Hamline University Top Questions

I would tell myself: You need to go to where you want to go, to a place where you are happiest as a person, and not to a place where your friends are going or where you are most comfortable. You need to get outside that comfort zone, do things you never would've done before, and revel in your ability to break free of your previous standards and enjoy it. Don't worry so much about the cost, but more of the experience. A lot of people are in debt, but it is what they gained while garnering that debt that sets certain people apart. Most importantly, everyone regrets certain choices, so don't be afraid to reconsider your options if you are attending a school you don't love or pursuing a major that isn't right for you. Take the time to truly know yourself, and then be yourself.

My advice in finding the right college is to go look at the place! Universities can be deceiving when reading about them in a borcher, so go on a campus tour/visit. My favorite was when I did an overnight stay on campus to get a feel of what students did all day long. I went to a few different classes that I was interested in and I stayed with a student that lived in the dorms, so it was really interesting to have like the 'insiders' view of what college was like before I actually went there. And while being apart of the overnight program, I met one of my closest friends that I have now when being apart of this activity. I've learned a lot about culture and diversity by just giving things a try and experiencing them - it really blows your mind that 1) you never thought you'd like this sort of things and/or 2) how many different people you meet from just being apart of something. So get involved!

I would encourage students to think deeply about the basic questions: what class size most appeals to them, what setting they want their institution to be in, the quality of on- or off-campus housing, the level of social involvement that they're looking for. After thinking about all that, students should visit their institution(s) of choice and stay with a student if at all possible, becuase while the administration does have the students' needs in mind, they are also trying to attract students with their own financial gain in mind. A student provides an honest, altruistic point of view about what life will really be like at a specific institution. Most importantly, start looking early. Scholarships and financial aid are much more accessible earlier in the college search.

First, shop around. Apply to a few and visit your top choices multiple times. Participate in weekend visits or welcome events if possible. Look for a college for YOU, not your parents. Let your parents give input but if you make a choice based on their wants and needs, you will likely be miserable. Once you get to college, JUMP IN. Forget whatever you did in high school and try new things, don't visit home every weekend. Don't be afraid to change your major, or double major, and take advantage of minors, you will want to be able to spin your degree to as many different fields/jobs as possible when you leave college. The first few jobs you get might have little to nothign to do with what you majored in. Take advantage of every opportunity given to you, study abroad, do internships, volunteer, it gets much more difficult to get those opportunities once you graduate. Lastly, have a blast, even if you go on to graduate school nothing will be like your undergrad experience.

Find a college or university that will accomodate your needs. If you become unhappy at how the school is functioning, productivity will decline and your GPA will suffer.

It helpd to know what career you would like to persue before going thorugh your college search.

Make sure you are cautioned that merit scholarships don't go to well-deserving folks as much as they will go to the trustee relatives and alumni children. Money talks at Hamline and if you don't have it , don't expect to be getting it.

Make sure the school fits in with as many intrests as you have.

Look at the fields you are interested in and the cost of the school and the distance away from your home. Small schools are more individualized, as well as seem to be more privatized and may be more expensive if you don't get a good scholarship. Tour a lot of different schools and ultimately, let the kid decide which one is most comfortable and accepting and warm to him. This, above ALL, is the most important factor.

The best advice to a student beginning the application process would be to actually visit each college or even stay overnight with a student. This allows you to get a feel for the atmosphere and the typical daily life of the college. Also, listen to what your heart wants to do and not what makes the most economic sense. Also, pick the school that is most comfortable to you and not just the school that your friends are going to, because you will find that your friends will change in college. To get the most out of your college experience you need to be involved in more than just academics. Try a sport if you can or get involved in the intramural sports program. If you are not involved in any sports there are always tons of clubs and organizations that you can get involved with. Realize that college is not only about getting a degree to advance your career, but is also about creating long-lasting friendships and relationships that will last for the rest of your life.