I am currently a Biology student (Junior) and have been to two schools for my college education. My first major that I switched from was Photography, so I've seen the Visual Arts program as well as the Science program. The first school I attended was also a texas state school, but was not up to my standards on quality teaching. I left that school also because I couldn't get away from the partying and was unable to focus on my studies. So I decided to attend Texas Woman's University. Texas Woman's University is a wonderful school to attend. The school has quite literally some of the best teachers in Texas. Though I will stress that this school is not for everybody. The campus is centered around academics, and partying is not really found on campus. But don't worry, there are plenty chances to party with UNT just right next door! This makes a perfect balance for people that have a serious need for quiet to focus on their studies, but can take a break and head over to a party at fry's street. Though if you are a person that likes to throw the parties, you might find yourself at a loss, and with some pretty angry neighbors. With the partying aside, the campus is beautifully kept, and holds a sort of feeling of peace and calm. The facilities are fully equiped to support a variety of learning disciplines. Unfortunately the school is limited in the undergraduate degrees offered, but has a nice selection of graduate degrees. So if you think you might end up changing your degree, make sure that your other options of degrees are offered, or be prepared to have to transfer schools.
The class setting: Classes are smaller sized, I've had anywhere from 15-40 people in a classroom to 150 in a lecture. This is great, because you can actually ask questions and get help from your instructor. These smaller classes also make the professor more willing to help you and I think make them less crabby in general. One of the greatest things about the small class sizes is that if you make a friend in one class, you actually have a possibility of seeing them around in another class. Large campus's you could meet someone and not see them again in the next four years! Bad thing is, you can't melt into the woodwork, if you don't do your work, the professor will probably know (and probably know your name as well!)
The Professors:
If you look at your professors credentials you shouldn't be surprised if you see 'yale, stanford, oxford' etc. And if you look at their experience you might just find some things that they have done that are actually 'cool'. I had one teacher that taught around the world and in places like taiwan, korea etc, where she got to tent right next to elephants! Most Professors at TWU are great to learn from, some are very fun, while some may need to work on their communication skills a bit. All of the professors though, find it important that you can talk to them.
Tips:
*Take a tour of the campus, talk to current professors/students about life on campus, and departments.
*Look into your professors, it sometimes helps to know where they are coming from and what their interests are, to understand and appreciate them.
*Take your education seriously at the VERY BEGINNING, a lot of professors make it hard at the beginning to 'weed' out the free riders, but loosen and ease up later in the semester.
*because the school is mainly academic join a student organization relating to your major or interest to make friends. Most of their meetings are just to hang out anyways, and this is a great way to know people in your major or just make friends. Just because it says 'science' in it's title, doesn't mean it doesn't allow beer!
*lastly, this school is quite competitive in a lot of it's departments. A lot of people are friends, but still in the classroom are competitors. Don't be afraid of that, the competition is healthy, and if you ask anyone for advice or help, they are friendly and willing to help!Hope this helps!
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