North Dakota State University-Main Campus Top Questions

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

john

i would say look at your options and try to find the school that you feel that you can fit into. Once accepted join an organization not related to your major. this will give you a broader spectrum of people that you may become friends with.

Jennifer

Take your classes seriously, or else it is a waste of time and a lot of money. Save up and borrow the least amount as possible.

Taylor

I guess I would say it depends on your major. I learned that you always want to apply for your number one college institution that you want to go and at least two more back-up schools. That way if you don't get in you will have somewhere else to go. It's easier to get into a harder school by transfering there oppossed to going there straight out of high school. If you aren't accepted the first time try your second choice and then try tranfering after a semester or two. Another helpful tip is to make sure you get a tour of the campus first before accepting it as your college, that way you get a feel for it before you end up being stuck there and not likeing it. The best advice I can give is to do some research about your major to find where the best affordable institutions are and see if they fit your lifestyle and go for it. Anything can happen if you put your mind to it!

Alex

I would check the university's accredibility, their success rate of graduates finding jobs after graduation. The total package that comes with the college, (what everyone in general thinks about the school). How much has tuition risen in the last few years. The past enrollment, has it been up or down, steady in one direction. what is the universities plans for the future. Do they have what you need to become successful in whatever field you are interseted it, do they have a secondary field you would also like to go into, if you end up not liking your first choice. Things like that. Last thing, visit the campus and think 4 years down the road and go with your gut feeling. Good luck.

Samantha

My advice would be to go to the college that feels most comfortable dont strech your wings to far.

Danielle

When making your decision, pick the place that feels most like home. College is not just a place to learn, but it will be your home for the next few months/years. If you don't feel comfortable then you won't be successful.

Danielle

Choosing the right college can be a difficult process, but you should choose a college that you can see yourself on day after day. Not only that but it should hold some qualities that match your interests. The only way one can make the most of their college experience, in my mind, is by having fun. It is true that you are here to learn and go to class, but one should also get out and experience eveything that the campus has to offer them. You will learn things that you would never be able to learn in a classroom. You will make friends that will last forever and will have many memories to look back on. College is said to be the best years of your life, why not take advantage of everything it has to offer you?

Haley

Don't forget about the future. No matter what your/your child's interests are now, you/they are bound to change your/their mind. Remember that a college is more than just an education.

Sara

I think that a student should choose a school that is going to challenge them and help them achieve everything they want academically. Don't be discouraged if you cannot decide on a major right away. Just take some time and try to figure out what it is that you really love and go with it. I also think joining clubs on campus is a great way to meet friends and get to know new people. College is about learning and growing as a person and is a great opportunity.

Laura

Meeting fun people, challenging yourself acadmecially, learning about yourself, being a member of a community, revealing your leadership skills. If these sound like qualities you wish to posses, then you need to decide what it is that you want from your college. For me, it was going to a college that was just big enough that not everyone knew your name, but not so big that you became student number 9,786,457. I wanted a college with several different organizations to become involved with. I wanted to go to a place that had conservative political views and a friendly atmosphere. The only way you can figure out what different colleges have to offer is by visiting them. Tour different colleges! That is the best decision you can make when narrowing your options. If you do that, you will certainly choose a place that will allow you to make the most of your college experience.

Leigh

If you are trying to get away from hicks and farm people, don't go to NDSU because the majority of students are from rural areas.

Andrea

As a recent college graduate, I find myself looking back at college with extreme pride. I was not able to afford college, so I worked full time while taking out student loans. It took me 7 years to complete college, however, picking the right school had a lot to do with my success. I searched many colleges and found that the college I attended was concerned about my future success and well-being. Everyone, from professors to the janitor, helped me achieve my success by caring beyond their "job description" and making me the best person I could be. As for making the most of the college experience, that comes from within yourself. You need to be able to make choices and prioritize your academics along with taking time for yourself and others. I would make a schedule for homework and studying, but would also make a timeslot for checking out local movies, hanging out with friends and trying new things such as campus activites and volunteering. I learned a lot about myself during college by making myself well-rounded and involved in numerous activities. I miss it all so much that I am now in Graduate School!

Lucas

There are several extremely important things to consider when selecting a college. While overall reputation or name recognition may be important to an individual, that won't be of benefit if the discipline that caters to their academic desires or abilities is not available. Students should search for a college that offers what they want academically and a faculty that is knowledgable and passionate about what they are teaching. If undecided on a course of study, look for a school that offers a broad range of courses, and is willing to work with the student via guidance counseling, strong advisorship and that has a willingness to keep track of student progress while providing assistance in finding a personally and academically rewarding match in terms of degree or certification. Additionally, keep in mind finances when selecting a school. There are enough challenges while in school that one should not have to worry that they may have to drop out due to financial complications. Prospective students should meet with the school's financial aid office to see what is available for them, and should never assume that one can only receive an excellent education at the most expensive of schools.

Sara

I would tell parents to make their kids really look. Many schools are over looked because of their location and where they are. Some can be superficial about where they go and want to follow the mainstream crowd. You might just find that the place you thought was aweful can be your dream school. Just applying and web searching is not enough. Parents, your kids need to get interactive and get out of the car and check out the school to make sure they like the feel of the campus. Internet pages can't tell you that. Schools don't show the whole school on their web sites.

Elizabeth

I would advise incoming college students to look for the college that best fits your major of choice. Take your time in deciding. Also, along with choosing the school that has your major, don't choose it just because your friends are attending the same school, or they are going for the same major, choose it because it is truly something you are interested in and you can see yourself pursuing for the rest of your life.

Bryce

It is hard process to find what you are exactly looking for. It is a personal opinion to how you want to live and learn. It is great time though and will not forget it.

Andrew

Do campus visits so you can see what the college is really like

Haley

I would tell students to make the choice depending on what career they want to have. Go to a college that offers the best degree for that career area.

Jordan

Give it everything you've got. As much as that has been said it is true. The amount that you put into school will determine how much you get out of it. Be willing to stay for the couple minutes after class to finish writing the notes. Be willing to play frisbee with strangers on campus. Be willing to say good morning to the instructor at 7 o'clock in the morning. Making new friends and learning new things is what makes school worth it. The relationships that develop during college are not just for four years but for a lifetime.