Albion College Top Questions

Both parents and students need to realize that choosing a college is about much more than the school's reputation. These are potentially the best four years of the student's life, and his or her choice needs to be for a school where he/she feels comfortable enough to grow and thrive. In the end, all bachelor degrees are worth the same to a prospective employer; the difference will be in the memories that the student has made in his/her time at the school. Take the time to check out a variety of schools, getting to know the students and faculty, as well as the campus. It's good if one knows potential interests, but remember that it's not essential to know exactly what you want to do after graduation. The whole point of college is figuring out where you're headed afterward. Make sure you pick somewhere where you'll enjoy the ride.

Go with your gut. Just because it may not be the most prestigous school, or isnt as close to (or far away from) home as you would like, or you dont know anyone else going, doesnt mean that its the right place for you. Youll know, I cant tell you exactly how, but youll know whats right.

No matter what school you decide to go to, the experience you have there is entirely up to you. All schools have their high and low points, but as long as you select one whose low points you can live with, you'll have every opportunity in the world to make your college experience whatever you want it to be. The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing a college is the balance between what your life will be like while your there and the place in life where attending that school will leave you upon graduation. When you find a college that satisfies you in both accounts, you know you've found the right one.

Visit the school before applying!!!

Talk to students who attend that school, meet them, take them out to lunch, and get their honest opinion. Have your child attend classes and spend the night, if that service is offered to perspective students. Find out if the credits transfer easily to other schools because of the possibility of you not liking the school. Work hard every day. Do not get caught up in the social aspects of school. Weekends must be used productively.

It depends less on where you go for college, rather what you makes of the opportunities given to you and the resouces available. Even a small school can provide big opportunities. But know what sort of learning environment works for you; visit the school, sit in on some classes, meet some professors. Go where it feels right.

I would advise that you look into the college completely. Many students and parents take the schools they look at at face value. They believe that they have a good name and the reputation on the street is good so it must be a good school. Take your time to look into it. Find out what their facilities are like, who are the faculty, what service are available for you and your child, etc. Many students go to campuses thinking it is going to be this way and that and it turns out to be something completely different than what the pamphlet said.

Go to the campus that feels right. One thing I learned about going to Albion is I never knew how good of school I went to till I went to graduate school. Try not to let money deterior you. Most schools have awesome financial aid people who are more than willing to work with you. When choosing a school try to find a student run newspaper they will generally tell what the students are upset about.

You need to find a place that fits your personlity and goals. I love where I am at, but I know that it's not the best choice for some. I think the academics at a college are very important (obviously), but the time outside of the classroom, including friends, extra-curriculars, studying independently, LIVING independently are just as important. Now, as I go into my final year of college, I can honestly look back and say I have become a stronger individual for everything that I have done-both the good and the bad because the only way you're going to grow both academically and otherwise is to experience things and make some mistakes.. it'll be okay though.

Before you begin your college search, you have to know yourself. What do you like to do in your spare time? How do you studybest? How do you learn best? Are you interested in Greek Life? These questions will help you narrow your search. For example, if you're a smoker who plays music and you are interested in double majoring in Chemistry and History, the school for you will be one you can smoke at, with a music program for all students (not just music majors), and an academic program that allows you to double major in two completely seperate fields and graduate in the time frame you desire. Once you've arrived on campus, break out of your comfort zone. Never had arabic food or spoken to an African-American? Go to the Arab Club dinner or sit next to an African-American in class. College is your opportunity to explore who you are. College will change your outlook on life and set the groundwork for who you, as an individual, will become when you embark into the real world, completely independent. Take the opportunity, for opportunities are never lost; someone will take the one you leave behind.