Bethany Lutheran College Top Questions

Go somewhere you feel comfortable and don't be afraid to try new things. This is the place where you find out who you are and you can't make find your true self unless you are willing to make mistakes. Remember you are paying for your education so don't waste your education time, but make time to meet new people. You can learn inside and outside of the classroom this way.

Pray about it. God knows more than you do where you are supposed to be. Explore your options, research several different schools. Where you end up may be much different than where you initially planned to go. Once you get to school, get out and meet people. Obviously, schoolwork is important, so manage your time wisely. But don't forget to have fun with your friends. The people you meet at school may be your friends for the rest of your life! Also, study abroad! It will open your mind up to the rest of the world and will change your life for the better. You will meet people that you never would have otherwise had the chance to meet, and they too will become wonderful friends.

Do research. Lots of it.

pick one that feels like a home you want to be in. pick one that has people you like to be around. pick one with EVERYTHING you are looking for, not just the latest technology or the best reputation. the decision should be based on YOU - not your parents, not the college, and not the price tag (although that can make a huge difference)

Students, don't be afraid to take a leap of faith and do something you've never done before. Parents, you're kid is going to make mistakes, no questions asked. Just make sure that when they do they learn a valuable and lasting lesson from it.

College is not just a series of buildings, professors, and students all centered around the world of acedamia; college is an experience, an experience that hinges on the choices you make. Any college will promise good acedemics and a nice campus, but what matters is the student's ability to fit into the enviroment. Finding a good fit will ensure a happier and more sucessful term. Searching online or in guidebooks for colleges with your intended major or area of study is the first step, then narrow your choices down to which colleges seem to fit your personality (i.e. if you are a strong Christian, a Christian College would be a big factor). If you go to a college soley for how good the program looks, but the college seems to clash with your personality or beliefs, it may actually do worse for you in the long-run. Visiting a college will give you a good feel for the place, but keep in mind that you are entering acedamia here as well, college is not going to be completely comfortable, but will be an experience with ups and downs, you will remember your whole life.

The most important thing that I discovered about finding the right college is to go with your gut. When going on college visits you get this good feeling about it and that was how I ended up at Bethany Lutheran College. Getting involved in at least one on campus activicty is a wonderful way of meet people and a way to bond with fellow classmates. Never go home on the weekends, its a good time to see your dormmates as they are outside the classroom. Always keep your door open, people will be more willing to come in and meet you, dont stay in the dorm room all the time. When stressed out from college in the first couple weeks, relax it is part of adjusting to the college life. It helps to know many freshmen are home sick too, so try not to think about it, by the time the month is up, the home sickness will be gone and soon by sophmore year you will be excitted to be going away to college and not be sad at all when the parents leave. its a good growing up process.

Be sure to look around. Every school, like every student, is different, and you need to be sure to find the one that fits YOU. Figure out what means the most to you, be it class size, student diversity, religious or political affiliation, and find the one that's your best match. Also, remember that freshman year is tough for everyone, and you will probably fall into one of two groups - those that loved or those that hated their freshman year. If you hated it, try giving it one more semester. Often you need that year to get adjusted.

Students should be allowed to go where ever they can be involved in what they love to do. A career will come after college. In my experience so far, I know I can find a job just about anywhere but the oppurtunities and relationships that I've had are far better than working only for one career goal.