Denison University Top Questions

Experiment, see what works for you and what doesn't, and never allow yourself to fall pressure to the ideals of yourself and society.

Think about yourself as a person and what you are looking for sexually, academically, athletically, and in sports. Coed dorms are always a plus, small class sizes are good, and you should know what you want from sports teams

Do an overnight at the colleges you look at and visit several classes in your potential major(s), as well as a few just for fun. Get to know the students, and ask them questions about their experience. Don't let the admissions office tell you everything. Pay attention to money: how much debt do you want to be in at age 22? Can you compromise your first choice college to stay out of debt without compromising your education? Education is as much what you make of it as what the school makes of it, so don't depend on your professors to lay everything out for you. Seek out connections between all your classes. Get involved in clubs and non-academic activities, and join something you wouldn't normally do, just to meet new people. Get out of your comfort zone, because you might discover something amazing. And STUDY ABROAD!!!

I know it sounds cliche, but part of the reason I went to Denison was because of the feeling I got my first time on campus. It felt comfortable and like home. It's important to try and visit colleges of interest, to get a feel for the campus and the people who go there. I also think it's important not to settle for a school you have little or no interest in. It's hard to make the best out of what you have, when you really don't want to be there. While you're in college, put yourself out there and stay active in your college community, and the surrounding community. Without spreading yourself too thin, try to take advantage of activities and coursework that your school has to offer. Most importantly, relax and have fun!

Parents and prospective students should research colleges of interest thoroughly. Find out the financial aid and scholarships available, as well as the overall culture of the school. Investigate the average classroom size to determine if the size is suitable for personal needs and disciplines. Find out ratio of diversity at the school, specifically international students, the number of US states are represented, gender percentages, and percentages of racial minority groups represented on campus in order to better assess the importance of diversity and tolerance on the campus. Find out what extracurricular activities and academic clubs are available on campus accompanied by the specific number of students involved to determine the ease at which one can get involved and balance their academic workload. Also, find out about the campus facilities, residential life, and the surrounding areas (e.g. vandalism and violence rates on/off campus) to ensure that it is a healthy environment to thrive in. In order to make the most of the college experience, get involved in and outside of the classroom; get exposure to different cultures and diversity of all kinds to gain more insight into other?s perceptions. Challenge personal views, grow academically, and build integrity daily.

Don't just the schools with names you know, look at what school is right for you. I chose a small school, because I needed an environment that would be more nurturing; and the differences between small and big schools are vast. If a student is responsible enough to attend a big school, then definitely do it; but at small schools it is easier to get leadership experience and to just be involved in different activities. Every school is different, and campus visits are important to get a more full understanding of the school's dynamics. At the same time, you should not base your whole understanding of a school off of the people you stayed overnight with. Also, don't completely base your school choice off of the career you see yourself going into, unless you are positive and have experience in that field that has solidified your desire to go into it. It is best to keep your options open with a liberal arts school.

Go visit the campus first. Don't let big names like Harvard and Yale intimidate you. Small liberal arts colleges are just as challenging if not more challenging than the Ivy league schools and they are often not impossible to get into.

Things happen when you least expect them to: I visited Denison towards the end of my college visits, and wasn't expecting to fal in love with it like I did. After all that driving and flying, I'd finally found the one college that was right for me. Obviously, this doesn't happen to everyone, but, believe me, if you look then you'll find a place where you can be happiest.

Colleges are typically the same. Pick one that is in a location you want to be, isn't too expensive, and enjoy the experience.

Look for the best college that supports your views and a place where you would feel comfortable. Also find a school that will allow you to express your ideas in a fun way that is educational as well. Look for a college that supports your transition into college and your stay in college.