Ferris State University Top Questions

For many people choosing a college is the most important situation in their young lives. I would suggest not making a quick decision; moreover, I think that one must research many different colleges and universities to make sure they know what they are going to be getting out of a school for the next four years.

Get out and be yourself! Meet new people and have fun... just not too much fun to where you are going to get in trouble!

do your research, take campus visits and ask a lot of questions.

I would recommend choosing a college that is known for excellence in your field of study. Also, I would recommend making as many friends and connections as possible. It may help you throughout your college experience.

I would advise students and even parents to consider what they want to do with the rest of their lives. Cost shouldn't matter because there is aid out there that can be given to the student/parents for the college. Also determine what type of learning enviorment you would be most comfortable learning in. Choose the one that best suits your needs, attending a college that does not meet your needs will cause you to have a poor college experience. Students should also consider the course loads that they will be taking along with the class size. Students should look into optimizing their experiences with the college that will best suit them. Both parents and students should take in to consideration the social life of a school. With it being a students first time away from home they will be more likely to try new things and get off track with non-extracirricular activities such as partying. For the most part sudents and parents should sit down together and decide what the student wants and needs in a school and choose one from there. That is all I can advise them on. The choice is ultimately theirs.

Ask the students on campus, because they will give you the most honest answer, because the faculty and administration will play the school up to be better than it really is. You should research colleges on pages other than the colleges homepage on the internet.

When searching for the right college, there are questions that one must consider. First, what is the desired area of study? This could be specific or general. If you're not exactly sure, choose a college that offers most of what you are considering. Next, where do you want your college to be located? Are you interested in leaving your home state or would you prefer to stay closer to home? Much thought must be put behind this decision. Going against your desire is sure to result in regret. Another important question about location is your comfort level with either a city or a small town. You don't want to choose a surrounding area that will take serious adjustment as it may interfere with your studies. The next question is regarding classroom size. Would you prefer small classrooms with opportunity to develop student-professor relationships or would you prefer large lecture halls? This question will have a large impact on your educational experience. It is also important to keep in mind extra-curricular activities. Involvement is important to maximize the college experience. These questions are sure to lead you to the college fitting both your academic and social needs.

Let your student chose where they want to go. It doesn't even really matter, because no one knows what they want to do for a career, when they're still in high school. Find a liberal arts college or community college, and then transfer to a real university when you decide what you want to do.

For those seniors who have been accepted to a college, don't get caught up in all the partying. Have a good time but make sure that you do it properly. Focus on academics first, and social life second; but also make sure you balance them out so that you don't get overwhelmed. For those who haven't been accepted or are applying, make sure that you start early. I learned the hard way that waiting isn't the best option and had to go to my second choice school. Also make sure that you research the college that you are looking at, it will help you get an idea of what you are getting yourself into. Check to see if they have days that you and your parents can visit but also if they have weekends where you can come and stay and get the feel for college life. My final advice is just Good Luck! College is tough but remeber that what you do in college shapes what is to come in your future.

make sure your priorities are in the right place before you go to school otherwise it will be a huge waste of money and time

I would tell any student and their parents to chose the school that their heart is telling them to. If they do that, it will all work out the way it is supposed to. Also, to work hard because your education is one of the most important ingredients in the outcome of you fuuture. And finally, good luck and have fun!

look into each program at the college you are thinking of going to, and make sure it is what you want to go into.

To find the right college i would do a lot of research and really know what you would like your school to be like. Dont go where all your friends are going, you will make plenty of friends where ever you decide to go. And dont worry about picking your major ASAP it will come to you eventually just be patient. Another biggie would be filling out your FASFA as early as you can . It is really helpfull for paying for school and supplies. As for making the most of your college experience, i would say to use what the school has to offer such as toutors, activites, and welcome week events it really boosts your networking with other students and the're fun! Also, do not worry about what other people think about you, this isnt highschool anymore and people arent going to make fun of you for sitting by yourself, dressing differently or for asking a question. So just go and be yourself and have fun...but not too much fun you just need to find what works for you. and remember teachers dont accept late homework anymore so dont skip class and keep up with your work!

Make sure that you are ready to go and not going just beacuse someone else wants you to go. Choose the college based on where you want to go and not beacuse your friends are going.

Plan ahead.. I have spent a lot of time trying to figure out the system, and trying to learn the in's and out's of college becuase I am a first generation student. I didn't have guidance or help, from family members, so everything I've done has been through trial and error. Having a good knowledge of the processes; ie. applying, registering, attending class, scheduling appropriately to finish in the shortest amount of time are all key factors when looking into college. My best advice would be for students to go to school year around. You can knock out anywhere from 6-9 credits during the spring and summer semesters which can shorten your time at school tremendously. Knowing who to contact with questions and never being afraid to ask questions about the processes of college is important. Having an advisor and allowing them to help you through school is important. They know the school better than you will and they will know the things you need to know to be successful. Make the most of your college experience. Attend class and focus on having good relationships and college will be a positive experience.

When searching for the right college, campus visits are an absolute must. Do not just schedule them with an administrator. Be sure to do "surprise inspections" Drive and visit yourself. Take a stroll along campus during the week days and look at the students. Maybe talk to them and ask them about the school. Then come back and visit on the weekends. Find out what it will be like during the downtime when classes arn't in session. Also be sure to schedule an appointment as well. This will allow you to tour the facilities and see some classes in session. The only way to find out what its going to be like at a college is to go there and see for yourself.

Find the college that has the highest marks for the major you wish to complete. Attend the orientations of the colleges you wish to attend because you can get a great sense of what they expect of you plus you will get a feel for the kind of students that attend there and how they feel about that particular school.

Go with your gut feeling about the school. If the social environment is great and the school properly accomodates the major(always have a backup major in case the first one falls through) you want to pursue, go for it. Just remember that your first choice is not always your last choice! Have fun. College is that time where you get to do everything you have ever wanted to do. For me, I'm learning interactive design. I started out as a music performance/meteorology major. Never thought I would be in this field, but I am, and I've never been happier. I can only imagine how happy I will be once I graduate. So, go out, get your education, and start planning your future!

GO WILD, live life

I would tell parents and students alike that college is the ride of my life. I would tell them that the student needs to work hard in high school and start early to find a place that suits you and your needs and wants as a growing adult. I would tell the students that they need to visit as many campuses as they can and make sure they feel comfortable where they are going to be for a number of years, making their own choices and decisions; paying their own utility bills, buying their own groceries, and waking themselves up for class. College is a very big step, and it is an extremely costly choice for a person to make and continue with. It's not always a walk in the park, but it is also the best learning experience I have had thus far.