Bryan College-Dayton Top Questions

Establish what you want in a college, and then go from there. Many people tend to just say "I will have a good experience anywhere I go," but oftentimes that's not the case. Try to get a feel for campus activities and how many people stick around on weekends, for example. If possible, try and make a visit to the school while it's in session so that you can get a feel for the campus life and what it stands for. Also, take your values and try to match them to what you know about a college. If family is important, go where you are close to family, or where professors or others on campus treat you as family. If academics, size, location, weather, or things to do are important, choose accordingly. The transition to college is hard enough without having to adjust to different values as well. Lastly, I know that applying for scholarships can be a pain, but it's definitely worth your while in the end. College is mostly what you make of it, but there are some things that are not left up to you. With that in mind, choose wisely. Happy searching!

I would tell myself to work harder and apply myself fully to my education. I didn't realise how important all the classes I would be taking in High School would effect my entire life, including my college experience. I would tell myself not to give up on a subject because it seems to hard or that it wouldn't be important for my life. From my current college experience, all classes tie into one another and knowledge of all subjects is vital. I would tell myself that the transition from high school to college takes a great deal of responsibility and dedication to peruse. Your mom isn't there to wake you up in time for class, your teachers don't call to ask why you weren't in class that day, etc. You are considered an adult and your success rests solely in your hands. Take the extra effort to make sure you get to class on time, complete all your homework on time, study hard for tests and don't be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness; it's a show of strength.

I would tell myself to lighten up and be ready to learn but also enjoy college. I did not enjoy my first two years of college. I was basically a hermit in my room and only came out to go to class or to get some excercise. There is much more to college than class, though. True, class and academics are the main reason to come to college. However, there are so many people out there that you could become friends with, encourage along the way, help in their struggles, and who can encourage you and share your burden. People are more important than class grades.

1) Get in touch with the Admissions departments of the schools you are looking into. Try to set up a college visit if possible. The best way to know if a school is the place for you is by going to that school for yourself. 2) If possible get in contact with current students (sometimes this can be done through the admissions office). They go to the school so they know it best! 3) Don't let money be an option. Check in to lots of scholarships and possible loans offered through the schools you are interested in. You can often go to a school for a lot less than the price they list - take every advantace possible! Money always helps.

A student's college decision is one of the most life affecting decisions he/she will make. Because it will affect both career opportunities as well as personal relationships, it is essential that the student selects the best college for him/her. No college is a perfect fit for everyone. A student should consider his/her talents as well as learning preferences. The best college is one that strengthens the students talents for a future career, while making the learning experience an enjoyable one. The student should compose a checklist of college preferences to begin his/her search. The internet is a great starting point. Some websites offer college suggestions based on a students profile. People that are in the students future career field are ideal for advice. Current college students should be surveyed about their likes/dislikes of their college. Once school starts, the student should learn the fine balance between his/her social life and academic life. No college experience would be complete without friendships and fun activities but grades and the learning process are also important. With the right balance, students should both succeed in their studies while having a blast!

Start looking early

The biggest piece of advice that I have is to get involved in both the college community and the college town community. Be involved in extracuriculars on campus and volunteer for thing off campus as well. Maybe even get a job off campus, tutor elementory kids at local schools. It's not just the degree that college is about. It's about the whole experience.

Choose a good fit for you. Don't follow high school friends, and don't go somewhere that you think you'll have the most "fun." Parents should be hugely involved and should direct students to a school/university that is a small step up from the type of environment in which they grew up. Too many times young people run off to some big college and get caught up in things that are over their heads and they end up having to drop out, return home, going to a jr. college. Not saying at all that a Jr.College is bad, but after what they've been through, returning home is a big shot at their confidence. Students need to go somewhere they can continue to grow at their own pace, and not be pushed to experience things for which they are not ready. If they can, this will promote success.

Find a college that is the right size and atmosphere for you personally. Also, make sure that they have a good focus on academics. That is why you are going to school, so it is important.

Finding the right college for you, is similar to finding the perfect shoes to wear with an outfit. There are many options, many potentials that will get the job done--yet, there really is only one perfect match. Each school offeres a specific set of characteristic qualitites that sets it appart from all others. When choosing which one to adopt, I suggest experiencing the college by visiting, staying in the dorms, asking questions beyond the information that your tour guide gives. By "trying it on," even if just breifly, you will be able to make personally informed decision. However, much like you do not want to pick a shoe just by its color or shape but also by quality of structure design, you do not want to base your college choice singularly on your visiting experience. Beyond the bright lights of the football games, the crazy parties, and the cafeteria food, the foundational reason for selecting a school is to receive and education. So, do your research. Be informed of the academic standards. Then, combining what you know with what you've experienced, I believe you will succeed in choosing the best college for yourself.