Case Western Reserve University Top Questions

Students- Go with your instinics about your college choice and make the most out of where you end up.

Look for schools with balance. I came into my university wanting to major in political science and economics and then go onto medical school. Within two months of being here I decided to stay with medicine but switch everything else to medical anthropology and through that process have found that my true passion in life is global health. The opportunities that I have had here and the personal development I have undergone I can attribute almost entirely to my involvement with a department (anthropology) that I had never considered while applying to college. So even if you are positive of what you want to be when you graduate, realize that that decision is a product only of your cumulative experiences and that not only is it likely to change to some degree, but it will probably be in a direction that you have not considered. So amongst all the other considerations such as finances, social life, and location, keep balance in the academic opportunities in the front of your mind. No other time in you life will you be at such a liberty to explore your interests, so make sure you do not limit that opportunity before you even begin.

Pick a school that you feel most comfortable at. Pick a school with a student body that is like you. To make the most out your college experience, just get involved in activities that you enjoy. It's fun to do and you meet people that share the same interests as you.

Visit the campus and see if people are happy. Don't let the papers and pretty pictures fool you. Ask the students.

Visit the college and talk to the students. Ignore rankings.

Go where you want to go. It doesn't matter if they give you a scholarship. Find someplace where you're going to be comfortable for four years. Don't make compromises. Apply to lots of places you can see yourself living and don't put all your eggs in one basket.

take your time and don't stress about researching financial aid. People are friendly and return calls promptly. They're also generous.

Think of the college application process the same way you think of dating. That is, find a few places that seem like they'd be a good fit for you. Then send in your application, being sure to indicate who you are through your essays. It's the job of the admissions counselors to determine whether you'd be a good fit for the school, not whether you're "good enough" to get in. Just remember that the application process is all about finding the best school for you. I was wise enough (somehow) to decide not to make a decision as to my favorite school until I knew where I got in. I know that I was myself on my applications and tried to describe myself to the best of my ability. I'm glad I was rejected from four of the six schools to which I applied: It would have been a huge waste of time, energy, and money to try out schools that weren't right for me. I believe I've found the best possible school for me. And I couldn't be happier. You'll figure out how to handle college once you're there.

Make sure you understand the complete package you get with the school you choose. Consider size, location, academics, activities, and campus life. Don't feel that choosing a school is permanent, transfering isn't necessarily a bad thing and most schools have study abroad/exchange programs that can really add to your college experience. Most people make friends based off of where they live their freshman year, so pay attention to surveys/forms asking about housing preferences. If you're really nervous about meeting people try playing a sport or getting involved in Greek life. Choose a major that you're really interested in - it will be a lot easier getting up for those 8:30 classes! College is a lot more about self-discovery than people realize, so get ready to live and learn.

I think that parents should really look into the financial situation they will be facing and that students should look into it as well because money plays a huuuuuuge part in your college experience. No money, no fun. It's true!