North Georgia College & State University Top Questions

College had always been a dream that I'd never been able to financially achieve but desperately wanted. When I worked for a company that offered tuition-reimbursement, I began to attend and excel at evening college classes. But after my son was diagnosed with learning disabilities, success in school became difficult for him to achieve. We had little time for anything but school work and fighting for benefits. Energy and funding available for my education disappeared. It was not until my husband and I moved to Georgia five years ago that we became aware of the HOPE scholarship. My initial goal in the 1980's had been to become a lawyer - and I have worked for lawyers for over 30 years. But when a young hiker was brutally murdered here, I felt compelled to become involved in the process. School was no longer an option and HOPE now enables me to achieve my long-awaited dream. Psychology and criminal justice always appealed to me and I am now able to pursue a graduate program in forensic psychology of children, a career in which I can help children overcome life's tragedies to succeed in life - instead of becoming criminals.

What I got out of college way not only insite in to my degree field, but all around more knowledge in general education. For example, before I went to school I thought I understand computer very well. After I finished my first degree I now understand that my knowledge was very limited. Not to mention the level of math that I understand has vastly increased. Especially since I took finite math. In fact before I did not understand statistic now i look at them as they are just another simple proble to solve.

I have gotten so much out of my experiences here at North Georgia College and State University. As a Freshman, I was afraid of being in a new place and having to get situated into the very scary NGCSU Music Program. When I found out I was the principal clarinetist, I thought it was a mistake, but I'm glad it wasn't because I learned more than I thought possible. When I came back for my second year, I was more prepared for the all of that was expected for music majors. After the first day of Symphonic Band, the band director approached me and stated that I had grow both in confidence and in musical ability. I, of course, didn't quite expect this comment, but I noticed that he was right the next time I had class. The reason: because I was able to sight read pieces that I never would have been able to as a high school student. This goes to show that when you apply yourself to what you love, you can achieve anything.

Out of my college experience i have learned how to be organized, how to manage my time and how to be responsibile. When you get to college your whole life changes. They do not baby you like you were babied in high school. You grow up real fast and that is what i learned. That everything depends on you and your choices.

What I have gotten out of college is a unique sense of family. NGCSU is a very close knit school; the teachers strive the help their students in any way possible and the students are genuinely nice, friendly, and they are also willing to help. Everyone is open to helping each other. Going into college I was scared out of my mind, just the tought of college gave me the shakes, but during the first week I soon realized that I had nothing to be fearful of. The population of the school gladly welcomed me as one of them. North Georgia has given me something that larger schools cannot, a family.

attending college is very important and challenge in the same time because the students spend their time and try to be succesful student , so they can be the best in their fields. in my experience, going to the college and get some experience is the key for the students to know how to become the most effective and the leaders of the future. when i went to the college in the first semester, i learned lot of things such as how to become and educated man and managing the time and the stress.

I have gotten nothing but good things from my college experience hard work, dedication, and motivation are just a few things I can think of. I also am on my way to a career in the health field something I have dreamed of for years a career that can support me and one day my family I couldnt be happier with my experience it takes alot of hard work but its so worth it for my furture.

I have gained many different ideas, and many different concepts from college. College has allowed me to broaden my perspective on many different subjects. It has also allowed me to think outside the box, and realize that the opportunities for my life are endless. I have learned to take each day as a learning experience, and learned to value my relationships. Also I have learned that my experiences are priceless, and I am trying to make the most out of my college experience. College has been valuable to attend because it provides me with unlimited opportunities to grow and learn and experience new things.

I have only been in college for one semester and a few weeks, but I have learned some very valuable life lessons. I have definitely learned the value of a college education by attending college. I have also learned that it is not about the smartest person, the person with the most money, or the person who knows everybody. It is simply about the person who works harder than any other. College is not about pure knowledge, it is about applying oneself to further better themselves.

I am a single mother of a beautiful 18 month old girl named Izabella; and as hard as it was for me to go back to school, it was even more difficult because it did not just affect me anymore. When I first started school I was insecure, intimidated, and unprepared! I completed 23+ hours since then, maintaining a 3.5 grade point average which is more than I could have expected. Going back to school has taught me discipline, communication skills that i was not quite old enough to understand untill now. Not only have I learned a great deal educationally, but also in life as well. I do not know that I would be the person I am today if I had not returned back to school to create a future for my daughter and I.

It's inspired me and made me see just what I want to do with my life. I went into college not sure about anything and I really screwed up my first year. I took a break from school thinking it wasn't for me but while I was there I had gotten into the theater and I also helped during this past year while I wasn't going to school in the theater's Haunted Theater. It's shown me I really want to get into theater and maybe also down the road teach theater. Theater means alot to me and thanks to a great teacher of mine who inspired me to go for Theater since I was very good at it I owe her alot and I want to make her proud. My college experience didn't start out great but I plan to make it a whole lot better.

I have made many new friends since I came here. I am not as shy as I was in high school. I have a sense of accomplishment and independence from coming here. I have a semester of classes done and am working on my second right now. It has been tuff getting to where I am today, but it is making me a better person and teaching me lessons that I will need for the rest of my life. I will never regert coming to college it is something that I have wanted to do becuase I want to be a teacher. I have stumbled on the road to becoming a teacher but I am not going to give up each step is bringing me closer to my goal.

Entering North Georgia as a transient student involved adapting to a new environment along with a challenging course load. In my second semester I enthusiastically joined a research slot without quite understanding that I should have discussed this with the professor in charge first. Never the less Dr. Tomlinson graciously took me under her wing and my experience with North Georgia hasn?t been the same since. It is my assumption that had I not been involved with research and consequently not involved with Dr. Tomlinson I may not be the motivated and dedicated student I am today. Her influence, continuing support, encouragement, and friendship have been invaluable to me both in my academic career goals and with new and exciting opportunities. It is because of my involvement with Dr. Tomlinson?s solar cell research that I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet her collaborator Dr. Malika Jeffries-El and meet the prominent computational physical chemist Dr. Jean-Luc Br?das, attend the Hearty Undergraduate Research Symposium, and will be attending the ACS nationals meeting in San Francisco this March to present our research poster. I can't express enough how valuable these opportunities are.

My experience at college has changed me in more ways than I thought it would. The biggest way is it has made me defend my beliefs. This is scary to do, especially without one's parents and close friends around to help. Another important thing I have gotten out of this experience time-management skills. Between classes, work, hall meetings, and clubs, I found it hard to get everything done and still get enough sleep at night. There was a while where I was so busy, I never ate until dinner. This obviously had negative effects on me and forced me to make a schedule and stick with it. Since then, I have done just that and get three meals a day and eight hours of sleep every night. Besides the above mentioned, college has been valuable to me because it has forced me to grow up; something I've always been excited to do. I've been self-dependant, and this forced me to do things outside my comfort zone to make ends meet; like applying for this scholarship for instance. College has also taught me that everyone needs help at some point, so thank you for your consideration.

I would tell my self to relax. Everything will be explained that I need to know about where to go and what to do. It is not such a scary, intimidating place. I would also tell myself to stay focused.

If I were able to go back and speak to myself during high school I would try to explain how different college really is. College is not just some big frat party where your strings are cut and you become a real boy, and it is nothing like the movies. I would tell myself that I should start working hard on my studies and stop procrastinating because it will get you nowhere but a bad grade in college, which can be very costly. Money is what makes the world go round. With out good grades you can kiss your possibilities for scholarships and grants down the drain. With out financial aid the possibility of be able to get an education and better yourself will be much harder, not to mention the large amount of student loans you will have to pay off after you get out on your own. Grades are the most important thing, yes, as usual mom is right.

I would tell myself to really work hard to learn myself. Learn how to study and how you learn best. One ofthe hardest parts of college for me in starting was I had no idea how to study. In high school I never had to study for anything, but college is a whole different level of education. Studying is essential to success here. I am just now learning how I best learn and how I best study. You may only go to class two days a week in college, but the three days you are not in that class you may still be expected to learn certain material. Tests in college may have information on them that you never went over in class. In order to succeed over such trials you have to know how you best learn and how to teach yourself. Self-teaching and independent studying are the two most important traits you need befor coming to college. Knowing how to study, where to sudy, how you remember things, and how to know the material to the fullest before a test is the most essential and importan advice I would tell myself as a high school senior.

Now being a sophomore in college the one thing I would tell myself if I could go back in time would be to take as many AP classes as I could and work on study habits. It would have been so much easier if I had taken the AP classes and get the needed score so I wouldn't have to take as many core classes in college. It can save you so much money. Another piece of advice would be to develop good study habits early on. I was always good at school, but the way college is set up is totally different, and at first it was a huge struggle trying to adapt to how the classes were, but once you get the hang of it and learn time management it is not that bad. The changes we go through make us who we are and I truely would not change a thing.

If I could go back to my senior year, I would tell myself to learn to study. High school doesn't teach study skills, which is ashame. If i could go back, I would learn how to study because it is an essential part of college academics. I would also tell myself to calm down and not stress on tests. My freshman year I would have been more prepared with my own advice. I would also know valuable skills.

Once I went back in time, i would tell myself to work harder to get a job and better use my money. It was so tough getting a job in this town it was hard to be able to save money for school when there isn't any. I have also learned the importance of extra aid when it comes to grants and scholarship. I would be sure to share this information with my past self. I would also need to share with myself the type of work load in many courses in college and type of people you meet in college. These are the things of would tell myself about college.

The transition from high school to college life can be overwhelming for anyone. As a high school senior there are some things I realize now that I wish I knew then. Three main things I would tell myself now would be to take advanced placement classes, live at home for the first year, and to get involved.Taking advanced placement classes not only allow for possible credit towards college but also help a student to learn how to study independently. This better prepares a student for how college classes are. I would tell myself to take full advantage of these courses and the tests offered towards college credit. Living at home for the first year allows a student to learn to cope with college curriculum while eliminating some stressful factors that come with moving out. For instance, the student would not have to worry with many expenses. This provides a calm environment for the student during the transition.The last piece of advice I would give myself is to get involved in college. This allows a student to make friends with people who share common interests. This is extremely important when you eventually move out on your own.

If I had my highschool years to do over, I would take my academic subjects more seriously beginning in nineth grade. After just one semester at North Georgia College, I realized how unprepared academically I was. Taking an easy academic load in high school did not prepare me properly for the expectations of my college classes. I would definitely study more, take more honor classes, and choose friends who were equal minded.

I would first show myself pictures of my children, my husband, my new baby brother, and my family members as they are now. I would talk with myself about choices that wouldn't change anything in those pictures except the backgrounds. I would show the financial set-backs I've endured, the hardships, and wondering where my rent is going to come from. I would talk about that boy who will break my heart later that I was sure I'd spend forever with, and how he'll distract me from graduating on time. I'd say to myself that I should go ahead and take that last science, because not taking it will keep me out of every college in the state for the next five years. I would tell myself not to be indecisive or feel like I'm incapable of a career . I would show myself the face my mother made when years of working two jobs and being a single mom finally paid off. It paid off when the first person in our family to go to college got her acceptance letter, and that person was me. That's the advice I'd give.

College is a completely different experience than one can expect it to be, however one cannot understand completely until he or she has began college life. The paradigm shift from high school to college is so magnificent and big, I'm afraid that I would not be able express exactly what college entails.I would tell myself to be prepared to study much more than I did in high school. Also, I would ask that I entered college with an open mind; I would need to be friendly and meet many new people, not imagine that I know everything, and enjoy learning more about the world I live in. Also, a good point to mention is to enjoy the taste of home-cooked meals because the food is not even close to your mother's delicious hot meals. Money is also in the lacking so I would tell myself to work more hours at my job to save up spending money. These are things I would tell myself, however, part of the college experience is learning all of these things.

Heather, there are a few things you should know about University life. First, you should understand that administrative functions can be difficult and frustrating and the first week of any semester it will be hard to get anything done. Try to take it all in stride, and really learn how to fill out forms like a champ. Second, college learning is not like high school learning. You will be responsible for your own work, your own scheduling, attendance, everything. If you fall behind, no one is going to take your hand and ask if everything is alright at home. You have to show up for class, do the work and everything will be fine. Last, start saving your pennies. There will be so many beautiful opportunities and they all cost dearly. If you want to study abroad, play soccer, or take photography classes, be prepared to pay. Remember,any budget you draw up for yourself needs wiggle room because life is not a chart or graph, it keeps coming at you day after day. Heather, you are an unbelievably smart girl, so if you can find the balance between focused and relaxed, you will go far. Best of luck, Heather!

As a college sophomore, I have joined a sorority, become a Resident Assistant, made good grades, and improved myself as a person. In my high school years, I was unsure of how to express myself and work within society to accomplish the things that I want to accomplish. If I could go back, I would have told myself the things that are important in life and the ways that I could go about expressing myself without getting negative attention. I also would tell myself that relationships aren't everything and that focusing on a particular person is not in my best interest. Instead of focusing so much on a person, I should devote my time more to clubs, sports, and academics. I would stress to myself the importance of family because now, I'm so busy that I only see them once or twice a year. The last advice worth giving to myself would be that the transition was easy, even welcomed. But college is very stressful and if you drop the ball for even a minute, everything you have built will come down.

I initially chose I different college that was further away from home, however I quickly learned that choosing a school based on its distance from home is a terrible idea. I was unhappy and quickly became so depressed that I couldn't focus on schoolwork. Once I transferred to North Georgia though I quickly realized how enjoyable college life could be. Once I got here I became so involved in campus life and my enthusiasm for school skyrocketed. If I could go back in time I would tell myself to be more thorough in deciding what school to attend and not to base the choice solely on what the campus looks like and how far away it is, but rather on what I can learn from the school both academically and socially. While I don't regret my decisions, if I had been more prepared about what college really entailed I believe that I would have started my life at North Georgia sooner, bypassing the depression of my first semester of college and the transferring process.

I would encourage myself to apply for numerous scholarships and grants because more money, as sad as it is, provides more opportunities. This can determine one's living situation, ability to take desired classes, ability to participate in clubs and Greek life, and also to study abroad. Any of these things can greatly affect one's college experience and enjoyment.

Find a roommate that you are comfortable with and if its not working do not be afraid to get it fixed. My roommate is such a big part of my life because I spend so much time at the dorm sleeping , eating ect... It helps if you have comon interests. Get involved as soon as you feel that you have a good handle on your grades. Knowing people will open you to your social and acidemic life and attract friends that share your common interests and goals. Get to know several people in each class so that you are not stuck wondering what you missed while you were sick. It is always a good idea to have a emotional network of friends for when stuff drives you crazy and your need to complain to someone besides your mother. One person can only take so much. Plan some times to have fun even if your sechedule seems to be full , you will not regret it! It also helps to learn how to cook, unless you love Ramen unconditionaly, its just a thought!

do it all the same and more, without regrets

Do not choose a major if you are not completely positive it is what you want to do. Go in undecided, complete your core classes, and then decided.

You need to get involved in everything you can get your hands on. Learn to study now so your first week of tests won't be so tough. A summer job is a great idea. You will need the extra cash. You should buy all used books off the internet. Prices are sky-high in the bookstore. Keep in touch with everyone back at home. Leave your door open in the dorm room and make friends with lots of new people. Talk to your professors. You will be seeing them for the next four years.

Just becuase a college has he biggest campus with the most students, doesn't mean that they have the best education or that the students are happy. Go where you're happy and and to the college that best fits your personality and your sure to have a great experience.

The most important way of ensuring that you have an excellent college experience is to know youself but to not allow your perception of yourself to hold you back. All people are different: some gain happiness by going to parties and some thrive on studying in the library to ensure that higher grade. Find out who you are, and don't be ashamed about your preferences. On the same note, don't allow your preferences to define you. If you are the type who would stay out all night and bomb tests because you fall asleep in class the next day, you can still go out and have fun! If you are responsible about your social life, there is no reason you can't be a socialite and still make the Dean's list. If you are the type who would pick studying over socializing, more power to you! Get that grade, but don't become a complete shut-in. Nothing feels better than getting outside your comfort zone and trying new things once in a while. Basically: try and find a balance between the social and academic worlds so that you can maximize your college experience.

Pick a college that is in a town that is similar to your own home town to reduce disstraction and home sickness.Also, become involved in student organizations because it will give you a break from the stress of class and help you meet new people.Dont go to a college with all your friends . Try to meet new people.Participate in activities recommended for incoming freshman because it helps you meet new people and familiarize you with the new lifestyle of a college student.

Talk to students about what goes on at the school and how the classes are. Know your surroundings and what kind of night life there is. Find out what the success rate is after kids graduate and what type

When choosing the right college students should look for a school that will accomidate there needs. You have to decided what school environment is right for you. Universitys that are larger work for some while others may feel lost and like a number instead of a person. Find out what your preference is. Campus life plays a major role in your overall college experience and can either make or break you in your freshman year. Once you get settled into the school of your choice take advantage of the resources they provide. Always make use of the library. You will find that this not only will enhance your grades but is also a good place to form new friendships through the use of study groups. The key to success in college is to get plugged in.

Study Hard. Practice Smart.

Make sure the college you are going to is a good fit for you for atleast two years.

Talk to the registrar first. all the things required to get into a school are overwhelming and the school in question is always the most helpful tool.

When finding a college, I would advise that parents and students should focus on finding a campus that fits the personality of the student. If the student is comfortable then he/she is more likely to excel. I believe that tuition should NOT be considered until the very end. First, consider the acadedmic interest of the student and find out which colleges offer classes in that field. Next, find a college that provides the right learing environment; class sizes, professor availability, etc. from the colleges that meet the first requirement. Now, explore the other activities that those colleges have to offer and weed out any that don't offer enough opportunities for the student to be entertained with favorite past-times and challenged to experience new things. Of the remining colleges, research the living arrangements, meal plans, job opportunities, career services, counselling services, tutoring services, etc. offered. Next, apply to the few colleges that have passed all the scrunity. Finally, contact the financial aid office for advice in meeting the costs. By following these steps, the student has only applied to schools that will be a good fit academically and socially. Upon acceptance, the costs can then be tackled.

To find the right college that fits you, look at the campus's surroundings and the type of people that go to the college. Do not just follow your high school friends. The college's extracurriculars usually draw the students to the school. To be with like minded individuals, go somewhere that has a lot that interests you. Do not go somewhere just because it is easy, go somewhere with tons of prestige. When you get into the college of your choice, become very involved. Meet anyone and everyone. Make friends everywhere you go and network. Get involved in the school government or many other organizations that they have to offer. Also, join a fraternity /sorority and get involved with them. The more people one meets or knows, the more opportunity for fun and advancement he or she will have in the future. Even after stressing the extracuriculars, do not forget to study because college is on a whole different level than high school.

New students attending college should apply and visit as many campuses as they can and maybe to contact with previous students or advisors in the campuses they are going to visit in order for them to have plenty of choices and make a wise decision where to further their education. Another important step that the students or parents should look at the careers they offer and if the school have the career of the student that is applying and if the student is undecided upon a major, he or she should go to the career center (I am assuming most school have them) and get more information about the different careers they offer. In order to have a great college experience you should join various student board types and to be active with college life, (attend different meetings that are hold on campus, concerts on campus, athletics games etc.) and get involved with extra-curriculum activities outside classes, this will help to reduce or release stress and it's a good way to meet new people and make new friends. When registering for the first time make sure to go the first day of the week they open to freshmens.

Look for a college that suites your child's interests and your annual college budget. Always have at least $400 saved up for textbooks.

Find somewhere that you will feel at home, because if you are not comfortable in your enviroment, you will be unhappy and will not succeed. If you find yourself dissapointed with anything when visiting a campus, check out somewhere else first before making a descion.

It is really hard to find the right college for you the first time. Just go with one that you think is right and if it's not you can transfer.

Finishing school debt free is extremely useful in today's economy but don't ever trade quality over cheapness. A little debt from a school with an impressive reputation is better than no debt from a school with no name. Make the most of your time. Everyone in college starts from a clean slate. No one can fail you out but yourself. Get involved with academic crowds, not fraternities or sororities. Honor societies are great. Study abroad programs foster excellent learning experiences and friends for life. Apply for as much financial aid as you can.

In order to find the right college, I would schedule tours of the campus to get a good feel of what the school looks like especially while the school is still in session to see the diversity of the campus. Also when choosing the campus, find out how large or small the campus is and how the security looks in the campus. Find out the cost of the tuition as you will want to make sure that you can afford the housing or have to find an apartment or rental house off campus. While attending college, have a cell phone that your friends will be able to contact you and also meet up for like hangouts or study groups. Also get involved with the Student Activities Club to be able to schedule activities on campus that would appeal to many of the students on campus. If you have any kind of trouble find out if your school offers a tutoring session where upper class students or other professors can give you advice and new strategies that will help you to solve the problem. Just make sure that you study and pass classes and have fun with making friends.

Visit the schools you are thinking about attending. Ask questions, find out as much as you can and keep an open mind. Talk to the students on campus, many would love to answer questions. When you find one that fits get involved as soon as possible, either with clubs and organizations or greek life. And do not always trust the rumors you hear about greek life, it is different for everyone. Try your best and have fun.

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