Eastern University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Eastern University know before they start?

Elisabeth

Pray about where you're going. Do not go for a job that you want in the future. Go because you love to learn and you're interested in having an education. Go somewhere where you are out of your comfort zone enough to actually grow. Never go to a school where you feel like you aren't challenged. Also, go to a school where you will receive life experience through giving back to people. Don't make your college education all about you.

Austin

Think about what makes you come alive and what peaks your interest, no matter how lucrative or not its respective career may be, and find the colleges with the strongest program in that area. Keep in mind what kind of surrounding area you could thrive in as well when choosing which campus to attend.

Carly

Selecting a college that is right for you is a hard and tedious process. My advice for students is to visit as many campuses as possible. You should be sure to have an open mind about each campus, because you will have to spend a majority of your time there. One should make sure to you do research on what each college has to offer. My advice for parents is to be supportive of your child as they make their decision. You should make sure to let them know that you are there to help and support them as they go on to further their education. I am grateful that I have such involved parents who were with me every step of the way.

Andrea

Picking the right school where you will spend years of your life preparing for your future is a big deal and there are a few words of advice I would give to those who are about to go through the process of searching for their next educational step. Don't feel under pressure to know what you want to do with your life vocationally the minute you walk out of high school, you will figure it out. If you have an idea of what you want to do that is a good first step for guiding you to a school that has specific programs. Look for a school that is in an area you enjoy whether its city or small town, look for a school that gives you options for experiencing life whether it is through extracurricular activities or studying abroad, look for a school that fits your wallet and personal school loan limit, remember you do have to pay those one day. The most important advice to give for college is to get the full experience. Make friends with good people, work hard, and take every oppurtunity you get to experience new parts of life!

Amy

not sure

Jenny

My suggestion to students and parents who are trying to find the right college is to visit campuses, sit in on as many classes as possible, and talk to both faculty and students who are in the programs you are looking at. Its too difficult to get a true sense of the school without spending a decent amount of time on the campus. If the oppurtunity is available, I would suggesting spending a day and night with a current student. That will give you a nice idea of the warmth of the community and the condition of on campus housing and dining services. Once in school work hard at managing your time by keeping up with your assignments and also leaving time for fun social times. Implementing a daily planner or calendar is really helpful. Also, forming reliable groups to study with is invaluable. And take full advantage of your teachers assistance and office hours. Most teachers are more than willing to help you with your work or life outside of class. They can provide you with direction and inspiration your peers may not be able to.

Elizabeth

I would tell them to definitely go and visit the college they are thinking about attending. It's much more beneficial than just researching it on a website. It allows you to get a feel for the community of the college and also a general sense of what goes on from day to day . Even staying over a night or two with a student that goes there, and/or attending a class can be very beneficial in helping you decide if the school is right for you. As far as making the most of out your college experience I would encourage new students to live on campus, and also to not be shy when making new friends. Everyone is pretty much in the same boat and I have found that establishing friendships early on helps make the transition process from highschool to college go way smoother than it otherwise would go.

Kevin

My biggest advice would be to look at many different colleges in many different areas. Physically visit lots of campuses to get a feel for what types of colleges there are out there. It's good to know what you don't want from a school as much as what you do want. Go to big and small schools, city and rural, near and far, just don't limit yourself to one type. You may surprise yourself by visiting a school you never thought you would like by finding out it was different from what you expected. Don't let your pre-concieved ideas about particular places hold you back. Visit the school on a 'non-visitor' day to get a feel for the energy and atmosphere the school really has to offer. Find out if the school is as personable as you need it to be. Make sure your college looks and feels like a place you know you will feel comfortable and at home at because it will be your home for 4 years! My last advice is, have an open mind and let yourself see what kind of experience you want college to be for you.

Christin

Picking a college is an incredibly important and life altering choice. It is important to look at all different kinds of schools before making the big decision. If possible, make overnight visits to get a feel for classes and social life at the school. Make sure to take into account financial situations and possible career paths. Don't settle for something if you are not completely happy because college is important and you don't want to be unsatisfied during your time there. Once the college has been chosen, there are many things you can do to make the most of your experience. Take advantage of extra-curricular activities. It is a great way to meet people with similar interests. Time management in college is crucial. You have to balance the time you spend with friends with the time you spend studying. Definitely develop relationships with professors because they have a wealth of knowledge and life experiences to share. Go to class and study hard! You are responsible for yourself in college so don't waste your time. If you end up unhappy, do not be afraid to transfer; you shouldn't have to settle when it comes to college.

Abby

I would have to tell students especially to follow their heart. Parents only desire what is best for a student but the student alone knows what is best for them. The best advice would be to be aware of oneself. This awareness can include a person finding the perfect college for themself or simply realizing that college may not be for them right now. If a student enters college without the heart and desire for to be there then "making the most" of the entire college experience will be futile. Students that are ready to embark on the college adventure can make the most of it by simply finding what they love and pursuing it. Parents will find joy and "the most" in knowing that their student is growing, maturing and being challenged by the college environment of which the student has enrolled.

Elizabeth

The most important factor in a student's college experience is whether or not they manage to find a school that is a good fit for them. The best way to start is by making a list of all the qualities of your ideal college. For example, a do you want to go to a big school or a small one? In an urban, sub-urban, or rural area? What programs must the school offer? These and other such questions can be answered before you begin looking at colleges. Then, as you begin to look at schools, you know what criteria is important to you. You may even be able to rule out some schools you had thought you were interested in. Also, once you have narrowed your selection down to a few schools to apply to, try to spend a night on each campus. Talk to the students and ask them what they like about their school, if there's anything they don't like, or what made them choose their school over all other options. College is an important time and only by finding a school that fits you can you make the most of your college experience.

Jessica

Please let God guide in the prcess . It helps out so much more .

Joshua

It is best to know what it is that one is looking for when searching for the appropriate college or university to further one?s academic studies. An informed decision is imperative. While the vast majority of undergraduate schools are suitable for continuing one?s education or entering into the workforce, one size does not fit all. The advice carved centuries ago on the gates to the Temple of Apollo at Delphi is still meaningful today. ?Nosce te ipsum.? In English, this reads ?know thyself.? Comparing one?s unique interests with the qualities of prospective colleges can help to determine the best choice. Major areas to consider include: academic rigor, resources, size, location, job availability, social environment, and other personal preferences. Making the most of the one?s college years is not necessarily completing a checklist of experiences, social encounters, and cultural norms. Even if such a list were available for completing, the result might be less than satisfactory. It?s important to remember that it is not the obligation of the school to provide the proverbial ?college experience,? but rather the student?s prerogative.

Sean

My advice is to take it easy. College is ultimately about what you make of it. You can spend your time in your room and not really get to know anyone, or you can be a little more active. Also you don't necessarily need to find the right college at first. It's not a bad thing to go to a college and find that it isn't the one for you. If it isn't then transfer out to one that might fit your personality better. There is no absolutes when it comes to this. Be mindful of where you are going. Try and find a college that will challenge you academically, but will also allow you to have a bit of fun along the way. Be careful, but enjoy the time spent with those around you.

Amanda

Finding the place you will spend four very influential years of your life can be a stressful and draining process for both parent and student alike. Not only are you excited for adulthood, you are scrambling to hold onto whatever part of your childhood you have left. It's scary to leave home, friends, family and familiar places. Although it is a difficult decision regardless of what advice I may give you, the best I can offer is attend a school where you feel at home. Of course it is important that the school offers your major and extra-curricular activities you enjoy, but it is more important that you can see yourself walking around campus, making friends and getting involved at this school. Weigh the pros and cons between schools, but stick to your gut instinct. It will always give you the answer you're looking for. And, if worse comes to worse, you can always transfer : )

Elizabeth

Value doesn't always come where money goes. Only the student can really make the best of their college experience.

Philip

As you begin to look for colleges actively consider all criteria - don't rule out an institution simply because you do not think it is perfect right now. Remember, you will grow and change through the collegiate journey. Consider attending a school away from home. This will help to provide you with many new experiences and will help broaden your horizons. Make an effort to become actively involved in campus activities. Many individuals who are dissatisfied with their college experience never truly took advantage of all of the opportunities made available. Choose your major wisely. Find out what career opportunities are available for the major. Consider double-majoring in complementary fields, especially if one of the majors that interests you is somewhat limited in career opportunities. Take advantage of the time your professors set aside to meet with you, especially if you are struggling in a particular course. Always prepare yourself to grow and expand, and look for opportunities that will help to stretch you. Do not "settle in" and coast your way through school. Graduating early is not always the best option. You may save a littl emoney, but you will lose invaluable experiences.

Whitney

My advice is to be open to the student's desires. If the student wants to go to school far away from home and has a dream to be an archeologist then I think it is best for the student to do so. If they are being forced to do something else because of money or other's wishes they may have a hard time being motivated. Also when looking at colleges try to spend the night on campus if possible. This will help the perspective student experience the college's social atmosphere. Also they should ask to sit in on a class in their field of study so they can experience how classes are taught at the school. My last piece of advice is to stay at the college for at least one year. Freshman year is difficult and during the first semester a lot is changing. Many students become overwhelmed and either think about dropping out or transferring. Yet I would advise the student to stay for at least two semesters before leaving. This will give them the chance to really experience college after the initial change is over and they may come to love it.

Robyn

Take your time. Schedule plenty of time when looking for the right fit. Don't visit all the colleges on your list. Narrow it down to a few you are interested in and then go to the campus for a tour and visit. Sit in on a class of your interest, maybe even stay overnight to see what the social life is really like on campus. ATLEAST visit the campus, see it with your own eyes. That is how I made my final decision. It is hard to decide through tours via computer.

Britney

Be sure you feel comfortable on the campus, not only academically, but also socially. You never want to be that awkward person who has no friends on campus.