Piedmont College Top Questions

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

Sonya

I was ready for college at least a year before I graduated so there's not anything major that I would remind myself of before beginning the application process. Some general advice I have is as follows: Be strong; decide who you are now and develop yourself so that you know who you are as you enter the next stage in life. Don't let anyone shock you, be gentle and respectful, listening to others and accepting them for who they are growing into. Love the unloveable, care for those who need it and those who act like they don't. Keep your studies and your friends as priorities. You can sleep when you die. This is a time to grow up if you intend to enter the work force and become a positive member of society upon graduation. Laugh and be sure to stop and smell the roses when you are busiest. Forgive everyone as they make mistakes that affect your life.

kira

I would tell myself to go straight into a College and not attend a Technical School first. I would also tell myself to work hard and reach for the stars. With hope and faith, nothing is impossible.

Sara

My goal is to get the most of my education because I know its value. I work very hard in school and usually maintain a 4.0 GPA. Even if I find a class challenging that just means you need to work even harder- no excuses! I am very excited to be entering the nursing program this fall and I plan to work very hard to learn everything I need to know to be a successful nurse. My goal is to work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I want to be working with infants every day, it would be a dream job to me. I've had to deal with my own health problems in life and I know that I can help the families because I understand what they are going through. I have done so well academically at Piedmont College.

Ashley

As I go into my second year of college, looking back to before I was enrolled, I see a significant difference in myself between now and then. There has been major personal growth that I think is important in every individual growing up and going into "the real world." We're not at school to get ready to make money. We're at school to learn and to grow even more. I believe that before I graduate, I will be able to fully understand who I am and who I want to be. I have, thusfar, enjoyed my college experience and know that when I come out of this, I will be a fully mature adult- something that not everyone manages- and will be able to look back and say, "Hey, that was me? Well, I'm glad I spent my time here. I definitely needed it."

Katie

Don't stress out about the future. College isn't nearly half so stressful or hard as everyone says. Your study skills and work ethic will pay off, and your classes won't be a problem. Besides, you get to choose your classes so you won't have to spend your time bored; instead, you will enjoy your classes. Don't worry about losing your comfort zone and friends. Your dorm become your very own home, and the important people in your life will always be a part of your life. Plus, college provides countless new friends and opportunities. Instead of being concerned about how unnerving the unknow aspects of college are, focus on the fact that you can get through anything that you want to. You can handle it.

Megan

When applying for colleges, your guidance counselors and parents always tell you how the academic part of college is going to be. They try and do everything in their power to prepare you for that, but not one time was I told how hard the emotional part of college is. Not only do you have to study more and spend your time wisely, you also have to get involved in activities on your campus. The hardest part of college so far for me has been the emotional part. Being away from my parents and not always having someone there to love on you or encourage you when you have had a bad day or something has gone wrong. I would encourage counselors and parents to not only focus on the academic part of college but also the social part of it. For students I would advise to do your best to get involved and make as many friends as you can to make your college experience just want you have expected.

Wesley

With the knowledge I have gained from my college experiance, I would give myself advice including time management, campus activities and purchasing school books. Time management can work to your advantage if you use it wisely. The first step to planning out your time is to have a schedule of everything involved during the course of a week. From there, space out time for homework ,leisure time and sports/ extracurricular activies. By planning out your time, you will be able to balance everything without being stressed. Also, time management will ensure that you stay on top of your classes. Being envolved at your college is important because it allows you to get comfortable with your new surrounding and meet new people. With this simple decision, you can open up many doors of opportunity including making lifelong friends and helping the community. The last piece of advice I would give my high school self would be purchasing books for your classes. Eventhough the college bookstore is convenient, they're overpriced. I would tell my high school self to use amazon or any other online store to get the best deal on books.

Elizabeth

If I went back in time and talked to my high school self the biggest thing I would make sure to tell myself it to relax. In high school I was very stressed about making the change, I was worried that I would be over welled or that I wouldn't make friends, or any one of a hundred other things would go wrong. The biggest thing I learned coming in was that everybody else worried about the same things, and that by relaxing and being myself I made a better first impression than by trying to do the "cool" thing. College is the next step in the rest of your life, and there are some really big changes and choices that you find yourself making, but your whole life doesn't need to be planed in a day. When you let yourself relax you learn more about yourself and those around you instead of just stressing to get though the day. That is why I am constantly telling my brother, who is a high school senior, to just relax, and to trust his choices.

Amber

I would advise students and parents to choose a school that best nurtures that students career goals. A small class room environment with understanding professors is crucial to a good GPA and success in the college years. Choose a school with high employment rates and credibility among employers and colleges. Large universities are not all that they are thought to be. I was highly disappointed with the major university for my state. I was left behind after admittance to fend for myself. Only a small environment although it may not be "hard to get into" is more beneficial in the long run.

Daniel

I find that it's important to find a college that feels like a home away from home. I think that a student should go where they will feel comfortable with the class sizes, faculty/staff interaction, and the communtiy. I went to a college where i didn't know anyone which was kind of nice because it gave me a new start, however i think that it is important to consider where your other friends go to college because friends are what make college what it is. WIthout good friends to hang out with in college all it would be is classes. College is not suppose to be about all learning you need to create memories and life long friends that will always be there. I found it crucial to find a balance between studying and socializing because you don't want to spends a lot of time on a certain one because it will affect your grades or the fun your trying to have. So the main thing to consider when choosing the college that is right for you is what college out there is just like you?

Brian

Finding the right college is all about what fits you best - From what I've learned since graduation the name of your school and the title of your degree are minimally important in comparison to the testament you've delivered by dedicating four years of your life to your education - that's time you've spent becoming more knowledgeable, worldly, and most of all, training yourself how to you your own mind in the most constructive way. A degree means "I'm worthy, I'm trainable, and I know how to work hard and persevere in an academic and professional environment." Choosing a school should be based entirely on you - If you prefer small classes, make it a priority - If you prefer rural or urban settings, factor that in - but most of all, visit the college, tour the campus, sit in on classes, and try to spend some time with the students - see what fits you best. Choosing a college isn't really so much different thant choosing what T-Shirt you want to buy. What really matters is that you've got a shirt on your back when you're done.

Tim

College is an important four years. Its the most important, most fun, most needed, most desired and most remembered four years of your life. The right college is imporant. You need to go somewhere where you can balance your school work and extra-curriculars and your social life. You need to be somewhere you fit in and can make friends, because the friends you make at college are the friends you'll have for the rest of your life.

Kristen

Make sure you know what your child stands for and make sure that the college you stand for has those same values. Find a school that will push your child, but also support them. Find a school that will work with you to cover you financially. They should be more focused on you getting an education than if you have money or not.

Janet

I would tell students to talk to everyone on campus when they visit and try to get a fully rounded idea of what people think of the school. Students should try out for every scholarship they can find. Many students either don't know about many scholarships or never get around to filling out applications. I would also tell students to take advantage of their campus library. It offers many other services besides checking out books and the staff is usually more than happy to help. Students should try to attend as many events as possible because they are a break from school work and it's fun to hang out with other students that they may not usually hang out with. Students should make sure that they are smart about the choices they make and know what the college?s rules are and if they don't fell like they can follow them then they should attend another school. Students should try to stay on campus on the weekends even if their parents want them to come home on the weekend. Most of their friends will be less busy on the weekends and will want to hang out.

Laura

I would like the parents to consider a smaller college campus with a great reputation for wholesome social activities that are actually fun and rewarding. Smaller colleges have a greater sense of community. The student will not be overwhelmed by the amount of people and could feel like they fit right in a little easier. If a potential student is accepted into a smaller college with these opportunities, it could be more expensive than the average university. Great schools have a tendency to offer scholarships that bigger schools do not. The more activities your student is involved in, the greater chance he or she has of receiving an additional scholarship. This makes a more expensive school a little more of a realistic choice. I would recommend that the student should live on-campus, which is something I did not do. I believe that it would have contributed to a better college experience if I had. Once a certain school becomes the best choice for the student, go for it. Don't be scared and let life begin.

Louis

Be sure it meets your desires. Don't settle for what's available. You should do some research and evaluate the college to see if you can find yourself comfortable and fitting in there.

Sarah

Parents should visit the college with their child. Parents should not pressure their child to go to a certain school. Once the student knows where they want to persue a higher education. Let your child apply to as many colleges as they like. When they find the right place, respect their decision. Know that they are a lot of new experiences in college and your child will experiment. Let your child know that they can depend on you and that you will be there through good times and bad. Support your child.

auda

Make sure its where you really want to go!

adam

Don't choose college based on who are dating at the time, because that will more or less ruin your whole life. Choose the college in the location and offering the classes that able you to study what you want to study.

Portia

Make sure you find a college that makes you feel like you're not "just another freshman".

Frank

I would say go to a school where you are going to have fun and get a great education, do not go to a school just for sports because I have made that decision and at times I regret that decision so go to a school that you will really enjoy and have a great college experience.

Ellen

College is a season in life where balance is the key...just like many seasons of life! It is a time to discover who you are as an individual - and this is so much more than just going to class! It is a time where you'll have the opportunity to: meet a million new faces, travel and study abroad, discover what career fits your gifts and talents perfectly, play sports or draw, sing, act, and advocate for causes that you feel strongly about. It is the most exciting time of your life - it is laying the foundation for who you will be as an adult in "the real world"! Finding the right college means finding out what is most important to you and what you want to learn the most while you are away at college. Going to a smaller school like I did may be lacking big football games and greek life, but it was so abundant in professors that truly care, learning in a small classroom, making close meaningful relationships that will last a lifetime, and, of course, helping me achieve my career dreams!

carolyn

college should be looked at as a chance to expand your mind and study something you love in depth, not as just a tool to get a good job that is merly a byproduct. find a college that suits you(students) in atmosphere and class size. and most of all enjoy and apreshiate the fact that you have this wonderful oppertunity to learn so much and make such great friends.take it for all that it is worth, don't be afraid to go to a school in an area you've never been to, or take challenging courses, these are the things you will look back on and be happy you did even if at the time they seem scary or too hard. if college has taught me nothing else it is that i can do anything if i work hard and that education is the key to a hppier excistance!

Mary

The advice I would like to leave to students would be to research and apply to as many schools as you think you would like to attend. Don't go to the school that your mom or dad picked out. They can't make that choice for you. If you work hard and try to find the right fit then your college experience will be worth all the money in the world. If you step onto a campus when visiting and you hate the food or don't like the dorms, obviously it's not a good fit. Remember, you could be there anywhere from two to four years so you better like it. Parents, do not force your kids to go to a local school just so you can save a buck or keep a close eye on them. Let them travel and explore the world. Just think, if your kid goes to a school they love then they are more likely to stay there, graduate and have a career in their field. Then they can pay you back all of that well spent money by buying you a beach house. Students, this is your time to shine.

Jared

Make sure you like the surroundings of your school and the degree programs that it offers. Also, check the student life out

Rina

When looking for a school it is important to be thorough to make sure you find one that is the right fit for you. Students who choose the wrong school for themselves may not perform at their highest level. To ensure that you find the right fit make sure you take the time to visit the school. The location of the college can be as important as the college itself. Also talk to students who are currently or who have previously attended the college. Find out what they liked and disliked about the school. Ask questions about the extracurricular activities offered by the school as well as about the professors and staff. Steer away from schools that have a reputation for partying and schools where students don?t receive much guidance from the staff. These are things a new student doesn't need to deal with their freshman year of college. The bottom line is make sure it is a school that you feel will support your needs and habits. The best way to succeed is to be happy and supported as you embark on this important journey.

Angelique

College is a choice that is open to people of all ages these days. Gone are the days of 18 year olds filling the halls and classrooms. Today, the biggest diversity in colleges is age. The age range in any college class today is 18 to 80 years old. In turn, this diversity opens up a bigger world to explore and more prospects to learn from someone who has been in your shoes at some point in their life. I believe this phenomenon has helped to ground people at a younger age and give them something more powerful to focus on than just partying and binge drinking on the weekends. When you go to visit the college you are interested in, talk with some of the students you see on campus that you think you could relate to, and find out what their personal experience has been like, it will help you narrow your choices down to the top few schools your interested in. Also, if you are passionate about something you do in your spare time, like a hobby, make sure you have access to that outlet on the weekends or you will be miserable without it.

Christy

What I would tell parents and students about finding the right college would be to figure out the needs of the student. Some students need small and sturctured classes, while others do not require those classes. Another thing I would I would tell parents and students is that if you visit a college and it just does not feel right, or if there are any doubts do not attend. Students must find a place where they feel safe, comfortable, and worthy. Parents should ask many questions especially when it comes to financial aid. Many institution say they will give you this amount of money and then do not deliver. Parents and students must also weigh the cost with needs. Pravite schools cost more, but with that they also have smaller classes. Public schools tend to have better facilities, but much bigger classes. One must decide their needs acemedically, socially, enviornmentally, and economically when deciding on a college to attend.