Gordon College Top Questions

I would tell myself to not let people influence your choices. College is all about finding out the real you and becoming confident in it. It is a magnificent time to also question things that have bothered you or you do not know about. Being involved in things that you enjoy and love are great ways to meet people and professors who can help you in your future career/lifetime. College is not like high school and it is easy to let it go into that mold; dont let it! Allow yourself to be challenged and do not give up. Professors are very helpful and want to help you succeed if you take the extra step to communicate. You should also not judge people by looks only. Especially in college, there are people from different cultures, backgrounds, countries, and beliefs that can help to open your eyes to things you never knew. College is about the opportunity and taking a risk. Don't be afraid but embrace it. Things will not always work out, but you will find your true friends for life in college that will help you through. College is an open door, step through with confidence!

Work hard, because when you look back it's all going to be worth it!

Don't have too-high expectations for what friendships are and will be. Just let them form as they do, and enjoy them. Let the ones that will be strong just grow over time, don't force them, although you don't want to sit back and do nothing in them. In all things, give thanks to God (as I Thessalonians says) and remember the reason for what you're doing. Also, my high school self, the linguistics major won't be around for one year. No need to stress about a major during freshman year, cause you'll love linguistics once you start it!

Develop good study habits now! it only gets harder to do so the older you get. Your parents are great and they know what they're talking about, keep an open communication with them!

Try to avoid NOT being picky about the school you choose. The college you choose should fit every criteria you have; it is, after all, your home, school, and hangout for the next four years. Look at their facilities, their extracurriculars, and the class size. Make sure it fits your mold! Once you're at that school, get out there and meet people! Don't be afraid to get involved in all of the crazy extracurriculars they have. Play sports, even if just intramurals, join a music group, or go volunteer. Work hard and don't lose sight of your academic and career goals. Study hard, play hard, and have fun. College will be the most challenging, yet the most fun and rewarding, years of your life.

I would advise students and parents to take a broad, nation-wide view of the many different colleges and universities in the United States. Next, students should choose the type and size of college they would like to attend. For me, I wanted a small Christian liberal arts school with around 2,000 undergrad students. Students must think whether they want to go to school in the city, suburbs, or rural area. Finally, students NEED to go on campus visits during the school year if possible so they experience the campus dynamic. Overnight stay is ideal for students to fully experience student life. To make the most of the college experience, I highly suggest that students spend at least one year in an on-campus dorm to meet many new people and build a living community. To make a comfortable adjustment, students should work their way into intramurals, clubs, social gatherings, etc. slowly, so that they don't spread themselves too thin too soon. It's important for students to receive a broad knowledge of everything the school offers first, and then choose 1-2 things to passionately pursue so that students more actively contribute to life on campus.

Get involved in one or two excurriculars and devote yourself wholly to those, you will be much happier than if try to do too much.. especially freshman year.

Choose the college that offers courses in the subject(s) which you are most passionate about. Aim to find the perfect path to your desired or best possible future career. Do not settle for anything less than what you believe you need.

A student should have some feeling or another that "This is the right school". Although anxiety may still be present, choosing a school involves careful descision making, but it also requires a feeling of contentment or excitment towards a particular school.

It is a very difficult process for both parents and students, but the students need to realize that no matter what college they decide to attend, there are going to be some things there that they will not like. Parents also need to realize that their kids need to decide on which college to go to and learn to trust in their kids' decision.