Bowie State University Top Questions

Choosing the proper college for a sudent is essential because for many college can "make you or break you ". When choosing a college there are many aspects to consider such as whether or not the individual is looking for a college campus that is relativley small or large. They would also have to consider whether or not they would like to commute and choose a school that is close to home, or live on campus and choose a school that is far from home. One of the most important advice I would give to a parent or a child is to become accustomed to the campus by visiting the campus. I would also advise that the student take a pre-college courses before the first semester start, such as a summer program. This would allow the student to become accustomed to the work load that is expected during their first semester. I would also advice that the student speak to a financial and academic advisor to see what sholarships are being offered, and courses that that they should expect to encounter during their college careeer. The greatest advice I would give is to locate a comfortable studying area on campus .

I would tell parents not to choose the school for their children. Let your children make this decision for themselves because they will have to live with it and not you. Parents try to give advice based on being a parent, but do not make the decision. Students talk to advisors at your high school in advance do not wait until the last minute to decide what school you want to go to. Try to visit the school and talk to students from all different type of backgrounds and personalities to see where you may fit in. Also look at your major and learn the course requirements before you get there so you'll know if thats something you really want to do. Also look at the student to teacher ratio because you know what type of learning environment is better for you. Students also look at the on-campus and off-campus activites especially if you plan on living on campus. Remember you will have to live there so go somewhere where there are a lot of activities going on so you WON'T TURN to DRUGS and ALCOHOL in your spare time.

When I first started college i was not sure of my major, or exactly what I was doing there. The best advice I can give potential students and their parents is to speak with an admissions dean, and take a tour of the campus. The best time to take a tour is during the school year around the times when you think you will be taking classes. This will give you a chance to see the environment that you would be getting into. I strongly suggest visiting at least your three top choices, and set up a personal value system of what you want out of school on which to rate it. After deciding on the college you will attend, talk to upper classmen in your intended major about which professors to take, and not to take. Plan out your course shcedule so you can stay on track, and keep in close contact with your academic advisor, and career center advisors. Finally, get involved in some type of campus activity, especially one that helps career advancement and professional development. Joining an organization can build lasting relationships with classmates and the professors who sponsor them. Such organizations can also provide scholarships.

Make sure you apply to every scholarship you can and visit as many schools as you can so you can have alot of options

As a third year college student, the best advice I can give a prospective student is to be vision-oriented, focused, and to strive to make straight A's. In order to succeed at college, prospective students must have a goal in mind, a vision of where they would like to see themselves in ten or fifteen years. Success begins with a vision, a dream of what you want from life and how you are going to turn your dreams into reality. Moreover, a vision will empower you to be a focused student, one who is thirsty for knowledge and one who will turn in every assignment for every class on time and to the best of your limitless potential. These suggestions work as a system and, therefore, being focused will help you to become your professors' favorite and a straight-A, high-achieving student. As Jon Foreman, singer, songwriter, and guitarist of one of my favorite bands, Switchfoot, says, "you have one life...you have one life left to lead." You only get one, so make it count by living your dreams.

Have the potential student participate in colligiate personality assessment, so the student will know it is the best choice for them

Let your kids make the decision just assist them

Advice I would give to parents and/or students about finding the right college would be to find out as much as you can about the colleges you plan to attend. Select a wide range of colleges. Do not just read the material and apply: visit the campuses, talk to the students, the faculty and staff. Explore as much of the campus as you can; try to eat lunch in the cafeteria, operate the computers and equipment, and visit the classrooms and dorms. Plan to spend a day on campus to asses the atmosphere and come to a conclusion as to whether the school is a good fit or not. To make the most of the college experience I suggest that you go out of your way to find the resources and the help you need, even if it's at your fingertips. After you find out what you want to do, fully indulge yourself in your chosen field; find mentors, and personally research all of your options. Get involved in campus activities and the community. Take a course unrelated to your major and spend some time preparing yourself for life after college. Last, but not least, have fun.

The advice I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience would be to major in something that you will enjoy and to have fun but know the real reason on why you are in college.

I would tell parents and students to do research on every college that they are considering applying to. If they are able I would recommend going to that college to take a guided tour, so they can get a feel for the atmosphere. Next I will suggest that they sit down and narrow the colleges down by cost, and preference of the student thats attending. An example prefence is if the student feels better at a big university versus a small one, or a rural setting versus an urban one. I would also suggest that they take in the consideration of how far the campus is from thier house, this would be good for emergency purposes. If they take all of these steps, i'm sure they will be able to pick a college that will be well suited for the upcoming freshman to spend his or her next four years at. Finally I would explain to them if the school did not work out for them, they could always transfer to another university that might be a better fit.