Lawrence University Top Questions

"Stop procrastinating!" would be the first two words out of my mouth, were I able to go back in time to see my old self, "Time ticks by a lot faster in college than it does in high school and time waits for no one or thing, including homework assignments and papers. In order to be successful in college, one needs to understand and master the concept of time and the concept of focus. Fun and free time will come all too easily afterwards. "Otherwise, there is no need to freak out about going to college. It really is as cool as other people make it sound. Just be yourself, set reachable goals, and be open to all the opportunities that await you. There are times when you will get frustrated. You will want to give up. You will want to cry and throw everything away. But be patient because there will always be good that comes out of it. Don't lose hope for yourself. Just take things at your pace and above all, love, believe, and create you."

First, identify what you want in a college as much as possible; for me, this included small size, small classes, friendly atmosphere, strong linguistic program, a study abroad option, and some kind of Christian fellowship. Then think about the colleges you're interested in, and compare them on each item. What programs are they known for? Do these line up with your interests? Are there extracurricular opportunities you are interested in? Then visit each campus, if possible, and interact with current students. Get an insider's view on the student life, campus culture, pros and cons of the school. Ask lots of questions. Don't be shy; most students are happy to talk about their opinions of the school, and you'll be able to tell whether or not they like it. Sit in on classes and talk with professors (or coaches, etc.) in areas you're interested in; find out what they've done and what students in that field typically do during and after college. Make sure you also get in touch with financial aid officers; your parents will appreciate it! You'll want to make an informed decision, so gather as much information as you can.

I would tell myself to have more confidence in my abilities. I attended a very academically challenging high school. It prepared me for college in ways I did not undestand at the time. Knowing what I know now, I woulf tell myself to avoid any anxiety about the college admission process because I would be well prepared for the academic part of the university experience. I would advise myself to spend more time making sure that the college I selected in a good match for me and that I will be a good match for the university.

One of the most important things in finding the right college is to actually visit the campus. No matter how much literature you read or how long you spend browsing the website, it is very difficult to get a sense of what life is like at any given college without actually seeing it for yourself. When you are physically on campus, you get an idea of what the atmosphere is like, how the students interact with one another, and the surrounding area. Once you have chosen, try not to dwell on your other choices- it might not feel right immediately, but if you spend all your time thinking about where else you might have ended up, chances are you will miss out on a lot of what makes your college special. Get involved as soon as you arrive. Don't be afraid to join a club on a whim; it may turn out to be a major part of the next four years of your life. Leave your door open and sit down at random tables in the cafeteria in the first couple weeks; everyone is equally anxious about making new friends. Make the most of the time you have!

look at all sorts of schools when you are searching - small, medium, and big. even if you think you know which type you would like to attend - see them all!

To find the right college, visit the campus on a non-visit day to get the real feel of the day-to-day, and do an overnight stay. You'll know the college is right for you because it has the right "fit". Often different schools will have equally nice cafeterias, swimming pools, and music practice rooms, but one will FEEL right for you. To make the most of yoour college experience, try the things you think you might like! You can always narrow down your interests. Don't go home for the first several weekends you're there. It may be hard, and you may be homesick, but it will get better only by getting more comfortable at school, not by avoiding it. Talk to you professors and advisors. They're often cool people with a lot of interesting knowledge and experiences, as well as understanding for being a student.

Follow your gut instincts. Prestige, cost, and parental desires won't amount to much. Only the time and experiences from your college will matter.

Don't choose a a university just out of prestige. Make sure the academic life suits you and that the social scene gives you a good vibe. No matter how much you might think you belong in a place because it has the right reputation, you'll be miserable if you don't jibe with it. I know tons of people who had a great time at undergrad, and a good handful that were much happier when they transferred. Take your preferences seriously.

I would tell students to find a college where you can envision yourself enjoying the next four years. Of course you need an institution that is academically notable! At the same time, you need a place with a healthy social life and extra-curricular activities in which you can later say that you were a part of something important. If you can find a well-rounded university, you are in excellent shape to thrive in the future.

Don't turn away from a liberal arts education because you think it's impractical. I got a job in business with a liberal arts degree, and got promoted faster than all of my peers who had business degrees. My college experience taught me to negotiate, to write well, to speak publically, and to think on my feet. After four years of a liberal arts education, I had no trouble learning financial accounting on the job. Many of my peers from Lawrence had similar experiences.

Ultimately, I believe that admissions people at the colleges are the best at figuring out what school you belong at. If you are not admitted, for the most part, there is a reason for it, and it is likely not really a good fit for you. That being said, when you look at all of the acceptance letters you get the choice is yours. I think it can be agreed upon that you are going to college to help you in your professional career not simply to have a good time or find a life partner. So that needs to be the primary consideration-- which school has the best program in the field you think you want to go into and has connections and alumni support? If you don't know what you want, then you need to make sure your school has a good counseling system. If you are away form home you are going to rely the most on your advisors. It is important that you have a voice and a face to your advisors. If you feel comfortable speaking honestly with them then you will never have a problem through anything from switching majors to transferring schools.

No matter where you go, you can make the best out of your experience

Pick the college that you can see youself being happy and challenged at. Keep your dorm room doors open when you're inside, because that's how you meet people. Be humble. Don't expect to be the brightest or most talented, because chances are, you won't be (even if you were the brightest or most talented in your state). Do as many activites around campus as you can. Talk to your teachers during office hours or after class. Try to date different types of people; avoid remaining with your high school sweetheart all through college (at least take a break from them and see what else is out there). Don't whine about how much work you have, because the person listening most likely has even more work to do but is keeping their mouth shut. Most important, enjoy every minute, because college goes by fast and you'll miss it when it's over.

Find the college that overwhelms you with how much you may learn there. Let that college also be one that is small enough for you to feel important, yet big enough that you don't feel trapped. Let this college also be filled with the types of people that you will get along with and learn from, not just in classes. Find a college with challenging professors who go above and beyond for you. Find a college that turns you on academically and socially, and never hinders either of those lives you lead. Don't let this college send you into bankruptcy, but remember, if the college is the right fit for you, consider sacrificing now for all the gain you will have later.

Parents-- Pay attention to your children from early childhood through high school. Appreciate their creativity. Get them excited about learning by challenging them, encouraging inquisitiveness and stimulating their curiosity. If children are given the freedom to find answers for themselves early in life, their experience with-- and thereby their understanding of-- the term "learning" will not carry competitive, laborious, and restrictive connotations. Parents need to acknowledge that their children are separate entities. Parents should be unbiasedly present to help their children realize any unique strengths and talents and to encourage children to pursue their niches. Parents can only give children the tools to make wise decisions: it is up to the children to use them. Post-secondary education is the trunk of a tree, and a student will succeed most when given the space and time to realize what branch they would like to climb out onto. There is a persistance and drive behind a student who has made the conscious decision that college is the right path for them. After this realization, it is fun for a student and their parent(s) to work together and find the college which fits the young scholar's needs and niche best.

Do not go somewhere just because you feel like you should-- explore and think hard about what kind of environment you will be happy and successful in. Do not go somewhere simply because it is the hardest school you could get into-- select a school based on how much you will be able to succeed there.

Take charge of your own education. Find a school that will foster your personal, academic and creative developments.

Look around and don't give up!

I would recommend that high school juniors research schools that they think are a good fit for them and organize visits to these schools. The campus visit is an invaluable opportunity in determining how a student will feel and do at that school. The student should pick several of these schools to which to apply. I would recommend starting the application process early and allowing time for revisions to applications. Because the application is the only means by which admissions committees can get to know a student, it is important that the application is well written. In order to get the most out of one's college experience, several things are necessary. First, the student must realize that he or she is there for academic purposes primarily. By succeeding in this realm, the student will have many opporunities open to him or her later in life. Secondly, it is important to get involved in various activities, but it is important to remember not to spread yourself too thin because these opportunities can become draining rather than a release. Additionally, by talking to tutors and professors, the high school to college transition can be much easier.

visit the campus, and try to talk to current students in the field you are interested in.