Case Western Reserve University Top Questions

College is what you make of it. For me, I wanted to go to a smaller school so I could walk around campus and seem many of my friends. This has worked out for me and I have made many close friends, but now I am at the point where I know everyone I'm going to know and there is much of a variety. This is not a problem for me, and it is for many. If this may be a problem, then a bigger school is what you should be looking for. Also, don't expect that you are going to be able to party all the time and get good grades, it is not possible. I am not saying to never party, just don't abuse it. Actually, going out on the weekends is a neccesity. It is a stress relife from the week of hard work, and it is a good way to make friends. Basically, do good work and reward yourself by going out on the weekends (just not too often!).

The most important thing to look at when choosing a college, in my opinion, is the student's expectation of happiness. A career is imporant, as is academic success, but neither really matters if you're not happy. A lot of students choose their college based on how much money it will earn them in the future. Many of these students either change their minds or end up miserable, because they made decisions based on financial and academic success instead of simply finding out what makes them happy. Happiness and personal interest is also important when picking a major. I'm majoring in Psychology and Mathematics and I'm minoring in Japanese. I chose classes that interested me and built my major around them. As a result, I'm extremely happy with what I'm learning, whether or not I end up in a largely successful career.

The best advice I can give is to go with you're gut feeling. If you walk on to a college campus that you are visiting and you can instantly see your self there, that is the place for you. Of course it is important that it has your major, things that you like to be involved in, and so on and so forth, but when your walking around and looking at the buildings and you can picture yourself there just perfectly, that is the place for you! When I first visited Case Westerns's campus I saw who I could be and who I wanted to be all around. There was so many places I could study, hang out, get coffee, and just be myself that I was instantly comfortable. I know it may sound crazy to go off a gut feeling, but you can make pro and con list about each university until you're head spins. Ultimately it is where you feel comfortable being, it is where you can see you're self growing and learning and becoming that adult your parents strive for you to be. The perfect college is where you want to be!

I came to Case initially because I could not afford to go to the other colleges at which I accepted; this school was my last resort. I had never even bothered to visit the campus or learn anything about this school; when I came here I knew nothing about this place except that I would spend at least four years here. Now I have been here for over two years . I have loved all my experiences at Case and I am very glad that I went to this school. To that end, I think it is important for one not to worry too much about finding a school that fulfills one's every desire, nor should one fret about not getting into one's college of choice. Anyone can have an outstanding college experience as long as one thinks positively and keeps an open mind.

College is vastly different from the educational experiences of mose students who went from grade school through high school. These differences are what can make or break your college experience. For students, the difference I believe is most striking is the independece that you gain attending college. You are the one primarily responsible for your education from that point on. You determine the path that you want to take, and shape what will be the pathway for the rest of your walk in this life. That independence can be good for some, and allows room for you as a person to grow. For others, it can be taxing and stressful. If you feel stressed and alone, always remember to keep in touch with people that you know will help. Call your parents, and keep in touch with friends and family. Seek help on campus, and if you fall behind, seek every bit of help that your college offers you. Never be afraid to ask for help. And remember, college is an opportunity for you to decide what you want in life. It's never to late to change your direction. Just make sure you are doing what makes you happy.

The school that gives you the most aid may not be the right school for you. Financial aid is important, but it should not be the deciding factor of what school you enroll. When you're visiting colleges, ask students other than your tour guide questions about the school, the workload, the dining halls, and the dorms. Campus tour guides got their jobs because they think that their college is flawless; they won't tell you the imperfections of the school, but many other students would be willing to let you know about the school's imperfections.

I would tell students and parents that the most important part of the college search is visiting the campus and talking to the students there. Brochures and websites are designed to market a college's best attributes, so beyond the hard facts and numbers they won't tell you what you really need to know about campus life. Unfortunately, it's impossible to know exactly what the experience will be until you live it yourself, but when all the regional and academic considerations have been weighed already, the final deciding factor should be how happy you think you would be at that college. There's really only one way to make the most out of college, and that is to BE INVOLVED. Every campus has more organizations than you have time for, and there is something for everyone's interests. Pledge a Greek organization, run for student government, take up a martial art, play ior sing for the band/orchestra/choir/glee club. Whatever you do, don't keep yourself cooped up in your room studying all the time! To paraphrase Twain, don't let schoolwork interfere with your education. The college experience is about discovering your own identity.

Be sure to visit your top few colleges and talk to current students. The atmosphere on the campus is one of the most important things and you can only really decide if that atmosphere is a good fit for you by visiting. Also, current students will know things about a college that you can't find out in any way but talking to them.

Nowadays in our society, anyone who wants to be successful needs to go to a graduate school as well as obtain an undergraduate degree. Because of this, don't fuss too much over the "brand" of schools like Harvard. The brand is meaningless in the real world, and the person who you are and the experiences that have contributed to your growth matter much more than the name of the university you attended. Remember, in the situation in which you really don't like a school, you always have the ability to transfer. Don't stress too much- it'll be just fine! Enjoy your senior year and hang on to those people that matter most. Good luck! :0)

In order to choose the right college for yourself, make it your own decision- who knows you better than you do? Try to avoid choosing schools based on where your significant other or friends go, or where your parents went. Think about your own personality, social/academic needs, and financial situation. Then, use the internet, college books, and guidance counselors to find schools that cater to your preferences. I saved every college letter and flyer I received so I had names to base my searches. This kept my mind open to schools that have great programs, but may not have the name-recognition that others have. Narrow your choices based on those resources, then visit as many as you can. Once you see the campus and realize what the lifestyle will be like first-hand, the decision should be easier to narrow even more. Remember, even if you feel you may have made the wrong choice upon move-in, people are amazingly well-quipped to adapt to their surroundings. College life is only as good as you make it- so get involved, meet new people, and you will be sure to find a niche in your new school?s community.