Belmont University Top Questions

I would tell the prospective student to sit down and write about what they imagine their college experience will be like before they choose a particular college. Based off of what they would write, I would then tell them to ask themself questions about what types of qualities they are looking for in colleges and afterwards making campus visits and to see how well the colleges 'answer' the questions. Choosing the best college isn't neccessarily the college with the best program, but one that offers everything you want it to. Once you start attending that college/university, take advantage of what it offers and the reasons why you chose that college, if you don't, then there was no point in looking for that perfect college- you can go to almost any college/university to learn practically anything, but you can only go to one school to get what you want out of it.

Just let them pick the school that is right for them and where they feel they will most fit in and can excell at.

Try to eliminate all variables of what others think you should do. Try to focus on your own strengths and take time to find them because it is the most important decision you will make so far in your life.

Colleges should cater to the learning ablilities and success of the student. I feel that professors should be willing to help, the facilities so be privvy to students learning and their peers just as dedicated. One has to consider the living situations, the finances and academics. Students are the most important ones to ask about these issues and they love talking about their schools. I would suggest visiting each college, interacting with students and sitting in on a class or two. This will give one a feel for the learning enviornment and tell if this is the right one for them.

The most imperative part of the college decision making process is that the student feels absolutely comfortable at his school of choice. After all, this is where he will inevitably be spending his next four years. I would advise any potential college student to begin their search process as early as his junior year of high school to alleviate stress that often tends to lead toward altercations between the student and his parent(s). First and foremost, the student must find a school where he feels he can thrive academically. He must find a school that offers the tools necessary for him to not only complete his degree program but to complete it in a timely manner and with great pride. Students should then observe the school's social life, because college is about a lot more than just academics. It is extremely important for the potential student to be comfortable, as mentioned earlier, in his school of choice's environment. This way, he will feel open to meeting new people and eventually make friends for life. If the student gets started on their college search in a timely manner, I feel he can't go wrong.

The most important thing in finding the right college, is finding a place that fits who you are. College may be the most important four or five or even six years of your life. These are the moments that define who you are. Therefore, when visiting schools, figuring out which one fits you the best, with the best academic program for what major you are interested in, is what you, the prospective student needs to look for. Although Belmont was not my first choice, it always fit me the best. It had the major I desired, people that had similar career goals, similar interests and was a place I felt comfortable. If you do not feel comfortable at a school when you visit, well it will be a long four years of your life. I would encourage parents and prospective students to really examine and meet students from the school and get a real idea of what the students are like and whether their son or daughter would feel comfortable at that school.

When I started visiting potential colleges, I made the mistake of only listening and trusting to what the faculty and tour guides had to say instead of communicating with actual students in my field. Choosing a school is not only choosing where you will receive an eduction, but it is also where you will have potentially the best four years of your life. Look closely at what the city has to offer post-graduation, because the best advice is to make connections and work towards your career while in school; therefore, when you are out of school, there are many contacts within the city. Four years is a long time to establish relationships with fellow students, faculty, and potential co-workers outside of the college. Decide on a college that will expose you to many different subjects besides why you are specifically attending, because you will then have the opportunity to learn much more then you anticipated.

Always stick to your first choice. I made the mistake and stayed a year and a half at a school I really disliked. This made my first year miserable and my grades suffered. I made just what I needed to keep my scholarship and just floated by. Finally, I made the decision to transfer to my first choice. Yes, it was going to cost more money, but never base what school you attend by the price. It usually cost more because you get more out of the school and a more enjoyable experience. Enjoy your time now and don't worry about the price. If you do well and are determined you will be able to pay for it later in life. Just enjoy the campus and meet as many people as you can.

Go where you feel comfortable. Fact is, you're probably going to change your major at least once before you graduate, so choose a place that has options and a vibe that you like and comparatively edible food. And a convenient coffee shop, this is imperative. As to academics, find out what the students think of their professors. I don't care how smart you are, if you have a bad professor you'll want to quit learning. Once you get to school, just calm down and be yourself. There are so many different people that you'll find your group before long. Don't schedule 8:00s your first year unless you're superhuman, because you will have your first really killer hangover(s) and be physically incapable of leaving the comfort of your plastic covered mattress. Yes, drink beer, and only crap beer until you're 21, and date kids, and try to love that other people are not like you. Don't be afraid to learn and change and figure out who you are and what you want. And for God's sake, don't neglect your studies if you want to enjoy your life post-graduation.

Keeop the big picture open, be goal oriented, take one thing at a time