Georgia State University Top Questions

Research schols based on the normal criteria: can I get in?, location, costs, degree programs, etc. Once you have that list, visit the school for yourself; don't trust the website alone! Most importantly, talk to current students! They will tell you the truth because no one is paying them to say only good things.

Spend time on campus and get a feel for the environment. Talk to people and find out their opinions. Don't just rely on what you read in a book or a school's website .

Take your time

Allow the student to pick the school because this will have to be a decesion that they will have to live with. Support the student in the decesions that they make because choosing to go to school is a big step and it is not made for everyone. Just be really supportive you will be surpirised at the reactions of the children.

Please go online and see how the college rates in the area in which you or your child want study. Also look to see how the school ranks in other areas such as social life, diveristy, scholarships, and many other social programs. Also you would want to find a school that is not only has a good educational ranking but campus, location and can you child or your child not only get a good education but also a great college expirence.

Gaining self awareness by being persistent in finding what gives you energy, a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, is essential in getting the most out of the years which will revolve around evolution and exploration of self. When you begin to self reflect, much will be revealed to you. Are you really what you protray to others, or are there parts of you that you hide from peers and family? When I was in highschool, I gave the appearance of a very reserved-shy-smart-has it together person who believed everything was in black and white. However, the "gray" , spontaneous-adrenaline seeking-prankster-tell it like it is part of me did not come out until college. I had to take a critical look at myself and decide whether I wanted highschool, my friends, and even my family, to forever define who I am. Do not, I repeat do not, let others expectations and recommendations about your college choice and later your life, take priority over you inner voice. Hear people out such as you parents (who yes, are actually smart), but also listen to your gut. Find an instituition which will challenge your mind and your identity.

The most I can say is don't wait until your final semester of senior year in high school. START EARLY. When your a sophomore look at your grades and see where you need to improve and work on it. also start taking a look at colleges and universities, maybe even try to visit some. STAY INFORMED. Talk to your teachers and look for info on schools. INVOLVE your parents in the process of picking a school and when senior year comes along it will be much easier to pick a school. In college the biggest thing I can tell you to do is KEEP AN OPEN MIND. You will meet all kinds of people and hear all kinds of opinions, so be willing to listen and learn and you will do great. Also try to be diverse dont be a fraid to set out and make new types of friends and aquiantances. Most important is STAY FOCUSED. Once you loss your footing it will be hard to get it back so dont be afraid to cancel "hanging out" in order to study . Dont be afraid to move forward and grow. Because you will.

A student loan is worth a great college experience -- within reason. Picking a school schould first focus on the academic aspect, but afterward, consider the quality of life and the people at the school. The most prestigious school is not worth four unhappy years. Also, if the student is considering graduate school, the graduate school is more important than the undergraduate. It is okay for a student to attend a two-year school; four-year degrees are not for everyone. An associate's is better than a high school diploma, and it can be upgraded whenever to a bachelor's. Considering the student's needs and aspirations before money is most important.

The best colleges out there are the ones that are best for you. College is one of the biggest longterm investments you and your family will ever make, so make sure you take full advantage of the opportunity. Choosing a college starts with thinking about your personality type and needs as student, what you want to study, and what type of college experience you wish to have. Although your major will not determine what your career, choose a major that complements your career interests. For many, college life means more freedom and idependance, but it comes with a lot of responsibility. As a young adult, you have be accoutable for yourself; you will be responsible for attending class on time, navigating around campus, and finding help when/where you need it. Adjusting to college life can be difficult, but getting involved in campus activities, organizations, and other services will create a strong network with students and faculty and help make the transition easier for you. Take the academic portion of college seriously, but do not let it stress you out. Just remember to have fun because your college experience is a lifetime experience.

RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!!! Don't just pick a school based off of where your friends are going because it won't necessarily be the best for you. Make sure the school you're choosing offers the major that you want to pursue (sounds like common sense, but it happens). Look at size, housing, whether it's an open campus or closed, things you can do on campus, what to do off campus. Try to plan a trip to the campus, talk to some of the students. Go to sites like ratemyprofessor.com and see what the professors are like. When start the semester, don't try to do everything that everybody else is doing. Make sure you allot yourself enough time in between socializing to study. Remember college isn't about partying, you have to make the grades too. The people that party all the time end up being in college for six or seven years before they get serious. Have fun, make memories, but make sure you study and pass your classes. Remember that everybody isn't in college for the same thing and people will try to get you to not focus on school.