Columbia College-Columbia, MO Top Questions

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

SUSAN

Different colleges have different "personalities". Research and make as many visits to different campuses as you need to to find the right college depending on your career goals. Sometimes you may not know what you want your major to be, but there are always the general education classes that have to be completed anyway. As long as you are working towards your degree you are not wasting your time. Make sure that the importance of a college education is understood by the student. Learn how to budget your time, don't procrastinate on big projects. Finding time for rest and play are important, but be responsible about coursework. Time is going to pass whether you are in college or not, but in today's job market, a college education is required even in many entry level positions. It is worth the effort, time, and expense--kind of like an investment into your future!

Jaimie

I would suggest looking into the program and its every detail. If you can find out about previous classes and the pass rate. Also get to know your faculty and students.

Jeramie

Communtiy is an integral part of the college experience so the atmosphere should match the students proclivities. Class size, as well as ranking, should be considered equally when exploring colleges. Some students do well in large, auditorium-style classes, however some prefer smaller classes with individualized attention.The college experience can serve as a joyful rite of passage from adolescence to aldulthood, so care should be taken in choosing what college to attend.

Jeremy

Take the time to research your needs, financially and educationally. Visit the college to see what they can offer you and talk to the students to get a true understanding of what the college can do for you and your family.

William

First and foremost to find an atmoshpere they are comfortable with. Check schools accredidation and weigh the cost of tuition. And always view the specifics of their financial aid process and ask many questions.

Kelli

Do the research and visit the campus!!!!

Wayne

Know what you want and make sure the school you go to can give you that.

Lisa

Make sure you look at the campus catalouge and review it thoroughly. Find out what general education classes are required, for that is a major part of your schooling. You don't want to find out that you still have to take an English class when you're planning on graduating that year. Look at all of the financial aids available and apply for as many as possible. Every person is different. Some people like big schools where it takes them ten minutes to get to class, while other people like small schools where classroom buildings are close to each other. Safety is also a major issue. Make sure the campus has a well trained security group and are available twenty-four-seven. If you will be living on campus, check out their polocies. Some dorms allow 24 hour guests while others have curfews.

Karen

First, figure out what it is that you want to do as far as a career. Then choose a callege that has a good academic advisor who can help you plan out your educational needs. This person will be the focal point on whether you choose that particular college. He or she is your go-to person and if they aren't easily accessible, then you may want to steer clear of that college. Also see what scholarships and grants the college has to offer. And most importantly, do your research on that college and compare it to other colleges before making your final decision. Choosing the right college to complete your education is just as important and critical as choosing the right physician to take of your health needs... both can have a profound effect on your life.

Sharon

Research your options. Have more than one idea of what your interests are concerning your career path. Talk to people who are already in the career you are interested in before starting college. If possible, shadow someone in that profession. There is nothing worse than attending college for four years only to graduate and then find out you are not happy with your career choice. Talk to people in the town that do not attend the college you chose and see what the locals have to say about the campus life and the students. This will give you an idea of what type of activities the students are involved in after hours. Check and be familiar with all the campus rules before deciding to attend. Four years at a location you are not happy with can be long and discouraging.

laura

Its all about the money. Chose a college with a low price and then transfer right before graduation so that the degree comes from the prestigious school, but the money didn't go into their over priced pockets.

Samantha

To find a college that suits them, and to not let peers, parents, or anybody else influence their child's choice. I first went to a 2 year school, and then to a school with no housing because of it being a branch of the major university, which isn't always the most fun school but the best for me. I would recommend it for anyone who is struggling with this economy, and anyone who knows that in the long run you can still have a great time with out the excessive drinking and partying. It is also great because while I am in school, I also have time to work, which is giving me job experience, so I will be able to get into a graduate school when I am finished with my BA in psychology. I would tell any student to prioritize their needs and wants, just not now but for the future, and hopefully that will let them see that the present is not the only thing they should be putting into consideration.