Knox College Top Questions

I would tell parents not to pressure their kids too much into making quick decisions. I would advise anyone to keep their horizons open if they don't know what they want. You might be surprised what catches your eye when you're exploring. To get the most out of college one should get out and try new things. Even though new experiences and environments can be terrifying, its well worth the initial pain to make connections and utilize what your college has to offer.

Research colleges, a lot, big ones, small ones, liberal arts, other kinds, more than you would ever want. Then visit those that sparked your attention the most. Ask questions about the college and what happens after graduation to students passing by and to alumni (ask the school, they usually have a list on hand of alumni willing to be contacted by prospies). And if you are like me and usually don't have any questions until after you're gone look and listen while you are visiting, talk to students. Get a feel about the kind of people who go there. And if you think of questions afterwards write them down so you don't forget them next time you visit a college/talk to someone. There are only three questions that really mater when you decide on a college: Is this place academically sound? Could I live/go to school here for 4 years? What can I do once I am out? The rest isn't really that important. Because as my father says "Education is the only thing no one can take away from you" and "don't let schooling get in the way of your education". ;)

Pick a college that feels right to you, not because of the cost. Any college that has a few of your interests will help you decide what you want to do, even if you're 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure you know what you want to do, you might find something else that you want to do insead.

During my college application process, when I asked my parents this question, their answer was, "Whatever you do, do not let cost be a factor!" That is why, despite the fact that I am struggling to pay my own way, I chose to attend a school that is best-suited to my aspirations at a four-year institution. My only constant source of trouble is my perceived inability to fund my continued enrollment at a school, who's spiritual essence, or creed, when followed to it's natural conclusion legitamately scorns the very notion of paid tuition. Sadly, since our society has not yet realized that such institutions are the fundamental backbone of technological and social evolution, cost continues to be a 'V.I.P. List' that serves to divide the social classes, when a diploma in our society is a ticket to the middle-class. So before the system is reformed, your options are to pick a fat university where you can get a processed degree and be shoved through the system like anchovies, or submit yourself to debt and attend a school where your educational experience ammounts to more than just a multiple choice exam. FREE UNIVERSITIES PLEASE!!!

When choosing colleges, for many students, it starts out with hundreds of choices about the size, location, and price of schools. In reality while financial constraints are a major factor in choosing a school, I believe that in order to find the right school, it just has to have the right feel and really define the people who go there. Once you've visited many schools of all shapes and sizes, that's when you should make your decision. While Ivy league schools are great, most people can't afford to go, so instead of wanting an education that's grossly over-priced I say choose the school that feels right, that fits your own individual personality. When you do find the school that fits you, you'll know exactly how to get the most out of the college experience. Just make sure when you do pick that perfect college that you know the people you meet there will be life-long friends and will help you indefinitely get the most out of attending college.

My biggest advice regarding the college search is to not stress over it too much. I know that choosing a college is a big step, but it is important to remember that "the right college" cannot be found through some miracle formula. Mostly, your college is what you make of it. I think that any college has the potential to be "the worst college" as well as "the best college," but it has to do with a blend of whether or not the school fits you as well as whether or not you are making an effort to have the best college experience. Don't be afraid to try out for a sports team or a play; don't stop yourself from talking to that person sitting near you at dinner. However, if the school is just not fitting your needs, don't be afraid to consider transferring. It all comes down to whether or not you think you are receiving the best education to achieve your future goals.

Please visit the campu and classes and ask yourself, does this fit your lifestyle and your way of living your life.

On selecting a school, I would say that visiting each school while it is in session and the student body is visible is key. The websites, admissions counsellors, malings, pamphlets, and other sources that students use to judge what school they should attend are not enough to make a fully informed decision. These sources provide important information to narrow the search, but seeing the campus and its inhabitants can prevent a good admissions campaign from becoming a negative college experience. In order to judge whether one will fit in well on a campus, they must be able to see the student body interacting and going about their day, so winter trips where many students opt to remain inside may be less productive than visits during periods of nicer weather. As far as making the most of the college experience, I have one piece of advice; don't let any oppurtunity or activity that interests you, even slightly, to go ignored. Look into everything that could hold some enjoyment or benefit, you only have 4 years to experience life as an undergrad so make the most of it.

Pick somewhere that you know will be the best academically--don't go to a school for the people, or because you know there will be a lot of parties, or because you think the dorms are pretty. Go to a school that will give you the strongest education and academic experience--after all, the purpose of college is to learn and prepare yourself for the future. Otherwise, you are just wasting your money!

I highly suggest visiting and even staying a night in your prospective school. Talk to a variety of students, even the ones who don't like your friends in high school - not just the admissions counselor. Apply to a lot of schools, at least four, so that you are not stuck in the end as I was with just three. Take the chance of a more challenging school over an easy school - you can find easier classes, and you can adjust. It's better to be too busy than to be bored. And once you get to school, be open and crazy and excited, look into studies, arts, and genres you had not before, and walk into rooms full of strangers with a high-held chin and with ands extended in friendship. Don't be afraid - you have your whole adult life to be anxious and fretting over taxes and job-cuts and spouses and children. Instead, be bold. Know yourself, and if you don't, then find yourself and enjoy it. College is now, and only now.