North Carolina A & T State University Top Questions

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

Xavia

When finding the right college, consider the location, majors, size, and all of the things that sparks ones interest. Never pick a place just because it was someone else's alma mater or because friends or family members go there. Always apply for scholarships, even after attending college because it always helps to receive more help to pay for the costs of attendance. Finally, always put schoolwork ahead of social activities, and create a good relationship with academic advisors and professors. They will be extremely helpful along the way.

Kevin

Well I know this is a very important and serious decesion to make. There are so many Universitys and Colleges to choose from around the world. I would first narrow down the choices by thinking about what kind of student your child is. And what type of learning environment your child could do well in weather it be large classrooms, or small individual learning based schools. Also consider if your child would like to be close to home or maybe they are deciding to leave the nest and go live on there own in a apartment or in campus housing. In addition, you should consider your son/daughter's transportation issues. Do they have a car or will they need a bike, or will they have to ride the bus to get around. And if so are they comfortable doing this for a entire year. Not all colleges let freshman drive there first year and this might not be fitting to your child's lifestyle. If you consider all these aspects then you should choose the perfect place for your young adult.

Lynnetria

For parents and students in choosing the right college they need to sit down together and talk about the positive and negative things about the school such as location, how far away from home, cost. They also need to talk about the many things that may go on in a college environment how to be safe, how to never go out alone, how to protect their belongings, also knowing that everyone isn't trustworthy. As for making the most of the college experience the student needs to be open to many new ideas and activities. The student also needs to understand that this is not an easy transition to leave home and go to a place where you barely know anyone, but it will all be worth the experience in the end everybody goes through so they don't need to feel alone in any way. Last but not least the student needs to enjoy their new college experience but stay on the main goal which is finishing with a degree.

Jasmine

Be smart about where you go to school. Remain focused and had a great support system.

Brittany

I would tell parents to let your child choose whats most comfortable to them, because if the parents force them to choose the school they want them to go to the child is not going to want to attend the school and they might not have the best experience there. To the students trying to choose an University, I would suggest that you choose a University based on your desired carreer and the school you are most comfortable with. Do not choice the school the you hear has the most parties or the school all your friends want to attend, choose the best school for you because its all about you.

Quinton

To find the right college actually go to the college an see the campus. As for once you have arrived on campus for your freshman year be friendly and approachable.

James

Well a family should always look at their financial standings, cause most well fit colleges cost a pretty penny. When also searching for colleges, if it is possible to talk to a undergraduate student who has been at the school for more than a year it would greatly helped them out with the selection. All colleges have websites make sure you check all links leading to all of the information that you think you may need and even the links that you may know that you son or daughter will not even be interested in, cause minor/major issues count when the college life experience is involved.

william

Be sure to be in a distance where if you wanted to come home you could with out making expensive trips. get all financial aid and scholarship papers in on time so you want have a hassel on first day of school and have to do the run around being a first generation student i had know idea of all the running i would have to endure. and be sure to apply for all the scholarships you can so if you recieve the, you can recieve refunds so that you can purchase you a lap top or pay back loans like i had to do . and all ways remember school work comes first fun and leisure comes second cause fun nevers leave work does

Dwinyqua

In order to pick the right college, one must decide who they are as a person. One wouldn't want to go to a liberal school to study business, and furthermore one wouldn't want to go anywhere where there is a chance of isolation of the feeling of being left out. First start off with college tours. Ask many questions. Don't let money be the barrier from getting the proper education. There are so many loans, grants, and scholarships available. My finally piece of advice is don't settle. Apply anywhere and everywhere your heart desires.

AshleyThompson

When it comes to finding the right college you should first consider is this school good with your major; like if your major is nursing you wouldnt want to attend a school thats is very known and great in engineering. You should also consider the location if you want to go away from home or stay close to home. When making the most of your college experience you should have guidance if its new to you, and also get aquainted with people so you know who you could turn to if you have a problem even if counselors are not available. Take your work very seriously because its not easy, very different from high school get tutors if you need them and dont be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Dayton

Make sure the college fits you. not your friends, not your parents or your family.... NEVER choose a college on the sole basis that your friends go/went there or your parents are alum from there.

Morgan

The best advice I could give to a parent or student who's trying to figure out what college is best for them is to pick a school that is most like you. For example go on college tours meet some professors and meet some of the financial aid people so you can get a feel for the adults at the school and then meet the some of the youth at the school, so you get a better understanding of college life. Another thing you should do is to think of college like getting dressed. Meaning you put on the garments you feel would most support you, illustrate who you are as a person and sustain you through that whole day and college is taking the classes and learning the material , meeting the people and broadening your outlook on things so that it will serve as what will not only support you , but define who you are as an individual and that will give you everything you need to sustain you for a lifetime.

Abra

Focus on your education don't let anything distract you from the reason you are there.

Jasmine

I advise prospective students to really do their research. Don't just settle on the first school that you see. Take your time and tour every school and make sure you ask all the right questions. Make a list of the things that you hope to gain for your college experience and see if your choices meet the criteria. Also, when you get to school make sure you become active on your campus. Get to know as many students and faculty as you possibly can and make use of every resource that is offered to you. Form friendships with people who share the same goals as you and you all will be successful. Lastly, make sure that your priorities are in order. You should have a healthy balance between school work and fun. Make the most of your college experience so that you'll never look back with regrets.

Raenada

I would tell them to find a college that best fits what they want to pursue in life. I would tell them to take their time researching schools and apply to as many schools that they feel fit their needs. I would also tell them that once they choose a school try to make new friends. Quantity is not as important and quality, make sure they are true genuine and honest people that you know you can trust and depend on. Having friends while in college will help to make their experience better. I would also tell them to get to know their professors because in the long run the professors will be able to help them get jobs and help them earn the best possible grades.

Victor

My advice to a student would be to follow your heart because it will lead you in the right direction. Before you decide to write your college career away make sure that you look into your options and if you have the oppurtunity go visit them because what seems good may not be good for you. My advice to a parent is to allow your child to make the choice and dont try to make it for them. No matter where your child decides to go allow them to know that you are supportive of them no matter what happens. Finally i would have to say that college is a once in a lifetime experience that you can not get back so make the most of it for better or for worse.

Darion

I have learnd that you must visit many colleges before you find out which one is the right one for you. You won't really know until you acuatlly get there. I suggest to parents to get greatly envolved the the students choice, but in order to do so you have to know your child and be involved with their education for grade school on up to the big transition we call college. I am greatful for my parents being so involved in my life. Without them i wouldn't have made it this far.

Tynesha

Finding the right college is hard but I would say pick a school who has a good field of your study. Making the most of your college experience would be staying focus on your school and getting well known around campus. You can also go out with your friends and have a good time.

Shaena

To students, I fill that to find the right college you must first know yourself and what you like to do. Most studnets fail to realize that they are literally thrown in a different atmosphere without the comfort of their parents. They need to know that they will be capable of completing their college responsibilities without the people they are use to seeking for help. A student most find the college that suits them best including class size, school size, major offered, social events, financial assistance, academics, etc. The school most benefit them socially, emotionally, and physically because this is where they will live for most of their life. To make the most of the college experience, you should be open-minded and ready to explore. There will be tons of things you never seen before, heard before, and you should be open to learning new things. College will expose you to a different reality, and you should be optimistic and open-minded for the expansion of your own thoughts and beliefs. To parents, you should really allow your child to pick the school, even with a financial burden because if they dont like it, it will show.

Morgan

When it comes to looking for the right college, much research needs to be done. While doing your research, you need to be sure to look at all aspects of the college; from athletics to academics. However, your education is top priority so you need to be sure to research a school that is great when it comes to your major. But at the same time, you want a school that is well-rounded and healthy in all areas. College is different form high school and you want to make the college experience the best possible. You need to keep an open mind and be open to new things. Do not be afraid to venture out and challenge yourself on different levels.

Danielle

Students should stay focused on their school work and participate in clubs/activities. Parents should check on their childrens progress and make sure that they are doing what they are supposed to do. College is not something that should be taken lightly because it is a key factor in your future success.

Delisha

Go to Collegeboard.com and search for a college that you will love. This website helps students to start from a list that complies by the responses answered to guide them towards a perfect college choice. Through this website I was able to make a list of colleges that might interest me based on my wants and needs. Students should go to a college they will love. If the student is comfortable with their environment they will succeed. My advice is to find a college that you will love and enjoy spending every waking moment and every hour of study time at.

Dequency

To students, when choosing your school you should make sure it is somewhere you will feel comfortable at and you will be receiving a good education for your money. Also if you know what you want to study in college make sure that college has that major. To get the most out of your college experience you have to network, join clubs and participate in on campus activities and any other extra curricular activities.

Cory

Go visit the colleges and take time deciding which one best fits your needs. Do your research and ask around aboout the many campuses. And while in college try to have fun and not work everyday, 24/7. Attending college is a great experience that many don't have the luxury to do, but if you do have the chance I promise that you will emerge a better and wiser person for this ever changing world.

Shaleya

The best advice I would offer is to make sure that the school you choose allows you to have every opportunity offered to you and more. What I mean by that is activities, tutoring, career resources, great food, close shopping, nice housing packages on and off campus. Lastly make sure that staff is well selected and that you understand the school grading policy.

Montell

The advice that I would give to parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to keep a open-mind during the decision process.. I would also recommend researching what the schools of interest offer and also researching the alternatives that are offered. I would also say not to put too much emphasize on cost because a great education is worth while.

DeShauna

Some advice that I would give to upcoming students is to make sure that they visit different campuses. Pay attention to what that college has to offer as in, scholorships, grants, etc. For parents, some advice would be perpare financially freshman year could be very costly.

Devern

College provides the unique environment to launch a lifetime of professional opportunity. This is achieved academically and environmentally through diverse opportunities for interaction and learning, as well as lifetime experiences and relationships. The foundation for this process ultimately becomes as important as the process. It is imperative at this juncture of professional and emotional growth/responsibility that the decision-making process not only employ considerations of professional quality, but also professional nurturing. My selection for college was based upon a long standing example of educational excellence, as exemplified through my father, grandfather, and numerous other individuals who reflect a standard that is recognizable as "Aggie Pride" ; an excellence that is unmistakable. With my father's death, this "Aggie Pride" is costly, yet priceless. He reflected a calm passion of confidence in his educational preparation from corporate America to the PTA. The "fit" of the educational journey is equally important to dollars. The journey as important as the destination - not to be overlooked.

Keonda

The best advice for finding the right college to attend to is to take into account all of your interests, wants, desires, and needs. You alone know what type of environment best suits your personal style, and you alone know what you need to do in order to become successful. Think of the college that you choose as the vehicle to your future. You have to make sure your safety will be in check, you also need a good foundation. Make sure that the alumni base is dedicated to giving back, and is greatly connected to helping current students succeed in post-graduation. Make sure it is accredited and is well known for what you want to major in. But most important of all, be sure that you will be comfortable at this college, and that you will enjoy being there as well. College is a once in a lifetime deal that you will never get back. The purpose of the college experience is not only to get a degree; it is there to help develop you as a person. Be sure that the college meets and is right for all your educational, social, academic, and future career goal needs.

JaLeeza

Start early

Allante

I would definately tell students and parents to not let money control the decision.I fell in love with my school the moment i got down there, I didnt care about the money.I believe that when you find a school that you love and you have a feeling in your gut that you'd be happy there, follow it.I feel that you perform better when you are happy where you are. YOure happy to get up in the morniing to go to class and go take care of your academic bussiness. Whiel you'll have loans to pay off, the experience you'll recieve,memories you make, and friends you find are worth every penny you have to pay back. Thats what keeps me going necasu itruly love my univversity and wouldnt change the experience for the world.

Promise

The advice that I would extend to parents/ or students is to a make sure that extensive research should done on the potential colleges that they are deciding to attend. Also, to visit colleges that spark the most interest and fits their child's personaltiy. In order, for a student to suceed academically they must be in a envronment that are comfortable with and nutures their ability to grow. I would also encourage potential college students to stay focused on their studies, especially during their freshman year. How you start as a students affects how well you will finish as a student. I believe that a student should make the most of their college experience because your colleges years are the best years of your life. You meet people that will become your lifetime friends and you experienced things that will prepare you for you future.

Brandon

Make sure that it fits your needs financially, culturally, academically, socially. Be sure to do your research on what your major will be. Be sure to do all your work on time and proficiently. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!!!!!

Carla

I would advise students to pick a college who offers the degree in which they would like to pursue and is in a location in which the student is interested in living in for four years. Also to visit the campus before applying and seek out upperclassmen for perspectives about the university.

Crystal

Go to a college that is best for you and you're family's financial situation

Kevin

Go and visit the university. If possible let your student attend classes and talk to professors and students to get a feel for the programs and atmosphere. Also try and attend any summer or weekend programs at the university.

Prince

Don't look for the school with the most party potential. Go to the school that best fits your parents financial situation and once youre their,have fun, study and don't stress about graduating in four years. JUST GRADUATE.

LarCia

The best advice I have is, what's in your heart is very important. Yes when your picking a school academics is important, and so is saftey, the learning environment, and so on. But I believe in the heart, and when I went to A&T's campus I knew in my heart before i was even excepted that this was the school for me. We go to college over all for the education, but if your not happy with your campus, social life, staff, you won't make the best of yourself. College is an experience, and i believe everyone should experience it in the best way.

Tarra

I think that students should choose a college that best fits with what they want out of life and their career. Students should plan to create a better life for themselves and their family. Students should remember that no matter what school they choose to go to, its still school and it should be taken seriously. Students should always try to do their best in all of their classes and take seriously when it comes to your major simply because it will be needed later on whether they know it or not. Also students should know that its ok to have fun and go out but not to forget that isn't always going to be fun and games, its also hard work and serious at times. I think that parents should listen to their children when it comes to what school they intend to go to and not try and force the school they think is best for whatever reason. Parents should support their children and show them that they are proud of them no matter what career path their student chooses to follow.

tasha

Research a college or university and it's accreditation. Find out what companies recruit at what schools. Find out what scholarships are out there. Pick a major that you will really like and stick with, if not go undecided until you do and knock out some basic course.

Ashleigh

The best advice that I could give someone concerning choosing the right college and making the most out of the college experience is that the student should know and follow his/her passions. I would not suggest seeking out like-minded people, whether professors or students, in order to have people to help with future plans and goals and just to have someone to talk to. A passionate education is the most rewarding, so students should take advantage of every opportunity to enhance their learning outside of the classroom.

Sherquanna

you have to make sure its the college that your heart stands out for. do not let anyone decide your future but you. in order to make the most of your college experience, you must get involved with your school. make sure your first priority is to get an education and then from there get your face out there to be known.

Nysepia

I would say to make sure they look at the financial aspect as well as the environment, because being in an clean environment makes a difference and as far as the finanical part, I know parents do not want to spend a whole lot when they don't have to. To the students , I would get invovled around campus and get to know your professors because it will help you out in the long run.

Folasade

Do not go to school with your best friends from High School. Venture out. Find the school that is best for you financially, socially, and academically (that's what you are in school for). Don't listen to people who tell you not to go to a school simply because it does not have a prestigous name. College is what you make of it. You can be one in a crowd or become the leader you never knew was inside of you. Have fun, practice safe sex (and be aware that everyone WILL hear about what you do behind closed doors), try new activities, be open to new people and new experiences, and most importantly DO YOUR WORK. You have plenty of time to party, just do your homework and go to class.

Crista

I would give prospective students advice about making sure they live on campus for the first year to get the "real" college experience. Also to make sure they get involved on campus with community service and school organizations, but with all of that to make sure they balance fun with school work. Keep a great circle of positive friends to keep your spirits high.

Melissa

When searching for the right college I feel that students and parents should keep an open mind. At times the choice may seem arduous but the easiest thing to do is apply. Students should always apply to more that one college. In some cases students did not get into the first college of their choice but they did get into the other schools that they applied to. Parents should not express limits to the schools that their children apply to because inthe long run this process is about finding out what institution will further hone the talents and ambitions of the student. When the student ges to college it is of the upmost importance that they utilize the people the meet and the time that they have at their college/university. The college experience is for most a cherished and a once in a lifetime adventure as well. Students should try to meet new people and try to express themselves in different ways. This experience is a great time for learning and discovery, as well it is a time to be safe in decisons and wisefull of consequences. College is great for those who utilize it wisely, parents included.

Angela

My advice to parents and/or students concernig choosing the right college and making the best of it is to visit every campus that the student applys to! Ask questions not only to the staff, but also students. I would ask students how they feel about how they are treated by general staff, advisors, and other students and classmates. I'd also inquire about organizations that I'm interested in, the availability of jobs on and off campus, as well as the percentage of graduates who recieve good job offers after graduating from that school. I'd question the social life , and ask if there are a variety of social and date opportunities such as a theatre, art gallery, cool restuarants, etc versus clubs and apartments. When there are limited social opportunities, there will always be more trouble, such as simply partying, sex, alcohol and weed. Id talk to the alumni from each school and ask how easy it was to find internships and jobs after graduating from the school.

Ashley

Make sure you know about the college history and all aspects of it today.

LadyKK

Find place where you believe you will be happy.

Courtney

Always research the surrounding area when looking at schools. Also, have three career choices in mind and make sure the school offers courses in each of your potential career choices so that you can explore different opportunities. Lastly, pay close attention to how you FEEL when visiting the campus, I felt comfortable when I first visited my school's campus.