Florida Gulf Coast University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Florida Gulf Coast University know before they start?

Cassandra

Visit the college before you attend! Consider if you want to go far from home or stay close. If you are going to be working while going to school, make sure you secure a job ASAP or at least make sure there are opportunities around. Get involved as much as possible, it really does go by way too fast! Follow the syllabus the professor gives you and do not procrastinate!

Taunesha

When looking for the "right" college, look at all of the possibilities and situations that the school has to offer. The surrounding areas, campus life, academics, housing situations, and more, all affect the growth and prosperity of a student. Even though some of the before mentioned may not affect the student directly it does affect the student in someway, shape or form. The bonds the students create throught campus involvement and housing arrangements can lead to a life long networking circle. All schools have websites, do research, not just the prospective students information page but research majority of the information on the school. Look at the school's recent news, clubs and organizations, awards recieved and more. Lastly, look more into the career path you would like to take, is that school the best for your career? Find out about the school's graduation and career placement statistics. Make sure you not only attend the open house but speak to students that attend the school, not just the ones volunteering or getting paid to showcase the school, but the average student walking around. Then you will know exactly what the school has to offer.

Nilsa

not sure, I'm a single mother of two boys not only working to support my own family fulll time but going to school full time. I did not get to enjoy full college life. I will advise students to get their education prior to starting a family and enjoy everything college has to offer.

Kastania

How excited are you? You are a senior that is going off to college! There are so many decisions you are going to face on finding that perfect college and then experiencing that perfect college experience. I had to face that and it was not easy. The advice I would suggest to finding that ?perfect college? and that ?perfect college experience? is finding out what lifestyle you want at that college. Do you want to have a great football team or do you want to have that amazing aeronautical engineering program? This is vital because you want to be happy where you are. Do you want to stay local or have a change? Ask yourself questions. Parents: You have knowledge your kids do not posses yet. Guide them on their decision but allow them to make the final decision. They will be successful if they are happy. No matter how many college preparation books you can read just know that doing research and asking questions can help you make those final decision because you can never be to prepared.

Amber

Visit the schools that you wish to go to. I know when I went to visit I could see myself attending that school. It was such a great feeling. Also, students, finding the right balance of work load and friends is the hardest thing to do especially if you are away from home. It is the most important thing you can do for yourself though. Once you find that balance and stick to it, life can be a bit more easy. Sometimes it takes people a long time to find that perfect balance for them. I know it is my second year and I am still working on it. College is ment to be fun but you are there to study so both are important!

Scott

I advise parents help their son and/or daughter to acheive what their passion is and to constantly build their confidence and to not be pushy. Parents should not try to be in constant contact with their children because I feel the distance from family can help someone find who they truely are and what will make them happy in life. Parental influence can play role in a student persuing something that does not make them happy. I advise students to study a lot! Complete all assignments and seek tutoring if you are having trouble. Pay attention to all of your surroundings, other students are not as nice as they seem, so keep friends far and few, and secrets to yourself. I do feel that Fort Myers is a vortex for taking ones good energy and having nothing to give in return, so stay strong! Don't let the world take you down and please, please constantly swim against the flow of society. Be yourself and be free. Don't take no for an answer and live life knowing you can do whatever you dream to do. Always spread good, and refrain from evil.

Alissa

The most important thing to look at when choosing a college is their majors! Really look at them and read about them. If a school doesn't have what your interested in doing for the rest of your life, and you attend it anyway, well your obviously not in college for the right reasons. Once you have schools narrowed down by what your interested in majoring in, look at what their values are. For example, Florida Gulf Coast University cares very much about the envoronment, and so do I, that gives them an advantage in persuading me to go there. Last, I would say to look at what they offer for free time activities. Is there any sport your interested in? Or maybe a club or sorority? Are there areas near the school where you could have a part time job? All these things are important when choosing the right school for you!

Jill

My best advice for choosing the best college for you is to DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Read the local papers, publications from the University; read about the instructors and their accomplishments, the research they are involved in. Make sure you know the outcomes of recent graduates and their ability to pass boards or find employment after graduation. It is important to make a list of the most important things you are looking for in a college and to seek one that meets your needs. I made a mistake in that I chose a college for the gorgeous campus and I failed to do my research on the faculty, staff, passing rates on the boards and press releases regarding my school. Overall, the most important thing is find a school that you will feel comfortable and safe attending and be proud to represent in the community.

Aisha

In finding the right college and making the most out of a college experience, remember to select a college that you would feel the most comfortable attending. Make friends, have fun, and be yourself. College is where people make lifelong friendships and I know this firsthand.

L

Be sure to visit the school and take a tour. Speak to an academic advisor before registering for any classes.

Kelly

The most important thing to look for when choosing a university is to find one that meets your needs. Before visiting a campus, make a list of items that you either need or want in a university. Talk with parents and colleges about the need for financial aid, the ability of jobs in or around campus, the types of social activity found near the campus, the size of the student body, the size of classes, and the variety of majors that they offer. Also, it is important to both speak with faculty in your prospective major and talk with administration about the ease or difficulties associated with transferring to a different college and changing majors. Although you may be set on a specific career path now, things change and it is important to know your options.

Heather

Look for a school with alot of majors.

Stephanie

make sure you visit the colleges before hand. see if you can audit a class for a day so you can get first hand experience of what the school is like. talk to current students they will give an unbiased opinion of the shcool they go to. join clubs and get involved on campus, put a lot of effort into school work but remember to balance it out with plenty of fun. and dont give up maybe that major isnt right for you find the right one and give it your all.

John

find where you will enjoy yourself

Melissa

Travel to schools and the surrounding cities. Hang out for a few days and see what it's really about.

Katherine

I would look at all of your options and choose wisely.

Caitlin

Definitely pick a college where you feel like you will be comfortable. Don't be afraid to move away from home, because sometimes moving away can make the college experience that much better. One of the most important things to consider is the availability of the classes you will need to complete the degree you are seeking. Also, choose a college that is going to help you if you ever should have a question. Make sure that they have the resources available (advisors, library, etc) that you feel you will need to better your education. Don't rush into the decision, ultimately your future is on the line. Make the choice that you will be most comfortale with, and parents--make sure to support your student 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the time. It's going to be a learning experience for both of you.

Santiago

Go to see the college more than one time. Get into contact with students who are currently enrolled at the school and ask them about ther experience. Also contact those who have graduated from the school and ask them about their experience. Read Publications that rate the best colleges fro a particular degree. Visit the website of the University and contact the professors who could possibly answer any questions in regards to a specific field of study a potential student is interested in.

Michael

Do something you could do for free everyday.

Nikki

Get involved, make friends, have fun, stay in touch with your family, learn who you are and learn who you want to be. You DO have time. Start off on the right foot and live life to your fullest. Be safe, be careful and stay out of trouble;) Live life with no regrets, every journey begins with a single step, set your goals, reach them; have a dream and fulfill it. Oh, and avoid parking tickets and always wear your seatbelt. Its okay to smoke, its okay to drink, know your limits and chose your decisions wisely. Its your life and the only one that can and IS willing to screw it up, is YOU! Good luck...Have pride, have hope and be you...