Toccoa Falls College Top Questions

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

Danielle

I would tell them to start early in their searching out of colleges. Sit down and really contemplate what you're looking for in a college. VISIT!! There is no better way to know about the college than to go there, and don't go on a school sponsored weekend. They pull out all the big stops then but that usually isn't what the college is really like. Take some time to get to know students that go there and go on an off weekend when you can see what the campus normally looks like. Then take that experience and sit down to seriously think about whether or not that college would be the best fit for you. Make your decision wisely. Don't just go with the first college you see. Visit all prospective schools if possible and then weigh the pros and cons of each against each other. That will help you make the decision of which college is the best for you and then you probably won't have to transfer and go through all the hassle that comes with that. Be educated is really the best thing you can do.

Amber

Finding the right college can be a extraordinary experience; as one plans for the next four years and possibly the rest of his or her life nerves start trembling. As decisions are made, one hopes that the finest college is picked for the best experience. The best advice that can be given to an incoming freshman is this: choose a college that describes the student?s personality in environment, academics and personal future goals. The environment will set the scene for the new student. If one wants a fast-paced and artistic feel, then an urban area would be a perfect fit. A book-loving coffee drinker may enjoy the quietness of the mountains. The academic spectrum of college is obviously huge. A student should base his or her decision on the diversity of classes and opportune majors. A college decision should be based on academic reputation that has influenced students of past. Personal future goals should encourage a conscious decision. One should look at the opportunities the college offers post graduation, and effective classes that prepare one for prospect realities. The college?s environment, academics and the student?s idea of future goals will encapsulate an unbelievable college experience.

Caitlin

I would have to say that the best thing for a prospective student to do in looking for a college is for them to go with the place where they have the most peace about attending. Once they get to school, a freshman will find that since they picked the right school they don't have any regrets about it.

Andrea

I would recommend that students go to the school for a visit during the regular school year. Not during campus preview because then you get a more accurate view of the school. Also spend a night in the dorm if you can. Look for a school that has the majors that you are hoping to have, if you are unsure then it might be wise to go to community college and get your core classes out of the way first. It is much less expensive that way. It also prevents needing to transfer because the school does not have your intended major. It is also really important to know what size of school you would like. If you are more interested in smaller classes and knowing the people on campus then you should look for smaller schools. If you enjoy big classes and lots of activities and sports then look for a bigger college. Area is big too, do you like urban settings or rural settings? Do you want to be close to home or far away. These should all be considered in looking for a school.

Sarah

Choosing a college is a lot like buying a house. The first thing that you do when searching for the right house is to knock on the front door and wait to be welcomed home. The same thing is true when searching for the right school. It is wise to submit your applications and see who invites you to their school. When looking for a house, there is so much more than the four walls that make up the exterior. You must look to see if it fits correctly in size, curriculum, beliefs, and community. It is important to look beyond the buildings themselves, and get to know the people, programs, and values of the school when making one?s choice. Spend time getting to know the faculty and students. Once you have made your decision of which school to attend, it is important to not assume that you will learn from books alone. The relationships, mentors, and experiences that you will have make up a large part of your educational experience. You will be at the school for the next 2-4 years, and it is important to not only live in the community, but to thrive and invest.

Sarah

Your college experience is one you will keep with you the rest of your life. Find a campus where you can thrive, where you can feel like you can make an impact on the people around you and get the best education possible. Look into the housing, see if that is a place where you can feel comfortable and really connect with the people around you. Make sure that your school will train you in the best possible way so that you can meet your future goals. Finding a school that can meet social needs and scholastic needs is essential! There needs to be a strong sense of community and school spirit to get you through those times when the papers and assignments are rolling in and you just feel crazy. To have friends and a campus that you love will make your experience so enjoyable and make you never want to graduate!

Karen

First, I would recommend having at least a general idea of the things that the student is potentially interested in studying, so that they could pick a college with a wide variety of majors that would interest the student. It would also be a good idea to have an idea of what size college the student would like to attend, and what kind of atmosphere they want to be a part of. Once these things have been considered, more than anything, I would recommend visiting the college. It is the only way to really get a feel for the school, and to thoroughly answer any questions. To make the most of the college experience, I recommend balance. It is foolish to completely abandon school work for friendships, but it is also foolish to completely abandon friendships for schoolwork. Both are vital aspects of the college experience, and both will have a significant impact on the rest of the student's life. Also, if you view classes as an opportunity to learn something helpful and interesting, they will be much more beneficial, while homework will be much less stressful.

Meghan

College is so much more than education in a classroom and getting a degree. It is a crucial part in students' lives because so much of college changes and defines who they are and how they percieve themselves currently and in the future as part of society. Everyone changes in some way when they go off to college, and the type of college is what instigates those changes. When a high school student is looking for a college, they need to evalute what direction they will to go in life. This is ultimately what makes students decide on a college but another crucial factor that I would suggest examining is the community that the school has and how it shapes the character, not just the minds, of the students. Schools need to produce educated individuals, but those individuals can learn so much more than what is outlined in a text book. College needs to produce individuals of intellect and character, willing to be a participant in the American society. These two aspects should be asked of the student when deciding on the right college.

Tamara

I would say that they should visit the college and really get a feel for the place. The visitation is what sold me on Toccoa Falls. The school was amazing and campus was breath-taking. Spending time with the students and meeting everyone made me feel comfortable there.

Naomi

Take a walk on campus alone, after the tour is over. Do the student's smile back at you? Are there hammocks hung between the trees, or construction tape wrapped around their trunks marking off a new building complex? Does the cafe truly have WiFi in all its corners, or only when you hold your computer at just the right angle, cocked slightly to the left so that you have to hunch awkwardly like Quasimodo to check your e-mail? Do you truly prefer this small town setting, or do you secretly miss the fast-pace of the city you thought you would want to leave? Notice the details. Parents, give your student space to explore the campus alone. Give them the opportunity to voice their true concerns or feelings. Let them know that just because it's your Alma Mater, they can back out and choose somewhere else. Better now than $ 20,000 later. We need that freedom from you. And students, be honest with your parents. Let them know what you're excited or nervous about. Above all, don't be afraid to take a risk. This is a big step- so you might just want to jump!

Layla

When deciding upon a college here are some things to remember: Some colleges are very large and you can get lost among the masses, Free to express your individuality and decide whether or not you'll go to classes. Others are like friendly communities; these schools are somewhat smaller. Everyone knows your name, including your very involved, helpful professors. It's harder to miss hands-on, group projects than impersonal lectures. More size, more people, more individuality and freedom, Ability to make lifestyle choices is more important to some. How well can you balance academics with rest and fun? The smaller, the quieter, less temptation, and more accountability, Simpler balance between academics and extra-curricular activity. The kind of school you're looking for also depends on your desired future. Lifetime friends, strong character, and especially what exactly you want to do will determine the nature. Which school has the best academic program and curriculum to help you reach your goals? Will you be in debt for a lifetime after you enroll? Now consider your grades, extra-curricular interests, and distance from home? -Just a few pointers to help craft your desired experience so you don't consider college alone.

Hannah

Visit more than just one college. Be open minded toward schools that are not only far away, but also to the ones that are reasonably close to home. Make sure that the school you are considering is the size you want, has major or career of your choice, is an academically strong school, socially strong with plenty of options for getting to know people and hanging out, and a school that has professors and administrators who genuinely care about the success of its students.

Stephanie

Choosing the right college is one of a person's most important life decisions, especially for a young person. For this reason, it is a beneficial idea to begin researching school choices early. Once the options are narrowed down, students should make college visits as often as possible, even after deciding on the school. It only makes sense to be sure that the school is all that it is advertised as being. After beginning college, it is important for students to remember a few things. Students in college must learn to be more independent and responsible for their own learning, including going to class, studying, completing homework, and even getting enough sleep. While academics are obviously important, social activities at college are also an important aspect of a college students' life. It is through college that many young people gain their freedom from their families, learn to live independently, and form their own life through choices. College students should choose friends and activities that help them become better individuals and make positive choices. Choosing a college is important, yet sometimes a seemingly daunting task, which can be made easier through the help of parents, friends, teachers, and even informative websites.

Chris

Choosing the "right" college is so vital for the student?s success as well as their experience. Every new freshman student is going to come to their school with anxiety. For the most part a freshman student is still trying to identify who they are, what they want to accomplish in life and how they want to go about trying to accomplish their goals. The initial college search is important, because by setting up visits to potential schools you have a chance to meet with financial aid people, sit in on classes, and meet with the director of your possible major. Having adequate time to feel the atmosphere and routine of the college(s) is critical in the process, because it allows the student to see how it relates to him/her. By allowing yourself plenty of time to set up visits with possible colleges, you will have enough time to shift through the pros and cons of each college, therefore possibly coming to an agreement of which college is best. If the new student finds the right college then the four year college experience will be filled with best friends, smart choices, and most importantly success for future endeavors.

Kaylyn

I would advise parents and students to consider two things while they are choosing a college , size and the major you want to pursue. I chose my school partly because it was small and I wanted that small college feel but some want the huge university feel so deciding which you want is important when finding the right college. Second, finding the right college has a lot to do with the type of major you want to pursue. Going to a school that doesn't offer your major or doesn't have a very good program for your major is a waste of time and money. Find a college that has exactly what you want to study so when you graduate you are prepared to do what you want with your life. And in order to make the most of your college experience make it your own. Don't try and compare it to other people's experiences because it will be totally different so make it your own! College is a time to discover who you are on your own so use it as a time to become who you want to be !

Jessica

Be wise in your choice, transfering only puts you behind and usually costs more in the long run. Enjoy the time while it lasts and learn to appreciate the new friendships quickly; they can last for a life time, but your time together is shorter than it appears.

Dennis

Seek God.

Stacy

When deciding on a college, the most important thing to know as a student is you. If you don't know who you are and have no clue what you want out of life, it's hard to use college as a stepping stone for your career. Don't waste your life and money trying to "find you? in a party school, and don't bury yourself in academics to avoid facing reality. Discover who you are, make choices and decisions based on what you see your future looking like. If you see yourself being a teacher one day, then choose a school with a reputation for its good teacher education department. If you aren't sure where to go in your future, maybe take some classes online or at a community school before you just jump in head first in a large university somewhere. When you get to college, make good friends who will support you when you have family problems and love you when you are hung-over. Grades don't define who you are, but they sure help you in what you can become, so take school seriously. Make the most out of every experience.

Amanda

One of the most important things that I would suggest to parents of potential college students is to make sure that the school that they are looking for will not only prove to be a good one academically, but will also be a place where students can make friends and have fun. While the focus of college is to get a degree so that you can start a career, the students also need to be able to kick back and enjoy themselves every so often. Finding a place where a student will fit in is always an important aspect. I chose my college because I knew that it would provide me with a stable community where everyone is focused on Christ and learning more about His love for us. Find a place not only where they fit in, but a place that will grow them and edify them in their fast approaching journey to and through adult-hood. One more important thing, have no regrets. God has placed that student there for a reason and will help them to make the best of things. :)

Christine

I would tell parents and students that finding the right college can make a difference in your satisfaction with the education you are receiving. When looking for a college, look at the values the college has and makes known on campus and within the community. If you are not into the party scene look for a college that will fit your social standards and abilities, also if you are a serious student who does not like the distractions of partying or social obligations look for a college that will encourage you to give your best efforts in all your classes. If you do not like the college that you have chosen you are not going to want to give your all and make good grades, find a college that meets most if not all of your ideal requirements.

Andria

Don't settle for less. Apply many different places, and if you can't find anything that interests you, take some time off before starting college. There's no hurry to start. Your value as a person isn't found in academic success anyway. If school isn't for you, don't continue your education. The academic setting isn't for everyone, and that's okay. Don't let anyone pressure you into going to college if you're going to be miserable there.

Phil

Be dedicated to prayer and listen to the voice of God so that you can know his will for your life.

Ronald

To the students: Do your school work in little chunks - do not bite off more than you can chew. Procrastination is the assassination of motivation. If you are interested in a particular school, then make a visit to the school during the work week on a non-"campus preview" week. This will give a good idea what it will be like while you are there. Do not be afraid to go far away from home because for most people it is a good experience for them whether they relieze it at that time or not. Whenever you talk to your parents always tell them that you love them. Wait until you are at least a junior before you get into a serious relationship with someone because this will give you time to go through some initial changes that you will go through during those first couple of years. To the parents: Care packages are much appreciated by your child whether they admit it or not. Never go two weeks without speaking to them, but don't call everyday unless they call you. Before your child leaves be sure to have an agreement about what they are doing for certain holidays.

J.

First, know your values. What morals are you willing to sacrifice, which are you firm on? Find a school that supports your moral standards. Otherwise, if you have a higher moral code than the one your school upholds, then you will find yourself sacrificing more and more of your beliefs in order to succeed or be popular. It is vital to hold onto your values before social life or your academics. Second, know what you want to do. If you want to be a doctor, don't only look for a school with a med program. Look at grad schools, decide what kind of grad program you'll want, and then choose your first school on that basis. Look at undergrad studies as a stepping stone to your next goal, and choose the one that will put you in the best position for the future. Third, know your finances. It is always better to settle for a smaller, less flashy school if it is cheaper. Student loans can weigh you down the rest of your life, forcing you to always settle for less than you could have otherwise. Find the most inexpensive school you can for the most competent education.

Candace

Make sure you visit your school. I didn't visit and I regret that. Make sure you give yourself options. Make a list of what you want out of your college experience and use that as a guide when you are researching and visiting schools. Ask every question possible. There's plenty of money out there available, take the time to check EVERY option. Once you land at your chosen school, your experience will be what you make it. Take full advantage of your professors with your classes that's what they are there for. As far as making friends go, be open to EVERYONE. I only went after the t ype of people i hung out with in high school, and I realized how much I was missing out on by not opening myself to everyone! Walk around with confidence and great things will happen. Get involved with SOMETHING, you'll be surprised with what you will be exposed to by gettiing involved. If there's nothing there that spikes your interest, start something new!! All in all, again, IT'S WHAT YOU MAKE IT!!! College years only come around once...MAKE MEMORIES.