Valdosta State University Top Questions

when looking at school options, also look at the town it is in. if you know what you want to major in, look into that particular department and determine if the professors can actually help you get were you want to go. if you do not know what you want to major in, it is perfectly fine to be undecided until you know for sure, this will eliminate taking classes for no reason. if you have the "i didnt need to study in high school, and i did just fine" attitude, change it NOW! the earlier you choose to study the better you will be. do not "cram" for tests. this will come back to haunt you to no end! learn the word responsibility. its a hard concpet for some, but will help you later on in life. between the studying and projects and side jobs, remember to have some fun also!

To make most of the college experience for the students and their parents is to work as a team. When I first started college my sons where still in middle school, now one is in college and the other is finishing high school. Working as a team has been the most effective path for all concerned then and now. While my oldest is in college, I am going back to school working on my Masters. As I achieve, it encourages and strengthens them. These qualities come from more then just me attending school; it comes from my approach to life in the same manner, never give up. Things may get rough?but never give up! Do not, I repeat, Do not compare yourself to others and their goals. Make your own, stay organized, and focused. Another part of the team will always be the teacher. Work with the teacher wisely. They are there to assist you in any manner possible. Your teacher can be the best ?Guide? on campus for you and will if you allow them to be.

When it was time for me to make the decision on where I would continue my education, both my parents and I had a say in the decision. We sat down and listed all of the pros and cons of in state schools verses out of state schools. The same way my parents and I made that decision, I feel that you and your parents should do the same as well. This decision is not one that should be based solely on neither the student?s decision nor the parent?s decision. I feel that this should be discussed together, because in most cases parents are the ones who pay for you to get a higher education. So, why not include them in your decision. Once you have made your final decision about where you are going to get a higher education, you must go in knowing what your priorities are because if not then your grades will definitely start slipping. Your educational life should always come before your night/party life, because there will always be a parties in college. If you are able to keep your priorities in order, you will excel when you go off to college.

My advice to parents and students about finding the right college would be to not to make the decision too quickly and to make sure that if possible, to go and visit the college or university to get a better understanding about the town, people, and even to observe what student life is like. I believe that taking that visit should play an intrical part in the decision about which college or university to attend. Once you decide which college or university to attend, I would advise students to become involved in as many activities as possible. In college, you are a "little fish in a big pond," and in order to meet people and make friends is to get involved with extracurricular activities. My other piece of advice is to go to with an open mind because you are going to have the opportunity to meet and associate with people of many different backgrounds so it is important to have that open mind because every person's personality is different and having an open mind will make it easier for you to get along with other people and vice versa.

Check them out.

Visit campuses, look at the surrounding community. Check financial aid choices. What type of academic choices are available. Get involved in student activities, take advantage of freshman first semester programs to help acclimate yourself into the college community. Sorority and fraternity associations can be a positive step in forming lasting friendships, ability to volunteer in the surrounding community and contrary to popular belief, improve or maintain academic status. What type of housing is offered. What are the meal plans and what are the meal choices. What is available for study aids (library) and technology (computer access). What type of transportation is offered on campus to assist students get from place to place on campus. How far away from home.

I would advise parents to let their child pick at least two or three schools they would like to attend. Make a visit to the campus and talk with students there. Once the decision is made, you need to apply for admission to the school. Apply early in case you are not accepted, there is time to enroll somewhere else. I suggest living in the dorm at least one year in order to meet different people and get a real feel for campus life. This is an exciting experience and this is where you learn a lot about the school and area from other students. Consult with the financial aid office early so that all paperwork in ready prior to the semester starting. The most important advice I would give is for the student to know their major. Once you start school and get into the major courses and decide you don't like it, you change and it takes longer to finish school. Think about the career you want and go and job shadow someone in that job for at least two weeks to be sure that is what you want to do for the rest of your life.

I would encourage students to visit the campus before they apply and meet the faculty of their intended major. Also, do not forget to check out the library.

To parents, make sure it is what your child wants. To students, make sure its somewhere where you will happy studying what you love to do.

START NOW!!!! Apply to as many colleges as you can and of course visit them. I suggest ones that offer broad array of degrees and transfer programs if you want to change majors. Dont be ashamed to decide to be undecided your first year. If possible take maybe one class in the summer to get a good feel for the school and how classes are going to be. Fight for your classes when it comes time to register and know if you want them in the morning if your an early bird or midday if your lazy like me. Late afternoon classes are the best in my opinion. The classes are more likely to have older students that know the way things are and the professors are more laidback or just ready to go home. Its a bad idea to skip class if you know or even you think you know you dont have to go. Join something, whether it be marching band, frat/sorority or just an intramuals team.