Ferris State University Top Questions

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

Philip

The best advice I can give is to start out small and by small I mean at a community college. These local colleges usually accomodate classes for the first two years of undergraduate schooling, namely your general education courses. But finding the right college is difficult. I am personally attending my third college and finally found the one that fits. Make sure the college you choose not only has a desired major for you, but also has a good reputation. Another thing to keep in mind is the social aspect, you may not always have time for it, but finding time to converse with people you go to school with is just as important as sitting in the classrooms. Lastly, I would advise you not to go someplace all your friends are going. I did this and it ended up not turning out the way it should've. Go to the college you feel is right for you and what you want to do, but is also comfortable for you. And parents, let your kids choose the school, give them advice when they ask for it, but let them choose, it is their future.

Brett

In order to truly get the feel for a college that sounds good in their brochure, you must visit the school! Only than will you be able to make the choice of whether or not you like the atmosphere they provide. College is all about what you put into it. If you really want to excell in your studies and become a smart and highly respected person in society, the tools are there for you to utilize. If you would just like to have fun in college and make memories that will last a lifetime, there are groups and events for everyone to feel accepted and fit into. If you are willing to work extremely hard and balance studying and social time, you can have the time of your life and become highly educated son or daughter your parents have always wanted you to be. Life is about choices, you choose the way you want your future to be right now.

Lauren

The first thing that I would tell parents and students to consider when searching for the right college is to be sure that they do enough research on any college that they may have in mind. Students should be looking at what types of programs each college may have, the career rate of each program, and the quality of the desired program compared to other colleges. Once students have a college in mind, they should visit that college to get aquainted with it's campus. This is important because a student should know that their college of choice can fulfill all of their most important needs. Also, college is an expensive education. Both, parents and students, should explore the thousands of scholarships that are available to them. Once a student is attending their school of choice, it is important that they make the most out of their time. Students be attending sports events, joining clubs, and socializing as much as they can. Being interactive with their school can only be beneficial for students. Most importantly, I would tell students to make goals towards completing their education. After all, furthering their education and obtaining their career is what college is for.

Ashley

Go and visit more than one college, and get a feel of what the campus actually looks like. Get involved in different registored organizations on campus. It will make it easier for the transition, to get to know more people.

Mikael

I would advise parents to let there kids decide as long as they have done the research and realize why they want to attend that university. Students should know what they want in a college and visit different colleges to get the feel of an average classroom, the campus life, as well as the social activity options.

Natalie

Find something that interests you and go after it full speed ahead. The world is full of people who pick something just because; it can use more people who are passionate and excited about what they do. As far as picking the college, that's really an objective issue. Pick the school that you think will best equip you for the career you have chosen. Don't worry about the money; if it's what you're meant to do, it'll happen. Get involved at college! Don't sit in your dorm and do nothing- get out there and meet people! There's a ton of stuff to do, and usually a ton of people to do it with. No matter what youre interests are, you'll surely be able to find someone who shares them with you. Lastly, college provides some of the most amazing resources and opportunities you will ever have, so take advantage of them. You don't know when you'll ever have those opportunities again; do you really want to spend the rest of your life wondering what if? Live life, have fun, and enjoy what you do- the key to success.

Quintin

I would suggest visiting all of the campuses that you may have an intrest in to see what life is like at those colleges and how comfortable they feel to you. If it is a place that you can't see yourself living for even a short time, then it probably isn't the right place for you ,and you won't have a very good experience regardless of your acedemic success. Be interactive. Meet as many people as possible. In order to be successful, you have be socially active as well as acedemically. Join groups and do the activities that your department of study puts on. It all looks great on your resume. To make the most of your college experience, your work clearly comes first above all, but being interactive and feeling at home away from home is crucial.

Jestin

Don't make it a small matter, do as much research as possible online for various colleges and universities and complete several tours of the ones you like to obtain the most well liked university possible.

Molly

I would tell parents and students that research and sense of self is key. Researching different colleges is important, but having a good sense of self is the most important part about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience. To give some reasoning, I will give some insight into my college experience. I started out at a small, private college because my parents wanted me to go there. I would advise parents not to do that to your future college students. I failed out after the first semester because I was not ready for college, let alone the type of college I was attending. Students and parents need to find out what the student needs in terms of a social setting, living quarters, and areas of study.

Ashley

Apply to several schools and visit them all. Go twice if you have to. Do not settle for whatever is closest. It is important to experience dorm life (its not that bad) as well as life in an apartment. Make sure you like your intended major is something that you can get a job with in after graduation. It is also wise to see if your program is accredited or at least well known.

Todd

For many people choosing a college is the most important situation in their young lives. I would suggest not making a quick decision; moreover, I think that one must research many different colleges and universities to make sure they know what they are going to be getting out of a school for the next four years.

Ashley

Get out and be yourself! Meet new people and have fun... just not too much fun to where you are going to get in trouble!

Cody

do your research, take campus visits and ask a lot of questions.

Casey

I would recommend choosing a college that is known for excellence in your field of study. Also, I would recommend making as many friends and connections as possible. It may help you throughout your college experience.

Patricia

I would advise students and even parents to consider what they want to do with the rest of their lives. Cost shouldn't matter because there is aid out there that can be given to the student/parents for the college. Also determine what type of learning enviorment you would be most comfortable learning in. Choose the one that best suits your needs, attending a college that does not meet your needs will cause you to have a poor college experience. Students should also consider the course loads that they will be taking along with the class size. Students should look into optimizing their experiences with the college that will best suit them. Both parents and students should take in to consideration the social life of a school. With it being a students first time away from home they will be more likely to try new things and get off track with non-extracirricular activities such as partying. For the most part sudents and parents should sit down together and decide what the student wants and needs in a school and choose one from there. That is all I can advise them on. The choice is ultimately theirs.

pat

Ask the students on campus, because they will give you the most honest answer, because the faculty and administration will play the school up to be better than it really is. You should research colleges on pages other than the colleges homepage on the internet.

Jodi

When searching for the right college, there are questions that one must consider. First, what is the desired area of study? This could be specific or general. If you're not exactly sure, choose a college that offers most of what you are considering. Next, where do you want your college to be located? Are you interested in leaving your home state or would you prefer to stay closer to home? Much thought must be put behind this decision. Going against your desire is sure to result in regret. Another important question about location is your comfort level with either a city or a small town. You don't want to choose a surrounding area that will take serious adjustment as it may interfere with your studies. The next question is regarding classroom size. Would you prefer small classrooms with opportunity to develop student-professor relationships or would you prefer large lecture halls? This question will have a large impact on your educational experience. It is also important to keep in mind extra-curricular activities. Involvement is important to maximize the college experience. These questions are sure to lead you to the college fitting both your academic and social needs.

Phil

Let your student chose where they want to go. It doesn't even really matter, because no one knows what they want to do for a career, when they're still in high school. Find a liberal arts college or community college, and then transfer to a real university when you decide what you want to do.

Ethan

For those seniors who have been accepted to a college, don't get caught up in all the partying. Have a good time but make sure that you do it properly. Focus on academics first, and social life second; but also make sure you balance them out so that you don't get overwhelmed. For those who haven't been accepted or are applying, make sure that you start early. I learned the hard way that waiting isn't the best option and had to go to my second choice school. Also make sure that you research the college that you are looking at, it will help you get an idea of what you are getting yourself into. Check to see if they have days that you and your parents can visit but also if they have weekends where you can come and stay and get the feel for college life. My final advice is just Good Luck! College is tough but remeber that what you do in college shapes what is to come in your future.

jacob

make sure your priorities are in the right place before you go to school otherwise it will be a huge waste of money and time

Nichole

I would tell any student and their parents to chose the school that their heart is telling them to. If they do that, it will all work out the way it is supposed to. Also, to work hard because your education is one of the most important ingredients in the outcome of you fuuture. And finally, good luck and have fun!

Karissa

look into each program at the college you are thinking of going to, and make sure it is what you want to go into.

Lauren

To find the right college i would do a lot of research and really know what you would like your school to be like. Dont go where all your friends are going, you will make plenty of friends where ever you decide to go. And dont worry about picking your major ASAP it will come to you eventually just be patient. Another biggie would be filling out your FASFA as early as you can . It is really helpfull for paying for school and supplies. As for making the most of your college experience, i would say to use what the school has to offer such as toutors, activites, and welcome week events it really boosts your networking with other students and the're fun! Also, do not worry about what other people think about you, this isnt highschool anymore and people arent going to make fun of you for sitting by yourself, dressing differently or for asking a question. So just go and be yourself and have fun...but not too much fun you just need to find what works for you. and remember teachers dont accept late homework anymore so dont skip class and keep up with your work!

Ethan

Make sure that you are ready to go and not going just beacuse someone else wants you to go. Choose the college based on where you want to go and not beacuse your friends are going.

Ashlie

Plan ahead.. I have spent a lot of time trying to figure out the system, and trying to learn the in's and out's of college becuase I am a first generation student. I didn't have guidance or help, from family members, so everything I've done has been through trial and error. Having a good knowledge of the processes; ie. applying, registering, attending class, scheduling appropriately to finish in the shortest amount of time are all key factors when looking into college. My best advice would be for students to go to school year around. You can knock out anywhere from 6-9 credits during the spring and summer semesters which can shorten your time at school tremendously. Knowing who to contact with questions and never being afraid to ask questions about the processes of college is important. Having an advisor and allowing them to help you through school is important. They know the school better than you will and they will know the things you need to know to be successful. Make the most of your college experience. Attend class and focus on having good relationships and college will be a positive experience.

Dan

When searching for the right college, campus visits are an absolute must. Do not just schedule them with an administrator. Be sure to do "surprise inspections" Drive and visit yourself. Take a stroll along campus during the week days and look at the students. Maybe talk to them and ask them about the school. Then come back and visit on the weekends. Find out what it will be like during the downtime when classes arn't in session. Also be sure to schedule an appointment as well. This will allow you to tour the facilities and see some classes in session. The only way to find out what its going to be like at a college is to go there and see for yourself.

Paul

Find the college that has the highest marks for the major you wish to complete. Attend the orientations of the colleges you wish to attend because you can get a great sense of what they expect of you plus you will get a feel for the kind of students that attend there and how they feel about that particular school.

Samskee

Go with your gut feeling about the school. If the social environment is great and the school properly accomodates the major(always have a backup major in case the first one falls through) you want to pursue, go for it. Just remember that your first choice is not always your last choice! Have fun. College is that time where you get to do everything you have ever wanted to do. For me, I'm learning interactive design. I started out as a music performance/meteorology major. Never thought I would be in this field, but I am, and I've never been happier. I can only imagine how happy I will be once I graduate. So, go out, get your education, and start planning your future!

Brandon

GO WILD, live life

Ashley

I would tell parents and students alike that college is the ride of my life. I would tell them that the student needs to work hard in high school and start early to find a place that suits you and your needs and wants as a growing adult. I would tell the students that they need to visit as many campuses as they can and make sure they feel comfortable where they are going to be for a number of years, making their own choices and decisions; paying their own utility bills, buying their own groceries, and waking themselves up for class. College is a very big step, and it is an extremely costly choice for a person to make and continue with. It's not always a walk in the park, but it is also the best learning experience I have had thus far.

Debra

Do plenty of research

Elizabeth

Know what you are looking for. Don't just pick a college because your friends are going there. Pick the one that best suites you own needs. Get involved with the school activities this will make it easier to fine friends. Don't forget your study's. When choosing classes pick the ones that you know you wil be willing to go to. When choosing a professor go to grademyprofessor.com and look them up see if they are right for you. Don't be afraid to be honest with your academic advisor.

Patrick

I would have to say that students and parents should really research information about the college or university; and learn about the community. Students should also check on what they would like to do for the rest of their life; there is no sense in starting one major and switching later; unless you take all basic skills classes.

JAVON

Most importantly, when selecting a college, pay visit to the campus; sit in on a class. The student will be much happier and glad they spent some time at a school, instead of selecting it because of its rep, or maybe the way it looks, or perhaps the people who go there. Pick a school that will challenge you, so you will get the best educaion for your money. Othewise you might regret it later.

Katie

Finding a college right for YOU is the most important thing. Parents should never push their children into a college that they really aren't interested in. College is the best time of your life because you are finally out on your own and you learn to be responsible with your time and money. That being said, you still don't have as many responsibilities as your parents. You meet many people that you would otherwise have never met, and you learn to be able to get along with people with different opinions than yourself.

Tomas

The most important thing about a college experience is the education. So to make the best out of any college experience my advice would be to find what you are interested in at a community college (for financial reasons) and then look for a university that is well respected in the program you desire to fullfil. Every college has a social life to it, its all about finding that for yourself so don't waste time on finding a school that is known for its "nightlife" but more or less go for something that is known for the subject that you are interested in.

Brandy

Education is the most important factor in finding the right college and college experience. Before you even begin to look, educate yourself on what you want and need out of your college education. What do you want out of your education? How long do you want to be in school? What kind of work would you like to do? What degree do you need to do it? Visit with school counselors, speak to people in the industry and the professors who will be advising you. Compare the degree program to other schools. Don't assume that all schools and degrees are the same. Compare cost, meals, living arrangements, and transportation as well. Know the differences between your top choices. Once you are educated on all the similarities and differences you will be able to make the most of your choice. Choose the most important need (such as a respected program, within commuting distance, or a high job placement percentage) and begin to shape your choice around that. Prioritize needs and wants, and eliminate based on how feasible each option is. The more you know about your own goals and the options available, the easier the choice becomes.

Kyle

I believe the most important thing to do is find a college that has the degree you are after as well as some alternatives in case you later decide to switch studies. Also, make sure that it is financially feasable to pay for tuiton and extra fun things such as school events, concerts, movies, and traveling that are part of the college experience. College will be much easier if you don't just go to learn because you will also be learning to budget time to reward yourself with the fun stuff.

Kaytlyn

Finding the right college is extremely important in shaping the future for a student. The right college can open doors to a world the student never knew existed. College is about opening the mind to learn new concepts, ideas, and jgeneral ways of thinking. College and the new people that one meets can be a life changing experience. In my personal experience, however, I have discovered that it is what the student brings to the table as an individual that can make all the difference. Due to familial obligations, I chose to attend a college only thirteen miles from my home. Because of the short commute, I am able to concentrate on my studies in a familiar environment with fewer distractions. My tuition bills are also considerably cheaper since I do not use the dormitories or eat on campus often. The most important advice I can give to any student is to keep different options available. To parents, I would advise that they stay supportive and not pressure the student in any way. Choosing a college is enough of an essential and emotional decision to make. Keep in mind, though, it is the individual?s attitude that makes the difference.

Greg

To find the right college, a person should know what they want to get out of college and what degree they want. Then find out what colleges are out there and what they offer in whether they are hands on or more theoretical, which one best suites their needs. When looking for the right college, it is also a good idea to take a guided tour through a few colleges, and actually see what its like on campus, for instance, is it a short walk to the cafeteria from the dorms or does it looked well kept, or is the college located in the right size town or city. To make the most of a college experience you should go out and actively seek out things to do. College is all about finding and difining yourself without any parental guidence and making the right choices because soon you'll be out of school making your own choices. Also don't sit in your room wasting away you time, trust me I did for one semester. Go out and do things, play disc golf, go find friends to shoot hoops with, smoke the hookah, but don't waste your time!

Liz

I feel you should choose your school based on how you feel when you first go there. To me Ferris was a very warm and welcoming school from the first time I went there to look at it. Then to make the most of you college days, I highly recommend getting involved. My first semester at Ferris I joined a sorority and I also became a member of student government. I?m so glad I did it, and I can't wait to look into other student groups. It helps me feel like I belong at that school when I'm involved, and I got to meet a lot of new people who will be my life long friends.

Marissa

Start researching early, get an idea of who you are before you pick a school and a major. Do some career exploration. Apply everywhere you might want to go, visit all the schools that accept you and pick the one that YOU like best.

Matthew

Make sure you go on college visits. Its the only way to find what school is best for you. The second i stepped onto Ferris State's campus i felt at home. Make sure the child is comfortable with the city. Find a school that offers the best major and job placement.