Keystone College Top Questions

Choose a college that you or your child wants to go to, not what they can afford to settle for. I had to settle with an affordable school and I regret it. However I made the most of my college career by making friends for life and learning as much as i possibly can!

The first thing you want to do is tour the college. If you don't like just how it looks then how can you like it for two or more years? Next, talk to students who already attend the college you're interested in. If you don't like what they are telling you from a student perspective then maybe that school isn't right for you. The key point is that you have to make sure you like the school, and that you are comfortable with the environment the college is in. Once you start at the school you have two or more years ahead of you, you want to make sure you pick somewhere that will help you become great. For parents, make sure you don't pressure your child, they are attending the school not you. Offer them advice and see the colleges with them, but remember that they have to live with the decision that is made. What you should look at is the financial part of schools. Help your child understand just how much they will have to pay and what schools are better in that department. College is not as scary as it seems!

When seeking out the right college it is important to take into consideration what one would like to come out of the experience with. Affordability, knowledge, careers, and friends are the key factors in having a successful experience. The campus should be suited to a lifestyle one is accustomed to, or would be most comfortable in. For example by choosing a smaller campus with small classrooms and a sense of a tightly-knit family, it can be benefitial to academics by getting to be closer with faculty and one-on-one time. It can also benefit socially by having many activities to participate in and meet other students. To make the most of the experience one should take hold of all the opportunities the chosen college has to offer. There are tons of activities, tutoring/counseling programs, etc.. out there. Be involved in committees and clubs that go out into the community and around campus. For as much as college is costing these days, be sure and get the full money's worth out of it and one will be happy and successful.

There is a quote from one of my favorite musicals, in which I took along with me as I was searching for a college and still hold onto this day. It is a quote from "Wicked" the musical, where Elphaba sings, "Everyone has a chance to fly." I took this quote from the song with me because I beileved that college was my chance to fly and expand my knowledge in Art and Education. My mother as well took this quote with her and knew that together we both needed to find a college that would allow me to fly and become what I am ment to be. As a student, when you take the first step on a college campus, you must feel as if you are able to spread your wings and feel confortable with your surroundings. The people there are welcoming and you can set you wings at ease because this is a place that feels just like home. A student does not make the most out of their college experience with their wings clipped, they must use them to guide them through with ease and support from family and friends.

Don't go by just going to a school that has your major. Go to a school where you are actually a part of the community and not just a number.