Nova Southeastern University Top Questions

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

Florin

Have a broad range of colleges to chose from and analyze each one closely and thoroughly.

Stephanie

The advice I would give a student when searching for the right college would be don't go where all your friends are going go to the school that will not only give you the most help but the one that has your major and best interests. Since college isn't free it isn't something you would want to mess up while in it. Making the most out of your college experience can include joining social clubs, educational clubs, making great friends and making sure you do well in all your classes which is the most important part.

Tiffany

I would tell anyone entering college to cherish every single moment of it. I would strongly urge you to be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} open minded to people andthings that will inevitabley enter and leave your life. Never judge. Never say you can not do something. Always have 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} confidence, because that will lead to success. Stay positive in every situation and keep a positive attitude because it will attract good things. Take advantage of the years you have in college and NETWORK. Network with everyone, keep close ties, and try to make a positive influence in every single life you meet. Get involved! Do tons of community service projects and join organizations that support your beliefs. The best of friends often arise from these.

John

Look for a college that provides the most grants and scholarships and one that is close or easily accessible to your home, so that you do not have to pay so much for transportation. Let your child decide which one he or she likes the best because when you let them decide the college, it goes much better for your child since he or she felt like he or she made the decision, not you the parent. Therefore, the child will own the responsibility of living up to his or her decision in choosing the correct college.

R.

While many students entering college for the first time have some idea of what courses of study they wish to pursue, selecting a college with diverse degrees available will afford the student an opportunity to change career paths without changing the path to their dormitory, job, friends and family. Changing universities is not only a stressful event for the student, but can be a costly endeavor for parents as well. Choosing a school that has the flexibility to accommodate change is likely a wise and cost effective decision for students and parents. Students' college experiences can be broad and friendships will naturally flourish if they are happy with the program and school they have chosen.

Caroline

The advice I would give to parents and students about finding the right college is to decide what is best for you. If a small school will help you adjust better, a large university, or the location. To make the most of the college experience you have to have fun, party, become involved in clubs, sports, fraternities/ sorotities but do not go overboard and not study because no one wants to get kicked out of college for failing classes that you could get A's in.

Dyona

Start looking for the RIGHT college for you [the student] as EARLY as possible.

Amber

Decide what your needs and wants are and see which schools fit the criteria. Also, visit many different campuses to find the fit thats right for you.

Danelle

As an older college student, I am twenty-nine years old I have a unique perspective on how to make the most of college. I entered college right out of highschool and attended for two years before leaving. During that time I went to class, and did pretty well but I just did not understand how lucky I was to be able to go to college, I wanted to have fun join a sorority and hang out with my friends. I did not realize what I had and why I should work so hard. One year ago, I decided to go back to school and get my degree, after my first day of class I knew I had made the right choice and I was glad. I am now doing extremely well and have decided to go on and get my masters degree. My advice to new college students is to have fun and enjoy your time at college, but never forget the real reason you are there to learn and improve your life. I had to leave and get older to learn that and I am so glad that I did.

Matt

visit as many schools as you can.

Minh

Choose a school base on what you want as a student, think of your academic career and not your personal life. Know what you want out of the school.

Viral

Please go to that college and sit in one of the classes and see what teachers are teaching the students. Also, about dorm's they would really kill a student because they charge so much that student cant even get anything in back.

Max

Finding hte right college is hit or miss, and you cant rely on the image the school presents itself during orientation. Take you experiences in stride, and expect to find that the school is not what you expected it to be. It important to make sure you find the right place to nurture academic success.

Brittany

Take a chance. College is about finding yourself, and having new experiences. That may mean moving 10 states away, or it could mean staying at home. Understandably, the decision to move somewhere that you know no one is a scary choice. But sometimes that urge to start over someplace new can help to show that who you are is not about where you live, but the life experiences that you've had. I would definately advise college visits. For myself, I only visted two colleges during my senior year, and I limited my choices by doing that. Students and parents should visit multiple colleges, because some colleges do "fit" better than others. Finding the one that fits with you is what is important. Don't let other people decide your future, because then you will never be fully satisfied. So step out into the world and explore, take chances, and live life to the fullest.

stephanie

Pick a school based on class sizes you would find appropriate for your major as well as types of classes offered. Also make sure there are some extracurricular activities you would be interested in so you can have a social and intellectual outlet of some sort outside of the classroom. You want a school that has opportunities available for your needs, such as student jobs or affordable housing. Definitely visit the college before you choose it so you know if you like the campus and get an idea of what the student body is like. To make the most of your college experience, you have to reach out and be involved, but don't overwhelm yourself with too many activities because you will be stressed and feel scattered. Take a challenging but not impossible courseload and apply yourself in class everyday. Be thankful that you have the opportunity to learn and strive to find new ways to apply your education to everyday experiences, and be open to learning about new cultures and customs from the diversity of students at your college.

Ashley

First find out what the student is looking for in a college. Also, a main problem that I am seeing plenty of students face, is that they rather a "blue collar" job such as a mechanic or a chef. These types of job does not need college experience but rather a technical school. Allow your child to choose their future! Please do not chose it for them. Support you child and let them learn to love their job not suffer to make you (the parent) happy.

Silvana

The advice i would give to students, is pick a college where you feel comfortable, where you can see yourself interacting with others well. This is where you learn and make friends for life.

Ashley

Think about the future at large more than just the education. While classes and professors will allow you to learn from books, extracurricular activity, jobs, internships, and experience will lead you farther than any classroom. Look into radio stations, newspapers, some greek life, campus careers, and most importantly the career offices and services on campus. They will help you find places that are looking for someone exactly like you! Become involved and take on professional roles that will help your future endeavors. Create an ongoing portfolio from classes and experiences within your college career. Most importantly enjoy the college life! It will go by faster than you know it, and as parents say, as soon as you graduate you're stuck in the real world. Don't go to a school because your friend is, and don't settle for just anything. Also, try to move away from home. The experience is something that will prepare you and you will never forget it. Good luck!

cheryl

I would adivse others to search, search and more search. Research the options that are available. Parents and students should shop for a college like they would a new home or automobile. The right college has to be the right fit for you. Make a plan, set goals, start early. I would even advise high school students to voulnteer in the community and obtain experience. Work in areas that they are interested in for a career. This would give them the opportunity to narrow their majors down and save time and money. Most importantly RESEARCH!!!

Elise

There are several things you should do in order to find the right school for you. First, you should decide how close to home you want to be, and whether or not you want to be in a city or in the country. Then, decide what size school you want to go to, and how many majors you want to have to choose from. Next, you should decide what sort of extra curricular activities you want to have accessible to you and you should decide what sort of social environment you want to be in. Then take into consideration how expensive the school is and what sort of financial aid is available. Once you make a list, GO VISIT! Some schools look great on paper and in brochures, but you can only get a feel for whether or not a school is a good fit for you if you are there to experience it first hand. Good luck! And once you are in, make the most of your time. Get involved, attend events, and enjoy every moment. It goes by fast!

Alicia

Parents and students should search throughly for the best educational instituition. Education is extremely important. Finding the right college for both parents and students takes time. Parents and students should visit the colleges that are top choices. In my opinion students should have at least 3 top choices for the college they would like to attend. Students should work diligently and work hard to attend their first choice college. Parents should accompany their child/children and give them the support they need every step of the way. Parents should also help their children with finacial needs and encourage them to be the best. The educational success rate in my opionion is highly based on the support a student receives while attending a college. Students should make the most out of their college experience. College experience prepares a student for the real world and their careers. I equate a college experience with life. A students' college experience teaches you how to survive in the real world and never give up on your hopes, dreams and aspirations.

Kevin

Look into the different programs that are offered at the school such as clubs, fraternity/sorority options, get to know your professors because they will assist you greatly through out your time at the school

Maria

From my college experience I have learned that most colleges have a myriad of opportunities for their students to expand their educational experience beyond the classroom. However, most often it is up to the students to find those opportunities and make the most of them. If a student knows what field they are interested, such as the sciences, they should attend a college that is well known and respected for within that field. Also, when a student is looking into a particular college, it is imperative that they inquire about the success of previous students in the field they are interested in. For instance, if a student is interested in becoming a physician, they should ask an admissions officer from each college of how many of their pre-med students are accepted into medical school each year. Such information will give the student and parents a clear picture of how successful the graduates from that particular institution are in a particular field. I would also recommend that the students ask for a list of classes that are available within their field of interest. Doing so will allow them to compare the level and quantity of classes offered by each insitution.

paula

I think you should have goal and realistic schools, making sure to visit them and seeing what they are like. Once you get accepted into a school, you should choose the one that would fit you best. To make the most out of college you should get involved in school activities. If you live at home, it is the best way to become involved. You have to just make the best of where you are. If you are not in your first choice, I think after a while you get into a routine and you can really enjoy college.

Pedro

Visit the university first and go where you feel at home!

Sierra

Parents and student chosing a college is very difficult. There is the factor of cost, distance from home, diversity, and reputation of the university. I strongly insist that you go and visit the school of choice. You can not draw a definite conclusion of how a school is by the website. To get the best feel of the school, I would suggest visiting the open house and then coming back to the campus on an ordinary day around 12p.m. which is generally the busiest time of day to see student interact. The best place to see this would be The University Center or lounge where students can hang out and buy lunch and ask random students how they feel about the school or maybe even sit in a few classes to see how the students interact with the professors.

Michael

REALLY research your colleges, go the campus spend time shadow classes, talk to alumi and current students.

Elizabeth-Marie

make sure you go to visit the university on RANDOM days not just the open house days because everyone is on their best open house days even students

scott

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Hara

The most important advice would be to get informed. Ask all the questions and it is also important to pick a college that the student will feel comfortable. Learn about the classes, professors, degrees offered, financial aid, location, and campus resources.

marilite

In order to make the right decision about which college is best for the student, the best advice would be to visit the college and take a campus tour. Originally, my first choice was the University of Miami but after visiting Nova Southeastern, I quickly changed my preferences. Also, the visit allows the parents to see where their son/daughter will live, attend class, eat, etc. It allows for a better feel of the campus environment and local neighborhood as well.

Danelle

My advice for students starting college would be to realize how much a higher education actually costs and to not waste any time. College should be fun, but you go there to learn and it costs alot of money to do so.

Aubrena

I HAD A REALLY GOOD TIME after I committed myself. I think it's all a matter of making the decision that you want to be there and you want to be doing what you're doing. People spent a lot of time choosing the college they want to go to. It makes a big difference if you're excited about where you end up.

Jennifer

I would tell parents and students to start looking for the right college the students freshman year of high school. If you start planning early you will know what you need to enter the school and you can learn everything about the school. Planning early is the key, because having your college planned while still in high school gives you a lead against other students when you get to college. Knowing what you want to do and planning your schedule before it is actually time will help the student out so much by releaving their stress levels. Students when attending college stay on top of your school work, I know about getting behind and it is not fun nor healthy. Get into clubs and make friends that will add to your college experience, study first but in your free time have fun. College is a lot of work but it is also a wonderful experience that will be with you forever. Remember getting everything done early will remove a lot of stress and give you more time to enjoy the college experience.

Julian

My advice to prospctive college students and their parents would be to fully resarch each university that they are looking to attend. Also, Do no be afraid to apply for scholarships as soon as possible.

Katie

Do what's best for you, not what anyone else wants you to do.

Vanessa

I would tell them to first schoose some locations, and then to go see all of the school that they are interested in. It is important to go see and experience the places so you can make sure you are going to the right place. Research and ask students that are already attending the school what they think of it and how it is.

Diana

Always visit the school and chat with those students and professors that are already there, the information you receive will be worth your while.

Jonathan

Each college is different for everbody. College is what you make of it. If you go in thinking it will be a bad experience, then it will be. College is great if you involve yourself.

Evan

Tend to your childs likes/needs. Consider campus surroundings and environment top priority after education.

Holly

Visit the college before you decide to attend it!

Patrick

I would tell future students to go with their gut, take chances, and go somewhere completely new. College is about new experiences, new friends, and types of people you have never known before. Going to such a diverse school as I do, I have learned that there are awesome people from every walk of life and no matter where you go in the world you will find people just like you who will become your best friends. I would also tell them to pick a field of study that they really enjoy because regardless of the field you choose you are going to be emersed in the material for that subject to an extent that most highschool students could not even imagine. I would also tell them to have fun at every chance they get because there will be times when they can't because they will be overwhelmed with studying. And finally I would tell them to look for the people who bring out the best in them, because when you find friends who make you feel like you are a better person you know you are in the right place and there is no better feeling than love.

David

My first peice of advice is to find a school that truely cares about what you want to do with your life. Maybe it is going to a school that is known for turning out great lawyers, business men or teachers. My second peice of advice is to look for a school that is within your family's budget. This is to the students, If possible, try to find a great school were you know you can learn and grow with out having to be home. Part of growing into an adult is to take on those responsibilities. Living away from mom and dad doesnt mean parting all the time, it also means sending in the electric bill on time so you can heat your ramen noodles! This is to the parents, I myself have loving and caring parents. I assume that you are the same if your taking such consideration into your childs future. Sometimes that love and care can look like your smothering them. Sorry parents your little boy/girl is growing up and may even move out. Weather they go out of state or become a commuter student , they need there space to grow into themselves. I promise when that first big break weekend comes rolling on, your kid is gonna come home and let out all that love they had from not seeing the family. Maybe you may turn out to feel a little "smothered' too!

Colleen

Apply to a couple of colleges -- I'd recommend 4-7 -- that you are attracted to based purely for academics. When you get your acceptance letter(s) from these colleges, go visit the campuses. The presentations that they give you on a campus visit aren't nearly as important as the observations you will make about the campus life. Look at the students, read their faces as they walk from class to class or poke your head in the window of an ongoing class and see what the students are doing. Are they paying attention to the teacher or does it look like the teacher is hosting a class in napping? Think about what you value most about your college experience -- do you want to stay close to friends and family? Are you naturally social or do you usually prefer to be alone? Fit your personal characteristics to a school that will foster your innate abilities and preferences. Make notes about the different schools you visit because, after a couple of campus visits, everything will blur together and it can be hard to remember the particular differences that can mean so much for your future college experiences.