Lehigh University Top Questions

Consider yourselves a team. Having parents and students work together in the search process is ideal because the more input you get the better. However, besides financials, the choice should be put in the hands of the student, after all, they're the one whose going to attend school there. Next, keep your options open. There are lots of schools out there, and you will probably have difficulty at first, but visit as many schools as possible because it's the best way to find out if you could see yourself there. I knew I wanted to go to Lehigh the moment I arrived on campus and not a second before. To make the most of your college experience, take your time; you probably won't know what you want to study right away. Try a variety of courses and activites and narrow from there. Find something that makes you happy, whether you're good at it or not; the worst thing you can do is do something just because you're good at it because you'll end up hating it if it doesnt make you happy. When you find something that makes you happy, you'll be successful.

When searching for a college, do not limit yourself to the colleges you hear your friends and family mention, and do not limit yourself to school rankings. While some schools are better than others, there is much more to college than taking classes relevant to your career path. College is a time where students learn how to be responsible, take care of themselves, and explore the world in a unique way; the time you spend at college has the potential to develop an individual's character and personality and can serve as a crucial stepping stone into the real world. How can you make the most of the college experience? Remember that the most expensive colleges aren't always the best, so don't worry about being limited in your "experience" because you aren't spending $40,000 a year on college. Take courses you normally wouldn't such as a religion course or economics - without throwing yourself out there you will never know what other interests you may have. The most important thing to learn while at college is learning how to balance activities. Learn how to balance out friends and homework, clubs and sports, or grades and fun.

It is definately very helpful to know what you want to do before you get to school. That way, you are very motivated to earn a high GPA from the start, rather than find out later what it is you are interested in and then become excited about working hard to excell.

I would advice students to choose the college that makes them feel most as if they were at home. They should use factors such as size and academics as a guide but not allow simply those to base their decision. Also, the student should weigh all of the pros and cons and visit as many schools they are interested as they can. Parents should be there to help their young adults in narrowing down their choices and well as give them a wide array of options. They should not limit the student to colleges only the parents are intetrested in, but allow them to choose one they feel they will grow most as a person and student.

College will be the most memorable 4 years of you or your son or daughter's life. Visit campuses to see if you want to be there for four years but most importantly make sure the college has what you're looking for academically. Make sure the college is flexible with major changes as well. Not many people graduate from college with a degree in what they thought they wanted to do freshman year.

Be sure to talk to students who are do not work for the school - ask those walking around, ask people that you/your child knows about whats it really like. be sure to talk to people in and out of greek, different majors etc etc

As parents and students begin the process of searching for a college, they need to ensure that both are on the same page. Attending a college or university can be a very expensive experience. They need to discuss financial limitations, if necessary. They should also consider the distance of the college from home, and how the student will travel back and forth, another financial commitment. Most importantly, the parents need to allow the student to attend the college where they feel the best connection. Parents may want to plan their child's life in terms of career, school, internships, etc... However, this will doom the student fromthe beginning, unless they are in agreement with the parent and truly share the same vision for their future. A school that was right for the parent 25-30 years ago may not be the same school. Parents need to allow their student to explore life in a way that opens their minds to ideas and challenges for their futures. Understanding, patience, and an open mind are the best things that both parents and students can have in delaing with each other, and in dealing with the process of college life.

When looking for a college it's not just about some preconceived checklist. It's mostly about how the student feels on a campus. If i chose my school based solely on its gym, building upkeep and reputation there is no way i would be as happy as if i had just followed my gut. Choosing a campus is all about the atmosphere. Try and get to know people and deffinitely don't apply early without staying overnight-this was a pivotal experience for me. As for what happens when you actually get there? Go to orientation, meet as many peopole as possible and if your school has one enroll in a pre-orientation experience. I met 100 students before I even truly walked on campus and it made me feel so much more comfortable with fellow first years and upperclassmen (upperclassmen lead the trips at most schools.) Find things you like to do clubs, acapella groups, community service organizations and go with it. Talk to people in your classes-I've made great friends that way. To make the best out of college try new things you never thought of before. Study often but have fun-its college!

Always be sure to check out everything, and not just academics. Talk to other prospective students and especially students that are already attending your choice schools. Understand what the school is going to offer you and your future and whether it is worth the cost. Discover all activities and sports that you would be interested in joining, as well as whether or not you are interested in Greek life. Decide the types of things you will be studying and be sure that your school can help you as much as possible in achieving your goals. Most of all, make a close-knit group of friends that will be there for you throughout your college experience; then live it to the fullest.

When you find the school right for you, you will feel it as you tour. Once you're there, make the absolute most of it. Try things new to you, take risks, have a blast. Study, but don't let class rule your life. You don't have class on the weekends for a reason. Don't forget to breathe.