Marietta College Top Questions

When parents are helping their children look for the right college there are many things they have to take into consideration. The first thing that needs to be considered is what the student wants out of their college experience. If the student has already chosen a major, then obviously they need to find a college that offers that major. Also, if the student wants to participate in sports they should understand that they have the option between varsity and intramurals. However, if the student has not chosen a major or to play sports then their options are endless. When picking a college, the interests of the student are the most important. For example if they want to get involved in a study abroad program then they should find a college that offers that option. It is essential that the student go to every college they are considering to see what the campus is like and possibly stay over night. In doing this the student can decide where they feel the most comfortable. Finding what college fits them and taking advantage of what that college has to offer will enhance their college experience.

A system that really worked out for me after I was accepted into the schools I wanted was to make over night visits. It gave an excellent perspective as to what life was like on campus during the weekend and it also gave you an idea on what social life was like during the week based on how they behaved on the weekends. From there you can really get a closer picture as what to expect from your experience at that college. My biggest advice to make the most of your college experience is be open to new things. Just because it's new and different and maybe even a little bit odd does not mean that you should turn it down because you don't know if you'll like it or not. Get involved and be adventurous and take chances you weren't willing to take in high school because you are your own person in college and the only one who can judge you is yourself so GO FOR IT!

When looking for a college think of what you are after in a college, big or small, what classes and activities you want. Then visit your choices, some you will just click with.

Finding the right college is a hard decision between parents and students, since the "right" college for a student could be too expensive, or the parent may have a particular college in mind that the student isn't interested in. I dealt with this dilema when looking for colleges, and the most important thing is finding a perfect compromise. FastWeb Scholarships is a helpful tool that allows you to browse through colleges based on the size and your interests and preferred major. Go to college fairs together and gather all of the information you can and sort through it at home. If the student wants to go away, but mom thinks it's too far from home, maybe you can work out a deal. You can talk on the phone, write letters, or send your student packages(because nothing is more exciting that getting mail in your student mailbox!). But parents, if your child goes away to college, don't turn their room into a storage closet and burn their furnature for firewood.

Make sure it is the right place for you. The size and atmosphere of the institution really matters. It matters so you can adapt without any problems and make it the best experience of your lfie.

I would strongly suggest that parents let their children make their decision. I was fortunate to work for admissions while at Marietta College, and many parents wanted their students to attend Marietta College, but the students didn't have a passion for the college. I would also suggest that undecided students attend a liberal arts college, where they can experiment with different courses and gain greater experience. Lastly, I recommend visiting the college or university, so many people decide they want to attend a college based on their colors, athletic teams, or a percieved idea about the colleges or university's name. Many colleges allow students to stay overnight, which also increases the chance of the student making the best choice.

The college experience is the most important step in ones life as they mature to a young adult. Parents need to look into what is financially affordable but yet a sound academic institution. Individuals need to also not be affraid of having loans. In this day and age, it is rare for one to not obtain a loan to attend college. A student will know as soon as they step on to a campus what feels likes home to them. Also, find an institution that contains a couple career options, students WILL change their mind. It is devistating to see a friend, a former student, leave a school that they love socially and as a community, but it does fulfill their academic needs. Their is an institution out their that will balance everyones needs and goals in life.

Keep in mind what you want. Don't make a decision based on your friends/family. I always say that the student will know where they fit in from the moment they step on the campus. Visit campuses and ask questions. Being an Orientation Leader, I love it when students ask questions about campus activities.

Let your bloody kids pick the college, even if it is expencive! A cheap school is not usually the best school. College visits/stayovers are a good way to get an experience when the parents aren't there. Stay with friends not sports teams.

I think it is purely based upon a feeling within the student. That is why it is so important to visit campuses before choosing which school to attend. I visited about twenty different campuses of all sizes and locations, and it was not until I stepped foot on Marietta's campus and felt a feeling of welcomness and comfort that I decided on which college to attend. To make the most out of your college experience you must have the right attitude. It is easy to go out and party every night, forgetting about your future, but you will have a rude awakening. If you think about what you want out of life and how your actions today can help you achieve that later, you will set yourself up to succeed. When life gets tough, finals stress you out, and home seems so far away, take your mindset from "I cannot do this anymore" to "Life could be a lot worse". Life is much easier when you focus on what is going right and what you do have rather than what you do not. Make lifelong friends, have fun, but most importantly, do what you came to do--become somebody.