Spelman College Top Questions

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

Iva

Young adults have so many opportunities to be successful in life. One of the best routes to success is through a college education. Nowadays it is difficult enough to get a job without a college degree. Once a college degree is obtained, an individual is much more competitive for the workforce. A college education not only gives the academic background for the workforce, but college also allows room for social growth. As a college student there are many opportunities that allow a student to exercise their prospective career goals, through internships and volunteer opportunities. College students also have the opportunity to take a small step away from home without completely being on their own all at one time. College is where you will be with the most people who are trying to obtain the same goal, a college degree. College is also a time for personal growth and development, which is why everyone should get the opportunity to attend. Once undergraduate studies are complete, individuals can go onto higher learning in order to accomplish even more, which is why college is just a stepping stone to even greater success.

Nicolette

I think when it comes to picking a college, one shoulod choose a college they will feel comfortable at, one that represents who they are and who they are trying to be. After all college is like a home away from home a place that is going to guide you to the business world. How can you possible learn if you are not comfortable in your learning enviroment.

Leah

The most important part about find the right college is first knowing what kind of enviroment that you could see yourself living in for the next four years of your life. The college that you choose should be in an eviroment in which you can see yourself studying, making friends, and maturing in. It is a great idea to visit a few campuses to get a feel for what kind of school fits you; whether you excell in small or large classrooms, etc. While "party schools" are fun try not to choose a school that will compromise your character; you are not sent to school to major in "clubing 101". College is going to be the best time of your life and you should enjoy every cent of the tuition that your parents are paying for; but not before your work is done.

Andrea

Make sure you attend a college that won't change your values, that stands for what you believe in in their mission statements, provides the platform/ arena that allows you to learn and make lifelong friends. One thing that is most important, make sure that there are a lot of companies/ firms that actively recruit at your school. And find someone who attends your prospective school and get their honest feedback.

Shakira

Before you and your child make that decision on college, I advise you to visit different college campuses because that experience may change your outlook onschools and maybe even change your choice of colleges. Also, do not just apply to schools near home; apply to schools out of state. These school may have better resources and academic programs than the schools at home. Apply for scholarships during the beginning of your senior year and continue to apply for college monies until you exhausted all your chances to obtain money. Make the best out of college, because your college experience will be one of the best experiences of your life. Work and play hard.

Cara

In order to find the right college, it is necessary to be committed to research. As a prospective student one should make a list of the values, activities, and goals that are important in life. Once a list is composed, review multiple college choices by viewing their websites. Although all information regarding the college is not available online, there is often enough to give an idea of what the college is about and the beliefs and values that make the college unique. If what you find is not compatible with what you are looking for, continue the search. After finding colleges or universities that seem to work well with your wants, make an effort to visit the physical campus. By visiting the actual campus you are able to get a feel of the diversity, student life, services, and overall community within the college. By visiting multiple campuses you are able to better understand the differences between each school, which in turn advances your ability to choose the perfect school for you.

Candice

My advice to prospective college students is to make sure that they know who they are, protect their name and reputation, study hard, and do your absolute best in whatever you do. We are living in a historic moment when people of all backgrounds are able to persue any goal or aspiration that they may have. I encourage students to take advantage of this time and reach limits beyond expectations. I urge parents to become actively involved in their children's lives and education and be supportive in their children's decisions. Without the loving and caring support from family members, students become vulnerable and are less likely to succeed. Finding the right college is also important for the student's development. I encourage students to go on college tours and do extensive research on instituitions and the people who are products of it. This will ensure that the student will be comfortable and will not have a hard time adjusting. In closing, the keys to a successful college experience is hard work, self-determination, a supportive family, and a will to change the world.

Jessica

To prospective college students, Allow those around you at whichever college/university you find yourself in the chance to enlighten you on life's possibilities- because they are endless. Though your peers are your equals, you all have something to offer one another through your unique and unmatched life experiences. Let your senses guide you through your first match in life's competition. Whether you participate in campus activities or find friendships that you may not have had the opportunity to share in high school, these are all means of making friends for a lifetime and potential opportunities for the future. I want you to challenge yourself inside and outside of the classroom and apply as much of your newly acquired knowledge as possible. Your admitance to college is the key to your discovery, but it is up to you and contribution of your greatest influences to walk down the path of your choosing and unlock the door to the potential that awaits you. Good luck!

Ashley

I would recommend looking for a place where you or your child would feel most comfortable. I would also suggest looking at the statistics associated with the school, such as graduation rate, drop out rate, and what the graduates do after leaving. Even if you don't have an idea of what your major will be, it is necessary to look at the majors offered to see if the school offers what you are or might be looking for. Another important thing to do is to visit the campus and maybe even review the history of the school. Visiting the campus will allow you to see if you can envision yourself there, experience what it would be like to walk from one class to the next, and possibly observe how other students interact. If you plan on living on campus, visiting would also allow you to see how the dorms are kept and if you would really want to live there. Parents and students should also look at the neighborhood surrounding the school. Taking the time to look around could help decide if the campus is safe enough for you to attend. Take your time and make a conscious decision.

Kelly

Find the right college for you, not the college others want you to attend. College is a very important step; and by making the decision to apply is a wonderful first step to your future, but the most important step is making the right choice. The choice should not be based on the social life of the campus, how many of your friends are going to a specific school, or how many males and females attend that school. Making a college choice is one of the first adult decisions you will have to make and that's what college is all about. College is about making you the adult you want to be. Choose one based on how you see your future. Choose a college based on your strengths and interests, a school that emphasize who you are and the adult you want to become, and a school that can offer you what you need to persevere. Research different schools and don't limit yourself to particular schools. Its like shopping for a new car, you want something reliable that will get you where you need to go. Choose a school that will get you where you need to go.

Kirsten

Visit the schools! Visiting Spelman College really pushed me to make the decision I did. I felt like I was at home when I visited the campus. Moreover, get involved in a variety of activities. After you do, select the ones that you want to keep. Being involved helps with networking as well as having fun.

Leonette

Allow your child to attend the school that they express interest in and please do not select the school for them. In order for them to be successful in college and not you, they have to feel connected with the particular institution. I encourage the students to find out everything you possibly can about the school(s) before applying to them. Students need to contact faculty members in the areas/major in which you are interested in or have questions about. Also find out about any and every possible financial assistance and requirements for school scholarship based assistance. Always step outside of your box students and never fear traveling and trying new things. In order to grow you must experience life. Be safe, stay focused, and above all BE BLESSED.

Christine

I would tell them to remember that whatever school you choose you have to be there for four long years, so choose wisely. Make sure you pay attention to how you will afford 4 years and take all of the basic needs and wants in life into account. If you like seeing your friends everyday and having class with them choose a small school. If you like finding different types of people all the time choose a large school. Just make sure that whatever you choose is what's right for you. There's a perfect school for everyone.

Gabrielle

The best advice I can give to a person trying to chose the right college is to know yourself and know the schools you are researching. Don't just go off the brochure, delve deeper, visit the campus, talk to the administration, sit in on a class, talk to the students (not just the tour guides) candidly about the school. Be aware of all aspects of your collegiate needs and choose a school that is the best fit to cater to them all. Even if a school appeals to your academic needs, it most also suit your social desires as well, because honestly speaking, you cannot excel academically if you are unsatisfied emotionally. Remember to chose the school that speaks to you, not your pockets nor your transcript.

Mychael

I advise all students interested in any institution to visit the campus and speak with students and alumni before making a decision to attend.

Melanie

The decision to attend college is an important one and for that reason, students should spend a considerable amount of time contemplating which school is the right one for them. Graduation rate, financial aid awards, housing, location/weather conditions, extracurricular opportunities, study abroad opportunities, available career planning centers , etc. should be on the list of things to consider when finding the right school. I always like to remind incoming students that college is not only about the academic experience, but also about the social experiences that will allow them to flourish as individuals. With that being said, I will continue to encourage these new students to tear themselves aways from the library and studying long enough to meet new people, experience new things, and participate various activities that they never knew existed!

Britney

Home is where the heart is, and for me, it has only began at Spelman. When I entered the pearly gates I was greeted by signs: "A place built for you", "welcome home"; "you are the chosen ones", and from that moment I knew I was destined for greatness. Spelman breeds it's students to be well rounded, well groomed, young women who are versatile in a variety of situations. As we enter the world as Spelman women we are the elite of Black women who understand that the sky is the limit, nothing is impossible and with the guidance from Career Planning, the opportunities are endless. At Spelman, your daughter will not only gain a stronger understanding about her value to the world, but she will gain a confidence in her identity as a strong Black woman in a society that both conciously and unconciously oppress women. During her tenure at Spelman, you will see her grow into a competent and refined young woman who has the world at her fingertips. With the networking and opportunities that Spelman offers it's students, there is no greater place for her to matriculate.

Courtney

I advise parents and students to work together to find the best college for the student. Students and parents should clearly communicate to one another what they are looking for in a school. I also suggest visiting the campus before making the final decision. When visiting, be sure to speak with students and faculty on campus. Tour guides are also a good source for information about the campus. Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you are able to speak with any alum ask them about ther experiences at the school, and how they feel about the current state of the campus. While visiting, take a walk around the neighborhood that surrounds the campus. When selecting a school, you're choosing the city, the state, and the neighborhood in which that school is located. Finally, I urge parents to let their children grow up and define themselves. I encourage students to explore their academic interests and passions while at college. College is a great place to learn and grow.

Ashley

Finding the right college is a different process for everyone. I went to the Early College Program hosted by Spelman in 2006, and I immediately knew that Spelman was the school for me. I applied to one other school just in case, but Spelman was my first choice. For others, finding the right school can mean taking lots of tours, or it can mean going to the school that your parents attended, which brings me to my next point. Finding the right college is all about the student. Parents want the best for their children, but sometimes what they want is not what their child needs. Just be sure to let him or her express themselves. College can definitely be a difficult time in your life. Just remember not to stress, remember everything you were taught, and to cherish every moment that you have. Sometimes its easy to get caught up in the "college scene", but as long as you do those three things you will be okay. This is the time to really learn about yourself and grow as a person. When you graduate, you will leave with so much. So just embrace this experience.

Maria

To the parents, my main piece of advice is that the college application process is about their child's future. Although the imput of parents and college counselors are extremely important and much appreciated, the final decision should be left up to the student. The college counselor may be trained in knowing the posatives and negatives of any institution, only the student who is filling out an application can know which school best fits them. Parents should not push their children into a direction that they wish they had gone in or in the direction that they did go in just becuase they think theyknow which college is the best fit for their child. To the students, my primary piece of advice is to visit the schools they are considering before commiting to anything. On paper, anything can look appealing by using eloquent phrasing. For instance, a basement with a stationary bicycle can be described as a whole floor dedicated to the fitness and wellness of the community. It is paramount that students actually get the visual of where they will be spending the next four years of their lives before any concrete decision is made.

Miranda

...

Lauren

Get involved!

Adraea

Visit the school and keep an open mind when you go off to school

Angela

The best advise that I can share with parents and students is to choose a college that will best prepare your child for their professional and intellectual futures. Students, college is not only about partying and having fun, your undergraduate career sets the tone for the remainder of your life. Take school seriously and remain focused because if you work hard now you will be able to play hard later. Also, get involved and try to find organizations that will boost your resume and career plans. Find out what environment suits you better, whether that be a smaller and more intimate class setting, or a larger less engaging setting. The choice is yours, so take advantage of a great opportunity.

Sharice

Pray and experience life for yourself. College is a time for exploration and a time to make mistakes, but most importantly learning from them.

Sarah

Allow your child to pick a school they think best suits them. Be supportive! Also, expect the ups and downs of college. Never abandon you child no matter what the situation may involve.

Jasmine

To students I would suggest first writing down the colleges they are interested in based on location, size, relation to the major they intend to pursue, as well as tuition cost. After reviewing this list, comprising of maybe 3-6 schools, schedule campus tours, or visits that allow you to visualize a day in the life of a student. When you visit, make sure to stop by your major department, financial aid, housing, and any other department you might be interested in. After going through this process for all the schools you have listed, sit down and compare them all. Did they meet/exceed your expectations? Is the school too big? Don't be afraid to really analyze the school; you'll be paying for it. For parents, I would suggest that going along with your child on college tours, and sitting down with them when comparing all the schools. Don't push them to make a decision, but be understanding of their choice. However, make sure campus security is to your standards, as well as academic departments and financing. Discuss this with your child. This should be a fun experience and is an important stage in their life.

ashley

please when you do look, look at more than one option and also look at the prgrams vields activity envrioment and see if it fits you and only you dont expect nothing out of it just take it one day step at a time. and remmber to have fun!

Kristen

It is important to view what elements in a school system are suitable for the student. Students vary in wants and needs in an educational and social enviornment. Careful revision and planning when selecting schools is therefore imperative. When a student is placed in an environment that suits his/her ability to learn and socialize effectively, this is translated into positive outcomes in terms of personal growth, attaining knowledge and gives more room for achievements.

Nadia

Go somewhere that is affordable to you!

briana

I would advise the parents ans students to make sure that they visit every school that the student is considering. Along with visiting, once the student has narrowed his or her choices, that student should shadow a current student at that school so he or she can really get a feel for the overall environment of the school. Another piece of advice that I would give is, for the student if any way possible, to enroll while in high school in a few college courses so that the student will go into his or her desired school with college credits. Gaining a few college credits before actually starting college will allow the student to be a step ahead, which will be useful in the long run. Doing all of this and researching the credentials of the school will insure that the student is happy with his or her choice.

Amber

The best advice i could give anyone on finding the right college, whether they be a parent and or student, is to remember why you came to college, and what your goals are upon leaving. Never sllow yourself or anyone else to make you lose focus on the bigger picture. Also get involved, in your community, attending college is not only about bettering yourself and your education, but it is also about helping to better the community and its citizens around you. Never forget where you came from, but always remember where you are going. Do not choose your college out of pressure or tradition. When choosing a college for you, remember the most imporant word, YOU, and dont allow yourself to be discouraged.

Adrianna

Many times when a student is searching for a college to attend, and a parent is accompanying them on their search, they do not usually ask their child what school they truly desire to attend. Primarily, parents will give their children a choice, but they will ultimately have the decision on their college decision, whether it is based on financial reasons or the college being the parents' Alma Mater. I simply say that parents, allow your child to attend the college of their choice, even though financial matters may be extremely pertinent when deciding on a college. Your child will forever treasure their time at a college they actually admired, rather than at a college you forced them to attend. And, they will more likely choose a major that they are passionate while surrounded by people who will nurture them, and while at an institution that they call their "home away from home".

Shantrice

For students, I would tell them to really take the college experience seriously. Make sure that you thoroughly research all schools you are interested in. You would hate to pick a schoolsimply because of its name. Apply to as many scholarship as possible there should be no limit to the amount of scholarships you apply to because nothing is guarenteed. There are so many resources available to students, sometimes you just have to do a bit of searching. Most students take their first year for granted. Party hard and slack do not be one of those. once you start a pattern its hard to break. Try to be a balanced as possible do not overload yourself with studying, you might crash and burn. Try to enjoy as much as your college experience as possible, they could be the best years of your life. And for parents, please allow you child to find themself, give them freedom to live and make mistakes. Because every mistake should be a learning for them.

Brittney

Before settling on your dream school, take time to visit very different campuses. Reading about different schools online will not give you the full scoop on the institution. Once you spend time on the campus and speak to students who are not giving tours and will be extremely honest with any questions that you may have. Apply to as many schools as you can so that you will not be stuck at just any school. Your choice of college should be one that you love to say that you attend. Once you are enrolled, join as many clubs as you can. Meet and mingle with upperclassmen who may be able to help you out during your matriculation. Become apart of your school's environment and learn how to balance studying and partying. Grades are more important than being popular or having friends. You will have time to let loose and have fun but the main priority should be your studies and not the cutie across campus.

Kalli

Each college experience is different. College is not what you see on tv. How great the college is how great the student makes it. Don't arrive with too many expections for any college you might have too many that the college does not do.

Aria

check out your top college choices more than once. make sure they have everything you need including living accomodations, academic classes, and look for a great school that will offer you a scholarship

Philana

Whatever college you choose, make sure it is the one that can cater to your learning abilities, provide you with excellent resources, and help you to grow as person, physically, socially, and mentally.

Leonette

It is very important that the parents allow the future student to find a school which identifies with who they are and aspire to be. Students have to be comfortable and understand that now is the time for them to act as young responsible adults. (For the student) You were brought here and given this opportunity to do great and wondrous things. The chance to go to a 2-year or 4-year college/university is a privilege, in which many wish they could experience. Enjoy your self but understand that you are there to graduate and not just to fulfill the yearly enrollment list. College is an investment and if taken seriously will be one of the best investments you, your parents, and loved ones could have ever made. (For the Parents) Know that this is the time that you are to practice loving your children from a distance. Allow them to grow into the strong individual you hope and know they can be. College is for both of you, them (the student) to learn about life and for you (the parent) to support. Between you and your student all will be well. Be SAFE and Be Blessed

Jennifer

I would encourage both parent and student to research deeply into the college. Parent and student should make a list of all the qualities they are looking for in a college. So, when they begin the process of choosing a college they will be well aware of what they are lookin for. Most importantly the parent and the student should make several campus visits, as many as possible. This aspect is important because they must get a feel for the college. Nice words and pretty photos on a college website is not enough. The parent and student must check out the college first hand. Just as important, they should explore the surrounding areas of the school. The area outside of the school is just as important as the area inside. Lastly, I encourage the student to take full advantage of the college experience. I encourage the student to balance work with play and make college work for them.