Lewis & Clark College Top Questions

Don't stress out too much because you'll find the right school for you, even if it's not the first one you go to. Evalute all those basic questions like how many people you feel comfortable speaking in front of, if you even want to speak in class in general, what you want your community to be like, where you want to grow up and spend four years of your life, etc... they really are important questions. Think about what things you'll want to do besides school work and make sure where you choose is conducive to those outside interests. If you are able to visit the campus and try to hang out with the kids. Most people are very warm to prospective students and want you to make the right decision for you. Definitely attend a class if you can and see how comfortable you are with the setting and how interested the students seem in the lecture as well as in their teacher, since those are important signs as well. And honestly, go somewhere pretty, because when you start to miss home an ugly place is no fun.

I would advise students to look for what THEY want, not what their parents want. Mom and dad really do have your best interests at heart, but they aren't necessarily the best judges of where you should go to college. You should find a place that feels like home to you, regardless of what they say about it. If a school is right, you will know it. The best way to get that feeling is to visit the campus, and especially to do overnight stays if possible. That's the best way to understand what daily life is like there, so you can base your decision off of it. If you get a mediocre or negative feeling from a college, then you're unlikely to be happy there. Trust your instincts, and you should end up in the right place. If aren't confident with your decision, remember that if worst comes to worst you can always transfer to somwhere else--you're signing up for a school, not signing the rest of your life away.

Use your gut feeling. You know what feels right when you see it. Follow your heart and head- make friends, involve yourself around the campus and community, thrive in a place for learning. Don't bother with people you don't like or treat you the way you deserve- make sure that your voice is heard- this is your experience and make it one that you will never forget.

Think hard about what you want to study--the primary goal is, after all, your education. If you are truly undecided, take a close look at the requirements for majors you may be interested in at each school and also at how easy it woudl be to take a variety of subjects until you find your niche. Pay attention to what current students say about the ease of choosing classes and also proffessor's accessibility. The other key piece of advice is to look for a school where you will fit in as perfectly as possible so that your college experience is a good one. Will you fit in with the other students in life style and learning style? Will you fit in with your surroundings--the campus, the weather, the city, will I be able to get home easily? Lastly, become as involved as possible as soon as possible with the things you love to do. Sports, music, student groups, volunteering, look to see if your favorite activities, or the ones you've always wanted to try, are available on campus or are easily accessible.

I would tell students and parents to begin searching for schools before there Senior year of highschool. I chose to wait until my senior year of highschool to search for a college/ university and felt very rushed to make a decision.

Parents, listen to what your kids have to say. Students, remember that choosing a college is not a permanent or irrevocable decision and you can usually feel when a place is right for you. When you get there, find people who are interested in the same things as you and enjoy their company.

Although choosing a college is a daunting task, there are two main categories to consider when searching for the right college. The first is the on-campus community. Walking around the campus, talking to students, and going on a campus tour will allow a prospective student to get an accurate feel for the school, especially if you visit during the school year. Ask current students about dorm life, meal plans, classes, buying textbooks, favorite professors, student organizations, and what they do in their free time. Think about what kind of campus living situation you would prefer- dorms or sororities/fraternities? The second catergory is the off-campus community. It is just as important to spend some time exploring the surrounding area, as the student will spend much of their free time off-campus. Are you looking for a big city, or a small university town? It is important to look at options that are the opposite of where you grew up. Things to consider are public transportation, performance venues, local coffee shops, and bookstores. Choose a college where you feel excited about both the on- and off-campus communities. You will learn equally in both places!

When looking for a college, its important to focus on what type of school will work for you, rather than what type of school others prefer. Consider your learning style: whether you need one-on-one attention, memorization or project-based class work, heavy or light work load, and any other criteria that apply to you specifically. Equally important is what type of campus community would mesh with your lifestyle. The most important thing to remember in your transition into college life is that no matter which school you go to, whether it is your first or last choice, your experience will be what you make of it. If you apply yourself to learning, take control of your education by challenging yourself, and enter college with a positive mindset, you will succeed. Treat both your successes and faliurs as learning opporunities. Step out of your comfort zone, both intelecually and socially, and take some risks. College is the time and place to explore who you are and where you want to go in life, so explore! Don't set limitations and pre-conditions. You will stumble upon your greatest self-discoveries in unexpected places and situations.

You should always take a tour of the college. I would highly recommend staying overnight and sitting in on a class as well. When I visited my school, after doing all of those things it just felt right. It felt like somewhere I could spend four years of my life. And, I was right and couldn't be happier.

be open minded and always make the best of situations. The area surrounding the college will make or brake your time durin school. Choosing a college that has alot to do around it makes a world of difference. The academics between most schools doesn't differ that much but the surrounding area varies dramaticly.