North Carolina State University at Raleigh Top Questions

Please research each school in mind thoroughly and plan a visit to the campus, its also helpful to ask questions and keep an open mind when speaking to deans, faculty and staff.

The first thing that I would tell a prospective college student or their parent would be to do the proper research and take the time out, so that they could make the right decision. This is a giant decision that will affect their lives for at least the next four years. When making the decision on what college fits your student, you should take a number of factors into consideration such as tuition, campus lifestyle, academic standing, willingness to provide financial aid, weather, etc. Once you make the hopefully correct decision and you have arrived on campus, you should make the most of your college experience. During your freshman year you have to realize that there are loads of freshman who are new to the school as well and are eager to meet new people. Establishing friends and networking with people in your major is the most important thing to your success during your college career. The other thing I would recommend would be to get involved in extra-curricular activities during your freshman year before the workload increases during the latter semesters.

Visit the university and sit in on a few classes, this will let you get a feel for the class sizes and professors. Visit the library and common areas to see what students are doing in their free time. Visit the local areas to see what there is to do as far as free events and other activities.

Find a college thats right for you, not for your friends or boyfriend, or even your parents. Even if those other people really like the college and want you to go there, YOU are the one who has to sit through the classes, do the work and make the grades to get where you want to go. Figure out what motivates you most before you start searching, this will help you narrow it down. And make a list of things that you absolutely must have and another list of things you cannot deal with, especially things like size of the college, importance of sororities, extracurriculars available, etc. Classes and curriculums offered are very important, but you also have to be able to live and have fun at your college of choice, or else the whole experience will be unpleasant. For the parents, let your kids decide their top schools, then help them examine the perks and drawbacks. And go VISIT the schools, it makes a big difference. But be sure to leave the final decision up to your student because, regardless of your opinions, once they get to college, it will all be up to them.

Talk to people that are currently enrolled in the schools that you are enrolled at. They can give you the best up-close look at how school life is at their college.

Make sure you visit the colleges and ask all the questions you can think of. Research their future roommate and don't take anything lightly.

Stay focused but have fun too.

don't be afraid to go far.

Find out what really interests you. If you are considering a Greek organization make sure that the school you are going to has a strong system, because if it doesnt then it can really put a damper on the whole experience.

When trying to decide on the best college for you, my advice would be to do research. Research schools online and talk with other students about those schools. Once you have selected a hand full, visit the school. This step is essential. While you are there, take tours, talk candidly with current students and meet professors from the specific college that you are interested in. To make the most of your college experience get involved both in and outside of class. Get to know your professors and the research they are involved in. Find groups on campus that interest you that you can become an active member of . Finally, I would advise that you attend sporting events. It is a great opportunity to be with friends and enjoy being a college student. College should neither consist solely of academia nor social life. A correct balance between the two will leave you with the most rewarding college experience. Good luck!