Mississippi State University Top Questions

Find a place where you are comfortable and you can be yourself. Also, keep academics in mind not all fun.

Choosing a college takes opening up your mind to new beginnings and wellinginess to experience new things. College is where students will learn things everyday, its where your child might meet there future spouses, and long term friends. Colleges is the beginning point in your kids life when they feel like they are actually grown up and become kind of independent.

There will be good people to be friends with any where you go. But do check on how large Greek Life is and the party life. If you don't like partying then don't go to a school with a large Greek Life. But don't worry, what ever you pick will be fine. Just turn in your scholarship applications now.

Dont choose a college simply on academics. Make sure the environment of social activities and surrounding city/town are a good fit.

The harder the college is means the more your degree is worth when you gradute and the easier your job will be.

The more you put into the school the more you will get out of it.

Parents and students need to start looking into colleges when the student begins High School. The things to consider is if the student wants to attend a college in their own state. After that decision is made the student needs to decide on a Junior College or a four year college. Both have advantages and disadvantges. The finances are important. The student needs to consider finacial aid. They need to apply for grants, scholarships and loans. I have found that my parents make too much money for assistance. The college costs are rising each year. It is hard for a middle class families to meet the costs. The extra costs are sometimes hidden. Books each semester have been an average of $500. per semester. Parents and students who do not receive financial aid need to plan ahead on the costs so it will not hit them so hard. I have found that most middle class students have to have jobs to make ends meet. Most jobs on campus require the students to be eligilbe for financial aid. The middle class students therefore have to go off campus to find a job. Good financial planning is a must!

Don't be hasty in choosing a particular college just because it seems cool at the time. I thought I wanted to be different than everyone and go to a university straight out of high school, but, because I can be easily distracted from school work, it would have been better for me to go to a junior college to prepare me for a university academically. Don't pick your college according to how fun it seems either. Pick your college according to what you want to do with your life. If you want to be a pre-law student, pick a school that is known for its law programs. I'm in wildlife, so I picked a school known for its wildlife departments.

I would advise students to take standardized tests very seriously, they can open up doors like nothing else can. I advise students to visit the colleges they think they are interested in to see what the atmosphere is really like. To make the most of the college experience, students should get involved, not being afraid to try new things. Once you find the things you like, focus on gaining leadership roles in a few of these organizations while keeping your grades up. College is all about balance. Having a great social life and being involved is what college is all about, but taking care of yourself, getting at least some sleep, and keeping your grades up are also critical.

College is a very invigorating experience for students. My advice for those students and their parents is to live life, specifically college life to its fullest. Coming from a poor community i almost missed the chance to experience college. I wouldnt trade my experiences for anything in the world. Now, because i pushed myself to work hard and trudge through the obstacles i will graduate with a bachelors degree in animal and dairy sciences and hopefully attend MSU college of veterinary medicine. So for upcoming college students, live, laugh, love, and learn!!!because oppurtunities like these come once in a lifetime.