Georgia Southwestern State University Top Questions

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

Abigail

Do not worry about what people will think of your choice of school, your degree will speak for itself, trauma psychology for the Red Cross is noble without a big name school to back it up, you will prosper with people and sisters who care about you even at a small school that many haven't heard about yet. But you can be the one to tell them about it. Don't worry about what roomate you will be asigned but don't become too attached because its possible that you may need to distance yourself from her, also don't date the first guy to show an interest in you, get to know him first so you can avoid that mistake. Take storage compartment for under your bed and shoe rack for your closet, and bring your earing holder! The turning thing you bought will not be good enough! But relax, you already know how to transition into way harder situations than this!

Hidelida

I would have given much more emphasis to my studies, I would have devoted heart and soul to consider before thinking about marriage. would have grown professionally first.

shani

I would tell myself that college is not at all like high school and that you should really listen and take in consideration of what your teachers and all the college recruiters and other people that have college experice are saying to you. When you get there class is not a game, you're professors will help you as much as they can but they will not baby you at all. Your work must be done and turned in on time, you will not make it through writing high school level papers so you should continue to freshen up on your writing skills and have a study schedule. I would also tell myself about not only managing my time but managing my money because financial aid is nothing to play with, you dont want to dig yourself a whole filled with student loan debt. I would also tell my self to save the money i collect on graduation day. Then i would tell my younger self about all the fun college has to offer also and that you can have fun but not too much fun, there is a time to play and a time to get serious.

Christopher

Christopher, college is much more difficult than high school. There are actually less test, but they are worth more than tests taken in high school. There could be only two test throughout the whole semester that will determine your grade, so study, study, study! Being a freshman in college is similar to being a freshman in college, except you actually get a chance to live at the place go to school, this is, if you live on campus. Oh, and be careful about who you select as your roomate, your best friend may not be the best choice. All in all, you will have fun, it will be an experience that is definitely worth taking.

Gilbert

The big transition into college was a new experience and a big responsibility. Here are some key things to remember. There are no parents to remind you to do things, so you have to write things down in case you forget. Also stay friendly, but don’t let people take your kindness for weakness. People love to take advantage of kind people because it’s hard for us to say no. Don’t be afraid to put your foot down and let them know how you feel about a situation, stand up and express yourself. Join clubs and get involved because it makes life so much more fun and you will have less stress that way. Ultimately the hardest adjustment to make in college is with time management. Most college students fail to establish enough study time and therefore their poor grades start to show. Unlike most college students, you need to choose to establish a goal for the more important things, and the leisure or fun activities fit in where they can. Even when you feel like backing down from the challenges that life throws at you, keep the faith and remember to stay focused on what’s important.

Nichole

There are many things I would love to say if I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior. First, I would tell myself that it is not as easy as it sounds. I wish I would have known that just because I didn't have to study then to do well didn't mean that I wouldn't have to work hard for my college education. I would also tell myself that I don't have it "all figured out" like I think I do. There is so much more out there other than your small home town. It's important to get out and meet people. It helps you build upon who you already are and are meant to be. College is not just about the book work, but it is also about finding your passion and how you want to utilize that to give back to your community. I would tell myself that I am meant for great things and to take full advantage of it the entire journey.

Shana

I would tell myself not to take classes I wasn't sure I could handle that I didn't need, and to stop procrastinating. I would've told myself to study, and always make time for classwork.

Brittani

I would definitely tell myself to buckle down and focus on my schoolwork because first semester I didn't take my schoolwork seriously and I failed one class. I would say to myself, "Don't party as much!!". I have definitely changed since my first semester of college.

yanique

I have learn that GSW does not have all the classes i need to fullfill my career, so i will be transferring Fall 2011.

Mark

Through my college experience, I have learned to be independent in my studies.

Casey

I have gotten a well rounded course load. Attentive professors that strive to get to know the students. I am confident that I can complete my course work and graduate. It has been valuable that I have attended this university because it is small enough to not be a bother, but big enough to offer what I need for four years.

ReQail

I'm learning to be an independent person. People will always tell you that nothing is ever given to you and that you will have to work for what you want, but hearing and experiencing those words are two different things. I'm learning how to live for myself and how to be a better person all around without having to run home to mom or my comfort zone because in order for me to be successful I have to be able to stand on my own two feet. I have always tried to help out in the community, but college is also a help in that way because here they encourage you to work with your ocmmunity to make it better and help you find wyass to do this. I am overall growing up into a better person that can and will be successful when the time comes for me to move on.

Priscilla

I have become a stronger person and I have learned how to live on my own. When I first came to college, I had no clue what I wanted to do; I had no clue what I would be good at. I had always thought about the health career path, and after taking a career test, I decided that I would make a great nurse. Throughought my sophomore year, I realized that I had taken too many classes with my Anatomy class, so I learned how to really study and how to handle my stress. Since I had a test every week, I hardly ever went home and I went many weeks at a time trying to make what food I had last. I also had roommate drama to deal with, but in the end I found out who my real friends were and now our friendships are stronger than before. One of my friends plan to become a doctor and seeing her work to achieve her dreams has conviced me to think about possibly getting my Masters after a few years of work experience. I am now in a sorority, have a job, and looking forward to my future.

Shea

As a freshman in college, I have already learned so much. I have not only learned time managment and responsibility, but respect and acceptance also. I have experienced many discussions throughout my time in class. Most of which have been based upon topics that you wouldn't talk about while walking down the street. Such topics include: race, sex, religion, politics, and personal experiences. Many times, my opinions don't match the ones of the person next to me. College has tought me to accept that fact and to respect that person and the opinions that they may have. This is a value that many Americans do not possess. However, I feel that my life will be much easier knowing that there are some things that I can't change; including other people's opinions. The ability to respect others unconditionally will help me face many struggles as I enter the workforce and climb the "Corporate Ladder".

Pamela

Get a job as soon as possible and submit to as many scholarships as possible. Learn now to build up on your time-management skills and stop procrastinating on projects.

Joshua

I have spent a lot of money in the past on really uneccessary things. On top of that I did not really apply for to many scholorships. When I go back in time I wish to tell myself to really watch my budget and to really save most of my money just in case of a suprise expence from the university I am attending. I would also tell myself to really get a jump start on the scholorships at hand because I will sincerely regret it if I don't. I would also like to tell myself to change my studying habits severely and work on my time management skills, for that is a critical way to survive college. As a last, little tip to myself before I come back to the present, I would tell myself that I might want to save every bit of change I get for laundry money.

Ieisha

If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself to start learning good study habits. College is nothing like high school. In high school there was no need to study because the teachers went over exactly what was need for the tests, but in college they require you to do must of your learning in your own time. Therefore if I could go back in time I would tell myself to be prepared for this challenge. That would lead me to being able to study more efficently and know how to do my assignment well before they are due. I believe that me going back in time would change my whole freshman experience completely, and I would be thankful for that.

Immanuel

If I could go back in time, I would start off by telling myself to start practicing how to say goodbye to mom and all of those special treatments that she provides at home for me and hello to the beginning of becoming a man because that was my hardest part of going to college and I would also tell myself to start making agendas and schedules and learn how to stick to it because it's easy to travel the wrong route in college, metaphorically speaking - meaning that it's easy to be unorganized or unadjusted which may lead to bad and terrible experiences. In college, you also may have the tendencies to debate on whether to do homework first, go to the gameroom, or hang out with friends, but I would advise myself to remember this quote from a movie I once seen; "You do what you have to do in order to do what you want to do," which is saying to handle the most important business first before even considering to have fun. That would be a positive adjustment if I would develop such a mentality, so such insight could make all the difference to me.

Janise

I would tell myself to not depend on others to make such I have enough credits. That I need to stay focus to keep my HOPE grant. That people lie all the time and don't be surpised when they miss your future plans up. That GOD IS IMPORTANT and nothing else.

Marsha

Assuming I could go back in time as a senior, I would advise that I learn, as much about computer technology as possible because the world is changing quickly as is the way of doing business along with a changing world. Educating oneself and learning will be an ongoing journey in life. Assessing what I want in life as well as creating a plan to get there will help me to move forward. However, I must have a plan and make a commitment to accomplish what I set. Searching all my options broadens my opportunities and allows me to discover more about myself. I do not necessarily need to stay in the field I studied, if I believe a change would be a move forward. I can explore another field of business because I have an education that allows me to form career development and be marketable. My final advice is to get as much education as possible whether on campus, or online to fulfill my goals. Take charge of my future, and all the possibilities ahead for my life?s journey!

Gheriane

If i could go back and tell me something to prepare me for college i would have first told myself is to hold on to my family values. There are so many people from different backgrounds that it can be really easy to lose yourself and forget what really matters to you. I would have told myself not to be so naive; as a "pure" young lady coming into college because there are men who are willing to tell you anything just for that part of you. I would have most importantly told myself to cherish every day with my family. a 3 and a half hour drive home makes it difficult to see my family, and i've missed a lot of both family and church events. Finally i would have told myself to spend money wisely and open a savings account much earlier to support my father who is the only one working to provide for the family in a third world country.

janelle

I would tell myself to take senior year serious and dont slack off . And make sure you fill out all your paperwork for college early dont leave anything to the last minute . And although college might seem hard at first and hard to adjust just know your doing it to better yourself and find something your interested in and see if that have that at you school so you have something you like to do while your at school !!

Ashlee

When the teacher assigns readings, or suggests that you read something you should do it. In high school a lot of the time students have to read short passages in class and are often not required to comprehend what they read. The one thing I noticed one I started college is that you have to read the book passages, and they are not two-three pages, some can be up to sixty pages, and you are often tested on it the next time your class meets. Your finals and midterms are often on what you are paired with what the instructor lectures about, so another thing is you have to pay attention in class, if you lose focus for a minute and miss writing something down it could cost you. Just know that you have to pay attention and read, read, read the materials!

Andrew

My advice to my past life would be prepared, and not to settle for anything less, than what I could handle. College is a whole other chapter of your life, and you should try and fulfil it to the best of your abilities. Also try and have an idea as what you want to do, career wise, with your life, because its a lot easier to have an idea as to what you want to do. Also be yourself, because you will meet so many people who will accept you for who you truly are. Enjoy the little things in life as well, try and have fun, but remember you came to college to fulfil a dream you have been waiting for your entire life.

Ryan

College is a lot more fun and interesting than high school. Stop sitting there bored, just do the home work and make the grades you are able to make instead of getting by with the bare minimum. Soon you'll wish you knew how to study as you begin to learn the things you want to learn. Also, do what you can to qualify for scholarships and grants, when money is not a worry you will be able to focus and enjoy college, rather than stress over surviving the semester and having to work more hours than necessary when you need to be studying or even better want to take that break with friends and go out. One last thing. If any opportunity to travel comes up in college, take it. Go see the world. Learn new languages and make friends, some of them will be friends for life.

Brandy

The biggest advice I would give myself is don't give up. I am a nontraditional student who attended high school from 1999-2002. My high school was small, but very unfocused on the importance of education and preparation for college. I let others convince me that school just wasn't that important; I was bright and could have achieved a lot. It really doesn't matter about anything else but the goals you set for yourself. Don't let others convince you that your goals are unimportant or unattainable. I am finally achieving my goal of obtaining a degree in science when others told me that I just wasn't smart enough to be a scientist and school was just a waste of time. Ha to those who thought that I couldn't obtain my goal; I am officially half-way through a degree in Geology and pulling a 3.67 GPA to boot.

Nsangwa

To better the future, one must take care of the present otherwise the future will turn in a wrong direction and that'll lead the person to failure after failure. If i go back in time, i would advise myself to consider all the material i'm studying because more will be added to that once in college. College prepare student to face most of the situation that life presents. Therefore, i would pay close attention, as a high school senior, to what i learn and work hard to prepare myself for college.

Skylar

It's not much different than high school, but don't get carried away with the freedom you get.

Cory

I would tell say be prepared to study and become more mature. College is something that someone has to mature enough to handle and start preparing to be on your own. Every decision that will be made from here on out will not only affect yourself but the others around you. Start becoming more resposible not only for just yourself but your actions as well. Stay out of trouble and stay focused through the entire semester. One has to be ready to go get the work from their professors and not expect their professors to come to them because now you are not a kid anymore you are an adult and that is what the world is going to treat you like so be prepared and stay focused do not shy away from the goal.

Christina

Once you have found the right college for you, enjoy your college experience. This time only comes around once, make friends and find out who you are.

Shabrea

I would tell them to research the college carefully so they understand the rules and academic requirements of the school. That theres no need to rush. That they should go to a college that gives a good program for their major. That they should not go to a college because of the parties or because their boyfriend or girlfriend are going.They should go to a college that fit their major and standards.

Stephanie

Make sure that the college of your choice has good programs. For example, Georgia Southwestern State University has an excellent nursing program as well as an educational program. If you are interested in engineering, although the college might have some great courses, it is not necessarily known for the engineers it provides.

Allen

It is important to look for a college that feels right to you. Everyone is different and should look for the school that they like the most. If you are not comfortable at college then you are likely not to succeed.

Amy

Parents need to do their own research on colleges in their state to find the 3 best schools that they like for there kid. Looking at the surrounding areas, crime rate, and how safe it is for your kid. Students do a lot of research at high school on colleges. Don't bug them we hate that. Students should take this seriously though graduation comes before you even know it. When you do find whats schools you like compare them to your parents and then start planing the trips to visit the college. This is the mistake I made. I didn't go to my school until orintation day. I didn't make the wrong choice but it might have been better. I I went in not knowing anyone or even the area I was in but now I look back an know that i mad the right decision. The school is small and everyone knows everyone which is what I love because I came from a big high school! The last peice of advice I have is to check into the greek life at the school it will be the best thing you ever do!

Kwasheen

This school provides a great college experience. The school provides great education and great housing. The school prides itself on community service. At Georgia Southwestern State University, there are many organizations that a person may join that will enhance a students' college experience.

Dana

I would advise the to make the effort and research several schools. You should seek the school that meets your needs and makes you feel comfortable and accepted in the new and foreign environment that will be college. Be social and experience new things, but do not neglect your studies. You have to learn to balance your social life and school- including study time. In conclusion, be aware of the area and the dangers that go along with it.

James

Parents and students need to do sufficient research on each college they are considering. Also they shouldn't overlook community colleges and technical colleges as they can be much cheaper and closer to home. The parent's should educate their kids on how college is a tool to earn a job for the rest of your life and shouldn't be taken lightly. The students should understand the differences between college and high school and understand they can't coast through college like some did in high school. Also the parents should begin to expose the soon to be student to different career fields that would interest the student. Internships are an amazing way to gain a higher level of understanding about a particular occupation.

Kelly

When looking for the right college, you should look for what you like, not what your family tell you to look for. Do not always look at the size of the school; even if it is small, the college could have much to offer. When you get accepted, start looking for ways to get involved. You will not be happy at college if you are not involved. I never thought I was the sorority type, but it was the best thing that I ever did. Also, do not jsut do things that you think will make you look cool. People will like you if you are real.

Heather

Find a college that is the best fit for you in every aspect there is. Stay on campus and get the full college experience and meet all new people and sooner than you realize your growing up and becoming your own individual.

Dana

My best piece of advise would be to find a school that makes you feel comfortable. For example, I love Georgia Soouthwestern because it is not too small or too large. It is big enough that there is plenty to do and new people to meet daily; however, it is also small enough that there are usually familiar faces around, and you will not feel alienated or alone. Everyone is different, and you must find what is right for you.

Darius

A college that offers a great student life, excellent dorms, and good teachers. Also a school with a high job rate for graduates

Matthew

Try not to go to a college where you do not know anyone or a college with a different type of people than you are use to. Try and get away from home far enough that you learn to live by yourself, but not too far away so that you feel confortable living there. Maybe go to a smaller college for two years and move to a larger one your last two.

Lauren

Be Yourself!!

Krystle

Tp find the right college do a lot of research and make sure you visit the campuses befor you go.