Columbus State University Top Questions

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

Ramon

Have thicker skin and punch those racist a holes at North Georgia in the mouth.

Rochelle

The advice I would give myself would be to work hard towards keeping good grades. I tended not to really care all that much about good grades in high school, and now that I'm a junior in college, I am working really hard to get my GPA back up to a 3.0. I would have told myself that slacking off in high school will not help me once I get to college. I would tell myself that its not always good to just settle with just average grades and I should work towards higher grades and be proud of being able to make good grades.

Tia

Pay attention is highschool, and make sure you study because it's a big transition from highschool and college.

Esther

If I would go back in time and tell myself as a high school senior what I know now about college life and transition, I would probably advise myself to join a Freshman Learning Community (FLC) and also, during my high school years, to make sure I do more extra-curricular activities as I can. I would advise myself about the FLC because I did not join when I was a freshman and it did hurt a bit. Being a citizen of another country and having about two years of American High School years, I was not totally aware of what college would be like. Therefore, I was a bit set back with the transition to college when I entered as a freshman. Even though the FLC was greatly advised for the in-coming freshman, I did not take a responsibility or feel the need of joining one. So, I would definitely advise myself to join that. Also, with the extracurricular activities, this would have built me a little bit more for college life. In the sense that I would feel more in-group with the "stuffs" going on around campus if I have had the experience in High School.

Bridget

I would say think about what you really want and don't do something just because. Think about what you would like to do with your life and what career you would want; research it to help make your decision and perhaps go shadow someone in that profession. If you get a job that you love or even like, you'll never work a day in your life. Don't change your school decision just because you met some boy, even if he's "the one". You'll miss your family; it's not that far away to visit. You might wonder what would it be like if you went off to school even for a year to get the college experience. If he's the guy you plan to spend your life with and vice versa, he'll be by your side the whole time encouraging you. Don't ever stop trying. It's going to be tough at times but you'll get through it and do great; don't get discouraged if you get a bad grade. It's not as easy as you think. You have to keep trying and never let it get you down.

LaShauna

The best advice I can give to a parent and/or student is to simply choose a school that fits your educational wants and needs, not your best friend's. Also, do not go to a school just because rumors have been spread about the non-stop parties because partying every night will not earn a degree. The right school is one that offers your major, has clubs and/or organizations centered around that major, and has an inviting, uplifting, and encouraging atmosphere filled with people that share the same goal; to graduate with a degree.

Anastasia

know what field your child wants to study and search for the best school. Always ask your friends about different options.

Molly

Leave it up to the student, they know what they want. Do not interfere with their decision, let college be the best years of their life.

Jen

Look for a college/university that fits you and not what you think everyone else thinks you should do. It's your life, live it the way you want to. Also look for a school that has a good varity of programs that they are noted for, because you never know if you'll change your mind on your major or if you don't have a major yet..

Lexi

Go with what you want to do in life, not the cool stuff the school has.

MONICA

STAY FOCUSED. DON'T LET PARTYiNG COME BETWEEN YOUR SCHOOL WORK. STAY ON TOP OF YOUR FiNANCiAl AiD. DO YOUR BEST.

Jayd

I believe that the most important advice that I would give would be to get involved. Grades and classes are very important but, it is also very important to get involoved in activities around the campus. It helps take the stress of school away for a little while and you meet so many people. It could also keep a lot of students out of trouble. It is a complete rush knowing that you are living on your own and you can pretty much do whatever you please. However, some students may go too far with their new found freedom and make dicisions they may regret later. When you are involved in activities or sports you don't really have time to make those bad decisions plus the people that you get to know are little support groups that talk sense into you when you feel senceless. An added benifit would be the life long friendships that are made. Its so easy to get carried away with the "wrong" croud but if you can start out in the right place then you will have no problems ending in the right place as well.

Caitlyn

I feel that a student should really consider all their options before deciding what college to attend. Make sure to research and visit the campus many times to make sure you are making the right decision. I feel that oyu get what you put in at college, if you participate and get involved on campus, your college experience will be a lot better than if you choose not to participate. This is because when you get involved you have a much large group of friends and people you interact with,which in itself will make your college experience much better. I think that future students should go into the college experience open minded and everything will fall into place from there.

Cameron

Don't base the merit of a university simply on it's public appeal. Depending on the learning style of the individual, a small, intimate learning environment may be more beneficial than a large, competitive one. Be sure to evaluate how much your education costs along with how much you intend to make following graduation. Sometimes the ivy leaguer may cost more than it is worth in the long run. Work hard and play hard.

Steven

Do your homework early. Knock out your SATs and apply for schools early. Don't wait around, have your school situation right before you graduate.

Courtny

Research all of the schools and make sure to do a campus tour so you can get the vibe of the school:)

Hanna

Make sure you are comfortable around the other students, and can easily find your way around the campus and surrounding areas. Look around and your first choice is not always the best choice.

Chelsea

I would advise students to consider, as definintively as possible ,what it is they want from their college experience. A student who wants classes tailored to his or her career plans and hopes to network and makes the necessary connections to get a job immediately upon graduation will seek out a very different college than a student who is more interested in meeting new people from around the world or exploring different artistic interests. Parents should encourage their student in self-analysis and subsequent exploration of different schools. Students should also, if possible, meet with faculty in their chosen field of interest, or several faculty members from different areas if they do not have a specific field yet, to determine if they can work well with the professors. Students who feel as though they have made an investment in their education, are in an environment designed to aid their success, and are surrounded by a support system of friends, faculty, and family will succeed in their college careers. Students should visualize their college experience as clearly as they can and then take steps to attain the relationships, courses, and internships that will positively impact the rest of their lives.

Lauren

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Sulufaleese

The best advice I can give someone about the college experience is to make the best of it. I have always believed in the saying that, "everything happens for a reason". Live life to its fullest but make wise decisions. Always accept the good with the bad and take advantage of every opportunity because it might be your last chance.

Barrett

I would advise students to visit as many schools as they can to get a good idea of what exists out there. Don't make a decision too fast. I would also recommend talking with current students at the schools you are looking at. Ask them questions about campus life, classes professors, etc. Once you are in college, take every opportunity that you can. These 4 years WILL go by really fast. Don't waste your time on drama. Meet people. Learn. Explore. Do all that you can to enjoy your time in college.

Keyel

My advice to parents and/or students about finding the right college would be to make the best decision for you. I understand how important it is to have friends in college, but do not let that be the deciding factor for what school you go to. The main part of making the most of the college experience is making new friends or having fun with your old friends. Participating in extra-curricular activities or even just attending campus events can help make the most of the college experience. Staying focused on your goals, but still having fun is the best way to balance the college experience.

Whitney

Plan your degree porgram out before starting classes to be better organized and on a track.

Miranda

Let your kids tell you what kind of college they want to go to and what you expect from a college to give them. I'm sure that quality and value will be two words you would expect a college to offer your student. Don't be quick to jusge a college just because you know nothing of it, but get to know the area and people, and might just find the perfect match for you and your student.

Stephanie

Don't stress about the thing that you son/daughter is getting int down at school. Trust that you have raised them to be well behaved and responsible young adults and pray that they will make you proud.

Bracha

Sometimes it takes more than one school to get a quality, or well-rounded education. For me, my first school taught me how to change emotionally and spiritually, and when I transferred, I was taught with actual concrete subjects and challenges. I've grown to appreciate both experiences. Parents, never stop supporting your children. Ever. And children, don't ever push your parents out of your lives. Yes, you (we) want freedom, but don't forget--if it were not for our parents... where would we be? Parents, if you've reared your children the way you best knew how and if you've instilled enough of yourself in them, then all you should do is pray that the right opportunities come their way, and let God be in charge.

Shanikia

For finding the right college, it is all about choosing what is right for the student and parents while not sacrificing one's quality of education. For me, I always remembered this as I was selecting a college: "The college I select should define me, not me defining the college." Basically, my mantra means that the college I choose should meet my needs and what I want to receive from my education rather than only choosing a college for its name and prestige without really knowing what its education system entails. Finding and choosing the right college should be more about what the student and parents are looking for in a college instead of what the college is looking for in a student. With this method, less stress is placed on students about whether or not they will be accepted because if they choose one that meets their criteria, they will most likely meet the criteria of the school. Students should make maximize their college experience by enjoying extracurricular activities offered by the college while still being responsible for their actions. Also, they should join clubs, attend social functions, and take advantage of the college's study abroad programs.

Phylicia

The best advice that I can offer is to be supportive at all times. When your feeling unsure that your child is making the right choices step in but don't become overprotective. Let your child make some mistakes but always offer an hand when needed.

Regina

Tour the school. Speak to advisors. Talk to students alread enrolled

Jesse

Follow my BEAR method. Breathe! College is a stressful time full of doubt, self-discovery, and pressure. You just have to take a deep breath and relax. There are counseling centers available if you ever need to just vent. Enjoy! College is all about learning and having fun while doing so. It'll be the best 4 (or 5 or 6) years of your life. By getting involved in organiztions and clubs, you'll meet many people and experience new things that you'd never thought you'd experience before. Your resume will grow as well as your social life. If you get involved, you wont have to wonder what you're going to do tonight but more like what can I not do! Ask! Don't be afraid to ask current college students. Believe me, they will be more than willing to help. The best information that you'll receive regarding the college environment comes from a student. Research! Do your homework about the school before orientation or touring the campus so you'll be prepared to ask questions. College is about YOU! You decide how youre going to experience it so go all out!

Benjamin

Learn how to learn, and then learn how to live.

Leslie

The advice that I would give to parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of their college experience is to pick the college based on their own preferences and not because of anybody else. The student is the one that has to attend the school and if they do it for any reason besides their own then they might regret it later on. In order to find the right college, you need to know what you're looking for. The parents and student should sit down together and make a list of what they want out of a college whether it be location, size, athletics, etc. Every school is different and this will help tremendously. To make the most out of your college experience, you should look to join clubs or extracurricular activities to meet new people. Enter college with an open mind about people because there are several kinds of people you will meet. Know what you like in a person and what you're trying to find and your college experience will be one to remember.

Karief

save money

Mark

look to the smaller Universities, they more often then not are more caring and it is more personal.

Rachel

I think that it is important to visit the college you wish to attend a few times before deciding on attending in order to get a good feel for college life on that campus. Also, I think that students and parents should look at the majors and minors offered at that college closely to make sure there are enough programs and fields offered that interest the student because it is highly likely that they will switch majors more than once. It also would be a good idea to speak with alumi if possible to assess overall satisfaction with that college, and parents and students should make sure that there is a good career counseling center on campus because I have found mine to be extremely useful and helpful.

Russell

Get to know some of the life style and culture of the community as well as the towns security. know the landscape, and whether the student would enjoy the city or the mountains or whereever the college is setMake sure the programs of an area of interest are top notch and would fit what the student really wants to do in life. If very studious check out study areas, if social check out social events and meet the people to find if they are friendly, if athletic check out varsity sports or intramural opportunities. Once in college get to know what goes on around town and around campus. Plays, musicals, orchastras, art galleries, concerts, sporting events, campus life, greek life, intramurals, clubs, and more. Use or help out tutoring, go to the library, computer labs, gym, weight room, get an on campus job, and maybe just hang out with random fun students.

Morgan

Do the research first. Find a college that better suits your child's needs, such as if there are any restaurants and grocery stores near by in walking distance, has the college has any problems with crimes in the past, financial aid, how big or how small are the class sizes, are there professors teaching the classes or are teacher assistance teaching, what are the graduation rates and/or the drop out rates, are there internships that my child can obtain in their particular field of study, wil the child be able to get in their field after they graduate, and will the professors be willing to help in almost any situation. Go visit the campus and see if the atmosphere fits the child. See if your child will get the quality education that you are paying for.

Kathryn

Follow your heart, no matter what the consequences.

Travis

Choosing the right college is tough. It is hard to know exactly what you are going to get because it takes time to get to know what a college is really about. The best thing to do is to have a good idea about few things. First, your area of study is the most important. Find a school which provides the programs you want or think you will want to study. Next find the right kind of social atmosphere you think you will most enjoy. For instance, if you want to go greek then you should find a school that has many greek organizations to choose from. If you enjoy a sport, attend a college that you can root for. It is also important to attend a college with people that you feel you have the most in common with. For example if you are a small town country person go to a school where you know you can plug in and if you want the big city atmosphere then choose a school like that. Finally, one of the most important things is to have a good room mate in mind. Poor room mates can turn a student off fast.

Bethany

Make sure that you choose a school that you can be happy at for four years. Your university will be like a second home for you. If you feel that you don't fit in, or that the students/faculty/staff are not compatible with you, don't be afraid to look elsewhere. Remember that college is about personal growth as much as academic achievement. Choose a school that will challenge you and allow you the most opportunity to grow as a person. And once you are there, step up and step out! Turning that graduation tassel will be a commemoration of all those years you worked to get there, so make the most of them.

Brian

That they should not choose a school just based on its parties. They should base their choice on the location of the school and its cost.

Jessica

Fine a college that makes you feel at comfortable and at home. Classes should be fun but challengine and teachers should show genuine interest in thier students. Don't be afraid to accept all the new ideas and challenges that meet you at the entrance of the college.

Dasia

Advice for parents and students when looking for the right college is research. Make a list of schools that interest you and research them. Find three to five things that you want in a college and narrow them down to maybe two or three schools. Networking is a good form of research. Talking to students that attend the school of your choice could help you decide whether the school is right for you. Narrowing the schools down to your top three schools helps when it comes to college visits and student orientation because there are fees you must pay. College visits are a big part of the researching process. Orientation helps to give you a little taste of the environment, other students, and the faculty and staff, not to mention the food. At orientation you meet other new students and you can make new friends, you might even meet your roomate. As for making the best of your college experience join clubs and organizations and go to school sponsored events, they give away alot of free stuff!

Lydeana

Pray and ask the Lord to send you the right one; one where you will be happy and successful. He NEVER guides you the wrong way.

Kimberli

1.Visiting the college is a MUST. The ambiance of a place can play a bug role in your enjoyment. Once you have selected your school. 2. GET INVOLVED! You will possibly meet life long friends, and even future spouses while in college. Also, its a way to ease the feeling of being homesick.

Jerry

Finding the right college is a mixture of finding a place with good teachers and a good environment as well as a focus on the field of study that you're focusing on, and most importantly a place where you can have fun . While good teachers (that is, teachers that are actually engaged and interesting; teachers that care about their students and are enthusiastic over what they're teaching) are a vital part of a good college education, outside factors are very important as well. A school environment that encourages you to grow and doesn't place unneeded pressure upon you is vital. There's enough pressure during finals as is, why put up with extra pressure? Having fun also impacts your education. Chances are if you're all work and no play you're going to get burned out. College is your last opportunity to relax before starting a career, and wasting the four years you have without engaging in social activities is something most people would regret. So, a good college is a place with enthusiastic and professional teachers where you can have fun and not feel pressured that will teach you what you need to know.

John

Every school is great, it's what you make of it that counts.

Torre

Research, visit, research. Do not settle on a school. Even if it costs more, it is worth it.

mark

the only thing that I could tell you is to seek out all posible financial aid oportunities. every person in this country has the ability to go to college, they just have to seek out those oportunities and take advantage of what is out there for them. work hard to earn your degree and ensure that you put forth all your efforts, the only way to get ahead in this life is to get an education. just remember that education is the key.

Lauren

Find the college that is best for and not because someone says so. Do not find a school because they say they will give you this nd that for financial aid because they wont.