McNeese State University Top Questions

The advice I would give students and parents about finding the right college is to research. I would tell them to look at all the possible colleges and decide which ones best suite their purposes. Once they have decided on a number of schools, then apply to each one. Set up touring appointments and talk to others who might have attended that college to learn more about the school. Once a decision is made, then attend orientation and be open to all the possibilities that college can bring. Once in college, always attend class. Class is one of the major parts of going to college. It's an oppurtunity to learn and can bring many experiences. Getting involved is another important aspect of college. Joining clubs, auditioning for a play, and joining a fraternity/sorority are very important ways to get involved in on campus activities and making the most out the college experience. In conclusion, college should always be fun. Make the most of every moment, even in class, and make lots of friends because they are the ones that will last a lifetime.

The transition between high school and college is huge and unfortunately, most students and parents are not prepared for it. I remember my senior year, being bombarded with teachers and counselors shoving college applications down my throat because all of the deadlines were December 1st. What a stress maker, students are not even finished with high school and they are already registering for their college classes. One thing that I would highly recommend to anyone is to have a list of colleges you for sure want to attend, at least by the end of your junior year. Then, when scholarship opportunities and applications come up, you will know which ones you need to fill out and not waste time on the ones you do not qualify for. A huge mistake I made was transferring universities. Sure it is great to be home during that first year of college so that you can become adjusted and not too overwhelmed. But transferring completely takes away all of your university money that you could have received as an incoming freshmen. Most colleges only give a transfer scholarship which is not enough for the outrageous expenses. So, choose your college and stick with it!

Parents and students need to work together during the college choosing process as well as start early. Working together and starting early helps to decrease the stress that accumulates late in a student's senior year. If parents work with their student(s) in finding a school then both have input into what each wants and can agree on the one school that fits perfectly. It is also a good idea to have "plan b" and "plan c" schools just in case something unwarrented occurs. As for making the most of the collegfe experience, students should really get involved in campus groups and activities and parents should be willing to let their student go, not checking in on them constantly. Perhaps the parents and students should agree on a certain time two or three times a week to talk on the phone or what not. It's a tough transition for both parent and student, college is, but communicating on what each wants will make the process that much easier.

Make sure it meets their needs

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Look at more than one option and become familiar with the financial aid process.

Stary talking to your children about college when they are young. Find out if what they want to do to see if it requires college. Start saving for their college when they are very young so that they have the opportunity to go to a college of their choice. Have your children start researching different colleges for different careers. Let your children know that what you do in school can make a difference as to where they will be accepted.

make sure it offers the degree you want. safety. cost and living

Choose as college based on its ability to supply you with best knowledge in your field. Participate in extra-curricular activities as much as possible. Freshman must find a balance between socializing and studying.

Visit several colleges and choose the one that feels the most comfortable.