Norfolk State University Top Questions

Choose NORFOLK STATE

I suggest finding a college that is not only a nice learning environment, but one that will fit the student?s personal beliefs and goals.

First i have to say the student and the parent need to fiugure out whats the reason for going to college., if its for they right reason, pick out schools that interest you and have what you think you want to be.

In order to get the best out of your college experience you must be able to maintain a clear balance between work and play. There will be a lot of activities going on on weekdays, but it's up to the student to be able to decide what is more important. Also, don't get sucked into the partying atmosphere. There will be tons of parties, but make sure you are going to ones that are SAFE! Being able to determine the safety of your surroundings is very important. Sometimes college students end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, and the results of that are never good. Basically, the main things that make college great are new friends, good grades, and SAFE parties.

Finding the right college is very important. When trying to find the right college, several things must be considered including location, price, comfort level, class size, learning and teaching style, and surrounding resources. For example, parents and students want to make sure that the college they choose is close to food, public transportation, banks, etc. Once the right school is chosen, its important to maximize the college experience. For instance, work should be your main focus, but not your only focus. Getting too stressed out or bogged down by doing work is not good or helpful, so students should make sure that between classes and work that they get involved with social activities on campus. Not only is this a good way to relieve stress, but its a great way to network and meet new people.

Ask the college what can they offer you. What recreational programs and leisure activities are available; for too many students get into trouble just because they have nothing to do.

I would advise that students pick the college that best suits their NEEDS first-- and then their wants. If the college is providing ample financial aid, has the perfect program of study, and provides other important tools and opportunities for success, then the student should choose that college. Also, once getting into college and starting classes, it is very important that a student have good time management skills. Most students who are well-rounded and are very active on their campus tend to have good time management skills. This is important because it helps students balance their school work with their social and extracurricular activities effectively, so that they may have a enriching, well-rounded experience. It is also important that students have a social life. Many students come to school and all they do is study. It is good to study, but also take time for yourself and for others so that you may unwind from your studies and have a good time as well. Balance is very important in attending college. If a student lacks balance throughout his/her college experience, he/she may be constantly overwhelmed, and may not be as successful.

I think it is essential that parents spend time with their children while they are very young. During the formative years, ages two through 13, it was important for me to know that my parents understood what I liked, what I did not like, why I liked it, why I did not like it, and how much I like what I liked. Then I felt confident that whenever I succeeded or failed, they understood my limitations and when I simply did my best. In turn, when I failed or did not do as well as I wanted in the areas I liked or in the areas that were of a particular challege to me early in my student career, I never felt like they would look down on me. I always knew that they knew when I had done my best. That is what helps parents to develop confidence in students--a confidence that will take them into the college world on their own where they can know themselves and be comfortable with who they are. That eventually, leads students and parents to finding the right college with the right academic major and the right surroundings. Learn your child early!

Make sure its your child's choice. Don't push them into a school that you don't want to attend. This is where your going to be going for the next four years and make sure that this is the right school for you.

I think parent and student should go to the school and walk around. The parents should take advantage of the meet and greet process. Ask lots of questions about security and safety measures.