Biola University Top Questions

The first thing ou need to do is visit the campus, and if it feels like home then that is the school for you. Also make sure that it provides the things that you want most out of life, whether it be friends, experiences, or academics.

When considering the right University, consider your values. Write them down if you have to. This can be used as a checklist when visiting Universities. Talk to alumni and see what they received from their education and aspirations. Measure those with what you are seeking.This will provide a guide for your own expectations while choosing and attending the University of choice.

Find a financial agreement between both student and parents, and stick to it. Find a school that's close to available work if it is going to be needed, and a school that both accomodates your academic goals as well as a healthy and challenging community environment.

Don't become distracted by any single aspect of a school: academics, aesthetics, reputation, student-life, etc. After all, if we're looking to become holistically nurtured, well-rounded individuals we need to look for the school that can aid us in every aspect of our growth. To pick a school because it can accomplish one task well is a recipe for future disappointment when you realize other needs, while lower on your priority list, cannot be satisfied. As for making the most of your college experience, "balance" is key. Cliche, perhaps, but cliche because it is true. Don't let partying crowd out academics, but also don't let academics crowd out friends and developing a social life. Keep in mind, people are the ones who will last long after your GPA has been forgotten.

Students need to be completely cognizant of the fact that college is more than a means to an end. It is far more about receiving a degree. Aside from studying and getting good grades, students need to be prepared to make lasting, supportive friendships and be able to establish strong professional connections to aid them in the job-seeking process after finishing their education. Its not just about partying and being popular. College is about gaining insight into your own life and being prepared to take on the rest of the world.

College isn't all about receiving the best education; it's about making the best memories with those close friends you'll make to help you achieve your future dreams.

What has truly enriched and impacted my college experience is remembering to intentionally pursue being "present" while in college, meaning reminding myself that I only get to do this season in my life once so make each moment count. Though I have grown and have been challenged academically, what I will remember from my time in college is not so much my 30 page thesis paper or a final exam, but instead the deep thriving relationships that have been cultivated with my peers, faculty, and staff memebers through rich, honest conversations, late night talks in the dorms about things that truly matter, growing through hardship with a community who truly cares for you, and experiencing people truly invest in the future good of others. Choose a school in which the product of it's education is not merely measured by the amount of money one will make after graduating, but can also be measured by observing the character of the it's graduates. Choose a school who's goal is to cultivate men and women of character and integrity and is interested in whole person development and the rest of the "college expereince" will come naturally.

I would advise students and parents to really explore their financial aid options and potential scholarships. I would encourage students to go to school somewhere where they do not know anybody! This will really help them find themselves and give them better unfiltered expereiences! Make the most of your college career by not being ashamed of who you are. Don't be discouraged if you don't know what you want to do with your life yet--most college kids don't! Above all, it's okay to be afraid. There are many other students just like you getting ready to start a new phase of life! Don't worry about it!

Parents: Encourage your children to do the work of locating their school and completely their requirementss. Don't baby them. Have them research their major and the student life to see if it fits with their personal goals. Students: Work hard and encourage your fellow students to succeed. Challenge them when they are lazy or acting immature. This is college. We are adults now.

College is a place where you the student finds who they are and what they want to become. Search for a school that is academically challenging, but don't choose a school that will academically take over the students life. Students need to learn their books, but they also need to build friendships and learn how to live life on their oen with other people around them. Look into the community and see if it is a healthy community that supports good friendships and relationships and one that offers events or activities for the new student to participate in. Participating in events or activities helps the student get involved in the school and meet life long friends. When you are looking at the community, make sure the people are welcoming and happy that you are checking out the school, this is a sign that it is a fun and loving community. Finally, make sure you enjoy the campus setting, and it feels like you could be at home when you go and visit.