Lewis & Clark College Top Questions

I would tell them to look at as many places as they can, consider all different types of schools, even ones they wouldn't initially think they would like. College is a time where many people change their minds about many different things, and it's important to be open to change. Visiting a college is absolutely necessary to get the feel of it and an idea of how they would fit in. It's important to always remember that the years will go by quickly, and they're often said to be the best years of a person's life. Take advantage of all the opportunities offered in college because things will not be so easy in the future. Think outside the box in more ways than just your classes; it's a time to get to know yourself and people around you maybe in more depth than ever before. Do schoolwork that you're proud of, but don't overload yourself with it - having fun is essential. Don't be afraid to change your major many times, explore all the possibilities. Always stay true to yourself. Live, love, laugh and learn.

I believe that when choosing the right college, it is important to thoroughly think through what is important to oneself both accademically and physically. A school may have a major you are interested in, but if the class sizes are too big you might not get as much out of the classes as you would like. Another important factor when deciding on where you want to go to college is the college's location. If you are interested in a career in dancing or singing it is recommended that you go to school near a large city such as New York or LA. So consider these kinds of things before commiting to a school. When in college it is important that one realizes what their goals for their education are. Ultimately it is oneself who is in school, not their parents or their peers. In order to succeed you must be interested in what you are learning, because that subject interests you. If that is not the case, you become a robot walking from one classroom to the next .

To parents: It is your childs decision. You can help guide them, you can give them advice based on your experiences, you can shepard them all around the country by plane, train, or car, but it is the students decision. Let them make it. To Students: It is your decision. It can be life changing, but it might not be. It's not the end of the world if you make a mistake on where you choose to go, but it is a big decision so just make sure you've thought about it, trust your instincts, and you'll be fine.

My advice to students would be to make a campus visit before deciding where to go because the right school chooses YOU. Also, I would tell students to go in with an open mind and no expectations. Life moves too fast and things are constantly changing (interests, mindsets, peer groups...all of it!), so just go with the flow and know that you are not alone and that it will get easier. You will grow up faster than you expect, so have fun while you can, but not at the expense of your education. Appreciate that you have the opportunity to learn. I guess my last piece of advice is to stay true to yourself. When I started college I figured that at the end of my four years I would know exactly what I wanted to do with my life. I'm halfway through my fourth year and I have no idea. All I know is who I am and who I want to be and that makes me feel like I have made the most of my college experience and this is what I would say to prospective students.

Find the college that is right for you. Visit the campus, and talk to students and their experiences, but don't take everything away about a college based on just a few students' experiences. Make sure they have the courses you want in the fields that you are interested in, make sure they have the kinds of extracurricular activities you are interested, and make sure the campus is someplace you can visualize yourself living on for the next four years.

It is important to go with your gut and listen to your heart. Don't let anyone else tell you where you should go to college. Only the student knows the kinds of things they want out of a college experience, so go with that. If you find somewhere that will be perfect, don't let anything stop you from going.

don't worry there is a place for you out there. also don't count out allowing yourself the oppertunity o grow where you are planted

Visit a lot of different kinds of colleges: big, small, urban, rural, liberal arts or technical...talk to the students, sit in on classes, and get a sense of whether you could learn and thrive in that setting. Even though its hard, try not to let things like money or distance from home influence your decision. In the end, having attended a college that truly suits you and has allowed you to grow as a person will determine the value of your investment. Once you're there, make the most of your college experience by getting involved in the community. Participate in activities you're interested in to meet students with similar interests. Be open, friendly, and don't get attached too quickly to one group or clique. Remember that the best way to meet people that you can really enjoy and be comfortable around is to be yourself, not to try to impress them. In the end, the cheesy advice your parents gave you is really true: just relax, smile, and be yourself- you'll enjoy your college experience.

Make sure that you apply where you want to no matter what cost you think it will be. It doesn't hurt to apply and see the scholarships that they give you and see if it is worth going to an out-of-state school or a private school. If you feel a little burned out after high school, it okay to defer for a year and take a break. Because if you are already feeling burned out from school, it is no fun diving back into it again.

Go and visit schools. Consider all the options you have. If it is an option, try not to let money influence your choice. Speak to students. Take into account.Don't be afraid to leave home. Apply for scholarships and fill out FASFA!