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)

When deciding what college to attend, students should make sure, first and foremost, that the school they want to attend is just that: the school THEY want to attend. I've met people who have attended universities just because their friends are attending the same school. Later they realize that although the school provides them with what they need socially, it does not provide them with what they need academically. There's nothing wrong with wanting to be near your high school friends. After all, college can be a scary place, especially if you do not know anyone attending the school. However, research, visit and talk to others who are attending or have attended the school in order for you to make the best overall decision for you and your future.

Make sure you get to know the teachers that are teaching your major before you go to school. They are the ones that you will be with for four years, you do not want to regret picking the right school but the wrong teachers. Never forget to ask about teacher evaluations, they are very important, not all schools have them.

Parents and students should be involved in the finding the right college together. There are a lot of factors to consider and it takes both the student's desires and parents' expectation to find the right fit. Also, this process should be started early in order to allow time for adequate research. Visit the campuses you are interested in. You may find a deciding factor while visiting.

Parents helping their children find the right university need to look at three essential elements for college. First, meet with the teachers and go to Parent's Day. Here you can assess if the professors are open minded and critical thinkers. You really want your kids to learn, not just skate by. Second, clubs and organizations need to be checked out. This is a great way to become a well rounded individual and really interact with new and diverse people. Third, internships and/or international studies is a must. If you or your family is financially endowed, interning or studying abroad is a fantastic way to get ready for your career and to see the world around you first hand! My school also has great financial aid packages, so it's easy for kids without a lot of money to do these things and experience the world. The bottom line is go to a university that's free thinking, diverse, and helpful. And don't forget to have a little fun along the way.

Knowing who you are including your limits, goals, and anxieties is the best advice I could give to upcoming students. They need to be able to control themselves in a new environment and make the best decision according to their beliefs, ideas, and who they want to be affiliated with. Every school has a reputation, and as the saying goes "birds of a feather flock together." So if they choose a college that has a reputation of being party school, they will most likely party. If the school is known for being tough on academic standards and the student chooses it, then they already know what to expect. Knowing who you are is very important in selecting a college.

Choose a school that has the best surroundings and atmosphere that makes you feel comfortable because the school you choose will be your new home away from home. As for making the best out your college experience, try to get involved with the school and/or community. Go to college with an open mind and try to meet as many different people as you can. Remember to find the balance between your academic and social life. Don't forget why you're in college and what you're goals are. And most importantly, try to have fun!

Make sure you seriously think about where you want to attend school, this will be where you live for the next four years of your life. Make sure you visit EVERY perspective school more than once. Spend the night. Ask questions to current students. Do lot's of research. Maybe even try sitting in on a class and see if you can imagine youself there. A lot of campuses require freshman to live in the dorms. Make sure you choose a school where you like the dorms. You don't want to be miserable away from home just because of the dorms. If you find out you will be living with another person, see if your school offers a roommate search, and search long and hard until you find the perfect roommate. If you know you will get homesick, make sure you choose a school that's not too far from home. When you start school, join as many groups and get as involved as possible. The more friends you have the more at home you will feel. Make sure you don't let social activites get in the way of school work! It will try to suck you in!

The best advice I have for new students is to become as involved as possible on campus. The more groups/organizations you involve yourself in, the more people you will meet and the more fun you will have. College is only as fun as you make. I would advice parents to always encourage their student to follow their first instincts on what they want to do. Also, always stay completely organized with school work, therefore equalling more time for FUN!!!

You and you son/ daughter should definately visit the school. They will know if they fit there or not. They should research things to do on campus and off. More importantly, they need to form their own opinions about the school and not listen to others. Don't follow friends or a boyfriend or girlfriend, go somewhere they like and they enjoy.

Some advice I would give to students and their parents is to look at all different types of colleges and try to visit your top three choices.