North Dakota State University-Main Campus Top Questions

What should every freshman at North Dakota State University-Main Campus know before they start?

Hannah

Don't put too much thought into choosing a major. Focus instead on getting your generals out of the way. Choose a general major that you can personalize, one that offers different areas of emphasis. You can work out the specifics later. Focus on your school work. It's something familiar to you, like an old sweatshirt. It may not be the most stylish, but you don't need it to be. The more classes you take, the more you will discover about yourself, your interests, and your own sense of style. Even if you feel like you know exactly what you want to do, don't be afraid to experiment. Keep your mind open to new opportunities. Who knows, maybe you'll change your mind entirely! As your sense of self develops, you will be better prepared to tailor a major to your own needs and desires, but remember, your undergraduate degree is only the beginning. You can further accessorize and personalize your style with graduate work. Save the professional attire for later. For now, stride through the campus wearing your favorite sweatshirt, confident that you will be successful in whatever you decide to do.

Kaia

Find a college that is in a big enough city where there are things to do for entertainment and one that is equipped with the best and newest types of teaching technology.

Vanessa

NEVER TAKE THE EASY PATH! If I could tell every future college student one thing, it would be to really research and understand the programs at the different schools. I would encourage the student to sit down and really think about what they want to do with their future and what school will provide them with the best opportunity to succeed with there goal in mind. Do not go to a school because your high school friends are attending or because you are following a boy/girlfriend. Choose the path that will suite your needs and I believe that this is a decision that calls for a little bit of selfishness. Don't let somebody talk you into a school because they believe it is the best choice for you, take their advice and research it on your own before you follow blindly. I would also tell a student that they should be realistic about tuition costs and location of the school. If a school 1,000 miles away has the best program but you don't think you can handle the distance from home, really think about how that alone could affect your future.

Chelsea

First, in selecting, you need to find the campus that feels like home to you. Make sure that it is a place that you will be comfortable with spending alot of your time in. It much more relaxing just to be at school. Explore all of that schools programs; academically and extracurricular. Be sure that the classes that you are interested in are going to be part of your education, make sure your choice is the BEST option for you, don't settle for less. Then, while you are at college, you need to get out and meet people. Here is the place to make life long connections with people that may change your life someday. Along with that, the more people you meet, the better you get at just talking to people and being able to make common ground for conversation even though you both may be from different backgrounds or religions. Get involved in activites through the schools to make friends and gain expereince working with other people and having real responsibility. It all comes down to the student being able to take a realistic look at themselves and their future and make the best decision for them.

Drew

Go visit all the schools you are intrested in going to. Then once you get enrolled at the school of your choice, go out to public functions and meet a bunch of people. It will help you become more social and the people you meet could eventually help you with your class work if needed. Also the people you meet will help relieve any stress you have by going out and socializing with them.

Megan

If you are unsure of what you want to do with your life, or what major to choose, it is ok to be undecided. You can always take a few classes to see what you like. If for some reason you choose a major that is not offered at the school you initially picked, there is nothing wrong with transferring to a different school. A lot of what you get out of your college experience tends to reflect how much effort you put in.

Lena

I would tell future college students to read about the college first before applying. See what kind of organizations, sports and clubs one could join while attending school. That way they will have an extra curricular activity to do and will also help them find life long friends. It is also important fot the student to take there classes and grades seriously. I would explain to them that going out and drinking may be fun at the time but in the long run will hurt you. You can make the most out of your college experience without drinking alcohol. This is the time where you can build your knowledge and help reach your goals for the future.

Kristin

Pick a college that you like the area/town around it. If you want to be close to home or not is very important. A visit will let you know how you feel when on campus and tell you about the kind of people that attend that university. Size and acedemics is very important in consideration and what the campus has to offer you. There is always someone there to help with classes or non-school related problems, you just have to look for assistance! Remember why you're attending college so work and study hard. Don't worry about things and make friends with your professors!!! Be in as many organizations and activities as possible becuase there are so many resources available through them as well as meeting great people!

April

To the parents helping their teens find the right college, first be sure to consider where he/she wants to attend; If your child does not want to attend the college your inquiring about, the entire college experience can be very unsatisfying for both you and your son/daughter. Take a tour of the campus with your child, interview staff, and ask questions about your concerns. Be sure to gather all the information you need while you are there, so you can develope an honest opinion about that college. For students searching for the right college, be sure that your campus has professors and other staff that are willing to sit down and listen with true compassion and an honest understandings of your ambitions in life; This will lead you indefinitely to a greater education. Last, but not least, check out campus activities and have fun while you are in college; Be confident that your college has a diverse community of people for you to relate with and talk to if you need anything, because they are now your new friends and family. And if your going to take my word for it, I would choose North Dakota State University!

Jade

When looking for the right college, a lot of advice is common sense. Look at the school's website and see what programs it offers. Most colleges are known for being strong in one or two areas, but that doesn't mean the other programs are bad. I go to a school that emphasizes Engineering and Agriculture, but I've been very pleased with the English program. Also try to visit the college. If you're going to spend four years there, you'd better like the campus! Thirdly, keep finances in mind. Most people check tuition, but there are two places students often don't look at: college scholarships and job opportunities. No matter what tuition is, most schools have several scholarships for incoming freshman and returning students, so college might not cost as much as you think. And once you're away from home, you might discover that a little pocket change is useful and decide that you want a job, even if you weren't planning on it initially. Budget this money wisely. That gaming system might look cool, but there are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities on campus that you don't want to miss.