Georgia State University Top Questions

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

Monica

Students who exhibit a fair amount of responsibility in high school succeed in most college environments. On the flip side, students who earned poor grades or had displinary infractions in high school should be encouraged to go to campuses with small class sizes to encourage focus.

Charlene

When selecting a school, think about the type of atmosphere you want to be in as far as in the city, in a small town, in the country, etc. Someone should also select a school based on how diverse they want their school to be. All school websites will offer a breakdown of the different ethnic backgrounds of their students. Another thing people should consider when they are deciding on where to apply is what type of extracurricular activites they want to participate in because not all schools offere everything. A good way to get the most out of your college experience is to talk to new people, join a club, sorority/fraternity or sports organization at your school. It is also a good idea to try and find people who have the same major as you because then you can talk to them about classes, professors, and future plans after college. It is easiest to connect with people who have the same major as you do because then you will already have something in common with them.

Amber

To the parents, i would suggest that you allow your child to really experience college life. Keep in mind that they are no longer childern. Do not be afraid to let them make their own mistakes. Basically i would advise parents to give their children room to grow, and to become adults. To the students, i would advise you stay focused. College life can be demanding and distracting. You are experiencing a major change and it is important that you recognize that, and you need to be able to make the necessary adjustments. With this being said, i believe that in choosing a college parents and their children should find somewhere with an ideal location. A place that is not too far away from home, but far enough for the student to gain a real college experience. I also advise a school that fits the needs of the student, and not the parent. It is important that the student's needs are met, becasue college is the first step to your future.

Allison

I know people say it all the time, but it is true, you are going to change a lot from the time you are looking at universities to the day you graduate from college. You should pick a school with a diverse student body and a wide variety of classes and degree options, college is a time to open yourself up to new people and possibilities and the best way to do this is to be exposed to it all. It is so tempting to choose a school based on where your friends are going, do not do this. Your first day on campus you can be anyone you want and it is difficult to do this if you are part of the same group you were in prior. I know how scary that sounds, but remember, everyone feels the same way. You are going to be nervous but press on, join activities, clubs, go Greek; anything goes. College, whether you go across the country or down the street, provides you so many opportunities, take advantage of them; you never know?

Donald

Visit lots of schools. Visits are the most important thing to do, a school could look great on paper and end up nothing like you wanted. By visiting several schools you will get a better feel for what you want and what suits you best.

Zeldayah

Make sure it has the best program for your major.

Hana

Students should manage their time and plan ahead of time to avoid stress. Also, studetns should participate in different activities

Maurice

The greatest important factor one should consider is which major one want to go into. For example, I initally wanted to go to Georgia Tech due to the fact that most of my friends and my brother went their. Unfortunatley I did not accepted at Tech, but instead went to Georgia State. The irony of this is that Georgia State was afterall more suited for me. Their Biology program is excellent and even though I had the change to transfer to Tech I decided to stick with State due to its program. Another good thing to look at is the financial aspect. It is way cheaper to go in-state and if you are lucky your state might offer financial aid programs. For Georgia it being the HOPE scholarship. Another aspect is how you going to live at or near college. On-campus is nice but also expensive, see if the college has a public transportation system like MARTA. Also keep up your GPA and always ask for help. See an adviser if you any other questions.

Stefanie

The advice I would give to prospective students about finding the right college and making the most of their college experience is to first, make sure that the college/university offers the most benefits and career opportunities specifically to what they want to achieve in the future. I say this because students should not feel as if they have wasted their time and money at an instiution that does little or nothing for them. It is important for prospective students to choose an institution based on academic and prestigous qualitites, instead of solely for social life, because the main purpose of school is not simply for socializing, but for gaining knowledge and experience in the field they want to pursue. Once they are accepted to their college/univeristy, making the most of their college experience is what will ultimately determine how successful they are in the future. It is critical to their college life to network with a variety of students and professors, despite their race, gender, and sexual orientation, because the more bonds they connect with others, the more likely they are able to receive adequate support and recommendations from and to others.

Shernone

Scheduel campus visits to the schools your interested in. When you find a school make sure to attend new student orientation (for it is the best way to make friends). Make sure you accept all your finacial awards and exhaust all other finances you have saved before you decide to take any loans. Be sure to pick the classes you need to graduate, make appoinments with your advisors if you have any questions. Take advantage of all the resources on campus and get involved in extra-curricular activities, sports, or volunteer projects. Most important books first , make the best decisions, choose the best friends, and enjoy the experience.

shante'

Pick a college according to the amount of money you have and the distant that it is from your home.

La'Vonne

do the homework on all schools and try not to go for prestige of the school but what they are offering you

Elizabeth

Decide if you are a better learner with your friends or by youself. If you are most likely to graduate and make good grades by yourself, seperate yourself from your friends and even your family. Second find a school that have most of your interests. Most, because you will more than likely change you major multiple times until you realize what you want to really do. Then, make sure all of your financial aid or funding ready for school before you begin your first day. Prepare to read. A lot! Buy an agenda. And have fun, its only the best years of your life!!!!

Zein

Do what is in your best interest. Go to a school where you believe you can excel ahead of others, regardless of the name the school carries. You don't have to go to an expensive school to be successful.

Victor

I don't know what to say about finding the right college, truth be told I fell backwards into Georgia State and got really lucky. But how to make the most out of your college experience? Well all I can say is make friends. Not alot, if you only have two that is perfectly fine. See when you get here you'll have moments where you feel like giving up whether it's the work load or just some drama, you'll want to throw in the towel. It's in those moments you'll need people. College is hard but when you have people that care about you it becomes so much more bearable. And here's some advice one of my professors gave me last year. Take higher level courses as soon as you can don't just focus on your core the first two years. Because you don't want to have five 4000 level courses your Junior year.

Brian

My advice for anybody looking to go to college is to get involved on campus. My first semester at college I did not get out of the dorm much and I did not have that much fun. My second semester however I joined a fraternity on campus and it has so far been the best experience of college. You meet so many new people and it is great for networking after college. As for choosing the right college for you, go with what your instincts tell you, but as long as you do not go to a college where you obviously do not fit in (very liberal school and your are very conservative) then you should be fine and you will have a lot of fun. That is not to say that you will not have a great time anyways, but you will fit in a lot easier if you go somewhere where you feel comfortable.

Ginelle

Visit the colleges and do your research thoroughly.

kayla

you should have many choices and look at schools until you know all the inofrmation you need about your major and carrer goals. make sure you are benefiting from attneding that school and it has your best interest as far as career and educational goals.

Ella

Make sure you research and know what your college is known for. Also have a great understanding of what kind of programs your college offers.

Nathaniel

Be happy. Do not worry to much about debt, the sucky economy, or stress of being to far from home. Try and have fun, go where you know you will be appreciated and welcomed as you are. Happiness is underrated these days, so do what is true to yourself. Go to the college that will foster your growth and not hold you back. Diversity is the best, it's more of a reality for what our world is and what our world needs. Be yourself. then you will be truely happy.

Breonna

College is a time where you explore all that life has to offer. Not only do you study hard, but also you find yourself in this process. In choosing a good college, I recommend that you not only look at how prestigious or popular the college is, but really find one that you can see yourself being a part of. College is a lot of fun and one should choose one that caters to their needs academically, socially and all around will offer them the best college experience. I always thought to myself, "I should not have to try to make myself fit in, but I should be accepted for who I am". At Georgia State University, I didn't have to try to fit in with anyone and I already gained friends that will last a lifetime. So when choosing a college, have fun and don't just look at the serious facts all the time. College only comes around once in your lifetime and it should be a time you should cherish and grow from. You have all your life to work and start a career, I'm not saying don't study, but enjoy yourself!

Jess

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Samentha

Parents and students should pick colleges mainly on how the school best fits your personality and what he/she may want to do for the rest of his/her life. Choosing the right college could be the defining factor in enjoying your college experience.

carly

Definitely stay in the dorms if you can for at least the first year. The first few weeks of school are the most important when it comes to making friends, so don't lock yourself in your room. Get involved... you've got nothing to lose. But always put time away (preferably during the day, because you'll find something else to do at night) to get some studying in.

Kristie

Find a place that you feel just as at home as your own house.

Nicole

Parents, my advice to you is to go through the college decision making process with your child. Make sure that your child is actually ready to go to school. Do not force them to go to school. A year off from school may be a good thing for a young adult. Also, make sure that your student knows that you are there for them, going away to school can be very difficult the first year or so. Students, my advice to you is to stay focused. Have a great deal of fun, but do your work. If you know now that you are not ready to focus, get a job! Get involved and meet people that are unlike yourself. Open your mind to new opportunities and knowledge! Have fun, but you will work very hard!

Sherley

Make sure to come visit the campus before you make your decision.

Miriam

Live in a dorm for one year, but then move out. Get your own place, be responsible and remember to have a little fun. The first few years are going to suck because of thsoe core classes, but one you get past that, it is much better. Remember to find the study habit that fits and works for you best.

Jerod

Don't wait until the last minute and make sure that as a student you are looking out for your best interests. Make sure the decision you make is the decision that YOU wanted to make. Stay true to yourself in terms of how you learn and what tools you need to learn. Time management is key to the college experience. Parents should be actively involved in the learning process of their children before entering college so they can be a resource in helping students choose a school. As a student allow yourself to mature and don't try to move faster than you know you're capable of doing. Stay focused and determined on your goals and try to stick with them but remain flexible because life changes everyday.

Jessica

Choosing a college can be a daunting task for even the most organized and prepared student or parent, but it is certainly not an impossible one. As an entering student, make sure you look beyond the glitter and glam any admissions department will present in an effort to draw in the most students. Remember, the goal of the admissions department is to portray their school in the best light possible in order to bring in the best and brightest students from around the country. This picture, however, may not always be the true story behind a school, and the only way to determine if a college is really right for you is by experiencing it at a personal level. Sit in on a few classes, if possible, to really experience how the professors teach and how the class size might affect your learning ability; find a current upper-class student at the college and ask them questions about academics, scheduling, social activities, and other considerations they too took into account when deciding on that particular college. Knowing beforehand what you will encounter is the best preparation possible when choosing a school and maximizing your academic potential.

Haena

Attend a college that you can afford, think about community college then transfer route, visit the college before making your decision, know what the school is known for academically

Tiffany

The best thing to do is start looking online and narrowing down at least ten college choices. Once he/she is able to do that then it is good to visit the campuses that are close to him/her. Students and parents should be able to get a feel of the campus because the student will want to know if he/she is comfortable on campus, and the parent would want to know if his/her child is in a good safe environment. It is also important for the parents to look at the costs, and determine if he/she will be needing to apply for a loan, or scholarships of any kind. Students should make sure that whatever major they choose, their college choice has at least 4 majors they would be interested in. At the beginning of every school year there is alot of rushing to get things done before school starts, so it is best to plan out everything ahead of time so no one will get overwhelmed and unorganized. For students, don't fall into the wrong crowd and work your hardest because that is what you are there for, and have a great time.

Shernone

Research the schools you plan on attenting. Schedule campus visits to the schools your thinking about attending. If you decide to live on campus and have a roomate, make sure you know who they are before you choose to trust them with your personal belongings. If you plan on staying off campus ask the housing department at your school for information on alternative choices. After deciding on a school new student orientation is the way to start. Get involved in campus activities, and join clubs and organizations that have to do with your major, you'll make more friends, but choose your friends wisely. Register for classes early to avoid long lines. Ask about scholarships. Always speak to your advisors if your having any trouble choosing classe or have any questions. Ask questions in class. Use the resources available at your school to find on and off-campus jobs or internships. Know where your money is going, if you are paying Lab , or activity fees included in your tuition then take advantage of the computer labs and recreational services on campus. Never walk alone if you have to walk at night. Choose a career that you'll enjoy for life.

Brandi

Since I live in the state of Georgia and we have the Hope Scholarship make sure you understand what all it will cover. Know that books are expensive and yes you need them in class in order to pass.Try not to get any loans. There is thousands of dollars of scholarships and grants out there so search for them and apply. Last be not least get involved on campus because its better than sitting in your dorm room looking out the window. Besides it will give you a chance to get to know students and network with the the faculty and staff at your scholarship. College is what you make of it and if you don't get the experience you wanted it was because you didn't put yourself out there to try new things.

Jamila

The advice I would give to parents and students about finding the right college is make sure you do alot of research on the school to be sure that it is the right place for you. Also schedule campus visits so you can get a feel of the campus that you are thinking about attending. The most important thing is to ask questions, do not just settle on a school ask questions to make sure that you are positive about your selection and not live to regret it in the future. Students need to make the absolute best out of their college experience. These are going to be the best 4 years of your life and you need to enjoy all of the before you are faced with the real world.

Amber

I would tell parents to let understand that their children are growing up and help guide them through this challenging time and be there for them when needed. For students , especially the new freshmen, I want them to understand that college is new and there are so many new experiences that are coming and just to take everything one step at a time and pace yourself. Time management is key.

Darris

Be sure to visit the campus of the schools you wish to attend if possible. Seeing the schools campus will give you a real look with your own eyes of what life at the school is like.

Genesis

The best advice that I could give to parents and/or students would be to make sure the environment of the campus is what you really want to be around. Not saying that bad environments of the school will affect your learning, but it will cause you to want to transfer to a different school. I would give this advice to anyone and pray they take it and run with it.

Mallory

I believe that the best advice would be to communicate. My mom and I did not communicate at first and we always found ourselves in an argument. Another piece of advice would be to study. Not only the student but the parent needs to study also. The student needs to study educationally but the parent needs to study the student's life. No, I do not mean to be involved with every aspect of the student's life but to know what is going one for example her class schedule, teacher's name, and general information about the school. I believe this helps the student when talking to her parents so they have some idea of what she is talking about. I know from experience my mom's college day were very different from mine. I do not believe that the communication line should be cut just because the student no longer lives in the home of their parents.

Marvin

Take your time and visit the campus. Also review the school ratings on programs and where the stand next to other schools in that same program. Also find out about the student body how different is it from other schools and the location.

Cara

When finding the right college first look at location and size. For example, if you're a city person you will definately have a better college experience by going to a school in the city. I would also tell students to not go to a school where they know tons of people, because the majority of people that go to college with all of their high school friends don't meet as many new people, and do not have the same college experience as people that only went to college with a few friends they knew from high school. I would also advise students to put themselves out there to make friends, even if you are shy, because the majority of freshman are in the same situation as you, and don't know many other people there, but definately would love to have new friends!

Jennifer

Before applying to any college, both the parent and the student should sit down and map out what they want their goals are for attending college and their career. This helps in identifying what characteristics are most important to the student that would enable them to receive the best education and experience that they can buy. Things to consider include: accreditation for certain degrees and certifications; clubs that promote the areas of study the student is interested in; the possibility of careers after graduation; the cost of attending school; the availability of financial aid; the distance from home, etc. I would suggest making a checklist of all your questions and concerns and do a campus tour of the top 3 picks to see which school best meets your needs and wants. Your decision will be influenced by a lot of variables, but it is important to prioritize your wants and needs so that you don?t pick a school for the wrong reasons. Information is key and doing your homework will save you a lot of time and heartache. Look at it as a scavenger hunt with the big prize at the end being a stepping stone to your future.