Gettysburg College Top Questions

Have fun and enjoy everything to the fullest.

Choosing a school is a personal process and knowing what you want is key in making this decision. I think the first step is determing what you want to major in or what you might like to study and find out which colleges offer this. Next, there is the basic criteria of what you want in a school. This includes size, location, cost, class size, campus resources, social life, etc. Compile a list of colleges/universities you are interested in and gather research and resources on these schools. Then, weed out certain ones based on the previous criteria that is most important to you, until you have a managable list to apply to. The best way to get a feel for a college is to make a visit and take a tour. If possible, meet with students and/or stay overnight. Visiting is very important as it really affect my decision in choosing Gettyburg. The last step is to apply to the schools that match your criteria and make a final choice on the ones that accepted you.

don't settle for anything less than perfect

Choose a college that offers a variety of majors, especially those you feel may interest you. Talk to current students at the institution and ask their opinions. Student to faculty ratio was important to me. College is the best thing ever created. It is a not only an opportunity for education, but also a great learning environment for other important "life lessons" that can not be taught, only experienced. Work hard, go to class, and have fun!

Pick a college that fits, not one with a reputation!

When students apply for college, they must consider tons of information. Financial aid, the availability of majors, class ratios, on-campus housing, career placement, recreational facilities, Greek life and diversity are among the hundreds of factors the student must consider. Urban or rural. Large or small. Practical or career-driven. However, most of the criteria are inconsequential. Students, you need to rely on your instinct. Sit down under a tree or on a bench of the school and simply think, will I be happy here? Do I feel I belong? Look around and picture yourself in the area. Despite your classes and research projects, GPA and soroities, this college will be your home for at least 4 years. Yes, think about the academics that you need for your proposed major or field of study. But remember that your interests wax and wane. You will make friends wherever you go. But you aren't just school shopping: you are looking for a place to live. Find the right habitat and the perfect expierence will surely follow.

You need to find the college that you feel the most comfortable at. You may realize that this was not your first choice when you began your college search, but it feels right when you get there. Do not worry about whether or not you have friends there. If you do not, ther are people who are attending the same school as you in the same situation. I suggest that you stay overnight at the schools you are trying to decide between because this will give you a better idea of the social situation. Most schools have students who volunteer to have proepective students stay with them. This is a great opportunity to also make a connection at the school. All in all, it comes down to whether or not you think you will enjoy four years at the school both socially and academically.

Parents: The most important thing for you is to let your son or daughter make the decision for him- or herself. Give them advice, if they ask for it, as parental input is oftentimes the best there is, but remember that you aren't the one spending the next four years at this school; your child is. Students: Go with what feels right. While the opinions of your parents, teachers, and counselors are important and valuable, the final decision is up to you. Look for a school that fits YOUR needs rather than the needs of your parents or other relatives. You need to be able to make the best of what your school has to offer, so make sure that the school you choose actually offers what you need! Once you've found the perfect school and are attending it, be sure to go out on a limb on occasion. It's hard, but it will be worth it in the end. Make a new friend, join a different club, or take an unusual course - you never know what may happen.

It's okay to jump right in and go for something. However, no matter how carefully or randomly you choose your school, there is a chance that it might not be the best thing for you, and don't let that faze you; transferring can also lead to a positive and rewarding experience. The exact titles (prestigious school name, difficult major) mean less than the experiences you gain, as I have learned from recently graduated friends, so just be sure where you are going contributes just as much to your personal and professional growth as it does to your academic growth. Also, be sure to GET ENOUGH SLEEP!, and to have a lot of fun :)

My best piece of advice would be to visit your top choices before making a decision. The school I chose wasn't my top choice and I almost decided to not even bother visiting it after visiting my top choice turned out to be a huge disappointment. But my Dad convinced me we should still go and I am so thankful because I fell in love with Gettysburg and spent an amazing four years there. Had I not visited any of my schools I would have probably just chosen my original first choice and ended up transferring after a semester or two. Instead I graduated in four years, had amazing experiences with all of my extra-curricular activities, and made friends that I still talk to every day, even now that we're living on opposite sides of the country. For making the most of the experience I'd say get involved, whether it's sports, music, Greek life, etc. Being able to do something to help the campus community is a great feeling and really enhances the whole college experience.