Cornell College Top Questions

The most important thing that a student and parent needs to look into is being comfortable in the setting. Cornell was my last choice for schools but then I visited and it totally changed my opinion of the school. It all comes down to the student and where they feel comfortable.

I would suggest that you visit every college you can. Visit, and talk to students, and go to a class. Reading brochures gets you nowhere.

Don't set your mind to ONE school too early in the college selection process. You might end up setting your heart on a school that is not totally right for you, and in the end may regret it. Also, to make the most of one's college experience, it is essential to try to step out of your box and test your comfort level by trying new things and meeting new people from different walks of life. Make friends with your professors. And try to learn quickly how you personally need to BALANCE personal fun with studying and your academic life. It can be done, but it takes some time to learn how to do in order to not only survive college, but to flourish in the college environment.

Take your time, look at all the possibilies, visit colleges first to make sure its the right fit. Remember, nothing is permanent, so if you feel like you made the wrong choice in schools don't be afraid to talk to someone about finding a better fit for you.

Be very specific about what you want from a college. Try not to compromise what you need and what you want or you will never be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} satisfied. Make sure to do a lot of research on different schools. That means you need to start early and not put it off. Don't just go with the safety schools beacuse you don't believe you can get into anywhere better and because you don't want to put forth the effort in either your search or your school work. Schools like to diversify their student population and you may be exactly what they're looking for. Be prepared for rejection, even from some of your safety schools. There isn't a sure fire calculation on choosing students for schools. You may not get in one year, but may get in another. Also, you may not get into one school, but you may get into a more challenging school. Make sure you let the school know what you want them to know about you. That means adding more to your application than it asks sometimes. Also, don't be shy, be outgoing and try to make as many friends as possible.

Make sure to find the balance between fun and studies. It's not easy, but once you do, you will have the fullest college experience that anyone can have!

Find a college where you are comfortable - don't let institutions swoon you with their fancy gimmicks. Know what you want and expect to get for the money you spend and find it. Don't compromise - remember, this is where you'll live and hopefully encounter some life changing experiences and lessons. It has to be a good fit. When on campus, get involved. Use your time in college to become that well-rounded individual. Of course, maintain excellence in academics but join student organizations, athletics, or service organization. College is not only a time where one learns and crafts interests but it is also a time where one experiences self discovery - a time where you learn a form of independence. Enjoy the experience. There are few occasions in life where one is given an opportunity to spend such focused time studying personal interests and spending time with individuals in the same life situation.

When looking for a college, trust your instincts! If it feels too big, look for something smaller. Get involved on campus; you will learn new things and make new friends. Do remember why are you in college, though-classes are important. When in doubt, ask a question. Ask your prof, ask a tutor, ask an RA. :-)

Make a list of what is important to you in a college. (fianancial aid, location, amont of extra curricular activities) Write them out in order of priorities. When you're looking at schools keep this list with you so you can see how close the college is to your ideal school but keep your options open and try to find out why this college is different than any other college you're looking at. Visiting helps you learn about the atmosphere of the college. To make the most out of your college experience, always be involved. Be involved in class by asking questions. Be involved in extra curriculars to help make friends, get exposure to things you wouldn't have at home, and combat bordom. Network with people but also master your classes. Be willing to try new things but remember your goals for being in college. Have fun because being in college is fun, life changing, worthwhile.

Make sure you talk to people and don't believe everything you read on websites. As a disabled student, people overestimate their abilities sometimes.

Visit the schools you are interested in. Don't get me wrong, statistics are important. However, there is more to a school than what you can put on paper. Your school needs to fit right and feel right, or your success there will be questionable.

The best advice I could give to parents and students is to give yourself time to go through the process. Applying to schools and for financial aid is a very time consuming process that can be very overwhelming and frustrating. Support each other in this process. Trust your gut about a school. VISIT THE CAMPUS! I think that is one of the most important things. Don't go to one of the visit days, but schedule am individual tour and shadow a student. Spend a night in the dorms. Try to really get a feel for the atmosphere. If you plan to stay for four years, you want to know what you are getting into, so ask a lot of questions of the students and professors. Aske students what they love about their school and what they hate. Give yourself options: do you want to stay close to home or go across the country? Do you want to do summer internships? Does the school support/host them? Do you want to live on campus or off campus? What flexibility does the school offer? Allow yourself time to ask questions and to make a choice!

Start early and have an open mind! Don't go somewhere because your family and friends want you to. Go to a college where you want to go! Visit the college and stay overnight if possible to see how you might fit in and get a real feel of the place. If you like it , then do whatever you can to get in! Also, when looking for colleges don't turn one down based on looking at one brochure picture! Do your research! There are so many small colleges out there that offer great opportunities that get overlooked due to their lack of national recognition by name! And just because a college is well-known doesn't mean it is the best for you - maybe it is well-known for not so good reasons. And lastly, choose a place that feels right in your heart - whether that is close to home or across the country, big or little, public or private - every college hasn't something unique to offer so go out and find the one that is best for YOU!

Visit campus, talk to random people, are you welcome there or priveleged to be there?

Attend a college that is out of state or at least 200 miles from home. It gives youa chance to get out and see the country.

To fully research many schools and different types of schools. You never know what you might find out!

Parent: Don't be afraid to give your student some freedom. College is a time when students have all new experiences and it's a little hard to do that when it feels like you have mom and dad sitting on your shoulders. Students: Don't be afraid to HAVE experiences. Try new things. GET INVOLVED. How will you know what you're interested in if you don't try things? Make friends with the professors - they've been where you are and they usually have some pretty good stories and advice. (Plus they write awesome recommendation letters!) Focus on your schoolwork, but don't forget to take some time to relax and have fun. If you get bogged down with extra-curriculars and other committments, remeber that school should come first.

Find the right school for you're working future. Not everyone can be a proffesional athlete, but you can still enjoy sports at small colleges. You don't want to transfer because it will take longer to graduate. Take a lot of visits so you're sure you make the right choice. Also take it in stride and don't get frustated or worried, because everything will work itself out with hard work.

Also check out a college you're really interested in more than once. It could be tow completely different reactions.

Cost is important, but the type of education is much more important!! I f you have quations about the institution, ask them. Once you deposit your savings into the education, it may be too late. Cornell college costs about 36,000 dollars each year. My advice for parents is to tell your children and work with them in order to get as much financial assistance as you can. It will be a great investment. Make sacrifices! It is your children's future. also know the rules of your college. At cornell, people can no longer smoke on campus (even outside) and certain words that can be considered racist are no longer allowed, even if spoken indirectly. these rules I may not always agree with, but they are made to protect students and your kids. Finally, tell your kids to have a social life. without it, college can be miserable. Thank you, Kyle J. Schveiger Cornell College 2009