Augustana University Top Questions

The most important and valuable experience I had during my first two years at college were distance related. I would advise parents to encourage their son or daughter to choose a college far enough away that driving home is something left for extended school breaks. College is a transition period. As difficult as it is for some parents to have that separation from their child, and as reluctant as some students are to leave the place they grew up, learning to rely on oneself is priceless. Keeping the safety button of "home" at a distance allows students to enhance their creativity. It allows them to become immersed in a new environment. Equally as valuable as the distance, is the sometimes frightening concept of not knowing anyone. I see too many students at my school who are still friends with their high school chums. This is not a bad thing, but it deters the growth of social skills and dampens the desire to branch out and throw oneself into new situations in the future that could bring ultimate benefit and experience to the student. Comfort is a worthy thing, but learning how to create comfort is even more worthwhile.

When searching for a college, simply use your gut instinct. Sure, money, location, and other characteristics of the school/campus will influence a final decision, but make sure that you know it "feels right". If you can visualize yourself there, most likely it will be a great choice. Plan an overnight stay and attend classes to get the overall feel of the campus. Also, go during the week when students are on campus so you get the vibe of the student body.

College is a time of self-discovery, learning, and making connections. When searching for your college, it is important that you go somewhere you can call home. It is essential to feel at home at your educational institution. Your college is the place where you will grow and learn, and therefore it is important to know that your college will provide you with the opportunities needed to prepare you for your future. When you begin your time at college, it is important to get involved in activites that interest you. It is through these activities that you will meet your friends and will establish connections with the community. Take classes that challenge and stretch your ability to learn and your desire to discover new talents. As long as you enjoy your time in college, you will get the most out of your college experience.

Expensive schools are usually good schools!

Look for a place that is YOU!

Finding the right college can cause angst for many people. They wonder, how will I find my fit? What if I choose the wrong school? Selecting a college is actually quite simple. All you need to keep in mind is yourself. Not in a conceited manner, but you need to realize what you like, dislike, who you enjoy being around, and how open you are to new and foreign experiences. If you enjoy the students, facutly and staff, the buildings, dorms, and city, then you're headed in the right direction. For me, the overall atmosphere reeled me in--a combination of all of these things plus location and size. Sure, money plays a huge role in your decision too, but if you look into different scholarship opportunities, find a job, and talk with the school, any dream is possible. Making the most of your college experience means getting involved with activities/groups you enjoy (so, in-turn meeting people like you), getting adequate sleep and exercise, and being open-minded. College is the perfect time to test your limits, try new things, and really find out who you are as an individual. Study hard, of course, but live life!

The advice I would give is to never let money be a factor in what school they choose. It's all about finding the right school for them. The college that they pick needs to be the best environment for the student to learn while having fun at the same time. The college experience can be amazing but stressful, and when the student finds the right school they will be able to figure out when they work best, and under what conditions they work best in. College, if the right one is found, is an amazing place that allows you to figure out so much about yourself and should not be taken for granted.

Visit not just once, but many times. Sit in on a class and spend a night in a dorm. Also, really hammer out what financial aid the incoming student would get, not just what they could get or what is avialable.

Life is what you make it! Have an open mind and remember to have fun.

Think about what you enjoy doing and pursue that. Find a college that has similar views to you and that is where you will excell the most.