Florida State University Top Questions

Always follow your dreams and make sure you let your heart lead you. If you do what you love you'll do it with passion and you'll be half way to succeed.

Finding the right college can be a very tough choice. I suggest going to different colleges maybe your top 3 or 4 and seeing their campus. Get a feel for the atmosphere and see if it works with you. Make sure it makes you feel excited to be there. Also for parents it makes a huge diffence in price if you stay in state so i would try to suggest to your child to stay in state. Once the student gets to school i would suggest going to different activities and try to meet people and make your nitch.

I think parents and students have a lot to consider when trying to find the right college. First, if the student knows what they want their major to be, they should definitely find a school that offers that major. If they are unsure as to what major they want, they should opt for a college that offers a wide variety of majors. Another thing to consider is how big or small of a school they want to be at. A big school can be intimidating for some or could be the best choice they make. They should also consider the distance from their home and how far they want to be away from their family. They should also consider their financial situation. They should find out how much money they need to attend the school, and if they don't have enough money, see they can receive scholarships or get loans. They should also check the safety of the school and its surrounding area. The main and final thing that I think students and parents should consider is how comfortable they feel at the school. You can't excel in a place that you don't feel comfortable in.

Its ok if you don't know what it is that you want to do when you first go to college, because if you find a good school there will be people there who will help you. And finding good friends can be a life saver

To the parents: let your children keep their options open about their majors. If they are not ready to go to a 4-year university, do not push them to. It will be better for them and for you to pay less for a community college while your child figures out what they really want to study, and some 2 year schools can be really great schools. To the students: don't rush into the partying lifestyle. It's really not that great. We all know that you are away from home for the first time, but there will be plenty of time to do all that when it is legal, and first off it really is a good idea to focus on school cause that is really why your parents are paying so much money.

For parents, I would tell them to let their young adult make the majority of the opinions and decisions about the school they're wanting to attend, but intervene if their child is making a decision on schools based on where their friends go or the amount of partying the school does. When their child does find the right school based on their personality and new things they want to experience, it helps if the parents are very excited for their child to go to school. This inturn makes the new student excited and eager to go to school instead of being nostalgic about high school and possibly leaving home. For students, I would tell them to judge schools based on how well the do academically first, and extracurriculars second. What is the overall feeling you get from being on that particular campus? I would also tell students to not be afraid to take a break from their school work sometimes and go out and try new experiences and meet as many new people as you can.

To all the prospective students and the worried parents, I would recommend visiting as many schools as possible, or at least the ones you are interested in. Visiting the campus allows you to really get a feel for the campus. When I visted Florida State I knew that this is where I want to go to school. The feeling of belonging somewhere completely is amazing. Walking around the campus, seeing the brick buildings and the mixture of old buildings from the past and new building of the now was amazing. The camaderie and school spirit that I felt students was incredible. The only sensation that I can liken to is the joy and relaxation of coming after being away for a long time. The warmth and peace felt in the heart is a pleasurably numbing sensation. So try to physically visit any campus you have in mind for college, because then you'll know if you are home or not. Good luck!

Most importantly, Make sure you base your decision on your own thoughts and feelings. You shouldn't base your decision on what other people want you to do; your decision should be based on where YOU want to go. Parents should have a say in your choice of college but every student should remember that they will be attending this school for four years, not their parents. While searching for the right school it is vital that you visit each campus and get a feel for where you could be spending the next four years of your life. Are the people friendly and easy to approach? How is the weather? Will you be able to bear the bitter cold or scorching heat? Does Greek Life rule the school? Also, are you able to afford this school? You don't want to be strapped for money when financial aid doesn?t pull though and private loans deny your application. When looking for a school, look into everything that interests you and before you make your final decision mentally put your self on campus, can you imagine your self walking to class or screaming your fight song at a football game?

Students need to tour the school and ask tons of questions. Dont be afraid to ask about something that concerns you, need help with, or just are interested in. Getting a feel for the school and the people in it are the key. You need to be able to feel comfortable and safe first and foremost but you should feel like its the right match and that your experience there will be beneifical and fun. Getting invovled is great idea. There is always an organization out there that you will enjoy and get something out of. Take advantage of EVERY aspect your school offers you. The biggest thing is just really looking into what the school is all about, and making sure it's a good fit with you! :)

I would say to take more Dual Enrollment classes and AP courses if possible because you can get college credit with that. Enjoy your time at college but also be responsible in what you do. Remember no one is forcing you to be here but getting a college education is something many people crave but are unable to have. Achieve greatness!

Make sure that you visit every school that you are considering. There is no need to make a hasty decision and pick a school based on what you think you know about it. I didnt really see how much I loved FSU until i took a tour and visited the campus. Get involved your first year. I didn't and I wish I had. Bring involved around campus can really help you make more friends.

Every person is unique and so is every college. Know what matters most to you as a student and get it. Football and Greek life are great, but remember that you're coming to college to get an education. Both parents and students should visit the campus and attend a "preview day" if one is available. It will help you to get a feel for the place you'll spend the next four years.

I suggest finding a campus ministry or club that you really connect with. Loneliness is a big issue on most campuses and being alone in your dorm all that time is not good for your character or academics. Go out and find a group that not only helps you but allows you to help the community and others on campus. The friends you make in your four years in college may be with you the rest of your life.

The best way to enjoy and get the most out of your college experience is definitely attending school functions and probably joining a sorority or fraternity. Getting involved in campus activities, such as homecoming and other school events will help you meet a lot of people. Further more getting to know the faculty and staff around campus is really important when you are stuck in a tough situation. If you decide on getting into a research project or want to apply for an internship a letter from them would be a great way to land a position.

I always suggest that people who are searching for colleges really look into the school. Not only the academic profile of the institution, but also the weather, climate, night life, sporting events, etc. It is very unrealistic for a parent to expect a child to only be concerned with school and academic affairs because, whether or not the child partakes in these activities, the activities are going to have an impact on whether or not the child is satisfied with their college experience at the particular institution that they choose. I also always hope that the child really is allowed by their parent/s to really express their interest in particular institutions becuase the memories that the student makes are, in the end, more important than a parent's worries and concerns.

I would say to make sure you find a school that balances having the perfect program for what you want to major in and having the perfect oppurtunities for what you'd like to be involved in. At FSU I found a great hospitality program alomng with a strong greek life environment. My sorority along with my studies have created a fantastic college experience. People always say that you will know as soon as you get on campus whether a school is right for you. I never believed that until I stepped on FSU's campus for the first time and instantly knew that was where I was going to go to school. You have to get a certain feeling at the school you want to attend, otherwise you'll never feel at home there.

Choosing the right college is the first step to creating an amazing "college experience". For this reason, it is important to choose a college based on what you, the student, think is important, whether it be academics, extracurriculars, or how social the campus is, the happier you are at your chosen school, the more likely you are to succeed. Picking a college based on where your parents want you to go, or where your friends are going isn't the answer, choose your school for you, not other people (though if the two coincide, that's not a bad thing either!). In order to make the most of your college experience, it is important to go into school with an open mind. You'll meet people who think differently than you, with different believes and morals, and these people could end up as your best friends, if you give them a chance. Trying new things, meeting new people, and enjoying your new found independence is all part of being in college, so give everything, and everyone, a try at least once! But, remember to learn and study, after all, that's why you're there!

Students should choose a college that best fits their personality and academic goals. Students should also consider the value of their diploma when choosing a university. Students can create their own college experience but I suggest that students go to a school in a college town to get the full "college experience." Living in a community where everything revolves around the university gives the student a sense of belonging to a culture and family as opposed to just being a number in the crowd.

When you look for a college, don't just look at the academics, check out the activities the school has to offer. Whether it be on or off campus activites, see what the school and the surrounding area has for you to relax or enjoy yourself when your not attending classes or studying. Also, make sure you get involved in the school. You don't want to spend every weekend by yourself, get out there and meet new people. But, don't spend all of your time partying or studying. School is about getting you ready for your future but there comes a time when you are going to need a break. You just need to figure out how to balance it all, how to have fun but still get good grades.

Find out what college usually has a good amount of students that succeed during and after college. Ask students that attend the college you want to attend how it is, what the faculty is like, and how other student to student interaction is.

As a student you must pick the school that best suits you. I would say do not pick a school that all of your friends go to because you will make so many new friends and have so many new experiences. Also pick the college that has something that you are interested in! Having a major that truly intrigues you will make your college years fly by and it is much easier to make good grades and enjoy your time at your University. To make the most out of the college experience get involved! It is super easy to join a club, sports team, fraternity, sorority ,church group, anything! Doing this lets you really experience the college life and the town that you are in. It gives a feeling of unity and pride in your University if you do something affiliated with it. Also it lets you meet new people, and the friends you make in college will be your lifelong friends. Don't let these years go by without having gotten involved in something. Academics are certainly important, but so are the other experiences that go along with college. Don't let it pass you by.

College is frequently seen as a coming-of-age ritual coinciding with the transition from child to adult. My advice would be to separate these events. Counter-intuitively, if you primarily look at college as an escape from your childhood, then perhaps you should wait to enroll. Escape first! Don't rush into your education. If you are exhausted from years of school, and uninspired by learning, then you will end up frustrated at school by the very things that should be most exciting to you. Why face all the turmoil of discovering yourself when you ought to be studying? Once you know who you will be as an adult, and where your passions lie, it will be easier to choose the best college. So spend a year or two exploring your identity outside the classroom. There are many admirable transitional options: join a volunteer corps, enlist in the military, travel, or just move out and live on your own for a year. Afterwards, you will have a stronger grasp on what you need from a school and a career. Such positive experiences prepare you for the emotional shock of independence, and they also look good on your college application.

The advice that I would give to parents and their children is be prepared. Buy everything that you need before hand for you housing and talk with other parents who have kids in college, they can be a big help. I would also be prepared to be accountable to just yourself. Parents need to let their kids make their own decisions before they go off to college, I would suggest to all parents to stop asking their children about their homework and schedule for their childs whole senior year. That way when the child falls behind the parents can guide them in the right directiona nd the kids will learn how to manage school and a social life. I would also suggest visiting the school that your child will attend, it really helps to see the campus before the first day of class. And while visiting as some random students what they think about the university, the answers that they give will be more honest than the ones given by the staff of the university. I woulds wish them luck and tell them to have fun, this will be the best time of your life.

The best advice I can give to parents is to be weary of your child's study habbits. Paying for your student's college education is like an investment. Make sure that they know what they are getting themselves into. If they have never been the studying type, then maybe college isn't for them, or now would be a good time to learn better studying habbits. I wasn't very studius before college, but I gave myself a crash course in the subject during junior college. College was harder than I had anticipated. My advice to students would be to stay focused. College is no walk in the park. It's a great challenge. Be ready for a load of homework, studying for tests and projects. It's not like high school. Teachers are not as willing to give students a break on late work nor being tardy to class. Look at college life as the beginning of your life's career. This is serious, and the rest of your life depends on how well you do in college. If you don't take yourself seriously, neither will your professors, and that will be reflected on your final grade.

Advice I would give to parents and/or students is that you should visit every school you are interested in attending and spend a weekend there. It will be helpful to get a feel of the campus, the people in the town, and to familiarize yourself with the area. Many times students just choose a college because they like the mascot or because it is far away from home. Later on however, students may feel sad or out of place because they did not choose the college that fits them. It is also very important to get involved early on to make friends and form connections with professors who may write recommendation letters down the road. Make sure to have fun and be social, but don't forget to make education your number one priority. College is the best time to learn about yourself as well as other people and to discover your major.

In order to find the right college you must visit the campus in order to see how it feels; for example are the students friendly, is the campus easy to navigate, etc. To make the most of the college experience I suggest getting involved on campus. I joined a sorority and it was the best decision of my life as it not only helped me adjust to campus, but allowed me to become so much more involved in what the university was offering. Also, do not let college overwhelm you, as you can only make the most of your college experience by still attending college. If you get in trouble talk to your professor and they will always provide help. College is defined by being able to work hard and play hard!

Some students sound off on ways to save cash during hard economic times.

There are several important questions a student needs to ask themself in order to make the most of their college experience, the first of which should be what they want out of their school. Focused students, who already have an idea of the academic direction that they want to take, ought to pick a school based mainly on programs and ranks so they have the opportunity to meet professors who can boost their chances in the professional world. If instead, the student fnds themself floundering a bit, unsure of what to pursue, find a university that offers a broad range of majors. Universities generally require prerequisite classes, and while the idea seems like a bit of a drag, in reality these courses are an introduction into elements of academia we've never before experienced and offer unexplored subject matter. For many students the search for a college is less about the academics, and more the new venue and experiences that can offer. City schools have a culture that the smaller school just can't reach, and for some that makes all the difference. Essentially, school choice needs to be based on a students' own motivation; what drives their pursuit.

First find a school that has a program that you are interested in. Do research on those schools to find out which one will fit you best in terms of size, sports, extra curicular activities, etc. Then make your decision after you have found the school will fit you best. Do not just go to a school because you think it is prestegious or because you hear its name on TV. Make an educated decision on where you want to go and where you can get the best education from.

Regarding finding the right college, I would make sure you check out things to do in your social life and religious goals. I also advise that if you are a family-oriented person, to stay in the same state as your family, because it is easy to get homesick. As for making the most of your college experience...get to know people in your classes, enjoy local events and activities. Make life long friendships, study for your classes ahead of time, and budget time and money wisely, especially if you plan on attending grad school as well.

Go to collegeboard.com. It is a great comprehensive website that informs you about all kinds of colleges in every state. Knowing the info about your college choices is important in helping you choose the right one for you or your children.

My advice to prospective college students would be to look at schools that you feel fit your needs (academically, socially, etc), rather than choosing the most "elite" school. Also, choose a school and a major that you are genuinely interested in not just one that your parents want or that you think will make you the most money because ultimately you will have a better experience. When I applied to college I was looking for a school with a strong dance program because I knew that was what I wanted to major in. Although it was not the most "practical" major and I will have to work extremely hard to suport myself financially in the future, I am enjoying every second of my life right now. I am able to do what I love for multiple hours everyday as well as get a good education in my liberal studies classes. In the end, you need to choose what school is going to make you feel the happiest and follow your intuition in order to make the best decision for you.

I would tell both the students and parents to research every school available to them and make a choice based on which school best suits the student. I would tell the parents to support their child in whatever decision they make.

I feel that the most important thing is for the student to be honest with themselves. Many high school students pick a college because it is "the farthest away" from mom & dad or because it has the coolest football team. They don't consider how they will get their degree or what is will mean to them in the end. When looking at colleges, you have so many options given to you that are so more important then how much freedom you will have or if you get good seats at the games. Trust yourself and your feelings when talking to your counselors. Don't forget that this will be where you will be spending the next 2 or 4 years of your life and you will not always be the crazy teenager that you may be now. You will get serious about your studies and actually think that it is important to get up and go to your 8:00 am class. For parents the most important thing is to listen.....listen....listen. Your child has grown up and it is time for them to be the one doing most of the talking. Guide them don't drive them.

I would tell parents and/or students that it would be wise to plan the next four years of your life before attending college both financially and academically. I would also advise students to make the most of what their university has to offer. Don't pass on opportunities. They are presented to you for a reason.

My advice would be to visit each of your potential schools, ask lots of questions and choose the school that feels comfortable to you. This is going to be your new home so it's important that it feels that way. To make the most of the college experience, create relationships not only with your peers but also with your department faculty. These relationships can be meaningful and valuable to your learning experience and in the future when you are in need of Letters of Recommendation, Job Recommendations or just the knowledge of someone who has been there before you. Also, take time for youself. Self care is very important to a healthy mind!

It is important for the student to feel comfortable with their choice of school and have the support of the parents when making that choice. Students need to be allowed to make that choice for themselves. When making the choice of what school to attend, it is also important to consider the student's academic goals, and the availabilty of resources and academic programs at the school to meet those goals. Another point to consider is the location of the school in relation to the location of family and other support groups. While it is important to be out on your own for the "University experience", it is equally important to know that your family is within a reasonable travel distance away.

Parents and students should talk about what the student really wishes to do in their future. Changing majors in college can be the right thing to do, but it is costly as you will have a different set of requirements to fulfill. Make sure the student has enough funds to be able to not worry about financial obligations, but still has enough to go out with friends. Parents should make sure they stay in contact with their children. Call once a week to just say hello if anything, you do not need to get personal with them. This is the time they are becoming an adult and breaking away from the shield of parents. Research some of the colleges you apply for to make sure your subject you want to study is rated high for the school. Dont just pick the school your friends are going to, you will make new freinds and your old ones will always be there when you go home for breaks.

I would tell parents and students to take advantage of college fairs and scholarships. A student or parent can find out about numerous colleges at one time at a college fair, which can save time and money. They can also help the students or parents narrow down their choices, which will also decrease the cost of campus visits. Another way college fairs save money is scholarships. Some of the colleges at college fairs hand out scholarships at the college fair if you have your transcript with you, and have good grades. Scholarships can make or break a college experience. With scholarships there is no limit to how much money you can win for school, so students can take care of all their college expenses before they start school. But if a student gets little or no scholarships they have to worry about paying back loans, or working during the time they are in school, which will make there college experience more stressful than it has to be. So my advice to students and parents would be to take advantage of every scholarship and attend all the college fairs they can.

Visit the college for more than an afternoon tour

Find a school that has lots of academic options. It is highly probable that your child will change thier mind about what they want to do when they "grow up". I school shouldn't be limited to a few career fields that will force them to transfer schools because they have a different idea about what they want to do for a living.

I would advise parents and potential students to visit the college during preview days and to write down their findings so they can compare them with other colleges. I would ask other students on campus what they thought about their school experience. I would visit the Alumni website for the school and see how active it is. I would research through local news organizations and newspapers any articles about the school. I would research the safety procedures and past occurrences of any criminal activities. I would research job opportunities. I would investigate if there were opportunities to complete a Masters or PhD degree after receiving my undergraduate degree. I would check out the school?s website. Definitely take advantage of orientation and tour the school. Finally, vist the off campus housing so you can get an idea on what is available and the cost.

In order to find the "perfect fit" for a student entering higher education, the student must be aware of the type of education that they are looking for. First, be aware of the potential career direction. This way the student can be assured that the college or university will offer courses that may assist him or her in getting a successful career in their area of interest. Second, the student must know their needs in the classroom. If a student knows that they may not be successful in a larger classroom setting, they may want to look at colleges rather than large state universities. Lastly, the student should know what they want to get out of their experience. Every college and university offers a different social setting that the student should look into. Religion may be a factor in choosing a school as much as a football team or involvement in Greek life. Not every school is a perfect fit for everyone, but when the choice has been made one thing is very important: make the most of the experience with the choice that was made!

Research the colleges you are interested in and visit them. Talk to people you know who have attended the college. You should pick a college because it will prepare you for your chosen career, not because your friends chose that college. Once at college, stay true to yourself and don't just go along with the crowd. Find something you are interested in and get involved in that activity.

Finding the right college is an important first step towards planning your future. It is important that you make the right choice. You really need to look at many different aspects of a college in order to fully understand how you will fit in. Research into the types of programs offered and the professors available is a must. Most schools are more focused on certain programs than others. Florida State University, for instance, is a heavily research oriented facility and also has a strong performing arts program. However, they do not offer journalism. It is also a good idea to look into the kinds of financial aid available. A school that offers a better scholarship may or may not be the right one for you. If you are more focused on attending a prominent school, you will be more concerned with school rankings. Once you have your list narrowed down it is important to visit the schools, perhaps a few times, in order to see how you like the surrounding town/city. Is the distance from home good for you? Do you like the kinds of people that you have met. These are all important along with many others aspects.

Visiting the colleges before applying is essential, it helps to get a "feel" for the place you may or may not want to attend. For making the most out of your experience, I'd recommend being open minded and friendly to everyone, and try to increase your social circle whenever possible.

seek out opportunities for hands on learning. I was a psychology student; there were many research opportunities available to me as well as volunteer counseling. do not believe everything your advisor tells you...do your own research. The people in the office see many people and can over look things. You can take economics for a language requirement!

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a student will make, and it is not an easy one. There will be pressure to choose the more prestigious institution, or follow friends out of fear. The best thing to do is visit the campus once or twice, preferrably finding someone you know that already attends the school and who can give a more personalized tour. Walking around, checking out the student body atmosphere, and the size of the campus can give some indication as to how comfortable you will be in that setting...a far better indication than any brochure or website can create. Looking into the degree programs, clubs, and venues around the school is also important in figuring out how involved you will be. If there are programs or activities that match your interest, the chance to meet others increases drastically. College is a time of academic learning, but it is also a time to forge new friendships, learn how to do laundry, and explore interests. The best advice is to just try, having no regrets come graduation day of things you wish you had done.

Find scholarships!

Let the students decide where they want to attend. Let the students decide what they want to major in. Be there to be a resource, especially for that first year. Your student will not call you. Please make sure you call them and speak with them regularly. Don't nag every time you call. College is stressful enough without you worrying them. Increase calling around the second month as usually that's when homesickness kicks in. Keep in mind, these are some of the most wonderful years for parents but mostly students. Let them live and all will be well.