University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Top Questions

The advice I would give parents and students making the college decision is to find a college that fits the student. My senior year of high school, my mom asked me, "do you want to be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in an ocean?" For me, I had been at a small school long enough and wanted the experience of a larger one like the University of Oklahoma. This decision was the right one for, although it took some adjusting at first. I think it's a matter of personality. No close friends of mine were coming to OU, but that didn't stop me. I have never been one to shy away from something different and new, but some students may feel this way. If a student thinks he or she might feel overwhelmed when beginning college, then perhaps a smaller school is the answer. I believe the right school just depends on the student's personality and where they will feel most comfortable. Big schools aren't for everyone, and there's no shame in that.

Follow your heart

To research the campus before you apply, and rank the department you are entering. The department I am in does extensive research, involves the students in various lectures outside of class, and has a great student/teacher relationship, which were all things that I was looking for in a campus.

Visit the college you are wanting to go to along with others. I knew which college I wanted to go to the instance I set foot on the campus. I told my mom "this one feels like home." I believe that is the best way to know you are at the right school. Also, make sure the college has the degree fields you are wanting to explore.

The most important thing to do in finding the right college is to visit ALL of the potential universities you might attend. Once you are on campus you get a better feel of how the student body and faculty are. Pictures on the interenet are good but visiting the campus in person will best help you decide where you want to be. If you are not able to go to the campus then it would be best to ask a couple current students at the university about their experience. Once you are attending the college in order to make the most of your experience you must get involved. Whether it be in a fraternity/sorority, student government, or club. When you get involved in different groups you are able to meet different people and make life long friends, while maybe even gaining experience for your future careet.

Do your research. Pick based on your major and what the school can do for you.

Visit the college prior to enrollment and speak with various students in your major, ask them anything and everything you can think of.

Deciding on where to attend college is one of the most imporant decisions in a young person's life. There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration. Personally, I applied a wholistic approach on where I wanted to attend. I wanted to make sure that the university would statisfy my academic, social, and entertainment needs. If your desire is to bury yourself in books and only learn, then you are obviously going to weigh heavily on the academic quality of the institution. In the same way if you want to use college as a place to make friends and socialize, then you might consider a university with a strong Greek community. My choice was based on the quility of the department of my major, the location of the university, sports program, and the quality and amount of student organizations. I believe if each individual analyzes their wants and needs and simply apply it to their college search, it is inevitable that they will find a university that they will love.

Just pick the one that feels right to you.

Be sure to visit the college and make sure that the student enjoys the location. Most people who don't enjoy college, don't like what the college has to offer. Also, being active and participating in school functions help make great friends and the experience even more enjoyable.