Hood College Top Questions

let them choose where they want to go

In choosing a college, visit the college on a school day, mid-semester. This way, you will see the college in full-swing, but before students are too busy and stressed to talk with you. Talk to students you run into on campus, instead of relying fully on what you learn from those employed by admissions. Attend a few classes. Talk with the professors. Go inside the dorms. Visit overnight. Go downtown and see what life off-campus could be like. Visit colleges that are different from one another, so you will be able to compare. Your college experience is completely up to you. Professors are most likely to take time with students who are clearly invested in the material. Time management and self-directed study are invaluable! Get outside your "college bubble" and become involved in the community. Get a job off campus or volunteer. Go out to eat. Walk around. Make friends in the community, as well as on campus, and be sure to seek out those who you feel are different from you in some way. Be open to change (parents too!) and take every opportunity to grow. Study, sleep, and always stay open to new experiences.

take trips to several kinds of campuses, close/far, big/small, etc so you have something to compare

Make several visits to the campus and talk to the students who attend perspective schools. Be sure to ask questions that pertain to what you are looking for in a school and not just the general expected questions.

As a student, determine what you want to get out of your college experience. Do you want to join sororities and fraternities? Do you want to be a dedicating fan of one of your schools sports teams? Do you want to be taught by well established professors? It is the student's job to determine what is most important to them. College is a once in a lifetime experience and every university has different strengths and weaknesses. Maybe you prefer smaller class sizes or plan on living in the dorm facilities for a few years. Determining what is most important to you helps narrow down the mass of Colleges and Universities. Once you find a school that fits the majority of your needs, it is your responsibity to make the most of it. College can be whatever you want it to be. YOU make college what you want it to be. Get involved in things that inspire you. No other time in your life will you be offered with most of the activites you recieve in college. College is not only to learn, it is to inspire you to grow into the person you want to be in the world.

Research the school very thoroughly, but most importantly go to the school and visit the campus and talk to current students. Ask a mixture of questions to a variety of different people and hope that they answer you honestly. Think about what you would really enjoy, and if this school will achieve your goals and dreams, as well as help you grow as an individual.

College visits are the best way to feel if a college is right for you. Research and brochures will only get you so far. College is about a lot more than the academics, and some things just need to be felt. Parents should know that just getting your kid to college isn't enough. It has to fit... almost like a shoe. There is a style, shape and comfort level for everyone -- make sure you try it on.

Don't work too hard. GPA isn't everything when you're looking for a job.

In order to ensure that you find the right college and are making the most of the college experience, I would avise to visit different schools and selesct a few to stay at overnight (if that program is available) just to see if you are comfortable in that environment. Further, I would asvise to read about what students have to say about the school. Look up some of the professors in your prospective major to see their credentials. Also, see how the college is ranked nationally, especially for your intended major. Make sure it is not in a secluded enviroment so that internships are close and available.

Be open about your child's options. If he/she wants to attend an art school in the big city, or a small school in the mountains, you need to remember that this is going to impact their success for the rest of their lives. Be open, be creative, and be supportive.