Dakota State University Top Questions

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

Rachel

First of all, tour as many colleges or universities as possible. While you are touring them, don't just take the guided tour. Ask questions; No one ever does! If you see something that interests you along the way, ask questions about it or keep it as a mental note. Look for a college that most closely fits your academic future. Even if you don't know what you want to be while you are exploring the colleges, use your knowledge of your own likes and dislikes to answer that question. Search for a college that you feel comfortable at. After you have chosen a college, explore the different activites and events they have scheduled and plan to go to some of them. Make friends and have a good time. Don't skip class because it's hard to guess what the teachers had to say. Also, stay attentive during class. It helps a whole lot when you start studying for tests. Get to know your teachers because they are experts in what they teach and are very friendly people. It will make it easier for you when you need help. Don't forget to learn a lot; Have fun!

Jamie

Find what you truly want to do. Find a major that would make you want to attend classes. Find a campus that offers that major and makes you want to wake up every day knowing you made the best decision you could. Make sure what you are paying for is worth it in the end because these could be the best four years of your life. When attending college, get envolved, do the best you can do, and make it an experience that you will never forget or regret.

Kali

First off for parents I would say guide your son or daughter in their decision, but let them chose for themselves where they would like to go. I know going through the process of chosing a school can cause some tension between parents and students because of cost or distance, etc. Overall, it is important that the student truly enjoy the school they are attending, because then they are more apt to participate in both activities as well as their learning. For the students two main things come to mind. Number one being start saving early and fill out as many scholarship applications as possibl. School is expensive! I remember filling out scholarships, but once I got to college I realized I should have filled out more to help with expenses. The second suggestion: don't procrastinate. I know when people tell me not to procrastinate I kind of just wave it off. All of a sudden assignments that you've known about are due this week and you have to turn down a social life to cram your homework into your schedule. The longer homework waits the lower its quality which helps make or break your grade.

Danielle

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Sandra

In order to find the right college for today's world, it is important to remember that we live in a world that is filled with technology and technology related fields. So it is very important to find the college that can not only give the education and skills that train a person in their area of interest, but also one that will equip them for today's world. This is best done by finding an educational institution that incorporates today's technology into all facets of education, whether it is in business, education, medical, pre-law or any field of study. Not only should the college fill this area by providing a quality education, but it should also provide students with an enriching social experience as well to round out their education, and provide them with an education that is not only academic, but socially and culturally stimulating as well. Therefore, searching for the right college should be one that truly fills all areas of a person's life, and which enables them to grow and become part of the world that we now live in.

Amber

The advice I would give to future college students and parents is to research schools early; the earlier the better. I encourage you to look into at least three schools that interest you. You should look at each of these schools' websites, talk to college representatives, and visit each campus. Many factors play a role in picking a college, but mainly you need to find out what is important to you. You should make a list in what you want out of a university. These questions should help: Do you want to pursue collegiate athletics? Do they have your major? Do you want to pursue or take part in fine arts? Is the school up to speed with technology? How affordable is your school? Is financial aid available? How big is too big? How small is too small? How far away is the school from your hometown? What is there to do for fun? Answering these questions are helpful in picking the right school.

Heather

Parents and students who are looking for the right college need to know that the right college is the one where they feel most at home. I would tell seniors looking for the right college, that once they step onto the right campus, they will know. They will feel the most welcome and comfortable on the campus that is right for them. To make the most out of the college experience, get involved. The more activities students are involved with the more friends they make and the happier they will be at college. If students are not happy on their campus they will be homesick all the time.

Daniel

The two biggest is thing I can say to anyone who is checking out schools are to one, make sure the school fits your personality, and two, don't go to a school just because that is where your friend is going. On the first point, I think finding a school that has activities and the right size of campus for your personality is important. I know I came from a small town, so I went to a smaller university and its worked out great so far. As for the second point, I've seen a lot of people go to a university that their friend picked and they didn't like it. This is not to say you can't do this, but I found it fun to venture out into a territoy where none of my friends were. Now when I get together with them at breaks in the school year, everybody has tons of stories to share and adds to the enjoyment of seeing them again. My only other advice is to be optimistic about whatever you do.

MarcCharles

Make sure your kids dont drink and mess up there lives. I've saw a lot of kids flunk out of classes and not try. Your kids will drink no matter what you think. I've been there done that, but to high schoolers coming in as freshman, they go WILD!! Its horrible but thats life and you should make you kid work fulltime so they apreciate the education they are getting before starting college. Been there done that.

Kate

That they need to schedule out their classes right away and decide what they want to do!

Tiffany

I would say that the students should check out all of their options and pick the one that is right for them. Parents and students should visit the colleges that they are interested in to see what would be in store for them, as well as to ask questions of actual students and professors. Once a student has narrowed his or her options down, they should check into the specifics of the respected institutions. They can check out details about a major they may be interested in or how much financial aid they may be eligible for. Once a college has been chosen, the student needs to make sure they get all the paperwork and registering for classes done by the deadline. This way there will be no, or at least, fewer complications. To make the most out of the college experience, the student should try to get involved with campus activities in some way or another. The student could join a club or organization. Also, I think the student should try to meet new people. Being friendly and openminded can really help out when starting out at a new place. The student should try to stay positive and happy.

Mary

Always visit a campus before you decide it is for you. It may seem like a good location and a wonderful campus in the virtual world, but once you walk around the campus you will know if you will feel at home. Make sure to think about a large campus and small campus, decide which on fits you best academically AND socially! Speak with current students of the prospective major if possible. They can give lots of insite and help you develop a decision on if this is your college home. Although, do not base your decision 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} on what they tell you. Essentially, this is your decision, make it a good one!

Traci

When deciding what to do after high school, I looked into a lot of colleges. Tour the schools and ask all sorts of questions. Try to sit in on a class to see what it would be like. After you have selected a college and have started , get involved in campus organizations or intramurals. Doing these two things helped out my social life so much coming to college. I was nervous and did not want to be left out. Now that I am involved in them I am enjoying every minute of college. Make friends and never stop. Try to avoid the drama because it will be that much more enjoyable if you do.

Jenna

Find the place where you feel most comfortable. Take into consideration not only the size and quality of the school, but most importantly the students and faculty. If you do not feel very welcome, it will be hard to have the confidence to go out and make the best of your college experience. The best thing you can do is get involved, whether through sports or organizations. The only way you can meet new people is to get out and try new things. The best people you meet in life are usually found at college. Many of your friends are potential colleages and when you have that connection, you begin to create a network of people you can count on and go to when you need them.

Nichole

Get involved on campus. get to know you professors. Know how they teach. Dont be scared to ask questions. You are paying for you education so make the most of it!

Jennifer

The best advice I could give to student and parents looking for the right college is to choose one that you feel comfortable at. School and moving away from home can be stressful at times and being where you feel comfortable makes it a lot easier. Another peice of advice would be not to be afraid to ask questions; set up a private tour and then also talk to some of the current students.

Jessica

Advice I would give to parents is to allow students to visit the campus on their own. When they do not have their parents there, students are better able to judge if the campus is a correct fit for them and if the atmosphere is what was expected. Students must pay attention to not only the social aspect, but also the learning environment which is what college is about. For parents, I recommend sending their children to a college where they feel comfortable and willing to attend, while also keeping financial responsibility in mind. Sometimes money is not an option when happiness is important, but parents and students alike must both be reasonable.

Samantha

Entering college can be an amazing experience. As a student considering college, keep options open. Visit colleges around the area, take a tour, and meet a current student. Do not be afraid to ask questions while you visit. Decide if the college you are visiting is "right" for you personally; no college is right for everyone. Even if you believe that a college is not right for you, visit it anyway. Choose a college that is appropriate for your major. Talk to professors in your major of choice and ask them about the program. Living in the dorms is essential; it is a huge part of the college experience. To make the most of your college experience, one should get involved with activities and try to meet the people in the dorm. Do not be afraid to break away and explore the campus and area. Study hard and go to class. If you have a question, ask your professor. Also, get to know the on campus tutors if you are struggling. Getting help with academics when you need it is essential. That is the difference between a student that succeeds and one that does not. Most of all, enjoy yourself!

Daniel

Find something to be passionate about while you are in college, because you will enjoy your experience, your education, and eventually your career. The extracurricular activities that are offered on campus are ways to interact with the community, your fellow students, Alumni of the college, and are a great way to gain experience. The decision to go to school is an important decision, one of the most important decisions that any one can make in their adult lives. Stay persistant, hold true to the goals that you set in place, and finish strong with an eye on the career path that your college career has helped prepare you for.

Nikki

First, if you can't decide on what field of study you want to go into, then pick a few ideas that interest you, and find out how long it would take you to graduate from that specific shool, with that specific degree. Second, check if the school has activities like those that you like to get involved with because a lot of times, schools don't offer what you think they will. Third, try to meet people when you visit the campus, this will help you when you get there in making friends and connections. It is important that you remember that even though you will be around a lot of people all the time, that not everyone is going to reach out. So don't be afraid to be the first to talk to someone. You'll be surprised at what kinds of people you can make friends with while you're in college. Also, find study groups, either with your friends, or with other people. Many times, just talking over new material with others can broaden your perspective, and help you remember. Above all, remember that it's ok to make mistakes. Just learn from them!

Annie

When choosing the right college it is important to first check it out to see all that it has to offer. You should learn if it is a small campus or a large campus so that you can feel comfortable in their environment. Students should also talk to current students so they know what life is like for someone attending the college. To make the most of your college experience you need to get involved! Being part of organizations or clubs on campus allows you to meet new people and be a part of something worth while. Another thing students should do is try and attend any school functions that are going on during the semester or year. This is another way to get to know your peers. The last piece of advice for making the most of your college experience is to have fun. That is the most important part of college. Students need to enjoy what they are doing and their college life will be much more enjoyable.

Mindy

Advice I would give to parents and/or students that are looking into colleges and trying to find the right one would be search. Really look into everything about the school and make sure it offers what you want. Also look into their financial aid programs and make sure they will be helpful in this area. I have had a very good experience with my choice of college. The school has been very helpful with everything I have needed. My main thing would be is just look around and look at everything each college has to offer.

Kathryn

Think hard about what you want to major in. Knowing what you want to study and pursue as career is important in choosing the best college for you because obviously, that's mostly why you're going to college in the first place, right?! Also, know what size campus community will be best for you. If you liked high school and had a small group of friends that you constantly hung out with then a small college would probably be best for you. If you are outgoing and easily meet people and make new friends, than you would do well in a larger college. I wish I had known those two things before I had gone to college or I probably wouldn't have attended three different colleges in three years!

Suzanne

When selecting a college, no choice can make a bigger impact on an individual's future. A joint effort must be made by both parents and students to assure that the right decision is made. Parents need to let their sons and daughters choose and find the school that fits their needs and where they are comfortable. Parents also need to be supportive. After going to school for two years as a business major and deciding to change majors to physical science, nothing was better than to be able to call my parents and know that they supported me. As a student, it is his or her responsibility to take the initiative to attend every classroom lecture and pay attention. It is his responsibility to take the time outside of class to read, prepare, and succeed. The college opportunity only comes along once in life and students must seize not only the classroom learning experience but also create lifetime relationships and contacts. Big city or small rural America, the decision of a college education must be made jointly by strong supportive efforts of the parents and dedication of the student to assure that the correct choice is made.

jenna

Make sure you take the time to research everything about the school. Make a chart about all the schools your looking at and write down what is most important to you such as; class size, school size, where's the school located? Also, if you can, talk to people from the colleges you are looking at, it will help make your decision a better one. Plus, if you are going to need a job make sure to look for one before you get to college make sure they have a great town outside of college that will accomidate all of your needs.

David

Go to many different colleges to compare them. Ask people there you see what they think of it. Take your time and start looking your sophmore or junior year of high school. Do not chose tell your senior year.

Jonathon

Find a college that has many students studying the area you intend to get a degree from. Also look at how often graduates of the college find a job where they use their degrees. Make sure you also visit the campus before you choose to attend. Ask other students there if they like the school. Meet with the professors to see if they enjoy teaching, or if they are forced into it. Most of all, look at classroom sizes. The closer it is to just you and the professor, the more you will learn.

Nicole

I believe that the first step is to decide what size of school you would like to attend if you are unsure of a major. The environment of the school is a very important role in attending a college/university; big or small. Also, do not be afraid of a challenge. Most professors will acknowledge your effort in one way or another. And finally, do not sell yourself short. Do not be afraid to ask for help or change your major. You are the one that needs to be happy with what you are going to school for, so make it worth your time and money.

Rebecca

Finding the right college is about more than popularity or where your friends are going. Organizing priorities of what is important to you and your future is the first thing you should do. Discovering what field you want to go into, the location, activities available, the cost, or what sports there are could be some of what you should consider when sifting through the possibilities. Ask around. Students that go to whichever college you're thinking about attending can do a better job most of the time in giving "the real deal" about that particular school than some website. Rember to stay open to new experiences, choosing the "safe" school isn't always what's right for you. Even once you are accepted to a school, making the most of your limited time in college takes some effort. You're probably not around people that you're used to, college students come from all over. Try a new activity, be open to what others have to say, or even just keeping your dorm room door open in invitation to meet others can boost your college experience so you can fully appreciate this time in your life.