Dakota State University Top Questions

Go to a school that fits you as a person.

The biggest mistake that I made in college selection process was letting my brother's search for a college overshadow my choosing a college that was right for me. I was so bored with the process my parents had and after being carted around to several colleges I didn't put any effort into the college selection process. Luckily I transferred to Dakota State after a mediocre year at a beach Cal State school where my academics came second to a beach life. Dakota State offered not only an athletic opportunity for me, but smaller more personal classes where I could really grow and develop academically. An important concept to keep in mind when looking into colleges is that it has to be made by the student and the factors that determine the decision should be more than based on convenience or the minimal amount of effort because in the long run it determines your future. It's never too late to make a change in your academic career; if you aren't happy with your initial choice of college keep researching and use the experiences that you liked and disliked to make your next academic decision.

My advice to students would be to not settle for second best. Pick you first choice go where you heart tells you to go even if that means you won't be with that special someone or your best friend. Their choice might not be that good for you and you'll end up transfering and that just throws you off on you whole college career.

To visit each school they are interested in an way the options of what each school has to offer and find out what credits are easily transferable

Students and parents should take looking for a college very seriously. One should look for a school that strives for academic excellence as well as offers many activities/programs that the student could become involved with; class and campus size should come to mind as well. The college you choose will be the building block for your future, so choose one where you will be successful. Success will come easily if you choose a school where you are happy, the people are friendly, the staff are knowledgeable, and the opportunities are endless.

To really get the most out of your college experience you need to really try to connect personally to alot of students and faculty. All the faculty is really great and love helping students if you would have questions.

When deciding what college or university to attend, don't let your parents, friends or significant others make that decision for you. Pick a school that meets your needs financially and socially because this is where you'll be spending a significant amount of your near future. Put yourself out there and don't be afraid of rejection. You will meet somebody that you can relate to and probably learn new things about yourself as long as your remain open to the experience.

College is a very important choice in a student's life. In order to finding the right college, I believe a tour is very important. You should look at your personal needs and wants. I also would suggest to look into the college statistics, like job placement and graduation percents. A student should feel comfortable in the enviroment and look into activites that he or she might be interested in. Parents, don't force their opinion to heavly; let their kids follow their dreams. Also, they need to make sure that their student looks at more than one possible college, even if the student is sure that college is the place for them. Its a good idea to compare. Also, make sure the college is affordable. Making the most of the college experience is very important because it is a once in a life time ordeal for most people. Do not hold back from meeting people and make sure to be involved in activities, focus on grades, partying may look like fun, but remember the reason you are in college!

The only advice that I can give is that students should find a school that they will fit into. Take your time when looking and start early to be able to look at everything!

I feel there has to be a balance between school work and leisure. A parent, or student should look for a school that has a nice amount of fun things to do to take the mind off of work every now and then.