West Texas A & M University Top Questions

My advice that I will give to someone who finds the right college is that make everyday count and when the times come hard don't give up fight through it and once you have beat that obstacle you will learn how to beat other obstacles that might come in your way.

The best advice that I give partents or students it to always have a plan "B". Never count on your first choice 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. My second choice school is whree I ended up and I love it. Not only did they offer me more money the classes are smaller and the professors are awesome. Secondly, always visit a campus while school is in session. This gives you a feel for how things will be once you get there. If at all possible visit with professors in the area of your interest. I am so glad I took the time to visit each of the schools on my short list before making my decision. Finally, make sure the school will fit your needs. Are there study groups, tutors, access to computers, internships, job fairs etc.. Make sure your educational goals can be met. Look at the quality of graduates that the school produces.

x

Above all else, I would give the advice of making sure you can afford the school you're going to. It is important to enjoy the school to your fullest, but you won't be able to if you're constantly worrying about financial difficulties. I find myself not being able to sleep and not enjoying my college experience as much as I can because I have to take out so many student loans. I'm always bogged down with the idea that I will be in so much debt once I graduate that I won't be able to enjoy life after college as much as I should. You must make sure that you will enjoy the campus and that they have a good program that you want to study, but if you can't afford your college, you won't be able to enjoy your experience, and that's why you're there. Not just for the education, but also because it's supposed to be a wonderful time of your life. Don't let financial problems ruin it for you.

I believe it is common for students to choose a school based on a parent's alum status, or their favorite football team; however, it is very important that the students research schools to find the best possible school for whatever it is they're reaching for in their future. Also, visit schools before making your decision. The atmosphere at the college is very important. What you see at parent-student orientation is in no way the true atmosphere of the school. Instead what you see is the school trying to impress. Go for a couple days during a normal school week. Once you have chosen your school, research what clubs/organizations are offered on-campus, and visit at least three or four of the ones you may be interested in before you decide. You'll know when you've found that organization that makes you feel at home. Also, I feel as though it is important to live on-campus your first year of school. It is there that you meet some of your closest friends and truly become acquainted with the school. (So choose a school where living in the dorms won't kill you).

Don't just go after the first college you see or a hometown college because of what you hear, do your research and put some long time into this decision; this is one of the biggest of your life.

First off, one must have a desire or a somewhat 'want 'to attend college ; college is not made for everyone, esp. for those who do not want to be there. In this case, college could be a waste of time & money. For those who do want to attend, I would suggest attending a community college while one decides on what he/she really wants to pursue -- as far as a career goes. This way one could get their basics out of the way, and save some money at the same time. Also, those who do not or no longer want to attend college for more that 2 yrs, he/she can at least have an associates degree. Once in collge: never overload oneself with work -- this can lead to one being burnt out too soon too fast, take some classes that are fun -- don't bog yourself down with just your major courses, do not be afraid to change your major -- it's quite normal to change your mind more than once or twice. Overall, choose a major that makes You happy. Do what you like to do so it's not really considered work, but more of a hobby.

Make sure you check out the class size and the overall teacher to student ratio and make sure it is a school in a region that fits your overall views.