Eastern Michigan University Top Questions

Please, please do your research and make sure you can afford the college you choose.

As a high school student looking for their school of choice, it is critical to identify what it is that you want out of your college experience before you begin applying. In addition to making a list of all of the experiences and requirements you are looking for in a college or univeristy, it is important to make the decisions yourself and only ask for others opinions and influence when you cannot make a decision on your own. Often, parents and friends are too involved in the decision process which can sway an individuals decision. If your parents have much authority over your decision becuase they are the primary source of tuition, create a list of reasons behind the decisions you are trying to convince them of. For example, if you would like to attend an out-of-state college, but your parents are against this idea, provide concrete reasons of why this is the best choice for you and what you think you will gain from the experience over a lifetime. College is too important to let others influence your decisions because you only have a small window of opportunity to truly experience it.

As a first generation college student, I felt very overwhelmed during the application process. I had taken the required exams and courses and passed with flying colors, but for me the most challenging part was not in the journey to college, but the road that lay ahead. My counselors, teachers, and friends spouted countless tidbits of advice, yet in the end, it was not in gems of wisdom from others, but within myself that I found the perfect college suited for me. So my advice to you, the prospective college student, is to choose the college which best suits you, not your friends, family, or teachers, but you. It may seem difficult to travel to a university far from the familiarity of your family and friends, but for me, it was the best thing I could have done. In choosing the road less travelled, I was able to truly find myself, and that is what I believe the college experience is all about. In the end, the world will want to see who you truly are and what you have to offer, and those with a strong sense of self will undoubtedly succeed.

Graduating from high school is one of the most stressful times in both parents and students lives. Choosing the right college requires a lot of introspection as well as research in the environment of the school itself. A student should be aware of what his/her personal needs are and whether the schools they're looking at will meet those needs. Parents and students should tour the campus as well as the area surrounding the campus to see what kind of on/off campus jobs may be available and what the neighborhoods off of campus are like.

Plan in advance and make sure you spend some time on the campus's to really see what they are like. Ask current students about the safety level and how they feel about their experience because they will be honest.

The best advice that I can give would be to visit the campus in which you are interested. It is impossible to decide whether or not you will feel comfortable at that school it you do not visit. Set up an appointment with an advisor or find out if the school offers tours of the campus. Before applying to Eastern I attended a tour of the campus with my family. From here I was able to learn about everything that EMU had to offer. After visiting and finding out detailed information about the programs and majors that were offered, I made my decision to apply. Also, do not apply to schools based off of the reputation that they have- experience the environment for yourself. College is a large commitment that you make in order to better yourself- make sure that you are going to enjoy it!

I would tell the students looking for a college to sit down and think about what they want in a college. After answering these questions for oneself, one will be able to assess various universities or colleges properly. I would encourage students to not base a school based on the look of the school and to pay attention to the kind of people at the school. Students education is first, so be sure to pick a school that one can benefit from based on what intrests a person. In addition, I would suggest attempting to live on campus if possible. Therefore, going to a school with on campus living opportunities is a must. By doing this, one is about to get a well rounded college experience and have the opportunity to get involved in campus and start building leadership skills. All in all, I think it is extremely important to love the school that one attends, because then one will enjoy going to school daily. An education is much more than just academics. I wish that all students entering college would attempt to make the most of it.

Start early. My dream school cost too much. I ended up at a school I applied to by default. Apply lots of places and at least three that you WANT to go to. College is one of the most important decisions you will ever make, make sure you give yourself (or your student) the best chance possible to succeed. College is more than finding an education, it is about finding yourself. Do what you want to do and take every oppertunity. Also, be involved and take advantage of what college is. Most importantly, consider transfer. I may not of been able to attend my first choice for four years, but I am currently working hard to graduate from there. Don't believe that you are stuck at the first place you go to. Transfer gives you a whole new perspective, and a brand new start. Go where YOU want. Don't let others choose the college that will help define you as an adult and professional. Be who you want to be and believe that you will succeed. Work hard...and you will!

Visit there, and more than once. Visit on a day that is in session and look at housing, parking and usability of the campus.

Really research the college, make visits and talk to students on campus.