University of Missouri-Columbia Top Questions

College is all about what you make it. You don't have to go away to a fancy or expensive university of have an amazing experience. Definitely take into consideration what you can afford, because although student loans are helpful, all too often students find themselves swimming in debt. I guarantee you can find a school that matches what you want, and accomodates your financial situation. Always apply for scholarships. A lot of times students think that they don't qualify for aid or scholarships based on their financial status, ethnicity, age, etc., but you can always find scholarships... you might just have to search for them. Also, make sure you feel comfortable at your school. Visit the campus before you make a decision. That school is going to be your home for the next four years (give or take a few) and you don't want to feel like you don't belong there. And just have fun. Definitely make sure you keep up with your academics, but go out and make friends, too. Join clubs. Play sports. Do whatever makes you happy, because otherwise your experience won't be worth much at all.

You must reasearch your college. Visit your college of choice find programs to intergrate you with people attending or about to attend that college. Make friends and form strong bonds for support when you are away from home it helps. Find out if they have organizations that fit you. Make the time to learn all about your future college.

Don't pick a college based on one factor. One University might be the best place for a certain program, but if you hate the town or the school is smaller than you what you are looking for or its too expensive, it's not worth it! You need to weigh every factor equally. Many schools will be appropiate for you program of interest. Find one that is about the right size, a desirable distance from home, and offers you some sort of financial aid. Also, do not base your decision on what your friends or family want you to do. They're not the ones who will be living there for four years. It's all about YOU.

I have already had this opportunity. When my good friend, mentor, and scout leader, and his son asked me about advice on college, and how to choose I told them this.. I love Mizzou, I have a lot of fun, but it is tough. You have to visit the campus to see what you are getting into. BeforeI first visted Mizzou, I had no intentions of attending here. After my visit, I was almost certian that I would come here. I recieved no scholarships from Mizzou, or any financial aid. With that being said, I recieved an offer, or an undisclosed ammount from a university in Texas for swimming. I always planned on attending school in Texas, but Mizzou just seemed like the right thing. I dont regret anything about my decision to come here. I have a lot of fun, and my friends i have met here (in my classes, not at parties) we have become real close. We study during the week, and then go out on the weekends. All you have to do to succed is try! Surround yourself with people like you, know your limits, and go out and meet people. Your life depends on it.

Make sure you choose a college where you can learn what you want to learn. Dont be tempted to choose a major because you can make alot of money or that your friends are in. Do something you love and don't settle for anything less. Have fun and party but not too much. Study hard and get good grades. Don't slack off the first year because it will be harder to get your gpa back up. Be a kid but learn to grow up a little too. Be smart with your money and learn what loans are and interest rates! Go to a school that you can call your home. When it seems to get too hard, study more and party less! Have FUN!

Remember that the quality of the education recieved is not based only on the college which you attend, but also the amount of effort you, yourself put into your education. Picking an expensive school because it is private and more well known does not gaurantee success. Likewise, choosing a large state school does not prohibit success. If you strive to recieve a good education, you will be able to succeed at whatever institution you choose. Even at large schools, in large lectures, meeting with professors one on one is commonplace (and very helpful) as long as YOU initiate the communication. Instead, when you search for a school, think of how often you want to return home, how comfortable you think you will be without your high school friends and family, how big of a school you would be comfortable at, or use this choice as a way to explore some area of the world you have never seen before. In my choice, I decided that it was important for me to stay near home and with my friends (I'm quite shy), but I know the quality of my education has not at all been diminished by my choice.

do what makes sense to you.. not someone else

When choosing a college, their education programs is not the only factor to look into. Although it is important to find the right and best program for you, you should look into other factors like how involved you would like to be on campus and if the school has enough extracurricular activities for you. Perhaps you are interested in the town locally and want to learn more about the surrounding community. Maybe you may like a small college compared to a university. Fact is each student is looking for different things that interest them in the school. It's most important to visit the school and get a feel if it's a right fit for you. If you can envision yourself at the school and love the education program you are in, everything will fall into place. There is usually a place for every type of student at most colleges. It is what you make of the experience once you choose the college that will determine if you have made it right for yourself.

I never visited the campus before I decided to attend Mizzou. I lucked out, because I love Mizzou. But, in the case of most, it is probably best to visit the campus before agreeing to attend it. Most colleges are going to be the same way, anyway. You get out of it what you put into it. For example, if you want to have a studious 4 years, you can do so by finding quiet places to study on a regular basis. If you want a crazy time, then there will be other people who share your desire for a good time.

I would advise parents to visit the schools of interest before deciding to attend school there. Talk with current students so you can find out the advantages and disadvantages with that particular school. Also, visit many schools. There is no way of knowing what school fits best for a student until they have had several choices to compare against each other. It also helps to know what general field the student plans to focus on in school so they can meet potential teachers and aquire connections early on. This is particularly true for smaller colleges