Case Western Reserve University Top Questions

The college decision process is a very difficult one. My advice to all students about finding the right college is to remember that choosing a college is not a prize to be won, but rather a match to be made. This was a common phrase used by the college counselors at my high school and it proves to be very true. A lot of the time, we make decisions based on other people. When choosing a college, however, this is not a good idea. Students should explore all aspects of the ir potential college choices and choose the one that best fits them. I'm proud to say that my college was a perfect fit. Despite its prestige, most people aren't familiar with the school. However, I know chose the right college for me. As far as making the most out of the college experience, it's important for students to step out of their shells , explore, and meet a variety of different people. Colleges and Universities have a lot to offer, so why not make the best of it?

Parents of students who will be attending CWRU should be aware of the dangers of the school. Make sure you let your child know all the basics of being safe when out alone. Moreover, if you can afford it, provide your child with a vehicle because the campus life is dead. Students who have vehicles are less likely to stay on campus and binge drink on the weekends too. Lastly, motivate your child to join a fraternity or sorority because these institutions really do provide meaningful activities during the year.

Making the most out of college means to get the best education for the right amount of money, be prepared for a career in a specific field, but also to have a good time while training. To find the right college, students must decide the most important parts of what they are looking for. How many hours the student will allow themselves to study, work, utilize extracirriculars, and other social activities. Weather and location of schools are also important. The most important part of finding the right place to go to university however, is class structure, variety, professor information and class size. Make sure to find a college that will allow you to excel, to be a big fish in a small pond or a little fish in a big pond, as long as you won't be a big fish in a little fishbowl- you'll be happy. Make the most of where you are, and decide what will make you the happiest in your situation.

Encourage your kids to visit the school more than just the one time for orientation, because the school plans activities for the groups of students to attend and that is not the real atmosphere of the school at all. That second visit will show the real University

I would advise parents and students to look for the best education they can receive for the tuition price. A pricey private school should offer you considerably more resources than a cheaper public school. As a student in a private school, I feel I receive more help finding jobs and research opportunities. Also the facilities available on campus, ranging from dorms to cafeterias, should reflect the amount of money being spent. Another important advice is to be lax on judging a school's social and physical environment and the surrounding city. Most students are consumed with the courseload, extracurricular activities and jobs. There is little time to explore the neighborhood or socialize. As long as there is a tolerant atmosphere, friendships will form. It's enough to ensure the campus is neat and hygienic. It's important to have a well-rounded experience: participate in activities, get a job, do summer research, and of course study hard. College is a precursor to real life. The more you experience, the easier the transition will be to a full independent life.

The best idea is to be truthful with what you want for yourself and from your education. Explore all there is that the college and surrounding area offers and choose from there. Also be sure to take into account the costs associated with your education, be sure to find a budget and be smart with your spending. Try not to take on too much debt, save what you can, and remember that it's better to live like a broke college student while you're young then to live broke later on in life.

Make sure you visit a school you are considering. Also, don't get sticker-shock at the initial cost of tuition, there is a lot of aid available. Make a list of the pros and cons for each school you are accepted to, and really weigh out each one. This will help with determining the best school for you. I would tell parents to give their child space when they first go away to college, so they can figure out who they are away from home and make friends on their own without having their parents checking in on them every five minutes. To students, I would say do not let the expectations you have for the school get in the way of you making the most of college. Don't listen to the negative things everyone else says about the school- make your own opinions.

When looking for a college, pay attention to housing and whether or not professors speak English-- those two things affected my education more than anything else. Go where you think you fit. And in terms of making the most of it-- as long as you aren't failing, or trying to go to a really competitive graduate or professional program immediately after you graduate, don't kill yourself trying to get fantastic grades. Keep it above a 3.0 and just enjoy yourself-- there will never be another four years like these. Enjoy every minute, get involved, make a ton of friends and keep the drama to a minimum. And if you don't like it, get out right away and go somewhere you do like.

It may seem counter-intuitive and go against what everyone typically advises when selecting a college, but the best way to decide where to go is to simply visit the school and pay attention to see if you are happy or not. Often people choose a school by picking apart and analyzing every aspect of it and then balancing the myriad of pros and cons between academics, social life, sports, arts, and the surrounding community of a college. This is of course helpful if you don't know what you feel about a school after visiting, but it is truly just a superficial means to decide a very large decision. The truth is that every student will love and dislike something about the school they attend and adapt to the dislikes. Only the foolish think that a school can be perfect. However, some schools are better matches for people than others. You can instantly understand this concept when visiting a school, even if you don't know why you like or dislike the school. Listen to this feeling that you will receive when visiting a school, because it will decide the next four or more years of your life.

Get your feet on the campus. You'll know once you get thier if its right, trust your gut.