Armstrong State University Top Questions

Everyone should visit the college that they are considering and speak to currently enrolled students.

Take summer classes, and never ever be afraid to ask professors for extra help or advice. Talk to current students to find out what the college is really like and make sure you get agreements between financial aid advisors and academic advisors signed.

Just because you live close to a college doesn't mean you don't have to actually go to it. It might have the right program for you. Always attend the orientations to get the best view of the college. Always try living on campus at least once to test your independence, and always try classes that don't fit into your major or minor - you just might like them.

Do your research. Make sure the school you apply has your interests in mind. Relax, get involved, and enjoy the best years of your life.

Finding the right school is very important. It is important to feel comfortable with the school and the surrounding area. Once in school, remember that you are not JUST there to learn...have fun too. Make friends, join clubs, organizations, and greek. College is not just about studying, its about discovering who you are and what you want for your life, not what anyone else wants for it. Make mistakes, but learn from them.

My advice for students about finding the right school and making the most out of their college experience is simple. Find yourself! Know your interests and what will push and inspire you towards success. Find and environment for yourself that intrigues you and will be a catalyst to your learning. Each school will offer something different and it is important that you find the school that moves you. To do this, take some time to narrow down your options and then visit and spend time at each of them. Speak to current students and ask about the living, curriculum, students, activities and the facilities.

Choosing a college should be based on where the student feels most comfortable because leaving home to go to college alone can be scary. Finding a place to learn is an exciting experience and being on your own for the first time is sometimes overwhelming. I would tell a future student to find a place that has a balance between fun social experiences and learning. Going to a school that has an equal balance of both will create the most enjoyable experience. Who says you can't have fun while learning? As for parents, being both supportive and trusting in your child/college student is important because school can be stressful. Having a parent that is supportive and involved in their child's college life is a huge relief to a sometimes stressful college career.

Finding the "right" college has more to do with how you look at the college and what you are going to be learning there, not where you go to college.

I would tell parents and prospective students to begin (sophomore yr) early with the process of researching colleges. I would tell them to list their top five and from there set up Open House trips to each campus just to get a feel of the faculty and staff. Financial Aid seems to be a sore spot for most students at my college and I would definately encourage the parents to ask direct questions as to how they operate their system of disbursments and the processing of loans, etc., and what problems if any, have interfered with that process in the past. Aside from research, I would encourage the student to search their own heart and choose the college they feel would benefit them most---academically and mentally. One has to have peace of mind when attending college for it is a tedious and sometimes stressful journey. If the staff is not focused on students needs and neglectful of their finances, progress, etc., then the student should either move on if enrolled or pursue another university from the start. I hope that my advice will be used for other purposed regardless of my winning the scholarship or not.

I would say to buy books online and check the library because sometimes you can just check them out instead of paying hundreds of dollars.