North Carolina State University at Raleigh Top Questions

Check out the school before saying "yes" to it.

Take one year after high school and figure out what you want to do, then apply to a school based on the degree you want: don't pick a school just to go there, and then pick a major out of whatever the school offers.

Visit a wide variety of schools in different locations and with different populations. Make sure that there is more than one major that you could be interested at the school you decide as well as a climate that you won't have to get used to. If there is something that you were particularly involved in in High School or something you want to start getting involved in, make sure they offer something like that at that school. Also make sure that you can walk on that campus and be able to see yourself living, studying and making new friends on that campus. In the end it is what is right for that student and should not and does not matter who their rival school is and who did or did not already attend school there. Most importantly, follow your own path...don't let your friends or significant other influence your final decision because friends and relationships end, but you'll be at that school for the next four years.

Go to the school that has the best program for what you want to study.

For Parents: Allow your children (if they know someone that already attends the school they are interested in) to visit for the weekend. This helps them get a feel for what student life is really like and they will be able to better decide if they will fit in and make friends easily at that school. The tours are great sources of information for parents, not so much for the students. During their freshman year, LET THEM CALL YOU. They will, but it is such a new experience, sometimes they get sidetracked. If you feel the need to talk to them daily, send emails...its a nice reminder that you are there for support and that you love them. For Students: GET OUT OF THE DORM. Take afew of your easy electives first semester, don't overdo it trying to fit in all of your hard core classes. This allows time for joining your dorm intramural team or rushing a fraternity or sorority. The first few weeks are the hardest, but remember...all of the freshmen are in the same boat, be outgoing and you will make tons of lifelong friends. USE YOUR ADVISOR!!!! They make great advocates.

Keep an open mind and talk to students that currently attend the school about their experience. Once you get in, strive to be the best. Take advantage of tutoring service and research with faculty. Get involved no matter what! At most schools there is something for everyone. Also put yourself in situations that you normally wouldn't encounter, it will help you become more well rounded. Study abroad. Take weird classes that might interest you and study.

Don't choose a school for its pretty campus, its football team, its campus dining food, or its nice dorm rooms as these are all ephemeral things. This is a transient time of life and minor dissapointments in any of these categories have little value in the long run. Focus on the quality of the education above all. This is the part of college you will take with you for the rest of your life.

Don't hesitate to get involved. Ever.

I would tell parents and students to visit as many colleges as possible!! Take every chance you get to talk with alumni and current students of each school!! If you get the chance to sit in on some classes you are interested in taking thats also a good idea! If your sure of your major then make sure to talk with the professors and check out the programs really well before you make a final choice!! Do what is best for the student!!! Just because one school is closer to home or more of your friends are going there does not mean its the right school for you!! Listen to your heart when you pick a school so that you will be happy the entire time you are there!!

Don't let your original impression of the school discourage you. When you visit or talk to admissions, you don't get the full picture. Your college experience is what you make of it, so you can have a great time at any campus you choose.