Georgia Southern University Top Questions

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

Bethany

You definitely need to explore your options and make sure you find the right college. Visiting the school and actually setting foot on the campus gives you a definite feel on whether or not it's right for you. Once you decide on your school, it is important to study and make the most of your education. You don't want to waste that money! But also make sure you leave some tiem for social endeavors; after all, college is also about growing up and experiencing life!

Sherri

When picking a college, it's important the student know themselves. I began at a community college because I came from a rural area and knew I needed a smaller transition than being thrown into a univeristy with over 10,000 students. It's also important to get involved somehow- be it activities, church, or greek life. Most importantly, the student has to know that college isn't all about fun- that they have to focus on their school work in order not toblow time and money. College is what you make of it- if you party all the time and lay out of classes, your GPA will reflect; if you have fun and do the work, you will have an experience you will be happy with and the degree to match. I am pleased with what I made of my college experience and hope others will be too!

Derek

Somne advive i can give some students is choose a college that best fixes you and not what school you think has the most parties. For the parents, let the child choose his/her school and not you, because thats what makes them what to quit.

Jessica

My advice for choosing a college is to not only look at how great the academics are, but also look at the environment. Look to see how many businesses are around and restaurants. This is important for finding a job. The student is going to need to work especially with the way the economy is and the way money runs scarce throughout families. It's hard living on your own with no help from family members with expenses of being an adult. To make the experience of being a college student, I would choose a nice college owned dorm and stay there at least for your first year. I feel like that was the best choice for me as a first year student. It's a lot easier when you are trying to figure everything out and a lot cheaper when all you have to do is walk to class instead of burning the gas to drive.

Eric

Attending college of such an important decision to make and it's important to find the right fit. It's important to make college visits during your junior and senior year of high school and get a feel for several different colleges. I learned the importance of having many options, when my first choice didn't accept me. For me, this was a blessing in disguise. I now realize that had I attended my first choice, I may not have been as satisfied as I am now. Because I had visited and applied to several colleges, I had other options to consider. My second choice has turned out to be the perfect fit for my education. It's important to find the right fit for college, not only in academics, but also in life style. Research the extracurricular and intramural activities that are available at the school . Being away from home for the first time can be hard, and many times these activities are a great way to meet others. This is an exciting time in our lives, and the right place can make all the difference.

Nicole

I would tell the students to go where your heart tells you to go, don't just go to a college because your parents, friends or teachers try to persuade you to go! If you pick a college because that is truly where you want to be you will get so much more out of the experience. Also, studying is a very important part of college. It is important to make the grade and try your hardest! But it is also important to make friends and get involved in on campus activites and clubs! MAKE FRIENDS! As for the parents I would tell them to be there for their child but let him/her grow! If they want to go away to college that is perfectly okay, they are growing! Just be there for them in their every choice and do not try to persuade them to make a choice because of what YOU want them to do! And to the student and parent, enjoy this time in your life, its the best and you will NEVER get it back!

Jamie

My advice, first to parents, would be to try and be open-minded and accept your child's decision about where they want to attend college. Try to talk to them and find out their reasoning behind why they have chose the college they have. And remember, just because you like a certain school does not mean that your child will. This is their opportunity to take advantage of this college experience that could possibly determine much of their life for the future. To students, I would say that you should strongly research and consider your options. Do not choose a college for someone else, but for you. This is your decision and if there are no restraints go for what you believe is the best decision for you. No matter what your decision is, remember that you go to college to learn first, then the social life follows. Involvement is extremely helpful and school spirit is a must!! To parents and students as one, try to comprimise and sit down together and discuss your options and reasonings. Remember, try to be rational and accepting of each other's views and decisions. Good Luck and Best Wishes!!

Jason

Go somewhere where you believe you will feel comfortable and have the ability to succeed. Do not go somewhere just because your friends are going there or because you like the part scene. Let desires like those be a secondary reason to attend a school. To make the most of your college career, remember you are there for a learning experience and to gain knowledge. But still, do not forget to have fun. College is one of the best times in a person's life. But you have to remember that school come first and party comes second.

Alicia

I would suggest that sudents stay close to home but far enough to feel somewhat indepentdant (unless the school that best fits your major is not close.) This makes for a very smooth transition from high school to college and will allow you to go back home (if you want) without having to stress over the long drive (or flight) alone. In my personal experience, I have found that being closer to home makes life a lot less stressful because although you want to feel independant and on-your-own, the fact is, you really are not. You need your parents to help you make wise decisions and even to share their personal experience. This is the very reaosn why I transferred schools and I don't regret my decision at all. Moving forward, the number one tip I would give to any student aspiring to mke the most of the college experince is to get involved and try new things because you will meet such a wide variety of people that each have something different to offer. Morever, it will help you to gain a greater apprecition for those who may be racially, culturally, or religiously different from you.

Imani

Don't let your friends, your family, or your boyfriend decide what's right for you. Go with your gut and pick the school that you think suits you best because in the end whho knows you better than yourself?

Pauline

To the parents and/or students looking for the right college and seeking to make the most of the college experience: Research all the colleges and universities that are in the interest of the student's major and/or career path. Once you find the ones you like, take into considersation, cost, housing, parking, distance from home, and the student life. Also, make sure to pick you roommates wisely, you're going to be LIVING with them. Bring tons of food! Trust me you'll need it. Make sure you apply for scholarships and fill out all the financial aid paper work required for you school. Parents, you obviously rised a good kid because they're going to college. Congratulations! So don't worry too much, stay in their lives, but don't call every hour making sure their alright. Besides, you wouldn't want to transfer anymore stress to your college graduate to be. Student to be, I know you're excited and you should be. You're going to college! Tip: Save the partying for the weekend.. TRUST ME. And most importantly, have fun! It's a new part of YOUR life, so enjoy it!

Brad

Please make sure to spend several days and nights at all potential schools. This should include weekdays and non-game weekends. Also, pickaprof.com is well worth the money so use it to check out the professors. If you don't get into your first choice, plan your classes around a transfer with the help of the websites of both schools. Look into CLEP tests. Do NOT follow anyone to a school. Do not choose based on football teams.

Sandy

Taking the timeto research as many colleges online as possible then narrowing it down to about ten choices and going to visit those campuses and spending a weekend there if possible to see as much of the area as possible. In order to make the best of a college experience, get involved!! Start signing up for different activities as soon as you can to start meeting people and learning different things you may or may not end up liking.

Terri

College Tours. Make sure to visit as many colleges as you can to determine which one is right for your son and daughter and also which one can give your child the best education available. Don't worry about cost; there are scholorships, grants and loans for that, and don't try to keep them as close to home. It will benefit them in the long run. Also, study abroad, interships, clubs, and organizations; many employers like to see what your child has done besides just going to class. A high GPA is nice, but experience is even nicer.

Noah

I would advise for a prosepective student to visit the university and try to talk to any friends or people who attend that university to try and gain a sense of what it is like to attend school there. I would suggest that the student realy sit down and try and visualize themselves at that school to mak e sure they would be happy there. Once the decision is made I would tell the student to embrace the experience with open arms. Go out and try new things, try and meet new people and just to make the most of the experience. Also, to remember to study and stay on top of your school work. Even just a little bit of time at everyday or night will make a huge difference, parties are always there but an F sticks with you forever.

Dakota

To make the most of your college experience, choose a school that you feel comfortable at. Take tours. Research the curriculum. ATTEND CLASSES ON A REGULAR BASIS!! Dont choose a school because all of your friends are going there in the fall, pick one that you are interested in and at the same time that has your major! Attend at least 3 cultural events during your freshman year. making the most of your experience is totally up to you. Find what suits you the best and do it!! Good luck!!

Kelcey

I believe that it is imperative for students and their parents to visit many different colleges. When looking at schools, they need to imagine themselves there -- what kind of housing does the school offer, do students stay on campus on the weekends, what can i do to get involved, how easily can i make friends, and can this school help me financially?

Marlena

The student needs to research several schools without limiting himself/herself. Take tours of different schools and ask variety of questions about what makes the college unique and how students at the school academically thrive. The student and parent also must know it is extremely important to meet with the deparment of the major he/she thinks they will want to pursue. This way, they can have an inside look to how classes are set up, run, and the standards the professors hold the students to. I believe that the student also needs to take a deep look into him or herself to find out what school would help make him/her the most well rounded and knowledgeable person. This includes the town, the school's activities, and organizations to get involved with. Find a school that will help you thrive and succeed, but also find a school that you can become involved in to help yourself become a better, more educated person in the field of study you would like to pursue.

Joseph

Go out and tour the school. Let the student go out with friends around that area. See what events and activities are aviable when going to school. Most importantly do your best to save money and get your grades up where you dont have to work constantly while your going through school.

Holly

Study hard and GET INVOLVED!

Daniel

visit a few of your top college picks and attend the one that best fits your needs and academic interests

Candice

Don't settle to go to just any school, if you don't get accepted to the school you really wanted to go. Research the school of your choice very thorough and visit the campus before making your decision.

Carter

Visit the campus, a student must feel comfortable in their surroundings if they plan to spend a successful four years there. Most kids that stay in state can always find friends with older siblings that may attend the college they are thinking about. I reccomend sitting down and asking questions more about the overall experience, because until you go to college, you really have no idea!

Nicole

The right college isn't always the most popular or the most expensive. The right college is one that will open you up to new experiences and new people, and its also one that fits your personality. There are so many different universities, that the only way to pick one out is to go and visit. Getting the feel of the institution is the best way to figure out if it is for you or not. Most colleges have an open house where you are able to see the campus, meet faculty members, and current students. I went to quite a few events that were hosted by the school I decided to attend, and that's what sold me. The faculty were encouraging and the students that I met were extremely outgoing and were proud that they attend Georgia Southern University.

Sonya

I would tell them to not only research thoroughly but to make visits to as many campuses as you can! A college campus can really make or break a decision about attending a school. Also, you should dive into college head first with a positive outlook and attitude; versatility is a good quality, and if you don't possess it now, college is definitely a place to start! Don't take too many classes your first semester, and make a point to attempt studying, at least a little bit! College is a place to meet life-long friends who bevome your family away from home. Pick one or two things to get involved in so that you can meet new people and build up that resume! Most importanly, have fun, but don't get too crazy!!

Mercedez

The best advice I can give to anyone trying to make college choices is to not be afraid to take chances, or make mistakes. Students don?t realize that you don?t have to go to a 4-year university right away. In fact, many families can?t afford their children's dream schools, unless the student receives amazing financial aid. My family couldn?t afford my first choice school which led me to my first mistake. I settled for a more affordable school that I had no interest in, instead of taking time off to discover other options that satisfied both of us. So I took a risk, and went to the more affordable school, and pretty much hated it. But going taught me and my family many lessons, and turned out to be rewarding as I met some amazing people. Plus, the experience really helped me focus on what I truly want out of college. And most importantly, it led me to my current school, which I love, even though it wasn?t on my original list of schools. Sometimes mistakes lead us to great solutions that end up being better for us than our original plan.

Ashley

Study hard, party hard, don't hold back

Taylor

Make sure the size of the school accomodates your needs. If you need or want smaller class sizes, make sure your school offers that. Health Centers on campus are a great ammentity to have.

Andrew

i would make sure they allow the studen to tour all of the school and get a feel for them finding the right fit is important to how the student will do there.

Sara

My first piece of advice would be to carefully consider your financial situation prior to making a decision. I chose to attend a school in Tennessee on a swimming scholarship, and while I enjoyed the experience it set me back financially and I was forced to transfer closer to home. While the financial impact of my decision to go out of state for college was significant, I would also encourage high school seniors to move out of their parents house even if they are attending a school close to home. Once you get out on your own you have a chance to really figure out who you are and what is really important to you. Personally, I was very anxious to move out, and while I still enjoy visiting home I have learned so much out on my own. College is an exciting time, and choosing the right school will make a world to difference in your life. That said, you will make mistakes but the key is to learn from them and become a better person because of the trails you face.

Elizabeth

I would tell students to write down their academic, extracurricular, and social goals that they want to accomplish in college as well as their plans for after graduation. Then, I would tell them to research colleges based on those criteria. Once they have narrowed their choices for colleges down to a few, they should make plans to visit the colleges keeping in mind to ?befriend? at least one student at the college so they can see both what the university wants to show them and what the students experience on and off campus during their trip. Finally, parents should be open-minded and accepting of their child?s academic desires, keeping in mind that their child is likely to change their major a few times. Meanwhile, students should be aware of financial limitations in their pursuit of higher education and should plan accordingly by researching scholarships, jobs at college, and other varieties of financial aid.

Cole

If I were choosing a school knowing what I know now there are several things I would look at. First I would like to look at the Campus and quality of facilities, as this will be where you spend most of your time. I would also want to know that choose a school that suits you best, not the one all your friends from high school are attending. College is a great time to meet a lot of life-long friends and you will have plenty of opportunities to do so. I would also look at the rate students are finding jobs after graduation and what kind of programs the school has to offer to help you in finding a job. After all that is why I would be going to school in the first place. Lastly I would make sure the school had plenty of extra-curricular things to do like clubs, or intramurals. I believe College is what you make of it and as long as you choose the college you think is best for you, your education and experience will pay for itself one-hundred times over.

Christopher

In order to find the right college its important to go somewhere that fits you; not only academically but socially as well. If your someone who isn't into partying go to a school where the emphasis is more on study and research. Discover new innovations or techniques of doing things. If your into a social environment select a college that has a good nightlife; but make sure that school is the primary focus. And Remeber being successful isn't about WHAT you know but about WHO you know. Meet as many people as you can whether through partying or scholastics; your never know what someone else can do for you later on down ther road!

Meagan

Advice for parents would be to not be affraid to let your children venture out to a new location. I am sure they will be safe and they will come back a much more responsible and outgoing child. For students, I advice you to not stay at home and go to college. You really want to have the full college experience and that will only come with living on campus!

Marcus

Do your research! Find out what the drop out rate is. Also, a campus visit is invaluable to determining whether you want to go to a specific college. Check out the dormitories.

Desha

I would tell parents and students alike to make sure it's the right fit for you. Make sure the location, the people, and the academics are right for you. If you love the school, but hate the location, you'll end up going home every weekend and not making the most of your experience. Visit, visit, visit! Don't pick a school based on what you've heard! Go and see the school and ask questions. Most high schools will allow an excused absence to visit a college! Georgia Southern offers visits Monday through Friday and I know a lot of other schools do, too. As far as making the most of your college experience goes, you have to step out of your comfort zone! You have to go out there and make friends. I would definitely suggest living on campus as a freshman. There is no better way to make friends than to live in a dorm. Also, get involved on campus. That's another great way to meet people and ultimately figure out who you are. After all, isn't discovering yourself what college is all about?

Jessica

Write down the pros and cons of the colleges you are most serious about and look at them. Think about where you see yourself being a few years down the road!

Susan

When you walk on the campus you should fall in love with it. Look at class sizes and teachers reviews to see if its going to be right for you. For parents, call the colleges and see how that first phone call is answered and how you are treated. Ask questions and see how long it takes or how easy it is to find out what you need and the staffs personality. Look for scholarship opportunities and job availability and how active the campus is with sports, community, and activities. If you dont love it, it may not be the right place for you, but dont give up because there are so many great colleges out there.

Malorie

Take into consideration how big the campus is and how outgoing you/your child is. If you/your child are/is introverted, then a massive school with tens of thousands of students will only swallow him/her up and lead to possibly feeling like they're overwhelmed and depressed. You should always make sure that the size of the school won't affect how you/your child adjusts to being away from home and on your/their own for the first time.

Brittney

My advice would be for the student to choose which school is best for them and not the parent. The student should go on visits and learn about the campus in which they are interested in.

Jessica

Finding the right college is hard. There are big and small schools in different size towns. Each school offers different extra-ciricular activities, housing options, and faculty to student ratio. Colleges are even run differently. Some focus on research, while others focus on expansion. The best advise I could give to a student is visit any college you want to attend. Colleges can fool you. Even though the college might seem inviting and a perfect fit for you online, it could be completely the opposite in real life. When you visit a college, you get the feeling of what it would be like to be a student at that institution. You can visualize if this college is a good fit for you. When you find the right college, you just know it is meant for you. It is a funny feeling, but I promise you will feel it while you venture through various institutions.

Danielle

Go on many campus tours and the student usually can tell where they would fit in best. To make the most of the experience students should get involved on campus, it is a great way to meet people.

Brandon

Don't choose the college you think you SHOULD go to, but rather pick the college you feel at home at. Remember, It's going to be your home for at least four years, so pick a place that is comfortable to you, that will also allow you to get the full potential out of your studies. If you want to make footprints in the sand, quit dragging your feet!

Tiffany

For any school that you consider attending, you should be able and williing to take a visit to the campus so you can get a feel for it and talk to people so that you'll know what to expect. This allows you to interact with the people and find your way around the campus if you should choose to ultimately attend that school. As there are advantages and disadvantages in finding the perfect school, you should stick to those values that are important to you and seek schools that support those values. Also important is the financial obligation of attending certain schools. You should only consider attending a school that fits your budget or that offers scholarships and other financial aid that will help fund your college education. Students and/or parents should also look into out-of-state schools, even though they cost more. This is important because attending an out-of-state school can help a student become more independent by allowing them the freedom to find themselves and deal with situations as they come.

Macy

Georgia Southern is a very safe, and secure campus. There is 24 hour security and automatic lights for when you are walking on campus at night.

Mackenzie

The most important thing I could say is that pick a campus that you enjoy. It is important to enjoy your time on campus because you will spend a LOT of time there. I also suggest that you should look for a school that offers a great variety of programs and activities to do when you aren't in class. These opportunities could later on help you find a job. While in college the most important thing I can tell you is to talk to your professors!! This is something that seems small but could help you if you are right in between an A or B. If you know the professor and he/she knows that you are working hard then he/she might push your grade from a high B to a low A. GO TO CLASS!! This may seem simple now but if you have a class with no attendence policy it is really hard to make yourself go towards the end of the semester. But you can miss many important things by not going to class. So my tips: Choose a school that has a campus you like, talk to the professors, and GO TO CLASS!

Allison

The advice I would give to parents would be to let your children choose the college they wish to go to. As long as it is a college that you approve of, it is best to let them decide because overall, that is what matters. For the students, the advice I would give would be to go look at all of the campuses and schools that you are thinking about attending. There are many schools out there and if you look at all of them, you will find the one that is right for you.

Elizabeth

Visit as many colleges as you can. You never know where you might end up!

Scott

Take it seriously! Sure, college is definitely fun, but one must keep in mind that what you do here will almost certainly define who you become. College is the time and place to make lifelong friends, learn valuable skills, and above all, find yourself.

Jonathon

visit, visit, visit, you must see the campus, just go and sit on a bench for a while, hang out in the library for a while, go to the student center or student union