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.