North Carolina A & T State University Top Questions

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

Dominique

A student should have a general idea of what they want to accomplish in life. A career path will also help in choosing schools because some do not offer a desired major as others do. There should be an awareness of the job market because some majors do not do well with hiring students after they graduate because that field could have a wide range of problems or low rate of job seeking people. Once a student has found a projected career path, choose a school that will help you, not sink you under. Remember a better life is the long term goal of advancing to college not parties and the people. There will not be any parents around to advise a student, they make there own decisions, which will determine their life. College can be a wonderful experience and can help a person mature into an excellent adult, it just depends on their determination to succeed. Being invovled in activities builds up a healthy social life that also helps new students adjust. Most of all have fun, get crazy, but stay focused at all times.

Christa

Parents and students should note that college is a learning experience. A time to explore, grow and become the person and global citizen that one seeks to be. Evaluate what one's goals are and select the college that will best nuture those traits/goals to fruitrition. Ensure that those goals encompass the whole you and take into consideration your personal and career focused ambitions. Though at times, a compromise must be made when leveraging the traits that you hope to enhance against the perceived offerings of the university. Just know what you what out of life, be open to finding the way, persistant and proactive. Regardless of the school chosen, by maintaining a positive attitude you shall succeed, gaining valuable life lessons and the resources needed to make it to your next journey in life.

Kimberly

As cliche as it sounds the colleges years a truly one of the best years to experience. I have made som great friends here that I truly will hold close to my heart for the rest of my life. Although, college is a great place to meet people it also needs to be taken seriously. Get access of all intership/co op opportunities while you can! I t greatly increases your chances of employment after graduation. Lastly, whatever you choose as your declared major make sure it is something you are passionate about. It makes the next four years a little smoother that way!

Atlanta

Concern in state schools first. Help pick an affordable school.

Kendrick

I would advise students/ and parents to start the selection process early. Make a list of potential colleges between your sopmore and senior year of high school and rank them from those which are most appealing to those which are least appealing. College visits should also be taken in this time period to become familiar with the campus, the people, and the curriculum of the college or university. Parents should be actively involved in this process with there children and help them in organizing and containing information about different schools and encourage them to make strides to further there education. Students should be looking to be involved in as much as they can during there time in school, there are many events, workshops, and seminars that happen every semester and are clearly stated and accessible to all students.

Shavonda

When looking for the right college, make sure you take a visit and a tour around your campus. The campus is one of the most important aspects when choosing a school. I feel that way because you have to enjoy being on a campus that you like because if you dont then your not going to want to be there and you will not have the energy to learn. Another inportant factor to look at when choosing a school is to make sure that the university is accomidating to your needs. Such as major and financial needs. Make sure the class room setting is ok for you; if you know you can not focus in a big classroom setting then make sure the university offers smaller classroom settings. Those are some very important factors to look at before choosing a university.

Jayslee

I would tell them to chose careful. When touring colleges, looks can be deceiving. Try to talk to some college students that already attend the school and do your research. Most of all make sure the school feels like home!

Sheila

remember to make sure the school that you choose has the major that you want to study. without being focused, college just becomes another field-day.

Brittney

I would advice parents to sit back and allowed the student to make this decision on picking a college. Students I advice you all to go on as many college tours and to research the college. Don't decide based on others. Think about your future and career goals. While picking a college make sure it accredited and have some type of social life.

ANDREA

IF I WAS GIVING ADVICE TO PARENTS/STUDENTS ABOUT FINDING THE RIGHT COLLEGE, I WOULD START OFF WITH TELLING THEM TO MAKE SURE WHATEVER THEY WANT TO MAJOR IN MAKE SURE THE COLLEGE HAS THE CLASS THEY NEED, I WOULD ADVISE THEM TO MAKE SURE THE COLLEGE HAS ENOUGH SECRUITY, SEE HOW THE CAMPUS LOOKS LIKE, TALK TO PEOPLE AROUND CAMPUS TO SEE WHAT ITS LIKE, ATTEND THE ORIENTION AND MEET THE CHANCELLOR. GIVING ADVICE ABOUT MAKING THE MOST OF THEIR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE, I WOULD TELL THEM TO MAKE SURE THAT THEIR GRADES ARE KEPT HIGH, MEET REGULARLY WITH ADVISOR, GET INVOLVED WITH THE SCHOOL, HAVE SCHOOL SPIRIT, AND MOST OF ALL HAVE FUN AND ENJOY, BECAUSE THIS IS A COLLEGE EXPERIENCE!!

Monique

When looking for a school...take close consideration as to what the school can provide. Make sure that academically, professionally and socially, the school with make the best of your experience. The program of your choice is offered and acredited, the career center has a high rate of job placement, and the surrounding area is able to offer an escape or enhancement to the environment that you are receiving on campus. All of these elements combined with provide for a wonderful experience with many memories for years to come.

JaLissa

One thing I would tell the parents is to let your children decided what they want instead of pushing them to the school you want them to attend. Parents and their children should look at variety of schools before they decided one. While touring the campuses students and parents should ask their own set of questions to the faculty and some students who are already attending the school. Students should choice the college they truly want, their friends nor parents shouldn't be the reason they decided to go to a certain school. It is okay to listen to what others have to say but make sure you follow your own instincts. It is also okay to chose a university that has many extracurricular activities but make sure that the education is the main focus. Your education is way more important than the other activities at the school.

Joya

When you are choosing a college make sure you put a lot of thought into it. Your college years are the best four years of your life, and you would like to spend it where you are going to enjoy yourself. You meet so many new people and they will become your friends for life. College is basically your second home for the years that you are there. Being in college is all about independence. Making sure you get up to go to class to making sure that you make the right decisions when you are out with your friends. You have to know your priorities. As in saying do not go to a party when you have 9 o clock exam the next day. You have to study, and there is no way out of that. You learn so much information in one week that you have to study to actually comprehend what you learned and memorize it. Last but not least have fun. College is not all about schoolwork. You have to live a little and go to a party every now and then. Schoolwork and can wear you down that you have to let loose sometime.

Patricia

First you should decide on a school that's either close to home or not too far. A lot of kids like to come to school and say that they're never going back home again, but when you actually get here you sometimes get home sick. You really do miss your family at times. So you should pick a school that's convenient to home. Also you should pick a school that's going to challenge you academically. I say this because when your challenged you tend to do better. When you finally make it to college don't be afraid to get involved. You should really join clubs, sororities, or fraternities that interest you. And don't forget to make new friends. They will really enhance your college experience.

Maisha

Tour! One should not apply to a school and decide to attend that school if they have not visited it at least once. When you are touring the school, ask plenty of questions. Everyone has different preferences so you should ask all the questions that pertain to what you want in a school. Such questions should be focused on academic reputation, campus life, safety and employment. I personally love the Aggie family at A&T, so one of the things I was interested in was the community life and environment. When you have found the right school for you, don't just think that your job is over. You need to be an active student and get involved in as many extra cirrucular activities as possible. Make the most of the college experience by having school spirit both academically and recreationally.

Amanda

Starting out at a community college is a great choice because you can figure out what interests you without wasting a lot of money on tuition. Plus, most state universities accept transfer credits from community colleges, which also saves you money on a 4-year degree.

Larry

I would advise parents to encourage their children to go to school instate. But more importantly, really try and help their child know and understand their focus for college. Kids should leave the household with a sense of direction and feeling that they can rely on their parents for the emotional support that the stress of school is going to have on them. Students should try to have their focus together for what they want to get out of school, even if its minute initially. Going in with expectation helped me see the thing through. There are going to be some disappointments, however that initial spark and drive is what is going to see them through. As far as making the most of the experience, students should remember and adhere to the values that they learned at home (hopefully). Parents should be guides and not judges. If what you told your kid was right, the gravity of the truth will come full circle.

Nicholas

Don't sell yourself short; never go off of what someone else has said about that school, or type of school. College is a time for finding yourself, finding out what kind of person you are, so be the best person you can be, never let someone else influence your decisions. Just pick the best environment for yourself, never look back and say, "I bet I would have had more fun here or there," or, "I feel like this or that school would be a better experience. "

Sherman

Finding the right college I would say make sure you like the city of the school you plan to attend. If you are from the city and enjoy city life do not attend a college in smaller towns it will take longer to ajust if you can ajust. While in college get involved an upperclassman told me if you are not creating memories then you are not taking advantage of your college career. You only get one chance then everything turns serious.

Crystal

When looking for the right school for you, you must determine if the school has your major, its graduation rate for your major, the job avaliabilty when you graduate, the cost, the atmosphere of the schools campus, and finanicial aid. Parents should play an active role in helping their child find thr right school by taking them to visit the colleges of their choice, having questions prepared to ask different people at each college and being supportive of their child's decision. In order for a student to make the most out of their college experience they must find a school that has the combination of academics and a good social environment that they feel comfortable with. They must know that it is not about what others think about the college but about how they feel about it because they are the student that has to attend. If a student can find a college that incorporates all these factors then their college experience will be one that they will never forget!

Madontrenique'

mkae sure you choose a school where you feel you will be safe, comfortable, and that you will get the education you are paying for

Jessica

I would tell parents and students do reasearch and go visit it. Picking a university is like a shirt. What fit best for you parents when they went to school may not be the same fit for you. And what fits for your friends may not fit good on you. When you do pick a school get involved! It's the best way to make friends and network.

Michael

The students at this school do not all belong at this school. Many of the students do not last after freshman year because they are not dedicated to their academics.

Demetria

When looking for the right college think of what is the most important to you after college. Once you decide on that you look for a college that going to meet those needs. It is important to get out and socialize with your college class mate it will be expeience of a life time and one that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Dasha

When looking for the right college, think about what kind of environment you would want to be in first; whether is be in mixed racial environment or based upon gender. Some people would prefer to go to an all boy school or an all girl school. Think about it financially also and determine if it would be within your budget or if the student will get enought financial aid to cover his expenses. Also you can determine it by the distance. Some people doesn't want to be far from home but some do. Where ever you decide to go, make the most out of it. Engage in extracurricular activities, be social and get to know others from a different culture from yours, and meet as many people as you can. You never know, there be someone that can have a great impact on the rest of your life. Be smart, continue your education and if you don't do anything else, just try your best to succeed. I know I did and I'm still making it.

torrie

NO

La'Ronnieca

Just thoroughly research the school you want to go too. Visiting once isnt all that helpful, go to events throughout the year, ask others.

Alexis

I would tell the parents to make sure that their child can get as much financial aid as possible, especially if they want to attend college out of state. I would tell the students not to buy books immediately, some teachers may or may not need you to use the books for the class. Most of all, I would tell the students to be open minded about different people and activities. As long as you stay open minded, your college experience will be one of the greatest experiences in your life.

Marcus

The advice i'de give students, that're looking to find the right college would be; don't let money be an issue. The experience you will have and the education you gain, far outweigh the dent you may develop in your wallet. College gives you options in life. To make the most out of your college experience, put the cell phones down and speak to the people right infront of you. Trust me, you don't want to go at it alone. Sometimes it's not only about what you know, but also who you know.

Tiara

It is extremely important that student and parents research the college or university they will be attending. Once you get into college you need to go out for a extra curricular active, study hard, and get internships.

Shenicka

Begin saving money for college, scholarships and financial aid may or may not cover everything. College tours are also important. Check the university background, A&T is a historically black university. If you are the only child you may need to practice sharing.

JaLeeza

My advice would be to tour various colleges during the academic school year, in order to get a true assement of the students and professors. I visited this University 3 times before applying and each time my parents and I felt the same way; warm and loving. I spoke to Alumni and attended their meetings a few times to get an idea of how they really felt and their participation with the University. Review the University website weekly to see the day to day operations and read their newsletter for update information throught out the community and campus. I attended intersted meetings on campus to see what activies fit me and I became involved and I am loving my college life!

William

In finding the right college you need to look at what factors in a school are most important to you. For me it was costs, academics and the campus environment. My school met all my needs in these areas and that's why I chose to go there. When my freshman year ended I felt like I made right choice in a school. I was challenged academically throughout the year and I felt like learned a lot of useful things. I didn't need to get a student loan to go to school so I wasn't in debt, which was really great because that allowed me to have some extra money to spend over the summer. Also, I had the most fun of my life my freshman year because there was always something to do on campus. I am now a sophomore and I am very excited about he upcoming year. This time around I am going to savor every moment that I am in school becasue there are so many things to experience. These are the years of your life when you make decisions that shape who you are a a person so enjoy it while it lasts.