Earlham College Top Questions

visit the school and attend the one that is community oriented such as earlham

visit, go to the college where you will be the most popular kid. one exists

Picking the right college is more than choosing where your fellow classmates choose to go. I picked a college that most of my past classmates would not have even considered, and I loved it. The school that you select should be the best fit for you, individually, or not even the best fit for you at all, if that makes any sense. Choose the college where you think you will learn the most about yourself, as well as the field that interests you the most. For example, I am from a conservative background and chose an extremely liberal campus. At first I was unsure of my decision, but after completing four years of school there, I know that I could not have picked a better option. The best way to learn is from those who may not have the same viewpoints as you do. If we spent all of our time around people who were like us, we would never grow as people.

In finding the right college it is important to have an idea of the community you are looking for. Decide what is important for you not only accademically but also what sort of environment you think you would best be able to live in. What is most important is that you are happy at your college and learning what you want to learn. It is important not to get caught up with what is a more prestigeous school and rather what fits you, personally, the best. Make sure you visit the college! Colleges always try to make themselves pretty on paper but if possible stay the night at colleges you are seriously thinking about attending. That way you will better be able to get a sense of the town, and the on-campus environment and community. The best thing to remember is that learning can happen anywhere as long as you are motivated and happy. So make sure you choose a place that you are happy at.

It is extremely important to have at least a small inkling about the academic background, alumni networking abilities in your school and international experiences available. Living in a nurturing, small private college offers opportunities that are not found in large public universities. I believe that it helps one ground themselves and build confidence whereas large universities in cities offer the city but not necessarily the college community found in smaller private schools. It is a huge investment and it is important to choose a school and graduate on time.

Make sure to visit the campus and go on the campus tour.

Ratings are not everything, Harvard with its honor system have people that cheat, we can't do that - that is reflected in our GPAs. A name does matter, but I belive Earlham will move up over the years.

I would encourage incoming college students and their parents to invest in their interests and motivations, and to access the value they seek in a college education. I would strongly recommend looking into smaller-name colleges, with an appreciation for an individualized education and overall college experience. Campus life is also integral to how one relates to their college and their peers, and it's important to choose a setting which enriches your goals. Keep an eye out for programs to study abroad as part of your major or general studies, and pursue opportunities unique to the campus, whether through a professor's expertise, a peer's cultural background, or surrounding the school's own issues and traditions. You'll find a more complete understanding of yourself if you are receptive to budding interests, new perspectives, and challenges alike.

Talk to a counselor, visit, be realistic, apply early, be flexible.

Be very careful to find out that financial aid and faculty aren't being cut due to the recession.