Kenyon College Top Questions

I would personally advise parents to make sure their children visit the college before making a decision to enroll. This is important because all of my friends chose their school after visiting. Some of them immediately made Kenyon their top choice after visiting. Also, parents should allow their children to make their college choice based on what's right for them because what's right in the eyes of the parent is not always what's right for the kid. The student should be allowed to choose a school without their parents pressuring them to attend schools they want them to attend, and should support their child's decision to attend the school that is right for them. Also, I advise the student to not just choose a school based on its reputation because you may miss out on the best college opportunity by being a status seeker. That means instead of applying to only Ivies, students should look into schools with great academic reputations, but that also have more to offer than just a title. Not to say the Ivies haven't offered some people the best college opportunity, I'm just encouraging the student to expand their options.

As for finding the right college, definitly visit and see which one feels the best and at home. To make the most of your college experience, try to become involved in your college activities and don't be afraid to meet new peole or try new things.

The most important thing would be not to stress out too much about it. You will find the right college, and if not you always have the option of transfereing. College is important, yes, but don't over stress it.

I would tell students to make sure they visit the college and they like it because it will be there home away from home for gour years. Students should try something new that they wouldn't have considered doin in high school like a sport or a club. Parents should let their children go!!!! Don't call everyday freshman are busy with class clubs/sports and new friends. It is an important time to bond with others and they can't do that if the parents are always calling them!

Selecting a college is not about the "name" or recognition it has (you'll probably end up paying more for that anyway)--it's about finding a place that makes you most happy. For me, that was finding a place that would not only be physically beautiful and inspiring, but would also be a good support in helping me make academic decisions. With the right support behind you, you should feel free to experiment in what classes you take. You never know what may surprise you. Selecting a major is really about finding what you are most passionate about--what makes you most happy to learn. When i selected my school, the number of proud (and prominenet) alumni indicated to me that i had found something special. Even now, i have traveled to many countries, and have still been able to find people associated with the college who are always excited to talk about it. As a senior in high school, i panicked about going away from home. But i've come to realize that stepping outside my boundaries and going to the school i chose helped me to become so much more independent.