Georgia Southern University Top Questions

I would tell students to write down their academic, extracurricular, and social goals that they want to accomplish in college as well as their plans for after graduation. Then, I would tell them to research colleges based on those criteria. Once they have narrowed their choices for colleges down to a few, they should make plans to visit the colleges keeping in mind to ?befriend? at least one student at the college so they can see both what the university wants to show them and what the students experience on and off campus during their trip. Finally, parents should be open-minded and accepting of their child?s academic desires, keeping in mind that their child is likely to change their major a few times. Meanwhile, students should be aware of financial limitations in their pursuit of higher education and should plan accordingly by researching scholarships, jobs at college, and other varieties of financial aid.

If I were choosing a school knowing what I know now there are several things I would look at. First I would like to look at the Campus and quality of facilities, as this will be where you spend most of your time. I would also want to know that choose a school that suits you best, not the one all your friends from high school are attending. College is a great time to meet a lot of life-long friends and you will have plenty of opportunities to do so. I would also look at the rate students are finding jobs after graduation and what kind of programs the school has to offer to help you in finding a job. After all that is why I would be going to school in the first place. Lastly I would make sure the school had plenty of extra-curricular things to do like clubs, or intramurals. I believe College is what you make of it and as long as you choose the college you think is best for you, your education and experience will pay for itself one-hundred times over.

In order to find the right college its important to go somewhere that fits you; not only academically but socially as well. If your someone who isn't into partying go to a school where the emphasis is more on study and research. Discover new innovations or techniques of doing things. If your into a social environment select a college that has a good nightlife; but make sure that school is the primary focus. And Remeber being successful isn't about WHAT you know but about WHO you know. Meet as many people as you can whether through partying or scholastics; your never know what someone else can do for you later on down ther road!

Advice for parents would be to not be affraid to let your children venture out to a new location. I am sure they will be safe and they will come back a much more responsible and outgoing child. For students, I advice you to not stay at home and go to college. You really want to have the full college experience and that will only come with living on campus!

Do your research! Find out what the drop out rate is. Also, a campus visit is invaluable to determining whether you want to go to a specific college. Check out the dormitories.

I would tell parents and students alike to make sure it's the right fit for you. Make sure the location, the people, and the academics are right for you. If you love the school, but hate the location, you'll end up going home every weekend and not making the most of your experience. Visit, visit, visit! Don't pick a school based on what you've heard! Go and see the school and ask questions. Most high schools will allow an excused absence to visit a college! Georgia Southern offers visits Monday through Friday and I know a lot of other schools do, too. As far as making the most of your college experience goes, you have to step out of your comfort zone! You have to go out there and make friends. I would definitely suggest living on campus as a freshman. There is no better way to make friends than to live in a dorm. Also, get involved on campus. That's another great way to meet people and ultimately figure out who you are. After all, isn't discovering yourself what college is all about?

Write down the pros and cons of the colleges you are most serious about and look at them. Think about where you see yourself being a few years down the road!

When you walk on the campus you should fall in love with it. Look at class sizes and teachers reviews to see if its going to be right for you. For parents, call the colleges and see how that first phone call is answered and how you are treated. Ask questions and see how long it takes or how easy it is to find out what you need and the staffs personality. Look for scholarship opportunities and job availability and how active the campus is with sports, community, and activities. If you dont love it, it may not be the right place for you, but dont give up because there are so many great colleges out there.

Take into consideration how big the campus is and how outgoing you/your child is. If you/your child are/is introverted, then a massive school with tens of thousands of students will only swallow him/her up and lead to possibly feeling like they're overwhelmed and depressed. You should always make sure that the size of the school won't affect how you/your child adjusts to being away from home and on your/their own for the first time.

My advice would be for the student to choose which school is best for them and not the parent. The student should go on visits and learn about the campus in which they are interested in.