Ferris State University Top Questions

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

Jackie

Be open to new ideas, and new people. Many of the students are in the same boat your are so dont stress out. College is not as different as i thought it would be from highschool. You still have guidance and people are always willing to help you out with things. In college there is no messing around with your grades, they are very important, and very permanent. Skipping class is a horrible idea, yes it is a new freedom, but in the end its not worth it. Go to college for something you are passonate about, because the more interested you are in what ever you major in, the more successful you are going to be.

Amber

If I could travel back in time and give advice to my high school self, my first statement would be "chill out." College isn't as scary as you're assuming. It takes some getting used to, but so does any great change in life. Be outgoing, as you always are, and stay focused on your studies. Find a way to balance your social life with your studies, and you will be pleased with the outcome. Also, when taking chemistry, request Dr. Killian. Dr. Prakasm didn't work out for you as well as Killian would, and don't room with your best friend. Branch out, meet new people, and remember how proud Gramps will be when you get your diploma. :)

Vincent

If I were to go back into time I would have tried a bit harder my senior year. Picking a school that is right for you is very important and you shouldn't rush it.

William

If there was ever the opportunity to go back in time of my senior year of high school, I would stay on myself about always doing more than what is required. The more you prepare yourself during one situation, the more you have to utilize during the next. I would also remind myself to stay positive throughout my challenging English and Calculus classes. Although they weren?t extremely difficult, when I didn?t get the grade I wanted, I felt as if I wasn?t giving it my all and that took away from me. Another thing I would keep in my as I tell my senior self would be to stay in contact with the people around you. They will be going to college and away from their safe bubble we have been in for the past four years. Leaving high school with lots of friends and entering college with few, or maybe none is saddening. I would say keep in touch and once you get to college, get out there and meet people. Everyone is going through it, we should go through it together.

Jason

Make sure you apply really hard for scholarships. You made the right choice of going to community college first. It saves you a lot of money from the dorm fees. Make sure you try to work as much as possible during the summer to save up some money to avoid all the debt that adds up very quickly.

Stephanie

I think I would have invested more time in a little self-determination, in that even though I knew I wanted to study interior design, I didn't sit down and really take a close look at the cost of what my education was going to cost and how I was going to pay for it. I should have set better goals as far as savings so that I wouldn't have had to have student loans. A little more hard work work in applying for scholarships and a few extra hours each week at my job & volunteering, along with going to high school, would have helped me to get to reach such a goal. I believe now I am learning to become more self-determined and realize the benefits of planning ahead. Self-determination, I feel, is a gradual process and I know I will make some mistakes along the way but I am confident that I am becoming a better person because of it. I just wish I had started earlier!

Holly

Highschool Senior-Self, I would advise taking a math class Senior year, plus Anatomy and Physiology and Chemistry. It would save a lot of frustration later. Also, register early. Do NOT procrastinate. When things need to be done, get them done in a timely fashion. Study, study, and study. Friends will understand if you can't go out. School and abtaining your degree is more important if you're paying over $3,000 for it. Get your books for your classes as early as you can, and don't forget to keep the receipts for them, so you can return them when you're done. Take the classes you NEED to take.

Steven

Do not assume that a class will be easy. and be sure to talk to your professors to develop a relationship with them.

Justin

I would tell myself all about the road I chose and what to expect since I would be planning on doing it. Also what advantages and disadvantages I encountered to help make the decision more informed.

David

Work your butt off. You can never be well enough prepared. College is a complete transition from what you are used to, you will most likely be away from home, you will make new friends and meet new people-some good and some bad.Make wise choices now because everything you do now affects what you will do later. When you are looking into colleges do yourself a favor and look into more colleges than you are interested in, some colleges have things you didn't know they had. Aim high, if you don't think a certain college will accept you, try anyway. Financial aid is always available so try not to choose a school strictly on that, thats not the most important thing when thinking about college. Enjoy high school while you are there and enjoy college also, you will meet some awesome people and do some awesome things. Most of all I want you to have fun but take it seriously at the same time.

Kyle

work harder and push yourself now so you aren't as anxious and stressed in kendall.plus look at more relaxing type of jobs, and give yourself some time to relax

Krysten

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior in high school there is so much I would say. I would first tell myself how important it is to not fall into the party scene. Binge drinking might be temporarily fun, but the consequences are absolutely not worth it. I would also stop myself from rooming with my friend. My freshman year was emotionally stressful for me, because I roomed with a close friend from high school. It caused a lot of pain for the both of us, and eventually reuined our friendship. Then I would advise myself to pick up a good study habit that fit my schedule. It is so easy to put your social life in front of academics when you get to college, but it is even easier to fall behind in class. There is a lot I would change about my first year of experience here, but it is through those trials and tribulations that I grew into the more responsible person I am today.

Brianna

Choosing the right college is a difficult decision and in my opinion is very time consuming. Start thinking about your choices early on, my junior year in high school is when I started considering my college options, and allow yourself plenty of time to make your decision. It is important to consider all your options and look at many different kinds of colleges and universities. Figure out your priorities, such as distance from home, class size, and cost, and use those to help eliminate some colleges. Once you have a short list of three or four colleges, make campus visits. Remember that you are going to be spending about eight months out of the year, maybe all on your own and away from everyone you know, and it is important to find a place that you feel comfortable with. Most of all, have a good attitude. No matter where you decide to go, a negative attitude WILL have negative effects. This is an exciting time in your life so think positive and have fun!

Samantha

make sure that school is right for you, and the college you go to has what you want to study. and overall go into it with a positive auttitude and an open sense of mind.

Kristen

In this essay, I will give advice to parents and students about finding the right college and making the most of college experience. The first step in choosing the right college is comparing the quality of education offered in different colleges. It is important that a person makes the most of their tuition and time by doing this. Another thing to consider is the cost which includes the cost of living, food, tuition, books and miscellaneous fees. Once one has the college chosen that one believes is right for him/her, one has to make the most of their college experience. If one is living on or near campus they should get involved in extra-curricular activities. A few examples are intramural sports and volunteering in the community or on campus. One needs to study and keep up on homework in order to be successful and make the best of their college experience. It is important to get good grades in college because it helps in the future to get scholarships and a good job. Now that I have given advice about finding the right college and making the most of college experience, it is important to follow my guidance.

Brenna

Visit each college. Its all about getting that "feeling" when you visit the campus.

Mallory

Find a college that feels like you're at home, and has a lot of groups or clubs that interest you. Classes are important but it's also important to have fun.

Leslie

My advice for parents and students would be that you want to find an institution where you can be yourself and get the most out of the college by learning and other social or community events. It's not about the the school name or the cost, it's about finding teachers who best suite you so you can maximize your potential in class, along with being able to make life long friendships. It's about utilizing the college's amnemities to achieve and conquer your dreams and career.

Casey

Look for a college that offers a degree and is highly recommended in the field you are looking. Compare programs if there are more than one college with the program you are choosing. Do your homework in looking into what financial aid package the college is willing to provide as well as tuition and related costs. Look into the housing offered, meal plans, extra-curricular activities/clubs, and any sports that you may be interested in participating. When obtaining information from the college, are they friendly and willing to go the extra mile to get you answers? Staying on campus your first year or two is a definite bonus. You are close to everything and feel more a part of what is going on around campus. Get involved in activities; either a sport, club, etc. You make so many more friends and it makes your college experience something you'll remember and have good memories of. Going off to college makes you realize how self-sufficient you really can be and gives you self-confidence. You can do it!

Karl

Students should write out a top five list of schools that they wish to attend and sit down with their parents and see what is feeasbile for both the student and the parent. Then both the parent and the student should attend all of the top five colleges and see what fits for the student and the parents budget. Students should get involved in eveything that interestes them such as clubs, sports and school events. This way the student can make the most of their college experience as well as getting to know other students.

Ryan

Go to college where you feel most comfortable and at a place where you are able to find a great job or advancement in graduate stdies, also the college should have credits that are easily transferrable as it is very likely that you will transfer to a different school after your first two years.

Doug

I would push to explore as many college choices as possible and take time to visit the campuses. Work hard to utalize scholarship opportunities and transfer community college credits at a lower cost. Drive yourself to explore the school for what it offers and seek out the expertise of different professors. Build relationships and a framework of what you want, not just what is offered and find where the flexibiltiy is. Don't be afraid to move out into the community to round out the experience. People are generous with students that want to learn. Take the practical opportunites such as contests in the field to make showable work and be mindfull of deadlines. Along that line organization is important. Remember when it's all over, you don't get to do it again!

Ashlie

Talk to Alumni and Advisors. There isn't enough information out there for an informed decision. Get any and all information you can about campus life, course loads, teachers, students, extra curricular activities, student organizations etc. Being armed with all the information is key. Research the degree you wish to obtain and ensure the college offeres the proper courses for that degree. Meet with an advisor to ensure you don't waste your time and money taking courses that don't relate to your degree or that don't transfer if you plan to transfer later on in your degree. Have an open mind when it comes to taking courses for your degree. You never know when something might spark your interest and guide you toward a more fulfilling degree and career! Be involved. It never hurts to know a lot of people. Networking is key in the business world. Start now! Network and make good friends! Most of all don't take college TOO seriously. Have the focus to complete your courses and to get the degree you desire however keep in mind you don't get these years back to have fun!

Greg

First, find out what interests the perspective student or rather something that they could do for the rest of their life. Once they figure out what career or field they would like to go into, find a college. Take into consideration what the student's learning style is whether its hands-on or lecture, once thats done figure out if the college they found fits into one of those catagories. Some students often learn that after they enter college that they like to listen to someone teach, while others figure out that they'd rather do something hands on. Another suggestion would be to visit the school to look at the facilities, such as labs, lecture halls, dorms, etc. Since a experience there will really help making a decision to what college they'd like to attend later on. Doing your homework isn't just in school but in life, if you mismanage you'll be setting yourself up for a great disappointment later on. Another key note is to get actively involved in activities that go along with the field being studied. Societies and clubs are a helpful way to socialize and keep up interest in that field.

Samantha

I would say visit the campus to make sure you like it. Visit the dorms to see if they fit who you are. Talk with professors and RAs and advisors. It will help you choose a lot better about where to go for college.

Kathleen

I think it is very important to do a lot of research before making the decision: 1. Gather information about the site - online and talking directly to them on the phone 2. Talk to people directly on the campus, important be knowledgable on every situation. 3. Money is a factor, so fill out every scholarship and financial opporunity. Both as a parent and a student you have to keep your mind open, no matter where you may end up. Remember an education is something no one can take away from you.

Cara

Don't just choose a school based on the major you are looking for. Choose one that best suits your interests.

John

Ask questions. A good college will bend over backwards to accomodate you. Go for a visit. Talk to current students. Go with an open mind, and try everything that is offered! This is how you make friends, find study buddies, and create your support system.

Cassie

Dear future student, College decision making is not easy. There are a lot of things to look into such as which degrees are avialable, pricing, acceptance averages, college living, college social life, and location, which can influence your decision. When I started researching for colleges to attend, I first started searching by the degree I was interested in, Dental Hygiene, located in my home state. Three main campuses came up, so I took the time and my parents and I went and visited each campus to get a good idea of the life there. Then we looked at thier average acceptances in ACT scores, if I needed to take the SAT and GPA scores to see if I was an eligible canidate for the colleges. I also looked intently at costs of each college per credit of class. To finalize my decision, I looked at location and decided on something that was close enough to home, but not too close, and seemed similiar to what I was used to at home. I chose Ferris State, and have loved every minute of my college life. College isn't always just books though, remember you have to have some fun too.

Cara

I believe that the choice of a college is a very important decision in a young person's life. The expereince can either be a great one or one that is truly life altering. It is not just about the education it is about the whole experience that is a part of going away to college. What a wonderful step into the real world that is not quite filled with all the worries of being an adult. Sometimes the fact that students are now 18 makes them feel that they are adults and can have the wherabouts to make all the adult decisions. They cannot. Eighteen in merely a number. Find a college or university that can help students make all the right choices so that their experience for the next four years can prepare them for the next step in this big, mean, tough, lonely, world that awaits them upon completion. College life is a wondreful step for the future, do not make this descision lightly.

jessica

Apply early, narrow down your choices.

Eric

Make sure you research the program well before you apply and enroll. In my program half of the classes that seemed interesting in the catalouge and website (and I really wanted to take them) were not offered during my entire 6 yrs of attending off and on.

tmnit

heres the thing to students live your life the way you want to....make mistakes and learn from them....dont be to generous or to nice people use that as your weakness , i should know. As far as anything goes if you cant afford it obviously it wasnt meant for you to buy so please do not take out more money than what you NEED from a student loan. I have seen this happen to a lot of my friends and now they are struggling to pay for what they need because they spent all the money on what they WANT. To the parents i would like to say we know the you love us regardless of what we do but please emphazize to your children that you will stand by them through the tough times and the good times!!!

Matthew

The biggest piece of advice that I would give as a current college student to future college students is to throughly research the colleges one wants to attend. It is very important to get many diffent opinions about a school before attending. Some ways a prospective student could do this would be to take a school provided tour of the campus to find out more about the facilities, as well as living arrangements and the food services. Another very useful way for students to get an idea if a school is right for them or not would be to ask current students at the college about life there and how well the school and campus function as a whole. It would be best if one did not know these students to be questioned because this is a great way to get an unbiased opinion about a school from someone who's shoes you could be in some day. In order to make the most of the college experience one must become involved in the campus life. Without interaction college is extremely boring and repititious. The very best way to enjoy college is have fun but remember why you are there.

Saralyn

My advice to parents or prospective students about finding the right college, is to do research. Don't just pick a school because of it's name or because your parents or friends when there. Find a college that will treat you like a person, not a number or a dollar sign. Everyone has there own need when it comes to education and what you're friends or parents need(ed) may not be what works for you.

Kelly

When selecting the right college, parents and future students should first take into account what major they want to study. This is important in selecting a college that not only offers their selected major, but is also known for having the best program for that major. While many college students change their majors more often that one would think, it is important to select a college that has a variety of majors. This way if the student realizes they are going into the wrong profession, they can easily switch majors. When selecting a college, the cost of tuition is always a concern. From experience I have learned that no matter how much tuition can be, there are always scholarships and other financial aid programs available. Thus, when selecting a college, I wouldn't focus so much on the cost, as I would put emphasis on 'Is this the RIGHT college for you?'. Altogether I would say to keep in mind the type of college you are looking for, and most importantly focus on yourself. What do you want in a college? Look for that, because there is sure to be a perfect fit for you out there.

Jenny

I would tell students to look at the programs offered at the schools, and also what the school is known for. You wouldn't go to a school that is known for pharmacy if you wanted to go into teaching. Also, look at the location. Do you want to be hours away from home, or be able to come home every weekend? I'd also look at price and ask other people who already go to that school how they like it. Take a tour of campus and get informed about things your interested in like clubs, sports, and an other activities. These are all key factors in picking your perfect college experience.

Danielle

Find the college that fits you best by research it online or making phone calls and ask other people who are in the major you want to be in. The best thing that you can do is to visit the campus a get a realy feel for it. The best advice that I can give is to not let money hold you back from going to where you want to go. Money can be repaid but once in a lifetime experiences cannot be. Opportunities are endless and never pass any of them up. Once you get to where you want to be get active even if int isn't the most socially accpetable organizaation, like band. People look at me weird for loving band but it makes me happy and I have made some of the best, wholesome friends in the world. Nobody can take away those memorable experiences away from you except for yourself so don't let them pass you by. And if something sounds like fun, don't just sit there thinking about it, do it, trust your own judgement and you will have the time of your life.

Jordan

Find a school for the right reasons, like academics, not social life. Take your time to value your choices. Have fun learning, but take it seriously, this is a huge part of your life!

Brittnay

To make sure it feels right

katrina

Finding the right college does not have to do with the cost of its tuition. What's more important is to find one that suit the student's needs. Many universities in the United States vary in classroom and campus size. Some students may like large classroom sizes and some may like the city life. There are universities that are located in big cities such as New York, or universities located in small cities such as Big Rapids and Flint. No matter where the college is located, it's the school's overall academic performance that counts. An example of such a university that is rarely heard of, but has a great opportunity for students interested in engineering is Kettering University. If students and parents take the time to research a specific university, they might be able to find something unique about it. Kettering University offer students an opportunity to co-op with many supporting companies such as GM and Chrysler. This opportunity does not only allow students to gain hands-on experience in their field, but also a real-time job opportunity as an undergraduate. A university that suit your needs will bring you success!

Sean

Make sure you find a place that you feel confortable in. It helps when you get home sick, and trust me you will get home sick.

Brant

Have a good time, all the time.

cynthia

to do a lot of research on it, and to make it completely sure tht it's where u wanna go and attend

Brian

I think the best advice for parents and students interested in finding the right college is to look for a college that excells in something you like. Because most of the time this will be the field that you will turn to when it comes time to finding what you want to do with your life. It is good to remember a simple saying "that you will never work a day in your life if you do something you enjoy." Then to make the most out of your college expierance, I would have to say that you should not be afraid to meet new people and do things that you usually wouldn't do.

MaryAnn

My advise to anyone looking for a college is to visit the campus in person. Talk to the advisors, counselors and teachers of the area that the student is interested in. Interview random students, especially those in the field of study. Talk to the students about their expereinces with the school, classes and their teachers. Talk to persons within the financial aide office, and also get in contact with the Chamber of Commerce in the area. When you are making your final choice, go with your gut feelings on the matter. Listen to the Student on his/her opinion, they are the ones attending.

john

yeah but they get mad at me alot because i dont know what i want to do

Carla

Find a college that offers your major, or at least a direct way to get there. Do lots of research, and make visits to campuses you are considering. After all, it's where you'll be living for the next few years. If you don't have a direction in mind, stay at home, work, and attend a community college. This saves TONS of money while you get basic courses out of the way. Meanwhile, think about what you want to do, and apply to colleges that offer these things. When you finally do reach your choice college/university, make the most of it! If you live in a residence hall, leave your door open and say hi to EVERYONE! in the beginning of the year, everyone's friendly because nobody knows anybody. This is when you'll meet the most people. Friends are important because it can get lonely. Balance friends and study-time, though. Life will be breezy if you stay on top of your studies. Never turn your back on new opportunities to learn things about your school, peers, environment, and self! College does end, so enjoy this time, and make the most of it.

Saralyn

I think that you have to visit the campus and meet the professors before deciding on a college. One of the colleges that I visited made me feel like I was a number and not improtant, where as Ferris State, which is the college I attended made me feel right at home even before I was accepted here. Also so making the most out of your college experience, I would say work hard but give yourself some breathing room, to have fun, or just relax.

Alison

Looking for a school and program is confusing and can be stressful. School websites and even word-of-mouth can be informative and descriptive, but actually going to the school and walking around the campus will help you find the best school for you. Many schools offer overnight visits, where you can stay with a current student and stay in the resident halls, eat at the cafeterias, work out in the recreation centers, and even go to a class. This kind of experience is amazing and the whole time, you have your own guide to answer any questions. You get a true, first-hand feel of what it is like to be a student there. Getting a feel of what being a student at a certain college is really like help you decide where you?d like to spend the next four or so years of your life, so go look and even stay overnight at the schools your considering.