Toccoa Falls College Top Questions

What should every freshman at Toccoa Falls College know before they start?

Danielle

I would tell them to start early in their searching out of colleges. Sit down and really contemplate what you're looking for in a college. VISIT!! There is no better way to know about the college than to go there, and don't go on a school sponsored weekend. They pull out all the big stops then but that usually isn't what the college is really like. Take some time to get to know students that go there and go on an off weekend when you can see what the campus normally looks like. Then take that experience and sit down to seriously think about whether or not that college would be the best fit for you. Make your decision wisely. Don't just go with the first college you see. Visit all prospective schools if possible and then weigh the pros and cons of each against each other. That will help you make the decision of which college is the best for you and then you probably won't have to transfer and go through all the hassle that comes with that. Be educated is really the best thing you can do.

Amber

Finding the right college can be a extraordinary experience; as one plans for the next four years and possibly the rest of his or her life nerves start trembling. As decisions are made, one hopes that the finest college is picked for the best experience. The best advice that can be given to an incoming freshman is this: choose a college that describes the student?s personality in environment, academics and personal future goals. The environment will set the scene for the new student. If one wants a fast-paced and artistic feel, then an urban area would be a perfect fit. A book-loving coffee drinker may enjoy the quietness of the mountains. The academic spectrum of college is obviously huge. A student should base his or her decision on the diversity of classes and opportune majors. A college decision should be based on academic reputation that has influenced students of past. Personal future goals should encourage a conscious decision. One should look at the opportunities the college offers post graduation, and effective classes that prepare one for prospect realities. The college?s environment, academics and the student?s idea of future goals will encapsulate an unbelievable college experience.

Caitlin

I would have to say that the best thing for a prospective student to do in looking for a college is for them to go with the place where they have the most peace about attending. Once they get to school, a freshman will find that since they picked the right school they don't have any regrets about it.

Andrea

I would recommend that students go to the school for a visit during the regular school year. Not during campus preview because then you get a more accurate view of the school. Also spend a night in the dorm if you can. Look for a school that has the majors that you are hoping to have, if you are unsure then it might be wise to go to community college and get your core classes out of the way first. It is much less expensive that way. It also prevents needing to transfer because the school does not have your intended major. It is also really important to know what size of school you would like. If you are more interested in smaller classes and knowing the people on campus then you should look for smaller schools. If you enjoy big classes and lots of activities and sports then look for a bigger college. Area is big too, do you like urban settings or rural settings? Do you want to be close to home or far away. These should all be considered in looking for a school.

Sarah

Choosing a college is a lot like buying a house. The first thing that you do when searching for the right house is to knock on the front door and wait to be welcomed home. The same thing is true when searching for the right school. It is wise to submit your applications and see who invites you to their school. When looking for a house, there is so much more than the four walls that make up the exterior. You must look to see if it fits correctly in size, curriculum, beliefs, and community. It is important to look beyond the buildings themselves, and get to know the people, programs, and values of the school when making one?s choice. Spend time getting to know the faculty and students. Once you have made your decision of which school to attend, it is important to not assume that you will learn from books alone. The relationships, mentors, and experiences that you will have make up a large part of your educational experience. You will be at the school for the next 2-4 years, and it is important to not only live in the community, but to thrive and invest.

Sarah

Your college experience is one you will keep with you the rest of your life. Find a campus where you can thrive, where you can feel like you can make an impact on the people around you and get the best education possible. Look into the housing, see if that is a place where you can feel comfortable and really connect with the people around you. Make sure that your school will train you in the best possible way so that you can meet your future goals. Finding a school that can meet social needs and scholastic needs is essential! There needs to be a strong sense of community and school spirit to get you through those times when the papers and assignments are rolling in and you just feel crazy. To have friends and a campus that you love will make your experience so enjoyable and make you never want to graduate!

Karen

First, I would recommend having at least a general idea of the things that the student is potentially interested in studying, so that they could pick a college with a wide variety of majors that would interest the student. It would also be a good idea to have an idea of what size college the student would like to attend, and what kind of atmosphere they want to be a part of. Once these things have been considered, more than anything, I would recommend visiting the college. It is the only way to really get a feel for the school, and to thoroughly answer any questions. To make the most of the college experience, I recommend balance. It is foolish to completely abandon school work for friendships, but it is also foolish to completely abandon friendships for schoolwork. Both are vital aspects of the college experience, and both will have a significant impact on the rest of the student's life. Also, if you view classes as an opportunity to learn something helpful and interesting, they will be much more beneficial, while homework will be much less stressful.

Meghan

College is so much more than education in a classroom and getting a degree. It is a crucial part in students' lives because so much of college changes and defines who they are and how they percieve themselves currently and in the future as part of society. Everyone changes in some way when they go off to college, and the type of college is what instigates those changes. When a high school student is looking for a college, they need to evalute what direction they will to go in life. This is ultimately what makes students decide on a college but another crucial factor that I would suggest examining is the community that the school has and how it shapes the character, not just the minds, of the students. Schools need to produce educated individuals, but those individuals can learn so much more than what is outlined in a text book. College needs to produce individuals of intellect and character, willing to be a participant in the American society. These two aspects should be asked of the student when deciding on the right college.

Tamara

I would say that they should visit the college and really get a feel for the place. The visitation is what sold me on Toccoa Falls. The school was amazing and campus was breath-taking. Spending time with the students and meeting everyone made me feel comfortable there.

Naomi

Take a walk on campus alone, after the tour is over. Do the student's smile back at you? Are there hammocks hung between the trees, or construction tape wrapped around their trunks marking off a new building complex? Does the cafe truly have WiFi in all its corners, or only when you hold your computer at just the right angle, cocked slightly to the left so that you have to hunch awkwardly like Quasimodo to check your e-mail? Do you truly prefer this small town setting, or do you secretly miss the fast-pace of the city you thought you would want to leave? Notice the details. Parents, give your student space to explore the campus alone. Give them the opportunity to voice their true concerns or feelings. Let them know that just because it's your Alma Mater, they can back out and choose somewhere else. Better now than $ 20,000 later. We need that freedom from you. And students, be honest with your parents. Let them know what you're excited or nervous about. Above all, don't be afraid to take a risk. This is a big step- so you might just want to jump!