Moravian College Top Questions

Choosing a college is probably the single most important decision a high school graduate would have to make thus far. The best advise I could give parents and students facing this daunting decision is simple - go with what feels right! Every person is different, and as such, not every school is right for everyone. Visit as many schools as possible while still in high school so that you can decide exactly what kind of school you can see yourself at in the future. Remember, this will be your new home for the next four years. Choose the school that feels comfortable. Once you choose your school, make the most of it! No matter what school you choose, there are countless opportunities available to get involved. Find something that interests you - whether it be volunteering, intramural sports, greek life, or even knitting - there's something for everyone. Getting involved can not only help you to make life-long friends, but it can also teach time management which is an important life skill. More than likely you are paying an arm and a leg to attend the college of your choice - take advantage of all the free resources it has to offer!

Spend time at the schools in which you are interested. Attend a few classes, eat a meal on campus, and take a tour of the residential buildings- after all, these are the places you spend most of your time. Talk with some of the professors of your department of interest, they'll be glad to meet you! Take note of the things you like and dislike so you can compare them to your other choice schools. When you are in school, don't take a single opportunity for granted. Learn the most from your classes, join clubs and activities, and give yourself time to relax and meet new people. This is a once in a lifetime (and potentially expensive) experience. Don't let a moment of it pass you by.

Research and visit colleges.

Do thorough research! Find out everything you possibly can. I did lots of research, and visited my prospective schools, sometimes more than once. I visited Moravian College three times before I finally accepted, and I was positive that that was the right school for me. Look at the section of the website dedicated to students that attend the college to get an idea of what's offered. Don't place TOO much stock in an individual's perspective, because that's just their view and they could be a very different person than you. Find out about financial aid and exactly what you could be eligible for. And don't be afraid to ask questions! Admissions people are really friendly and quite happy to help you.

Choose a college that has diversity and a wide array of majors, especially if your child is still undecided. Do not force your children to play sports in college, as it is a far more stressful experiance than high school was. Take advantage of scholarship opportunities and work study, definitely file for FAFSA. Try and encourage your child to stay on campus most weekends, especially during their freshman year so they can assimilate to the college life. Do not be afraid to ask questions, and do not be afraid to be picky and indecisive, college is a huge decision and a huge investment, make sure you are fully satisfied with your choice before you invest thousands of dollars.

First, when looking for a college, the student should not assume that he or she knows what college they are going to. This topic in respect to parents; a parent should not force there child to go to a school because they want them to or because they went there for their undergraduate or graduate program. It should be the students choice where they go to school and they should look around for a school that best fits them. What makes a school best fit for the student? Easy question. Easy answer. The student should just... "know"; if not right away then by exploring the school by visiting the classrooms and meeting some teachers. The decision of where to go to college is an important decision and should not be taken lightly, nor should it be over emphasized and made out to be the biggest decision the student will EVER make. The student should like the school so much as to want to stay there for the next four years, for that is what is to occur if that is the school they select. I knew right away, but some people don't; it is different for everyone.

Get involved in everything. Try a little of everything until you find your fit. There's something enriching out there for you. Find it.

Choose somewhere you will feel comfortable. A student should look for a place where they will be able to grow as a person and and as a student, and it is important to know how much environment can shape that growth. You will be shaped by the professors you have and the friends you make profoundly, so it is important you feel that you will meet good role models. The academic reputation of an institution is certainly an important factor, but know that there is no such thing as a perfect school. The student is ultimately responsible for his or her education. It is up to the student to take the initiative and utilize the resources of an institution to get the most for their tuition money and rise above his or her peers. Understand the differences between small and large institutions. While large institutions offer many more resources and often possess larger endowments, smaller schools can be more flexible and allow an individual to make a noticable difference on campus during their studies. You will spend some of the best years of your life at college, so make sure it is somewhere you will be happy remembering.

Parents, you have to let your kids make their own educational decisions. It's their future, not yours, and they will be living with it for the rest of their lives.

Visit the colleges of your choice and pick the one that you feel most comfortable in.