Colby College Top Questions

The most important thing you can do while searching for a college is to interact with and talk to student who actually go to the school. The guide books and the tour guides will give you lots of factual information but the students will tell you what you really want to know. Ask them anything, they will likely be happy to answer. Go on an overnight stay.

my main peice of advice for parents and perspectve students is to take you time in looking at schools. Dont be distracted by school rankings and noteriety. Follow your gut.

Finding the ?right? college is the wrong way to approach looking at a school. This is especially true if you are looking at liberal arts colleges because you will probably change your major and activities as your college career progresses. Instead of looking for the perfect college for right now, look for a college where there is an open ideology. This is a place where students are encouraged to speak with the administration, where there are multiple strong departments, and where there is the ability to create new clubs and different types of programming. At a school where you can easily initiate change, your college experience will be exactly what you make it. To discover if a school has these qualities ask students specific questions. For instance, if a student says that the student government is great, ask what motions they have passed recently and if there have been any recent changes as a result of those motions. Also, don?t take the ramblings of one student as gospel; just because this school is the best/worst fit for them does not mean it is best/worst school for you.

Students: Keep an open mind. While there will definitely be places that you love more than others, there probably won't e one "perfect"school for you. For most people, there won't be just one school that's right. On the other hand, it's important to pay attention to your gut feelings about a school. You don't necessarily need concrete reasons to like (or not like) a school. If you do find one school that you love, go for it! Once you do get to whatever school you end up picking, keep that open mind and explore your new environment. Join clubs that look like fun, get to know lots of different people, pick classes you're really interested in and excited about, and make sure that you also keep in touch with your family and friends from home! The most important thing is to SHOW UP. Go to guest lectures, club meetings, shows, etc. What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn in class. Parents: this is your kid's time--be there for support and advice, but let them make thier own decisions and lead thier own lives.

Don't let the name or reputation of a school influence your choice to go there. Visit the campus. Visit again! Talk with students, professors, admissions, coaches (if you plan on being an athlete), and anyone else that seems receptive! Apply to reach schools but don't devalue the little guys. Take serious time to think about your choices. Finally, go with your gut! Once you're there, put yourself out there. College is a chance to be yourself so take advantage! Join clubs. Do new things. Meet new people. Take classes in areas you've never heard of and don't be afraid to form personal relationships with professors you really enjoy. You never know where an opportunity may lead. But most importantly, the single most important thing to know about making the most of your college experience is to enjoy yourself! Sure, the academics can be rigorous, but always remember to have a little fun and it may just turn out to be the best four years of your life!

i love colby.

I would not recommend playing a varsity sport because it takes up too much time. When I was part of a team, I only had time for academics and my sport. I would also recommend considering a school carefully based on its location. Although I consider myself to be a "city person," I have really enjoyed Colby's small and close-knit campus.

Don't let cost deter you Location is important- ask yourself if this is an area you want to live for x years First impression is important- go with a gut feeling about a place Be realistic in your options based on your high school grades, test scores, etc. Do enough research on schools to see which ones are accessible options for you Try new things in college. It's the best opportunity to do so! Make friends with as many different types of people as possible. You'll learn a lot more

Find a school that suits you. Ask your guidance and college counselors or advice, as well as the admissions offices at colleges and universities for information, but be true to yourself when you choose a school. The four years of education that follow high school are extremely significant and the place where each student ends up must be a match for him or her. Based on academics, extra-curricular activities, but most importantly, the student atmosphere, one must decide where to spend this time that will help to shape a person for life. Reach for a school that you may think will not accept you. Pay no attention to the name of the school - if you know this is the place you must go, work hard and apply.

Make sure you can find something at the college that you will enjoy outside of academics and that you are comfortable on the campus