Florida State University Top Questions

Finding the right college is the most important factor in determining what type of college experience a student will have. I would encourage parents to take an active role in helping their child choose a college. It is important for the student to choose their collge, but is a tremendous help if the parents support his or her decision. Parents also have different concerns than the student, which can help in the decision. For students, I would recommend visiting as many colleges as possible. It is important to get an idea of what kind of school he or she would like to attend and get a feel for the campus. The right school should feel like home. It is also important to speak with current students to get first hand testimonies. After choosing the right college, I feel the best way to make the most of the college experience is to have an open mind. Meet and talk to people you may not have thought to previously. Join an organization and get involved. College is a time for experimenting, so try something new. Most importantly, take pride in your school work. Doing well makes everything else much more fun!

It is very important to find a college that suits you individuality. In order to engage in the best experience of your child's four years, it will be extremely valuable for them to find their nitch. It would be in their best interest to attend tours of campus, and find out about clubs and activities around campus that your child has interest in. Going to a university is not only attending classes, but the best way to enjoy campus is to also have outside activities aside from classes, because even though classes are very important, it is also good to be a well rounded individual. Therefore, the best experience I can pass on to a perspective student after my couple of years of experience in college, is to find an enjoyable activity to take part in, make great friends that motivate you to do greatness, and enjoy all that your university has to offer.

I think it is important to visit the college you're thinking about attending during a school day and, if possible, see if you can sit in on a class you plan on taking your first year. I think visiting the school during a school day is a good way to get a feel for the atmosphere of a college, which I think is pretty important. Also, you might be able to talk to one of the professors in the college you want to be apart of to get a feel for what sort of classes you'll be taking. The professors are more likely to give you a more honest view of what the classes will be like than an academic advisor.

Parents: be involved. At least for me, and probably for most kids on their way to college, parents are the most important voice inside their heads. Help your son/daughter choose a school that meets both of your needs and guide them through the process. Up until now we may have been shying away from your 'words of wisdom,' ready to grow up much faster than you were ready for. We need you now more than ever, whether we'd like to admit it or not. Students: be involved. Deja vous! But for you it takes on a bit of a different meaning. It is very easy to get to school and be overwhelmed with all of the new people, new places, and new freedom. I've seen it go one of two ways time and time again: either the student gets scared and holes themselves up for four years just waiting for graduation, or they get in over their heads and mess up their opportunity by playing a little too much. Find a balance that works for you and run with it. These really are the best years of your life!

Make sure you get into a college that offers a great program that you want to major in. Make sure to take care of housing right away.

Find out what your skills are and persue them as best you can.

Go with whatever school you feel most comfortable and at home in. Do not judge the school on it's reputation or anything that you think you know about the school. You are going to get as much out of the school you choose as you put into it.

Tour the campus.

Do your research first and foremost. Parents and students need to visit their prospective colleges and discuss the pros and cons of each. The final selection should be a college that works for the student, not the parent; as the student will be the one attending for at least the next four years. You need to make sure your selection is the college that you both feel that the student will excel, both academically and socially. Get involved with the college; as a student and as a parent. Enjoy the experience with your son or daughter and keep the communication open. Just because we are away at college; we still need our parents. It is a big step on our way to adulthood and I have been very blessed that my parents have been there each step of the way with full support and love. Apply for scholarships. There are plenty of them out there. Yes, it takes time and commitment, but anything worth having does; especially your sons or daughters education.

Stay open to anything