Jackson State University Top Questions

Fill out your FAFSA NOW, before JSU's April 15th deadline; they handle awards first come first served. (Go to Mrs. Smith in financial aid; she will help you stay in school). Apply for housing early so you can get the better rooms. Also , as far as academics go, learn to actually study instead of scanning pages and memorizing; it doesn't work in college! Believe me, I tried. Make sure that you schedule time to study or you will always put it off. Try to sit in front of the class; it will help the professor to learn your name and help you pay attention better. Find interesting organizations and enjoy yourself; college is also about having fun. Don't forget, there must be a balance between academics and social activities. Meet new people, but remember, not everyone is your best friend so don't act as such. You will get hurt. Be open-minded to other's ideas/opinions; you can learn a lot. Don't forget that listening is just as important as speaking. Don't wait until you are failing a class before you get to know your professors. ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEATBELT!

I would tell them to visit different colleges and ask about the advantages and experience that the school has in the students desired major or field. I would also say that while there they should ask random students about there experiences at the college(s). That way not only are they getting the facts from professionals there but also students who have gone through the experience that they are about to embark on.

Advice that I would give parents on helping their children have the best college is experience is financial advice... Try, please try, as much and as hard as you can to be involved in the financial status of your child while they're in school. Do they have enough money to pay for school? Are books covered? Room and board covered? Are you equipped with enough food and drink in their dorms and/or apartment without having to secretly borrow behind their family/loved one members back. Being involved like this will dramatically change the relationship between you and your child. You all will grow together and learn about the costs of your child living alone together. The same goes for the student in a way... Student, if you need help. Tell your parents, don't suffer without anyone knowing if parents are unable to help, your local church, your falculty and staff, theyre all there for advice, encouragement, and help and providing a stable living environment for you. And most importantly, dont be afraid to contact the school DEAN. Trust me.. he/she is there for a REASON. Theyve been there and done everything you're doing now.

Whatever is their major, I would advise them to attend a school that is notorious in that area.

In order for students to choose a school that best fits them I suggest that they first go visit the campus. By visiting the campus they will see how comfortable they feel in the environment and see what all the campus has to offer. Next I will suggest that the future student see how good the program and/or major is on the campus they plan to study. Their major sometimes may not be offered and other times the program may not be best fit for them. Last but not least I suggest that the student make sure that this school is appealing to them because this is were they will be for the next four years of their life getting an education.

It is most important that the student goes to college for the right reasons. They should like the environment, go into a degree that they actually want to work in, & overall feel comfortable at the college. If these things lack then college can become quite difficult.

In the midst of the digital age, the best advice I can give to a student is to research their prospective schools via Facebook/Myspace or whatever social network they're a part of. Find students who attend that school and ask them what their opinion is of it. They'll give you much more insight than any school website ever can, although school websites are also helpful when looking for academics and extracurriculars. However, for the social side of school, asking students is the best way to find out. Yes, it's important to have a social life, just remember that your main goal is to receive your degree so don't go overboard. If you can, try to visit the school as well or speak with the Office of Undergraduate Recruitement. The school should offer tours and have materials that they can send you. As far as parents are concerned, look at the material that is sent to you and see if there is a local alumni chapter that you can speak to. Their members may be more able to answer your concerns.

My advice to other students and a parents is take your time and make sure the school of your choice is will be able to accomodate all of your education needs.

One piece of advice I have for prospective college students is never give up on your dreams. I thought I would never be able to attend the private university I dreamed of going to because of the high cost. My parents encouraged me to apply, in addition to applying to a public university. When we compared the financial aid packages between the two schools, the difference in cost was not nearly as much as I expected. Don't put all your hopes in a single school. Make sure you'll be happy at least two schools. It's like auditioning for a play. You feel awful if you don't get in, but if you audition for more than one, your chances are greater. I would apply to at least three schools, minimum. See what programs are offered, and what student life is like. If you enjoyed learning about that college, make an appointment to visit. Be sure to take a camera and a notebook Ask students questions as they pass by. When you're done visiting, put the letter in a place where you plan to keep ALL the college possibilities. More letters WILL come!

Make sure its exactly what you want in every aspect that you expect.