Saint Cloud State University Top Questions

Study more in High School to prepare myself better for College life. Save more money for college

I would have been a bit more careful with selecting my class loads as I picked to many hard classes at one time. I would have mixed it up a bit more; especially starting out my first year, until I was more comfortable with college studying. Also, I would have chosen to live off campus as I had to buy into the meal plan living on campus and I only ended up eating there about once a day on average. I could have saved a lot of money which I could have used for additional classes.

There will be a lot of bumps ahead of you, but experiencing those bumps will get you very far in life. Make sure to continue to push through and keep your head up high. Always stay honest to others and yourself. Try different things. Keep your faith strong. Remember to smile.

I would be more prepared as to what was expected of me in order to succeed at college. I would also have been more informed about the classes I would need to take in order to successfully complete my major in a timely fashion.

Just be prepared for a great learning experience and don't be afraid to try new things.

I would have told myself to take more college classes while in high school. I also would have recommended going to a 2-year school first to get my generals done and figure out what it was I wanted to major in before heading off to a 4-year school.

I would say, make sure you are 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} certain you want to go to that specific school because it is very hard to get credits to transfer to another school. Many schools require you to take their courses, even if you completed a similar course or one that would be considered the same, that school will still require you to take their course. You can lose out on a lot of money if you decide to transfer out. Find out a professors backgroud (how they teach, passing ratio). Also, make sure you understand the financial aid. Once you submit, you have to go through a very long process to just be considered to have your Financial Aid reviewed and possibly changed. There are so many regulations and limitations that it is nearly impossible to adjust your financial aid. Figure out your living (can be expensive). Mostly talk to other current students when you go on a tour. The tour guides have to give that school a positive representation. Get an outsiders opinion. They aren't being paid to make the school look like a good place to go. ASK QESTIONS/ GET CLEAR ANSWERS!

I would tell myself to make sure to live life to the fullest. The following years are going to be the best years of my life and choose a school that you want to go to instead of one you think you want to go to because of friends that are going there as well. When choosing a school, take into consideration all aspects of this decision such as financial situations, location, etc. When you get to college try to make as many friends as you can. Don't be shy, try to break out of your shell and be whoever you want to be. Don't worry about what others think of you. Dare to be you! And one last thing, enjoy your time in college but remain focused and set on your goals. Without that will and determination you will get nowhere.

Read as much as possible. In fact if I could talk to myself before high school to read more because high school did not prepare me for college especially in the science field.

As a college junior, I would have a lot of things to tell my highschool self. If I were to go back to advise myself about college, I would focus on a few very important things I have learned, thus far. First, I would encourage myself to get involved as soon as I got to college. One of the biggest problems at SCSU is drinking and partying, and I think the main cause of it is boredom. When one has an outlet and something to be passionate about, it prevents one from losing the will to work hard. I would also encourage myself to look for an on campus job sooner. Working at the outdoors program at my school has given me an opportunity to learn new skills that benefit me immensely. I have learned so many things from my mentors in the program, and now I can bring that knowledge to those who are going to be coming after me. Finally, I would encourage myself to make as many friends as possible. It is easy to be overwhelmed by all the new people, but it's important to put oneself out to make valuable life connections.

High School is once in a life time so cherish the moment with teacher and friends and family. But DON'T fool around because college is nothing like high school.

To really work hard and study. You really do need to study in college to be successful, unlike high school. To take more general education classes at college level my senior year. Work on getting rid of procrastination because it can really kill you academically in college.

As much as I like SCSU, I wish I would of condidered more focused design schools first. I am an Art major, focusing in Graphic Design, and I feel like an institution like MCAD in Minneapolis would have been a better fit for me. Im lucky though, to even know what I wanted to do so early in high school, because that saved me from taking a bunch of extra classes that I didnt need to, and is allowing me to graduate in 4 years as planned. Im thankful for the help my mom gave me when researching careers because if it wasnt for her, I wouldnt of known about the field of Graphic Design so early and she gave me the inspiration to do what I am doing now. Im about to graduate in the May of 2010 and I am absolutely terrified. Everyone stresses about how bad the economy is, and I just know its going to be tough getting the job Ive been dreaming about for the past four years. But I know I have my family's love and support and with that I feel I can do anything.

I would definitely tell myself to look into colleges that have more of an interest to me. I attended Minneapolis Business College before I decided to go to St. Cloud State, and I feel that at that college I was trying to take the easy way out. I would rather started out at a university than a private two year college. I feel that living in the dorms your first year is a smart choice, and a good way to step out of your comfort zone. This was another reason that I choose a different school before I attended St. Cloud State. I wasn?t willing to take a chance, and I was very shy person. After attending this school now I feel that I have grounded myself more as well as opened up to new things. It does get hard being away from family and friends, but you make new friends quickly. It?s good to become independent, and step out of the shelter from your parents. It helps you learn quicker what you need to do. I would also tell myself to just have fun being in college, because it shapes who you can be.

First and foremost, I would tell myself to get involved right away. There are so many opportunities on campus to get involved in fantastic groups and organizations, that a new student would be crazy not to get involved. I am now involved in the rock climbing club on campus, and an organization that promotes education in Africa, and both are great fun and a way to be involved. I would also encourage myself to get an on campus job, and apply for a work study. Each are a great way to keep yourself busy, and make some money to pay for groceries, tuition, and the occasional splurge on outdoor gear! Another thing I would encourage myself to do would be to get involved more with the international students on campus. SCSU has such a vibrant international community, that it's inexcusalbe not to get involved. The cultural nights here offer a unique glimpse into their cultures, and also have dynamite food! I would also tell myself to just avoid partying. There's so much emphasis on it here, and it's really just self-destructive, expensive, and unnecessary. I've made so many more friends just by getting engaged oncampus.

Go to the school that makes you as a student feel good, not because your firends from high school or going or if its labeled as a party school. Sure every college town has parties and get togethers but academics come first. Don't be afraid to offer your opinion on anything because sure enough there will be someone with the same attitude. Mainly have fun, there is always something to do on or around campus, make every moment remeberable. Also, stay of the "Book", it is the biggest procrastination tool imaginable.

Don't follow your friends or significant other. Do what it is that you truly want to do, otherwise you may regret it later. Look at schools that have your kinds of interests available, such as theatre, dance, or other kinds of sports. To the parents: Let your child grow on their own, don't be calling them everyday. Also, slowly start letting them get by on their own, such as letting them pay for their own phone bill, groceries, etc.

The best advice I can give an incoming student is to make balance a top priority with college life. Meaning, all aspects of college life from academics, to partying, to intrmural sports, etc, have a place in your college experience. If you cannot figure out how to balance these sorts of things, you will soon realize that you are missing out on something very important. The best thing to do is prioritize school work first, and then aim high in a social life by doing homework in a timely manner, leaving time for fun with friends you make. Some students get caught up in only focusing on their homework and, consequently, miss out on good college friendships; some students get caught up in partying and having fun and, consequently, get nothing out of their multi-thousand dollar a year education. So please heed these words, and balace your college life, and take all that you can.

st. cloud state is very diverse so be prepare to meet people from all around the world.

I would suggest figuring out what kind of school is best for you, (2yr or 4yr) and then look at size (small, medium, large) and then location (rural or city) and lastly how far away from home you want college to be. Once you have a list of schools that fit your criteria make sure these schools have the degree you are looking for or if you are unsure make sure they have a variety of degrees that you may be interested in. Once you find "the college" start planning asap, pick a dorm, find a roommate and start planning with them like who is going to bring what (frigde, microwave, tv, furniture...) Once you are at school get involved and try anything and everything that may interest you. While at the cafeteria ask to sit at someones table that you do not know, also keeping your door open will help you meet more people. Also talk to your classmates since you will be seeing these people every week!! Make time to have fun, don't spend your whole time studying or working.

A student should visit the college and find a school where they feel the most comfortable. Student's should make a list of what they want in a school and find one that best suits there interests and needs.

Don't settle for something less than what you think is going to be the best experience for you. If you want a small school, don't settle for a large school, because the class sizes may be too much for you. If the school you really want to go to is too much money, go it it anyway, you can always get financial aid. Think about the location. If you are family centered, don't pick a college far away, you will regret it when you really need a hug from your parents. Go to the school you are thinking about and walk around WITHOUT a tour guide. See if the general feel of the school fits you. Look at the class rooms. Do you want to use your computer in class? Then the classrooms should have electrical outlets by the desks. If you plan on living in the dorms, look at the rooms and make sure that they are bigger than your closet at home. Talk to current students and see what they say about the school.

When it comes to finding the right college don't base it on where your friends are, but figure out what you want to be for the rest of your life. College is sometimes about finding friends but it also has to be taken seriously and if you don't know what you want to do then its a waste of money and time. Follow your dreams, and thus find the right school. If you want to be an artist, don't go to a school known for nurses. You aren't going to find a very good department. Good lcuk, is also what I would tell them. : D

The most important piece of advice I would give parents or students in finding the right college is to make sure that they visit the college and spend some time there. A prospective student should make sure that the fit feels right to them even before they look towards what is offered as far as their education goes. If a person doesn't feel comfortable on campus they will not be able to focus and do well with their studies. When they find the college that fits, then look towards the academic side of college and make sure they have what you need academically. In the end college is what you make of it.

Make sure that they liket he educational aspect along with the social environment of the school.

Finish

Choose a college that fits you (or your son/daughter), but don't be afraid to choose a less expensive school. Never assume that a less expensive school is a worse school and be open to the idea of all colleges and universties -- especially those near to your current home.

The best advice I could give about finding the right college is this: realize that higher education is a huge investment in both time and finances. Sit down and discuss what your reasons are for going. If you know what you want to major in, look at whether or not you will need to attend grad school or if you can get a job after you get your first degree. This should be a very big factor when considering schools because most good graduate schools will accept students from a variety of backgrounds as long as they did well in their fields. If you can find a school with better financial aid or one that has a cheaper tuition and cost of living for the first four years and then get accepted for the last couple of years into an Ivy League school, all the quicker you will be able to pay back any student loans. If, on the other hand, you hope to start off working right after your first degree, take a look at the school's career services, placement, and alumni involvement. If you do not know what you want - choose somewhere inexpensive like a community college.

Chose the college after considering what you are looking for, and don't be afraid to decide against it , if its not what you think you wanted. Also, live through your college experience and take advantage of EVERY learning resource it has to offer. A word to the parents,....... in my experience it would have very helpful if you guys would be supportive of the college choice, whatever the decision. Although yes, parents always do want the best. Even if you guys keep saying things about the pros and cons, it can make an impact and weigh negitivly on your student, make it harder and make the student want to slack and lose positive energy. Overall, during college although being focused is a big thing and one that does matter, don't forget to make some lasting memories in your young life, it will make a difference in others. Do this even though you might feel like you don't have the time or are not in right place. With college being just about over my shoulder, I am just realizing this myself. Make this, your college years, the time of your life!

It is very important to visit the potential colleges that you are interested in before accepting an offers. It is important to see how fit within the college community and to determine how comfortable or uncomfortable you are in that setting. Visiting the university during school hours would be beneficial is seeing how comfortable you are with how many students are wondering around at any one time; it will help you to decide if you prefer large or small student bodies. It is also good to research the different organizations and clubs that the school has to offer and if they have anything that interests you.

I would tell students who are looking for the right college to find the college that they would be comfortable spending the next 4 years at. They should be able to make friends and feel like they fit in. Do not base your choice on where your high school friends are going to college or what your parents think because in the end it will be you who has to be there for the next four years of your life. Just remember that you need to be happy at the school of your choice and part of that is getting involved in your university right away. If you get involved in activities at a university that you really want to be at you will enjoy your experience more.

Know that college is much harder than high school in the sense that you need to decide how hard you are going to work. Make sure you are comfortable in the area and on the campus you choose, and GET INVOLVED! Don't be afraid of your professors and don't underestimate the importance of getting involved and getting out of your comfort zone. And the biggest thing, don't go home every weekend! College is about growing up and being on your own, you are cutting yourself short if you only surround yourself with your high school friends and leave campus on the weekends.

Its good to be picky! Look at what a college has to offer you, from scholarships, to activities to academics. College is all about who you are. Its ok to not know what you want to be right away, or even change your mind. (I know I did) Get involved! Try new things! Theres lots of opportunities out and it makes the experience so much better when you have something fun to do and you get to make new friends. Don't skip class. Have and establish good study habits. This makes your grades easier obtain. If you live in the dorms, keep your door open when you're there! Its inviting and defintiely helps you get to know your neighbors.

Take the tours, see if you can get an overnight experience, step into the classrooms to see professors at work, and visit more then just one campus.

You are a first year student about to embark on your incredible, exciting journey at college. You detect a strange scent in the air that makes your lungs fill with anticipation and your lips curl into a smile. Smell that? It's freedom. In college, you are in charge of YOU, and you can do everything you ever dreamed of doing, and some things you never thought you could. You can wear the same pair of jeans twenty days in a row if you want. You can sleep on the floor, smile at strangers, and not go to class. You can pull all nighters, dance in the hallways, flirt A LOT, and talk back to mean people. In college, you can travel anywhere in the world, make friends with grown-ups, join groups, do your homework AND enjoy it... Anything you want! At college, you find yourself without losing yourself. Mark Twain once said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.? This is what college is all about. What are you waiting for? ?Explore. Dream. Discover? ? Mark Twain

Finding a college is not just about what major or location is best for the family or student. These aspects are important but not sololy the reason to attend a college. The student must be happy. This is the key to success: simply being happy with the now and present. It is important to think of the future and plan ahead but that future will mean so much more if you enjoy the path you took there. Never give up on your search for the school or how to pay. Things will come, answers will come. Sometimes there are reasons why we do not get into one school but accepted by another. Take complete advantage of the opportunites given to you, and you will not miss anything. Lastly, just do whatever it takes to make the most of every day you are alive because in the end memories are the best thing in life.

Make sure to remember that a higher tuition does not guarantee a higher quality education.

Make sure you are picking the right college that has the program you would like to major in. Also make sure that it is a save campus. Where I go to school I feel very safe, we have blue lights every where on campus and you can go and push the button and talk to someone if you are afraid or need a ride late at night. I really enjoy my campus. Its always a positive to get involved because you meet so many people and you never know who you may run into when you graduate and could get a job.

get lots of financial aid

Make sure to know how you learn best and study best. It really helps when choosing the college that's right for you. If you don't learn well in large classrooms, a private school is probably a better choice for you.

i would advise students to attend community college for generals or take PSEO in high school. it will save a ton of time and money.

Have fun!

College is about finding out what you want to do with your life, but don't imerse yourself in figuring out what you want to be right away take some time to have fun and get to know people, because the people you meet in college could very well be your boss or co-worker some day.

I would tell them that if you don't know what they want out of life yet, don't waste your time. College is expensive, and if your not motivated it can be difficult to suceed. There is no point in wasting yours or your parents money trying to get your life in order. Decide what you want out of life. Then seek out the meens to get what you want.

Make sure that you do a lot of research before attending, make sure that there is no way that you could/would not go to that school.

Seize every opportunity you get when you're in college. Take out loans if you need to because you only get one chance and no one wants to live with what could have of beens. And seize all opportunities to make your resume look good, volunteering, intering, studying abroad, clubs, organizations, etc.

Before picking a degree, I would recommend finding a job that you would like first. For instance, do not become a history major without know what kind of job you can expect to have afterwards. You may be in your senior year and discover that there really isn't any jobs that pay well without going on to graduate school. Essentially, pick something that will give you the most enjoyment. For myself, I chose to become a Land Surveyor. This decision led me to find a program here at St Cloud State University to fit my chosen career path. Had I merely picked to major in Geography, I might not have come out of school with the right skills to be a Land Surveyor and ended up at a job I wouldn't like as much. Lastly, don't be affraid if you can't figure out what you want to do. If you can't, then merely take all the basic general education requirements until you know. Then it's merely a matter of taking the required couses for your major. I hope I helped shed some light on the matter. Good luck.

Do a lot of research and search many places. Take the best one that fits your needs

Go somewhere with a study abroad program. You may not think it is important to what you want to do for a career, but it gives you a great chance to get out there and interact with another culture on their terms. It also makes you more marketable for future employers or graduate programs because it shows an ability to adapt to new situations, that you seek out challenges, and that you took advantage of your college education to its fullest extent. Honestly, there are programs for everyone! If you do not think you can afford it, there are scholarships available and if your financial aid office does not know about them there are forums and communities online where you can find out more. I would not let anything stop you or stand in your way, the United States needs people with international experience so we understand our world better and can make informed decisions. Aside from that, it is a chance for you to get to know yourself better - which sounds trite, but it is very true. Study abroad is one of the single best decisions that ANYONE going to college can make. Dream under a new sky! Thanks.

I think a key point in finding the right college is to take a tour of the different campuses that you are looking at attending. I also think it is important to talk with a variety of students that are currently attend the college. Pick the college that you feel most comfortable at and are able to visualize yourself there for a few years. It's also important to check out the town that the college is located. It is important to get involved in activities to make the most of your college experience. I would recommend living on campus your first year to meet new people. Take advantage of making as many memories as possible and have fun!