Lycoming College Top Questions

It is really important to let the student choose the right campus setting for him/her. Too small - they might feel claustrophobic or inhibited. Too big - and they might feel overwhelmed and anxious. The parent(s) should never force the student to attend a particular college because the parents are alumni and that it was the best experience of their lives. The ultimate college experience is reflected in the choice the students make on their own. If someone is pressured into doing something against their will, then they will most likely be apprehensive about their situation, whether intentionally or not. It is like washing dishes. If you are forced to wash the dishes, then it becomes a nuisance and the single most thing you do not want to do. On the other hand, if you choose to do it on your own accord, then washing dishes can be quite pleasurable and painless. I encourage prospective students to schedule a variety of visits on their own, unchaperoned by parents. This way, the student is engulfed by campus life, simulating what it would feel like while they were there - without the bias and pressure of what the parents want for their child.

Visit where you want to go! Decide on one geographical area to apply to most of your schools. Ask the admissions office lots of questions, and ask students as well to give you their opinion on how they feel.

Don't rush it, it's going to take some time to figure out what you want. But when you do, you'll love it. The first semester is probably going to be your hardest because you're getting used to being on your own in a new place but after that, it's all good!!

Find a place that you can see yourself being proud of in four years. Make sure your comfortable, and if you like being at home make sure its close so you can get away for awhile. It should fit your career goals and you should love your campus not just for beauty or comfort but for being what it is....when you find that place, you've found your college.

Finding the right college is always difficult. The best way to do it is to figure out yourself first so you can apply the social, academic and physical aspects of the school to your own personality. This way it will fit. Also, visit the college before you decide to go there. If it does not feel right when you step on the campus, you should not be going there. To make the most of the college experience is easy. You have to have an open mind and an open heart. You will meet some of the best friends you have ever had at school, and go through some of the toughest times. But its how you handle them and who you handle them with that makes them worth it. Its all about discovering yourself, who you are, and who you would like to become.

The advice i would give would be to keep your options open and that the most expensive school is not always the best. Definetly keep in mind the campus life and the cafe food because those are things you have to deal with everyday. Also when your packing for school don't bring your whole life, just the essentials. Remember COLLEGE IS THE BEST TIME OF YOUR LIFE! HAVE FUN!

Make sure the college offers what you are thinking of doing! Make sure that the college is able to figure out a path or get a plan together with you. Location is key! If you like the area, you'll easily call it home.

I would advise future students to attend college fairs, research the schools, vist the schools and meet with professors in their interest fields before picking a school. If your invited to an accepted students day, go and fully engage in all programs offered. Check out the school website and courses offered to make sure that the enviroment and education mets with your expectations. College is not like high school, you will need to be comitted to your studies and the extra-curricular activities you deside to engage in. College may be the best time of your life, but its not party central, if you only want to party and not go to class you will end up on academic probation or flunk out.

Find out what is most important to you in your college search, keeping your future beyond your freshman year in mind (involving off-campus living situation, campus dining, GRE prep, what you want out of college) and go to a college that meets all your key needs. Go to the school and talk to a handful of different students about the school.

Look outside your state and try not to let price deterr you from a school too much. Obviously tuition is a big deal, but keep in mind what you pay for is what you get. Keep in mind overall atmosphere, education, social activities including clubs and fraternities, as well as education. And parents, remember, this is about your kids, don't push them toward one school or another, let them decide. They are adults (or will be very soon) and need to start making decisions on their own.