Bennington College Top Questions

My biggest advice to students would be to seek the advice of your parents and friends - anyone, really, who can give you a perspective on what your college life and what your life after college may be like. Don't forget that! You WILL have a life after college, and remember that what college you go to, what education you get, how well you do and how much money you spend on your education will all affect your life after college. So think closely about it, and plan ahead. As for parents - please tell your children the truth. Don't sugar-coat things. Don't encourage them to do something that you know might be a bad idea just because you see that they want it. Parents are parents for a reason - mainly, because they have life experiences that can help guide their children. Help your children be rational and smart about their futures.

When you don't get into your first choice, people will say that it was "meant to be." It's more than a cheesy consolation: it's true. The school you go to, whether it's your first choice or your fourth, will shape the person you become and help prepare you for the future. There are problems with every school, and it's the way that you deal with those problems that will help you grow as a person. Choose a school that feels best to you and take classes you feel are right, but don't be afraid to change schools or try something new if you're not satisfied. College is about the experience, so take every opportunity you can to grow.

Choosing a college is tough. Every school offers different opportunities that will shape the rest of a student's lifes. It's a huge investment that takes a lot of thought and self-searching. However, the best thing you can do is to pick a school you think you'll feel good at... the decision should be taken seriously, but you shouldn't develop an ulcer because of it. A good education is important, so as long as you find a place that offers things you're interested in and that has a culture you think you're comfortable with, or could get to be comfortable with, then that's a good start. You can always try new activities, change your major, and even transfer if you have to, as long as you're willing to take control of your education. The best advice I think I could give is this: once you choose a school, go into it with a positive attitude and a willingness to work and be involved, and no matter what you choose to do with the rest of your life, you'll leave college with a bounty of skills and experiences.

Make sure that you really feel comfortable in the place. That is the most important. Being around people who go there, if you feel comfortable and also engaged, then its probably a good choice for you.

College is first and foremost a time of self-discovery, so when selecting the right college it is important to find a place where you will feel comfortable, safe and supported while exploring. Support is usually built, and the ability to build a community is not often apparent during campus visits-- taking stock of the social atmosphere will help with this decision. Safety can be determined by safety statistics (something every college is required to provide) and the campus Security personanel. On a small campus, you can get to know the security guards quite well and it's good to know they're their to look after you. Determining your comfort level at a college requires looking at all aspects of a school-- academics, social life, locations, etc.-- but it probably best determined by intuition. Visit the campus, meet students, and see how you feel at the end of the day. When you've found a place that's just right, you won't even have to ask how you know it.

Ask questions about the academic process, then insist on speaking to someone for whom it did not go well. Understand what you will be up against, and be sure it's worth it to you.

If you are thinking of moving out of state (or away from home) to attend college; make sure you visit the college you are interested in and spend sometime in the area before you decide. Also visit colleges that you AREN'T interested in that are within a 20-50 mile radius of your dream school. Since you will hypothetically be living in that area, finding out what other educational, social, recreational and employment opportunities are in your new community can help feel more at home. Once you have moved to your new environment, dont be afraid to go out and take advantage of the opportunities in the community, rather than staying on campus. Think of yourself as a citizen instead of a student... volunteer, go to local events, support local businesses, make yourself known in the community!

start early! if you are not sure what you want out of your college experience or what you wish to study, go to a community school for atleast 2 years to save money. there is no rush when you are only soending 2 grand a semester in contrast to 20 grand or more a year. if you do decide to go away to a 4 year university or college, make sure you visit the campus and ask as many questions as possible to make sure that this is the right place for you.