Chapman University Top Questions

In choosing a college, there is no easy formula to plug your GPA, SAT scores, and extracurricular activities into. There is no rhyme or reason as to why some campuses feel better than others or why the personalities of some universities seem to "click" with their students. The only things you can plan for aren't in any brochures or leaflets. When choosing where you'll spend four years, and a large sum of hard-earned money, it is important to include what you want out of a college. Determine for yourself (before attractive shrubbery and smiling tour-guides do it for you), what things you want to accomplish, dreams you want to aspire to, and people you want to meet. Find out if your passions will be nurtured, and your gifts be embraced. Every campus is different, and you'll only know how it feels by visiting, so make sure you do. Find an academic program (or programs) you like, a social climate that fits, faculty that cares, and a location where you can leave campus if and when you want to. In doing these things, you'll be able to find a college that fits you, personally.

The best advice I could possibly give would be to visit each school and to follow your heart, to listen to yourself and what would be best for you as a student. Deep down everyone knows what is best for him or herself, but sometimes that voice gets lost in the chaos of financial aid, class size, prestige, nobel-prize winning professors, and proximity to home. Do not stop listening to yourself, and if a school does not reach out to you and give you a sense that you belong there, then that is not the institution for you. Four years of your life are going to occur in the environment of a single college, and you should get up everyday and be excited to be around the people you know and in the place that you chose to go to. Feel anxious and confused and unsure, but also feel excited and follow that to wherever it leads you, and you will never regret it.

The primary advice I would give is to visit the campus, and while you're there talk to students and faculty. Try to talk to students and faculty who aren't paid to convince you to come to the campus. Try to make an appointment to speak with faculty and/or students in the department you might want to be a part of. They can give you the best idea of what you're getting into. If you only speak to the admissions department and tour guides, you will probably only hear positive things. Also, take a look at the residence area as closely as you can if you'll be living on campus. It affects your life more than you would think. As far as making the most out of the experience, get involved quickly. Whether it's associated students, fraternities/sororities, clubs or sports, the more involved you are, the more fun you can have and that's half of college life. Don't drink your way through freshman year because you will miss everything else going on around you. Also, explore the surrounding area because you'll never know what you'll find to do for cheap.

The best thing to keep in mind is that college will be an experience no matter which school you go to. I feel so many are too consumed by the effects of the environment on them that they fail to consider what they, themselves have to offer. College is about learning new and exciting things about yourself and it doesn't really help if you are tossed in a familiar element.

The most important thing in finding the right college is knowing what learning style works the best for you. Once you figure that out then visit schools of that types and ask current students all the questions you could ever imagine. Don't ask the tour guides, their answers are biased, and don't be afriad of asking current students, they usually love to talk about their experience. As for making the most of the college experience; get involved. If your goals in college are your career, get involved with your major, work for professors, do reasearch, or find interships. If the social aspect is your goal, join clubs, volunteer, or find any way to be apart of the community. My choice was to do a little bit of both and it really benefited me. I've made friends for life, been apart of some great organizations and got so much experience out of my major that it has put me in a great position for graduate school. College is what you make it.

Parents: I strongly urge you to guide your son/daughter but not to make the decision for them. Prospective Students: Visit campuses. The atmosphere of a place can tell you instantly whether you can call this place home and fit in how you want to fit in. If you cannot visit, and you know what degree you want, research schools that have a good reputation in that field and others, too. Remember; a lot of students change their minds and you might want to have other options open to you when you change your degree. This way, you don't necessarily have to hassle with changing your college as well. If you don't know yet what you want to do, find out what your priorities are for college and do your research based on that. Maybe sports are important to you or maybe the art side of life is more on your mind. These things are important because they will shape your new home and your potential new friends, too. Whatever college you choose, you make the experience happen. Choosing a college is just setting you up for success; the rest is up to you! Oh! and have fun!

Make sure you make an appointment to VISIT and get a tour of the school campus! I know so many people who chose a school without visiting it first, and hated it upon arriving. Going to the school to get a feel for the campus is the most crucial thing you could do. Once you find your school, be active! Don't hold back on meeting people; meet everybody that you can: join clubs, be part of your school's Greek system, be friendly in class. Its important to know a wide range of people, not just those in your normal circle of friends. That is the best way to enjoy your college experience. [Enjoy it! It will be over before you know it!]

College is about the overall experience of education, socializing, and an exploration of independence. However, many students tend to forget about the academic aspect of the package. A simple yet powerful way to remain focused is to select a college that is well known and compatible with your intended major. Yale may be a prestigious university, but it might not be the best choice for someone studying film or dance. If a student selects a school according to the available majors, he is more likely to find other students who are just as passionate about the subject. Using this common ground, making friends (not simply acquaintances) becomes much more natural and genuine. This allows for a chance to grow and learn both inside and outside the classroom environment.

Find out what you can about the schools. Look them up online (ratemyprofessors.com gives insight on what the professors are like) , in newspapers, and from the students themselves. Don't just as the guide, stop a random student and ask them what they reall think of the school.

Choosing a college is something not to be considered lightly. Find a college where you feel safe and comfortable because your choice will affect your professional and financial future. Be careful to choose a college that is something that you can afford, but that will also give you every opportunity possible. Remember that your experiences in college will shape the way you interact with the world. When looking at colleges, be sure to look at the student groups that are offered and find several that you might be interested in participating in so that you can start meeting people, making friends and networking. Your peers are the future leaders of industry and it is never too early to start looking for networking opportunities. Aside from the possible future professional benefits of student groups, they are the best way to find like-minded people who can become good friends, and in some cases a substitute family for while you are away from your parents. Having this support from peers is vital to having a successful college experience academically and socially.