Minnesota State University Moorhead Top Questions

Dear Kathleen, Before you are 30years old, you will be a single parent of 2 children. You will find yourself struggling to make ends meet, even though you are experienced in your trade. Having a college education may have helped you make it through these times a little bit easier. It may have helped you grow in your industry faster and provided more savings and comfort for you and your children. With a college education, and the possibility of growth in the path you have chosen, you could have more of a college savings for your own children@ this point in your life. Do for yourself first so that you may help others more in your future. Do not underestimate yourself or put yourself off. Your education WILL be the key to your sucess, for you and your children. Give your children the best gift you could, put your education first. SIgned, Kathleen

I would tell myself to keep my life organized and to allow for enough time to hang out with friends and socialize. Studies are important but so is building friendships.

Go to college immediately, into dental hygiene/dentistry. Which mistakes to avoid that have hung me up along the way and slowed down my success and progress in life. Tell myself to not listen to my mom every time she discouraged me from a career thought, to forget about the boys and just concentrate on the grades. The boys aren't worth a girls time until he is smart, educated, and employed. No boy is worth crying over--the one that is, won't make you cry--the one that does, isn't the one.

If i had to go back in time and talk to myself about college life, there are many different things I would inform myself on. For one, I would tell me to go to college where I want to go. I would not let myself go based on anyone else. This is one of the biggest decisions in your life and going for yourself is something you need to do. Another thing I would tell myself is to learn how to study, set the same time out everyday to do your work because once you get in that habit it is easier to keep it. I would also tell myself to look at all the options I had. Not to leave any option out in my college choices. There are so many different options, so look around. Also I would tell myself to open up, spread my wings and go with the flow. You meet so many different people in your college career and if you are stuck on people from high school you arent going to get very far. And last but not least, have fun and enjoy it. These are the best days of your life!

The three factors that I believe to be absolutely pivotal for a prospective student to consider when selecting a college or university are course selection, campus size, and student environment. Course selection is particularly important if a student has already decided on a major. If, for example, a student wishes to pursue writing, it is important for his or her selected university to have a strong English and Communications program. Having related and more specific programs, such as journalism and creative writing, would also be an important factor to consider. Campus size relates to how involved a student wishes to be on campus. A smaller campus is more intimate and tends to allow a student to participate in more activities simultaneously. A large university, however, will usually have more activities offered and enable a student to specialize in a particular area. Finally, a welcoming student environment is very important. A diverse student body, smaller class sizes, and specialized groups related to an academic major are conducive to a learning environment. A student who feels comfortable among his or her classmates will be more willing to participate in academic discussion and social activities - providing opportunity for intellectual and emotional development.

I would say that they should tour many colleges and make sure that it is the perfect one. Make sure the size is just right and the atmosphere is what they enjoy being in. Don't ever let cost of tuition be a deciding factor for what college you choose.

Even if you know you have the grades to get into whatever college you want to, make sure you take a look at a ton. If you don't, you'll be second guessing yourself more than youc an imagine. Then, to make the most out of college, really get involved in activities that will help you in your career and find friends that will support you throughout everything you do.

I think you need to find a school that "feels right". When you tour the school you should be able to picture yourself going to that school. You should take your time when looking at schools. To make the most of your college experience you should get involved on campus. You should join a club, sport, or orginization. Campus government is a great way to get involved an also make a difference. Also by joining a club or group, you make friends that last a life time.

The cost of visiting a campus prior to admittance is more cost efficient than enrolling blindly and spending thousands of dollars on a mistake. Visit several campuses and meet with several professors in your academic area of interest before making a decision on which university to attend.

Make sure the campus has a focus in your chosen field. Understand if you (or your child) are interested in graduate school or career placement. Certain schools focus on different aspects for "after university". While intentions and career decisions may change, going in with a clear plan will help your advisor and the school know how to help you. Make the most of your college experience by being involved with your department and the extracurriculars the school offers. These will look good on either job or graduate school resumes.

Visit the college. Don't be afraid to ask questions or talk with any of the professors. They are their to help you decide what path for you is best and will help you to succeed in the future and in finding the job that you will wake up in the morning and want to go to. Don't be afraid to go to a college where you don't know anyone, you will meet people there who are a lot like you and may end up being the best of friends for the rest of your life. Get involved. Try something new! Maybe that one class will give you more insight in to who you are than you realized. Clubs and sports are a great way to meet people and to help you stay focused during your time away. Get to know your professors and be sure they know who you are. You are more likely to get the help you need if you ask for it and make an effort to succeed in that class. Enjoy yourself! Find something you'll love to do and do it.

I would like to give parents and students the following advice about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience: Research the school and the program(s) that your are interested in and find out someone from your area that is going or had gone to the school to find out what they liked and disliked about the school. I would also suggest that they spend time at the school and areas around the school to know ahead of time what there is to do and see and explore. I would also advise them to look at the housing options, weather issues, and think long and hard about the how the time at college will be spent. I would also advise them to consider as many of the possible issues they may have , for example, car problems, money problems, etc., and how they would or could be solved. Also, it would be great to find other students from their hometown to bond with until they are able to make friends at school. The final advise I would give someone that would like to make the most of their college experience is to be involved in everything.

The best advice that I could give to students and parents about finding the right college is to keep your options open. Make sure to apply to lots of colleges and go on lots of college visits before you decide where you want to go. Also, be involved as much as you possibly can with campus activities and organizations to make the most of your college experience.

Make sure you look at the community the college is in, as well as the college itself. you'll be living in that area for four years, so you want to make sure you like leaving campus sometimes too! :)

Let students choose the school they want to go to, have them look into things they are interested in and find what school's are best suited for those interests. Don't force your opinions on them, they are growing up. It's okay to let them. In the end they will be happier where they end up and enjoy the experience more.

Make sure that you have all the facts about the colleges you will be applying for. In order to get the best scholarship offers, hold off actually enrolling so that the schools will up their antes to get you as their student. My mother and I played it safe when I applied and as a result, I was unable to get the scholarships my brother has now been offered because he waited. Once you are in college, make the most of it. You are paying a lot of money to be there, so you're only cheating yourself out of hard-earned money if you skip class or fail a course. In the end, you are competing against yourself to get the best education. It doesn't matter if other people are smarter than you or get better grades than you. At graduation time, all that matters is you did your bst and worked your hardest to learn how to see the world in a different light.

I would advice parents and potential students to make a list of non-negotiables, must have qualities, before checking out a university or college. It is good to have a general idea of what you are looking for when you begin looking.

Find the school that meets your needs for your major, then the city you want to live in.

be sure to check out the total cost and be prepared to assist with some homework or tutoring costs if needed to assist your child in retaining the best possible results for the education choice. be sure that your child is mature enough to leave home and follow the rules of the school as I have seen quite a few kids get into trouble due to not being mature enough to handle these decisions on their own. Make more than one trip to the school and visit with many different students to get a better scope of the whole school experience.

The advice I would give to parents and students about finding the right college would be to look for a college that is known for what they are majoring in. I have found that the professors and advisers have a better understanding of what is being taught, and what is required for the major and the order the classes need to be taken in order to graduate on time. However, if this is not possible (and even if it is) it's a good idea become informed. By informed I mean knowing what classes are offered fall and spring semester (is it just one or both) and knowing when they are offered (every year or every other year). It's not always easy for advisors to keep track of every indivdual so take responsibility. I would say the best way to make the most of their college experience would be to get involved. I'm not saying join every group but join one or two. Don't make the mistake of becoming a "mole" and stay locked up in the dorm or apartment. Studing is essential to doing well in college, but don't let it define who they are.

Easy.

Above all else, be honest with yourself throughout the entire process. Be honest, not only in deciding on what major you choose, but what school you go to. See what colleges work best for you personally, regardless of cost, prestige, or location. Certainly keep in mind what is said about what your college has to offer in your particular field(s) of interest, but when it boils down to it, choose which one feels most right for you. I've seen far too many people be forced into expensive, private schools who really wanted the down-to-earth, friendly environment my college provides. I've also seen many people choose majors unfit for them, simply because they thought that's what others expect of them. No lifestyle, no job, no major is fit for everyone, so there's no reason to assume that a college must be defined through its prestige alone. Do everything you can beforehand to get to know each college intimately, and watch how responsive each college is to providing you with ways to do that, whether through tours, interviews with departments, etc. Through this process, you can learn what's best for *you.*

When selecting a college it is best to tour several universities, look at class options, and visit with professors in your major. College is what you make of it; make an effort to make friends, get to know your professors personally, and develop good study habits. Make wure to read your course syllabus for each class and put due dates of papers and tests into your planner so that you are not surprised. Study each day so that you are never caught by surprise with quizzes or tests that you are unprepared for. Join some student activity groups. It is a wonderful way to meet people and helps keep students involved in worth while projects. Also, joining a student group of your desired profession is an excellent way to learn more about careers of interest.

Finding the right college can be a hard process. When you are doing college visits, one will stand out to you. Go with that one. If you really want to make friends, I would recommend going to a smaller school where the class sizes are smaller and you have more personal conversations. When you are in college, join clubs and groups that seem interesting to you. Put yourself out there and try to make friends. When you walk into the cafeteria, instead of sitting by yourself, sit at a table with a group of people you don't know. Also, while you are in class, chat with they people that are sitting next to you. If you are struggling in a class, ask people to make a study group with you. If you are having trouble in a class...I guarantee others are too!! Don't be shy...ask your teachers tons of questions. The library is your friend, go there often. It is quiet and they also have internet so you can facebook in between study breaks! Have fun in college and try new things! College is the best 4 years of your life!!

Make sure you like the campus and feel like you could fit in and everything else with come with it. All students come worried about making friends, but once you start a conversation with one person or at least say hi to someone then it gets easier to make friends and after a little while you will have lots of great people to share the college experience with.

Figure it out early, and make as many trips to schools as possible; get a wide view of the college life.

Tour as many places as you think you may want to go and while there, talk to students who currently do go there. Getting a feel for the campus and how students see it will help you get an idea of what is the right fit for you. Just looking at a brouchure does not do the campus justice. Personally, I almost went to a school based on what I thought it was like, until I went on a tour and found out the truth. Also, dont just go wherever your friends are going. If you want to meet new people, it is way easier when you branch out.

Find a college that offers all the programs that you have any interest in. Most people don't know exactly what they want to do so selecting a college with a number of possibilities that interest you is a must.

I would tell others to go with what they feel is best for them. Don't go to a school just because all your friends are going there. Base your decision on which school will be the best for your major. As for making the most of your college experience, get involved with student activities. Most schools offer such things as sororities or fraternities, sports, intramurals, clubs, etc. Don't take your college years for granted.

Do not include me in the scholarship contest.

I say find a school that fits you. Don't try to fit yourself to the school. It just won't work. Go to campus events. Don't be afraid to join campus organizations, especially culture clubs and hobby clubs. Some of your best friends may be from another country. Don't be afraid to become an organization officer either. It's tough sometimes, but it'll be good for both your social life and your resume. Just don't let the social aspect completely dominate your life or you will flunk out of school.

Take the plunge and spend what you have to. You will spend a fortune anyways might as well get what you want out of it. Wish I would have.

Take as many campus visits as possible. Also talk to people that have gone or are going to the school and see how they like it. Really put yourself on the campus and see if the student would really like the campus. If the student gets along with the campus and the staff and faculty are nice, it is up to the student if they would like to go there. Also check for tuition rates. Sometimes the more expensive school is not always the best school. It is what the student likes.

choose what school feels right to you, not right to your parents or where your friend or boyfriend goes. if you dont you'll regret it, end up transfering and lose alot of money. when you are a freshman and you're anxious just know everyone else feels the same way so dont be afraid to socialize.

Some advice would be... -Don't just go to a school because it's where all your high school friends are going. -When you first step onto a college campus, you will know right away if you like it or not, follow your instincts. -Research what schools have good programs in your areas of interests, for example, not all schools have good art programs etc. -Try your hardest to meet new people and try new things, remember that everyone else is trying to meet people too so it isn't actually that hard to do. -Get involved in something... intramurals... clubs...organizations...

College is not all about academics. It is also about finding yourself and making the best friends that you will keep for the rest of your life.

Make sure you go where you want to go. Don't worry about where your boyfriend or girlfriend is going, because college isn't the place for that and you can really mess yourself up. Financial aids and student loans are worth it if you're willing to work for them. Most of all just keep an eye out for what you really want to do, stick with your plan, because you never know what you'll have to do to tweak it.

find a person from your own town who has attended the school of your choice for at least 2 years and ask very strong centered questions regarding the dorm life, dining halls, respectfulness of the students towards each other. BE sure to save as much money each summer prior to the new school year so as to not have to borrow so much to go to school.