Macalester College Top Questions

Even if you're struggling with the class, go to class every single day to show the professor you have true effort in learning the material. If you do not like the class or program in the first week, most likely, it's not going to get better. Do not feel bad that your friends are not interested in the same things you are, they will still be there to support you when you need it the most. Family issues will always be there, just remember, you're at college, not at home. Do not feel obligated to be worry about the issues at home. Focus on school and you'll do fine. If you want that A for Chemistry, make sure you come up with a very good study plan because it is nothing like AP chemistry in high school. There will good times and there will be bad times. Remember them and take the good from every experience, this way you'll grow to be a happier and more understanding person.

There are things that are important in your day to day life that are easy to overlook when college searching. Details like comfortable beds, good desserts in the cafeteria and TV's in front of the tred mills in the gym seem to fly out the window when a school's reputation for academics, athletics or social events get in the way. So don't forget the little things, they will make your school more like home.

A campus visit is vital to selecting the right college, it is the onlly way to truly get a feel for the campus community and allows prospective students to meet with potential classmates, professors and facilties. Getting the most out of college starts with orientation; so what if the pre-arranged activites seem stupid, it is a great way to meet people and make friends. Getting the most from college means finding the right balance between academic work, social life and budget, a balance that is unique to each student. The goal should be to never regret doing or not doing something. When somebody knocks on your door at midnight and says "Come on, there's capture the flag in the library!" go with them!

You should really think about your own values. Just as you play a role globally as a consumer by which stores you shop at locally, the college you attend impacts, not just your life, but the lives of others. If you value science, if you value the environment, if you value a particular religion, the college you choose can represent these sets ofvalues. Be mindful of what school you patron, and how that decision impacts society. And then once you're there, smile. Understanding and compassion can be college's most important lessons.

Listen to students, not admissions offices.

When choosing a college, look past the brochures, test scores, sports, while it seems like those are the things that make up the school, its the students and the professors. When choosing you must try to visit and see which school you feel most comfortable in. It is very important to not get overwhelmed right away, while in high school you were expected to read every page assigned and complete every assignment impeccably, in college you must learn to manage your time better, skim, and read between the lines to what you are supposed to get out of the assignment, without necessarily doing it all. Most people who drop out do so because they feel ovewhelmed, but really they just havent learned how to manage their time better. Also, it is very important to find your niche, either by getting to know the people in your classes, in your dorm, or by joining a club. College can be unbearable and lonely if you are still hanging on to those experiences and friends you had in high school, so you have to try as hard as possible to find a new life and new friends now that you are there.

Make sure you know what you want for a college experience. Don't rely on the opinions of other people because only you know what you desire. That's the only way to increase your odds of finding the right experience.

I would highly recommend doing overnight stays with a current student if possible; not only will it allow the prospective student to see what it's like at the school, but it will get them away from their parents and will be more likely to relax and act like themselves. Being able to do the overnight stay was what helped me choose between two great schools. I would advise to always trust your gut feeling; go with where you feel comfortable but know you will also be challenged and encouraged to grow. Once in college, get involved! Whether it's with a club at the school or in the community. Keep trying new things and take full advantage of all that's offered because you're probably never going to get more experiences handed to you than your time in college.

Look for a school that offers the classes or the major you are most interested in, then when you've narrowed your list down, visit the campuses if you can. That will tell you a lot about the school and the people you will be attending it with. A college is about equal parts learning and socializing, so pay attention to both the class structures and the social stuctures. And remember, your college experience is what you make of it. Every school will have partiers and serious students.

When searching for the right college, do your best to ignore all the pressure to go to the "best" schools. Look for a school that fits your needs, your personality, and your style. You will be much more successful at a slightly lower ranked school where you are comfortable than at a higher ranked school where you feel intimidated or out of place. Once at college, try to be open to new experiences, both socially and academically. If you were always shy in high school, try going to a party or joining a club. If you are politically conservative, try attending a lecture by a liberal speaker. If you are sure you want to major in biology, try taking a literature class. College is the place to find yourself, and no matter how sure you are of your identity, you may discover a new passion or a new facet or your personality that brings you great joy.