Gonzaga University Top Questions

I would tell parents to let their child decide. Athough money is an issue do not cancel off a school just based on that factor. Money is something that can be fixed through financial aid, scholorships, grants, and work-study. If a child walks on to a campus, spends a day there, and really feels at home it is a good school choice for them. I would tell students to find schools with the degrees they want to study and then go and visit those places. Don't go to a school that doesn't feel like home to you. As for making the best of the college experience, enjoy every minute of it. Be free, independent, smart, and have fun. Parents don't try to be too protective or you will push your child father away. Let them go and be independent for once. Give them a chance to be responsible and successful on their own.

You should visit the schools that you are interseted in. Go on campus tours, and look around the grounds for yourself. Do research on the schools that is by professionals and also students.

Being from Hawaii, the hardest part of my college search experience was being able to visit college campuses. I visited none on the mainland and visited only one in my home state. Upon arriving at my chosen university in late August, I wished I had visited behorehand. Having previously seen the campus and the area around it could have easily changed my decision. Being able to experience the university before deciding is an important part to making the "right decision." Knowing the environment of and around your campus is equivalent to knowing the house and the neighborhood you are going to live in for the next four or more years. (That's pretty important to know beforehand considering what a longterm investment college is!) As for experiencing college itself, I feel the most important aspect I can improve upon is simply putting myself out there. New experiences and lifelong friends do not suddenly exist as we sit waiting in our peaceful, secure dorm rooms. The greatest and most important risk in college is allowing ourselves to "lose ourselves" in a way and experience what is out there - letting both the good and the bad create what is unique about us.

Make sure to visit a few colleges before settling on one. Just because a college has good stats and looks good on paper does not mean it will fit your (student's) particular personality/disposition. Also visiting a campus will allow you to hear, straight from current students the good and bad aspects of the school (make sure to talk to more than just school ambassadors/ tour leaders) . If possible, sit-in on a class or two in an area you/your student are interested in to see if it seems like you would do well in that kind of learning environment. When you do decide on a school and you arrive on campus, be friendly with your dorm-mates and be open to trying new experiences, but never be afraid to say no if something doesn't feel right. This is how you will make friends that believe the same or similar things as you do. Mainly, as you go through college- Be true to yourself in everything you do.

During my college selection process, I found the most beneficial decision making tool to be visiting the university while school is in session. This allows for the college-freshman-to-be to attempt visualizing themselves on the campus, as well as getting an idea of what the other students are like. Prior to the fall of my senior year, I visited numerous universities and ruled out a large number of them just based on my experience with the campus and students. In order to make the most of the college experience, it is crucial to get involved. Take advantage of all the university has to offer- whether it be athletic events, open-mic nights, or late Sunday night church services. These four years are an incredibly unique time in the life cycle, and will never be replicated further down the road. Though it is important to study hard to earn that six-figure income, or whatever your professional goals may be, it is also important to occasionally stay up until 2am on a Tuesday night just to eat cookie dough and enjoy the company of the the other 300 18-year-olds that happen to live right down the hall.

The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing a college is the social environment. What to look for in each college's environment depends on what the student wants to get out of college as well as what fits the student best. There are many things that should be considered in searching for the right school: academics, size, athletics, resources, and location are just a few. Some colleges are very big and have almost unlimited student resources. Others are more limited in facilities and student resources but offer a much more personal connection academically and socially. Although college is largely about expanding horizons and stepping out of comfort zones, it is important that students choose a school where they feel comfortable. Students will be studying, working, and living on campus in, what is more than likely, a completely new lifestyle. Simply living away from home will be a large strain on many students; therefore, students should find a school that allows them to feel comfortable and accepted to make the transition easier. The sooner students feel at home, the sooner they will be able to focus on classes and be able to discover who they are.

.In order to find the right college for you, first invision your dream college. Think about the atmosphere that you can realistically see yourself at. To make it easier, start with the basics; small or large, location, class size, athletics, etc. If these agree with you, then your have made it to the second step. Look at your testing scores and grades, are they compatible with the school? If so, then go for it! You have nothing to lose by applying. After the application season, start comparing the financial aid of the colleges you applied to. This may or may not eliminate some schools, but it should indicate which schools offer the most aid. These are the keepers. When your acceptance letters come in, hopefully all your hard work paid off. Some schools give financial scholarships with the acceptance letter; if they have gone out of their way to make you want to attend, then go and visit the campus. But what if you are still unsure? Think about all the blood and tears shed for AP exams, SATs, doing sports, and other extracurriculars. If you feel the school was worth it, then you will have a great college experience.

If you never had that dream college, it can be frustrating to pick the one that fits you best. I suggest three important steps to choosing the right college. The first is to make a list of schools that offer areas of study that you are intersted in. The second step is to visit the potential school. You must feel comfortable on campus and make sure the facilities are in good condition. You should also like the city in which the school is located. The third step is to talk to current students and professors of the school and specifically ask what they do not like about the school. This will aid in making a pro/con list of attending the school. In order to make the most of the college experience, the first focus should be on your studies. This will help develop passions and interests. Taking a chance to do what you can with them will help you learn what matters to you and how to put it at the forefront of your life. Explore the city around the college. Volunteer around the community and you may just discover what you want to do after college!

For parents and/or students searching to find the right college I would suggest to start applications very early, and to apply to as many schools as possible just so there are more options available. Plus i would say try to live on campus in a dorm freshman year/ it is definitely a part of the college experience. Don't live with your best friend. You will not be best friends with your first friends you meet so don't expect that and also don't expect to find your best friends in college/ or even right away. Try to get a job on campus and apply for scholarships. Overall enjoy applying, make sure there are several available choices for you and have fun!

Forget money...