Clark Atlanta University Top Questions

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

ashley

make sure you are going to the school that you want to attend take other peoples suggestions and concerns into consideration but remember in the end it is about your happiness and success

Teddi

To find the right college one must do much research and be honest with themself. Many people choose a college based on tradition or their friends' decision but honestly, what is best for friends and/or family may not be best for you. I suggest everyone research colleges on a personal basis with what is best for them in mind (city size, tuition amount, student body etc.) To make the most of the college experience give yourself (or your child) the opportunity to learn how they will best be successful. If you surround yourself with people who are partying all the time and not studying much you will tend to do the same and your grades will suffer. It is college and college is about education and experiencing life so it's not realistic to say ALWAYS study, NEVER party but make sure you find the balance that is right for you.

quinette

I would tell the parent as well as the student that they must choose a school that they are happy with and are satified with. They can also put into consideration how well the school is involved with service learning. Going to an HBCU can help u better understand your culture and beliefs. Some schools are very large in population and that may cause a major distraction but you must stay focused by any means neccessary. Most schools have fraternitites and sororties and that may be one thing a student may want to look at. But overall, my advice would be to choose a school that fits you as a person whether its financially, socially, or ethically. Some schools help you grow into the person that you want to become and that is wat matter the most.

Victoria

The best advice I could give to anyone searching for the right school for them is: find a setting you're comfortable in. Often times, someone will go to a school that is entirely different from anything they've experienced before. This isn't neccesarily a bad thing, however, alot of those students will find themselves unable to adapt to their new setting . When I chose to go to Clark Atlanta, I knew that I would be in a place that was unlike home, but could easily become my new home. When you choose a school, it becomes home for four years and to be uncomfortable is unacceptable! Visit every one of the schools you have in mind. If any of them is the place for you, it will stick out, and you'll know it.

LaShay

When choosing a college to attend make sure that you think about how your experiences will help you in the future. Make sure that you keep an open mind and open heart.

jovanna

I believe that parents as well as students should do as much research as possible when it comes to finding the school that best fits the individual. They can do this by going on various college tours as well as asking for literature about the insitution, the more knowledge you obtain the easier your decision will be when it comes to finding your school. These actions are best done while in your sophomore or junior year so that way in your senoir you can have an idea of where you are really going and what is needed to get you there. In addition, if students choose the right school the first time around then they wouldnt have to deal with the hardships that comes with transfering to a different school. When transfering most of the time you lose your credits and funding. Also apply for every scholarship there is, the more money you have for school the better it is for your parents as well as the student because then they wouldnt have to deal with the pressures of not having enough money to attend college or even having to leave school early becuase the cant afford the next semester.

Sheyene

I would advise students to look at the curriculm for their intended major to see if they would like the classes at a particular school. I would also advise students to check out the extra-curricular activities to see if they can do something that they enjoy during there free time. Students should go to every event on and off campus as possible to maximize their college experience. They should also be very sociable but at the same time keep themselves organized with their classes and schoolwork to keep excess stress away. I would also advise students to get involved in programs or events around campus or the community,students should at least do one activity for the benefit of their campus and our community.

Fiya

I advise every student to reasearch their school. Visit the campus so that you can get a good feel of the school. Make sure that you are attending this schoo for the right reasons, not just because everyone is going.

Brijique

Any advice that I could give would be, in order to find the right college, look within yourself. If the college mirrors your beliefs, values and appeals to you then that school would most likely be the right school to attend. Another piece of advice for potential college students is trust your intuition. If you feel the school is right or wrong for you then trust that feeling and apply that with what the school offers when making the final decision.

Michelle

I would tell students to not get so caught up in the hype of "party schools" versus academic ones. In truth, there are parties and drugs and alcohol everywhere and if that is what a person is looking for they will find it. I would also tell them that regardless of a schools reputation and how nice the proffessors seem, they can and will fail out of class if they are not focused and do not do their best in class. College is what you make of it, and 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the time its not what you learn, but how you apply it.

Jameela

In regards to finding the right college, I would advice all students to select a college that fits their overall personality and long term career goals. It's very easy to get caught up in the college rush, especially if you're totally unsure about where you'd like to go. Often, when this happens, many students apply to, and in some cases attend the same colleges as their friends or significant others. Additionally, some students make major decisions regarding which college to attend based on the popularity of the school. I fell victim to the aforementioned and decided during my senior year in high school to attend Howard University. Once I arrived on campus, it only took me a few weeks to realize Howard was not the place for me. I was home sick after having traveled over ten hours away from home, and I was lost on campus because I had foregone taking a campus tour because of the distance. That following semester, I transferred to CAU. It's only 4 hours from home, the classes are smaller, and the campus offers a better variety of courses for my major.

Alyssa

In order to find the right college, you will need to know, or have an idea of what you would like to study. After you have decided on that, you will need to pick places that you would like to live and be most comfortable at. When you have come to that decision, you will need to do your research on schools in the particualr area. I would recommend choosing at least four colleges to apply to. To make the most out of your college experience, you schould interact on campus and just have fun. But the most important thing is to not forget about your work. Good Luck :)

Tamara

Parents and students should visit the school prior to enrolling. They should speak with the faculty and staff to insure that they are making the best decision.

sheenna

i would tell the parents that it is very important that your child finds the right school to attend. that is why you should let them pick it and be supportive of them. getting a good college experience is a good experience for any college student. so make sure you have fun get involved.

LaQuin

Make sure you save as much money as possible and have your child participate in many job shadowing opportunities so that they will have an idea as to what it is they want to study when they get to college. TRUST ME it will save you a lot of money and time in comparison to students who constantly change their major and still are not happy at where they stand when it comes to a future career.

Deana

Visit the college and know exactly what your major will be.

Chamiere

The most important advice I could give to parents and students is to do your research. Look at every school that offers what you want. Do not settle for the popular school. Take your time and visit each school, stay on campus in one of the dorms; go to one of the classes. Really get a feel of the enviornment of the school. Could you see yourself walking around this campus? or attending one of these classes? By doing this you will get to see the school for more than its academics but for its social atmosphere also. This will also help you make the most out of your college experience also. Being in a school atmosphere that makes you comfortable helps transition from being home with your parents and high school friends to being on your own with your college buddies.

Ciara

Make sure you visit and weight your options out!

Shanice

Stay academically focused.

Kevin

The advice I would give students and parents is to take all the time they need to select the right school. Do your research both online and in person. Go to the campus during a regular school day to see how students interact with each other. Ask to speak to current students to get a view of their personal experiences. Don't go to a school just because that's where your friends plan to go. Although it's nice to start off on familar grounds, it is much more exciting to meet new people. If you are looking at a school out of state, do research on the city where college reside. Alot of schools are in major cities so it is a good idea to know the surrounding area. Parents support your son or daughter. Be involved in research process. Talk to professor, administrators and teachers. Don't rely on your son or daughter to give you all the info on the school. You are the best advocate and the one they need to give them practical advice and resolutions.

mary

I believe parents and students should go with their hearts when choosing a college. Choose according to what best fits you as a person. Choose a college that will not only challenge you mentally but help you to stay focused. Also be sure that this college benifits your future helping you achieve your ultimate goals and the careers that you wish to persue. Lastly in order to make the most of your college expierience study hard and have fun. Remember to make life long friends, creating unforgetable friendships that last a life time. Overall, college is a big part of your life so perseverance is a must, be strong, dont give up, go after your dreams and succeed because in the end when you get that degree you will know it was all worth it.

Markita

When searching for the right college, keep your mind open, wher you think you will be happy may leave you longing for more. Also, if you run into some road blocks in the begining stick out for a semester and then make your decision to stay or not.

Howesha

Get involve and research as much as possible. Take as many visit to different campuses; seeing the school on a pamphlet is different from being there for a day. This way the student would know what environment he/she would be comfortable in.

Serena

In selecting the right college to attend, parents and students must plan early. With looking for a college to attend, students and parents should also apply for scholarships. This process can begin as early as freshmen year in high school. The tedious search should progress into junior year and be complete at least by the second semester of the students senior year. Each high school is inclined with a college prep center where parents and students can meet with a counselor. Counselors are a very pertenant source because they can help narrow the college search down tremendously. They do this by viewing the students academic record to see where they stand GPA wise. SInce some colleges accept students on a academic basis, GPA is very important. GPA also plays a major role in what scholarships students can apply for. Students and parents should also visit each school so that they may be aware of what the school offers. Students and parents can then decide how big the school will be, if it's private or pubic, and what extra-curricular activities they have. Furthermore, they can view meal plans and campus housing policies. Once finished, the search is complete.

Katiana

Do research very early in the high school, do A LOT of community service, know what schools exactly you are applying for summer of the senior year.

Jasmyn

Research everything; from fin aid to the area surrounding the school. Make sure everything is accessible from the school or there is public transportation for thier child

Dweylon

Find a university that is student-oriented. Be patient and flexible with every new person you meet. Every new person can teach you a lesson that will prepare you for the future.

Lee

Applying and deciding on any college or university can be a very difficult decsion. It is up to both the parent and prospective student to decide what they want out of an institution; from setting to what major they plan on studying. All these factors weigh heavily with any decsion for school. My best advice is to go with your instinct, but once you decide research more, even visit the campus to get a real feel for what student life will be like on that particular campus.

Tishera

I would tell them to make sure the school have wonderful and very educated teachers. Choose a school where there is plenty of help from the faculty, staff, and your peers. Make sure there is tutoring class to help you. Also make sure it is somewhere you really want to be at and is comfortable. Go and tour the school first before you enroll. See if there is extra activities that you can particapate in. Also find some friends or study buddies that you can study with or hang out with. Last but not least always study. Do not let your soical life get in between your school work. Try no always strive for excellence and enjoy your college life!

Shyeta

Finding the right college for you can be extremely challeging. Making sure you choose the right place can be made easier. Every college or university has a website. Use that as your primary resource. On the website they will guide you, you can veiw tuition and fees, housing, meal plans, programs of studies and much more. After you have your top eight to ten colleges, then you can start taking tours of the campuses. See how diverse they are, how many students in each class room. Make fun out it, plan to go to the same college as some of your friends? Then why not make it a road trip? Finding the right college can take some time, so make sure you start searching early. Junior year is an ideal time to start. By then you should know what you would like to study for the rest of your life. Take your time and ask questions!

Cheree

Do your research and visit the school. Make sure you like the school and the surrounding community.

Dominique

It is important first and foremost that the student knows who they are. He/she must have an idea of what they want to major in, what they want to attain from attending the college of their choice and have an idea of how they will be able to contribute to the university. The hardest reality for a parent to face is realizing that their child is embarking on a new journey in which the parents are forced to trust their parental impartations on the child. I would advise all parents to take pride in knowing that the values that were instilled in the child will not depart from them. Both parents and child should be on one accord and in an agreeance on the new step both parties are about to face. Most importantly I would encourage students to get involved on campus. Hold strong to their morals and values and know how to balance school and work out. Figure out what works best for them in all aspects fo their college experience and dont be afraid of change. Networking is also a really important factor and seek for opportunities and internships!!!

Adrienne

My advice to parents and students are to look carefully at your college choices because you can choose to fast and make the wrong decision. You have to compare the cost and also the accredidation. Going to college is a very important step in a person's life and they should be proud of the decision they make. Most importantly, make sure you are getting the right advisement so you will not be in school longer than you have to be.

Tygress

When choosing the college you want to attend please visit the loction. Make sure that its in an area that makes you comfortable or feel at home. Also question student who are already attending and ask them their honest opinion of the college. Check to see if you will be able to recieve the finacial aid needed to attend the college or university. As you are attending your college or university remeber that it is okay to have fun, but what is more important is your education and well-being. Always put your coarsework before anything else. Set both long and short term goals and invest most of your free time to studying. Make your experience one that you will remember and also one that will benifit your planned future.

Chianti

The best advice that I can give to students that are looking to attend an university is to take all things into consideration, remember this will be your place where most of your time will be spent throughout the next four or more years of your life. This being said choose the setting that is most fitting to you. If you prefer your winters to maintain an average temperature of mid-50's, smaller classrooms for a personable experience and want to major in pre-med, do not attend a large university in the northern states, that only offer biology as a major. Not only are you not going to be happy with your environment, which will effect your performance in class and day-to-day activities but, your also going to be waisting valuable time and money that could have been put towards a school that could have better prepared you for your future. So to all of the students out there just be patient and take your time in evaluating all possible choices, because there is a school out there that will suit your individual needs and desires.

Elzie

The advice I would give parents/students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is just relax and go with the flow. Research schools that have the best qualities for the major they want to choose and if they are located in a good part of town. Trust me not all of them are. Make sure you have your FASFA, scholarsips, and anything else worked out before February of their senior in high school. Visit the colleges you wish to attend to make sure they are as they seem in the brochures and online, for some of them are facades. But when it comes to the college experience just go with it. I didnt my first year and missed out. Take advantages of the clubs and other activities that are in store. Get out and mingle with people for they can become life long friends and people you may need in life. Have fun go out and party, but make sure and I stress this GET ALL YOUR WORK DONE AND EXCEL IN EVERYTHING YOU DO! Work like your broke, live life as its your last, and love to the fullest.

Asia

I would advise student and parents who are looking for the right college to make the most of there college experience to do reserch, rserch, reserch. Make sure the school offer a subject you are really interested in and a altenate subject that you find interesting because 9 students out of 10 change their major before graduating. I would also say to check the type of clubs, soroities, or othe extracurricular activities that are offered because having something to do pass alot of time when you may feel home sick and its also a good thing to have on your college reume.

Melissa

Choosing the right college will have long term effects on your future. When choosing a college make sure that the college has your major, excellent intership opportunies and a great career placement center, and make sure that you visit as many campuses as possible. Selecting a college that offers your major is the most important factor in choosing a college. If the college does not offer your major or field of interest it is really pointless to enroll there. After researshing the school for your major the second you should look into the college's career and placement center. The career and placement center is where you go to find out about the internships, career opportunities, and interview training. The career and placement center will be very vital to students because it helps them explore their chosen field while still in college through internships and helps with job placement after graduation. Lastly you should visit as a many colleges as possible to get a feel for thr enviroment and the people there. Your college college experience will be one that you will remember for the rest of your life choosing the right enviroment for yourself will make it an enjoyable.

Rachel

I would always advice a student and or parent to make sure you choose a college/ university that best describes you academically and socially. I would also tell them to go visit the campus and get a feel of it. Look into your major and look and see what classes they offer for your major.

Jessica

Make sure that it is a college that you feel comfortable being at without your parents being around because as you get older mom and dad wont be there to do everything for you. Make sure you are comfortable with your surrounding areas and that you feel safe with where your going to live and go to school at.

ANA

CHOOSEN A SCHOOL THAT IS COMPATIBLE AND CONVENIENT WITH YOUR CHILD. LOOK INTO ALL ASPECTS OF THE SCHOOL; TAKE A TRIP AND VISIT THE UNIVERSITY AND TOUR IT. TO THE STUDENTS: CHOOSE A SCHOOL THAT WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY AND NOT JUST BECAUSE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY WANT YOU TO ATTEND. YOU ARE THE ONE THAT WILL ATTEND THE UNIVERISTY AND LIVE THERE, NOT THEM. REALLY FOCUS ON YOUR GPA YOUR FRESHMAN YEAR BEACAUSE AS TIME GOES ON IT BECOMES HARDER TO RAISE IT.

Tahirah

It is important to do research and schedule college visits. There is nothing worse than applying to a school and finding out that you completely dislike it or that the school cant gear you towards your career goal. Gather information on tuition costs, scholarships, food choices and housing. Learn what the campus is like, not only with the layout but statistics, like ethnicity, GPA, retention rate and things like that. Learn about the surrounding areas, such as rural or urban settings, what stores are close by, the nearest airport, tourist attractions and possible off campus housing. It is also important to find out crime rates to be prepared. New students should be encouraged to make the most out of life by getting involved. Be very social and learn about campus activities, groups, clubs, fraternities and sororities. becoming a part of a group will create more connections, friends and would make your experiece that much better. Keep professors close, dont be afraid to frequently go to their office or speak up in class. You will surely be remembered and it is that much easier to get recommendations and a boost in the real world.

TIFFANY

BEFORE CHOOSING A COLLEGE MAKE SURE YOU ARE FINANCIALLY STABLE BECAUSE TAKING OUT COLLEGE LOANS ARE VERY HARD WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE A COSIGNER PLUS YOU HAVE TO THINK ABOUT HOW MUCH DEBT YOU WILL BE IN AT THE END OF THE DAY. NEXT I WOULD SAY GO WITH YOUR HEART IF YOU FEEL TO LIKE THE COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY GO WITH THAT OPTION AND STAY FOCUSED WHEN YOU GET THERE BECAUSE GPA PLAYS A BIG ROLE WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING SCHOLARSHIPS. MOST OF ALL ENJOY YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE BECAUSE IT ONLY HAPPENS ONCE! ALSO KEEP IN MIND THAT YOU MAY BE EVERYONE FRIEND BUT EVERYONE IS NOT YOUR FRIEND.. GO INTO COLLEGE THINKING OF YOUR FUTURE AND DON'T LET NO ONE OR ANYTHING STOP YOU FROM REACHING THAT GOAL!

Hannah

Dear hopeful college student and/or parent; College is a wonderful experience and everyone should make the most of it. Networking is a very important part of life and it is in college where most of your successful networking will take place and one most take advantage of that by being involved in various on campus activities. When choosing a college/university you have to trust yourself and your first instinct because in most cases it is right. Taking a day or more to visit the campus helps narrow your search as well for the saying is true, "I can show you better than I can tell you". Just make the most out of every opportunity, trust yourselves, work together as one, and have fun through it all. Good luck!!! -Hannah Harris Clark Atlanta University Sophmore

Melanie

College is a major stepping stone and a sucess often expected from family members. Deciding to go to college is a remarkable mindset. In todays society college is a must. I always joke that a bachelors degree is the new high school dipolma but in reality it is. When I graduated from high school money choose the path for many students. Almost every person who choose a school based on cost has either dropped out or transferred to another school which resulted in lost of credits from the previous institution. If I could give parents advice on choosing the right school for their child it would be money should be a concern but not a decsion maker. Your childs education is priceless. Parents and students need to look for scholarships and grants together to bridge the gap. Anything worth having is worth fighting for. Parents are big on making sure thier children succed. You must invest in education. To all future students dont let anyone drive your dream. You are in control. College is being an adult minus the 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} finiacial obligations of independent adults. Money should not be your ultimate decsion maker for choosing the school of your choose.

Kristen

The advice I would give students is to pick a school that you want to be at, and that is affordable for both you and your parents. Choosing a college should be based on how you feel about the school and whether you can see yourself prospering at that school. The advice I would give to parents is to let their children choose what school they want to go to. If it is affordable let them go. You should no force eyour child to go to a school that they won't be happy at. It is their college experience, not yours. When people are forced to be somewhere when they don't want to be and that's not making them happy, nothing good ever comes of it. Your child has to be at this school for 4 years, they should be able to enjoy themselves and learn.

vernice

When choosing the right college it has to be a joint effort between the parents and student. In the end the student has to live with the final decision made so the student should ultimately make the decision. In choosing the right university you have to think about class size,cost, what portion of the graduating class has a job after graduation, and any other important facts. While attending college its a must to participate in on campus activities and to make friends with people who live in your dormitory {you will need them eventually}. My last word of advice is to keep your grades up!!! I lost my scholarship because I let partying get in the way of my grades. You come to school to prepare yourself for the real world a part of that is time management your social life is not at the top of your priority list. College is a great experience enjoy and embrace your oppurtunity, and stay focused.

Caroline

Your undergraduate career is primarily about personal development rather than professional. This is a time and place where you learn more about yourself and your place in the world. When choosing a college or university, be certain to keep in mind that, ideally, you want to be in an enviornment that will be supportive of and further cultivate the person you become.

Sade

The only advice I cangive, is what was given to me. I always knew I wanted to study government and eventually have a high-paying job within the federal government, I knew that. I also knew I did not want to stay in my respective state, but to venture out away from mom and dad for a bit of freedom. I knew I wanted to go to a city that had a lot to offer. So my advice is know what you want to do, and waht you expect from your college experience, choose an area that you will be comfortable in and that you'll enjoy, for your major choice may change.

Jessica

When searching for a college make sure you research and find the size, style, and location that is right for you. also make sure that your financial aid is taken care of because nothing is worse than to find the perfect school and not be able to pay for it. To make the most of the experience it is best to be involved and participate in as much as you can on campus, but make sure that it can be fairly balanced with your classwork.