Florida International University Top Questions

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

Irene

Choose a college that you feel is right for you. A lot of people will pressure you into things that they wanted for themselves but it might not be right for you. Would you like to have small classes or big lecture halls? Live in a small town or a big city? Also try to live on campus. Its an experience that can only be had once. Apply for as many scholarships as you can most college students are known to be constantly broke. Dont waste anytime take as many classes as you can handle. Dont forget to have fun and look for experiences. Meet people, join clubs or houses. College is a once in a lifetime experience. And definitely try to study abroad. Parents: Push students to do their best but let them make their own decisions.

Paula

Find one that you feel comfortable at in its size of campus and student population size. Also, one that has many of the things you like to do and become a part of within campus, and probably even off campus. A campus you know will feel like home and just right. Find one you love to be at and love what they are all about. If your into sports and find that a priority then find a school that has good sport teams, if your into art then find one that is awesome in there art programs, just find one that has several good specialties that you like or would like to try and have awesome programs of your choice.

Katie

Everybody wants to feel like they belong where they are. When searching for the right college you have to be able to picture yourself there. How horrible would it be to pick a college only to realize that you feel like an outsider when you're there? My advice about selecting the best college is to see which one you feel the most stimulated by and where you would feel comfortable learning and growing. Strive to get as involved as possible, because that is the key to meeting people and to enriching your college life socially, academically, and otherwise.

Deiondrick

Visit each college and live that day like you acually attenf that college.

Jose

Choosing the right college is not an easy task, but it is a very essential one. In order to find the right college, students must know what they want to study, the type of place they like, the diversity they like, and how much they are willing to spend. People should make a list of all the possible colleges and visit tour them. Go online and search how they are rated and read articles on them. Find out how many successful people graduated from the college and what they think about that college. Lastly, find out how many employers give priviledge to students graduating from that university.

Kathleen

Look into a variety of schools and do your reasearch. Call and visit the schools you might like and look into the campus environment, classrooms, teachers, etc. A great idea is to talk to students currently there because they can give a realistic look as to how it will be without any sugar coat. Also look into all the possibilities for scholarships and apply to as many as possible. Even if you do not get them it cannot hurt to try and any help with college in the end is very handy. You may think that you will be fine with all the expenses that will be thrown your way, but college life can be costly. Not woring about money can ease a lot of stress and trust me college can get very stressful. In the end, make sure that the college you choose is one that meets your needs and you can see yourself happy there for four years.

Juan

The most important thing is targetting the college you want in accordance with the carrer/major you want to pursue. My experience in Florida Internation al University has taught my this leson. The University has an excellent Political Science program and Faculty, but has a mediocre philsophy department. I am majoring in both. I realize now that a student who wishes to pursue only philsophy (to teach or a pre-law track) should not come to this school. Classes are difficult to come by, and the teachers are not the most profficient in their field. However a student wishing to pursue political science would benefit much from this school. The Pol. Sci. program fascillitates internships with local government officials, has very profficient and specialized teachers, great advisers, and sometimes has practioners teach inclass. This last semester one of my teachers was the speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Marco Rubio.

john-mike

Look for something that will help you, not just academical but emotional, physically, and spiritually

Camren

Research, Plan and execute, The process a person goes through in high school on deciding on a major, and how to pay for college requires a lot of thought and careful planning. Due to the nature of going to college via Our first steps as an adult, we must have clear realistic goals to guide our journey through the ins and outs of college education. You must be diligent in your studies but at the same time, college is also a great place to meet people and expand your social consciousness as well as networking in your particular course of study. Find out what you want to do, your goals and aspirations, and then spend sometime to think how you want to get there. Write out realistic goals, using them as a guide mark your progress throughout college. Studying is important but so is the social aspect of college life. Meet as many people as you can, college is your launching pad to life, get off on a good start and there is no telling how far you can go.

Jennifer

I would tell the students to pick a college they'd love to live around and embrace the community and your peers.

Alexandra

I would encourage students to make college visits and see what their top choice schools have to offer based on what they plan to study. A student needs to feel completely comfortable with their learning environment in order to succeed and feel the want to learn. I feel I am a prime example that this is an important step because I was so set on going away to college and when I visited FIU in my hometown it just felt so right and that I belonged there, especially after I encountered their amazing architecture program and learning facilities. A student needs to feel that vibe in order to be assured it is where they should be attending school. Don't allow others to make decisions for you because in the end it is YOUR education and you will live with the diploma and the memories of college for the rest of your life.

Iris

In addition to looking at what academic programs the college offers, also consider the campus life, the surrounding city or town and also consider what type of lifestyle you would like to have at your new school. Make sure you are aware of the normal weather conditions.

Alex

The most important thing is that the student looking for the right school is well informed about the program/major that they are considering because that will number the number of colleges available. This may also inform the student about which schools are better for whichever field he/she is considering. For example, the program at my university was very good for the undergraduate program and was a lot closer to my home, allowing me to study there for the first four years of my education, and then move on to graduate school elsewhere. Finances should be next on the list of importance because the expenses incurred may be something that is completely out of reach due to the cost of tuition, distance away from home, housing expenses (off or on campus), and a number of other factors. While looking at the financial aspects of everything, it is also extremely important to research scholarships and loans that are available to the student because they offer an immense amount of help and may help bridge the gap between what is financially impossible and possible. These two factors should make choosing the right college a lot easier and an enjoyable experience.

Lindsay

My advice would be to focus on who the faculty are, and what the alumni have done with their lives within their professions. Also, it's important to note class sizes, and the facilities. Is everything well-kept? A school treats its students as it treats its buildings - if one appears neglected, chances are the other one is too. Look around. Does the student body feel unified? Or are they commuter students; there for class, only to drive straight home afterwards. Take a trip to the student center and watch student interaction. Speak with these students, because chances are, these people are the most involved on campus.

michelle

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Mildred

Having stayed at home for college, based on my personal decision, and almost being done with school has made me reflect on that decision. I would definitely tell someone who is attending college to look into their option away from home, I believe it is the best way to fully experience college and everything it has to offer, plus, it will provide you with the sense of independence one needs while in college. Do a little research on the program you are interested in, and find out which school offers the best one, or the one that grabs your attention the most. Also, try to consider the campus, the diversity in the school's student/staff, because it will play a big role in making you feel comfortable when you arrive and start your career.

Christopher

Finding the right college or University is about finding yourself first. what benefits you? what are your interests? and how can the school help you achieve your academic goals? You have to take these type of questions in consideration when looking for the right college/University.

Chris

The actual material that one learns in the first few years of college is uniform. For the most part, people get bunched into a classroom and are all taught the same things about each subject. The key is to choose a school that has "hands on" professors and people that have acquired extensive knowledge in their field. You don't want to feel like an outsider, or like you have to struggle to pass each day. In college, the less you think about it, the better it really is. Choose a school where you feel at home. Choose a place where you know you can make friends and have a social life, because that is just as big a part of college as learning. If it's all books, you can easily become stressed out, and you will need some way to socialize and relieve some stress. College has been the best few years of my life, because I have had great professors, and I was able to find that balance point with my social life as well.

Erika

I belive on of the most important factors about pickingh a college is whether you wish to live at home during your college years. Where you live during these crucial years changes you college experience entirely. During these years you should also try to be as involved in campus life as possible. That doesn't necesarrily mean joining a sorority/fraternity; there are alot of other collge clubs/organizations. While your in college it is also very important to register for classes on time and do research about the professor you are going to take. If you get a difficult professor you will surely end up dropping the class. Lastly, it is imporant to maintain a good routine during this time. If you get backtracked it is difficult to do well in a class. This routine should include exercising and studying everyday. Study groups are very helpful as well, jsut make sure you pick a group that actually studies!

Keira

The advice that I would give is to make sure and speak to faculty and students that currently attend the school ,so they can provide feedback on their experiences. I would also tell them to research as much as the can about the school and classes on their own and do not rely on advising to always steer you in the right path. I would tell the students to get invovled with the campus activities as much as possible and go to a school that best matches their personality.

Mike

learn about the college and attend the orientations and try to get involved in school activities.

Ariane

Choosing the right college is an important step in any high school student's life. There are many different types of universities, ranging from the very liberal to the conservative. It is truly up to the student to choose but a parent can be helpful in making this decision alongside them. One must consider all that is important to him/her in regards to college. Is the student more academically inclinded or does he/she tend to be more artistic? What kind of location is the student keen on? A city college can yield a very different experience from one located in a rural area. Weather can even play a part. Maybe that university has a favorite football team and that is what the student is looking for. Whatever the reasons for choosing a college, it should be geared to that particular student's needs and happiness. This will be a place where you will spend four years of your life, potentially more. These four years will then help shape you for your future, both personally and careerwise. Make it a good decision that you won't ever regret!

Tiara

I would definitely advise parents and students to visit the college and take a tour. On the tour, they should ask questions about the size of the classes, extracurricular activities, the surrounding areas, and faculty. These are all things that impact the whole study experience. I would also let them know that no college is perfect, and the student also plays a role in making the most of the experience.

Vanessa

Give your student freedom to make thier own decisions, but encourage them to live up to their fullest potentials!

Mario

Looking back at my three years at Florida International University, the one thing that surprised me the most about the university experience is how little the actual university has to do with it. Sure, FIU provided me all the opportunities to flourish academically, socially, and professionally, but what most parents and students need to realize is that- almost every established univeristy does this. The one thing that determines what your college experience is going to be like is you yourself; your mindset and determination to succeed on all levels as you go into this great life endeavour. College life is what you make out of it- the resources are all there and it all depends on how YOU think you will be able to do and what you put forward. College is truly an investment in yourself, but this just doesn't apply to finances. When you enter college, you are investing your time, effort, and very being into your own ability to make a successful life for yourself. At the end of the four years, the only person you have to thank or blame for success in college is the person staring back at you in the mirror.

jessica

research colleges in and out of state. You dont have to know your major, but find a university that offers a variety of choices, and amazing campus support.

Hali

Don't go to college yet if you know you are not ready. You will just end up wasting time and money. Don't choose a schoool just because it is close to home or just because your parents made you apply. And parents, be supportive of what your children want to do.

Kristen

A very important aspect in choosing a college, I believe, is diversity. In most college settings where there is overpowering majority of one type of person; this may eventually lead the inability to relate to all types of people when entering into a career. Academics are obviously also an essential factor, so this is also key in selecting a college. A person may also want to look at location of a college. Being in a place that will adhere to all the things that one may find important is imperative. Upon entering college I believe that being involved socially on campus creates a more positive outlook on school in general; thus this may lead to studying harder and being involved more acedemically. Selecting a major is something that will have an affect on a person forever. I believe that selecting a major that is actually of interest to the individual is vital. Selecting a major just to make money is not a good strategy for the future. Being psychologically sound is much more important than making a buck. Especially in a society where depression is so prevelant and there is so much emphasis put on material items.

Daniel

In order to fin the best college you must ake into account cost of schooling and the quality of schooling for the price. Most imporantly, research all the extracurricular activities it has to offer because the social aspect of college is very important. Such extracurricular activities as intramural sport, sororities, fraternities, student government, etc. are crucial to personal growth as well as networking that will benefit you once you graduate. This is the most imporatant and fun time of your life, and you must choose wisely because after the fact all you have left is memories and a very short time to make them in.

Tina

Visit the campus and spend some time walking around and really try to get a feel for the campus. When you have found the College which is best for you, you'll know because you'll feel comfortable with the surrounds and feel as though the campus of the college fits well wit you and your personality. It's important to pick a college that you can be happy at and that will cater to what you want to study.

THEOPA

I SUGGEST THE PARENT/ STUDENT DO SOME RESEARCH ON THE COLLEGE OF THEIR CHOICE.

Liv

Enjoy the most of it and have a lot of school spirit. Being able to balance school and social life is very important. in other words, have fun but remember thst you're going to school for an education and to meet new people! :)

Alexandra

Things you must take into account: First, you should have a very good idea of what kind of college you want to attend when you graduate high school. Sit down and think about what kind of college you want to go to, is it a big one or a small one?, do you want to do a particular sport?, what about commute? is it in a college town?, all these kind of questions must be taken into account. Then you should research what the average profile of accepted students is like for those schools and plan your high school career upon these requirements. Second, once you've gotten accepted make sure you base your final decision on your true desires and goals. Don't base it on personal relationships, I've seen many cases where students decide to stay where their significant other is instead of going where its best for them, and most end up regretting their decision. Third, once you're attending college make sure to get involved! Join a fraternity/sorority, or a club that fits your interests, this is where you'll meet most of your friends and get great connections for your future! GOOD LUCK! ;)

Jardina

When you are looking for college please take the time to review the faculty and their credentials. You should go to a school that will provide you with the education that can get you where you want to go.

Kristyn

When it's time to choose what college you want to go to, make sure it is somewhere YOU want to go and will feel at home and get the best learning experience. Don't let anyone influence your decision. It is where you are going to spend the next four years of your life, and you want to make sure it has everything you want and need to be sucessful. Once you are there, take advantage of all the school has to offer. If you are lucky enough to not have to work, take the time to study hard while still enjoying everything the campus has and meeting new people. Look into Financial Aid early on and always have a plan for the future for both academics, your social life, and your financial situation. Don't let anything or anyone hold you back, and, most importantly, as hard as it may seem while you are there, it will definitely pay off in the end when you are on track to a sucessful career doing what you love.

claudia

In all honesty I would have to say to the parents let go and allow life to take its course feel confident that everything you taught them will be applied. As for the students going off to college only do what feels right, and keep your eyes on the prize. Remember what you go to college looking for is what you are going to find, no matter what it is, or where it is. College is a chapter in life that not everyone can say they have done enjoy, but in moderation. In this portion of life, see the world for what it really is be apart of what is great enjoy the fruits of life embrace the reward of hard work and allow the future to season you as you persure your college career.

Omoniyi

Attend campus tours and talk to students on campus at that time about their experience. And make sure that the final choice, the school you think is the perfect one for you, its tuition is within your price range.

Sandra

I believe that the parents should cfeel comfortable sending their child to the university/college of their choice even if it means going out of state. Regardless of what school they chose, they will still an experience that will have an impact on their life and I think that every school offers exceling programs to help students succeed. Students should feel comfortable about their decision on which school they would prefer to attend. Even if you regret your choice there is always an option to tranfer to another but at least you had the privilege of trying out something different that helps in this stage of developing and finding out who you are. In the end, whichever school you graduate from you will be one of the few to have passed a hard journey and be a part of those that surpassed an obstacle in life.

Brandy

Please take your time and do your research. Your kids are our future and choosing the right college is choosing the right path you want them to take. I am not putting any one college out there but there are some colleges who make it seem like one thing your child will be doing and when they get there it is completely different. Do your research and visit the campus more than once. Go on a weekday and a weekend. Get involved with the school so you have the 411 and keep close relationships with your kids through there college experience. Ask questions from the locals about the school not just the staff an kids who currently attend, they might be "selling the school." Have fun with this experience and stay involved. Your kids may want their freedom but at the end of the day college is very stressful and scary so the comfort of home will be missed frequently. Choose wisely and keep informed of updates i.e. budget cuts. Goodluck and have faith in your kids, you raised them so you know they will do great!

Grace

It is important to make your own choice when determining what college a student might pick. Parents and students have different wants and most students are affected by their parents decision.

Rachel

i would advise everyone to explore their options. make sure that you figure out what's really important to you and see how at least five schools compare on those aspects. keeping an open mind while first looking at schools will give you more variety while deciding which schools to apply to and which one to enroll at. it's very important that you pick a school with a good fit in order to have a great college experience. if you feel comfortable in your surroundings it will be much easier to form strong bonds with your peers and get involved on-campus. everyone envisions an ideal college experience and, in all honesty, it probably won't hppen that way. that doesn't mean you can't have a great experience by getting involved on-campus and making friends. this will raise your self-esteem and overal attitude to make the four years you spend in school a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

Beatriz

Find a college that equally balances college social life and academic life. You need to be able to relax to be able to effective in your studies in school.

Danielle

Choosing the right college is probably one of the biggest decisions someone will ever make. Luckily, with all of the resources available to students now, finding the right one for you is simpler than ever. The best advice I can give you is research! Research! Research! Research! Use all of the resources you can find, the Internet, your counselors, alumni, friends already attending. Everyone is there to help, because they have all been in your shoes. If you're planning on going away to college you MUST visit the campus. It may not be what you imagined and that can change everything for you. Take everything into account, even the little things, like weather, the library, the extra curricular activities. And most importantly, to all the future college students out there, do not let anyone choose for you. This is your decision, one hundred percent yours. Many students are pressured by their parents, or older siblings who are alumni from a certain university. But at the end of the day, if you don't choose it for yourself, your selling yourself short of the best college experience possible. You've made it this far, you deserve only the best.

Amy

When you visit different colleges to decide which is best for you, the feeling comes to you once you walk through the campuses. You willl feel comfort and at home and when it comes to the experience, enter with an open mind and don't be scared. with that, fun is guaranteed.

Andrea

Parents and, more importantly, students should decide on the right college by considering if that college has subjects they are interested in, the credibility it has, its cost, security, and the social life. A student and their parents should make sure they are not going to over pay for a class or pay for one that has over crowded students. Also, a student shouldn't pay for a college that is extremely expensive and out of their budget when attending another college that might not be their first choice but exactly the same schooling and experience. A college should also have a great faculty that is involved with the students. To make the most of a college experience, a student should be actively involved with school clubs, sports, or honor societies. There should be a good balance between socializing, making friends and studying. Getting an intership is also a good experience to obtain. If it is possible, a student should study abroad for at least a semester to broaden their knowledge and become more open to other cultures. Learn another language is highly recommened.

Alexandria

Advices I have for students who are searching for the right college. First go on a college tour, its fun and interesting you learn a lot about different school you never seem to consider. Also do research on the school of interest and make sure they have a great program for your major. As well see if the financial aid department is helpful and how fast will you get you funding for school. NEVER wait last minute. If you?re stuck on more than one school, do a comparison and see which one fits you criteria especially your budget. Make most of your college experience like go out and volunteer on your free time, join a club or an organization, or support your school athletics. Just be active and show school spirit. One more important thing when you get the opportunity or the money live on campus for at least one semester; get the campus life experience before you graduate. Don?t have any regrets live life you only get this experience once in a lifetime.

Nicole

In order to find the right college, you, as a student, need to decide what you want to do. Do you want to go away for college? Do you want to stay home? Do you want to go to a big school, or a small town college? Do not make your decisions based on what everyone else wants. Make your own decisions. Look for a school that reflects what you like. If you want to play a certain sport, look into a university that offers that. Choosing a university is such an amazing experience that we can all go through. No matter where you end up, make sure to make the most of what you are paying. Do not just go to class because you need a degree to get through life. I know plenty of people who do this, and it is not fulfilling. Go to class to learn. To make yourself a well rounded person, and to understand yourself, and everything that goes on around you. Going to college is a privilege that many young adults do not have. Embrace this and enjoy every second of it.

Jenniffer

Enjoy it and become active in it but never put your studies in second place because you should have fun but school comes first.

MICHELLE

I am a single parent who got pregnant my first semester at college. Since then I have attempted returning several times, but with no luck. Since then I have been homeless twice, robbed and risked loosing my daughter. Today [12 years later] I am about to graudate with my BA, and have already applied and received conditional acceptance into the Master's program. Now paying for this debt is another story. My advice: grab every opportunity to maximize your learning experience. Set a rigid pace, and push your limits, but don't overdo it. Even with a full-course load you can still have fun. Balancing school and a family is hard, but school and part-time work is doable. I have made great friends, learnt a lot, and participated in study aborad programs which were the highlight of my experience at FIU. Be flexible with your schedule and make sure to include extra-cirricular activities. I didn't and now I am truly regretful. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience that transition into adulthood without direct parental supervision. So it is an excellent time to exhibit responsibility, trust, growth, personal achievement and fun.

Lise

The advice I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college is first to consider about your major and if the school of your choice has a program for it. You would like to compare the program with other colleges, and see which college you will feel more comfortabl activites, and at the same time balance out their schoolwork. It allows you to be yourself and have an open mind.