Gustavus Adolphus College Top Questions

Well, hard to offer general advice given my personal idiosyncracies but I'd reccomend that if you don't have any close friends at the end of your freshman year, don't come back. And don't go out of state for the sake of going out of state, have a real reason. Oh, and pick the most bang for your buck, not just what superfically appeals to you or appears to "want you the most". Websites will tell you most of what you need to know, so as long as that shit is mostly equal PICK ON COST AND PROXIMITY, not the stupid, aforementioned intangibles.

For me finding the right college was relatively simple. The second I stepped foot oncampus I knew that I wanted to spend the next four years at Gustavus. The campus was beautiful and I felt like the administration was very open and accepting. The advice that I would give to parents and future students looking at prospective colleges is to really think about the fact that this will be your home for four or more years. You need to pick a school that you feel comfortable in and that can become your home away from home. While academics are very important and the reason for going to college, there is more to the college experience than just academics. You also want to consider what the social scene will be like. There are schools where this will play a significant role in your college experience and at other schools you can decide how much the social scene will be a part of your life. Ultimately I think that this is a decision that only the student can make. It is their future that they are starting and a decision that they will have to live with.

let the kid choose

To find the right college, find a college whose values match yours. That needs to be your first priority. If you don't, you will never be satisfied with the college's decisions because they will never represent you fully. Some schools list their values in their mission statement; other schools, you may need to call and ask about. If you narrow your choices down to schools that share your values first, the rest is easy. To get the most of your college experience, find a good balance between academics, student organizations, and social life. Sometimes these can overlap (e.g. Greek organizations are great as a student organization and for social purposes). If you find a balance, you will learn what you need, get the experience you need, and develop great interpersonal skills (and life long friendships!). This will get you the maximum fun while at college, while giving you the skills you need to succeed and have fun after college as well.

I would tell anyone trying to decide on a college to look at whatever interests them. It is not good to have regrets so make sure you always at least try-even if you think it is totally wrong for you at first, you could end up falling in love with it. Also, always do an overnight visit. It is so crucial to the college experience and picking the right school. While in college make sure that you find a good balance between academics and social life. Get yourself a good group of friends and make sure you stay in contact with your family- they are so helpful with whatever you may need. The first year, mainly the first semester, is going to be really tough at first, but it gets better and better and eventually you will fall in love with the school and be able to call it home. Just always make sure you give the school some time before deciding whether or not you hate it.

I would suggest going to the school and asking students who aren't assigned to tell you what the school wants you to hear. Go into a dorm and ask a few random students what they think. Otherwize personally, I would suggest looking at another school. The education I am recieving isn't worth 38,000 dollars per year. The school administration disgusts me.

If I could give any information to High school students before they choose a College or University; I would tell them to take as long as theey need to decide and to make sure that they visit the school more then once. I think that the most important part of choosing a school is how it feels. How you feel it fits with who you are and what you want to do. I feel that visiting the school more then once gives you this perspective. I believe that when you are visiting more then once, go with your mom once and then your dad the next time, and then both parents at once. Somtimes parents can be a little controling when they visit ta school for the first time, especially if you are a first child. So remember to take your time and make sure the the school has the right fit for you!

Firstly, I highly suggest sitting in on classes. Sit in on a class for a possible major AS WELL AS one that you expect you may not enjoy. This will give you an idea of courses within your prospective major as well as those that you may not like very much/excell at. This is important as it gives you a glimpse of how the college will suit your strengths and weaknesses. Secondly, you may want to stay overnight. It will give you a picture of the social scene. Granted, there will be things you won't see - both good and bad on every campus - but you will become more familiar with students' attitudes. Community/campus-life can make you either ecstatic or miserable, so look into it. Don't forget financial aid! Your "dream" school may be a severe detriment to your family; and you may love another just as much. Finally, explore extracurriculars! Academics are one thing, as are the people there; but many people's passions lie in other activities. So whether you are a musician, artist, or athlete etc., explore what your college has to offer. It may even be what finally attracts you to it!

You'll know what school is right for you, it is a gut feeling that tells you where you belong. Trust yourself! Don't make this decision because of money or where you think you should be, go where you want to go.

College selection can be stressful and overwhelming, as it will be home for the next four years of your life. It is important to tour colleges to see if the campus feel is right for you. This will also allow you to meet students and professors. It is important to keep up in classes, do the readings, turn in homework and papers on time. This will keep your grades where you want them and leave you with less stress. Get involved. But not over-involved. This is how you make friends and enjoy your time when not going to class or studying. A lot of time, your college experience is what you make of it, so most importantly, do what you need to do to be successful in your classes as well as making good friends.