Tennessee State University Top Questions

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

Jasmin

Make sure you have more than one choice just in case your first college does not accept you, nothing is guaranteed. You should also make sure you apply to as many scholarships as you can. Its good to visit the schools that you have in mind just to get a feel for the campus. Ask other students what they like and dislike about that school. Staying on campus is definitely a plus, this is how I became familiar with my school. Ask about having a mentor becuase they are always a big help. Attending school events such as seminar, football games, and other events also is a big help. Utilize the career center they help with internships and long term jobs so that you can make money on the side.

Latifah

Always make sure that they give you enough money to go to school, stay home for the first 2 years so by the time Junior and Senior year come, (which are the important years) you will be able to earn more moneyto attend a bigger University. Always check out the dorms before you reside in them because some of the dorms are just too nasty to live in.

Virginia

- first visit the college and see if it offers a campus tour/visit. research campus organizations and majors.

Brian

When looking for the college or university do background checks. Ask questions that people normally wouldn't ask. Get details about dorm rooms, living conditions, campus security, and student evolvement.

Tyler

To prospective students and/or parents who are currently trying to find the right college for them, I would reccomend that they, as I did, make a list of the available colleges they are interested in, and sit down to review the positives and negatives of each school. This will help them narrow down their choices and see visually which school would be condusive for their educational and social needs. Also, I would reccomend that the student and parent choose a school that is not like their current living area. I chose to attend a school that would ultimately land me in a place that I'm not used to. It was two states away in an area different to that of mine. Albeit I was very nervous upon my time of acceptance, being in a new area that I was not used to has been very benificial to me throughout my matriculation. A way to make the most of anyone's college experience is to get involved in your school activities. You are paying for an experience and that such experience includes all activities that your campus has to offer. Don't just sit in your room.

Karl

Manage your money well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tamia

TAKE YOUR TIME, DO YOUR RESEARCH. Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions a person will have to make, that can ultimately affect the quality of their future. Rushing into that decision can put one into a positon where they are paying a LARGE quantity of money to come to a school that is either not right for them, does not provide an adequate enough education, or simply is not truly where their heart tells them to be. Your college years are the best years of your life, and it is imperative that you pick somewhere that embodies you. Once in college: GET INVOLVED. Malcolm X and Ghandi made an impact on this world by standing up and getting out their message to the masses. You can not take advantage of what your campus offers by sitting in your dorm room!!! Attend events, parties, seminars, etc. By getting your face out on campus, one will be surprised at the doors that open for them!!!

quintussa

stay close to home times are tough and money is tight. stay focused and pick a school u can shine at.

Albany

When making the decision on finding a college the first thing that should be considered is financial abilities. Take time to think about wheather or not in-state or out of state is what you want to do. In doing that make sure the college you choose is one that has your major and has staff and resources to help you out through your college experience. Look into the student teacher ratios and information about the staff. Also try to take a tour of the entire campus, and if you cant take a physical tour then see if there is a virtual tour that you can take. Another thing that may also help is try to find a few people that attend the college and/or alumni of the college or colleges that you are intrested in and take some of the things they say into consideration. Those are some of the steps that can be taken to find the right college for you.

Keondra

Student should always be prepared for distractions and never put their social life first. Be sure to hang around people that will not stray you from you work and that will help him/her succeed in school. Parent should always stand behind their child whether the grade are good or bad. Family support is the best support a student can recieve.

Kanesha

When trying to find the best college for you, try going on a tour of the college and make sure you explore every part of the campus you know you will be the most. When you get the feeling that a college feels at home and the most comfortable then go with your heart. Make sure to ask students or staff on campus plenty questions to get an understanding of how campus-life truely is.

Chika

My advice to parents or students about findign the right college and making the most of the college experince is that they have to remember that you are in college to get an education and every other thing is should come after your education. Attend a college that is very strong in your desired area of study. Also, make sure you apply on time and talk to the financial aid office about acholarships and grants that you might qualify for. When you arrive on campus get to know your peers, they will be your family for the next four years of your life, get involved in something you are really passionate about and have fun but do not forget to study college is hard but only as hard as you make it.

Julius

You want to find a college that you feel fits your personality. Also look for a school where the students ae friendly because you want to feel like you are a part of the school. College is about education, but that doesn't mean don't have fun. Remember work first play later. Never fall behind in your studies because it will be extremely difficult to catch up. Always stay focused and on top of your work.

demetris

I would tell students to choose the college that is right for them. Do not attend just because your friends are going. What right for them may not be what's right for you. Also, students, don't be afraid to try new things. Meeting new people and getting involved makes college less stressful and more bearable. They can help you in more ways than you can imagine. They have been there for a while and can give you some helpul advice.

Jerry

Your accesibility to family in case of emergency. And having plenty of money to do other things.

Mari

I always agree to one you have pick a number of schools you want to attend go to the check them out see if you will like them. Once you step on the campus you will know which school you love.

Alfred

Pick the college you think best fits your life style. Also although grades are important they do not determine who you are so stay true to yourself.

Kiara

The advice that I would give a parent/student about finding the right college and making the most of it would be to make sure that you pick one that has the major that you want to major in. Also make sure that that college provides opportunity for you to get internships. Make sure that it is a fully accreditied college. That will save you some headaches when trying to go to grad school.

Gerard

My advice to anyone about finding the right college is not to let your financial situation dictate your choice of college. Even if you think you cannot afford it look into as many ways you can find money to go. Do not be afraid to take out a student loan, it is not the worst thing in the world. I can also tell people that if you are accepted to the college of your choice, do not let little factors hinder your decision from what you really want and what you will settle for. Another thing would be not to change your major to many times. Once you decide on a major stick with it. Changing your major will only defer you from graduating on time. If you feel out of place at your college there is no problem with transfering to another school. Just make sure that you are not transfering to party, but also for acadmics as well. Everybody who goes to college is not there to learn. Some people treat it as though it is something to do in between partying. Choose who want to be surrounded by with people who have the same interests as you.

Shayla

I would advice the student to look at your choices from every angle to ensure that the school fits what's best for you. Everything from location to majors to social possibilities should be considered so that you will have the best college experience that you forsee for yourself. Parents before bringing the financial end of the equation in to play, I say that you should hear your child out first because one thing that is important is the student's happiness. If the student absolutely hates the school, then it will be very difficult for the student to focus because that fact will constantly ponder. If they are happy they will do whatever it takes to make sure that they can attend the university and succeed.

VANESSA

I would suggest that they ask as many questions as possible and do not let others tell them no without a fight. Make sure that you save all emails, receipts and records of interactions between yourself and a school official. Always take the name of the person that you are speaking with.

shannan

The first thing I would say is choose wisely. And also listen to your child because they will want to go where they will be happy. I would visit as many different schools as possible, weigh your options. Know the cost and your ability to afford it. Also be open minded, things happen in college, its a start of a new life. Try new things, meet new people. Try to make the best out of this new experience.

Deangelo

I would advise a parent or student to choose a college that bests fits his or her needs in the education progress. Choose a college that you will enjoy by getting background information such as history, overall success of students and teaching.

Pia

College is one of the most exciting part in one's life. It's only as good as one puts into it. When considering the perferct or right college for oneself, or child one needs to remember to choose it for the campus size, high graduating rate, and the opportunity to give your child or self the best well-rounded person they can be. The campus size is important, because it determines the classroom size, the the ratio of student to falcuty. Some students seem to be fine with a classroom of 300 students, while others enjoy the classroom size of 30. Either or is fine, but that's what one needs to take into consideration when trying to learn. Also, one will not want to attend a university with a low graduating rate, because it shows that there is a lack of teaching, learning, or supplies(libraries, lab, tutor) on campus. Either the school is not using the money for the school, or picking the unmotivated people to attend their univerisity. Lastly, to be able to be a well rounded person. A company doesn't want just a nerd or athlete, but someone in the middle.

Leandria

The right college all depends on what field you want to go into. For me music was my choice so i looked at the music program and found it was accredited. Which means my degree means more to people who might want to higher me after i graduate. The second thing you look at is the extracurricular activities and see which ones suit you. Then you look at the social life at the school to make sure you wont' be bored in your spare time.

Karlos

Parents should listen to their children. The educational process is long and hard and parents should not only want their children to learn but also enjoy themselves. They should encourage their children to go away for school and experience something new outside of their boundaries. Going away for school also builds your character because you are away from home and your parents and you must make decisions on your own everyday.

Jonea

Please visit the campus and talk to students about the the administration. Learn about the faculty from the students. Visit the labs and computer labs to see if they are up to date with other campus facilities. Look in the dorm rooms and talk to several students abou campus life. Most students will be very honest. Do not talk with sororities and fraternities or people in students government! You have to talk to just regular students to get the (mostly) the true untwisted truth!

Kedric

Make sure you look closely and know what you want before you decide where you want to attend, it makes a really huge difference.

Kendrick

College is an expensive investment to one's life. I would prefer that parents and students fill out a FAFSA form first to be eligible for financial aid. Additionally, parents and students should visit their school of choice and find out what the school has to offer on an academic basis. They should also make sure that the school offer quality services from the main offices, that the school dorms look presentable, and that the school offers a good variety of food. The school should also offer a healthy choice of food.

Keri

There's no waythat you can find the right college the only thing that you can do is to just go out there and experience what college life has to offer. Eventually you'll make life long friends and grow to love your school. As for having the best college experience just put yourself out there; join any club or organization that interests you because its really important to network. The more people you meet the mo help you'll have throughtout your college experience and maybe also through life.

Charles

If I had to say one thing to tell parents to tell their children, I would tell them to tell their children to not to be scared to go outside of your comfort zone. When a young college freshman does that the world is opened up to them and they can experience all that the world has to offer .

DENISHAMCCOMBS

First, i would say while in high school, starting no later than the junior year, start researching schools you want to go to. Go on college tours to help you get a feel of the campus. Many organizations have college tours during Spring Break where students can tour a wide variety of colleges. While visiting colleges on tours or on your own, have a list of questions to ask each college to help you narrow down your choice (ex. Is it accredited, Do they have your major, Do they offer financial aid, Student to teacher ratio, Tution amount, Size of school, Organizations). Talk to students to see how they feel about the school, and get different opinions about the college life. Talk to the head of the Department of your college major to see if they are offering scholarships and to discuss the cirruculum, since most of your classes will be in that department. Finally, weigh out the pros and cons of each school you visited to help you decide which schools you want to apply to and decide on once you get accepted.

Penelope

Always make sure that the college fits the students needs. It is impotant that the student finds a school that best accomodates their wants and their needs, not only academically but also for their social activities.

Ashley

My advice to future students is to start looking at colleges in High school then go see how they are like. Then make the choice the student would feel more like home at and is a perfect environment.

Kyle

make sure that you take care of your business in high school so that money is easier to obtain for college through scholarships. have copies of everything. network and meet as many people as possible. be active on campus and go out the parties but know that you dont have to be at every one because most are the same thing with the same people so choose carefully. surround yourself with people who share your beliefs, this makes it easier to stay focused. be safe when it comes to the alcohol and sex, protect yourself.

Terrell

I would advise call parents and student to be aware of the school surroundings before attending . Some of the surrounding will hinder you success by the bad enfluence.

Jade

Make sure that the school you choose is affordable , because your school may purge you like mine, if you cant pay on time. Also, make sure that your choice is fundamental to your major and long term goals. Be prepared to work hard and be focused because if you start to fall off, you will fail most likely.

Ashley

College is one of the most influential times in life. Dont take it for granted!

Morgan

Go to campus events, they are very informative. Get involved, do not stay in your room, get out and explore.

Tonya

Finding the right college can be an frustating endevour however, if you are patient, focused, and determined you will find the right school for you. Finding the right school starts with researching the area that you would like to be in. If you will be needing finacial aid you need to determine if there will be any monies available to you. Also, you will need to decide what you want to major in and research to see if that school fits into your future plans career wise.

Lindsay

Always consider tuition cost secondary to the quality of the education. If I could do it all over again, I would have enrolled in a private arts college that specialized in my field.

Marissa

The advice I would give to prospective parents and students about finding the right college would be to go where your career focus is best served. The social life, campus life, and activities are all great reasons to choose a school, however, once you graduate those these will no longer matter. Job placement is the most important part of college as it prepares you for the real world ahead. Getting a good job after college insures that you will have a successful career and financial situation. I personally chose a school that was socially great but not so great as far as my own acedemic major choice, which was art and graphic design. Do to the lack of job placement help that I recieved as an undergrad has left me with no job 6 months after graduation and a slew of loans to pay back. I desire to attend grad school but cannot due to my tuition debt. If I had to choose colleges over again I would have went to an art school or somewhere where my field received the most emphasis from professors, scholarships and finacial aid awarded, and state of the art equipment provided.

Shandra

I would tell them to do a lot of research before deciding on a the school that they think they want to attend.

Dahlian

Make sure the college you plan on attending has the field that you want to major in and that the school retains its' accreditation.

Latoya

When choosing a college remember to not only look at the social aspects but also the faculty and staff. Make sure that the institution is well-known in the field that you are choosing to study and that the program offers career placement.

Jasmin

When choosing a college to attend you should choose a school that has the best program for your major. You should also look at things like the location of the school and ask yourself "Will i be happy here?". If you know that you would learn better with more one on one with your professors choose a smaller college rather than a bigger one. Also, college should be fun so pick a school thats right for you based on academics as well as social life. If your thinking about going away to college in another state make sure that it is something you really want to do because that adjustment can be really hard. The most important thing is to balance your social life and school life accordingly. You have to be able to have fun but still get your work done. It would also be a good idea to get involved in campus activities, clubs, and organizations, joining one could make your college experience much better. Be careful when choosing a college and make sure you make the right decision.

jonathan

Make sure the college uyou choose is the one that best fits you

Landon

Find a school that has a nice safe atmosphere that is well diversified and has a friendly welcoming staff willing to help. Make sur administration department are well organized and can answer questions and take care of buisness in a timley manner. There is nothing worse than getting the run around about simple questions or actions because of an unwilling administration.

Veronica

Make sure that the college you choose is affordable and can give you all of the things that you want out of a campus experience (i.e. your major, extracurricular actvities, safety, etc). Also your first choice may not be your best choice, so don't give up when you don't get accepted or cannot afford it.

Tawana

For students remember the values in life your parents have taught you in order to dealing with unexpected experiences both good and bad during you collegiate career.