Saint Cloud State University Top Questions

High School is once in a life time so cherish the moment with teacher and friends and family. But DON'T fool around because college is nothing like high school.

To really work hard and study. You really do need to study in college to be successful, unlike high school. To take more general education classes at college level my senior year. Work on getting rid of procrastination because it can really kill you academically in college.

As much as I like SCSU, I wish I would of condidered more focused design schools first. I am an Art major, focusing in Graphic Design, and I feel like an institution like MCAD in Minneapolis would have been a better fit for me. Im lucky though, to even know what I wanted to do so early in high school, because that saved me from taking a bunch of extra classes that I didnt need to, and is allowing me to graduate in 4 years as planned. Im thankful for the help my mom gave me when researching careers because if it wasnt for her, I wouldnt of known about the field of Graphic Design so early and she gave me the inspiration to do what I am doing now. Im about to graduate in the May of 2010 and I am absolutely terrified. Everyone stresses about how bad the economy is, and I just know its going to be tough getting the job Ive been dreaming about for the past four years. But I know I have my family's love and support and with that I feel I can do anything.

I would definitely tell myself to look into colleges that have more of an interest to me. I attended Minneapolis Business College before I decided to go to St. Cloud State, and I feel that at that college I was trying to take the easy way out. I would rather started out at a university than a private two year college. I feel that living in the dorms your first year is a smart choice, and a good way to step out of your comfort zone. This was another reason that I choose a different school before I attended St. Cloud State. I wasn?t willing to take a chance, and I was very shy person. After attending this school now I feel that I have grounded myself more as well as opened up to new things. It does get hard being away from family and friends, but you make new friends quickly. It?s good to become independent, and step out of the shelter from your parents. It helps you learn quicker what you need to do. I would also tell myself to just have fun being in college, because it shapes who you can be.

First and foremost, I would tell myself to get involved right away. There are so many opportunities on campus to get involved in fantastic groups and organizations, that a new student would be crazy not to get involved. I am now involved in the rock climbing club on campus, and an organization that promotes education in Africa, and both are great fun and a way to be involved. I would also encourage myself to get an on campus job, and apply for a work study. Each are a great way to keep yourself busy, and make some money to pay for groceries, tuition, and the occasional splurge on outdoor gear! Another thing I would encourage myself to do would be to get involved more with the international students on campus. SCSU has such a vibrant international community, that it's inexcusalbe not to get involved. The cultural nights here offer a unique glimpse into their cultures, and also have dynamite food! I would also tell myself to just avoid partying. There's so much emphasis on it here, and it's really just self-destructive, expensive, and unnecessary. I've made so many more friends just by getting engaged oncampus.

Go to the school that makes you as a student feel good, not because your firends from high school or going or if its labeled as a party school. Sure every college town has parties and get togethers but academics come first. Don't be afraid to offer your opinion on anything because sure enough there will be someone with the same attitude. Mainly have fun, there is always something to do on or around campus, make every moment remeberable. Also, stay of the "Book", it is the biggest procrastination tool imaginable.

Don't follow your friends or significant other. Do what it is that you truly want to do, otherwise you may regret it later. Look at schools that have your kinds of interests available, such as theatre, dance, or other kinds of sports. To the parents: Let your child grow on their own, don't be calling them everyday. Also, slowly start letting them get by on their own, such as letting them pay for their own phone bill, groceries, etc.

The best advice I can give an incoming student is to make balance a top priority with college life. Meaning, all aspects of college life from academics, to partying, to intrmural sports, etc, have a place in your college experience. If you cannot figure out how to balance these sorts of things, you will soon realize that you are missing out on something very important. The best thing to do is prioritize school work first, and then aim high in a social life by doing homework in a timely manner, leaving time for fun with friends you make. Some students get caught up in only focusing on their homework and, consequently, miss out on good college friendships; some students get caught up in partying and having fun and, consequently, get nothing out of their multi-thousand dollar a year education. So please heed these words, and balace your college life, and take all that you can.

st. cloud state is very diverse so be prepare to meet people from all around the world.

I would suggest figuring out what kind of school is best for you, (2yr or 4yr) and then look at size (small, medium, large) and then location (rural or city) and lastly how far away from home you want college to be. Once you have a list of schools that fit your criteria make sure these schools have the degree you are looking for or if you are unsure make sure they have a variety of degrees that you may be interested in. Once you find "the college" start planning asap, pick a dorm, find a roommate and start planning with them like who is going to bring what (frigde, microwave, tv, furniture...) Once you are at school get involved and try anything and everything that may interest you. While at the cafeteria ask to sit at someones table that you do not know, also keeping your door open will help you meet more people. Also talk to your classmates since you will be seeing these people every week!! Make time to have fun, don't spend your whole time studying or working.

A student should visit the college and find a school where they feel the most comfortable. Student's should make a list of what they want in a school and find one that best suits there interests and needs.

Don't settle for something less than what you think is going to be the best experience for you. If you want a small school, don't settle for a large school, because the class sizes may be too much for you. If the school you really want to go to is too much money, go it it anyway, you can always get financial aid. Think about the location. If you are family centered, don't pick a college far away, you will regret it when you really need a hug from your parents. Go to the school you are thinking about and walk around WITHOUT a tour guide. See if the general feel of the school fits you. Look at the class rooms. Do you want to use your computer in class? Then the classrooms should have electrical outlets by the desks. If you plan on living in the dorms, look at the rooms and make sure that they are bigger than your closet at home. Talk to current students and see what they say about the school.

When it comes to finding the right college don't base it on where your friends are, but figure out what you want to be for the rest of your life. College is sometimes about finding friends but it also has to be taken seriously and if you don't know what you want to do then its a waste of money and time. Follow your dreams, and thus find the right school. If you want to be an artist, don't go to a school known for nurses. You aren't going to find a very good department. Good lcuk, is also what I would tell them. : D

The most important piece of advice I would give parents or students in finding the right college is to make sure that they visit the college and spend some time there. A prospective student should make sure that the fit feels right to them even before they look towards what is offered as far as their education goes. If a person doesn't feel comfortable on campus they will not be able to focus and do well with their studies. When they find the college that fits, then look towards the academic side of college and make sure they have what you need academically. In the end college is what you make of it.

Make sure that they liket he educational aspect along with the social environment of the school.

Finish

Choose a college that fits you (or your son/daughter), but don't be afraid to choose a less expensive school. Never assume that a less expensive school is a worse school and be open to the idea of all colleges and universties -- especially those near to your current home.

The best advice I could give about finding the right college is this: realize that higher education is a huge investment in both time and finances. Sit down and discuss what your reasons are for going. If you know what you want to major in, look at whether or not you will need to attend grad school or if you can get a job after you get your first degree. This should be a very big factor when considering schools because most good graduate schools will accept students from a variety of backgrounds as long as they did well in their fields. If you can find a school with better financial aid or one that has a cheaper tuition and cost of living for the first four years and then get accepted for the last couple of years into an Ivy League school, all the quicker you will be able to pay back any student loans. If, on the other hand, you hope to start off working right after your first degree, take a look at the school's career services, placement, and alumni involvement. If you do not know what you want - choose somewhere inexpensive like a community college.

Chose the college after considering what you are looking for, and don't be afraid to decide against it , if its not what you think you wanted. Also, live through your college experience and take advantage of EVERY learning resource it has to offer. A word to the parents,....... in my experience it would have very helpful if you guys would be supportive of the college choice, whatever the decision. Although yes, parents always do want the best. Even if you guys keep saying things about the pros and cons, it can make an impact and weigh negitivly on your student, make it harder and make the student want to slack and lose positive energy. Overall, during college although being focused is a big thing and one that does matter, don't forget to make some lasting memories in your young life, it will make a difference in others. Do this even though you might feel like you don't have the time or are not in right place. With college being just about over my shoulder, I am just realizing this myself. Make this, your college years, the time of your life!

It is very important to visit the potential colleges that you are interested in before accepting an offers. It is important to see how fit within the college community and to determine how comfortable or uncomfortable you are in that setting. Visiting the university during school hours would be beneficial is seeing how comfortable you are with how many students are wondering around at any one time; it will help you to decide if you prefer large or small student bodies. It is also good to research the different organizations and clubs that the school has to offer and if they have anything that interests you.