Dakota State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Dakota State University know before they start?

Annie

When choosing the right college it is important to first check it out to see all that it has to offer. You should learn if it is a small campus or a large campus so that you can feel comfortable in their environment. Students should also talk to current students so they know what life is like for someone attending the college. To make the most of your college experience you need to get involved! Being part of organizations or clubs on campus allows you to meet new people and be a part of something worth while. Another thing students should do is try and attend any school functions that are going on during the semester or year. This is another way to get to know your peers. The last piece of advice for making the most of your college experience is to have fun. That is the most important part of college. Students need to enjoy what they are doing and their college life will be much more enjoyable.

Mindy

Advice I would give to parents and/or students that are looking into colleges and trying to find the right one would be search. Really look into everything about the school and make sure it offers what you want. Also look into their financial aid programs and make sure they will be helpful in this area. I have had a very good experience with my choice of college. The school has been very helpful with everything I have needed. My main thing would be is just look around and look at everything each college has to offer.

Kathryn

Think hard about what you want to major in. Knowing what you want to study and pursue as career is important in choosing the best college for you because obviously, that's mostly why you're going to college in the first place, right?! Also, know what size campus community will be best for you. If you liked high school and had a small group of friends that you constantly hung out with then a small college would probably be best for you. If you are outgoing and easily meet people and make new friends, than you would do well in a larger college. I wish I had known those two things before I had gone to college or I probably wouldn't have attended three different colleges in three years!

Suzanne

When selecting a college, no choice can make a bigger impact on an individual's future. A joint effort must be made by both parents and students to assure that the right decision is made. Parents need to let their sons and daughters choose and find the school that fits their needs and where they are comfortable. Parents also need to be supportive. After going to school for two years as a business major and deciding to change majors to physical science, nothing was better than to be able to call my parents and know that they supported me. As a student, it is his or her responsibility to take the initiative to attend every classroom lecture and pay attention. It is his responsibility to take the time outside of class to read, prepare, and succeed. The college opportunity only comes along once in life and students must seize not only the classroom learning experience but also create lifetime relationships and contacts. Big city or small rural America, the decision of a college education must be made jointly by strong supportive efforts of the parents and dedication of the student to assure that the correct choice is made.

jenna

Make sure you take the time to research everything about the school. Make a chart about all the schools your looking at and write down what is most important to you such as; class size, school size, where's the school located? Also, if you can, talk to people from the colleges you are looking at, it will help make your decision a better one. Plus, if you are going to need a job make sure to look for one before you get to college make sure they have a great town outside of college that will accomidate all of your needs.

David

Go to many different colleges to compare them. Ask people there you see what they think of it. Take your time and start looking your sophmore or junior year of high school. Do not chose tell your senior year.

Jonathon

Find a college that has many students studying the area you intend to get a degree from. Also look at how often graduates of the college find a job where they use their degrees. Make sure you also visit the campus before you choose to attend. Ask other students there if they like the school. Meet with the professors to see if they enjoy teaching, or if they are forced into it. Most of all, look at classroom sizes. The closer it is to just you and the professor, the more you will learn.

Nicole

I believe that the first step is to decide what size of school you would like to attend if you are unsure of a major. The environment of the school is a very important role in attending a college/university; big or small. Also, do not be afraid of a challenge. Most professors will acknowledge your effort in one way or another. And finally, do not sell yourself short. Do not be afraid to ask for help or change your major. You are the one that needs to be happy with what you are going to school for, so make it worth your time and money.

Rebecca

Finding the right college is about more than popularity or where your friends are going. Organizing priorities of what is important to you and your future is the first thing you should do. Discovering what field you want to go into, the location, activities available, the cost, or what sports there are could be some of what you should consider when sifting through the possibilities. Ask around. Students that go to whichever college you're thinking about attending can do a better job most of the time in giving "the real deal" about that particular school than some website. Rember to stay open to new experiences, choosing the "safe" school isn't always what's right for you. Even once you are accepted to a school, making the most of your limited time in college takes some effort. You're probably not around people that you're used to, college students come from all over. Try a new activity, be open to what others have to say, or even just keeping your dorm room door open in invitation to meet others can boost your college experience so you can fully appreciate this time in your life.