Florida State University Top Questions

I would tell parents to trust their children's instincts. They know what schools are a good fit for them. I would also encourage each parent to take official college visits with their children and feel the atmosphere for themselves. I would advise the students to trust their heart. I would also advise them to get involved on campus once they get there. It is easy to meet a group of friends that you will have for a lifetime at college. Go out and socialize but never neglect your school work. Education is first. Cherish the time you have during your four years. It goes by fast!

When being away frmo home, it is important to make sure, first and foremost that the financial aid office is up to par because without money, then it will be very diffivult yo accomplish other things. Then make sure that the faculty and staff are what you would want to be condusive to an environment suitable for you. And last but not least, every school has a personality; make sure that the student s who are around campus have personalities that are most compatible with your own.

Find a college that is competitive, where you will learn alot about yourself, your career, and your future. Find a college where there is a high percentage of graduates that go on to become successful, and a college that's affordable. Find a college where there is volunteering, helping the disability, the sick, the homeless, and those struggling to get to college. Find a college where there is less violence, sex, crime, and more on preparing the students for their lives. Find a college where there is alot of interaction going on, where there are study groups,and organizations. Find a college where there are activities and gyms to help the student stay fit and healthy. Make the most of their college experience by joining groups, organizations, clubs, getting to know your classmates and professors. Go to football games or play a sport to meet people. Join the debate team where you can express your opinions no matter what someone else says. Get a job on campus that way you can save gas, money, and time, and finish your homework while you are working. Talk with an advisor in your major about what classes to take so you can graduate.

I believe arranged marriages can work as long as the two people are committed to the marriage and make the conscious decision to love one another. While marrying for love may be easier in the long run, I don't believe there is only one "right" choice of spouse per person. In the same way, I don't believe there is only one perfect match for a student looking to attend college. A student can make a "marriage" with any college work as long as he or she is willing to work hard wherever they are. I would advise students to keep in mind that as important as a degree is, people should always take priority in life. Make time for social events or your college experience will be meaningless.

I believe that selecting the right college is about more than majors, sports, financial aid, class sizes, instructors, and night life. In order to make the most of your college experience, you should find someplace that excites you... someplace that feels like a home away from home where you can be free to grow into the man or woman that you will be for the rest of your life. The right college should have an appeal that makes you want to go to classes, get involved in campus events, socialize with other students, and study beyond the material provided in lectures. Any school can enslave you for four years as you await that rolled up, ribbon-tied diploma... but the right school will allow you to truly enjoy that journey. My advice is to investigate your options. Research as many schools as possible and visit them. Ask questions... Talk to people... Ask yourself if this is it. Don't let what has been called "the best years of your life" be reduced to a time of drunken idiocy or of unbearable academic anxiety. Use this time - this opportunity - to connect with people and places that will stay with you forever.

I would advise students and parents to visit the campus and find a place that feels 'right,' spending four years in a place that you feel uncomfortable is physically and emotionally difficult. Students need to realize their own personal needs and evaluate whether being close to family and friends is important. I find that most people, regardless of how close or distant their relationship with their families find the adjustment of moving away, from something you've had for the vast majority of your life, to be very difficult. You need to establish a network of supportive and consistent friends who can soften the blow of not having your family at your disposal all the time. It is not a bad plan to go to college knowing a few people, either from school or that you meet at orientation; ideally someone you know well enough to trust. Parents, you must realize that your child is going to be exposed to things that adults have to deal with, and you should be available to help them through these descisions but you should not be the ones to alienate and scold them, should they not make the choice you would.

When selecting a college, my advice to parents and their son/daughter is to find a place where you feel comfortable at. When you visit the school for a preview, ask yourself whether or not you like the surroundings, the feel of being on campus with all the other students, and if it feels like it could be your "new home". I encourage those on their way to college to really take in the whole experience of college by getting involved with different campus organizations, be it a fraternity/sorority, religious clubs, an intramural sports team, musical group, etc. College is about making memories you will forever hold on to and when you look back on them 30 years from now, you want to be able to say that you had a great time while also learning new things and meeting new people. Don't be afraid to try new things because this is the time of your life where you start to branch out and find who you really are inside. Your college years go by very fast, so live it up! And be comfortable in doing so.

Stay on campus your first year. The people you meet will be your best friends for the entire 4 years. Me and my roomates are still friends and visit each other and we live on opposite sides of the USA.

Make sure it is really what you want. Check out all of the prices on everything(tuition,rent,food,etc.) Make lots of friends. Do not go to far away from home. Keep your parents involved in your life. Apply for all financial aid that is possible and apply early. Study hard, this is your future. Be reasponable. Enjoy everything your school has to offer.

Go with your gut instinct and don't give up too quickly. It can be hard at the beginning, especially if you travel far from home. You will make friends in time, and find your own place within the college scene. Get involved in whatever might interest you -- you will regret it once you graduate if you don't live life to its fullest while you are still in school!