Lake Erie College Top Questions

What should every freshman at Lake Erie College know before they start?

Jess

Look for the college that suits you. If you want to be a number with not much interaction from your peers and teachers, go to a large university. But, if you do not mind smaller classes where teachers know you by name, and can end up building a friendship with them, choose a small school. These small classes allow for deep discussions and allow for you to get to know your classmates and professors and build lifelong friendships. If you are interested in sports but do not want it to take up your whole life, opt for Division III or even Division II schools. At the Division III level, you can still enjoy your sport, get your school work taken care of, and still have a social life. Plus, just because it isn't D1 school, doesn't mean that it's not competitive. And finally, if you want to stand out, go to a small school where your face will be recognized from everyone on campus, where you enter a building and know the majority of the people in there, where you are comfortable and relaxed. College should feel like home.

Ryan

Dont be so worried about college and the education part. pay attention to out side of the classroom you learn alot there.

Ashley

For parents it is key to be supportive of your students no matter where they choose to go. For students go with your gut and pick a school that fits you. And it is always okay to change your mind if the school turns out to nto be what you needed or wainted.

Cameron

My advice is to the students, since thats the point of view that I have. I would tell any prospective student to really be careful when they weigh out their pro's and con's when looking at a school. Make sure that they address all areas, such as academics, social life, distance from home, setting (rural/urban ect) athletics, and look at them all individually because each of these is so important when it comes to how much you will enjoy where you are and be comfortable, which is a major part of succeeding in school. It is also a strong recommendation to spend some time at the school, many althetic team arrange for prospectives to spend a day and a night on campus, but all students should request this so they can get a feel for the school and not just a memorized speel on their guided tour. Asking to sit in on a class that you will be taking is also a recomendation.

John

I would advise parents and students to take their time and really take a hard look at all schools they are considering. Be sure to visit each school, possibly more than one time and students should tlk with their parents about what they liked and did not like about each school. To get the full college experience the student needs to go through the process of visiting multiple schools and maybe even visiting some schools even if they are not interested at first because you may end up liking more than you think you would. Every school has great aspects that make that school unique and students should really take their time in considering which school to attend.

Ahren

Find a school that feels right and try to get away from home, you'll be happy you did.

Nicole

While it is important to think about what you want from your college and assess it on that basis, don't undervalue your gut feelings. If you analyze why a certain school felt wrong or right, you'll probably find that there are logical reasons for those feelings. Once you're in college, what you get out of it is pretty much equal to what you put in. Even if you feel that your classes are not challenging enough, you can learn by putting in more effort than might be required to pass.

Jill

Be open minded and know that the right school is out there, and you will know the minute you step on that campus, that that is where you are meant to be.

Erin

I would say to let your son/daughter choose what is right for THEM not for YOU. It is where they are spending the next 4 years of their life. Let them make that important decision. Forcing them to go to a school they don't want to go to causes depression and low work ethic, so let your child be themselves and choose what is right for them.

Vanessa

Attending College is a very important step in your life. Therefore take your time choosing a college or university and start your search early. Attend a college or university that will provide you with the best education you need for your career field. This does not mean picking a college or university that is the best known world wide, but pick a school you will learn best at. I chose Lake Erie College because it was a small school. I was comfortable at a small school, people knew me, the faculty knew me by my name not a number, which made me feel at home. The small campus was not overwhelming for me but inviting for me. Attend a college that best fits you as a person. Once you find the school that best fits you, make sure you get involved and experience new things. Getting involved at your college campus is very important; it provides contacts and great references when applying for jobs after graduating. Also, college gives you so many opportunities such as seeing the world. Take advantage of study tours and studying abroad because you never know when you will be given the opportunity again.

Rachel

Speak with students of the school you are looking at - DO NOT rely on just the students who are officially "representing" the school for tour or promotional purposes. I wish that I had.

Ben

You need to find a college that fits your needs. If you want to get into something and the school doesn't have it then rule that school out. It is very important to find out what the college has to offer. Another thing is financial aid. You need to figure out how much the school costs and how much financial aid you would be able to get. If a school is way out of your budget there is no point in going to that school becuase you cant afford it and there is a good chance you can get just as good if not a better education somewhere else. Another thing you need to look at is location. If you are use to the life in a city it will be more difficult to go out to a country area where there isn't much to do around the campus that doesn't take 30 minutes to drive there. So its best to stay in a more familiar surrounding so you feel more comfortable and can get more accomplished because of it.

Rachel

Making a college choice is a huge decision in a student's life. This is where they will spend the next few years of their life, so they need to be sure and happy about their choice. To make sure of this, its important to visit the college. Before you go visit, you should browse the school website and find out what you can, and make a list of questions to bring with you on your visti to ask your tour guide, conselor, or anyone else your meeting with. The student should picture themselves as a member of this college and how they will fit in. A college decision cannot be made based on friends or someone else's opinion of the school. The most important thing is wether or not it has the student's major. Then its based on if the student feel is has everything he/she needs in order to be happy and successful (location, clubs/sports, size, ect.) Ofcourse, there is always cost. Ask yourself if a school is worth the amount of money you'll be paying now and in loans for years to come.

Christine

There is such a thing as the perfect college out there for everyone. Its just a matter of getting out there and looking through all of them. I was never planning on attending Lake Erie College, I didn't even know it existed until a fellow employee of mine told me about it and I looked it up online. When I went for my first campus visit, the actual president of the college was walking around and introduced himself to me. The college was in simple terms, "nice" to me, which I look highly upon. It is all the matter of, as our collge puts it, "Get in and Stand out.". Find the college that appeals the most to you, try your hardest to get into it, find out about it, don't be afraid to ask questions. When you do get in, make the most of it by becoming involved in the things you love, or may never have tried before. Experiance new things, relive some of your old favorites. Do whatever makes you happy, and do everything you can, make yourself "Stand Out."

Mary

One thing I learned about picking colleges is that I should have visited a lot more colleges. Don't visit only a couple schools but different schools (universities, liberal arts, big, small) and if there is a way to spend a night or two there to really experience it, do it! If one is set on playing sports in college, really look into the programs and talk with not only the coaches, but the current players. Even attending a practice can really make one see how much they really would want to follow through with playing at the collegiate level. Living on campus is an experience in itself. The quicker you can be comfortable living with someone new, the quicker fitting in and just having a good time it will be. Going to class daily can boost you one level grade, in most cases. You will get the most out of class if you go everyday and know your teacher. GET INVOLVED! Go to games, volunteer, join clubs. You will never know who you can meet!

Tiffany

When you are choosing a college, make sure you are looking at least more than two colleges because you want to keep your options open. It should be there students decision on where they want to go to college because it is there experience and they need to start making their on decision. Make sure you visit the colleges that you are interest in and when you go on the visits you can ask any question about the school, your major you might be interest in, and how their experience has been at college. To make the most of your college experience is by getting involve in clubs, organizations, sports or intramural sports. You just need to make the best of your college years. You can still have fun while you go to college. College gives you the chance to be free, but also grow and become independent.

Ashley

Making the most out of your college experience is very important! College is often the most important time of your life. It helps you discover your future and leads you down the right path. To make the most out of your college experience, I advise you to do three simple things. The first one is to get involved with your school. Join a club! You will definitely make new friends and can also maybe make a difference depending on the club you join. The second thing you should do is to fill your course schedule and make the most of your money and tuition. Adding an extra class may stimulate a new interest in you also! The third thing that will help you get the most of your college experience is to focus hard on your schoolwork. You may not want to work hard with your new friends, new clubs, and extra classes, but I promise it will pay off in the end. Just ask me in 4 years when your college is completed and you have friends to last a lifetime and your dream job you have always wanted.

Lorin

When I was looking for a school to continue my education with I looked at many schools websites. I looked at the majors they offered, the sports available, and I always looked at a photo gallery or two to see what the campus looked like. I have played softball since I was a little girl and always wanted to play at the college level. I went to many tournaments and showcases (softball practices for a big group of girls from all over that college coaches attend to recruit players for their teams). I got recruited by a couple coaches and I really couldn't decide which one to go to. Some offered more financial aid, while others offered me starting positions. After many college visits and long car rides, I found the school I wanted to attend. It had a beautiful campus, it offered my major, and the staff was extremely friendly and eager to meet you. When we first drove onto campus I knew it was the right choice. It's a feeling of being home but away from home. It just feels right!

Brittany

The advice that I would give to parents and students when selecting a college is to make sure you do your research and find the college that bests interests you and you can actually afford it. I would also recommend students to be involved and social and get to know your fellow classmates. Students also need to be determined to do their best and to try hard.

Allison

I would encourage students and parents to look at what a school has to offer instead of the cost. Financial aid is always available, but by making the transition fron a 4 year public school to Lake Erie College was the best decision I could have made. The education is unparalleled. Yes, Lake Erie is much more expensive than my previous school, but it is so much more worth it. Students and parents should find a school where they can stand out. Small schools are also great for developing relationships with professors. Professors at Lake Erie know so much more about students than compared to a 4 year public school. This is very beneficial when applying for jobs after college.