Grand Valley State University Top Questions

When looking for a college you need to make sure that the college has things to offer you. For example you will want a college that has majors that you would be interested in, a school that has many students that are involved in extracurricular activties, a college that is student friendly that has places for you to study, eat, and hang out. One thing to look at is the social life. Some schools are party schools and if a student isn't studying they are partying, if that is something that you would not want to be a part of you need to make sure that you don't choose a school like that. Make sure to get involved in whatever school you go to. Although it takes up time, it gives you a chance to meet new people that you may not meet in your classes. Clubs and organizations give you a sense of belonging on your campus, a sense that you really did choose the right school to attend. Also when you are involved you have people there to help you on your schooling, people that are willing to be around to make your college experience remeberable.

It's important that you be open to ideas you haven't considered before. A lot of people have a certain kind of college in mind long before their senior year of high school, and that's okay. Nevertheless, once you start visiting campuses, you might realize that the place you feel most comfortable is nothing like the school you always thought you'd attend. Trust that feeling. It's there for a reason. Sometimes you won't know exactly what it is you value about a campus community until you see it. Once you get to college, be social! It's important that you make the effort to meet people during your first year on campus. I know it's cliche, but it's true. If you miss out on making friends then, you're going to have a lonely few years ahead. Remember that everyone is in the same situation you are. You all want to make friends, so don't be shy. Also, don't forget about your friends from home. Even though you'll all make new friends, they'll still be a great source of support for you while you adjust to your new life.

I don't like giving advice because many people experience things differently and everyone has their own likes and dislikes. But if you want my opinion, I say you should choose a school based on the qualities, education, and environment that you want to surround yourself in. Through my experience, I felt that I needed a school that I could fit in to and somewhere that made me feel comfortable to just be me. Once your in college, my one advice is: party hard but study hard too. For parents who tell their kids not to party when they're in college because it'll be detrimental to their grades, that?s not totally true. I feel that you should reward yourself if you're studying hard or doing well. You be the judge of how little or how much you party but be conscious that underneath all the fun and game there is a purpose for you being there. So, to make the most of your college experience, have some fun and let loose once in a while but know that your in college for a reason and get your degree!

~ I would inform students and parents of the importance of finding a school that fits their academic, socail, financial and personal needs. I would encourage students to visit a variety of colleges and actively search for what each has to offer. Once the student has found a college that accomodates all of their needs, it is crucial that the student has an optimistic attitude and is willing to step out of their comfort zone in order to meet new people and participate in new opportunities. In order to make the most of the college experience, it is vital that students are aware of the fact that they are ultimately in control of making their own college experience uniqe, worthwhile and life changing, and that they need to take steps in order to do so.

Advice that I would give to parents and/ or student about finding the right college and making the most of college experience is to look outside of the box. Many different states offer all types of college. If you know what you are looking for then go out and see the college. Meet the people that go to the college and work at the college. Visit the colleges webpage and see what type of majors they offer. There are so many different schools you do not have to go to one that is the most popular.

Do not go to a school just because your friends are going there. Choose a school that really fits who you are. At the right school, you'll be able to make new friends easily.

go with thier gut feeling about what to do then weigh out both sides and see which is the best idea

Look to make sure there are a lot of alternatives to drinking/drugs. Also, look for a nice campus...good physical environments work wonders on mood.

To find the right college for students it is important for students to visit the college campus. Students need to consider the surrounding area of the college, the availability of housing that is affordable, and to talk to students that are currently attending the college and see what they think of the program. It is also important to view the conditions of the faucilites of the campus.

I would say what just about everyone says, know that for 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure you want to go to that college. Do not base it on tuition, because a lot of schools give financial aid anyways. But really dig deep and do your research. Know what classes you need and how many credits it takes to graduate. Figure out approximately how long it will take you to graduate. I made the mistake of not doing enough research and I feel like I wasted money going to my college. You don't need to know what you want to do with your life, but don't make the mistake of choosing the wrong college. Also, do not hold back when doing school activities. If you don't make friends early it is hard to make any at all. Get out there and do whatever you can to meet people.

Tour multiple schools to see what you think of each. Don't limit yourself

Research

Go on a college visit! The atmosphere you feel then can make a huge deal! I had never even heard of my college, but found a brochure in my bedroom and decided to go. I fell in love with it and have not turned back since.

Make sure its a fun atmosphere as well as a school known for its academics.

I think that it is very important to not only find out about the college campus but also the area surronding the school. You also need to know how closely the alumni is with the undergrads, and what kind of advice they have to offer the students.

A visit to the campus is necessary. Sit in on a class if you are able to. That is the only way you can really get a feel for the school and campus life. Don't be afraid to ask questions during your visit. You are potentially going to spend four years there, so make sure you are well informed before making a decision. Look at a lot of different types of schools. You never know which one will end up catching your eye. Once on campus participate in clubs/activities. It is the best way to find people that share your interests. Talk to people in your classes. They will also likely share similar interests as you, and study buddies are important in keeping you motivated!

Parents: Let your child decide which school is best for them. Students: If there is a school that you want to go to but feel as though you should go to choice B because it is cheaper/closer etc... go to your choice A it will make all the difference. You will never be quit happy because you will always we wondering if the other school would have been better and even if the school you are attending works out alright you still wont feel good about it because it wasnt what you wanted. Its your future you are investing in so go with your gut you'll be more successful even if statistical wise it says otherwise.

Finding the right college isn't an easy task, but it can be done with moderate ease if a few simple things are taken into consideration. First, it is important to take a moment of introspection on the student's part, to determine what type of school environment would truly make them the most happy. For me, it was a medium size school with a beautiful campus. For others, it might be a larger party atmosphere, and for others still, a quiet liberal college. If you visit a school, and have any degree of difficulty imagining yourself walking down the sidewalk, greeting friends, and going to class, it is not the school for you. Second, it is equally important to know what sort of academic atmosphere suits you best. Large or small classes? Close knit community, or the ability to be lost in the crowd? Finally, it is cruicial to the college experience to live on campus during your freshman year. This is the time that you make your friends for the rest of your undergraduate career. This point I can't stress enough. It's absolutley essential! (And also one of the best times of your life!)

The advice that I would give to either student and parent is the same. How comfortable each feels about the school is how successful the students college career is going to be. No matter what the student says, their parents influence their decision on where to attend school. How comfortable the student feels in their decision will either make or break the confidence that is needed to succeed. This in turn is reflective of the parents need for a safe and secure place for the student to go. How comfortable the parents feel will help the students confidence level in their "independant" decision.

Visit multiple colleges before you make your decision. Having your top pick selected early may be nice, but be aware of what else is availible to you. Pay attention to not only the classrooms, but also to the housing and dining plans, the extra-curricular events, the on campus social life, and the other students walking the halls.