Washington State University Top Questions

If you are only 99{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure of what you want to do in life, go to a large university. The large diversity of programs and students will provide enough opportunities for you to find exactly what to make of yourself and your career. I have always wanted to become a veterinarian, but I wasn't completely sure. So I attended WSU partly because it has a College of Veterinary Medicine, and partly because of its size. I am glad I made that decision. I am still heading down the path of Veterinary Medicine, but I've found other aspects of the life sciences that intrigue me. Small campuses are nice for students who are definate in what they want for a career and for those who can handle a small community. I personally do not want my neighbores to know my private life, and at a large university I only have to know my neighbores if I want to. Also, be careful with how far you go away from home. The distance can break the greatest of students if they are not well prepared. Other than that, I wish you the best of luck!

Students, no matter what school you choose to attend, do not ever let yourself become so involved in your studies that you forget to enjoy the abundance of opportunity that lies beyond the classroom. College is a balancing game where academics and responsibility are weighted against social ties and frivolous activities. To observe one without the other is a sure sign of disaster to come. Know that as you learn to tip these scales into equilibrium, there will be moments of tremendous triumph and horrendous failure. And it is the collection of all these moments that lay the foundation for your growth and prosperity. The expensive piece of paper that you earn at the end of your run signifies to the world that you have mastered the art of balance in spite of your fortunes and pitfalls. Bear these things in mind, and with no doubt in confidence, you may rest assured that your college experience will be a successful one.

I believe it's important to visit the colleges you're interested in and to talk to students currently going there. The website and statistics can only tell you so much; you need to see if you feel at home in that community. It's a great idea to go on a campus tour and talk to advisors in the programs you're interested in as well. Once you're in school, try to maintain a good balance of studying and social time with friends. Obviously, college is the place you'll meet many lifelong friends and possibly even the person you choose to marry. But you've always got to remember you're there to learn as well. If you've got to work, I recommend getting an on-campus job if possible, because normally on-campus employers are more flexible and understand student's lives. Most of all, I would say just get involved and find out what you love doing. Whether it's an academic club, student body, intramural sports or a religious or cultural group, find out what you enjoy and do it! It's a great way to meet people and round out your education.

Parents: Dont pressure your child into going to a college or getting a degree they don't want, just because you want them to have it. I know so many kids, including myself, who are so paranoid and anxious about failing that it becomes hard to succeed. Support your child and if they don't do well, cut them some slack. Chances are that the problem wasn't a lack of being prepared or doing the work. College is hard, if it wasn't everyone would have a degree. Students: Find your balance between your fun and your school work. It's fun to party and hang out with your friends but in the mean time theres always work to be done. Get things done before you go out so that you aren't getting swamped and overwhelmed when tests and deadlines come up. Writing a paper or cramming the night before a test are the best ways to do poorly. Finally, cut yourself some slack during your time in college. Im so uptight about trying to do well I smother myself and have become a perfectionist in a place where perfection doesnt exist.

I would tell them to visit each campus. You cannot attend a college without visiting it! When you get to the campus, get a tour of campus. Find out about the academic choices, as well as extracurricular choices. The most important thing about is your visit is that you feel comfortable on that campus. If you feel at home, then you know you were meant to go to that school.

I think students should visit their college choices more than once before deciding which college is right for them. I visited a school in Indiana and fell in love with it at once. I thought it was the perfect place, everyone was so nice and welcoming, but once I decided to attend school there I realized I didn't love it as much as before. I missed home and because of that didn't take advantage of the good things out there. I stayed in my dorm for the most part when I could have been out making the best of the situation. Now I attend Washington State University and absolutely love it! My dad went here and I remember when I was younger we would come to some of the football games and they were a blast. I should've remembered those visits when I was deciding on a college, but instead I wanted to go somewhere new and let's just say it didn't work out for the best :) Students should choose the place they absolutely love, not just 'like' because more than likely it's where you'll spend the next 4 years of your life!

Parents: I know that this is a very important time in your child's life. You want the best for your kid and are probably encouraging him to apply to hundreds of colleges, most of them top-ranked schools outside of your home state. Remember, though, to listen during this stressful yet important process. Your child may be incredibly gifted and you may feel inclined to convince him to major in something that will allow him to become a doctor or engineer. If he expresses interest in becoming a professional musician or artist, however, encourage him. You may have the next Vincent van Gogh on your hands. Students: Listen to thoughts that you push to the back of your head. Don't let social pressure influence where you choose to attend. Do you want to travel and serve your country? Talk with an army counselor and let the US government pay for your education. Are you an undecided major? Consider attending a community college for the first two years. You will save a lot of money in the long run. Above all, remember that this is YOUR life. The choice should be yours, and yours alone, in the end.

Make sue to pick a college that helps you with financial aid. Check the student/teacher ratio. The most important thing is to find out how good their academic advising is. Go to class. Write your essays ahead of time. Never miss a science lab.

Many people are afraid of applying to large universities for fear of "getting lost" in the crowd. I've found the best way to mitigate that is to take the honors level classes for one's particular major; especially if one is in a large major. These classes tend to be significantly smaller than their regular counter parts. In such an environment one forgets that one goes to a large university, there are significant changes for interaction with one?s professor as well as one?s fellow students. This interaction coupled with the relative difficultly of the class will almost force students to work together and become friends. Secondly on choosing the correct major for one's interest, I suggest perusing the nonfiction section of one?s local bookstore. Look for the section that finds most interesting and begin to take classes with will take one in that direction. This I found was the best way pick my major.

Apply to the colleges you want to go to, regardless of cost, location, or if you think you will be accepted or not. Be invoved on camups and off campus, make friends in classes, be friendly and accepting.