Hood College Top Questions

What I looked for most when looking at a college, was the size of the school and the programs it offered. I knew I learned better in smaller classes, so I stayed away from big universities, as well as any private schools that were well known. I looked with in the program I wanted, Environmental Science, to see if there were any specialty programs available. When I found out Hood had a travel abroad Coastal semester that could determine a minor, and give me credits for my major I was sold on the school. Know the specialty programs that are best for you, or your student, and know what learning environment works best for you. Not only will you be excited for school when you get up in the morning, but you will be a more sucessful college student.

College is the time in your life when you make lasting friendships, learn more than ever, and challenge yourself to be better. There are many factors to keep in mind when picking a college. The size should be a major factor. The environment of a college needs to fit the student. Many students do not use this as one of their deciding factors and are unhappy with their choices. Attending a small school I can say that the small school environment fit me perfectly. I liked the personal attention that you receive in the small classes. I was able to get to know all of my professors in addition to being challenged academically. At a small school like Hood I had the opportunity to play a varsity sport. Attending a division three institution academics was always put first over sports. The small school environment gave way to easily making new friends, an intense personal academic experience, and memories that will last forever.

I would like to advice parents and students that picking a college is a very big decision. I believe that the student should have a top choice on the college they want to go to. This is because it is important that the student feel comfortable in the school that they choose to go to. The parent should also be involved in the student's decision of picking the right college, but their role should be more of a supporter and adviser to the student. When the student feels comfortable with their choice of college, they might feel less anxcious and stressed. They will have a better mind set that will help them make the transition from high school to college an easier one. The student ends up not having to worry about the environment that they are in, they can put all their attention to their school work. In the end, it makes their college experience a good and hopefully a successful one.

Students: Find the school that bests fits your needs. Don't settle based on how much financial aid you get; there is always a way to make it work. Major in something that fits your interests and your career goals. Don't ever let anyone try to pressure you into a major; it's your life, you don't want to be stuck with a business degree when your heart lies with English. If you have no idea what you want to do with your life, don't worry. Take classes in a wide variety of subjects and don't limit yourself based on your own preconceived notions of what you'll be good at and what you're not. Get outside your comfort zone; it may be the best thing you'll ever do for yourself. Parents: Let them go out into the world and be themselves, but let them know that you're still available as a support line. Don't put pressure on them to major in something that makes a lot of money. They'll find a way to support themselves in a manner that lets them pursue their dreams. Students and parents: don't panic.

Go with your heart. Find a school that will give you enough individual attention if you need it. Go out and meet people, get involved with clubs and activities. Don't go home every weekend, even if it's close by. Stay on campus as much as possible to really get the full college experience. Study hard, but leave enough time for fun. Find a college with a good program for your major, but also offers plenty of classes in different areas so you can be a well rounded student. Remember that the people you meet in college could be your friends for life, so treat them well. Be yourself and take classes that interest you, even if it's outside your major. Who knows, maybe you'll end up falling in love with a new subject and switching your major. College isn't cheap, so spend plenty of time choosing the perfect one for you. Don't go somewhere just because your friends are. It's easy to keep in touch with old friends that go to a different college while still making new friends. Don't just find any college. Find YOUR college.

Choose a college that feels like home. Everything else will fall into place.

Hood College was the only college I applied to; I guess I was lucky in finding a school that felt right to me right off of the bat. That said, what's most important as a student is finding a place that you feel comfortable and can see yourself succeeding in. As a sophomore this year, take it from me; my top ten freshman survival tips would be: DON'T be a hermit, DO get to know your professors if at all possible, DON'T skip class (unless you're sick, in which case, please do), DO respect your roommates, DON'T overload your schedule, DO try something new, DON'T forget what you're at college for (the schooling/learning part), DO fight the Freshman 15 and DON'T stress about your major. It can be difficult for both parents and students to adjust to such major changes at the start of the school year, but if given their space, a student will be settled in and enjoying their newfound independence in no time. I learned a lot about myself and what I want to do with my life freshman year, and I think you will too.

The advice i would give yo parents and students who are looking for the right college is to follow your heart. If a school feels too big or too small initally it probably is, if a school doesnt fit in with your major or career path then it might not be right for you. make an effort to visit the campus of the school you are interested in because it can make a big difference in your decision.

The best advice that I do give everyone to make sure that the college is there for you and you will not just be a face in the crowd. Talk to the professors, students and community members about the school and what it has done for them. That will be the best way to find out. Also try to come visit the campus a few times through out the year so you can see what campus life is like. If you can try to come and shadow a student for a day. But the main point is you need to find a school that is there for you and willing you help you out to be whatever you want to be.

I would advise both parents and students to shop around as much as possible before picking a college. There are plenty of online sites that allow you to enter what you want out of a college and reciece a list of colleges that meet these requirements. (The Princeton Reveiw for example). Don't ignore all of those postcards and information packetts that come in the mail. Consider each one, go visit any college you think you may like. Ask your friends where they're going and what other colleges they looked at. They will give you the real deal on the colleges they've seen. Spend a night at a few of your final choices. The more you know about a school, the better-informed of a decision you will be able to make. Once you've made your decision, make sure you remember why you're going to college. You're going both to learn and to develop life skills. Don't just study to pass tests; study to know. Also, try to rely on your parents less. Sign up for tutors, learn how to manage your finances, get a job, learn how to live life as an adult.