Gustavus Adolphus College Top Questions

Determine whether you would like to go to a small or large college first. Also, try to get into a college that is academically challenging it will really help you in the long run. FInancial aid is always an option for these high tuition private colleges.

VISIT overnight and try out what you're interested at prospective colleges

Choose the one that feels right.

Go where you feel comfortable. Ask tough questions to tour guides. Make sure that the school follows your values, but also keep an open mind. Even if a school doesn't seem to have the same beliefs, your beliefs may be strengthened. You are going to college to learn for your career. Make sure that that is the number one priority of the school.

Go with what FEELS right, not where you THINK you should go or where others think or want you to go. If you're not comfortable where you attend, you won't have the right experience and won't be able to grow.

Stay over night to get a better understanding of what the college is really like. It would be best to try to stay with someone who is invoolved in things that you like to do so you can get a good feel for what your experience will be like. The first year is really hard; just push through and you will be all right.

The student needs to feel like they fit in academically and socially. It can't be one or the other.

Where the school is and what programs are available aren't nearly as important as what the people and students are like on campus-whether there is a community feel. Make sure to talk with people on campus and see what they think about it. College is all about building lasting relationships and memories-as well as academics.

Like any experience in life, we must take chances that are presented to us by taking full advantage of them. After having open heart surgury 2 months before I came to school, I was stressed about what my future was going entail, and worried about fitting in and having people accept after such an invasive surgery. I pay for college all on my own. Someday I want to attend graduate school to become a doctor in psychological therapy. My goal is to help teenagers who suffer with depression and anxiety. Because I went through these kind of problems myself, and after having 4 people close to me either commit suicide or try to attempt it, I wanted a chance to help face the evil of this terrible disease. So I followed my gut feelings that were leading me in a positive direction toward this school, and with help and support from my parents, it was the best decision I could have made. I have experienced so many downs in my life, but I truly believe that there is always a positive, good side that can overcome anything that tries to hold you back. You just have to believe in yourself.

Visit campus and ask yourself, "can I really see myself here?" When the school is right, you just feel it. Keep visiting and keep applying until it's right.