Lafayette College Top Questions

When the student is looking at colleges, he or she will just know which college feels right. It is not about applying to as many as you can just so you feel safe, you need to focus on the ones you really love and put the most energy into them. If you do that , your applications will show more passion and increase your chances of getting into the schools you really want, versus you sending in the same, monotonous essay to every school.

Advice that I would give to parents and student in regards to finding the right school is to START LOOKING EARLY!!! I have found that if the college search process is not rushed then it can be more enjoyable and the student is more likely to find a good fit. Consider all options when looking for schools, and look at many different types. It is important to look at the different sizes and styles of schools in order to find the right one and hav a successful college career. Moreover, I think that it is important to go to a school where the students have the same level of motivation and drive and are looking to succeed and thrive. When your surrounding peers have goals and aspirations it is more likely to succeed and push oneself as an individual as well. Also a final word as to how to make it a great college experience, take chances, risks, and any unique opportunities that may present themselves. Get to know as many people as you can because you never know who may have a positive impact on your life! :]

While the application process is typically daunting, students should still try to enjoy their senior year in high school. Your senior year is your year to most excel in sports and other activities. There is not necessarily a "right" school for anyone. The best you can do is visit schools in which you believe you would fit acedemically. Then, see how you like the campuses which you visit and look at student life and activities on campus. Talk to students on campus to get an understanding of what classes they take and what activities they participate in. Remember, if a school choice does not have an activity in which you would like to be involved, you can always start it yourself.

The right college is not just one college. You need to find a few colleges and visit them and see if you like the atmosphere. Look at their websites and make sure they have extra curicullar activities you are interested in. Do the students focus on academics or alcohol? This is an important question. In order to make the best out of a college experience you need to get involved. Play a sport, join a club, volunteer with others at a local animal shelter or retirement home - this is also the easiest way to make friends in the begining. Also, get involved academically - talk to your professors during their office hours, ask them about their research and if they are looking for any research assistants. Talking to your professors can help you get valuable research experience and also excellent letters of recommendation for when you graduate or are applying to a job.

Apply anywhere and everywhere. Visit anywhere you can, but not just for a day tour; do an overnight with a student if possible. Students should try to be open minded. Most students can be happy almost anywhere if they get involved and take advantage of what the school has to offer. DONT STRESS OUT. You'll end up somewhere great - and on the off chance that you dont, you can always transfer; but give the school at least 3 semesters before you do so.

I would advise parents and students to be thorough in their research of the college before deciding on a final choice. I would recommend that the student get a feel for the campus by staying over for a night or two - many campuses have these opportunities. There is only so much that a tour guide or website will tell you, but actually being on the campus and interacting with others when current students are in their element will be a stronger indicator of the student's experience if they choose to enroll.

Find somewhere were you can grow into the person you want to be. Acknowledge all aspects of life that will affect you while there and weigh them accordingly.

Make sure you know what the school is like before enrolling. Academics should be the top priority, but it won't matter if the student is unhappy. Also, for minority students, if you have not attended a school that WASN'T predominantly minority in the past, don't assume it will be all bad; it just requires more effort to adjust.

pick a place you think you will happy... and a place you think will help you succeed.

Choose the place where you feel you fit best. Where you will get the most out of your choice, and will feel the most comfortable.