Eastern University Top Questions

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.

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

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.

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.

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 : )

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

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.

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.

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.

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.