Georgia State University Top Questions

Attend a college that you can afford, think about community college then transfer route, visit the college before making your decision, know what the school is known for academically

The best thing to do is start looking online and narrowing down at least ten college choices. Once he/she is able to do that then it is good to visit the campuses that are close to him/her. Students and parents should be able to get a feel of the campus because the student will want to know if he/she is comfortable on campus, and the parent would want to know if his/her child is in a good safe environment. It is also important for the parents to look at the costs, and determine if he/she will be needing to apply for a loan, or scholarships of any kind. Students should make sure that whatever major they choose, their college choice has at least 4 majors they would be interested in. At the beginning of every school year there is alot of rushing to get things done before school starts, so it is best to plan out everything ahead of time so no one will get overwhelmed and unorganized. For students, don't fall into the wrong crowd and work your hardest because that is what you are there for, and have a great time.

Research the schools you plan on attenting. Schedule campus visits to the schools your thinking about attending. If you decide to live on campus and have a roomate, make sure you know who they are before you choose to trust them with your personal belongings. If you plan on staying off campus ask the housing department at your school for information on alternative choices. After deciding on a school new student orientation is the way to start. Get involved in campus activities, and join clubs and organizations that have to do with your major, you'll make more friends, but choose your friends wisely. Register for classes early to avoid long lines. Ask about scholarships. Always speak to your advisors if your having any trouble choosing classe or have any questions. Ask questions in class. Use the resources available at your school to find on and off-campus jobs or internships. Know where your money is going, if you are paying Lab , or activity fees included in your tuition then take advantage of the computer labs and recreational services on campus. Never walk alone if you have to walk at night. Choose a career that you'll enjoy for life.

Since I live in the state of Georgia and we have the Hope Scholarship make sure you understand what all it will cover. Know that books are expensive and yes you need them in class in order to pass.Try not to get any loans. There is thousands of dollars of scholarships and grants out there so search for them and apply. Last be not least get involved on campus because its better than sitting in your dorm room looking out the window. Besides it will give you a chance to get to know students and network with the the faculty and staff at your scholarship. College is what you make of it and if you don't get the experience you wanted it was because you didn't put yourself out there to try new things.

The advice I would give to parents and students about finding the right college is make sure you do alot of research on the school to be sure that it is the right place for you. Also schedule campus visits so you can get a feel of the campus that you are thinking about attending. The most important thing is to ask questions, do not just settle on a school ask questions to make sure that you are positive about your selection and not live to regret it in the future. Students need to make the absolute best out of their college experience. These are going to be the best 4 years of your life and you need to enjoy all of the before you are faced with the real world.

I would tell parents to let understand that their children are growing up and help guide them through this challenging time and be there for them when needed. For students , especially the new freshmen, I want them to understand that college is new and there are so many new experiences that are coming and just to take everything one step at a time and pace yourself. Time management is key.

Be sure to visit the campus of the schools you wish to attend if possible. Seeing the schools campus will give you a real look with your own eyes of what life at the school is like.

The best advice that I could give to parents and/or students would be to make sure the environment of the campus is what you really want to be around. Not saying that bad environments of the school will affect your learning, but it will cause you to want to transfer to a different school. I would give this advice to anyone and pray they take it and run with it.

I believe that the best advice would be to communicate. My mom and I did not communicate at first and we always found ourselves in an argument. Another piece of advice would be to study. Not only the student but the parent needs to study also. The student needs to study educationally but the parent needs to study the student's life. No, I do not mean to be involved with every aspect of the student's life but to know what is going one for example her class schedule, teacher's name, and general information about the school. I believe this helps the student when talking to her parents so they have some idea of what she is talking about. I know from experience my mom's college day were very different from mine. I do not believe that the communication line should be cut just because the student no longer lives in the home of their parents.

Take your time and visit the campus. Also review the school ratings on programs and where the stand next to other schools in that same program. Also find out about the student body how different is it from other schools and the location.