Central Michigan University Top Questions

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

Lauren

Choose a college environment where you feel comfortable. If you walk onto campus and immediately feel it is too big and scary, or too small and intimate, do not go there! Chances are that feeling won't change. Look at what schools have the newest technology and or ideas about your field. They will most likely be caught up in the world and willing to share the knowledge with you. If you are undecided as a major, go to a school that has many options so exploration can be done. If a school has a reputation for being a party place, then it probably is, so choose accordingly. Wherever you choose, remember that everything in life is best in moderation. Party, have fun, live it up while you're still young...just don't over do it. College is a place to learn, so study hard and achieve your goals...then celebrate them on the weekends! Get involved, meet new people, step outside of your box and become a part of the campus whether through a job or organization. Being a part of the big picture will make college feel like home.

Heather

Advice that I would give to incoming college students would be to keep your options open and explore campuses. In order for students to make the right choice that they wont regret later, they should explore all the options available so that they realize what it is that they want. Furthermore, I would recommend seeking financial aid from other sources than just the university. College is expensive and the funding that schools provide is not enough. Fianlly, I would recommend that students go into college blind; students need to break away from their home ties and going in blind and getting new roommates is a good way to go about doing that.

Laura

I would look closely to see if the program you are looking at is offered at the school of your choice and look to see what that program has to offer you. If you don't know what you should/are going to major/minor in, look at each school you are interested in and see what programs catch your eye. Then look at each program and find out the details; make sure you find something that yoiu are more likely to stick with. Even though you can change majors, it will cost you more to switch both in money and time.

Steven

First of all, go see the colleges you might want to attend. You can tell alot about a college by just looking at campus and talking to current students and/or faculty. Students and staff are valueable resources for general inquiries regarding college. Next to get the most out of college life, live on campus with somebody other than your friend. Living with a friend is great, but living with stangers is a great experience that you can take with you after graduation. Another way to get the most out of college is to get involved in extracurricular activites. Not only do you meet new people, but you get exposed to new ideas and broaden your horizon.

Kendall

Make sure to visit campus and ask LOTS of questions. Also talk to current students, NOT just the campus guides, but students walking around campus. Make sure to ask them what the REALLY think about the campus food. Explore the surrounding apartment complexes for future housing. While on campus see if you can look into more than one dorm. Check out the resturants in town, and see what other towns/cities surround where campus is. Take a look at the list of student organizations and try to get in contact with the person in charge of one you might want to join. Most importantly, when walking around campus make sure it is a place you feel comfortable and like you could be able to find your way around easily. Also be sure that the campus gives you the right vibe and enviornment when you get there. Possibly try to make a few stops to the same campus, one with the tour, one without.

Elvis

college is a experiance that you will never forget. make the most of of it, you think four years is long they will fly by before you know it. There is that saying that you only live once so live it to the max. learn as much as you can . make as many friends as you and they will make your experiance even more exciting. get involed on campus, it a great way to meet people and to build your resume for after college when you apply for jobs. Enjoy the last few years of being young and restless because when college is over than comes the real world and that is exactly what college prepares you for is the real world.

Jason

First and foremost, I wish I had a recent college grad give me some advice about the upcoming years. I'm certain the advice that person would have given me is the same I am about to give: please don't rush into your decision. There are so many variables when choosing the right college that most tend to get forgotten; things such as expected monthly payment for student loans upon graduating, what kind of vehicle would be most suitable, which types of apartments best fit in with my goals, etc. Had I given it more thought, I probably would have chosen to sell my car, for example, to pay for a semester and actually get exercise from a bike. The first years of college are a blur consisting of alcohol, fast food, late nights and a rough introduction to college studies 101. So many days are bombarded with the thought of, "Is class going to be important today?" and "How am I going to pay for all of this?" A step back mixed with some extreme throught will go the longest of ways to a high school grad; the analyzation of pre-college choices is crucial to ones' sucess.

Justin

My advice for new college students is this: College is full of opportunities for new experiences, new friends, and new endeavors. However, it is important not to be overwhelmed by all the new freedoms you will have living on your own free from parental tyranny. You're in college for a reason, and that reason is to get a degree and get a good job. College is way too expensive to flunk out of. Depending on where you go to school, you (or more likely your parents) will be paying tens of thousands of dollars per semester! For that money you could buy a new car, start your own business, or go on one hell of a shopping spree, so don't waste it. If you are not serious about school and getting an education, don't waste your time and money, because if you aren't, that's exactly what you'll be doing. Have fun, try new things, expand your horizons, just make sure you can still make it to class. Good luck.

Vanessa

Post secondary education is the stepping stone to growing up and building a successful life. Carefully choosing the right path for you is vital to your future. College/universities are a common option that many students strive for. Focus on size and location that comfortable for you! I highly recommend you research the programs/degrees offered at this college/university as well to ensure you can find something that interests you. My number one recommendation for incoming freshman is: live in the dorms your freshman year if you can. I learned so much about campus life/activities, met lots of NEW people, and had the time of my life. Finding classes that fit your personality is very beneficial. Don?t over/under schedule yourself. Find a balance in the number of credits you take that works for you. Scheduling too many can cause stress, frustration, and even depression. However, scheduling too few can cause you to get off the path too success. Finding, attending, and graduating from college needs to be all about finding the right fit for you as a person. Being confident in you education, choices and experiences is the key to your happiness and success!

Kyle

Don't just settle for a school. Make sure you pick the school that you want to go to. whether you have wanted to go there your whole life or you just found it, make sure you feel comfortable there and will fit in with your surroundings. While you are at college make sure you do your work to the best of your ability. Don't slack off and put it off until the last second. Your schooling is going to get you a lot farther than any party you go to. The world is full of opportunities and you have the chance to take one of those opporunities and change the world.

Katie

Go visit and make sure that college campus fits you. Make sure you know what you want and if that college can accomadate.

Noel

The first piece of advice I would offer would be to not rule out any school from your options. I would advise you to visit any schools that you are considering. All schools have their own environment and feel, you need to find the one that feels right for you. Work hard in high school. Your high school grades and gpa could earn you a scholarship. Also, there are many scholarships and loans available at any college or university, look into all of them. You may qualify for a scholarship that you did not know about and when paying for school for four or five years, every little bit helps. Once you decide on a college or university, get involved. You will get more out of your college experience if you venture out. Find at least one club or organization or sports team to get involved in. Go out and have fun, but don't neglect your school work. You pay way too much money for your classes to waste them and ultimately, as fun as college is, you're working toward your career and your future.

Chantel

Take your children on college visits early in high school. Going on a spring break trip to visit a bunch of schools their freshman year is NOT too early. Make sure they see many different types of schools then they can decide which type of campus would best suit them. Unless they aboslutely need a car as a freshman it's not necessary at most schools walking helps kids explore their surroundings

Ashlee

I would tell students to look at all of your options and don't let anything stop you from going to the school that you fall in love with. I didn't go to the school that i fell in love with and now in my sophomore year i regret it more than ever. Don't be afraid to leave the nest or that you will not make any friends, making friends is easy, having to get up and go to a school that you know is second best is not. Parents, do whatever you can to make sure your child will be happy in the school that they choose, even if it's not the school you would choose for them or you think it's too far away. Being sucessful in college is alot easier if you are happy at the college you choose.

Bryce

Do your homework...start early on scholarship applications...let your student take more of the responsibility...

Amanda

Start early and look at allot of alternatives

Gretchen

First, you need to find a college that interests you. Whether it is because of a group or career field...find one that doesn't seem too big. I think that if you know what you are going to study you are better off...but it's not a neccessity. Do campus visits, they are always good about those when they want their school in your options. See what a few different schools are about and then decide after that. Get involved! Pick a group or club to be in. They have so many to chose from...get involved with it and have fun.

John

Make sure to visit the school, and ask questions.

Emanuele

Choose a college geared towards your childs learning abilities and style, not yours. Let them have fun and make decisions on their own, just act as a guide. Let them learn from their mistakes

Stephanie

Visit as many campus' as you can ahead of time to get a feel for everything about the college/university and its people and environment.

Jennifer

When it comes to picking a college, you want to make sure you find the one that is right for you. If sports are your main focus, then look for a big sports college, same for any other subject. If art or teaching if your main focus, find a school that is well known for that. If you need to get financial aid or student loans to go to a school that is better for you, then do it. If you attend a college that you like and feel is right for you then you are more likely to do well and be sucessful. If you know what you want to go into, see what colleges have that major and if you arent sure what you want to major in, look to see what kind of ways they have to show you what your options are. To make the most out of your experience, stay open-minded. Try out new things. College offers you a lot of opportunities that you might not get at any other time in your life. If you attend a college and don't think you like it, give it a chance for atleast a year.

Katie

In order to find the right college, you should take into account what college offers the best program for the career pathway you are interested in and that should outweigh athletic programs or off campus social life. Once you have found a college that meets your standards academically, financially, and socially, you can make the most of the experience by getting as involved as possible and taking your education seriously.

Blaise

When I was applying to colleges, I applied to seven different ones because I had no idea where I wanted to go. When I got accepted to all of them, I was a little overwhelmed, because my search wasn't narrowed down at all. However, when I started researching a little more, I realized that it really didn't matter too much. I had chosen which schools to apply to based on generic criteria (location, cost, financial aid), and those are the most important things. I believe that I would have been happy at any of the schools, because I think that it doesn't matter where you go so much as who you hang out with. I made some really good friends throughout the last year, and consequently, I love my school. I think things would have gone the same way at any other college I may have picked as well. As far as "making the most" goes, getting involved is number one on that list. Join some clubs and organizations, volunteer, meet people, and go to school-sponsored events. Once you have your Bachelor's, work becomes the most important thing in life, so seize these opportunities!

Britanie

Look into each school extensively, don't just settle

Karisa

Don't limit your possible choices to where everyone else in your school is applying. Make sure you visit all the schools in your area before deciding on one.

Ashley

Choosing the right college is one of the most stressful, yet exciting, times in both the students and parents lives! The most important thing to remember, however, is that the number one reason for attending college is to recieve higher EDUCATION! It's always a good idea to check out different websites and take a variety of personality tests to help when determining what the student may want to study. This way, they are able to decide on a college based on their academic programs for those specific majors. Secondly, take a look at the population of the school, financial aspects, extracurricular activities offered, and maybe even talk to alumni to hear their personal experiences and feelings about their college years. While deciding on a college can be stressful, it's also important to remember that your college years are often the best years of your life. Get involved with different clubs, organizations, and sororities or fraternities early on! Meet new people, and be open to other's lifestyles and cultures! Stay focused on your education, and take pride in every assignment or project you do. Be optimistic and take risks! But most importantly, HAVE FUN!