Bethel University-Saint Paul Top Questions

College the most exciting time of your life? right? And the process of choosing the perfect school is horribly stressful! Don?t succumb to the stress and headaches that most do when choosing a school! It can be easy. Just be open to the many opportunities out there. Don?t choose a big school just because it sounds cool. Talk to someone who attends and see how well it is liked and why. Tour a campus and look at the programs offered. See what the community life is like and if it would be a nice fit. Make a list of important factors in a school like core values or campus location. Get help from family and friends and see what they think. Don?t be afraid to venture out and take a road trip to a school you?ve never seen or happened to find while searching online. Those headaches should be gone because figuring out where to go for school has just been made easy.

It is important for parent's and students to speak with students that currently attend the school before deciding to attend there. They must find someone that will give an honest opinion rather than just trying to sell the school. This can be done in a coffee shop around the school or in the cafeteria. This is how to find out what the school is really like. It's also important to learn about the food on campus and the availability to get off of campus. Students need to take a break sometimes and this can be done by heading to the mall or to a movie. If it's not possible to get off campus then they will have to find a ride and this isn't easily done.

Look for a school that is in line with your values and is the right size, even if it means adding a little more in loans. College is an investment and some schools are worth the extra money

I would tell students to explore the college fully. I would also have students and parents do a fair amount of research before they make their choice. I know I applied to Bethel and one other school and had my heart set on Bethel, only to find that it wasn't as welcoming as I thought it was going to be. I would also advise parents to really consider talking through a lot of things with their children because I don't feel I was prepared properly by mine. To make the most out of your experience, don't get too stressed out over little things. Enjoy your time and explore where you are and the people who surround you because it is the only time in your life that you will be in this position. Make sure to get involved in things you love and not let others influence who you are and what you truly believe in. Have faith! You will find the people whom you connect most with eventually.

DO not focus on a four year institution, more often than not it is a complete waste of money. In todays economic position, having a four year degree is like having a high school diploma ten years ago, it gets you no where. Techinical job are the way to go, little tuition costs for schooling and high starting wages, that's what people need, financial security.

My advice to anyone looking for a college is to find a school that has good academics. But also allows you enough time to explore life outside of academia.

Find a place that not only most effectively grows you and prepares you academically, but in a variety of other ways as well. I was fortunate to recieve a social, spiritual, cultural, emotional, personal, relational education as well as an academic one.

I would tell students to take it easy during their first semester. My first semester of college I was given a schedule with 18 credits, and I was so overwhelmed with homework and classes that it was very difficult to make friends, get sleep, or even chill out and enjoy being independent. I was very unhealthy and very depressed by the end of my first semester, and I nearly dropped out of college. So, my advice to new college students is this: in college, B is the new A. Take it easy, make friends, get used to college academics, and work hard during year #2.

Definately go to a college that upholds your standards. Look to see what kids do for fun. Once you are in college make sure to get adequate sleep! Trust me, even though alot of other students are not sleeping you definately should. Lack of sleep over an extended period of time makes you feel more depressed. Focus on your schoolwork first but allow time to hang out with friends.

Go with what feels right.

get a head start and take the time needed to figure out the college that's right for you . do an overnight stay or sit in on a class if the school allows it. ask questions. do the research in finding the college becasue you'll be spending 4 years there so make the best of it

Recognize what your son or daughter really want in a school: drinking, size, location, available programs, ect. You should also make sure their school fits their political and moral beliefs and standards, especially when it comes to private schools. They will need to get involved and make an effort, so make sure to encourage that. Starting college is definitely out of most peoples' comfort zone, make sure they branch out instead of secluding themselves. This will be easier for them to do if their college fits their beliefs correctly. Going to a liberal, secular school would be very unfit for a conservative Christian because there would not be very many people your son or daughter can relate to.

Don't worry about money so much as finding the right school that fits your personality, beliefs, and academic rigor. Quality education in a comfortable education more important, I think, than anything else. Even if the school itself isn't ideal, having good professors can be very invaluable.

To students looking for the college of best fit, I would suggest you begin by figuring out what you're looking for. Think about what you value, what career direction you're headed in, and what you want out of your college experience. If you are unsure where your strengths and interests lie, my advice is to take a career assessment or two. Once you have a good grasp of what you're looking for, do your research. Get online and learn as much as you can about your options and which ones seem to offer what you're seeking. Talk to people as well. Some of your best information can come from students who are attending that college or are alumni. They have the inside scoop that you're not going to find on the college's website. The primary way to make the most of your college experience is to live on campus and involve yourself in the unique community of your university. To parents of college-bound children, my best advice is to be supportive and avoid leading your children toward a certain college. Knowing they made the decision empowers them (and ensures your future blamelessness).

At Bethel you need to look carefully at the majors, some are better than others. I am a computer science major and can vouch strongly for the Math, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Theology departments here at Bethel.

Be sure to do your research and get information from people who actually went to that school preferably some who liked it and some who didn't. Also, if you're having secong thoughts about the school you're in, do be afraid to look into transfering to other schools. These are the best years of your life so you should make sure your hapy where you are.

Make sure that the college you want to go to is close enough to home if you ever want to go home. Also look for a college that has a variety of programs so that you have the ability to change your major if you want to.

Look for a college that will benefit you well in the long term. Don't choose a college solely based on a preferred major because those often change. Look for a college that will stretch and grow you, not just one that fits you where you are now.

Be open for the small schools, you need to be in a big school to have a good education. I think small private school have a lot to give and are very helpful also.

Visit the college, take a look at the community and decide if it is a fit for you. You can always switch:)