Valdosta State University Top Questions

visit the school and let the child choose what school is best for them.

The right college should meet the applicants social requirements, career goals, one with diverse culture, has adequate resources to assist in whatever area assistnce will be required, one with good student teacher interaction, one that is academically focused, and one that will meet the applicants overall needs.

Make sure that the college has lots of programs that are there to help the student. You never know when something may happen in your life and you're going to need help. Whether that be physically, academically, emotionally, socially, etc. It's always a great idea to have that there whenever you need it. Also make sure you're going to a college that you can afford and not one that's really expensive. In the end it doesn't really matter where you went to college. It just matters that you went and what you did. Also, make sure you do your best in school and make good grades. If the teacher offers extra credit make sure you take that opportunity. College is great and it can be really hard to resist all the urges to neglect your school work, but don't cave in! Do all your assignments and then have fun whenever you have free time! Trust me it'll be worth it in the end!

Start preparing as early as freshman year in high school, take advantage of all high school extra cirricular activities and also in college

When choosing a college, I strongly recommend one to make a decision based on their comfortability level and make sure they are going to the school based on academic, social, and monetary demands. If I could change my time in college, I would definitely have done more activities and attended more events to maximize my college experience. I would also recommend staying in the dorms for at least 2 years to get the full college experience. It may seem horrible at the time, but I promise, you will never regret it nor forget it!

While searching for the right college for your child, keep an open mind. I believe the best way to go about making an important, life changing decision, is to do your own research, while dismissing all third party sources out of your mind. I'm not suggesting to completely disregard every opinion you may hear about a college. I'm just saying don't be narrow minded if a friend, colleague, advisor, or even results from a survey which may imply that the college you had in mind may not be the right one for your child. As simple as one, miniscule bad experience has the power to completely turn one away from a decision, which can lead others to feel the same way, without even giving that experience a try. Go to the college. Visit the campus. Research the academics. My parents and I did these things, and I am very satisfied with my college experience. It hurts my heart when I see or hear about some of my peers' unhappiness about their current college experience, and I just wish they would have put in the time and effort to actually research before they made such an important decision.

The real and final decision should be left up to the student him/herself. College is one of the most important times of your life, so think carefully and make an educated choice. Look closely at the Major requirements and talk to students about what goes on on campus during a typical year. It's also a good idea to keep your options open; think of other majors you may be interested in just in case your first choice doesn't work out. Finding a school that has a wide variety of majors that are equally concentrated on will keep you from having to go through the transfer hassle if you change your mind. Don't be afraid to talk to your professors and fellow students, it might surprise you just how many people think the way you do. College is a time for new experiences and making new friends. Have fun but don't forget that you are in college to study first, so don't go too crazy.

College may not be for everyone, but it is worth a try in order to find out what is right for you. Everyone needs to find out what they want and what is right for them and if you never put yourself in a position to get what you want you'll never get it.

The advice i would give is for the student to first visit the college before applying to make sure it is what you want. Ask plenty of questions, and ask to visit some classrooms to get an idea of the setting. To make the most of the college experience, try everything, and talk to everyone, don't just stay with one group. Make yourself easily accessible, and be friendly. You never know who you might need in the future.

To Parents and Students searching for the right college or University: Make sure that when searching for the correct institution that you follow your intuition. If you feel as if the college or University lacks a characteristic or quality you need, then do not choose that institution. You must also take into consideration what field you are planning on going after. Choose what is best for you, the student, and not what's best for everyone else! This is YOUR time to shine! :0)