Centenary University Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

sarah

Make a list of things you want or expect out of a college, go on campus tours to potential campuses and ask questions. Also find students that attend and ask them not just the tour leader as they will give a more honest answer. When you get to college make the most of it by joining as many clubs and activitys as will fit in your schedule. If it turns out you don't like one of the clubs you can always leave, but at least your tried it first to see what you enjoyed and may not have realized otherwise. I would also suggest living on campus as you will be around for events and not have to drive back and forth, also you can have more of a social life in the dorms than you would living off campus.

Angela

The advice I would give to parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience would be to choose the college that you know you'll be comfortable in, and that have extra curricular activities, clubs, or group that pertain to your hobbies. This will help you make friends quickly, who have the same interests as you.

Danielle

I would advise parents and students to look for a school that offers a lot of extra help and really looks to get students involved. Also, look for a college that has your major or what you're interested in studying. When I was looking for a college, I made of list of things that I wanted my college to have. Some things on my list were: degrees offered, majors/ minors, location, student population, class size, student body, housing options, campus sources, and price. When you find the right school for you, get involved!! It helps you meet new people and have fun on campus. Most importantly, don't slack off!

Brooke

Find a school that you feel comfortable with walking around during the tour. Talk to random people on the tour to ask their opinion (a tour guide will only tell you what you want to hear). Make sure that you feel a connection with the school and also that it suits your child's needs.

Charity

Travel and visit the colleges that you are accepted to, to see if you like the campus and the demographic. Also, make sure there are programs like for tutoring, extracurricular activities, groups and organizations that interest you at the school of your choice. Learn to manage your time and be responsible for your actions above all else. Try to secure a job offer or plan to continue school PRIOR to leaving college its much safer that way.

Cara

I don't know

Carly

Make sure the college has a variety of major choices. No one knows what they want to do, so it's good to have options. Also, make sure there are many on and off campus activities and organizations to participate in, because that will be just as important as classes. On that note, see if you can check out the classes while they're in session, or talk with a professor. Really try to get a feel for your prospective college or university. If you're comfortable on a visit, that's a good sign. I've seen many people get held back because they switch colleges. Go to lengths to make sure this is what you want. Ask the students what they think of the college, classes, town, and so on. The college is a place for not only education, but growth as a person... if a college doesn't feel right, then it most likely isn't. But if you like what you see and feel that the institution can truely help develop your skills and prepare you for life, then that's when you know it's right. Go for it.

Amy

I would hope that parents would sincerely take an interest in where their children go to school. As a tour guide, I met many families interested in Centenary College. What is important is that EVERYONE wants to be there. I had several families in which the parents wanted the student to attend, or, the student was eager to attend, but the parents disagreed. To make the most of the college experience, students have to research before they attend. Find out what is in the town, surrounding towns and county. Students have to hit the ground running. Be willing to go the extra mile in your classes. Get work in on time if not early. Go for help if you need it-- to the professor, a classmate, or an outside tutor.

Michael

Think of your fiancial future when making the college decision. Be realistic try to find a school you will love attending while also being finacially responsable.

Heather

The best way to know if a college is right for you is go to the campus and spend a day there. Walk around the campus, get familar with the layout and location of facilities and observe the students and to talk to them about their experiences. You will know if the college is right for you if you feel comfortable, relaxed, and enjoy it; it should feel like home. Make the most of your college experience by being yourself. Join groups, teams, or clubs and go to activities. It is a great way to meet people, become independent, and learn about yourself.

Meghan

I would tell them to go visit the college talk to students do a stay over to get the real feel of college life.

Gabriela

At times we choose a school which looks great from the outside. Whether you're looking for a laid back, up tight or in between aura, think of the person you want to be. College is something in which you grow with. If you want a party school, you will have to think, "is that who I am going to be or who I want to be in four years?" Set yourself up for success and change.

Tiffany

When looking for a college it is best to do research online. Check the school's website and also check student blogs, or sites like facebook for feedback. Open houses are also great ways to see the school in action. Definitely do not choose a school without visiting it at least once. Parents can also do their own research through word of mouth; see what other parents think about the school their child is looking at. Some schools also offer class sit in, where you can sit in on a class you might be interested in. This is a great idea if you are unsure of what size school you feel comfortable in. I reason why I chose my school was its size, small class rooms mean more one on more communication with students. Smaller classes also allow for better teacher student relationships. However, some students do not like that; they might need larger environments to feel comfortable. To get the best out of your experience you need to somehow get involved whether it is in the class room, with sports, or just going to activity nights on campus. Getting involved really allows you to meet new people.

Mary

My best advice is to follow your heart. If you feel suffocated or lost on a campus it's probably not the place for you. Finding the right college is like dating, there are so many possibilities but it can take awhile to find the right fit. Visit alot of colleges and once you choose one- GET INVOLVED. It makes all the difference. Follow your heart, choose what feels right and get involved on campus- no regrets.

Danielle

Sit down and talk to your child about why they want to go to a school because it is a very hard to choice to decide where you want to spend the next 4 years of your life at 17 or 18 years old.

Rebecca

Find a school that feels like the right fit for you. Whether that be based on the size, the programs they offer, or what the school is affiliated with. If you don't get a good feeling from the school when you're simply thinking about going there, chances are you aren't going to enjoy spending the next four years there.

Georgianna

Find a college that makes you feel like you are home. If you feel relaxed here then that is where you should be.

Erin

The advice I would give is it is a experience of a lifetime and do not pass it up.

Charlene

Encourage your students to not bring a vehicle during their freshman year. There are activities to do on campus on the weekends, but no one is here for them. All of the students seem to go home on the weekends and do not get a full college experience.

Dominique

take your time

Heather

When choosing a college, emphasis should be placed on intution. A college may look like a dream on paper, and it could be the best institution in the world; however, is it the right place for you? When I was choosing schools, I thought I wanted to be in a huge school, with thousands of people, in a bustling city. I applied to colleges and universities that I thought I would be happy with , but it was my "safety school" that I absolutely fell in love with. When I went to vist my so called dream universities, I always left with a feeling that something was missing. The huge colleges and universities did not have the warmth and environment that my current school provides. I feel like I made the best decision of my life by coming to a school that might not be the best in the country, but is a perfect fit for me.

ashley

Check out as many schools as you can and put a lot of effort into finding the perfect school for you.

Ashley

The best advice i would give parents/ and or future students would be to keep your options open, visit the campuses, and know that its a big decision. Dont just base where you go on the name of a big school, have an open mind and look into things that may help and beifit you out.