North Carolina State University at Raleigh Top Questions

Check out the school before saying "yes" to it.

Take one year after high school and figure out what you want to do, then apply to a school based on the degree you want: don't pick a school just to go there, and then pick a major out of whatever the school offers.

Visit a wide variety of schools in different locations and with different populations. Make sure that there is more than one major that you could be interested at the school you decide as well as a climate that you won't have to get used to. If there is something that you were particularly involved in in High School or something you want to start getting involved in, make sure they offer something like that at that school. Also make sure that you can walk on that campus and be able to see yourself living, studying and making new friends on that campus. In the end it is what is right for that student and should not and does not matter who their rival school is and who did or did not already attend school there. Most importantly, follow your own path...don't let your friends or significant other influence your final decision because friends and relationships end, but you'll be at that school for the next four years.

Go to the school that has the best program for what you want to study.

For Parents: Allow your children (if they know someone that already attends the school they are interested in) to visit for the weekend. This helps them get a feel for what student life is really like and they will be able to better decide if they will fit in and make friends easily at that school. The tours are great sources of information for parents, not so much for the students. During their freshman year, LET THEM CALL YOU. They will, but it is such a new experience, sometimes they get sidetracked. If you feel the need to talk to them daily, send emails...its a nice reminder that you are there for support and that you love them. For Students: GET OUT OF THE DORM. Take afew of your easy electives first semester, don't overdo it trying to fit in all of your hard core classes. This allows time for joining your dorm intramural team or rushing a fraternity or sorority. The first few weeks are the hardest, but remember...all of the freshmen are in the same boat, be outgoing and you will make tons of lifelong friends. USE YOUR ADVISOR!!!! They make great advocates.

Keep an open mind and talk to students that currently attend the school about their experience. Once you get in, strive to be the best. Take advantage of tutoring service and research with faculty. Get involved no matter what! At most schools there is something for everyone. Also put yourself in situations that you normally wouldn't encounter, it will help you become more well rounded. Study abroad. Take weird classes that might interest you and study.

Don't choose a school for its pretty campus, its football team, its campus dining food, or its nice dorm rooms as these are all ephemeral things. This is a transient time of life and minor dissapointments in any of these categories have little value in the long run. Focus on the quality of the education above all. This is the part of college you will take with you for the rest of your life.

Don't hesitate to get involved. Ever.

I would tell parents and students to visit as many colleges as possible!! Take every chance you get to talk with alumni and current students of each school!! If you get the chance to sit in on some classes you are interested in taking thats also a good idea! If your sure of your major then make sure to talk with the professors and check out the programs really well before you make a final choice!! Do what is best for the student!!! Just because one school is closer to home or more of your friends are going there does not mean its the right school for you!! Listen to your heart when you pick a school so that you will be happy the entire time you are there!!

Don't let your original impression of the school discourage you. When you visit or talk to admissions, you don't get the full picture. Your college experience is what you make of it, so you can have a great time at any campus you choose.

go to state

visit the schools first before applying

Just taking it slow through college, if you try too fast so early you'll burn out and end up at the same place by the time you graduate.

It is very important to think about and openly discuss everything that you want as a student in a college or university. Decide if you want a small or large school, the best location for you, and the right academic programs for you. The overall reputation, to a certain degree, should be lower down the list. I would much rather go to a school in the right location with the right size than to a school that doesn't fit me well just because it has a better reputation. Once in school, look into the future at the classes that will need to be taken, and what types of jobs are available for your major. This will give you a good idea if this really is the right major for you, or if you might be better suited for a different major. During your freshman year, get to know you advisor, and as many fellow students as possible. Get involved early with school activities, such as Student Goverment, Club/Intramural sports, and fraternaties/sororitites, as well as major specific clubs. It is important to get involved early and often to make the most of your college experience.

Don't attend a college just because one or both of your parents went there. Go to a college where you will enjoy yourself and where you can figure out what you want to do with your life and be with the people that you can be yourself around. Don't reserve yourself. Be open-minded about everything and try to meet as many people as possible.

Ask your teachers if they will give you contact information of faculty members in your prospective major. Communicate with those people; they are knowledgeable and might end up being your teachers or advisors later.

To Parents: Challenge your students to get out of their comfort zone while holding on to core values that they possess. This is critical both when selecting a college and while making the best of the college experience. Encourage your student to choose a school because it fits them best, not because it's close to home or friends will be attending there. Once your student goes to college, stay active in their life in a loving way that allows them to make their own decisions (and mistakes) but guides them in the right direction and reminds them of what you've taught them. To Students: When choosing a school, find out as much as possible about it. Find out not only the basics, but also the ins and outs of student life. Try to visit a few times and to get a better feel of the overall atmosphere at the college. Once you decide on a college, take pride in the university you've chosen. Get involved in clubs, sports, volunteering, and social events that interest you and develop yourself in diverse ways. College should be a time not only to grow academically, but also spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

College is one of the most impactful experiences you will ever have. No matter what they tell you, know that wherever you go, it is up to you to mke the most of it. Do not be disappointed or let down if you do 't get your first choice, because you're going end up going where you were meant to be. The rest is up to you, so make the most of it!

I would tell them to take into consideration the different majors and minors offered at the Univerisity, how much financial aid you would be getting. What is the living situation? Do you want to travel or live on campus? Are extra-curriculum activities a must for you? Does the campus make you feel life you're at home? Does the University have a good reputation? Do you think you could handle a job during school? Would it be too much of a workload? Definately talk with students that currently attend the University, they are the only ones who can really give you an inside look, they were once in your shoes, take their advice. While at school keep in contact with your advisor, he is there to help you, take advantage of that. Take advantage as well of the FREE tutorial service offered at school, there is no reason why you should flunk out of a class. Always attend class, you have to be responsible, there is no comparison from actively participating in class or listening to a lecture and taking your own notes. Make sure, the campus, people and surrounding feel good to you, college becomes your home.

Find somewhere you fit in quickly upon entering into college. Make sure you find encouraging friends that share the same morals and ambitions as you do. Seek academic help when you are struggling in a class. Network with advisors to enhance your college experience.