Florida State University Top Questions

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

Daniel

You can choose to listen to advice you receive, or you can choose to throw it away. Most colleges are just trying to help you with your life. Go where you want to go. If you dont get into a 4 year college, Community College is cheaper and the way to go. Apply multiple places, so that you can have a choice when it comes time to choose. When you get to college, do what your heart tells you to. This is the time of your life when you can find out what exactly you want to do with your life. Use this time, because it goes fast. The time of your life begins right now. Either you use it to your full advantage, or you goof around and waste your precious time on this Earth.

Elizabeth

In order to choose the right college, it is most important that your college of choice is outstanding in your area of major. You then must visit the college, talk to attending students about their experiences, and sit in on a lecture. This should give you an idea of how your college experience would be. To make the most of your college experience you must first fully apply yourself to your studies. Although the entire college experience should not just be about studying, it should be the center of your focus. The college experience is social, mental, and sometimes spiritual, especially around finals week. It is about the application of knowledge, the unforgettable memories, and the lifelong friendships that make your college your alma mater.

Carime

When looking for the right college visit different options and stay a couple of days so you can truely get a feel for what the campus is like and what the people are like. Pick a school that has everything that you truely want. Don't settle for a school just for their football team or the parties because there's so much more to college. If your interested in the Arts than go to a school with a good arts program, if you like sports pick a school with a intermural sports program. When you pick the school that you feel best suits your goals, make sure to venture out and explore all the possibilities available to you while your there. If most colleges are like my own, there are millions of organizations, sports teams and activities that you can take part of and the more you explore the more interesting and exciting your college experience will be. Parents, you should support your student and get involved as much as possible by attending events like parent's weekend. Your college experience is what you make it. So do your best to make it the best time of your life.

sarah

Find a school that's known for the field you want to work in. That is the school that will be able to take you the farthest and set you up for your future career. The best place to be is a place where you feel at home. If you are uncomfortable when you visit, you'll probably be uncomfortable being a student. When you find the right fit, get involved in lots of things like clubs, sports, and music groups. There is so much to do at college. Most importantly, get your priorities straight and be a good time manager.

Mark

Do not choose your school based on the decisions of others. Do not choose it solely because your relatives went there, because your friends are going there or because it is prestigious. Choose it because it makes the best sense for you. First and foremost, does it have a good degree program for your future career? After all, that is the reason why you are going to school. That should be the priority! You aren?t sure? Do some research and find out! Aside from that, visit the college and get a feel for the campus atmosphere--test the waters, so to speak. Maybe a big university isn?t for you; perhaps a smaller private college is a better choice. You?ll never know until you check it out for yourself. Never be afraid to ask questions and explore your options. This is big decision, but it is also a n exciting one. Try and remember that during this daunting process. College is going to be a lot of fun mixed with hard work. Get ready to enjoy it, you are almost there!

Michelle

From the time I was in high school, I knew I would go to Florida State University. Being a resident of Tallahassee, I grew up around the school and knew it was the place for me. To make the right college choice, I think you need to compare many different schools and see where you think you would be most comfortable and fit in the best. Also if you are interested in a specific subject, it would be helpful to chose a place that specializes in that area. The environment of the area of the school also plays a big role in deciding where you should go, so you should make sure that you enjoy the area you will be living in. To make the most out of your college experience, you need to get involved with the school. If I wasn't an FSU Majorette, I wouldn't nearly feel as close to my school than I do. Find an activity that best suits you and you will meet life-long friends and add excitement to your schedule, instead of just attending classes. Also, work hard in your classes and your college experience will be a positive one.

Lauren

There are many factors to consider when looking for the "right" college. One of the first steps should be finding a major that aligns with a person's interests. Many colleges have certain programs that they are known for specializing in. Some colleges may have better programs for liberal arts majors while others excel at business programs. If students are unsure of their area of study, they should check out different university locations and the student life on campus. Some students may want to experience a big city while others would prefer a more intimate campus. Find one that matches lifestyle, goals, and personality. My advice to parents is simple. While it's difficult to see your son or daughter leave the nest, it's necessary to let them choose the college that is best suited for their needs, even if this requires them to leave their home state. It is definitely important to check out colleges with your future collegiate scholar, that way both parents and the student will feel good about the decision. My last bit of advice is no matter where you go you should get involved! Meet new people and enjoy the exciting new experiences.

Websline

Before you sign the check to your deposit on the college, I think it is imperative that you visit the campus. Take a tour and learn the history of the campus, and what it means to walk the halls of the university. Talk to some of the students and just take a day walking around, and imagining what it would be like to walk those steps every day. If it's possible sit in on a class or two, and visit the dorm rooms. Also, check out what is available locally. I made the mistake of enrolling in a University in Tallahasse, only to find out that there are no Haitian restaurants, or Haitian churches in Tallahassee. All these things may seem trivial, but they are very important pieces to deciding where you will be for the next 4, 5, or six years.

Rachel

If you love big settings, four-year universities are great but they are not for everyone.

Elizabeth

Kids find a place that is far enough from home that you do not see you high school friedns everyday or week, but close enough that if you feel really homesick you can visit, and possibly some of your friends will be going to that schol too. and Parents dont push any one school on your kids let them decide where they want to go, and what school is best for them.

Amanda

I suggest that when applying to colleges that the student visit the campus. It is important that you can walk on the campus and say to yourself, "I can see myself going here." It is important to take the tour, however, do not trust everything they say. Your tour guide IS trying to get you to go there. I suggest coming prepared with questions concerning things that are important to you. Such as student parking, on campus housing, or meal plans. You should not, however, only take the University tour. Set up a meeting with someone within your major, either a proffessor or a srudent. This will give you a more personalized view of the part of the University that you will be dealing with on an everyday basis. It is important that in general that you feel comfortable on the campus of the University you intend to attend.

Alicia

There are two ways to determine what college is right for you. First of all, if you are absolutely sure about the program or area you would like to study, I would suggest looking for a school that is highly praised on that area. If you are unsure about the program, then I would suggest finding a school that offers a wide variety of areas to study. Also important is visiting the campus personally to ensure the environment is one that will enhance your learning and personal growth experience. Finally, class size, faculty and available activities play a large role in choosing the school that will work best for you.

Amelia

Visit. Look at all aspects of the college besdies academics, like service, and career centers.

Kiel

Any college will benefit you more than no college at all, but it would make your experience more helpful to your future plans if you choose a college with a strong department relevant to your desired major. Don't be afraid to choose a different college than your high school friends, there are plenty of ways to make friends and have fun on campus.

Jessica

I would recommend to all students and parents to visit a college campus before they decide they want to go there. Choose a school based on how many students you want to be surrounded by; do you want to blend in with the crowd or do you want to know everyone in your classes? Then, decide what type of community you want to live in; do you want a downtown city life or a rural or suburban atmosphere? Remember to consider how much your living expenses are going to be in each town you are considering. Is the 75{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} tuition scholarship really worth it if you can't afford housing or eating out? Also, don't pick a school just based on where your friends are going, college is about you, not about them. Go where you will be able to grow. Pick a school that excels in what you want to study, but be open to the idea of changing majors, it will most likely happen! Finally, go to a school that makes you feel good. You will be making this new town and school your home, choose a place where you feel safe, comfortable, and happy!

Ashley

get involved, things are a lot harder when you have support.

Titus

Always look at the pros and the cons of each decision. The right choice becomes evident when you are able to write out and examine every possibility on paper. Look into the various ways each University provides it's students with opportunities to get involved, whether it be through academic clubs, campus ministries, or Greek life. The best time spent in college is with those who you will recall the memories with later on in life.

Marc

Visit the college for more than a day and talk to students

Jillian

I think that one of the most important things to consider when looking for the right college is the specific program you are planning on being a part of. Go, tour the facilities, meet with the faculty, do some research, interview current students, even sit in on a class or two. You want to make sure that once you are fully into your distinct major that you are going to fit into the teaching styles as well as get along with the kinds of students you will be interacting with. Yes, school spirit is a wonderfully motivating characteristic of many colleges and can make your experience one of lifetime memories and friendships, but when it comes down to it, you are a student. This means that if you get into your major and do not like it, you are going to have a hard time motivating yourself to do well or even enjoy that school spirit that may seem so appealing during the application process. Dive in! College is an amazing place. Explore all it has to offer!

Ryan

Take your time in the deciding where to go and make sure you dig deep in learning about the campus, don't just take the information in a pamphlet. Speak to students and hear what they have to say about the campus.

Alyss

USE EVERY RESOURCE YOU CAN

Ruthie

The most valuable input about my decision about where to go to college came from my parents and teachers during my senior year of high school. The best advice for making a decision would be to ask a lot of good questions and take time to consider what you want out of your college experience. Make a list of the different schools and compare what each ones offer; when you see the pros and cons of each option on the same sheet of paper, it makes it easier to decide which schools look better than others. After narrowing down the potentials, apply to a few schools, then make a decision after you find out about acceptance and scholarships. The most advantageous things to do when you get to college are getting building relationships and getting connected with people that share similar values. Do well in classes early on so that you won't suffer from it later. Expose yourself to different people groups and cultures, but stay true to who you are. Learn as much as possible and take advantage of all the free time!

Courtney

Finding the college that is right for you takes a lot of time and consideration. Don't go somewhere just because your friends go, make the decision with only YOUR future in mind. The college you choose must be one that you feel comfortable at and one that meets your academic needs/wants. College is the best time of your life--you learn so much about yourself and you really transform into an adult. It's important to keep an open mind and make the best out of all your sitations. To get the most out of college you need to be able to balance your school and social life. If you find your self passionate about something pursue it! Put your heart and soul into everything you do and never forget why your there--to recieve an education! Be thankful for having the opportunity to go to college and NEVER forget where you came from--stay true to yourself.

Amanda

My advice to students trying to pick the right college is to visit all the colleges you are interested in and see which school you fall in love with. Pick the school that is known for a good academic area for the major you wish to take and that has a campus that feels comfortable to you. Also make sure you like the town that the school is in and you could see yourself living there. Get involved with clubs and activites on campus and maybe even a sorority/fraturnity. This will help you make new friends and get more comfortable with the school. My advice to the parents is to let your child pick where they want to go and back them up 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the way. When they go to school make sure to be involved still in their lives. Encourage them to get invloved with school and to have fun. College is one of the most memorible and most important times of your life so going to the right school is crucial. I believe go where your heart tells you to go, where you feel the most comfortable, and somewhere that will give you the best education.

Sophia

Go and see the campuses of the schools that you are thinking about. Talk to advisors at the college. Talk to alumni from the school if you can. Talk to students there about what they like and dislike about the school. Get involved with campus activites that interest you. The most important thing to remember is to always be yourself. If you spend your time trying to fit in you'll become somebody that you don't like. College is about finding yourself, you can never find yourself when you are spending all your time being someone your not.

Holly

Find a university or college that you feel comfortable at. A university with a great number of major choices is good also, because it gives the student the ability to try different classes. They may find an interest in something they never thought possible and may want to do for the rest of their life withour regrets!

Lisa

I would recommend to parents and/or students to explore career options in high school in order to have a good idea of what direction you want to take your course load in college.

Rebecca

When looking for a university that is appropriate for you explore the academics of the school and take a tour of the campus. When looking at Florida State University one will find excellent education. Along with a new medical school, FSU is also the home of some of the top-rated academic departments?dance, music, social work, law, education, nursing. You will notice that this is more than a party school when looking at FSU. Students at this university study and enjoy the campus. In-between classes one can find students typing papers in the library, playing Frisbee on Landis Green, eating at the Parkway Diner, or walking on the Legacy Walk between pre-bellum era and modern buildings. In the middle of the day or night, even in the pouring Florida rain, there are students walking around or playing in one of the campus fountains. Also, explore downfalls of the school when making a decision about a college. The only downfall with FSU is that there is too much traffic during football games! Life oozes from everywhere on the campus during football season. Other than football, FSU has baseball, softball, soccer, track, and intramural sports. Come check us out!

Christopher

Find the school that has the most to offer for the lowest cost. Find schools that offer scholarship help and that have a great success rate for graduate placement. It is so important to visit the campus, sit in on classes, and talk to current students attending the University/College. Find students studying what you want to study and ask them questions to get the real inside story on what that school is really all about.

Amanda

I would have to say that the first step in finding the right school is to go to the school. If you don't like the campus or feel at home, then you will never be as happy at that school as you could be somewhere else. Also, its essential to find a school that is exceptional in your intended area of study and they have extra-curriculars that interest you. The size of the school doesn't seem like it would be important, but it could be a big factor in a person's happiness. Some people like small schools while others think the bigger the better, so choose a school that fits your idea of perfect. Once you're attending the school, getting involved in the school is the best way to ensure that you're getting the most of your experience. Join a club, play sports, go to games or theater performances, volunteer. Live on campus in a dorm for at least one year and make as many good friends as you can. College is where you'll meet friends that you'll have for the rest of your life.

Harmoni

I would tell parents to trust their children's instincts. They know what schools are a good fit for them. I would also encourage each parent to take official college visits with their children and feel the atmosphere for themselves. I would advise the students to trust their heart. I would also advise them to get involved on campus once they get there. It is easy to meet a group of friends that you will have for a lifetime at college. Go out and socialize but never neglect your school work. Education is first. Cherish the time you have during your four years. It goes by fast!

Shelda

When being away frmo home, it is important to make sure, first and foremost that the financial aid office is up to par because without money, then it will be very diffivult yo accomplish other things. Then make sure that the faculty and staff are what you would want to be condusive to an environment suitable for you. And last but not least, every school has a personality; make sure that the student s who are around campus have personalities that are most compatible with your own.

Antrae

Find a college that is competitive, where you will learn alot about yourself, your career, and your future. Find a college where there is a high percentage of graduates that go on to become successful, and a college that's affordable. Find a college where there is volunteering, helping the disability, the sick, the homeless, and those struggling to get to college. Find a college where there is less violence, sex, crime, and more on preparing the students for their lives. Find a college where there is alot of interaction going on, where there are study groups,and organizations. Find a college where there are activities and gyms to help the student stay fit and healthy. Make the most of their college experience by joining groups, organizations, clubs, getting to know your classmates and professors. Go to football games or play a sport to meet people. Join the debate team where you can express your opinions no matter what someone else says. Get a job on campus that way you can save gas, money, and time, and finish your homework while you are working. Talk with an advisor in your major about what classes to take so you can graduate.

Madison

I believe arranged marriages can work as long as the two people are committed to the marriage and make the conscious decision to love one another. While marrying for love may be easier in the long run, I don't believe there is only one "right" choice of spouse per person. In the same way, I don't believe there is only one perfect match for a student looking to attend college. A student can make a "marriage" with any college work as long as he or she is willing to work hard wherever they are. I would advise students to keep in mind that as important as a degree is, people should always take priority in life. Make time for social events or your college experience will be meaningless.

Samuel

I believe that selecting the right college is about more than majors, sports, financial aid, class sizes, instructors, and night life. In order to make the most of your college experience, you should find someplace that excites you... someplace that feels like a home away from home where you can be free to grow into the man or woman that you will be for the rest of your life. The right college should have an appeal that makes you want to go to classes, get involved in campus events, socialize with other students, and study beyond the material provided in lectures. Any school can enslave you for four years as you await that rolled up, ribbon-tied diploma... but the right school will allow you to truly enjoy that journey. My advice is to investigate your options. Research as many schools as possible and visit them. Ask questions... Talk to people... Ask yourself if this is it. Don't let what has been called "the best years of your life" be reduced to a time of drunken idiocy or of unbearable academic anxiety. Use this time - this opportunity - to connect with people and places that will stay with you forever.

Michael

I would advise students and parents to visit the campus and find a place that feels 'right,' spending four years in a place that you feel uncomfortable is physically and emotionally difficult. Students need to realize their own personal needs and evaluate whether being close to family and friends is important. I find that most people, regardless of how close or distant their relationship with their families find the adjustment of moving away, from something you've had for the vast majority of your life, to be very difficult. You need to establish a network of supportive and consistent friends who can soften the blow of not having your family at your disposal all the time. It is not a bad plan to go to college knowing a few people, either from school or that you meet at orientation; ideally someone you know well enough to trust. Parents, you must realize that your child is going to be exposed to things that adults have to deal with, and you should be available to help them through these descisions but you should not be the ones to alienate and scold them, should they not make the choice you would.

Derek

When selecting a college, my advice to parents and their son/daughter is to find a place where you feel comfortable at. When you visit the school for a preview, ask yourself whether or not you like the surroundings, the feel of being on campus with all the other students, and if it feels like it could be your "new home". I encourage those on their way to college to really take in the whole experience of college by getting involved with different campus organizations, be it a fraternity/sorority, religious clubs, an intramural sports team, musical group, etc. College is about making memories you will forever hold on to and when you look back on them 30 years from now, you want to be able to say that you had a great time while also learning new things and meeting new people. Don't be afraid to try new things because this is the time of your life where you start to branch out and find who you really are inside. Your college years go by very fast, so live it up! And be comfortable in doing so.

kamaren

Stay on campus your first year. The people you meet will be your best friends for the entire 4 years. Me and my roomates are still friends and visit each other and we live on opposite sides of the USA.

Nicholas

Make sure it is really what you want. Check out all of the prices on everything(tuition,rent,food,etc.) Make lots of friends. Do not go to far away from home. Keep your parents involved in your life. Apply for all financial aid that is possible and apply early. Study hard, this is your future. Be reasponable. Enjoy everything your school has to offer.

Aimee

Go with your gut instinct and don't give up too quickly. It can be hard at the beginning, especially if you travel far from home. You will make friends in time, and find your own place within the college scene. Get involved in whatever might interest you -- you will regret it once you graduate if you don't live life to its fullest while you are still in school!

Melanie

Look for a school that fits your 'scene.' If you're social and have good means of balancing school and social life, try a bigger school; if you need a school with smaller classes and less social scene, try a smaller one. Choose one that represents you as a person and focus on a school that has a great program in what you're looking for. These are the best years of your life!

Antonia

I think all students should go to school away from home. Even if the school is 10 minutes away from their house, they should be living on campus. My mom told me this when I was applying to college and I never understood why until I came home and looked at all my friends who decided to continue living with their parents. After that first year away from home I had grown so much as a person. I had to manage my school work with my social life, as well as making sure my laundry got done and my finances were in order among many other things. Students who stay at home are not forced to become independant and although their lives are different they are still under their parent's care. As a senior now, still living away from home, I have become completely independant in every way except financially. My friends from home still feel as though they are in highschool. Another reason to go away is the culture that you will experience. Being in your home town will keep you sheltered from amazing things and people that you can't experience at home.

Margaret

You need to go with your gut and find the program that suits you best. I picked a school that was slightly out of my comfort zone because of location, but the program and the people I have met more than make up for the fact that I am 4 hours from home. Go for your program, major or whatever, but not because of friends. Go outside your comfort zone to grow

Courtney

Take you time to explore your options. If you can (as a student) do an overnight visit. Don't be afraid to ask ANY questions you might have and consider EVERY aspect of campus life and academic life. But, don't forget that you can transfer if things don't feel right. It's not a sign of failure to make the wrong choice on the first try. It's a big decision, but it's not the end of the world. If you need to go party for a couple years, do so and then transfer to a more serious school when you're ready to be serious about your studies. I know that's hard to hear for parents, but what you have to remember is that this is about more than classes. This is a serious formative period in life. Take your time, make it count, listen to yourself and feel it out.

Nick

Selecting the right college can be challenging and overwhelming, as we all know, but don't let it get you down because the possibilities are more than rewarding. First, use the many helpful online-based resources that make available at the click of a button the best colleges and universities for you to consider. Talk to other people about it and feel free to call the ones that seem best fit for your needs. Most importantly, I strongly encourage you to plan a trip to visit and tour the campuses and talk to as many current students as possible, asking lots of questions. See them in action. Most of all, work hard and prepare yourself for your own future. These steps led me to the best university and career I could have asked for. My advice to new college students is a tricky one, but when I finally got it, it made all the difference: "don't take it too seriously." By all means, be serious about your studies and your future, but not too a negative end. Life is short. Enjoy the ride. Have fun. Make tons of new friends. Enjoy every day. Good luck!

Madeline

It is important when choosing a college to take advantage of free online databases that provide information about different colleges. Decide on college characteristics that are most important to you like areas of study, size, location, athletics, etc. Use them to narrow your search and visit/tour as many of those colleges as possible. Your experience at each college will help you decide which is best. In order for a student to make the most of their college experience I believe they must take as few hours as possible so they can reduce stress levels, and allocate more time to studying and making better grades. If the college requires 12 hours of classes to be considered a full time student, then it is good to take between 12-14. In order to keep that number down, students must complete as many APs as they can in high school, even in subjects they do not feel are applicable to them because colleges require students to have a large variety of classes, and it is surprising how much random AP classes can help. Taking fewer elementary classes frees up a lot of time and money and makes student life significantly more comfortable.

Georgia

Make a list of your top schools and research them online. Apply early. Take college placement exams early and ahead of applying. Go on campus visits and college tours. Even if you have not made a decision about a career, try to narrow down your choices. You can start college as an undeclared major, but it's good to have an idea to get started on major requirements. Also, apply for tons of scholarships, even ones you think you won't get. Submit a FAFSA online as well to see if you are eligible for financial aid. Ask questions of admissions officers and academic advisors. When you start college, don't be shy to make friends. Join clubs and other organizations, but it shold not come before academics. Be active on your campus and give back to the community. Volunteer often. Study, study, study. Build close professional relationships with your professors. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Form and participate in study groups. Apply for internships and part time jobs within your chosen field. Volunteer within your field as well. Network within you socail groups. Be an active alumnus! Love your school. Keep in touch with loved ones.

Amanda

Pick the campus that you fell in love with because it will be worth it, because you will spend 4 years of your life there....

Whitney

My advice is to think not only about the prestige of the school, but also whether they provide an enviroment that when your not studying is you still feel at "home", because forthe next four years or more it is home. If you need a more culturally diverse town that provides constant events and entertainment like than a big city college is probably more for you, but if your not into concerts, musicals, plays and world class dining, that kind of metropolitian living, then a small town is probably more your style, and theirs always gonna be a school that a happy median between theses two. The best advice I can give is to visit that school so you get the feel, and see if it meshes well with you.

Ricky

To Parents: The only advice I can give to you is to always encourage your children to follow their dreams no matter how silly you may think they are because an elbow of support is one step closer to their success. To Students: The only advice I can give to you is to always follow your heart and shoot for the stars because there is no dream to big or no star out of reach. Do what makes you happy because you are the only one who has to live with your decisions. Make the most of your college experience and pick a college that best suits your needs because once you graduate you are in the real world where it is a lot harder to recover from mistakes and change is risky. So, I leave you with this, in college: make mistakes, change your mind, dance all night, take a music lesson, volunteer at a homeless shelter, tailgate at homecoming, make many friends, and call your Mama or Dad everyday because life is short and I do not want any of you to live with regrets. In other words, just remember to have fun, dream big, and study hard.