John Brown University Top Questions

What should every freshman at John Brown University know before they start?

Andrea

Ask questions and continue to look. Look for a place where you feel you can succeed, that has your interests in mind. Take a college day and visit the schools you are interested in. A school looks a lot different when you visit it than on paper or over the phone. While in college, be dedicated in your school work, and choose a few specific activities/clubs to be involved in. Try to not make yourself too busy, but instead enjoy what you are involved in without stretching yourself to thin.

Danica

Finding the right college and making the most of the college experience are some of the most important things in a young person's life. First, students must find the colleges with the right location, cost, programs, and size to satisfy their expectations. Then, they must decide how they want to spend their time during those college years. In the search for the perfect college, students must keep in mind their desires for their specific experience and how each prospective college may help or hurt them in that pursuit. However, it is important to get a feeling for the different colleges and go with one's instincts for the final decision. After students have chosen their colleges, they should think about what they want out of the time they will spend at their given college. Do they want to give their time to clubs, sports, music, or other extra-curricular activities? Will they participate in or attend specific school functions? There are so many options to choose from and the best way to make the most of the college experience is to take it one day at a time and one commitment at a time.

Hannah

The college search can be stressful. It seems like such a momentus decision to make. You're asking youself, "what should I major in? Where do I want to be?" While it is important to look for a place that will best fit you as a person, in the end a place is only what you make of it. I have found that the small everyday decisions that you make matter just as much or more than those huge looming decisions. My advice to you is to get involved with campus events and organizations right away during your feshman year. You can handle it. It is a great way to get to know people and start forming life long friendships. Don't go home every weekend if you are going to college near your home. You miss out on campus life if you don't put down some roots and get involved. It's important to do your best on your school but it's also important to know when to take a break and invest in friendships. College can teach you so much about people. Grasp every opportunity to grow.

Shannon

My advice that I feel would be most beneficial to students and parents who are searching for a college is to make sure they apply to many different colleges and completely weigh out their options. The most important thing is to make sure that the chosen college is a place where the student is comfortable and that the parents see it as a good environment for their kid. Another really important factor in choosing a college is making sure to take God's plan for the student into account. Make sure you pray to God and listen to see where the best option for the student is. I wish you best of luck with your option and may God bless you!

Angela

You should pick somewhere that is not a party school. You aren't paying oodles of cash to go have fun. You are spending it on a good education. Pick something academically based. You can party for free outside of the school.

Laura

Choose a college that fits you and your degree. Research and ask questions.

Ky

It is important to have some idea of what you are looking for in a school. The best way to find out is by visiting a variety of different colleges. As you visit make notes about what you do or do not like. It can also be helpful to list school qualities in order of importance. In my opinion, some of the most important aspects to consider when looking at a school are: academic excellence, faculty quality and interest in students, and the dynamics of the student population. It is the people that will make your experience worth while. In order to have the best experience at a school, it is important to invest time in relationship and involvement. Maintaining a balance between your socail and academic life should be your top priortiy. Asking for help and involving professors and friends in as much of your life as possible will help you succeed in both of these areas.

Danica

Parents know that finding the right college for their student is important. A specific college experience will have an effect on the rest of their child's life. But who's the say that there is one "right" college for each person? The key is to find the one that will best match the goals and personality of the student. Small, large, Christian, state, liberal, conservative, ect. Then, it is up to the student to take it from there. Students should do what they can to have the best years of their life while learning all that they can about the world and their future. They need to get involved in school activities and cultivate school spirit, as well as focus on their studies and do their best in every aspect of their college career. That way, they will not leave that phase of their life with regrets--only with a tangible way to make their dreams happen and a bright future ahead of them.

Rebecca

Ask lots of questions about the major you want to go into. Make sure you know what's going on in your program and anything else that inovlves you. Do not settle for less than what you can get.

Stephanie

I would tell students to look where their passion leads them. The school that the student picks will allow him/ her to grow for the next 2-4 years. College is a great place to grow into the person he/she is meant to be, learn about the world and their profession, and to interact in relationships that allow him/ her to flurish. College is a great experience, so look for a place that offers a wide variety of what the student is interested in. It is extremely important to learn, but it is also extremely important to engage in activities that will develop the student and make friends that will impact the student's whole person. Try new activities, meet tons of people, engage your heart, soul, and mind. Be wise, be intentional, and have fun!