Edgewood College Top Questions

The student should know what kind of environment they learn best in (small v. large school, do they need one-on-one time with a professor). This leads to visiting the campuses; know what the campus looks like , do you feel comfortable in the setting? Meet professors and/or the chair of the department, get to know them. Another great resource many colleges offer is staying over night with a current student. This gives the prospective student a first hand knowledge of the school-many times you can sit in a class of your choice. Basically, the prospective student should know what they want and ask if the college provides or can provide for them.

I think students needs to look at the whole picture when they are considering a particular school. Your decision should be based on more than one factor. Realize that this is going to be your home for the next four years of your life (or more!). When I first started college, I chose a school that was located in a town smaller than the one in which I grew up. While the students from rural areas were thrilled by all the new opportunities for them, I felt like mine had shrunk. I realized I needed to go to a school in a city that was known for more than just its party atmosphere. The school I attend now is an amazing fit for me; the campus and class sizes are small, but there are a lot more things to do on the weekends than just drink. Students at my campus can enjoy the same activities that students at the city's large university take part in. I have an easy time finding part-time jobs that work around my school schedule, and there are a lot of extra-curricular opportunities. I feel like I have the best of both worlds!

The advice I would give to parents would be to guide their children in the college process. Be involved in looking at schools and examining all the different options. Ask the guidance counselors at the high school about college search programs or information. Consider costs, but also consider class size and seek out scholarships to make the investment more affordable. To students, I would say to examine options and make a decision based on several factors, not one or two factors. When in college, be sure to let your professors know who you are. Having a relaitonship with all of your professors is beneficial, particularly if you need to ask for accomodations or help during the term. If they know and trust you, and you know and trust them, this will be easier to do. Participate in class discussions; you can learn a lot from voicing your opinion and listening to the opinions of others. Take the opportunity in college to examine your own background and how it shapes you as a person. Think about what other people's experiences bring to the classroom and how they enhance your own.

It is important to visit the campus before you apply to that school. Take advantage of 'experience' days, because that will be the most realistic description of what daily life is like on campus. Also, be sure that the school has the facilities and programs (such as music, visual art, theatre, or other career oriented programs) that you're looking for. To make the most of your college experience, be sure to join clubs or organizations that you're passionate about. It helps you meet new people and network. Also, be sure to get out and experience the art, music, and culture of the city your campus is located in. Do things that you normally would not do, or never had the chance to. College is the time for personal growth and exploration, and one of the best ways to learn about yourself is to see how you react to new and different situations.

The most meaningful aspects of choosing a college that fits you the best is to focus on your learning abilities as well as the field you are interested in. There is a wide variety of colleges that specialize in different fields and that are well-known and recognized, therefore you should research which one would fulfill your expectations. Another consideration is the geographical location of the college to best fit the curriculum you are looking for. To fully take advantage of the college experience, it is essential to excell academically while maintaining a balance with the social aspects of going to college. Getting involved on campus can change these memorable years of one's life. The impacts one can make by volunteering are memorable for those who are being helped. Also joining student organizations or clubs permits students to interact and meet people they may never have met while having fun and making a difference.

Pick the college that feels right to the student.

I would ask students how they learn best. I transfered from a univeristy where many classes were over 100 students to a small college where the classes are maximum 45 students. This was a better learning environment for me and since the teachers got to know the students it expands connections and relationships. I would also pay close attention to the availability of resources. Here at Edgewood College I can walk into the student resource center and get a tutor, get help with a paper, get a job, update my resume all at the same spot. The college you look for should also have extra ciricular activities that interest you. I found that I can run cross/country and track here and I love it; there are also many club and activities to do outside of sports. Overall I think it comes down to the feeling that you get when walking on the campus and observing that options they have to offer.

When searching for the correct college, you must take your time. If you are to learn and fell comfortbale doing so, its a priority that you find a college that suits all your needs. That involves looking at all aspects from location, to class sizes, accesibility of professors and resources, and social events as well. Your college career only happends once, and so you will want to have everything right there at your disposable. When you walk across that stage on your grauation you want to feel as if you made all the right choices and feel a sense of a job well done. I made sure that I found a school that was just for me, and I know that I made the right decison. Everything that I wanted in a school is right where I am now. I think its also very important for parents to take an active interest in their childrens decisions. Most parents have been in this spot before, so their experience and knowledge should be used as much as possible.

First off, figure out if you want a state school or a small school. Do you like being in large numbers of people and being just another girl in a red shirt and jeans, or do you want to be immersed in a class room where your class mates might all say, " Hey, what a nice shirt you have on." or a professor might say, "Everyone who was involved in Mac Beth the production was amazing. I loved the lighting and costuming!" Talk to other current students on the campus, literally quiz their brain, "How is the food? How are the people? What clubs are offered? How are the classes? Professors? " As a prospective student, I would suggest that you consider an over night and visit in order to get a true feel of the campus and the environment. So you did the college search and now are off to venture your first year of college. Stay organzied with your dorm room, be outgoing and introduce yourself to lots of people, stay in contact with your professors each week and study 3-4 hours a night depending upon your course load. Above all things learn.