Grand Valley State University Top Questions

Ah, it is amusing to think of myself as I was in high school. I was a good student, a hard worker, avidly involved in marching band - and quite attached to home life. When I went off to college, I had trouble finding friends and did not have very many from back home I felt seriously attached to, so I spent my weekends at home with my family. If I could give my high school self any advice, it would be to form closer relationships to my friends in high school. Not only would this have given me someone to at least talk to if I had trouble making college friends, but I would probably also have had an easier time finding people to connect to once I got to college, having had more experience in realtionship building. By now, I have a solid group of friends, but it has taken me a year to forge these few relationships. So, to my high school self: Don't work so hard. Have some fun!

Visit schools and find your fit.

I would just say to start looking ahead of time. Dont wait till the last minute and just apply wherever. make sure that you have options. also make sur ethat you visit the schools and meet with the counselors.

We have it drilled in our heads from the time we're very young that we should go to college. The problem is no one can really tell you where the best place for you is. I'd love to tell you the answer, but I can't: it's up to you. Research schools and find those with courses and extracurriculars that match your interests (if you're not sure, look for one with variety). Talk to current students or graduates and ask them about their experience there. Consider your chosen major (if you have one) and what you really want college to be like for you, and find a school that appeals to those goals. Tour the campus: for me, someone who really didn't know where I wanted to be, the campus was a major deciding factor. When you arrive at your school, even if you're scared, try to "break out of your shell" and be social- attend orientation, join clubs, speak up in class, introduce yourself. College is so much easier when you can share the experience with others. Just be sure to find the balance between your social life and your true goal: education.

I would advise students to not only find a school that's best for them academically, but find one that makes them the most comfortable socially. Once they find this school they should talk to as many people as possible and get involved with something they enjoy and don't be afraid to try new things because they may find that they might love it.

Parties are fun to go to once in a while, but when you are constantly drinking, you are wasting your time and thousands of dollars. Don't fall into that.

Find a college that is in the right price range for your family economically. Also find a college in a diverse area, this will allow your student to have a fulfilled college life and a fulfilled education. These factors will create a greater positive reaction towards their college career and their future.

Advice that I would give to parents and students thinking of going to college and where to attend is to visit the schools. You get a good idea of the school when you are there visiting and interacting with the students, staff, and faculty. When deciding what college is best for you, think about what is important to you and research those items on the college's website. If you are unable to find it there, ask someone at the school on your tour or call the university and ask. Someone should be more than willing to answer your questions. As for making the most of your college experience my advice is to be very involved in any on campus activities as possible. There are sports (university and intermural), activities, clubs, and many others that you can find fun in doing and meet many great people also. But also be sure to leave time for your school work because in the end that is what you are there for. Time management is the key.

I would tell future students to study what they truly love and want to do, not to let themselves be forced into something because it might make a lot of money in the future. A lot of students don't even end up doing what they majored in and school is stressful enough to be doing something you don't enjoy. I would also tell them to live on campus so they can participate in clubs and groups a lot easier. Also I would tell students to study abroad because experiencing the world is the most wonderful experience. It really allows you to learn more about yourself and others around you. Also sleep and naps are best friends, don't leave anything until the last minute especially studying because staying up until 3AM the night before will make taking and exam that much worse.

Make sure you're not going just because of whats is the "cool" school to go to. Example was my Senior year my classmates thought MIchigan and Michigan state were the schools to be at. I got into Michigan state and thought this was it. Luckidly one of my teachers required us to go to 2 other schools and write a paper about why our college choice was better, or what features didn't you like about the school. I ended up going to Grand valley state University and couldn't come up with what i didn't like about it. It was absolutly the school for me. I'm glad I ended up there.

I would recommend applying to and viewing as many colleges as you can while in high school just to keep your options open. I did not check out very many colleges, although I was fortunate in attending one that I really enjoy but not everyone is so lucky. Most universities offer roughly the same opportunities (sporting events, social clubs, academic majors, etc.) but it's the smaller things that count.

Be sure to visit the college campus, as well as speak to administration at the school. Keep an open mind as well. You never know, the school you choose may be the best school for you.

First, decide how far you really want to be away from home. Remember, even if you are excited to get away and start your new life on your own, you are still going to get home sick and being in another state where you are totally unable to get home is going to make your life miserable. After you decide that, search with those specifics in mind.

The most important thing to remember when choosing a college is to NOT follow the crowd . What fits for your friends, may not be the best fit for you. It may be tempting to follow friends and classmates, but its important to consider your needs and comfort. If you are nervious about "going it alone" at a new school that is okay, most new college students are. Just remember that your new dorm-mates are in the same position as you and are eeger to make new friends too. If you are a shy person, like myself, I found that joining a campus club or organization really helped. This places you in a smaller more controlled environemnt, than the dorms, and this can really help in forming personal relationships with new individuals.

First look for something where the student is interested like history, art, or science. Then look at the campus because honestly the student will be living there and studying there, they need a place that fits them.

To parents or students looking for the right college I would advise to visit. That is the most important thing when chosing a college. I did not visit Grand Valley before actually attending. If I had visited the three colleges I was admitted it would have made the deicision easier. It is a waste of money to take the risk of sending your child to a college they end up hating. In the end, if credits do not transfer then parents are wasting their money. Parents want their child to have the best college experience at a school they love. Students should visit the school and figure out if it feels right to them. If a student visits a college and liked the feel then most likely will enjoy attending there. My best advice is to visit the colleges the student might want to attend.

Pay attention to the opportunities available to you at any college you apply too and pay attention to the amount of scholarships they offer. Choose the college that would make you happy not your parents.

My advice would be don't be afraid to explore. Ask questions. Take trips to colleges even if it is several. Find out as much information as your heart desires. College is teh time in your life when it now becomes your decesion to coninue your education or not. It is not required to go to college. College is when you have to make decesions for yourself and follow your own heart. Get involved with clubs, organizations, sports, events. College is the time when your getting an education to make a career out of one day so enjoy it while you can. I am a student whois transfering to a university from a college. I started out a college fresh out of high school. I found that it is not the place for me. I feel lost there and left out. So I encourage you to consider other options, dont regret going to a college then deciding you want to transfer. Its ok to not find your place, but then take the steps needed to do so.

Parents: Although it may be tough, allow your child to walk to the rope on their own and explore new things. Make sure to call every once in awhile, because no matter what we say, a call from home always makes us feel safe. Students: Be ready to work, hard, but also be ready to make those lifelong friends your parents are always telling you about. Focus on your studies because when you become a junior/senior you will really be happy you stayed focus. Get involved. Being involved is so crucial. Most of all, find the right path for you, because in the end you will be living it and you never want to look back and think "I should have done that." Of course, have fun, too!

Be sure to take time to check out where the student will live and visit the surrounding businesses and city to make sure that not only will campus provide an enjoyable atmosphere but that the area provides some fun as well.