North Carolina Central University Top Questions

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

Portia

If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior high school student, I would most definately advise myself to apply for as many scholarships as I could and to really look into the colleges that I choose to go to regarding my major. Money doesn't come easy in college and things start to add up when you include tutition, books, school fees, etc. I would would also advise myself to study hard and to try as hard as you can to not get side tracked by ANYONE or ANYTHING because school comes first. Understand that everyone is not your friend and that the most reliable person when it comes to school is yourself. Only you can make a difference when it comes to your education.

Ja'Nay

Knowing what I know about college now I would tell myself Ja'Nay remain positive at all times even when times seem hectic remember what you came here for an education. I would also say that college is not like high school you have to study in order to succeed. Life is full of choices whatever you chooses will have an effect.

Christine

If I could go back in time knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition I would first tell myself to go to college. I would not give myself any options. Once I am accepted into college I would tell myself to continue to be who I am. Always work hard and never let anyone convince me to believe something I know is not true or just. I would help myself understand the value of a good education and how lucky I am to be able to get one. I would remind myself of how important it is to be able to get along with others while maintaining a sense of individuality. Always be courteous and kind because one can catch fly with honey a lot better with honey than with vinegar. In conclusion, I would tell myself to not take everything so serious. College life is an experience to cherish. Live it, love it, learn from it.

Desiree

If I was a senior all over again I would tell myself to focus alot more, you will have plenty of time to play and have fun. Also I would tell myself to North Carolina Central first and don't worry about any other school. I think I would have applyed for many scholarships and tryed to do the very best I can my last year.

Nyshiera

If I could go back into time to my senior year, I would encourage myself to become more involved in extra-curricular activities. I was a little shy when I first came to college and I believe if I had of been more involved in high school I would have been anxious to be involved in college. Although I am involved now, I believe I could have had an earlier start and I would have been less timid.

Tiffini

I would tell myself bot to wait a year to go to school. Go to school imediately. Get a tutor for math. Get involved into organizations on campus. Constantly try and find money for school. Work as much as possible so you don't take semesters off of school. Get tested for ADD. Go to Homecomming and big events on campus. And constantly make new goals for your self.

Delores

If I could go back in time to speak to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself to be prepared for the depth of responsibility that college life brings. I would tell myself that I must be determined and an individual not a follower in order to stay true to myself and stand out. To take advantage of all academic, social, and personal opportunities and be strong enough to handle the out comes. Also that life is too short to hesitate or to be insecure of my flaws. Learn to love the person that is me and soar into life.

Ashlee

Your college experience is one of the most important times in your life. You may think high school was it or that you've made such good friends, and you've grown so much but not until you've attened college. You will go through so much and so many changes and not just bad but good. Depending on how you are as a child or parent for that matter it may be hard to let go of your child or parent but you will be fine. This will be a time where independence kicks in and will you be able to handle being on your own because no one is there to say get up honey its time for school. Also college is what you make it if you dont go out and do anything or get involved yes you will be bored. Do as much as possible and enjoy yourself but dont get into too much trouble. These are memories you won't soon forget.

kristina

Patience is the key. Dont rush time, just review your options, think about your future, and make the choice. You can be anything you want to be, as long as you put your heart to it and set out. Just remember, your destiny is in your hands, no one else's.

LaToya

I would tell parents and students to research their schools in a timely matter. If there are some things in particular that they would like to experience or feel is the best way to go to college, research schools based on what they may be looking for, and if you happen to end up going somewhere you have no knowledge of, try making your transition through college worth while. Make and keep good positive friends and find things to do that interest you. Its okay to party but put your education as your first priority. If there's anything you may need help with don't be afraid to ask professors, staff or faculty. Most of all if they give you the run-around, don't give up or get discouraged. Be persistent and try to keep a positive attitude, because negativity will either get you nowhere or lead you down a road you wouldn't want to go on. Just strive for what it is you want and no its not going to be easy but it will definately be worth it in the long-run.

Jerrod

The advice that I'd give to parents and/ or students about finding the right college is to research each and every college one is interested in. Its a good idea to go and walk each campus that is applied to before committing to one college. Notice how students are interacting with eachother, look at the campus layout, talk to teachers, and also walk into certain classes (if allowed) and see what takes place. Being able to research every college will give the you an out look on how well you will like the campus and the experiences to come.

Alicia

make sure that the institution that you choose is right for the student and is in his/her best intrest. college is what you make it.

Jordan

It's abut where the child feels most comfortable. This is their decision. They're future. Acamedics should be a priority, but the campus should have a good social atmosphere. on't be a book worm. Get out of your room and explor everything the campus has to offer. Meet friends, and talk to staff. And have fun!

Maria

The advice that i would give a student about finding the right college would be to be wise about you want to major in and try to look for the colleges that are strong in that area. Also be wise about the friends that you make because of people come into your life with a negative outlook in life and that is not what is need in college if you are trying to better yourself. Also treat people the way you want to be treated and dont judge people of the first look that you get. College is about networking and its best to be at good with most people because no one ever knows who and where we will find the people we went to college with.

Christina

I believe that all parents/students should find a college that best fits their career choice and the atmosphere. A person always can always make the best of their college experience by hanging out with the right people and being involved in activities on campus.

Candace

To parents, I would advise that you let your child choose the college that he or she wants to attend. Often many parents offer their opinon which creates pressure on their child to choose the school that they think their parents want them to attend. This is the biggest mistake that can be made. If your child does not like the college he or she is attending, it will be hard for them to adjust and make good grades. To students, I would advise that you do not take the college decision process lightly. This is where you will spend the next four years of you life and recieve you education. Do not feel pressured by anyone because you are the one who will be responsible for your academincs wherever you choose to go. And remember that college is not all about schoolwork. These will be the best years of your life, so have some fun!

Mackenzie

Basically, listen to your parents because they have your best interest at hands, but also choose a college you think will benefit you in the long run and a place you know you'll be successful.

Tosha

I would recommend that when choosing a school to attend make sure it is for the right reasons and not just because your friends are going to the school. When making the most of your college experience, have fun stay focused but get involved in school activities.

Shanese

I would tell students and parents to make sure that the college their child pick is where they really want to be. If the child gets to college and realize that's not where they want to be they will not do their best because their mind is going to be wondering all over the place and not on their school work. To find the right college go visit all the colleges that you think you want to go to. When you visit the colleges make sure you ask alot of questions and as many questions as you want and don't be afraid. If the child is not used to being away from home it's a good idea for the child to go to an in-state college that's not too far from home. If the child is used to being away from home then they could probably survive at an out of state college. Parents make sure you have saved some money. Students make sure you have applied for many scholarships. College is EXPENSIVE!!!!! College tuition is rising more and more every semester so be prepared. So students have fun I wish you all LUCK!!!!!

Krystal

I would say dont be scared to reach for your dreams and go for the gold . If you feel like your have found that number one college and it feels like home (nice acidemic program, love sports and friendly people) to you then that would be that place for you. I hope they find a college that really fits them.

Greg

I would advise both parents and students that The most important thing to consider when choosing a school is weather the student can see him self living there for four yrs. This is important because it is important to you the student to be happy. This will allow you to be focused on your task at hand and really benefit from everything the school has to offer. All Schools provide an opportunity for and education but you want to make sure that opportunity is not at the expense of your happyness. Find the school that best suits you and your personal needs. When you make a choice ask your self when i get my degree will you also take with you fond memories and life long friendships or will you just have a degree and a plain ticket on the first thing smokin out of town...

Johnria

Choose a well rounded school. Choose a school that will make you a better a person and a better student. Meet with the professors in your major before you choose a school. This way you know what to look for and it will also allow you to debvelop a relationship with the professors before school starts. This will be helpful when the school year begins

LaTia

Find a college that u like, look at the campus. SEE IF THEY HAVE THE MAJOR THAT U WANT, AND ASK A STUDENT THAT HAS THE SAME MAJOR AS YOU AND ASK THEM HOW THEY LIKE IT. Look at the food that they serve, look at the dorms, if u like sports ask about the athletic program at the college. Talk to some of the students that attend the college currently and ask them how they like it.

Patrice

I think that the number one secret in finding "the right college", is one that meets the academic, social, and career goals of a student. You can check out all of the college brochures, college Web sites, and college-planning resources you wish, but choosing the right college boils down to a few things: primarily personality and goals. In today's world, academic reputation has become important to families. But just because a college has a good academic reputation doesn't mean it's the right one for you. There are thousands of colleges that provide students with a quality education even if they don't make national ranking lists. Before selecting a school you should be able to answer the following questions without hesitation: 1. Is this a good place to start 2. Location (safe/poorly secured) 3. What job-placement services does the college provide? 4. Is financial aid availiable if needed 5. Are there social and extracurricular activities that appeal to your interests? Also before applying to a college, visit the campus. It's the only way to get a true picture of the atmosphere and to answer some of your questions.

Nikita

I would like to tell all parents and students to make sure they visit and consider all colleges that are offering a valuble education. I know I was dead set on attending one particular college and my parents had to force me to look at other options. Once I looked at other options I found a university that best fit my learning style and my personality. Try to for any scholarships you can!! And once you are in school remember a well rounded student excels both inside and outside of the classroom.

Elizabeth

Make sure they have your career path, compare tution cost, scholarships and finicial aid aviable thru the school, look at there success rate and visit the school for a better view while school is in session.

Horace

Go actually visit the university and ask students while you are there about there prospective of the university.

Brittney

To follow your heart and to keep your GPA good.

Michael

Whatever college has the best program for the field you are trying to go into, then you should go.

Marc

Anyone can make it. College is made for everyone. Stay focus and study hard and the result will speak for itself.

Tavion

Take your time and be sure that the college you choose is the one you really want to attend and not the one your friends and/or family want you to got to. Know the sizes of the classrooms and the campus enviroment and ensure that it best fits your personality. Know yourself and stick with your goals. Create a system that helps you balance your social life and your education because education is the most important thing not your social experience.

Kendra

Finding the right college can be hard but it can also be fun. Look at thing you like to do like dancing, singing, and maybe even cooking. Make sure the school you apply to have the major you are looking for. Make sure it is a campus that makes you feel safe and welcome. Also make sure you visit the campus before applying to see if this is a enviroment that you would want to stay in. Look into financial aid and of course make sure you can afford the school.

Ashlee

Some adivce I would give parents or students is that it is ok to explore as much as many colleges as possilbe. When you do fill out for a college don't hold back on going to orientation if it is offered to you. Going to the orientation will show you how big the campus may be the environment like where it is surrounded and dormitories if necessary. You will also get the chance to meet professors as well as staff and even others that go to the school as well and even then you can ask them how much they like the college. Finding the best college will be so important because it maybe the start of life long friendships or even a soulmate. You also want to make your college expereince the best that you would want it to be. Do all that you will allow yourself to do but at the same time don't do nothing you wouldn't normally do or peer pressured into. This experience will be an experience you'll never forget so make the most of it at the best college you feel is best for you.

Martisa

Make sure that the college you're attending is the right one for you and that they actually have your field of study. Parents need to make sure that it is well within their budget.

Sydney

Get in contact with the school you plan to attend. This will minimize the surprises once you officially enroll. Also, it is best to visit the campus so that it is easier for you to adjust to living on the campus of your respective universities.

Nicholas

Make sure you do your research about the school you want to go to. Call, visit, get online, stay on them all the time and let them know who you are, you interested in their university.

Jzel

My advise to you students looking to make the best out of college would be first and formeost to stay focused. Remember that you are paying, or should I say your loving parents are paying, thousands of dollars not for you to have a life of partying but for you to receive a firm education. From experience, I know how easy it is to fall into the college partying scene, especially when all your "friends" are pressuring you to go downtown instead of staying in and studying for that exam you have at 8AM the next morning! Since your family won't be around you as much, your friends will play a major role in your college life. Therefore, make sure you surround yourself with the right group of people. You want to find friends who support you and your decisions. Finding trustworthy and supportive friends are imperative. Remember what they say, "you are who your friends are." Joining clubs and recreational sports are a great way of meeting new people at your school, so make sure to check those out. As for choosing the right school, make sure your priorities are right; Don't just follow your friends!

Teara

I would advise parents not to force their children into a school that is not fit for them, despite thier expectations that one may have for their child.

Jolanda

The most important thing in finding the right college is getting the right combination of academic and social quality for you. Prospective students should stay open minded and see what it's like to get involved in the sudent life at any university they're thinking about. Talk to alumni and current students, as well as admissions officers and administrators to get as complete an idea about the school as possible. They're going to give you the idea they want you to have, you have to go find the rest of the picture.

Karan

Cost is important, career selection, Security on campus, education matters.

Timothy

I would tell them to make sure that they feel comfortable at the school that they plan to attend, and the look at the programs available that would help them in their major.

Sierra

Make sure you visit the college.Talk to a student that attends that college. Look up the history of that college and do not be afarid to ask the faculty questions that are important to you about that school. Once ,you are at that school ,network meet new people that are different to see and learn prespectives of life. This will help you to enjoy the college more.

osie

I would give parents and student about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is for the child to go to the college of her/his choice. Let it be their decision. If they are not happy then they want succeed or do well in college . So parents do try to live your dreams threw your child/children let them be free you have raise them. Have faith you have given them the right knowledge to make the right decision in life and things will go well.

Danielle

First of all I would say once you've choosen a few colleges to apply to, visit them, because a school could have everything you're loking for , but you may not like where it's at, and even though that's not what you're going to school for it plays a big part in it, because no one wants to go to a school where you have to worry about your car getting broken into all the time or you can't take night classes because your are afraid to walk across campus at night just because it's in a bad neighborhood. We all know that the academics are the most important thing but look at everything else that comes with that school. Also I would say look at the the student to teacher ratio of the school. If you like not being noticed by your teacher then you might want a larger class size within the school , but if you like getting in good with your teachers you might want a school that has smaller class sizes, because when it comes down to it your teachers can be of the biggest help to you in school.

John

College is college you never know what the outcome of the school may be until you get there, but any and every college is a different experience so take what u got and make the best of it....GO EAGLES!!

ShaKayla

Knowledge of yourself is the most important part of identifying the RIGHT college. If you know who you are and what you want to accomplish, you are more apt to make the best decision about school. Knowing yourself allows you to base your collegiate decision on what major you are interested in, what social activities matter to you, how close you want to be to home, your ability to care for yourself, and your ability to live with/get along with others. These things are very important in choosing a school. You also have to be aware of your dedication, self-discipline, and responsibility. BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF! If you know that you are not very responsible or are easily distracted, you should choose a school that reflects those things. Visit the schools that you are interested in and speak with some of the students to get a true feel for the school. Make sure that the decision you make is one that you are sure about and is one that you make for yourself, not your parents or friends.

Quinn

I would say visit every college while its in session and even go sit in a classroom, so that you can really get the feel, ask the dean if it would be okay to spend a few days on campus anything that will let you get the real scoop on the campus before you enrole.

Shereka

I think it's important for parents and students to visit the campuses they are considering before they choose a college or university. When a student finally finds the university of his or her dreams, it is important to find at least one campus organization to participate in. While earning a degree it is also important to give back to the community in which your going to school so that you become apart of it, not just a visitor.

Erin

I would tell them to make sure they do a lot of research. Visit the school during the middle of the week when there are a lot of students on campus and more activities going on. Also to ask questions to current students. If the school allows visit a classroom of your perspective major to view class size, teaching style, etc. Most importantly do well in high school so that you may have schools competing for you!

Joshua

Always visit a college before you actually enroll in it because if you just go on reputation you will probably get disappointed and you don't have to make alot of friends just a few good ones.