Mary Baldwin University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Mary Baldwin University know before they start?

Allison

Make sure you thourghly investigate the school first. Visit the campus and find out if you can sit in on some of the classes to help you get a sense of class-size and how the proffessors operate. Once you're there, join clubs. Just one or two at first, so that you aren't overwhelmed once you start having a lot of schoolwork. This, and attending school functions such as sports games and dances, is a good way to make friends and integrate yourself into campus life. While you may feel homesick at first, it is best not to go home too often during the first semester as this can only make it worse. College can be a wonderful time to grow. Try new things - join clubs you might not have participated in back in high school. Try to have fun. Getting all your classwork done is important, but make sure you balance it out with social events. This will help to make college a more enjoyable and memorable experience. It's a good time to make friendships you will maintain into adulthood.

Ruth

Finding the right college is never easy. It will never be and easy process either. The only advice I can give anybody is to follow your gut instinct. If you fall in love with a college and or university just go for it. Another thing for the parents is to always trust your child no matter how much you dont agree with them. They will be the ones that have to live and study there so dont try to talk them out of it. One big thing about college is getting envolved. Try an join all the things that you've always wanted to try because this is your last chance. Just dont overload yourself because you want to leave some time for yourself.

Andrea

When it comes to finding the right college, alot of it is about the "fit" in so many aspects, and those aspects must be balanced. One must find a school that caters to their academic/professional interests, as well as challening the student to explore new horizons. There must also be a balance of academic and social activities- students are at the school to further their education, but without an outlet for stress and opportunities to relax, academics are likely to be the last thing on the student's mind. Price is also a very large deciding factor for many parents and students. Many institutions will offer financial aid that does not have to be paid back, and this is something that should be researched in full before a decision is made. Essentially, it comes down to the student's personal preference- large class size or small? Friendly professors and obnoxious classmates or disorganized professors and sociable classmates? Awesome dining hall and tiny dorms? Party on the weekend or a movie? Pay back loans for the rest of my life or pay out of pocket now? These are all things students and parents should consider before making a final decision.

Melanie

When choosing a college, consider what is best suited to you, in terms of academics, logistics, and campus life, rather than names or prestige. Choose a school that has multiple fields of interest so you're not tied down to one major, since it is likely that your major will change. Take location into account; is it rural or urban? Does it offer a lifestyle you can handle? Once you're in college, be sure to go to all your classes. Even if there's not a strict attendance policy, you will have an easier time and you will learn more--which is kind of the point. However, don't spend your time solely on your studies. A social life is also an important part of the experience. To this end, start making friends right away; go ahead and chat people up. Everyone is eager to make friends, so they'll be grateful you reached out. The rest of college is balancing your academic and social life. You'll learn to do this with practice.

Desaray

When searching for the right school for your child or yourself make sure that the school will be suitable to his/her person, emotion, and spiritual needs. Be sure to find a school that will allow the student to express his/her beliefs and opinions and has a friendly, openminded student body. Also look for a school that has close off-campus entertainment and a nearby hospital in emergency situations. To make the most out of your college experience, get involved. Sign up for clubs, participate in school-sponsored events, and get to know your roommate and other students on your hall. It is also great to get to know people of different cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. They can expand your knowledge far beyond that which you learn in class. Speaking of class, you should also save a little time each day to study. Find a quiet area, free of distractions, to go over notes and review lectures. All of these suggestions can help you fiind a school and make the most of your experience there. The most important thing to remember is to have fun! You will always remember your college experience so make the most of it!