Florida International University Top Questions

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

Mike

learn about the college and attend the orientations and try to get involved in school activities.

Ariane

Choosing the right college is an important step in any high school student's life. There are many different types of universities, ranging from the very liberal to the conservative. It is truly up to the student to choose but a parent can be helpful in making this decision alongside them. One must consider all that is important to him/her in regards to college. Is the student more academically inclinded or does he/she tend to be more artistic? What kind of location is the student keen on? A city college can yield a very different experience from one located in a rural area. Weather can even play a part. Maybe that university has a favorite football team and that is what the student is looking for. Whatever the reasons for choosing a college, it should be geared to that particular student's needs and happiness. This will be a place where you will spend four years of your life, potentially more. These four years will then help shape you for your future, both personally and careerwise. Make it a good decision that you won't ever regret!

Tiara

I would definitely advise parents and students to visit the college and take a tour. On the tour, they should ask questions about the size of the classes, extracurricular activities, the surrounding areas, and faculty. These are all things that impact the whole study experience. I would also let them know that no college is perfect, and the student also plays a role in making the most of the experience.

Vanessa

Give your student freedom to make thier own decisions, but encourage them to live up to their fullest potentials!

Mario

Looking back at my three years at Florida International University, the one thing that surprised me the most about the university experience is how little the actual university has to do with it. Sure, FIU provided me all the opportunities to flourish academically, socially, and professionally, but what most parents and students need to realize is that- almost every established univeristy does this. The one thing that determines what your college experience is going to be like is you yourself; your mindset and determination to succeed on all levels as you go into this great life endeavour. College life is what you make out of it- the resources are all there and it all depends on how YOU think you will be able to do and what you put forward. College is truly an investment in yourself, but this just doesn't apply to finances. When you enter college, you are investing your time, effort, and very being into your own ability to make a successful life for yourself. At the end of the four years, the only person you have to thank or blame for success in college is the person staring back at you in the mirror.

jessica

research colleges in and out of state. You dont have to know your major, but find a university that offers a variety of choices, and amazing campus support.

Hali

Don't go to college yet if you know you are not ready. You will just end up wasting time and money. Don't choose a schoool just because it is close to home or just because your parents made you apply. And parents, be supportive of what your children want to do.

Kristen

A very important aspect in choosing a college, I believe, is diversity. In most college settings where there is overpowering majority of one type of person; this may eventually lead the inability to relate to all types of people when entering into a career. Academics are obviously also an essential factor, so this is also key in selecting a college. A person may also want to look at location of a college. Being in a place that will adhere to all the things that one may find important is imperative. Upon entering college I believe that being involved socially on campus creates a more positive outlook on school in general; thus this may lead to studying harder and being involved more acedemically. Selecting a major is something that will have an affect on a person forever. I believe that selecting a major that is actually of interest to the individual is vital. Selecting a major just to make money is not a good strategy for the future. Being psychologically sound is much more important than making a buck. Especially in a society where depression is so prevelant and there is so much emphasis put on material items.

Daniel

In order to fin the best college you must ake into account cost of schooling and the quality of schooling for the price. Most imporantly, research all the extracurricular activities it has to offer because the social aspect of college is very important. Such extracurricular activities as intramural sport, sororities, fraternities, student government, etc. are crucial to personal growth as well as networking that will benefit you once you graduate. This is the most imporatant and fun time of your life, and you must choose wisely because after the fact all you have left is memories and a very short time to make them in.

Tina

Visit the campus and spend some time walking around and really try to get a feel for the campus. When you have found the College which is best for you, you'll know because you'll feel comfortable with the surrounds and feel as though the campus of the college fits well wit you and your personality. It's important to pick a college that you can be happy at and that will cater to what you want to study.

THEOPA

I SUGGEST THE PARENT/ STUDENT DO SOME RESEARCH ON THE COLLEGE OF THEIR CHOICE.

Liv

Enjoy the most of it and have a lot of school spirit. Being able to balance school and social life is very important. in other words, have fun but remember thst you're going to school for an education and to meet new people! :)

Alexandra

Things you must take into account: First, you should have a very good idea of what kind of college you want to attend when you graduate high school. Sit down and think about what kind of college you want to go to, is it a big one or a small one?, do you want to do a particular sport?, what about commute? is it in a college town?, all these kind of questions must be taken into account. Then you should research what the average profile of accepted students is like for those schools and plan your high school career upon these requirements. Second, once you've gotten accepted make sure you base your final decision on your true desires and goals. Don't base it on personal relationships, I've seen many cases where students decide to stay where their significant other is instead of going where its best for them, and most end up regretting their decision. Third, once you're attending college make sure to get involved! Join a fraternity/sorority, or a club that fits your interests, this is where you'll meet most of your friends and get great connections for your future! GOOD LUCK! ;)

Jardina

When you are looking for college please take the time to review the faculty and their credentials. You should go to a school that will provide you with the education that can get you where you want to go.

Kristyn

When it's time to choose what college you want to go to, make sure it is somewhere YOU want to go and will feel at home and get the best learning experience. Don't let anyone influence your decision. It is where you are going to spend the next four years of your life, and you want to make sure it has everything you want and need to be sucessful. Once you are there, take advantage of all the school has to offer. If you are lucky enough to not have to work, take the time to study hard while still enjoying everything the campus has and meeting new people. Look into Financial Aid early on and always have a plan for the future for both academics, your social life, and your financial situation. Don't let anything or anyone hold you back, and, most importantly, as hard as it may seem while you are there, it will definitely pay off in the end when you are on track to a sucessful career doing what you love.

claudia

In all honesty I would have to say to the parents let go and allow life to take its course feel confident that everything you taught them will be applied. As for the students going off to college only do what feels right, and keep your eyes on the prize. Remember what you go to college looking for is what you are going to find, no matter what it is, or where it is. College is a chapter in life that not everyone can say they have done enjoy, but in moderation. In this portion of life, see the world for what it really is be apart of what is great enjoy the fruits of life embrace the reward of hard work and allow the future to season you as you persure your college career.

Omoniyi

Attend campus tours and talk to students on campus at that time about their experience. And make sure that the final choice, the school you think is the perfect one for you, its tuition is within your price range.

Sandra

I believe that the parents should cfeel comfortable sending their child to the university/college of their choice even if it means going out of state. Regardless of what school they chose, they will still an experience that will have an impact on their life and I think that every school offers exceling programs to help students succeed. Students should feel comfortable about their decision on which school they would prefer to attend. Even if you regret your choice there is always an option to tranfer to another but at least you had the privilege of trying out something different that helps in this stage of developing and finding out who you are. In the end, whichever school you graduate from you will be one of the few to have passed a hard journey and be a part of those that surpassed an obstacle in life.

Brandy

Please take your time and do your research. Your kids are our future and choosing the right college is choosing the right path you want them to take. I am not putting any one college out there but there are some colleges who make it seem like one thing your child will be doing and when they get there it is completely different. Do your research and visit the campus more than once. Go on a weekday and a weekend. Get involved with the school so you have the 411 and keep close relationships with your kids through there college experience. Ask questions from the locals about the school not just the staff an kids who currently attend, they might be "selling the school." Have fun with this experience and stay involved. Your kids may want their freedom but at the end of the day college is very stressful and scary so the comfort of home will be missed frequently. Choose wisely and keep informed of updates i.e. budget cuts. Goodluck and have faith in your kids, you raised them so you know they will do great!

Grace

It is important to make your own choice when determining what college a student might pick. Parents and students have different wants and most students are affected by their parents decision.