University of North Carolina at Pembroke Top Questions

College is new. It's fun. It's exciting. It's an experience unlike anything you have ever encountered, and will probably end up being one of the best. It's just important to find a school that fits your needs academically and socially. It's important to visit the campuses of the schools you're interested in because websites and brochures almost never do it justice. It's also important to know for sure that college is the best option for you. If you're not mature enough, or for any other reasons, not ready, it can be miserable for you. It is also important to make sure that you do all your research and to make deadlines. Time management is key, and it's also important not to let your social life interfere with your school work. It's beneficial to join a club or group or a fraternity or sorority. Having people that share the same ideals with you can help form a support system and to make the transition into living alone and being away from your family and friends.

Students should get involved in the activites going on around campus. Staying on campus is a great idea because you are right there where everything is and you have the opportunity to meet so many new people. Get to know your professors and the faculty. They are usually willing to help students; you just have to make yourself available. Fraternities, sororities, spports and extra curricular activities are a great way to get to know new people. Always go to class. A lot of times professors give extra points at the end of the semester for those that attend regularly or have perfect attendance. There is no reason you should miss class unless you are deathly sick. It is imperative and makes homework and reading materials that much easier. Parents should know that their children will be on their own at college and do not have somebody to look after them all the time. Its a learning experience and a chance for them to grow up. Students should be cooperative because its not only new for them but realize your parents are learning to. School is all about partying and drinking, there are great alternatives, and people who feel the same.

Choose the school that makes you the most comfortable, especially if you're going to be away from home for the first time. If you're in a place where you're comfortable, you are most likely to be happy and work hard to succeed.

I would advise parents to go with their child to different colleges so they can see how daily life is there. I would look for schools that have your particular interests and degrees you want to obtain. I advise parents to be supportive of their child/student no matter what school they decide to attend. Students should explore all the opportunities they can and even look into joining a group or club on campus. For a good college experience, every student should always ask for help and ask questions because knowledge is contagous and teachers are here to help us reach our highest potential. I would suggest to take classes outside your major classes that you seem interested in because you never know what you like until you try it out. Going out for a sorority/fraternity can definitly help enhance your college experience because it opens up doors and helps you to meet people you never thought you would even talk too. I would advise a student to not be shy and make friends because college friends are you friends for life and there are so many people out there in college who have the same interests as you.

Do not send your child to this school.

I would let the parents know about how most college students get caught up in partying rather than their work with school and how to talk with their kids about their priorities when it comes to their child's life. I would tell the students not to drink excessively and to always use the "P" word, PLAN not PROCRASTONATE.

Vist every college the student applies. Spend a few days on campus to also get a feel of the campus.

I would say, it's one step in choosing the school. But the most important step is what you do while your at the college of your choice. Whether to be a leader, or an individual in thought and in action. Professors should challenge you, however it's your goal to become the person you want to be. And the actions and choices you make will have an impact in your dreams and future.

When looking for a college, I would consider first to find a school with the most comfortable price range (as comfortable as college costs can be) for you and your family. Next, I would weed out the schools with the littlest number of degree programs. I went to college knowing exactly what I wanted to do. Now, I wish I went to a school with more options. I recommend looking at many web sites because they tend to be more accurate then pamphlets. Many websites allow you to e-mail the specific professors directly and ask them your questions that are specific to them or their department. I would also suggest that you tour all of your top schools. Let the student let you know which one just feels right to them. I did not want to tour the school I now call home. My parents forced me to go and just see it and as soon as we finally got on campus, it just fit me and I could really see myself fit in there. I really hope my advice helps new students and their families while they make this very tedious and very exciting decision.

The best advice I could give parents or students who are looking into different colleges is to go with their initial instinct of a campus. If the student feels like they would be at home at a certain school they should strongly consider attending that university.