Cedar Crest College Top Questions

When deciding on a college its really important not to let anyone else make the decision for you. College has the potential to be the best time of your life, but it can also be the worst time. Just remember to choose the college that is right for you. I've seen a lot of my friends choose colleges because it was what their parents expected of them, or to be close to their significant other. Just know that if you make the right choice you have a higher chance at being successful, and being successful is what anyone who loves you would want for you.

I can say from personal experience that the most important thing to remember while searching for the right college is to always keep and open mind and to not instantly dismiss a school without looking into it further. When first finding out that Cedar Crest was an all women's college I was instantly ready to say "pass" and move on. However, after speaking to a representative of the school over the phone, I was convinced to take a tour of the campus. Upon my arrival I was instantly captivated-- the campus was so beautiful and the people were so sincere and helpful. A year later, I couldn't imagine being anywhere else. And now, rather than sneering at the thought, I'm proud to say that I go to an all women's college. As for making the most of the college experience? I say be ready to try new things and step out of previously instilled comfort zones. Try out for that team, join that interesting club, take that challenging course... Without an open mind and a willingness to explore possibilities how can you ever expect to make it through life-- let alone college?

I strongly sugggest that the parents allow the student to choose the school that makes them feel the most comfortable, and do not pressure the student into attending the school that the parents want their child to go to. Students should visit a few colleges to get a good idea of the different options that are available and to look carefully into the programs that they are interested in. Although financial circumstances are extremely important in chosing a college, there are many scholarships available through various programs so no school is completely out of reach. Another suggestion for the student would be to attend classes that are in their field of interest so they can get an idea of what they will be like if they are actually attend the school. If class size is a factor, you may be able to see how small or large classes are. Previewing residence halls if living on campus is also important. The student should feel as comfortable as possible in the residence halls, it will be their home away from home. Chosing a college is not always an easy process, but their is a school out their for everyone.

You can always transfer if it doesn't feel right.

I advise students to choose the college or university that makes them feel at home when you walk onto the campus.

Look at ALL the options. Don't limit yourself with distance from home branching out is the best part about college. Surround yourself with good people and the weeks will fly by.

To make the most of your college experience, students need to visit and apply to college and universities that they feel meet all of their academic and social expectations. Don't base where you are going to school on your friends or boyfriend/girlfriend. Be open to all different types of people, because not everyone is exactly like you. I love my school, but I don't live on campus. If I were to do it all over I would live on campus to experience the real college life, and to learn how to live on my own.

My advice that I would give to parents will be first to start looking at colleges early. There are many choices of colleges so you have to make sure that your child picks the college that they will feel comfortable in and where you feel they would benefit the most. It is a big decision when it comes to the major as well, so start talking to your child about their interest of majors early. Once you have an idea of what your child wants to study for their career, then you should research colleges that focus on those majors. That is very important when you are deciding on the right college. Students also remember that there is no rush for you to finish school. Take your time, study hard, and always enjoy life. College is very hard and requires lots of studying and lots of work so always keep focus and don't fall behind. Make friends and have study groups so you can all study together. Never give up. Sometimes you may fail, but don't let it get to you just do better next time. Good Luck!

Start early looking into school and visit every school you are interested in. Get as much information as you can!

I fully believe that it is important to do your research. Figure out what kind of setting you would like to live in, what kind of learning atmosphere you strive best in, and what extra cirricular activities you are interested in. As for making the most of your college experience, get involved. Even if its only one club, or volunteering or just making your presence known. You'll find people with similar interests, goals, and aspirations. They can help you study, keep you focused and help you relax and have fun. Scholastically, make sure you devote enough time to your studies and distribute the time evenly. Don't focus too much on one hard subject and leave your other subjects behind. You can get lost in work too easily.

The college experience is above all a time to discover ones self. When looking for "the right college" I believe that you have to look inward. Determining what your goals and expectations are for yourself and for others will in turn help you determine what encvironment will best nourish your needs. My best advice is this: Do not set yourslef up for temptation and failure! If one of your goals is to keep yourself involved in you campus activities and you pic a school with little or nothing to do on campus you will be dissapointed! If your goal is to not party during the school year and you choose friends with a different ajenda than you, you are only tempting yourself. If you approach college with and "I can do it" attitude you will not succumb to failure. Do not forget that while they are important it is not only about grades and book smarts, developing your personality, sprituality and own ideals is just as important. Take one day at a time. REMEMBER-"It will all be alright in the end- if it is not alright...it's not the end!

Make sure that you go and visit the college and try to set up as many personal interviews with the professors of your intended major(s). They will appreciate getting to know you and you in turn will get an inside look at the program. Parents and students should always ask questions. When I went to look at colleges I took a list of questions into my interviews to ask professors and professional staff. I asked about everything I could think of, from financial aid options and scholarship opportunities, to questions that were unique within my intended major. Another thing that I would suggest is to talk to the students on campus. Many of them will give you an honest opinion about the school, they will tell you things that some of the professors or professional staff may not. The most improtant thing about looking at a college however is to find one that you feel comfortable on, if you walk on to a campus and feel like you are home than more than likely that is where you belong.

Think about what suits you (the student). What type of setting would you feel most comfortable in? What do you ultimatley want out of your education and of the institute of higher learning that you attend? Visit the schools that you apply to attend. It is hard to decide where you want spend the next part of your education with out setting foot on campus before move in day! I would suggest that you also mostly rely on the gut instict (or "vibes") that you get from the campus and the people that you encounter. Also, on a more pratical note, look into the different programs that are offered at the school. Are you split between two majors? Does that college offer both? Can I minor in one of the subjects that I'm thinking about? Also, consider how much financial aid you are getting from each school that accepted you. Sometimes how much you have to pay for the education you want makes a big difference when deciding which college to attend. And finally, when you get to the college of your dreams... GET UP! GET OUT! GET INVOLEVED! It makes a world of difference for your college experience!

I would tell fellow students to research their options and weigh out the pros and cons to each choice. I would tell them to take a tour of the schools they are interested in because campus layout plays a major role in the whole college experience. Money and financing is also one aspect that should be looked at very carefully because the prices are just skyrocketing. Parents need to be there for their children, supporting their decision, but still offering advice and guidance. Let's face it, students, we really don't always know everything, as much as we would like to say that we do:) Students should also attempt, if possible, to speak with people who attend the colleges/universities they are considering, to get the real inside and firsthand scoop on the school. I recommend once in college, to put academics first and make sure enough time is spent on studies, since that's why you're spending all of that hard-earned money. However, you also must take time for yourself to simply have fun and relax, enjoying the whole experience and making it one that will last a lifetime.

Go with your gut, and what you can financially afford (both now and in the future).

The students need to make sure that they like the campus and the environment around it. Try to stay on campus in one of the dorms for a night or two to see if you like it and go to some of the classes to see what that is like. Make sure the college offers more than one opportunity for you to pick a major in case you realized the first year that you do not enjoy the one you picked. Talk to teachers if you do not understand something from class. Go to all the review sessions and get a toutor if you need help. Make as many friends as you can, they will probably be life long friends. Do not stress over the small things and just relax if you do. Try to take some study breaks and enjoy a nice walk with friends or go shopping or the movies. Never feel pressured about anything, if you do not like it you do not need to do it. You only get to go through this once and if you do not make any memories how are you going to remember all the good times with friends. Always smile.

Every school is selling their school, that no school will be perfect. The student must feel that he/she belongs at the campus; it is a feeling that is hard to describe but you know it when it happens.

visit the school, stay overnight with a current student and find a place that feels like home. when you get there, get involved, its the only way to feel like you are a part

Take tours, read about the school you're interested in and make sure it's right for you!

My advice is to take everything into consideration. Don't just go to a school for a major, or because it's close/far from home. Choose a school that will suit your individual needs and will make you feel comfortable. Choose a school that will be all that you want and will give you room to explore yourself. Definitely explore yourself and your wants/needs/desires for your future. College is expensive and so you need to make it worthwhile. Don't choose a major based on pay, but on what you want out of it personally and emotionally. Have fun!!! Don't let it be all work and no play, but definitely work hard!!! Travel whenever you can and see everything! Volunteer through your college and help other students! Join clubs and sports if you can; make friends with everyone! Know your professors and treat them with respect! Don't bring too much junkfood and eat your vegetables - you will get sick if you don't ( I Know!) Take every chance you can and never regret any choice! Free your mind and don't drink...too much! Tests suck when you have a hangover. MAKE IT MEMORABLE!