Gustavus Adolphus College Top Questions

One thing that surprised me in my college search was how helpful college visits were. I had done a lot of researching online about which colleges met my "requirements" and offered interesting programs. After visiting over ten colleges I found that my number one online pick turned out to be the worst fit for me. Most likely you will switch your major at least once during your time at school. You need to feel confident that the people you surround yourself with will help equip you to reach your goals. Visiting a campus while school is in session helps you get a real feel as to the academic and social life. Don't forget, touring the town is just as important as touring the actual campus. Finally, don't be afraid to look at the more expensive private colleges. With financial aid and quicker completion of programs it might end up to be about the same as a public school.

Know what your passions in life are and then find a school with similar values. Not only will you enjoy the school but you will find people from various backgrounds have your same dreams and ambitions. This will create foundations that lifelong friendships are built upon.

To any graduating high school student and their family, I would strongly recommend going on an overnight visit to the top colleges they are thinking of attending. A student can get a much clearer idea of the social and academic landscapes of their potential home for the next four years when he is allowed to experience the students and campus from a less sheltered and manufactured version than the admission office would allow. Also, when a student is without his parents, he may be able to ask questions and interact with students more genuinely. Furthermore, many schools will set up individual meetings with new students and faculty members, coaches, and head residents, which can help to answer questions you may not have even thought of yet. Schedule an overnight visit. You may be surprised how much your ideas of a college may have changed from a slightly extended visit. Regardless of whether your thoughts of that school were improved or tarnished from the overnight visit, you will be glad you did it.

Start early Visit colleges while in session. Make sure you sit in on a course, talk with a professor or coaches, etc. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

I am an admissions tour guide at Gustavus Adolphus College; therefore, I have an enormous and direct effect on students choosing whether or not to attend Gustavus. I am frequently asked why I chose Gustavus. The number one thing I tell students is that you will only be in college once and you want to enjoy your college experience. Consequently, I feel the biggest contributing factor for me in choosing a college was to find a school where I felt comfortable and could see myself living for the next four years. The college experience involves a maturation process including the ability to become more independent, rely less on your parents, and acclimate yourself with the transition to the real world. On top of academics, sports, and other facets of college life contributing to a college decision, I strongly believe that to enjoy your college experience you need to fully immerse yourself and relish everything about being a college student. It doesn't matter if you desire the large college atmosphere in a metropolitan city or the close-knit family feeling of a small private school, the college experience is one worth remembering. Don't miss out!

Don't be afraid to apply just for the heck of it. That's what happened when I applied to Gustavus and it happened to be the best decision of my life so far.

Anywhere you choose to go you need to give it a chance, a fair chance. Things tend to work out for the best.

There really is a "feeling" you get when you are on the campus of the college you know you want to attend. Be patient and be willing to work with admissions and finacial aid counselors when deciding on a financial aid package from the schoool you want to attend. Also, be proactive about getting all documents and requirements done as early as possible. Good luck with your search.

In terms of finding the right college I would definitely schedule campus visits to any college you are considering. In terms of making the most of the college experience, be sure to get involved in a lot of things on campus. Try to find something that interests you. If you don't find something right away then keep trying different things. This will help you discover what you like doing and help you make friends along the way.

visit the colleges beforehand, make sure it is your childs decision, don't worry about cost (you and your child will be in debt no matter where they go, consider it an investment for a better education), prepare for college during the junior year of high school (start saving earlier for spending money), understand that location is important (big city vs. small town and distance from home), i didn't want to be too close to home, but not too far away. college is not like high school, you need to work hard for your grades, or you will be booted out (a gpa below a c is not accepted). understand how to manage your social life and academic life in a balanced manner. be social, don't be afraid to make new friends because they will be some of the best people you will meet in your life (high school was fun, but college is 10 times more fun). the key word for college is balance, you must balance your life in order to get the most out of your college experience (studying, friends, going out, dating, work, drinking, down time/relaxing, etc.).