NationStates Jolt Archive


College Major Questions

Americanen
07-03-2006, 05:03
Hey everyone I brought this up a few weeks ago I think, I will be going off to college this fall and I was wondering if anyone could help me answer some of these questions (Im signing up for classes mid-april-early freshman orientation) thanks

1. Im majoring in Business administration right now but Ive noticed that every famous person with an MBA has taken Economics... the only thing that turned me off about eco was that economics was in the liberal arts/social sciences section and I've heard some bad things about majoring in Lib. Arts. So my question would be do you think econ is better than BA?

2. Rank these 3 types of classes from best to worst... One Day a week for 3 hours... Twice a week for 90 minutes each... or 3 times a week for an hour each.

3. Should I join any clubs and stuff, Im thinking of intermural sports, also do schools provide you with avail. community service/ internships upon request or do you have to do them individually?

4. Since they are in the same school Im thinking of also double majoring in either Accounting/Information Management or Finance... My mom doesnt like Finance because she says her friends majored in Finance and have only medium paying jobs as real estate agents and such, my dad said I should major in accounting also because it is a technical major (as opposed to BA just a broad major) but my high school friend says accounting is extremely difficult... which major in your opinion is better?

Btw sorry this is long, you dont have to answer all of them if you can answer some Id be happy.. Also thank you so much in advance for taking the time to help me out, thanks
Hobbesianland
07-03-2006, 05:29
BA is cool, economics is never imnpractical. If you don't major in economics, take as much of it as you can.

2. Rank these 3 types of classes from best to worst... One Day a week for 3 hours - BEST... Twice a week for 90 minutes each - SECOND BEST... or 3 times a week for an hour each - WORST
Good Lifes
07-03-2006, 06:57
2. I always liked the once per week class, but they were usually only upper level or graduate. Second choice, twice per week.

I seemed to learn more because less class time was taken up getting people settled, taking role call, making announcements, and all the other beginning class things. That gave the teacher more time to actually teach, and class discussion could develop better ideas.

They also seemed to be the night classes. I found those willing to take night class really wanted to learn. You get more older students that have been out in the "real world" that contribute examples and ideas. The "party people" rarely took night or weekly class.

Another advantage is the timing. 2 day classes were usually T-TH, and one time were usually mid week. That allowed for long weekends.

It does take a little more discipline because you have to work to remember things over that time without a reminder.
Sarkhaan
07-03-2006, 07:04
Hey everyone I brought this up a few weeks ago I think, I will be going off to college this fall and I was wondering if anyone could help me answer some of these questions (Im signing up for classes mid-april-early freshman orientation) thanks

1. Im majoring in Business administration right now but Ive noticed that every famous person with an MBA has taken Economics... the only thing that turned me off about eco was that economics was in the liberal arts/social sciences section and I've heard some bad things about majoring in Lib. Arts. So my question would be do you think econ is better than BA?

2. Rank these 3 types of classes from best to worst... One Day a week for 3 hours... Twice a week for 90 minutes each... or 3 times a week for an hour each.

3. Should I join any clubs and stuff, Im thinking of intermural sports, also do schools provide you with avail. community service/ internships upon request or do you have to do them individually?

4. Since they are in the same school Im thinking of also double majoring in either Accounting/Information Management or Finance... My mom doesnt like Finance because she says her friends majored in Finance and have only medium paying jobs as real estate agents and such, my dad said I should major in accounting also because it is a technical major (as opposed to BA just a broad major) but my high school friend says accounting is extremely difficult... which major in your opinion is better?

Btw sorry this is long, you dont have to answer all of them if you can answer some Id be happy.. Also thank you so much in advance for taking the time to help me out, thanks
I would take something more of a liberal art than econ. Liberal arts degrees arent bad. MBA's are being less valued today because they don't teach creativity (you learn about "widgets", but never learn about the fact that people have emotional ties to products and it isn't so simple as a formula). Econ still ignores that a shiny new car is more appealing than saving for retirement.
Liberal arts degrees aren't evil...they actually open more doors than an MBA. And MBA gets you business. And English degree can get you any position because you are known to have good communication.


one day of classes is always always always best. fewer days of classes=more days off=more sleep=happyness.

internships and such depend on the school. Some do, some dont. I do a club or two because I like what they offer. Do what you like

I hated, repete, hated, accounting. But I am also not a math person. Again, liberal arts degrees aren't bad. You'll have a base in an MBA program. Liberal arts degrees may make you more marketable than a strictly defined degree.
Gargantua City State
07-03-2006, 07:04
I wouldn't take a course, simply because "every famous person" has it. You can be successful with any Master's degree. Take what interests you more, and you'll do better with it.

twice a week for 90 min is best. And it's a tie between three times a week for an hour, and once a week for 3 hours. I like twice because an hour and a half class is long enough that I don't feel exhausted at the end of it, and not so short that it feels like it's a waste of time to go to.

Clubs are good to join, if you're the type of person who likes that stuff. It's rewarding because it allows you to network with other people, and networking is one of the most important things there is.

Again, it depends on what you like, as to what you'll do best with. If you're the type who likes to please their parents, then do what they say. If you want easy grades, follow your friend's advice. If you have a genuine interest in something, go for it! :)
Zincite
07-03-2006, 07:11
Well, keep in mind as you read my advice that I'm a sophomore in high school so I'm really just talking out of my ass, but here's what I think on some of them...

1. Well you can still take Econ classes and major in Business Admin, can't you? Isn't Econ a requirement for that major? I can't see how it could not be.

2. 2 x 90 min, 1 x 3 hrs, 3 x 1 hr. My reasoning is that you can't learn anything important properly in just an hour, but nothing stays fresh if you only meet once a week. I think it's more important to have proper blocks of time than the frequency, though.

4. I don't know which is harder or which one you'd rather do, all I can say is if you have the potential to make $40k+ a year, the income gradations beyond that shouldn't mean much compared to what you want to study. Then again that's just my value system.
Umbulututu
07-03-2006, 07:12
As an engineer I would recommend double majoring in Business and General Engineering. This route will give you the background to be technically creative as well as have the business skill set to implement your ideas. You have no idea how frustrating it can be dealing with a sales person that has promised something to a customer that is logistically or physically impossible.

My $.02
Greater Gekkonidae
07-03-2006, 07:16
Take either once or twice a week classes. It's been my experience that the professors only really want to talk for about an hour anyways, so you get let out early all the time.
Kasugayama
07-03-2006, 07:28
Hey everyone I brought this up a few weeks ago I think, I will be going off to college this fall and I was wondering if anyone could help me answer some of these questions (Im signing up for classes mid-april-early freshman orientation) thanks

1. Im majoring in Business administration right now but Ive noticed that every famous person with an MBA has taken Economics... the only thing that turned me off about eco was that economics was in the liberal arts/social sciences section and I've heard some bad things about majoring in Lib. Arts. So my question would be do you think econ is better than BA?

2. Rank these 3 types of classes from best to worst... One Day a week for 3 hours... Twice a week for 90 minutes each... or 3 times a week for an hour each.

3. Should I join any clubs and stuff, Im thinking of intermural sports, also do schools provide you with avail. community service/ internships upon request or do you have to do them individually?

4. Since they are in the same school Im thinking of also double majoring in either Accounting/Information Management or Finance... My mom doesnt like Finance because she says her friends majored in Finance and have only medium paying jobs as real estate agents and such, my dad said I should major in accounting also because it is a technical major (as opposed to BA just a broad major) but my high school friend says accounting is extremely difficult... which major in your opinion is better?

Btw sorry this is long, you dont have to answer all of them if you can answer some Id be happy.. Also thank you so much in advance for taking the time to help me out, thanks


What everyone seems to be forgetting is the simple pleasure of having the class so early, especially if they have the class twice or once a week. Typically, the classes that meet three times a week, are held later in the day. But another thing to remember is class availability. It really hurts to watch your "easy" semester to help you beat Academic Probation get tossed out of the window due to the fact that most of the classes are filled.

But back to the first question. MBA's: everyone has one...like the dirty hippie that sells you pot on the side of the street. Accounting is made especially hard because this deals with finances, and a simple decimal point misplacement could mean the losses of millions of dollars in revenue and the loss of your job. Economics is good but hard, not as hard as accounting but hard. (When you deal with Micro-Economics, your going to watch your social life go down the drain.) But again, its very hard to say which class will garner the most money. Especially, since, by the time you will graduate, you will have, on average, changed your major 5 times. What fun. (And by the way, double majoring is a very difficult excersion, mostly because most double majors choice something like "Biology and Spanish" but not Business Management/Accounting or Economics or Finance. Double majoring is VERY VERY VERY difficult, and should not, at least this is what my advisors advised, be attempted until the end of your first semester, as you need to get to understand the social climate and the overall society at your college.)

For my school, the University of Colorado (WOOT!!!), we have recruiting programs where the major intermural sports come together for something like a recruiting fair. Internships hold that exact same type of deal at the end of your first academic year, so watch for flyers and some dormitories actually have mid-year internship fairs. But you still have to have your eyes wide open, as you could miss the fair and you won't be able to sign up later.

And remember, you are going to party. No matter what you might say to yourself right now or when you walk into your first class, you are going to party. Accept that fact. Dropouts are those kids that ONLY party and never do their work. You have to have a mix for any real success in the college community. (And just for your information, you can party your first semester and then get your grades up the second semester. At least thats what a lot of kids do.)

Hope I have helped, sorry if I didn't.
Sarkhaan
07-03-2006, 07:33
What everyone seems to be forgetting is the simple pleasure of having the class so early, especially if they have the class twice or once a week. Typically, the classes that meet three times a week, are held later in the day. But another thing to remember is class availability. It really hurts to watch your "easy" semester to help you beat Academic Probation get tossed out of the window due to the fact that most of the classes are filled.

my school runs m/w/f and t/th...so 3 days a week can be as early as 2 days. My schedule is t/th 11:00-5:00 straight through, no classes m/w/f. I would much rather have my classes start at 11 and get out at 5 instead of starting at 8 and ending 2. I am also not a morning person. I would rather sleep late and get out late instead of dragging my ass out of bed at 7:30 to get to my 8 AM's. Those are brutal
The Coral Islands
07-03-2006, 07:35
I would not worry too much, if you are going into first year. A lot of people end up changing majors after testing the waters and finding what they like.

For your business-economics debate, I am all for the liberal arts. They tend to develop important critical thinking skills that prospective employers need. Besides, as far as artsy majors go, economics is not very artsy. My experience is that people view a BA Econ as quite different than a BA English. I know folks on both sides of the business-economics fence, and my impression is that a business degree gets one a front-lines people-oriented job whereas an economics degree will put you in a cubicle with more paperwork and perhaps a bit more pay. It all depends on what you want out of your employment.

Right now, as a Master's student, all of my classes are three-hour blocks. I must say I miss the twice-a-week ones. I think that the 90-minute classes are my favourite. Realistically, though, more often than not one has limited choices when it comes to taking the same class in different time slots. Take what you are given. They are all about the same. It all depends on your attention span, and the course material. For first year, I would definitely head for something less than a once-a-week class. Wait until you meet upperclasspeople who can steer you away from professors that drone for three hours and give their students more sleep catch-up than stimulating classes.

As far as clubs and sports go I give a definite endorsement. I was active in a few societies as an undergrad, and I loved it. Now, I play intramural ultimate frisbee, and it a super experience. I think that both sports and societies are fantastic ways to get to know your fellow students better. Sometimes they can also end up being useful, opening various opportunities.

The whole community service/internship thing varies by school. Some are better than others when it comes to arranging them. Even within schools, some departments are super when it comes to hooking up their students with paid and unpaid work opportunities, and others are not. If you know where you want to volunteer/work, though, you can probably find what you want yourself.

Not so much for your first year, but for the following ones, look into exchange programmes. I know a lot of exchange students (ESL Tutoring is one of those volunteering things I found outside of the school system, in my case with both a secular NGO and also the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship) and they all found doing exchanges rewarding (I did a short one in Germany, and I adored it).

Just so you know my perspective, I have an advanced BA (It's midway between a regular degree and an Honours) in Political Studies, with one minor in German and another in Canadian Studies. TAKE A LANGUAGE MINOR. It is extremely helpful for finding jobs, networking, and plus it is fun. I am currently about half way through an MA in International Affairs (It is a professional degree that is a combination of international/comparative politics and economics).
Kasugayama
07-03-2006, 07:37
Sorry, I also forgot something very important and something nobody else mentions. Recitations and Labs. They suck, they suck, and then they suck some more. They typically aren't that long, but what they do is cover everything you learned that week in class. And they are a bitch, since the recitations that are held for the once and twice a week classes are extra long as they cover a lot more material. And be prepared for long ass quizes in EVERY Lab/Recitation. It happens and be prepared for it.

Also, MOST profs prepare material for the entire time you have class, especially if you only meet once or twice a week since they have a long list of concepts that you have to cover before the end of the semester. So be prepared for that.
Sarkhaan
07-03-2006, 07:39
just curious, so don't answer this if you don't feel comfortable giving out the info, but what college are you attending? there is a chance that someone here goes there and could give you better insight.
Americanen
07-03-2006, 08:16
Im going to UTD the university of Texas at Dallas, their Management school is their 2nd best out of the 7 (after engineering). I chose BA because I like business and Ive read on the princeton review that the major is always among the top 5 sought after in every field. I really do hesitate to change my major, economics is ok but I really have doubts about going to social science school rather than management school. Also Im not sure if I can keep focused for the 3 whole hours a class takes not to mention meeting only once a week. If I do double major itd be something from the same school, either Accounting or Finance (only options) I was wondering which pays more and which allows you to be more interactive. I think Ive looked at it and it would only take me a handful of classes more for a whole other major (since most courses overlap)... btw if I havent told you Im the type that can work but is more outgoing and likes to communicate with people, thats why I said no to my dad when he asked me to major in EE as he did.

Also I wont have to worry about this till maybe junior year but there are different concentrations I can go with in BA and Accounting.. tell me what you think of these..

BA: General Businees or MIS (Management of Information systems I think)
Accounting and Information Management: Fiancial Analysis or Information Management
Rameria
07-03-2006, 08:25
1. Im majoring in Business administration right now but Ive noticed that every famous person with an MBA has taken Economics... the only thing that turned me off about eco was that economics was in the liberal arts/social sciences section and I've heard some bad things about majoring in Lib. Arts. So my question would be do you think econ is better than BA?

Don't take classes based on what department they're in. Take classes based on your interest in the subject matter. Personally I can't quite fathom how a school could design a business major to exclude economics courses. Also, a degree in "liberal arts" is a far cry from a degree in economics. Economics is quite useful, very interesting (at least IMO), and can land you some very well paying jobs if you play your cards right.

2. Rank these 3 types of classes from best to worst... One Day a week for 3 hours... Twice a week for 90 minutes each... or 3 times a week for an hour each.

My personal preference:
1. once a week for three hours
2. twice a week for 90 minutes each
3. three times a week, one hour each

Bear in mind that this is my preference now, having already graduated from college. Most of my upper division classes met only once or twice a week. But when I was a freshman, I found the classes that met more often to be much more suited to my schedule. Unless you're completely fascinated by the material and have a very engaging prof, chances are you're not going to be able to focus on any courses for three hours at a time. Save that for when you're an upperclassmen. That way, you'll have a better idea what you want to major or specialize in, and will by definition (one would hope) have a greater interest in the subject at hand.

3. Should I join any clubs and stuff, Im thinking of intermural sports, also do schools provide you with avail. community service/ internships upon request or do you have to do them individually?

I very much enjoyed the groups that I was a part of as an undergrad. Club (non-varsity) and intramural sports were very big at my school, and I really enjoyed participating in them. The intramural teams were usually organized by dorms, but club sports and community service groups always held an activities fair. A bunch of groups set up somewhere, each with their own table, and transfers and frosh wander around and see what's out there. They always have sign up sheets, flyers and such, so you can be sure to get information from them.

4. Since they are in the same school Im thinking of also double majoring in either Accounting/Information Management or Finance... My mom doesnt like Finance because she says her friends majored in Finance and have only medium paying jobs as real estate agents and such, my dad said I should major in accounting also because it is a technical major (as opposed to BA just a broad major) but my high school friend says accounting is extremely difficult... which major in your opinion is better?

Double majoring is, in a word, difficult. Doesn't matter what school you go to. It usually just about doubles the required number of units you need before you can graduate, tends to require great diligence and organizational skills, and can make it much harder to adjust to the college environment if you start right away with classes for both majors. That being said, it can be done (in four years, at that), and if you are definitely interested in both majors, is well worth the effort. As for accounting or finance, I would say accounting.

Hope that helps. Now, I hope that when you get to college, you keep an open mind to other areas. It's a whole different world from high school, with much more available to you. Take some classes just for fun, to see what really interests you. Just because you're convinced you want to do business administration now doesn't mean that you have to stick to that for the rest of your life. Take me for example. I started college as a physics major (with concentration in astrophysics), and ended up in international relations. ;)
AllCoolNamesAreTaken
07-03-2006, 08:25
I don't know enough about your major to comment. However...

I remember those same three types of classes. You really need a variety. Those three hour once a week deals are cool at first. But sometimes you just don't want to go to class. And if you skip just one of those, it's like skipping school for a week. I usually took one of those a semester, but always on monday, tuesday or wednesday. Thursday/Friday you are too drained, feel like skipping, or have a party to go to... Those two times a week classes are the best really. Especially if you get the monday-wednesday ones. The tues-thurs ones are ok too, but the mon-wed ones were my bread and butter. As for the three times a week classes...maybe one a semester is ok. I tried to not have classes on friday, but one at noon or something is ok, and you can skip occasionally.

AVOID like the plague- the 8 am classes. Trust me. They are hell. You will end up dropping that class.

As for intermural/sports...I would suggest going through rush. You get to meet a lot of people, and can find people to team up with and play somethign you have in common. Disk golf, untimate frisbee, whatever. If you find a fraternity you like, go for it. They are not all preppy dorks. A lot of them are just guys who like to hang out. The fraternities all participate in the intermurals, so you'll get to do volleybell, and kickball, and football and everything.
Sarkhaan
07-03-2006, 08:26
Im going to UTD the university of Texas at Dallas, their Management school is their 2nd best out of the 7 (after engineering). I chose BA because I like business and Ive read on the princeton review that the major is always among the top 5 sought after in every field. I really do hesitate to change my major, economics is ok but I really have doubts about going to social science school rather than management school. Also Im not sure if I can keep focused for the 3 whole hours a class takes not to mention meeting only once a week. If I do double major itd be something from the same school, either Accounting or Finance (only options) I was wondering which pays more and which allows you to be more interactive. I think Ive looked at it and it would only take me a handful of classes more for a whole other major (since most courses overlap)... btw if I havent told you Im the type that can work but is more outgoing and likes to communicate with people, thats why I said no to my dad when he asked me to major in EE as he did.

Also I wont have to worry about this till maybe junior year but there are different concentrations I can go with in BA and Accounting.. tell me what you think of these..

BA: General Businees or MIS (Management of Information systems I think)
Accounting and Information Management: Fiancial Analysis or Information Management
Well, most universities have a core curriculum. You won't really get hardcore into your major till junior year.
Remember, 70% of college students change their major atleast once. Don't necessarily choose your major based on what gets hired the best. Do what you enjoy, or else you'll have great pay and hate your job.
I'm an English ed. major. There is the long running joke that liberal arts majors will end up being tire salesmen or fast food workers. Its a joke. Most everyone gets a good job at some point. Also, Econ is not along the same lines as English or Anthro. Remember, psych is a social science and gets paid better than many strict sciences.
Three hour classes will typically have a break. Most of mine broke for 10 minutes at the 90 min. mark. Some gathered into discussion sections after, others went back to full lecture.
Keep in mind that once you have your first job, the degree itself means a lot less than experience. It isn't so much the degree as what you do with it.
Whatever you end up doing, enjoy it. There will always be some classes you hate in your major, but if you hate most of it and aren't interested, you're in the wrong field. Also remember you typically don't have to declare a major and declare minors untill you are a junior, and even after that can still change.
Rameria
07-03-2006, 08:31
I think Ive looked at it and it would only take me a handful of classes more for a whole other major (since most courses overlap)...

Be very careful with this. Take a close look at your school's requirements for double majors. I know that at my school, you're only allowed so many units of overlap between two majors. Otherwise I could have double majored in any number of things.
Good Lifes
07-03-2006, 16:49
3. Should I join any clubs and stuff, Im thinking of intermural sports, also do schools provide you with avail. community service/ internships upon request or do you have to do them individually?

You really need to become a part of the community. A human is not designed to be a loner. This is harder to do now than in the past because all the students have their own TV and other entertainment in their room. Back in the stone age when I started there was a TV room and Game room where you could meet people. Some way you need to get out and meet people. I really recomend you live in the dorm. Statistically dorm students have a better chance because it helps you become part of the community. (Yes, you will hate it. Yes, you will live with a bunch of slobs. Yes the food is boreing. Yes the drunks will wake you up at 2 AM..........) Clubs are a way to meet people. Interestingly though, Frat members have a poorer chance than GDI's. "Suitcase" students also do worse. (stay at least half the weekends). And commutors do worse. (No connection to the community)

Also, do what you can to meet people with other majors. This is harder now also because of "learning communities" where a dorm is set up with everyone having the same major. This helps you find help in your major but not in other subjects. And the wider your friendships, the wider your own knowledge will become. You will see how others view the world. Not just how a business person views the world, or a scientist views the world, or an artist views the world.
Secluded Islands
07-03-2006, 16:52
AVOID like the plague- the 8 am classes. Trust me. They are hell. You will end up dropping that class.

you speak the truth. i had two 8 am classes my freshman year. i havnt had one since...
Umbulututu
07-03-2006, 18:21
AVOID like the plague- the 8 am classes. Trust me. They are hell. You will end up dropping that class.


You weenies, you do realize that the real world starts at or earlier than 8 a.m.? I liked early classes as my day ended earlier that way. More time for me and I'm all that really matters anyway.:D
Kanabia
07-03-2006, 19:04
you speak the truth. i had two 8 am classes my freshman year. i havnt had one since...

Yuck, yeah...In my first year I had a 9am start and a 6pm finish, twice a week. I had a massive 3 hour break in the middle of each day, which I spent mostly walking around for several kilometers. And my other three days I only had to go in for an hour (considering I spent nearly 2 hours on transport there and back, that *sucksd*

This year, i've narrowed it down to three days a week, and I don't start any earlier than 11am, or finish later than 1pm (yay for downloadable lectures). :p
Americanen
08-03-2006, 03:07
so basically what yall are saying is get a more broad degree (Philosphy english, politics etc) than a specialized one (EE, BA etc) ... I understand a broad degree opens more doors but doesnt it make you less qualified for some jobs?

Also, would it be better to specialize in an area in business like Management of information systems or just do general business (keep in mind this is in Dallas... Silicon Prarie)

Finally Im thinking about joining debate (maybe not in my first yr but after that) My english teacher last yr tried to convince me to join saying that employers really look for people who have done debate because it shows they can think and react quickly, I was just wondering if college debate is a good idea or if itll end up sucking up most of my time with research.

Finally what do people eat/cook in college? Ive heard stories about Cold Pizza and Ramen noodles... I will have a budget so I cant afford to go out a lot but also I dont wanna gain 500 pounds by eating ramen everyday.. what would be healthy and also cost effective options..

PS thanks for all the help so far I really appreciate it :)
AllCoolNamesAreTaken
08-03-2006, 03:47
I would stay away from debate. In high school you have LD debate which is fun, but in college is is kinda lame actually. All research, and no matter what there is someone who has spent years researching whatever topic you have and has literally a truckload of research.

However, you might try student legislature. That rocks. It differs from state to state of course, but basically you get together with colleges from across the state one or two weekends a semester, at a nice hotel paid for by the college. You have a mock house and a mock senate (or whatever your state has), elect a governor, etc. Pretty much you have a mock version of the entire elected government of your state. Everyone gets to submitt a bill or two, and you form committees, vote on bills, amend bills, etc. Any bills that actually pass the house and senate go to the student governor, and whatever gets signed (or is vetoed and overridden) actually goes to your real state legislature for consideration. Only the best bills get passed of course, but you don't have to research as much as for debate. Of course, you're not in session the entire weekend, and you're a bunch of college students that have taken over a nice hotel. So you know what kind of fun ensues!

I went to school in South Carolina, and we had a blast. We would take over Embassy Suites (where they have a happy hour with free drinks, and they don't care who's ID you have as long as you have one). We would be all serious during the day. The Citadel cadets were the "security force" for the government. But at night...I remember a few girls from Converse College (an all girls school)...man, what a time. The people from Bob Jones University were the exception. They locked themselves in their rooms (which their chaperones taped shut, to ensure proper behavior or whatever) and were always a drag.

As for food...depends on your college. I would suggest getting one of the cheaper meal plans. Maybe one that lets you have a "flex" account, or a set number of meals a week. That way, you can eat at the cafeteria once or twice a day and not have to worry about paying for it, and you can still go out if you feel like it. A stock of easy things to make (ie Ramen) is good if you don't want to bother going up there or for late nights. Some colleges also have several places to eat on campus, like a Sabarro's or a Chick Fil A or something. Some places you can use meal plan $$ and some you can't. My best advise is to get a partial meal plan, and suppliment it with going out occasionally, and a little Ramen and Mac and Cheese when you're too busy to go out and need something quick and easy in the dorm.
Good Lifes
08-03-2006, 04:54
Finally Im thinking about joining debate (maybe not in my first yr but after that) My english teacher last yr tried to convince me to join saying that employers really look for people who have done debate because it shows they can think and react quickly, I was just wondering if college debate is a good idea or if itll end up sucking up most of my time with research.

Finally what do people eat/cook in college? Ive heard stories about Cold Pizza and Ramen noodles... I will have a budget so I cant afford to go out a lot but also I dont wanna gain 500 pounds by eating ramen everyday.. what would be healthy and also cost effective options..
Debate is a great way to learn to evaluate arguements, answer arguements, look at both sides of an issue, answer arguements. understand when people are passing crap. But it is time consuming and is really directed toward the intellectual top and those totally dedicated. (it's like being an athlete, only smarts instead of muscle) If you've got what it takes, it's great.

I again recommend you live in the dorm and with that will come a meal plan. As much as people complain about the food, nearly everyone gains weight. Watch your volume input and exercise. (All the ice cream you can eat isn't the greatest idea.) In the dorm, they usually just allow a microwave. Soup works really good. Canned not Ramen, lots more nutrition. Also Spam, I know the jokes, but good eating. Cheese, fruit and raw veggies if they allow a fridge. Calling out for delivery gets real $$$$$. Look in the canned section of the store nearly anything can be found there.
Cannot think of a name
08-03-2006, 05:26
I didn't major in anything useful, so even if I was to give an opinion about your major you shouldn't listen to it.

However, I did go to college forever and a day, so I can weigh in on class times and activities.

Those who have said variety are really right on. You have to look at the class it is to decide if you want to sit through it once, twice or three times a week. Something that is very rote, you might want that three days a week thing to keep it in your head. Twice a week is about right for most other classes. Once a week is really a seminar schedule, it's too easy to lose track of that class, it's something you really want as more of a survey or where you work mostly on your own anyway.

The real trick is getting all your classes on the same schedule, even if that means an early or late class. Nothing is as satisfying as a Tuesday Thursday schedule, and that makes it a lot easier to work while in college.

Do as many activities as your groggy little eyes can handle. Everyone you're going to graduate with has the same education you do. As do all the other people in all the other colleges that will spew out graduates that year. But really, you will learn to organize and work with others and more importantly endear yourself to recommendation writing professors in those groups. And you'll find out more quickly if you are on entirely the wrong track.

That and the sex. You meet people in groups, people means the opposite sex (and the same, if that's your bag), and that could eventually mean sex. And even if that's not a priority, it is pretty cool.
The Restored Israel
08-03-2006, 05:38
Guess what?

To get ahead, you don't even have to have the freaking degree.

There are plenty of degreed people who are educated idiots. (I work with some.)

You need: curiousity; a willingness to learn, adapt, and re-learn; a good sense of how to deal with different types of people; a well-developed sense of knowing exactly who you are and what you can do; and the ability to ask for help when you need it.

Past that — take a whole set of different courses in different areas and make your education as broad as possible. Specialists can do a few things well. Generalists, however, have the ability to adapt — and bear in mind you will be changing careers five or six times in your life.
Sarkhaan
08-03-2006, 06:12
so basically what yall are saying is get a more broad degree (Philosphy english, politics etc) than a specialized one (EE, BA etc) ... I understand a broad degree opens more doors but doesnt it make you less qualified for some jobs?

Also, would it be better to specialize in an area in business like Management of information systems or just do general business (keep in mind this is in Dallas... Silicon Prarie)

Finally Im thinking about joining debate (maybe not in my first yr but after that) My english teacher last yr tried to convince me to join saying that employers really look for people who have done debate because it shows they can think and react quickly, I was just wondering if college debate is a good idea or if itll end up sucking up most of my time with research.

Finally what do people eat/cook in college? Ive heard stories about Cold Pizza and Ramen noodles... I will have a budget so I cant afford to go out a lot but also I dont wanna gain 500 pounds by eating ramen everyday.. what would be healthy and also cost effective options..

PS thanks for all the help so far I really appreciate it :)
what gets you qualification for a job is your experience. It eventually comes to mean more than the degree you have.
Again, join the clubs you enjoy. Don't base your life around what will or wont get you hired...you'll end up hating your life. Employers like people who are happy, motivated, commited, and eager. this can be shown in any club.

Food...Most of your meals will be in the dining hall, depending on how your school operates. food varies by college. Get used to ramen and ezmac. I suggest Nippon, Thai rice, frozen pierogies, betty crocker microwave deserts...all taste good and are easy to make. I suggest going to the gym if you don't want to gain weight. You'll be drinking alot, and after drinking eating bad pizza (dominos anyone?). Get used to the dining hall. It is free (well, prepaid) and a good time to relax with friends.
Rameria
08-03-2006, 06:22
Food...Most of your meals will be in the dining hall, depending on how your school operates. food varies by college. Get used to ramen and ezmac. I suggest Nippon, Thai rice, frozen pierogies, betty crocker microwave deserts...all taste good and are easy to make. I suggest going to the gym if you don't want to gain weight. You'll be drinking alot, and after drinking eating bad pizza (dominos anyone?). Get used to the dining hall. It is free (well, prepaid) and a good time to relax with friends.

LOL. How many times did my friends and I either have or go to a party, then decide that pizza sounded like a fabulous idea? By that point of course, all the good pizza places were either closed or not delivering anymore, and the answer was always Domino's. :D
Sarkhaan
08-03-2006, 06:25
LOL. How many times did my friends and I either have or go to a party, then decide that pizza sounded like a fabulous idea? By that point of course, all the good pizza places were either closed or not delivering anymore, and the answer was always Domino's. :D
haha...Dominos is open and delivers untill 2 AM, accepts convenience points (our parents money, not ours) and has kickers. Can we all say heartburn, boys and girls? Good. I knew you could.
We have it mapped out where we need to call from in order to have it delivered as we get back to our building.
Americanen
08-03-2006, 06:41
Guess what?

To get ahead, you don't even have to have the freaking degree.

There are plenty of degreed people who are educated idiots. (I work with some.)

You need: curiousity; a willingness to learn, adapt, and re-learn; a good sense of how to deal with different types of people; a well-developed sense of knowing exactly who you are and what you can do; and the ability to ask for help when you need it.

Past that — take a whole set of different courses in different areas and make your education as broad as possible. Specialists can do a few things well. Generalists, however, have the ability to adapt — and bear in mind you will be changing careers five or six times in your life.

Well obviously in select cases you dont need a degree , but it def. helps.. the reason i took a specific major is because Ive read in economics that the Jack of all trades is impractical today and specialization is the big thing these days. Taking different courses in different areas might be a good idea but how are companies gonna know you did something like that when they just see your major?

thanks
Rameria
08-03-2006, 06:58
so basically what yall are saying is get a more broad degree (Philosphy english, politics etc) than a specialized one (EE, BA etc) ... I understand a broad degree opens more doors but doesnt it make you less qualified for some jobs?

Well, yes. It only makes sense, after all. My degree is one of the broader ones (with a degree in IR, you can go into teaching, business school, law school, or consulting, among other things). It opened many doors for me, but it also makes me less qualified for something like, oh I don't know, the kind of consulting that involves financial analysis and extensive economic coursework. More obviously, it makes me completely unqualified for any kind of engineering work.

Seriously though - you haven't even started college yet. Don't worry so much about this stuff yet. While I admire the fact that you're planning ahead, you're just a kid. You really don't have to decide this stuff for at least a couple more years.

Also, would it be better to specialize in an area in business like Management of information systems or just do general business (keep in mind this is in Dallas... Silicon Prarie)

Honestly, I have no idea. I don't know enough about your school, your intended career path, your region, etc.

Finally Im thinking about joining debate (maybe not in my first yr but after that) My english teacher last yr tried to convince me to join saying that employers really look for people who have done debate because it shows they can think and react quickly, I was just wondering if college debate is a good idea or if itll end up sucking up most of my time with research.

*scratches head*

I don't think my school even had a debate team, come to think of it. We had Mock Trial, and everyone I know that did that had a great time without it sucking up too much time. You might look into that.

Finally what do people eat/cook in college? Ive heard stories about Cold Pizza and Ramen noodles... I will have a budget so I cant afford to go out a lot but also I dont wanna gain 500 pounds by eating ramen everyday.. what would be healthy and also cost effective options..

Are you going to be living in a dorm, or will you be opting for apartment-style living? I survived on meal plans while I was in college. Honestly, the food was actually good, just repetitive. There are only so many things you can cook in quantities large enough to feed hundreds, after all.

If you're in a dorm, go with a meal plan. The food probably won't be bad, and you may be able to use your meal card/ID/whatever other places on campus as well. I also second Good Lifes' suggestion that you get a mini-fridge and microwave. Even if you won't be able to cook gourmet meals, it's handy to have things like cheese sticks, fruit, etc. Also useful for chilling beer. ;)

If you're actually going to be cooking (i.e. with a stove and oven), that's another story. You can get frozen chicken for pretty cheap, and it's easy to cook. If you like rice, it might be worth it to invest in a small rice cooker. You can get one at Wal Mart for about $20. I have a friend that always had rice on hand, and would make cheap meals out of rice and whatever else happened to be in the kitchen (rice and chicken, rice and tuna fish mixed together, rice and steamed veggies, etc). On the really cheap side, it's hard to beat ramen. Soup in a can, or chili, is a pretty cheap meal too. Pasta and pasta sauce out of a jar is another idea.
Sarkhaan
08-03-2006, 07:04
Are you going to be living in a dorm, or will you be opting for apartment-style living? I survived on meal plans while I was in college. Honestly, the food was actually good, just repetitive. There are only so many things you can cook in quantities large enough to feed hundreds, after all.

If you're in a dorm, go with a meal plan. The food probably won't be bad, and you may be able to use your meal card/ID/whatever other places on campus as well. I also second Good Lifes' suggestion that you get a mini-fridge and microwave. Even if you won't be able to cook gourmet meals, it's handy to have things like cheese sticks, fruit, etc. Also useful for chilling beer. ;)

I swear, if they serve roasted chicken one more time, I'm going to castrate every last one of them. I just can't take it any more
Rameria
08-03-2006, 07:10
I swear, if they serve roasted chicken one more time, I'm going to castrate every last one of them. I just can't take it any more

LOL. I know the feeling. I was vegetarian my sophomore year, and oh boy did I get tired of having meals of spinach and cottage cheese. :rolleyes:
Sarkhaan
08-03-2006, 07:12
LOL. I know the feeling. I was vegetarian my sophomore year, and oh boy did I get tired of having meals of spinach and cottage cheese. :rolleyes:
our dining hall has a vegan meal every night now...a kosher dining hall (costs more for that dining plan), hamburgers, sandwiches, stir fry, and a meat meal
it still gets old fast.
Americanen
08-03-2006, 07:19
[QUOTE=Rameria]Well, yes. It only makes sense, after all. My degree is one of the broader ones (with a degree in IR, you can go into teaching, business school, law school, or consulting, among other things). It opened many doors for me, but it also makes me less qualified for something like, oh I don't know, the kind of consulting that involves financial analysis and extensive economic coursework. More obviously, it makes me completely unqualified for any kind of engineering work.

Seriously though - you haven't even started college yet. Don't worry so much about this stuff yet. While I admire the fact that you're planning ahead, you're just a kid. You really don't have to decide this stuff for at least a couple more years.




haha thanks.. Im just trying to plan ahead because i didnt really in high school and kinda wished i had.. My gpa was only average but lucky my sats were top 5% so that helped me get a scholarship ... I am majoring in business but Its not like i have a set life goal.. Obviously I want a job thats pays well, but I also wanna be able to communicate and interact with people.. my dad majored in electrical engineering and his jobs pays decent as do other EEs but he sits in his cubicle all day typing in numbers and he never talks to people unless its like a conference (in which he still just listens and doesnt talk) to me thats just too boring and not something I would enjoy... My fav. subject is probably politics but I dont know there just arent too many great careers out of that, and reading some of the college stuff they have to do bores me as well
Norleans
08-03-2006, 07:21
I'm a college professor and I'd be glad to answer as much as I can, however, my first question to you is "what do you want to be when you grow up?" That will affect many thing. Until then,

2. Rank these 3 types of classes from best to worst... One Day a week for 3 hours... Twice a week for 90 minutes each... or 3 times a week for an hour each.

Answer: Definitely, once a week. more material can be covered at once and more time between classes to study and work on assignments. Only one day a week to worry about your ability to attend and if you work, much easier to schedule work around school. Downside, tests tend to include more material and be a little more difficult.

3. Should I join any clubs and stuff, Im thinking of intermural sports, also do schools provide you with avail. community service/ internships upon request or do you have to do them individually?

Answer: Clubs, sports, etc. won't matter for diddley squat 10 years after you graduate. However, before that time, especially in the first 5 years or so, being a leader in a club, such as president of your frat, captain of the intermural ping-pong team, etc. is important as it shows a level of achievement at a time when all that was expected was good grades (Oh, yeah, get good grades on top of being president of your frat, that counts. President of the Frat with bad grades just says irresponsible party person, not to be trusted with important stuff). Internships and community service will depend on the school, major and location. Some make it easy, some don't, you will always be better off if you can make such things happen yourself (plus, you can brag on a resume' took on something on your own rather than going through the school's tired community service/intership program.)
Taredas
08-03-2006, 07:48
Hey everyone I brought this up a few weeks ago I think, I will be going off to college this fall and I was wondering if anyone could help me answer some of these questions (Im signing up for classes mid-april-early freshman orientation) thanks

1. Im majoring in Business administration right now but Ive noticed that every famous person with an MBA has taken Economics... the only thing that turned me off about eco was that economics was in the liberal arts/social sciences section and I've heard some bad things about majoring in Lib. Arts. So my question would be do you think econ is better than BA?

You said you're going to the University of Texas at Dallas somewhere later in the thread? I thought that their computer science classes were their best offerings... but I digress.

2. Rank these 3 types of classes from best to worst... One Day a week for 3 hours... Twice a week for 90 minutes each... or 3 times a week for an hour each.

1. Twice a week for 90 minutes each - most balanced, and you have a three-day weekend
2. Three times a week for 60 minutes each - note that this schedule is a good idea if you're only taking the class because of college requirements.
3. Once a week for 180 minutes - you'll probably get bored in a three-hour freshman course unless you're really interested in the class (which is unlikely)

3. Should I join any clubs and stuff, Im thinking of intermural sports, also do schools provide you with avail. community service/ internships upon request or do you have to do them individually?

Yes, you should probably join some of the clubs - you can find almost any organization on a college campus, provided you know what to look for. Note that some of the clubs will be oriented towards community service (Habitat for Humanity is an immediate example).

4. Since they are in the same school Im thinking of also double majoring in either Accounting/Information Management or Finance... My mom doesnt like Finance because she says her friends majored in Finance and have only medium paying jobs as real estate agents and such, my dad said I should major in accounting also because it is a technical major (as opposed to BA just a broad major) but my high school friend says accounting is extremely difficult... which major in your opinion is better?

Btw sorry this is long, you dont have to answer all of them if you can answer some Id be happy.. Also thank you so much in advance for taking the time to help me out, thanks

I'll have to skip this one, since I'm not really interested in business as a career choice.
Americanen
08-03-2006, 07:49
Thanks

See thats what I have trouble deciding... as Ive said earlier Im an extroverted person who would like to deal with people and communicate on the job (So that rules out Engineering) My career quiz on the princeton review also said I was a practical person who doesnt like to waste time on stuff (so that rules out Science) ... A high paying job is obviously very important to me but at the same time Id like to do something I enjoy.. Id talk to be able to talk to people on the job instead of just sitting at my desk all day typing in numbers to a computer... I picked BA because its basically in demand in every field and maybe something like management or human resources would be something I would be interested in.

The Once a week sounds appealing, but I dont know if the material will be fresh in my mind if we meet only once a week, also I dont know that my attention span will be long enough to listen a 3 hour long lecture.

Also if my school wouldnt let me take overlapping courses (which would lead me not double majoring) Im not sure which minors I would be interested in... The things Im looking at right now that may intrest me are... Psychology, Economics, Crime and Justice, and Government.

again thanks, and let me hear your suggestions
Americanen
08-03-2006, 07:55
[QUOTE=Taredas]You said you're going to the University of Texas at Dallas somewhere later in the thread? I thought that their computer science classes were their best offerings... but I digress.


QUOTE]

Yes you're right.. Computer Science is with Electrical engineering in the Erik Johnson school of engineering which is one of the best in the nation considering the companies around it.. The school of management is their largest building and considered their 2nd best out of the 7 schools.. They are relatively new and built from the top down so their arts and humanties classes schools suck and some of their science stuff are old (except for Science technology in which they have a sickle cell center and nanotechnology center with 2 nobel laurates in the area)... I hate how they dont have a football team (cuz i love football) and are division 3.. but I guess thats why people their study more than the average school
Sarkhaan
08-03-2006, 08:04
Thanks

See thats what I have trouble deciding... as Ive said earlier Im an extroverted person who would like to deal with people and communicate on the job (So that rules out Engineering) My career quiz on the princeton review also said I was a practical person who doesnt like to waste time on stuff (so that rules out Science) ... A high paying job is obviously very important to me but at the same time Id like to do something I enjoy.. Id talk to be able to talk to people on the job instead of just sitting at my desk all day typing in numbers to a computer... I picked BA because its basically in demand in every field and maybe something like management or human resources would be something I would be interested in.

The Once a week sounds appealing, but I dont know if the material will be fresh in my mind if we meet only once a week, also I dont know that my attention span will be long enough to listen a 3 hour long lecture.

Also if my school wouldnt let me take overlapping courses (which would lead me not double majoring) Im not sure which minors I would be interested in... The things Im looking at right now that may intrest me are... Psychology, Economics, Crime and Justice, and Government.

again thanks, and let me hear your suggestions
to start, those career tests are bs. You are 18. Do you even like half the stuff you liked when you were 16? People change their careers all the time, same as they also change majors all the time. Just take that kinda stuff with a grain of salt.
The information from class will never, ever, be fresh in your head. The beer and ramen cloud your vision. Also, alot of schools don't even offer 3 hour classes untill higher levels (mine is mostly 500 level courses). I have ADD something fierce, but the material is interesting. There is also always a break, so a chance to listen to a song or two, or get up and move.
Chances are your frosh year will be random classes in lots of fields. A writing seminar is standard...probably a requirement of social science, physical science (lab based), humanities, etc. That will probably be the majority of your classes untill midpoint soph. year or junior year.
Rameria
08-03-2006, 20:57
Yes you're right.. Computer Science is with Electrical engineering in the Erik Johnson school of engineering which is one of the best in the nation considering the companies around it.. The school of management is their largest building and considered their 2nd best out of the 7 schools.. They are relatively new and built from the top down so their arts and humanties classes schools suck and some of their science stuff are old (except for Science technology in which they have a sickle cell center and nanotechnology center with 2 nobel laurates in the area)... I hate how they dont have a football team (cuz i love football) and are division 3.. but I guess thats why people their study more than the average school

This is very much off point, but isn't it Jonsson?
Rameria
08-03-2006, 21:54
Thanks

See thats what I have trouble deciding... as Ive said earlier Im an extroverted person who would like to deal with people and communicate on the job (So that rules out Engineering) My career quiz on the princeton review also said I was a practical person who doesnt like to waste time on stuff (so that rules out Science) ... A high paying job is obviously very important to me but at the same time Id like to do something I enjoy.. Id talk to be able to talk to people on the job instead of just sitting at my desk all day typing in numbers to a computer... I picked BA because its basically in demand in every field and maybe something like management or human resources would be something I would be interested in.

The Once a week sounds appealing, but I dont know if the material will be fresh in my mind if we meet only once a week, also I dont know that my attention span will be long enough to listen a 3 hour long lecture.

Also if my school wouldnt let me take overlapping courses (which would lead me not double majoring) Im not sure which minors I would be interested in... The things Im looking at right now that may intrest me are... Psychology, Economics, Crime and Justice, and Government.

again thanks, and let me hear your suggestions

Ahem. Career tests are worth jack shit. Why rule out anything in life based on the results of a quiz you took when you were what, 18? My advice to you, and I can't emphasize this enough, is to not go into college with pre-fixed ideas about what you will and won't like. It's an entirely different experience from high school, with a lot more options available to you. Now, it may be that even after looking around at other departments and courses, you decide that business is definitely the way you want to go. If so, that's all to the good. But be sure to do the looking around first.

As others have mentioned, those three hour long classes have breaks. And as Sarkhaan said, you might not even be able to take them as a freshman.

Planning is all to the good, but anything you plan now, before you even get to college, probably won't even make it two months after you start. Take it from me, I did the same thing. Planned out my whole four years before I started, down to the classes I was going to take each quarter, the clubs I wanted to join, and the minor I wanted to complete. That lasted, oh, about two weeks. Then my high school mindset got kicked to the curb, and I really started having fun, both socially and academically. :)
Infinite Revolution
08-03-2006, 22:08
any class over 2hrs long is deadly. i used to have 3 hr practicals in first yr and i left after 1hr 1/2 everytime, sometimes only lasted 45mins. i now have three 2 hr classes a week and theyr just bearable without a break as long as theyr interesting. i dont go to one of them cuz its incredibly boring.
Americanen
08-03-2006, 22:09
This is very much off point, but isn't it Jonsson?

Yeah It is
Sarkhaan
08-03-2006, 22:26
Take it from me, I did the same thing. Planned out my whole four years before I started, down to the classes I was going to take each quarter, the clubs I wanted to join, and the minor I wanted to complete. That lasted, oh, about two weeks. Then my high school mindset got kicked to the curb, and I really started having fun, both socially and academically. :)
haha...beat this. I started as hospitality administration (a business major focused to hotel/restauraunts and such). 2 DAYS. I went to my first day of classes, loved them. Went to my first hospitality class, hated it and everything we would be learning.
I'm now English education.

Now that I'm going into junior year, I have everything (loosely) planned out, but that all changes based on schedules and availability. It still changes on a daily basis.
Americanen
09-03-2006, 05:15
I see.. so the general consensus here is to not plan because it will probably completely change anyways
Dissonant Cognition
09-03-2006, 05:26
2. Rank these 3 types of classes from best to worst... One Day a week for 3 hours... Twice a week for 90 minutes each... or 3 times a week for an hour each.


Best - 3 times a week for a hour each
Good - Twice a week for 90 minutes each
Worst - One day a week for 3 hours

I think the other questions require knowledge of information specific to the campus you plan to attend. As such, an appointment with an academic advisor at that campus is probably a good idea.
Vittos Ordination2
09-03-2006, 05:32
I see.. so the general consensus here is to not plan because it will probably completely change anyways

Yes, only make general plans, talk to an advisor, get packets, do whatever you need to do to learn the requirements of your major, but stay flexible.

You may find that you like to socialize, you may switch majors, you may find work. Depending on the size of your university, you should be able to find many ways of adapting your class schedule to your needs.

As for class length, 1 hour is best. They give you a steady schedule. Once a week, 3 hour classes on the other hand, are easy to miss and hard to sit through.
Rameria
09-03-2006, 07:22
I see.. so the general consensus here is to not plan because it will probably completely change anyways

It won't hurt anything to plan, just be aware that anything you plan now will almost certainly change. Be flexible.

Here's a question for you. Have you already received a course catalog? If you have, and you've examined it, can you honestly say that your school offers no other courses or departments that might be more interesting and/or rewarding to you than business administration?
Americanen
10-03-2006, 02:18
Yes I have, but the problem is I dont know what the classes are going to be like... 3 other course reqs i may be interested in are Gov/Politics, Economics and Psychology
The South Islands
10-03-2006, 02:24
Yes I have, but the problem is I dont know what the classes are going to be like... 3 other course reqs i may be interested in are Gov/Politics, Economics and Psychology

Explore your first few years. You'll get to find what you really want to do.

Hell, I started off as a poli-sci major with intentions to go onto law school. Now, I'm pursuing a double major in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

You change.
Americanen
10-03-2006, 06:30
Polisci to engineering how did that happen?

Wow if people change as much as the people here say they do I might end up being an astrophysicists;)
Sarkhaan
10-03-2006, 06:39
Polisci to engineering how did that happen?

Wow if people change as much as the people here say they do I might end up being an astrophysicists;)
prolly the same way as business to english ed.

70% change majors at some point. many change multiple times. My friend has changed 7 times now.

You take classes in alot ofthings. Some just capture your interest, while the classes in your major just kinda bore you. After a little while, you realize you hate your current major and want to do something different.
Americanen
10-03-2006, 06:59
Also University of Texas at austin is a better school .. especially in business (top 10 every year)

Which would be better

University of Texas at Austin With no money (Probably have to take out a loan) or

University Of Texas at Dallas with Full tuition and 2000 dollars a year scholarship money?
Rameria
10-03-2006, 07:00
Yes I have, but the problem is I dont know what the classes are going to be like... 3 other course reqs i may be interested in are Gov/Politics, Economics and Psychology

Okay then, I'm a little confused. Why bother to plan if you understand that you don't know what the classes will be like, and you may not like them?

*shrug* Maybe I just have a weird viewpoint, who knows.
Sarkhaan
10-03-2006, 07:01
Also University of Texas at austin is a better school .. especially in business (top 10 every year)

Which would be better

University of Texas at Austin With no money (Probably have to take out a loan) or

University Of Texas at Dallas with Full tuition and 2000 dollars a year scholarship money?
which campus do you like better?
Honestly, you can do good things, even with a shitty degree. Employers look more at experience than the name on the degree after you've had a job.

I'd say college is just as much about outside class stuff (the drinking, roommates, eating, being a lazy fuck) as it is about class.
The South Islands
10-03-2006, 07:03
Polisci to engineering how did that happen?

Wow if people change as much as the people here say they do I might end up being an astrophysicists;)

Hey, it happens. You just figure out what you like and what you don't. The law didn't fascinate me. Building shit did.
Rameria
10-03-2006, 07:07
My friend has changed 7 times now.

You take classes in alot ofthings. Some just capture your interest, while the classes in your major just kinda bore you. After a little while, you realize you hate your current major and want to do something different.

I changed majors five times. It was great, I tell you, especially declaring international relations two days before the deadline, and five days before I took off for Paris. :D
Americanen
10-03-2006, 07:08
which campus do you like better?
Honestly, you can do good things, even with a shitty degree. Employers look more at experience than the name on the degree after you've had a job.

I'd say college is just as much about outside class stuff (the drinking, roommates, eating, being a lazy fuck) as it is about class.

Rameria makes a lot of sense.

I like the UT campus better.. but it might be too much of a party school and also 9000(probably more because of the loan im gonna have to take out if i go to UT) a year would probably be too hard to pass up
Rameria
10-03-2006, 07:08
I'd say college is just as much about outside class stuff (the drinking, roommates, eating, being a lazy fuck) as it is about class.

I agree. College is about the experience as a whole, not just what it says on the piece of paper you get after four years.
The South Islands
10-03-2006, 07:10
Rameria makes a lot of sense.

I like the UT campus better.. but it might be too much of a party school and also 9000(probably more because of the loan im gonna have to take out if i go to UT) a year would probably be too hard to pass up

Student loans are OK. They have a pretty low interest rate, and you don't have to pay them for quite awhile.

Money should not be an issue. If you like the campus and/or the degree programs, go for it.
Sarkhaan
10-03-2006, 07:11
Rameria makes a lot of sense.

I like the UT campus better.. but it might be too much of a party school and also 9000(probably more because of the loan im gonna have to take out if i go to UT) a year would probably be too hard to pass up
no such thing as too much of a party school. If you don't like parties, you don't go. You end up with a group of friends who prefer chilling in a small group and drinking, or just chilling if thats your style. You do what you enjoy.
Sarkhaan
10-03-2006, 07:11
Student loans are OK. They have a pretty low interest rate, and you don't have to pay them for quite awhile.

Money should not be an issue. If you like the campus and/or the degree programs, go for it.
there are also scholarships that are offered soph, jr, and snr years that noone applies for. you can get alot of cash if you need it.
The South Islands
10-03-2006, 07:13
no such thing as too much of a party school. If you don't like parties, you don't go. You end up with a group of friends who prefer chilling in a small group and drinking, or just chilling if thats your style. You do what you enjoy.

Well, there is your roommate comming back to the dorm at 3:42AM, stone drunk.

*glares across room*
The South Islands
10-03-2006, 07:15
there are also scholarships that are offered soph, jr, and snr years that noone applies for. you can get alot of cash if you need it.

Hell yeah. You work hard, you could get a pretty hefty part of your tuition and R&B paid for through scholarships.
Rameria
10-03-2006, 07:16
there are also scholarships that are offered soph, jr, and snr years that noone applies for. you can get alot of cash if you need it.

Sarkhaan and The South Islands are both right. Don't make the decision based on money, there are tons of loans and scholarships available. I couldn't afford my university in the slightest, but going there was the best decision I ever made.

Try http://www.fastweb.com for scholarships. A lot of random stuff there that can definitely help out.
Americanen
10-03-2006, 07:58
Hell yeah. You work hard, you could get a pretty hefty part of your tuition and R&B paid for through scholarships.

Yeah but the first year would be 17000 , I dont think I could get any scholarships freshman yr w my grades.. well i did at utd but... anyways Idk maybe ill apply for a transfer or something its a catch 22.. if I get bad grades then i cant transfer, if i get good grades then the $9000 a year renews itself every yr making me wanting to stay..
Sarkhaan
10-03-2006, 08:17
Well, there is your roommate comming back to the dorm at 3:42AM, stone drunk.

*glares across room*
ha...
"Bruce, where have you been"
"at a party"
"why do you sound so happy"
"no reason"
"YOU HAD SEX, DIDN'T YOU!"
"I'm going to sleep. I'm drunk and tired"
"yeah, I bet you are. And you couldn't even bring us back some drinks"
me and my roommates 2 weeks ago

Thus is college. :)
The South Islands
11-03-2006, 00:30
ha...
"Bruce, where have you been"
"at a party"
"why do you sound so happy"
"no reason"
"YOU HAD SEX, DIDN'T YOU!"
"I'm going to sleep. I'm drunk and tired"
"yeah, I bet you are. And you couldn't even bring us back some drinks"
me and my roommates 2 weeks ago

Thus is college. :)

Wow. That's almost exactly the exchange between my roomate and me a few weeks ago. Weird.
Sarkhaan
11-03-2006, 00:55
Wow. That's almost exactly the exchange between my roomate and me a few weeks ago. Weird.
ah yes...the conversation repeted at college campuses worldwide at 3:30AM. It's a thing of beauty, I tell ya.
AnarchyeL
11-03-2006, 01:10
So my question would be do you think econ is better than BA?
Yes. Definitely. Unquestionably.

2. Rank these 3 types of classes from best to worst... One Day a week for 3 hours... Twice a week for 90 minutes each... or 3 times a week for an hour each.
Fewer classes per week is always preferable for me.

Should I join any clubs and stuff, Im thinking of intermural sports, also do schools provide you with avail. community service/ internships upon request or do you have to do them individually?
Probably depends on the school. As for clubs, I did theatre, and it was fun. Just don't overload so that you let your classwork go. And for fuck's sake, stay away from the damn fraternities.

Since they are in the same school Im thinking of also double majoring in either Accounting/Information Management or Finance... My mom doesnt like Finance because she says her friends majored in Finance and have only medium paying jobs as real estate agents and such, my dad said I should major in accounting also because it is a technical major (as opposed to BA just a broad major) but my high school friend says accounting is extremely difficult... which major in your opinion is better?
In my opinion? None of them. You're already going for Business Administration or Economics, either one will set you on a track for an actual job. But there is a LOT more to university than getting a job. If you have room for a second major, you should pick something you find interesting, fun, or stimulating.
Americanen
11-03-2006, 21:54
I've heard from some people including friends and a CEO of a company that most companies aren't concerned as to where you do your undergraduate studies as long as you get a post bachelors degree from a good college.. is this true?
Sarkhaan
11-03-2006, 21:58
I've heard from some people including friends and a CEO of a company that most companies aren't concerned as to where you do your undergraduate studies as long as you get a post bachelors degree from a good college.. is this true?
depends...a good college will open alot of doors, same as postgrad work can. experience is still your best bet. Alot of top corporate people started out low in a company, usually "on the floor" as it were. These are usually the best managers because they understand the job they are overseeing.
Rameria
12-03-2006, 02:21
I've heard from some people including friends and a CEO of a company that most companies aren't concerned as to where you do your undergraduate studies as long as you get a post bachelors degree from a good college.. is this true?

To a certain extent, this is true. You still want to go to the best school you can for your undergrad, though, because it tends to improve your chances of getting into a good grad school (provided you get good grades, of course). However, a lot of employers will be more impressed by someone that was at the top of their class at a middle of the road but well thought of school, than by someone that was in the bottom half of their class at a very prestigious school. To some degree though, it all comes down to how well you sell yourself.