University of Georgia Top Questions

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

Luke

learn how to study.

Karen

I would say schooling is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time. You do not have to know exactly what you want to do when you enter college or while in college. That's the time to figure it out. Take the electives that interest you, and follow your intuition about what field seems like the best fit for you. Make sure you come up for air between studies and really look around at the possible fields of study and potential careers. Don't limit yourself to what others see as acceptable or worthy courses of study or careers! I would also say that grades are not as important as they seem. Understanding the material is more important. Good grades are certainly not worth killing yourself for. College is also supposed to be one of the most enjoyable times of life. Make sure you give yourself time for relaxation and fun! If you're going to stay sane through four years of hard work, you're going to need relaxation and celebration time with friends!

Addison

1. Never be afraid to ask for help! While the transition will be thrilling, confusing, and frustrating at times, you are not alone! There are plenty of resources available to you and no one expects you to be perfect and figure out all of the changes on your own. 2. Get out there! Everyone in the dorms is going through the same transition, and the only way to meet people is to introduce yourself. Don't be afraid to walk into a new situation or go to informational meetings. Talk to people on the bus or in class. Communicate with professors. 3. Go to class! It will be easy to get behind in school without anyone making you go to class and do your work. Just remember: You only have one responsibility and that is to "show up"! 4. Respect yourself! Though college can be a time to discover who you really are, deep down, you know your morals and what you expect of yourself. Do not lose sight of what is important to you or what you want out of your college experience. This will keep you happy and provide strength in trying situations. Lastly, you CAN do it!

Stacy

i would tell myself to study hard to keep my grade point average as high as possible and to choose the classes that i will take in college wisely . Many scholarships are awarded to students who have a high gpa (grade point average). If a student gets many scholarships they may never have to pay for school out of their pocket, which will allow them more time to study to maintain good grades and even graduate early so they can start their career as soon as possible. When it comes to choosing classes to take, choose classes that will advace your education by challenging you to grow mentally while giving useful skills you will need in your career without overwhelming you with too much work. Your grade point average and the classes that you will take to prepare you for your career are both very important during college. It is very important to your success in college that you manage both wisely.

Savannah

Hello senior self! First off, I want you to understand that although choosing a college is important, it's not the life or death situation that you seem to think it is. You will end up picking your last choice school due to financial reasons, but you will end up loving it, I promise. You will make so many awesome friends (and living away from home isn't too bad, either!). You will be able to go home on weekends, if you so choose, and the food will be awesome. You'll take classes you enjoy. You won't get along wiht your roommate, but don't worry - things will get better. So stop stressing! Take a deep breath and spend a little time with your high school friends. You don't realize that you won't see most of them again. Work hard over the summer to save up that money - you'll need it! And you don't have to get nervous about parties - nobody cares if you drink anyway! I love you and I want you to continue living your dreams! It's so worth it!

Victoria

College is truely the best years of your life so plan now and make the best of it. Be organized in everything you do so you can take every postive opportunity that presents its self. Make meaningful friendships that will endure the trip of college and last through your life. Dont' allow little things to affect how you deal with life, today may seem like bad day but tomorrow is a new day. Enjoy life and enjoy learning, it's is not so bad if you enjoy what you are learning. Definity persue what you see yourself doing 20 years down the road, don't allow mom or dad to say you are going to be a doctor or lawyer, it is your life and your decision. Lastly, always have a postive outlook on life, even the worse things have a silver lining to them, you just have to look for it .

LaToya

I would tell them to start their search early. Make sure to research the college thoroughly to make sure that it is in fact what you want and are looking for. You should consider campus size, academincs, religion, athletics, school spirit, social life, etc. These aspects of college are very important when considering schools because of personality and temperament. Just like high school, college is what you make of it. Get involved as much as possible so that you do not become all work and no play. However, it is extremely important to know your limits. Don't overdo it!! Make sure that you can balance school work with extracurricular activity as well as the social scene. Bascially, find the perfect fit for you through thorough research based on your personality, temperament, standards, and expectations. Take advantage of your college life. Try new things and meet new people. Have fun with everything you do!!

Reshma

Finding the right college should be centered on you, the student. When finding the right college, there are numerous categories to keep in mind. First, select a school, which caters to your personality and interests. If you are a shy individual, you may want to go to a larger school so that you can develop yourself and open up. You must also see which school offers the most academic progress and opportunity in your area of interest. If you are interested in the field of science, find a school, which gives good research opportunities and offers more advance classes in that field. Selecting the college you attend is a crucial decision, and it should be made with the utmost consideration. Students should also make the most out of their college experience by getting involved in various activities. College is the time to explore who you are as an individual. So take "weird" classes, get involved in activities you never did in high school, and don't be afraid to try new things. The college experience only comes once in a lifetime, so you should take full advantage of this time you have at college.

Marcus

There are so many discoveries to be made about colleges and the decision between the student, parents, and the school itseld until it seems to be virtually impossible to pin point one particular advice to give parents and students. Truly one of the most important things in choosing a college is finding one that interests the student more than anything. If the student is not interested, he or she will not perform well in the university the he or she attends. Also, the student and parent must take into consideration the finanicial situation. Most colleges tell prospective students and their parents not to worry about the finances. i truly believe that this is false. I have seen too many students struggling to keep their finances afloat as they are having to choose between food or laundry. Don't just consider the tuition and fees of the institution, but also make sure that personal finances are in order so that the student can simply survive on a daily basis without having to make these drastic decisions. Most of all, just make sure that you, as the parent is happy, and you, as the student is happy with the institution you chose.

Ashley

Go visit the school before you make a choice. When you step onto the campus, you'll get a feeling whether or not it's the school for you. Also, talk to the heads of the programs you're interested in, or some students that are going in and out of the building, they'll give you the best advice you could ask for. Don't just take the tour the school provides. If you know someone, ask them to show you around or just explore on your own. If you're going to a big footall town, check it out on football weekends to make sure you can handle that - as some people simply don't like all the people/noise.

Jonathan

First and foremost, the rising college student must be true to what he or she wants out of life. Get involved in researching colleges early and really get an idea of what you might want to do when you're thrown into the fast paced world that awaits post-academia. If you are like most fresh out of high school students and have little inclination as to what you want to do, scope out universities that offer a wide range of opportunities. Do not only look after your academic interests, but also your extracurricular activities. College is a cohesive experience that sculpts an individual both intellectually as well as in character. Parents, help guide your new college students in their decisions with your past wisdom and get active in seriously discussing what your child wants in their future. Do not let finances stand in the way of bettering yourself through education and collegiate experience. Aid is abundant and can be found through state loans, federal work study programs, as well as fine scholarship opportunities such as this. Once you have found your school, dare to learn! Dare to live! Dare to find yourself! That is what college is all about.

Alan

Take an "off the beaten path" tour of campus. Walk around and talk with people. Sit in on a class that the student might take. If possible, have someone you know who goes to the university show you around as well. The future student should, if they feel comfortable, explore part of the area on their own. This allows both the parent(s) and student to find out things and ask questions without the pressures of the other group.

Amy

College is when a student learns how to live without his/her parents. Finding the right college is a difficult decision but with a little research, it may not be too hard. First the student and parents should discuss cost and distance. If these two factors play a role in the student's ability to attend a college, he/she may consider a community college. If its do not matter the student should make a decision on the location he/she would like to spend the next few years of his/her life. The college itself is important but also consider the town or city it is located. Some important issues which need to be considered are classroom sizes, activites on campus, and meal plans. The best thing a student can do is ask current students who attend the college and learn different aspects. Two ideas for all students to keep in mind is consider your parents when finding the right school. The student is not the only person affected when attending a college. Second, later if you feel like the new college was not the right one you are still able to change to your second choice.

Dylan

Find a college that you are comfortable in and can become proud of. The college that I go to is huge and very tough when it comes to academics and athletics, but I still feel part of the "group." When it comes to making the most of college, look around your college and see what you find out. This goes beyond just joining clubs, fraternities/sororities or organizations. I have had the most fun by just walking around the campus and seeing what is around. College is a journey, a journey of educational and in the end, personal enlightenment.

Aisabelle

Research schools that are near by home first if you plan to attend school in the area; if you plan to go out of state, look into how much out of state tuition is. Keep in mind that expenses can get really high and out of hand if you don't know how to budget and keep organized. In state or out of state, expenses will come to you either way. Find colleges that you know you will be safe attending; safety is important when living on campus. Look at what the school has to offer, clubs, intramural sports, school sports, sororities, fraternities, etc. It is always good to be involved on campus to meet and make new friends which could lead to life long friendships. College is definitely a huge stepping stone in life, and you really leanr to find out who you are and what you want. Determination, independance, and responsibility are qualities that you acquire or strongly develop during your time in college. College shapes you to be the person you will someday be in the future.

Nathan

Always choose a school that offers the degree program that you want, but make sure that it also offers desirable alternatives in case your plans change. Also check out the social life - you'll want things to do on weekends when you're done studying. When you make your choice and finally get on campus, try to maintain an effective balance between studying and socializing. Most of the friends you make will be in classes and in the dorms, so try to live on campus as a freshman or sophomore. Also, GET INVOLVED! That is the quickest way to make new friends and stay active. You can try clubs, sports, fraternities or sororities, but definitely do something. However, remember the main reason you are there - your education. Always keep up with your classes, ask your professors for help if needed, or form study groups with classmates. Maintaining a high GPA as you complete your study programs has many benefits when registering for classes, not to mention those you get after graduation.

Therese

To maximize my college experience, I took into account many factors. Distance from home, the quality of the campus, the academic fever of the campus, and the ability to grow as a student but also a person. Parents and students should discuss all of these issues before making a college decision. For parents, make sure to set up a budget with your child and also keep an open line of communication with your child throughout the year. For students, be willing to accept those different from you. When I arrived to college, I was so astonished by how many people there were and how different they were from me. Please don't let these differences keep you from making amazing new friends. In addition, students, be wary of slipping through the cracks academically. Make a promise to yourself that you will actually attend class even if attendance is not taken. Being in the presence of the professor really does make a difference in your GPA. Furthermore, seek advice from your elders and your parents. They have a much greater amount of life experience and asking the opinions of older people really helped me make major decisions, such as my major.

Kristin

First and foremost, a student or parent should decide what their expectations are from a college. They should determine certain aspects which they view as essential to a successful college career, such as a strong research program or opportunities to study abroad. Secondly, they should choose areas that they would be willing to compromise on, such as mandatory on-campus housing. Maintaining a certain level of flexibility is important when choosing a college, since it is unlikely one school will have everything that they desire. Another important tip to consider is that throughout a college career, one will grow and change as an individual. Therefore, the student should choose a college that will allow them to pursue their own interests and hobbies, as well as explore new ones. A diverse college, one that exposes students to new ideas, situations, and people, will help them become better-rounded as individuals and more prepared for life after college. Always bear in mind that the individual, not the college, is ultimately responsible for their own college experience. A student that is friendly, spirited, outgoing, intelligent, and eager will find that their college experience will be great no matter which college they attend.

John

Guide your kids, but let them find their way. Avoid being a 'helicopter' parent and let your kid have their own college experience.

Yenka

Read everything and stick to your plan. If you go to school with a "loose" game plan and you stick with it you well do more than you ever dreamed. Also, when you read everything you discover so many different opportunites toward your major, money, and even great things like research opportunities or free study abroad programs. When you take charge in your education you will enjoy the experience so much more.

Jessica

I would advise students to be open-minded about finding a college. Visit as many campuses as possible and even check out colleges you think you probably do not want to attend, because you may be surprised. Pick the school that offers great academics and a lot of extracurricular activities. Once you have picked a school, get involved. Attend meetings for any group you have an interest in, and find out what is right for you. Branch out and make new friends, even if old friends are at school with you. Take the opportunity to do some volunteering, and do not worry if you do not immediately know what your major is. Take some classes in subjects that interest you, and do not be afraid to change your major one, two, even three times. Never let anyone tell you your major is not legitimate or that you should find something practical, because in the end, what matters most is not that you get a degree that earns six figures but that you connect to people and pursue a career that you know will make you happy.

Sara

Money is a very important part of the college selection process that young people can lose sight of. It's important to not get into a debt you and your family cannot handle in selecting where you attend college. Definitely go with the best college you can afford, but there is no sense in putting your family into financial difficulty if other more affordable schools are out there offering similar academic programs. Ultimately, the student knows the most about where he/she wants to attend school. Work together on really finding a balance and compromise for a school. A student shouldn't have to go to school to be miserable for four years. Yes, college is about the degree, but it is also about learning, growing up, and becoming an adult. Experience in college plays almost as big of a role as academic achievement. It's important that a student surrounds himself/herself with a culture in which he/she will thrive. The college we attend is one of the biggest turning points of our lives. Parents, listen to your children's opinions. Students, your parents do actually have experience. Good luck!

Frances

The advice I would give to parents is to let their child make their own decision. Help them find schools that they may get into, but DO NOT interfere with their decision, unless they ask. For students, just have fun in high school but make sure you get good grades. Know that college is most likely a lot harder that high school, so this is just the first step in your education. Make sure you make memories that will last you through high school. To make the most of your college experience, you need to get out there and be involved! Find what's fun for you and join groups. Don't get too attached to home and don't go back home every weekend. Trust me I know from experience, it just makes things worse. College will be the most important and fun time in your life, so make the most of it! Lastly follow your heart! Find what major best fits your personality and interests and your career will follow. Good luck, study hard, and don't get too stressed!

AJ

I would say to definitely take time out to tour as many colleges as you possibly can, those that you are interested in and maybe even those you hadn't really thought of as options; you never know what you might find when you go and see for yourself, and often times a first impression is the real heart of how that college will make you feel, if and when you are accepted. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions of tour guides or representatives of those schools - especially if they are alumni or current students there, as they will know best.

Maura

I would advise parents to tell their children that the moment you step foot on the college campus that is right for you, your guy will tell you. You will know deep down whether a school is right for you or not, so don't sway a child one way or another, let their instincts and first impressions decide.

Andrea

Take all factors (affordability, proximity to home, majors offered, extra-curricular environment, etc.) into consideration and make sure the student is doing the bulk of the decision making. This will be a glimpse at how things will be in the future and help them mature into responsible adults. College is one of the best experience of your life so make time to do it right.

Joel

Take a univeristy studies course and make sure you arep repared for the transition. College is totally different from high school and so are the study skills and necessary habits.

jordan

This is a great school.

Jamie

College is a time that you will never forget, it's important to pick the school that encompasses your ideal of what college should be. Everyone's idea of what they want from a college is different so what may be right for a bestfriend may not be right for you. Sitting down and making a list of pros and cons and which might fit best is a great place to start the search for the right college. Taking a trip to these schools to see campus life and the activities and services available on each campus is an important part of the decision. It is important to see what student life is like and if you will fit in with this kind of atmosphere. When it is time to make a decision about which school is the best, discussing with parents your options and what you like the most and academically and financially will work the best is easier said than done. Think if you can see yourself succeeding in this environment and if you will be happy. Then make your decision, it is not always easy, but your gut usually can tell you your answer.

Joe

Take into consideration a realistic view of your own budget and the cost of tuition. Realize that loans are not particularly easy to acquire, so don't count on them. On the other hand, a pleasurable, rich college experience is invaluable. Knowing what you want to study in college before applying will help you decide which school is right for you. This is because many schools are especially strong in certain fields.

Meghan

go where they have what you really want to do, but where you can also have a great college experience

Jessica

It is very important to visit the school in which are you planning to apply or attend. Get a feel of the atmosphere before choosing a certain college. It is also important to take into account the level of sports and its affect on the campus. The University of Georgia is a GREAT College!

Patrick

I would tell them to be honest with themselves. I started college with a major that I hate. The only reason I chose it was because I thought I would make a lot of money. Now, I am in school to be business education teacher in high school and I am extremely excited about my future. I just realized that even though societly likes to tell us that money is so terribly important, that being happy with your life is worth much more.

Sarah

The most important factor to consider is which college will help you feel most prepared for the real world. A more challenging college or different experience will help prepare you for life beyond school and will probably affect your life in the most positive way. While at college, take nothing for granted. Something as simple as studying on campus when the weather is pleasant can lead to great memories of your experience. Also, while it may be easier to pick either studying or socializing as your main focus, finding a good balance will serve your best interest while in school and after you leave.

Jessica

Each student needs to tour all of the schools they apply to. Once on the campus walk around the town and campus without the tour for a while to get the feel of the campus. Meet and talk to people you encounter and see what they have to say about the area and the school. Do they seem happy? Could you see yourself here? Could you see yourself getting along with these people? The most important part of a college visit is how you feel when you are there and what your feeling is after you've left. Are you relieved that you found somewhere of interest? Were you looking at the clock wanting the tour to be over so you could leave? Go with your gut feeling and think long and hard. Weigh factors such as distance from home, people you'll know there, weather, cost, transportation, extracirriculars, majors offered, and other factors. In the end, go with your gut feeling about where you felt most comfortable while on campus and that is the place for you!

Michelle

Take everything into account, like average class size, all the majors offered, location (i.e whether in a big city or in the country), whether you want a more liberal education or a more practical business type education, financial concerns and every other little thing that makes a difference. This is a big decision and it can't be taken lightly. Sometimes even a seemingly small issue can make the difference between a great college experience and an empty one.

Kristen

I believe that the key to finding the right college is visiting a variety of different schools in order to gauge which school fits each student's needs. Loyalties to certain teams should not be the primary reason that someone picks a school, but whether the school offers what the student wants to study, and promotes the activities and morals that each student fits in with. I believe that college visits, and visiting the websites for many colleges help students figure out where they will be the most happy and have the best college experience. The college experience isn't just the classes you take, but the friends that you make, and the opportunities you encounter; whether it be going to music shows on weekends, fraternity parties, joining organizations, or shopping in the local stores-- the college experience really is the best years of your life!

francisco

Make campus visits and get involved in things you are interested in. Test yourself daily with unfamiliar situations. Analyze your risks for most advantages.

David

Decide what career you would like to have ideally, and pursue an education at an institution that specializes in that field and that is logistically plausible.

Katharine

Visit as many schools as you can and once you find a few you like find out if you know people there. If you can go spend a weekend with that friend at their school it gives you a great sense of whether you will like the school or not. Don't underestimate your first impression or what current students say about the school, it can be very helpful in the decision factor. Once your in college make the most of it. Make friends, join clubs, play sports and study hard.

Sarah

Find a small group in which you fit, a sorority, fraternity, or volunteer group. Georgia is very large, and it is very easy to get lost or become a "no one" unless you work to find your niche. I highly recommend the Redcoat Band.

Selene

Before committing to one college or another, do your research! Find out everything that you can about that college, including what current students think of it. In fact, it might be helpful to go to each prospective college and ask some of the current students what they think about it, any advice they might have, or any other general college questions. Learning as much as you can about a college is important. The college that you have always dreamed of going to may not be as wonderful as you think it is. This has happened to several people that I know, and they have always regretted not doing more research beforehand. Although research is important, while you are in college you might as well make the most of it. Do not be afraid to leave your room and go exploring. Take the time to say hello to strangers, as they may be able to offer you strong friendship and advice. Take advantage of everything your college offers. They often sponser fun (and free!) events that are great for relaxing or socializing. Lastly, do not be afraid to try new things. College is the time to make the most of life.

jack

Work hard play hard

Katie

Before you make any decisions, make sure you visit the college you have in mind. The feel you get from being on campus is very important; I am still in awe every time I walk through campus. Make sure the college has an abundance of resources to help you, as a student, learn, grow, and achieve at whatever you decide to do in life. Don't judge a university from its stereotypes. Even a "party school" has plenty of alternative social outlets that do not involve drinking. Every student's experience is different, it's just a matter of finding your niche, or place where you belong. Participate in as many activities, like intermural sports, clubs, or fundraisers, as you can manage. Try everything once--it is the time of your life to explore everything and figure out who you really are, and you should never overlook any opportunities. Take advantage of everything your college has to offer. Also, never hesitate to ask for help. Professors can seem really intimidating, but most of them are more than happy to personally answer any questions you may have regarding the class or even their own research. Study hard but still have fun.

Chinedu

Follow your heart and mind.

Myles

small student to teacher ratio

Clint

Be honest with yourself about what you really want your life to be like and be open to new experiences.

Salena

Select a school of a size the student feels comfortable with, and if possible live on campus. Campus living pushes the student right into the college experience, allows them to make friends faster, and encourages extracurricular activites. It's easier to balance a social life and studies as a freshman living on campus and meeting people that way.

Gwendolynne

Choose a college that you feel most comfortable surrounding yourself with. Smaller schools offer more face time with instructors, where as large schools can offer more in the social arena. At a large school, it's easier to get swallowed up by the night life as opposed to a smaller school which leaves more opportunity for studies. Also, an overwhelming population can be intimidating as a freshman when walking onto campus and realizing a bus is what gets you from point A to point B. Being comfortable means evaluating the number of students enrolled against face time with the instructors. It's also important to note the difference between public schools and private schools; don't be intimidated by the cost because there is more money in the private school system than in the public, and often there are grants and scholarships available to particular private institutions to coincide with the Major being pursued. College is an experience! It's never too late to try something different, just keep an eye on the GPA. Good luck!

Chelsea

Finding the right college is more about your attitdue and expectations than anything else. I was really stressed about where I was supposed to end up, but I finally realized that as long as I did my best and made the most out of my college experience, I would enjoy wherever I ended up--and I have! Another important thing to remember is don't let first impressions fool you. I really didn't like UGA the first time I came here, and I was pretty set on picking another school. However, once I finally decided to come here for practical reasons (my major, career choice), I realized how much I really love it. It's a wonderful place to be, and after 3 semesters here it already feels like home.