Georgia State University Top Questions

Visit the school that you are thinking about before you go there. Ask other students that go there if they like it and if they would reccommend it.

The best advice that I can give someone that is considering colleges is to make a list of things that you absolutely require in a college, those things that are fairly important, and those things that aren't very important. You should consider everything when making this list-- location, cost, small classrooms vs. large classrooms, area around campus, etc. The student/parent should research college lists (Available at www.princetonreview.com.) by keywords, such as "large campus" or "under $10,000 tuition" and those characteristics that were deemed important in the student's lists. Narrow down the colleges to those that have most, if not all, of those things that you decided you require in a college. Absolutely visit those colleges and consider your list when going on tours and meeting with current students. Ask many questions about anything that you might want to know. Eat at local restaurants, consider parking and traffic, observe the students' behaviors, look at the classrooms and buildings, look at the places on campus to hang out, and anything else that you may participate in in college. Be very critical when considering colleges, because it's the most important thing you'll ever do.

Plan early and well. Remember that the experience of getting away from home can make a student reevaluate his or her major choice. Applications should be completed early so that the high school student has the opportunity to make the right choice. One should look into the extracurricular activities associated with the school and not simply academic standing.

Advice I would give to students about finding the right college is to think outside of the box. Don't apply to schools that you know you will get in to or schools that all your friends went to, be different, take risks. Don't be afraid to try new things. The same goes for making the most out of your college experience. You have the most fun when you meet new people and go new places - doing things you never thought you would do are the things that you remember the most.

make sure the student likes the campus. It has been very hard for me to go to class because of how much I hate the Downtown Atlanta Area. Also make sure the school has different types of activities and it's located somewhere you can go and not get mugged or robbed. At GSU, security is the biggest concern.

The most important thing is to make sure the school has a program for the student's interest. Also, the class size sholud fit the comfort level of the student.

Live on campus even if for just a semester! Use the library; its a great place to have quite study time, hold study groups and of course to do research. Make friends in each class, exchange contanct info. & form study groups for all 4 years of college! Find out where food is closest to each class room because you dont want to waste your money on $2.25 20oz cokes and $1 tiny bag of chips! Use the free counsoling services if you are stressed or anxious about anything because they can seariously help. Got a problem in class GO TALK TO YOUR PROFESSORS. They are human and they know that life happens and if you open up to them they can be compassionate. If you like a professor try to make friends with them and you will learn more than you expected and they are your most valuable educational tool! Get a job on campus, one that you can study while being on the clock because you will never have enough money! Always have a healthy snack from home in your bag! If you arnt over all happy with your classes switch majors sooner than later.

The best thing to do is research. Determine what things would make you happy to be at the school. Whether its size, price, location, or extra-curricular activities these various aspects will effect your college experience. For example if you decide to attend a school that has a tuition of $20,000 and you are unable to receive enough financial aid to cover all of your school expenses you will have to work while in school. Now if you didn't want to work while in school finding a school that is cheap but of QUALITY will be a better fit. So, once you do your research and determine what you want out of a college, you will be able to choose the right college to provide you with the most fulfilling experience.

Make sure you have an idea of who you are and what you would want to major in before you spend money on college. College is your future and it can ultimately decide the rest of your life for you. A degree is important to have, but the RIGHT degree is even more important! I have changed my major 3 times already and I am at my third college. I have spent way too much money switching around trying to decide on my future. I think the future is a scary thing! I don't want to get stuck doing something I won't be happy with for the rest of my life! I finally decided that Journalism/ Public Relations is what I would like to do and I have about another year in college. My advice to students finding the right college: know what you want to do and don't switch around so much because it will waste your time and money, but DO figure out what you will be happy with because it will be your future! It is always nice having patient parents who will help you through your mind-changing issues! Mine were with me!

Make sure they choose a college for the right reasons (not because your friends are going there) and make sure that you are completely satisfied with the campus.