

One would be about attitude. Despite what it may seem, I really have learned that there is never any reason to criticize, condemn, or complain. It does not get people over to your way of thinking. And doing so does not help your situation. Walking the walk, instead of talking the talk.

I would tell myself to always keep trying, college is tough but it is a lot hard if you don't try. In high school it was easy to do the bare minimum and get buy, in college teachers really don't care if you don't show up or do your work because you're an adult and it is your choice. But you cannot take that kind of freedom for granted, or you will quickly fall behind.

College life is not nearly as scary as you think it will be in High School, it is not all about parties and picking the best school for drinking either. College is focused on education and getting you ahead in life; it is learning how to make your own decisions and how to become successful. You'll often make life long friends and meet successful people in your field of interest. You'll have free time to do whatever you want but you should remember to stay focused because you don't want to affect your education by doing something stupid. Mostly its about learing to become the best you can, independently, and having fun while your there.

Tour the camuses and find the right fit for you.

I would encourage students to explore ALL opportunities. If it is possible, I believe students should look at in-state and out-of-state universities of all sizes and in all locations. This method led me to Mizzou and I couldn't be happier! The key is to find the university that fits you, not your friends or your parents, best!

Choosing the right college is very important. There are many factors to consider, such as money, potential majors, settings, and overall fit. I think that it is really important to apply to more than one school. Also visit the schools you apply to to make sure you can see yourself on that particular campus. College is what you make it. Both the students and the parents have to go in with the right mindset. You're there to learn, but you're also there to have fun and build lifelong relationships. So choosing the right college and making the best of your time there is very important.

When choosing the right college, make sure you visit it. Places look and feel different than what is on the website and in pamphlets. Every college has a different feel and they all won't work with your style. It's important to feel comfortable or you won't preform well academically.