Alabama A & M University Top Questions

I would tell myself that sports are not everything. Grades count the amount of points that you make dont. Focus on what really matters and stop playing around. Keep your head on straight and dont let anyone turn you in the wrong direction.

Dont let up until you graduate. Submit as many scholarship applications as possible starting today, because the worst feeling is knowing you could have but you were too late. Have your things organized and make it a habit to remember your ID number. Never use another freshman as a reference. Some upperclassmen are there to help and others use you for their amusement. Your teachers will help you as long as you show concern and work hard.

I would tell parents and students to make their college choice wisely. I do feel like a brand new environment can be the most exciting, but most risk taking chance. I think parents and future student's should ask the opinion of current students, and check out the campus and all it has to offer; from dorm rooms to classrooms. I also feel as if parents should go the extra mile as to looking up statistics and facts about the school to fully understand where they will be sending their child. In order to make the most of out a college experience, I highly advice students to take the first semester easy and engage in any clubs or activities that interest them. Stay focused, and do not be scared to be yourself, because in college there is someone every type and friends can come from all across the world.

9 TIMES OUT OF TEN YOUR CHILD WILL FEEL LIKE THEY ARE AT THE WRONG COLLEGE AND HATE TO BE THERE. BUT INSTEAD OF DREADING EVERY WAKING MOMENT OF BEING THERE ACCEPT IT, AND MAKE THE BEST OF IT. THEY SHOULD REMEMBER THAT THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE OUT THERE THAT WISH THEY HAD AN COLLEGE OPPORTUNITY

Make a list of your personal institution preferences such as distance from home, availability of your intended major, extra curricular activcities, and surrounding opportunities for work experience. I would definately suggest applying to schools early.Most likely during your junior year and at the latest the beginning of your senior year. This will give the schools a better impression of your determination to get an education. This also gives you more time to make your final decision between the schools once you receive the acceptance letters. It helps to compare the schools pros and cons to make that decision and make sure the school you choose is right for you.

Take your time when chosing the college you want to attend. Make sure you that you know and understand what the college has to offer and that you can and will flourish in that type of environment. Don't be too hasty with those decisions... you only have the rest of your life to prepare for afterwards. The college experience is different for everyone. You are almost grown now and no one will be dictating to you as they were previously. You have to begin to be the adult. You are fully becoming who you were meant to be.

The best advice I can give parents/students about choosing the right college, is to make sure they do their research and visit the college. The student who will be attending the college should make sure it entails all the qualities they are looking . Parents should allow their young adult to decide which college is best for him/her. Parents should be allowed to make an input or give advice in the decision making process, but not force the young adult to attend the college they prefer. Overall, in the process of choosing a college, one has to have in mind what they are looking for and to be sure the college they choose will not have them regretting their choice in the future.

First off, if you are fresh out of high school, consider staying close to home and going to school. It is much cheaper, but if you and your parents want you to really get a personal growing experience in the real world then leave home, but make cure that it is a place that holds your best interest at heart and has a good program in your desired field, is affordable, and has accredidation.

First, I would say the college search begins in elementary school. My mother took me on tours, to games and other events at different colleges and universities. As the years went by, I had an idea of what type of environment I wanted to be in. Then, look for money, save money, and just be prepared for expenses. I thought we had prepared but it was gone the first year. Next, explore the interests your child has in elementary and jr. high like Girl Scouts and church. These will be the talents, interests and gifts they can turn into a college major and a career. Next, talk about everything and stay involved while they are young. My mom and I text (she learned to text while I was in high school) every day, email weekly, she comes to the games and some activities and knows my friends. She was involved then and she's (limited) involved now. She knows the boundaries and I don't mind sharing stuff. She shares her college wxperiences and then let's me make my own choices. She respects my independence and trusts me completely. Finally, stay a family and share the expereince!

The first piece of advice that I would offer to students is to know what they are looking for from their college experience. For example, what degree programs of interest are available, what the surrounding town offers, how interactive the school is in the community, and how the school is respected in the business community in the surounding area - leading to cooperative studies and intern opportunies. Also, if he/she is an athlete, what sports are offered and what policies exist for making up work when missed. Secondly, to the parents, be a guide to your student, not a slave driver. They have to live with what education they get. Ive too often seen students that went to schools that were chosen for them, that are unhappy to the point that they transfer before they are juniors. College is to be a learning experience both academically and socially. Let them learn, do not baby them along. Finally, to both students and parents, apply to as many colleges as possible and make a commitment to learn. For this is one of the most important decision in anyones life - it will have reprocussion, either positive or negative, for life!

When looking for the right college, always do research. Find out if there are any situations going on with your school that could prevent you from getting the education that you deserve. Always visit college campuses before making your final decision. Ask students and faculty at the school questions to help you decide if this is the type of atmosphere you would like to be in, a first impression is a lasting impression. To make the most of your college experience, remember it is important to have fun and enjoy the college life, but at the same time, do not forget the reason you are there. In reality, your reason is to get an edcuation, not partying! Have fun, but do not let it interfere with school. Attend school events because it gives you a chance to meet new people and show school pride. Build relationships with the faculty at your school. Meeting these new people will help you network. Parents should allow their children to choose the college they would like to attend because only the child really knows what would be best for them. Parents should also show interest in their child's road to higher education.

Make sure you research tuition and fees, and get advice from currently attending students

See what the campus is about. Take the tour or the campus, visit the campus and see what the faculty and staff have to say, But take things a bit further because when the parents leave thats when the "true" nature of the schools show itself. Go and talk to current studends, talk to graduates. Ask them questions about how is campus life here, how is the food. How are the dorms, how is the campus police and how do they act? What is the campus like on the weekends, how are the classes, who teaches what and what are the best degrees offered here. Which majors from this school seem to find jobs right after graduation. Ask someone to honestly tell you what they like and dont like about the college or university. Once you make a choice of where you want to go get involved on campus, get to know your fellow classmates. really get to know the people in your dorm . Get your time management together. College is a learning experience, learn the good , bad , and ugly about financial aid and getting help with any problems. This is your new home deserve the best.

Visit the school on days other than the group tours. Most schools have student tour guides that will show you the school. Sit in on one of the classes for each professor or for each level of classes(Freshman,Sophmore,Junior, and Senior Classes). Find out if the future student can see themselves sitting in those classes and being able to keep up. As the professor for sample homework, test, and projects. See if the future student can understand any of it and determine what he might need help in early. Eat in the cafteria and ask some people around your table to tell you about the food. Talk to the faculty in different departments to find out about the department that the student is getting ready to become a member in. Talk to other parents who have children that attend the school. Talk to staff to find out about long waits and busy offices.

Plan ahead fo your kids

The advice that I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college is being very selective. Parents, take your child to the campus and meet the staff and faculty. Get a tour of the campus and meet other students there to hear about their experience. Students...don't be afraid to leave the city and/or state that you grew up in. Explore colleges and universitites that may be out of state too. Make sure that the campus has a helpful and succesful career development center and helps with intern/job placement. To make the most out of your college experience...stay involved. Stay involved in your school work, extra-curricular activities, and the community. Make sure you network and meet people that you may not have neccesarily mingled with normally. Have fun but also stay focused. Your main goal is to learn and graduate with a degree that can help you in your future.

Look at ALL aspects of the college life.

Base your college choice on the career you would like to pursue instead of the environment because some colleges may not be in an intriguing environment, but they offer the best in the field that you want to pursue.

I would say be sure you find a college that fits wants and needs.

College is only what you make it! Cherish the good times because it will be over soon!

When choosing the right school many students and parents tend to try to focus more on getting accepted into some of the larger colleges. During the process don't forget features that are more important such as a family environment, open-minded professors, and a great education. Also, research the size of the class. Smaller class sizes allow your professors to get to know you where you are not just another number but actually a student. Another advantage is that the professor has the opportunity to know you by your name and understand you strengths and weaknesses. When making this ultimate decision, factor in the distance of the university from your home because you don't want to miss out on the special holidays during the year. Last but not least, follow your heart. At the end of the day this is where you will spend the next four years or more of YOUR life.

Be well informed about your choice of higher learning. Don't just ask the staff and employees views but ask the students for the their true perception of their college.

Most imporant advice I can give you is to choose your school based on academics and what best suits you. Don't base your choice on your friends or because your family wants you to go there. Choose a school that makes you feel comfortable and that gives you the best chance to be successful in life.

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Do research on the school. Really look at what the school has to offer and see if that fits you.

Write an essay for scholarship money, because not a lot of students do them. I won some out side scholarships in high school and it help me and my mother out freshman year of college. To the parents keep encouraging your child in college, you don't know how much it will mean to them. So people don't have a parent at home, and they will be grateful.

When looking for the right college, please consider the school's accreditation, student to faculty ratio, program of degrees offered, housing, location, tuition and fees, career development services, social life, and the rate of graduating seniros obtaining jobs in the major you plan on pursuing.

Go with your first choice.

Explore the college or university more before you make a final decision. Try on-campus tours and definitely read about your school and what they have to offer.

Make sure you do research and visit the college before you committ to going there. Also make sure it is the school that the student wants to go to, not the parent.

CHOOSE WISELY!!

Make sure research is done on the particular field of study and if the school you're applying to has applicable majors. Above all be true to yourself and what you want out of life. Make sure that you're strong morally because being away from home for the first time will be a test. Maintain contact with loved ones, have fun, and enjoy everything you possibly can. Get involved and stand for a cause. Pray steadily and let your heart lead you in the right direction.

I would say that the parents and the students should listen to each others reasonings for choosing a particular college. College is about the academic as well as the social experience so choose wisely.

I would tell make sure you look at the size and the price. I would also say make sure you look at the graduation percentage.

Time is a essence. Do what is right for you and right for your money college is totally different from high school it is not a race.

Allows view the campus before selecting, always ask current students of their opinion of the school and why they feel that way, make sure the school meets your comfort level (whether it be small classes or well lit streets), and most importantly make sure your credits will transfer it the school does not meet your standards.

I would tell parents as well as students to first look at location. An in state school may be the best choice, even if one wants to get away from home. It is surprising how only 100 to 150 miles seems like forever. Prices are also big make sure it is a school that will help with finances, and that will not be too expensive to afford.

The right college is always the one you don't want to go to. If you're planning on becoming an effective citizen go to the school where you get a complete molding. Harvard is a great academic school, but may not prepare you for the world as a citizen the best as a Public school could. Public schools, show every fashion of people in their worst and their best forms. The world we live in is not full of rich scholars, and honestly all colleges use the same books. The workload is just more than others at certain places.

Parents when searching for the right college for your children, you should look for a campus that offers values that you have instilled in your child, of course location would be a factor but you need to look at the student teacher ratio in class. This will intel if your child will be able to get the proper instruction you desire for him or her. Also if finances are a issue, you want to look at a college that offers various types of financial aid.

Relax and go beyond the information packet, go on the internet and look at your school

I would tell them to make sure that's the right choice they want to make within their life. I would also tell them to visit the school's campus from time to time, in order to see where things are. Check on their registration and financial aid services for any additional information. Make sure that the school's information is accurate.

Visit the college and get to know the people and atmosphere around the campus. Don't send your child somewhere you would not go.

Find out what type environment may suit the student best. Academics are not everything. You do not want your child going to a highly academic school where he or she does not fit in because their grades usually reflect the student's environment. The student must feel comfortable enough to blend in and mingle well with the students without grades decreasing. However, they should not feel so comfortable that they totally forget about schoolwork. College is all about what you make of it. Some schools may have state of the art facilities with professors that do not care about the students' progress. Students can take advantage of the resources provided by the facilities to make the most of their academics and entire college experience. Encourage the student do join clubs and organizations that enhance his or her skills because that start could be the foundation needed for that student's success and enjoyment of college.