North Carolina State University at Raleigh Top Questions

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

Jordan

I love college. To make the transition from high school to college, I would definitely have taken more on- line classes in high school. Those classes are done at your own pace and are easier than when you get to college. I didn't take as many classes as I should have as a senior. I thought my senior year was to be fun only. I should have gotten a part time job to have saved money for college. It takes so much money now as a freshman in college. My parents tried to tell me but I didn't listen. Working would have been a better use of my free time and would have made my life a little easier. Another good idea would have been to volunteer more. As I fill out more scholarship applications, it is almost a must. It really looks good on the scholarship application.

Emily

If I could talk to my past self about college, I would say two words: don't settle. The Design school here at NCSU is a good school for a state university and for people interested in things like architecture and graphic design, but it is not what I would have wanted to further my career as a student more interested in the fine arts. The people can be very conservative and I feel this school isn't as creative as it could be. A lot of focus is given on math and science, so be prepared to get to know people who are talented in both. If I were to give myself advice on living and going to class on this campus specifically, I would say: Get a car. Raleigh is a city that has a lot of urban sprawl. If you want to go to the grocery store, you will probably have to drive. There are convenience stores on campus, but they are very overpriced and have limited stock. Downtown Raleigh doesn't have much in the way of clubs or a local art scene, but it is trying, so I would tell myself to check those out.

Taylor

I would say take schooling seriously. You need to take as many challenging courses as you can get a taste of what college work is like. It is very challenging especially if you do not know how to manage your time. Time management is a big part of being successful in college. You do actually have to sit down and study. College professors go at a very rapid pace and you have to be prepared to keep up. If you fall behind, do not sit back. You do not need to be afraid to ask for help, many of the teachers are more than willing to help a student, but if you do not ask, they will never know. Lastly, go out and make new friends. College can be overwhelming but making new friends helps you make the transitions you are going through easier. Experience the college life but work hard.

Joseph

If I could go back in time to talk to myself as a senior in high school I would tell myself that I should not underestimate how college is going to be because it is a completely different experience. I would explain to myself how difficult it will be to study and to do the homework required for all the classes that I will be taking in the next year. Then I would explain that I should eat better because in college there seems to be no time to get a descent meal to relax and eat. But most importantly I would say to myself, learn to use time to your advantage and prioritize the things that you need to do. The advice that I told to myself is the most important in dealing with the transition for high school to college.

Elizabeth

I would tell myself to get more involved with the sciences since I was undecided before. Also, emphasize how much I loved plants in high school so I should make a career out of it. Another big issue I would emphasize is that change is inevitable and to just let things happen on their own. Pertaining to making friends, I would tell myself to go out as much as I can and not sit in the room. Overall, college was not what I expected so this advice would have been very useful.

Jeremy

The advice that I would have gave myself would be to first decide what I wanted to do with my life. Exactly what kind of career I want to pursue and which would have a job available. To minimize cost I would have attended a two year community college and got my basic courses out of the way.These two years should have given me enough time to think about a career and take some electives and test the waters. I would have told myself to look for more scholarships and fianacial assistance for school. I I would have told myself to do more research on the universities that I had interest in and see which one the best fit for me. Also look out for cost that I did not need while attending college. I would have told myself this is an experience of a life time and to go for it because, you never know what you can become. One thing I did tell myself was that this was a chance to help my family, myself ,and the world with my contribution to my education.

Hillary

You can't stay the same and thrive. You musn't focus on potential mistakes or losses because it requires too much of your energy when what was no longer exists. It is fuel for what will be. The unexpected and the unprepared for should be anticipated because it's the way the world helps us grow. Your ability to respond to change is the only certainty in your life. Awareness is everything, Hillary. You are going to realize that you don't know very much, but as tough as this is, it puts you in a position to do some serious learning which is exactly what you need to do. And you will find you don't have to know it all because when you confront your limitations, you open up to a new level of learning. Keep in mind also, experiences alone don't add value to your life. Instead, it is the insight gained from reflecting on those experiences that is valuable. Socrates said, "the unexamined life is not worth living." Reflective thinking helps piece together the big picture of life. Don't be afraid to fall. What you learn in life's struggles, everyone learns.

Justin

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the advice that I would give myself about making the transition from high school to college would be to learn how to keep working hard in order to achieve my goals in life. College is not an easy place to transition into from high school. In high school, I had to work pretty hard to keep my grades up but the classes are not nearly as challenging as the classes that I am taking now that I am in college. I would tell myself to just keep working hard and to keep my mind on the ultimate prize which is to become a great meteorologist. I would also tell myself that, when a difficult class comes along and it is very hard for me to understand it, I should not be afraid to ask for help. Most of the people that graduate from college had to have tutoring help for at least one of their classes. Most importantly, I would tell myself to never give up and continue to work hard in order to acheive my life-long dream of being a meteorologist.

Kellan

Don't ever sell yourself short. You know more than you think and things will work for the best if you always try your hardest. While the trasition from highschool to college will be difficult, there is always a silver lining. Instead of focusing on the things that will make this transition difficult, focus on the opportunities that lie ahead of you. You have the chance to make a difference, not only in your life and lives of those close to you, but to complete strangers as well. It is up to you what you do with what is being presented before you. Make the most of it and always think positive. There is nothing that you cannot succeed in with enough determination and support. The choice is up to you!

Aravind

Work hard in your high school classes, especially in your AP classes. AP credit can not only be used for college credit, but this credit can be helpful as you can pursue a double major because all the time you have. Also learn a study technique early so you do well in all your classes, this is important in tougher classes. Take advantage of office hours for all your teachers.

Susan

If I was to stay in chemistry and hold on to my goals and dreams for my future, I would tell her to stay away from FRATERNITIES. I am not in one, but my friends did drag me into the pledging process of one and even if they are a professional fraternity, there is nothing academic about it. They steal all your time, make threats and leave you with a poor gpa. Out of all my friends who pledged with me, I am the only one who passed physical chemistry I. I still like chemistry and would continue to tell myself that for my goal I could double major into biochem or just switch to biochem would be the best action. I would also advise myself to take more summer classes, since the summer schedule classes are considered to be better than the traditional academic semester classes. I would also advise myself not to take Organic II with Dr. Dupont.

Sarah

Give it time. Any transition takes a good amount of time. Don't rush to have everything figured out the first week of being in college. Majors, friendships, campus layouts, and dorm life will become familiar and become your new life, slowly but surely. So, take time to enjoy meeting new people, having the sense of community in the dorm, learning how to succeed acadmically, and being on your own for the first time. Your whole life doesn't have to be planned out the moment you get to college. Just enjoy the experience.

Christopher

I would tell myself that if you continue doing what you do now then you will continue to succeed. Being responsible for my actions, remaining well organized, and staying involved will all help you succeed. Be open to other people and their opinions. Make sure you listen to what the university has to say and read all the material that they send you. Any tips that they can give you are most likely helpful. They have been doing this a lot longer than you. Try to go on a tour of the campus so that you know where you will be attending.

Sarah

It is the best thing for you to try and get to know at least your roomate before moving in. I got to know my suite mates and we are having the best year of our lives. I also have found that it is a major advantage to you to try and live in a village at school, it helps you to network and provides you with many opportunities. Most important of all, really do try and to have fun!

Sara

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, the first thing I would tell myself is to stay on campus during the weekends. Going home every weekend is the best way to waste your college experience because that's when all the fun happens! It's hard to get to know people by just sitting in classes with them and bumping into them at the libary while you're trying to study, so the weekends give you a time to go out with new friends and find out what there is to do in your college town. I went home every weekend during my first semester here, and I was miserable. The only friend I had made was my room mate. During my second semester I decided to stay at least two weekends a month, and as a result, I got involved with campus groups, met new people, and made some lifelong friends.

Melody

Take each class seriously! Don't try to just slide by as you might have in high school because there are no easy As and you will learn more by giving your all to the assignments. Also, sign up for more financial aid so you don't have to work all the time and can be more active on campus and make friends in clubs and such associations; it really makes going to school more fun and even the classwork seem more meaningful because you feel you are part of a community and are adding to it.

Shelby

I would probably tell myself to slow down and take time to think my academics choices through more throughly. Instead of taking what may seem like a well-trodden road that will lead to financial success and make the people around you happy, decide for yourself just how much about what your choosing is for you, and whether you can see yourself doing it until you retire. I would probably also tell myself that first-year college programs or general college requirements for the first year aren't as taboo as everyone makes them seem like in high school counseling offices. Its alright if you don't know who or what you want to be or do, everyday you are a new individual and its up to you to figure out how to live with yourself and your own decisions in the end.

Chen

I would say self discipline. Unlike high schools, students would have much more freedom and personal space/time in colleges. This could greatly benefit students who like outdoor lives and socializing; but without enough self discipline, one could also find himself or herself struggling through college. It is not uncommon to hear people talking about how they didn't finish their homework or project because of last night's party. What we must learn, as college students, is that we need to control our desires, be responsible and manage our time properly. I believe self discipline is one of the most important skills to learn and develop in college.

Estefania

I would tell myself to keep up with the reading for classes and to study everyday instead of studying before the exam or test. I would also tell myself to buy comfortable shoes because there is a lot of walking here at NC State.

Ashley

Knowing what I know now, I would tell myself that college is not as easy as highschool was. I can't just pay attention in class and get all A's. And I have to make the effort with my teachers in class. Begin to study from the begining. Find yourself an organization that will help balance your activities. Meet your teachers and stay in contact with them throughout the semester. If they know your name, they will be more likely to help. Keep a positive attitude. Major in something that is going to make you happy. Don't do it for the money or for your parents. Be happy in what you are going to do everyday.

Marie

I would say to follow your dreams, but make sure that you're chasing them for yourself rather than because everyone else wants you to follow that particular career choice. Make sure to find two or three good friends so that you will have someone to hang out with and talk to in your free time, in you have any. Don't try to take too many credit hours at a time because you will burn out quickly if you do. Remember to take a few minutes each day to just breath; and remind yourself that you are smart, even though you may not feel like it at the moment, and things will get better. Understand that courses are more fast-paced than you're used to so be prepared to work harder and learn more on your own. Learn better ways to study as soon as possible because the tests will kill you if you don't. And, most of all, take it one day at a time and have fun when you can because it will be over soon. I would rather have a degree and life-long friends than one saying I gave up friendship for grades.

Blair

QUIT SLACKING OFF AND GET BETTER GRADES!!!! Take the ACT and really try to do well, you dork!

Mary

Breathe. Just breathe in- then hang on for the ride. That?s what I would say if I could talk to myself as a high school senior. At that point in my life, it had felt like the entire world was at my finger tips and if I made a wrong move, I would drop it. Thankfully, I have found out since then that the world is not so fragile. Life is exciting, and it's not as difficult to make the right choices as I was told. If I could go back two years, I would tell myself to ask for advice before choosing and then worrying about everyone else and use that information to make a smart choice. College life, and life in general, is about what you do, and not something to be anxious of because you will make what you want to out of it. If you desire good friends that will last a life time, join a club and stick with it. If you want to do well in your classes, form study groups and talk to your teachers. Hang in there, relax a little, and enjoy as much of it as you can!

Brian

I would tell myself to go ahead and take the time to learn good study habits and to talk to my teachers more than just in class. I would also tell myself to try to get ahead of the class. Don't just look at the current material, take a look at what is coming up and go ahead and prepare for that. Another piece of advise I would give myself is not to focus on video games and goofing off all the time. There is a time and place for that, and the time is after all the work is done. The place varies. So basically, I would try and teach myself all the skills I would need for college so that I wouldn't have to learn them the hard way as I did.

Ethan

Be confident. Be aggressive. Give 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} in all that you do. Choose wisely those things in which you participate. At first, just test the waters; get a feel for the activity or club you are checking out. If it fits you, then jump all in. If it does not fit, be bold enough to say "no" and move on. Definitely make friends, invite new faces to your group(s), and develop those friendships as if they will be yours for life. "Be" a friend for life--to at least one person on campus. Develop a relationship that can be counted on through thick and thin, in good and bad times, sort of like family. Academics DO count. It is a competitive world out there, and economic times are tough, so we must all do our best-academically, finacially, relationally, spiritually, or otherwise. So give your education and the whole experience of college life your all. It is certainly a privilege, an honor, and a freedom that we should never take for granted. Take that approach, and maybe you will make a difference in the lives of many you meet today and tomorrow.

Felecia

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships and to focus more in math class. I would tell the high school me not to worry about my friends, but worry more about my classes.

Vicki

college is fun, but school work is also important. cuz u need a get a great job after you graduate. SO PLAY hARD and STUDY HARD

Kara

Finding the right college was the most difficult decision I ever had to make in my life. It was a time for stress, a time for thought, and a time for cooperation. The best part about being a college student is that you are not restricted to one school; there are so many colleges to choose from that are located in your own state! If the first college you pick is not the perfect fit, then, try another one! That is the beauty of receiving a college education. As a student, it is best to study hard, but take advantage of the opportunities available on campus. Try new things that you would have never tried and live life to its fullest by making goals for your future. Parents; allow your student to find the passion that lies within them. Support them in anything that they wish to pursue, but provide comfort and advice when they ask for it. College is an enriching experience for both the parent and the student, so cooperate and make a future together!

Abra

College is about finding yourself and working hard to live up to your own expectations. College is a place that prepares you for the world like high school never could. I know that I have grown so much this past year and feel much better making big decisions without my parents than I did before. A word for parents: This is a time for your child to use what you've taught them without you hovering over them. College is where the character you helped to build all those years before they turned eighteen are put to the test. It's a place where students will either sink or swim and unfortunately, I've seen quite a few friends sink; however, more of my friends have chosen to make their college experience a buoyant one. My Bible Study leader, a year older than me, just spent the summer doing a journalism internship in Romania and we couldn't be more excited for her! That's what college is about too: finding people who will tell you when you've done something dumb, and people who will tell you when you've truly accomplished something. College is about finding true friends!

Kitrail

Look at choices and consider options like size, location, student population, academic standards, and financial sustainability. All of these, in my opinion, make for a successful college career when chosen wisely.

Srini

It is very important to thoroughly understand what the college offers and the types of people at the college. At this point in a students life, it is somewhat hard for them to completely change who they are to adapt to a new surrounding. This makes it very important to research the colleges to find the best fit. Once a college is chosen, then the student should be very aggresive in find a social group to be part of, as this is very important to succeed both socially and academically.

Queandra

I would have to say, make sure that you are certain with whatever choice you make in deciding which college is right for you. Attend orientations and information sessions because they are very helpful with the decision process.

Jeffrey

I think that it is extremely important to take the time to research all of your prospective schools, and narrow your choices down to two or three places. When you get to that point, I suggest visiting the schools. Most of the time just looking around a school can help you decide whether or not you want to go.

K

It is important to find a school that has plenty of possible majors available, because it is very common for students to change their minds about their major. Getting settled in to a new environment is one thing, but to have to change schools because your current one does not have the new major you're interested in is very unfortunate and difficult.

Sally

By knowing what you want in a school, whether it be small big, in a city or middle of no-where and what you want to do and if that school has what you want. Prices also are important.

Lydia

Make sure you pick a college that is strong in several areas, so you can change your mind about what you want to study.

Gabriel

When giving advice to fellow students and/or their parents, I tell them to think about what is important in their lives. For me, college is about getting the proper education to start my career, as well as learning the skill set to get me there. These personal ideals are what interested me in the college that I chose. Individuals should chose their college based on what interests them. Now no one can know what interests you, better than yourself. So I tell everyone to chose their college based on what they like, and what they enjoy. I am driven by my hopes for a good career in the enginieering field, so I chose a college that I knew would give me a good education and a good beginning for my career. Now I can not speak for everyone, so indivduals should take a look into themselves when chosing their college.

Justin

Visit a small college, a big college, in-state colleges, private colleges, and everything in between to see what fits your child. There's nothing like seeing something first hand to help make your decision about your future.

Khrystyna

Don?t look for a school with bestest academic record, you don?t want to remember your four years in college living in a library on a caffeine diet. Instead look for a school that has your activities/interests; fits you location wise, activity, weather, size, and diversity wise.

Jasmine

Make sure you really give this some thought. Don't leave this up to chance!! College is a big deal so make sure you are going to be happy!! If you're worried, you can always wear red and chosse NC State!!! GOOOOOO WOLFPACK!!!!!

Emily

Don't go to a school just because all of your high school friends are going there. Pick a school based on your interests and your intended major. No matter where you go, you'll meet new people and grow new friendships. That's what I did and now I'm happy, I have a new roommate, friends in all of my classes, and even in a professional sorority for women engineers. Also, during freshman year, just get out there and expose yourself to different things. Don't stick to one or two friends and do whatever they want to do. Even if you don't know someone in the club that you want to join, you we will people who are just like you. That is my only advice: Live and Love your Life.

Joseph

The best thing I can say about finding the right college is to look around at several, start early and visit the ones that really interest you. Having a campus tour or just spending a day on campus provides you with so much insight into what it will be like once you are there. Finding a college that fits you makes your college experience very enjoyable and makes learning and doing well in school easier.

Ashley

I think that parents should help children find scholarships and schools that will fit the student personally. Large schools, small schools, expenses, academic programs, etc. are all very important. The surrounding community is also important. The school's reputation as a party school, acadmeically challenging school, successful school is also imporant.

Stephanie

Find a school that fits you and when you go on your campus tour imagine yourself as a students there. Look at other students that currently got there and talk to them. Look at the majors offered and the activites that go on, on campus, see if they interest you. Participate in activites and school functions and remember to always have school spirit! LET'S GO PACK!

Jessica

The advice I would give is to look around and find the college that fits you best academically and socially. Students and parents should not just limit their focus to schools that are close to home. They should explore different colleges in different states. There is a perfect college for each student, they just have to take the time to shop around and find the right fit. Once a student finds their perfect college then their college experience should be enjoyable. Students should take time once in a while to go out to hang out and socialize with friends, there is no need to be all work all the time.

Leah

My advice to a parent or child looking for the right college is to go where all of the cards fell into place. When I applied to NCSU, it was not my first choice. However, after my acceptance, I was accepted into a dual degree scholarship program and the university dance team. I walked into the university already having a connection academically and socially. This helped my transition into university life, and my success while being a member of the wolfpack. Look at the social life of the school and how challenging the courses are. You want a college where you will be challenged but not so much were you feel like you are drowning. Also, try to attend the college before you accept and make sure you can fit in with the kind of students who attend there.

Brittany

Start early, visit as many campuses as possible and talk to students who have attended the schools you are intersede in.

Ronnie

Prepare and search for scholarships, Research the area and familarize the tudent before sending them off

Caitlin

I entered college in an unconventional manner. I did well academically in high school but lacked passion for anything in particular so thought it would be a waste of money to continue school until I knew what I wanted to do ?with the rest of my life?. My parents insisted I attend community college, which I did until I graduated after 2 years. By then I decided on a course of study. My first advice to students and parents is after initially researching which schools offer your desired program of study, visit the schools. Talk with students and faculty, check out the library and labs, and the general locale. Mom and I took a major road-trip that summer to consider five schools. It took time but it really paid off. The school I thought was first on my list became last. Second, participate in classes and activities. Speak to your professors and classmates. Let people get to know you and you them. Move out of your comfort zone and participate in new things and opportunities will come your way. My parent's financial sacrifice allowing me to attend out-of-state deserves compensation. Please consider me for your sacholarship.

charles

Taste everything. Hometown life usually doesn't allow much diversity, so soak up what you can while in higher education.