Central Michigan University Top Questions

Visit alot of colleges and make sure you look at all your options. Dont just pick one, make sure it is the right school for you.

Don't go where all your best friends are going. Look at every option you have and decide from there. Don't let others influence you; choose for yourself and what you want to do. You can always make new friends, and you can always stay in touch with old friends. Visiting one another is not that hard to do. Picking college is a big decision in a person's life, and it should be made with the utmost care. It is not a decision to be taken lightly. Really go through what each school has to offer, and pick the one that best fits what you want out of a school. Pay attention to class size, campus size, and, most importantly, how much emphasis is placed on the major you want to pursue.

Parents and students need to find a college that not only fits the career pathway of the student but fits their personality as well. If you are a person that is shy, then a big campus such as Michigan State would not be a good choice. If you are looking for less craziness or just not wanting to walk that far to class, you should check out a smaller campus. You should decide if you want to be in the middle of a large city, or out in the country. My college is in a small town and I enjoy that, there isn't the hussle and bussle of living in a big city. It is a more relaxed environment. Parents and students should also take distance from home into consideration as well. You should decide if you want to live close to home or if you want to live as far away as possible. These are all things that will start your college experience in a more comfortbable way.

It is very important for students to find a college with the exact opportunities they are looking for as well as one that they feel comfortable with. Parents and students alike need to take campus tours. This is important because perspective students get a feel for the campus and an opportunity to talk to a student attending the school. Parents should also schedule an appointment to talk to admissions as well. That way they get a good understanding about what the school offers as well as finicial aid assistance. Once the student decides the college they want to attend it is very important they talk to an academic advisor. They will help students pick the right courses and stay on track. Once the student picks a major they should sign it and then get further assistance from the major advisor. This will ensure the students graduates on time and with all the right classes! Lastly students need to have fun. They should get involved with things that are different then what they are use to. If they do not like it they do not have to do it again, but they will never know unless they try!

I would say look around, don't just settle on where you want to go becasue you should be looking at what you want to be in life and not if its a big ten school, or a party school. It schould be the school that is going to help you do best and get your to where you want to be.

Visit the campus. Central was one of two colleges I was considering and after visiting I knew this was the one for me. It's the right size and generally classes are small to allow one-on-one interaction with professors. Also, if you know the program you want to enter-- make sure you do your homework and research. Do not go by the name of a college or how well the football team does. This career will be your life so choose wisely and make sure you're getting your money's worth. When you're in, take advantage of what the campus has to offer. Go to the theater, attend concerts, and see speakers. Volunteer! If the dorm has activities, then take part. It's a good way of meeting and making new friends. Don't be shy or scared. You will miss out on so much if you stay in your room.

Help their kids as much as possible mentally before they get to college to help them better prepare for what is to come. Make sure they are ready for the work load and that they realize college isnt one big party. Research about their career plans or if they dont know make sure the school has a lot to offer in different fields and plan out transperation to and from home.

Never look for a cost effective college, and don't push yourselves to go to a school where your family are alumni or where your friends are going. What truly matters is your education. Look for a school that has great programs for the field you are looking at going into. Remember that money doesn't have to be an issue, thats what scholarships and loans are for. Make sure to visit the campus before enrolling, because it is better to find out if you like the feel of a campus rather than having to be unhappy upon first arrival. Once at college, GET INVOLVED! There is no better way of making new friends and finding a new hobby then to get involved on campus. There are many opportunities, from programming, to Greek Life, to student life; the list goes on and on. Getting involved definitely beats sitting in your room. Make sure to keep up on your studies, and remember, "in the end, the only person that you are letting down and hurting is yourself!" Take it seriously, but have a blast while doing so!

The best advice I can give is get involved early. You meet so many people that can become your friends and help you as the year goes by. Go visit colleges your interested so you can get a feel of what its like. Don't just go during scheduled tours though find a friend that goes to that college as they can show you what the campus is really like.

Relax. Students and parents alike usually become nervous--whether or not it is publicly displayed. Going to college is a huge decision, and though Central Michigan University was not my first choice, I cannot imagine how my life would be if I had not settled in my Mt. Pleasant 'home.' It is safe to say that students are going to be faced with plenty of challenges, not only academically, but in many other ways. For one, living in the residence halls is an experience unlike any other--usually cramming four people into a single room. Respect for others is learned quickly, taking responsibility for your own actions is inevitable, (can't blame everything on your sister) and three complete strangers with nothing in common can become each others' best support system. The risky behaviours associated with college, such as drinking and sex-related activites causes uneasiness with parents and or students. What needs to be remembered here is that college is a learning experience. Students will quickly learn their actions have consequences, espeically if their decisions are not the best. They will live and learn. You don't have to change yourself to fit in. It's a beautiful thing.