West Virginia University Top Questions

Students and parents must do alot of research on the schools that the student may be interested in. You may also want to pick a few schools to research that you don't know alot about because there might be one out there that is perfect and you just haven't heard about it. I would also suggest taking advantage of any opportunities that the universities offer such as orientation programs, housing and job opportunities, and financial aid. This can give you a closer look into the university and the way it works. Once you've chosen the right university and gotten settled in, take full advantage of everything the university has to offer such as tutoring and volutunteer programs or social opportunities like sororities/fraternities. Parents need to be supportive and active in their student's college experience.

Ask about what the majority of students like to do when not in class or studying. Visit campus during the day and night.

To parents: Do not force a major onto your child. Let him/her select a major that makes them happy. One of the biggest problems I have seen is with students not liking what they are studying. This in turn leads to lack of motivation, and failing grades. To students: Find something that makes you happy, and do it. If you like small classes and want to study art, do it. If you want the big campus atmosphere and want to study aerospace engineering, do it. Find something that you will be happy with ten years down the road, don't pick a major and get a job because that's what your parents want you to do.

The most important thing to remember is to find what college is right for yourself. I almost made the mistake of choosing a school because my best friend did. Also do in depth research on the schools you are looking on choosing. Find out about the academic sucess of the students as well as the role of career planning and work study involved with your major. I found that this helps you in the long run even after you finish college. When attending college becomes as involved as possible at your university. Take part in extracurricular activities, Fraternities, Sororities, and everthing else involved with your university. Not only does it allow you to make lifelong friends but it makes attending college away from your family that much easier.Also dont be afraid to ask for help. If your are struggling in a class and are doing everything you can let the teacher know, you will be suprised at the length they will be willing to ensure your success.

Students looking to find the right college need to do one thing, and make sure they do it well: research. If there's one thing that I didn't do my senior year of high school that I wish I did, it's looking into multiple colleges. Don't just go with the first college you think suites you. Visit all of the colleges you're interested, and take the time to talk to students who go there. Don't assume that what they tell you at a visitation day is going to completely reflect the way the college is. Once you get to college - and I cannot stress this enough - study and go to class. These are two simple things that make a difference and will help you succeed. Look over your notes each night, and get your butt to class each day. It's what you're there for. But remember, take the time to enjoy the college experience. These four years really are some of the best years of your life.

Entering a university is a big change in life. It is something that is looked upon with excitiment. However, college is a life changing time, which can be a little overwhelming if you are not prepared. It is very difficult to leave home and adjust to life on your own. Students, when looking for a college, it is important to find a place that makes you feel at home. If you do not feel comfortable in your environment you will never be able to adapt to your new life. It is also important to study hard yet make time for yourself. If you don't you will surely lose yourself in the hustle and bustle of your busy life. Parents, know when to let go, when to hold your child close, and when to lend a listening ear-- trust me you will be the most important person in your childs life throughout these next few years.. Overall, college is a incredible experience, don't sweat the small stuff, let go of you inhibitions, have fun, and work hard-- after all these are the best years of your life!

I would tell the students to research colleges atleast a year ahead of time and not to settle for less because you want to attend college with a good high school friend. I encourage cmpus visits, because although the education may be good, if the surroundings aren't comfortable it can cause stress and put strain on your education. I encourage students to keep an open mind about college and not to expect what the see on television. For parents, I encourage you to answer any questions that your son/daughter may have while being blunt. College is, for the most part, a place where people find themselves and while doing so, they experiment. Parents, encourage your son/daughter to be responsible and let them know that the decision that they make will determine where they end up in life. I encourage parents to let their kids grow up on their own with out constant reminders and supervision. Parents and students should have genuine conversations about college experiences so that the student understands that this is real life, and so that the parent understands that the student needs to live their life freely.

It is pertinent that the family discuss their expectations of universities before they begin making decisions. The student should decide if he/she wants to go to a large school or a small one. They should also decide if they plan on participating in sports. I would suggest that students and parents take their time when searching for the perfect college. It is important to make as many college visitations as possible. While on these visitations, they should meet with faculty and staff and have a list of questions prepared to ask about the university. The parents and student should also discuss a field of interest. They should do their research to see if it is offered at select universities and if the programs are well-known. Academics should be a major concern. After visitations and research, the parents and student can anticipate if they think the student will perform well at certain colleges. Good communication with faculty and between the parents and the student is important for choosing the appropriate school.

My advice to furture college students would be to apply to as many colleges as you can and try to visit all the ones you are intrested in. Take time to think about your choices by yourself and with your family, dont let financial problems interfere with your decision. Once you find a college you feel is right for you try to get involved as much as you can. Go out of your way to try new things, go on school trips, become part of school clubs, make sure to remain who you want to be and not transform your thoughts and opinions to what others want.

When picking a school to go to it is important to realize that you will be living in that place for the next four years of your life. No matter where you decide to continue your education, the choice must be yours because you are going to be the one who needs to step up and start to grow up. This is a great oppertunity to find yourself and learn what you need to know in order to be successful at your chosen career. Where ever a person chooses to go to school it is important to beware that your educations is your top priority. Once the responsibilities of school work are under control your social life will be less stressful and much more enjoyable which makes for happy and successful people.