Northwestern College Top Questions

Some advice I would give are to look at all your options and apply to many places. They would be surprised what they may find in a college. As I did, going to a 2-year college, such as a Community College or Junior College, is a great idea because you save a lot of money, and if your major changes, and have to stay longer at school, you (if your school is expensive) won't be wasting money. I also would write down everything you're interested in and check to see if that school has majors/minors of your interest. In order to make the most out of the college experience, I would say to get involved as much as you can (as long as you're not letting it interfere too much with studies) and try to get to know as many people as you can. Stay away from the alcohol, and college will be a different, but I know, a better experience.

If you're going to spend thousands of dollars on an education, be prepared to learn. I've seen people who come to college just to party and get drunk, or just to play video games, or for some other reason. It's a waste of money. If you go there to learn and to meet new people, you'll have a great time. But don't just focus on the learning...there is a lot more to college life than that. And parents, don't think you can "force" your kids to behave by putting them in some conservative, high-end college. If they want to get drunk, they're going to get drunk. You can't protect them forever, and if you try to, you'll just end up losing them for good. The best thing to do is trust their choices, and help them through it if they make a mistake or two. Just don't be afraid to let go.

Wierdly enough, looking for a college thats right for you or your child has a lot more to do with how much you know about you, not the college. If you don't know who you are how can you know what college you want to go to or what you want to do? If you aren't certain about who you are it's best to go to a medium sized college, with a friendly atmosphere, and with good accademic departments all around, to leave room to grow.

Don't focus on the cost. Americans make a million dollars in the course of their life on average, so the price you pay for college is only 20{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of that at most and it is worth it to get a solid education. Also, find a place where you will be encouraged towards your beliefs and your sense of morality. Parents, don't force your students to go someplace they don't want to go or to study what they don't want to study. Students, don't go to a college for a girl/boy friend, or parties, or friends. Go because it is a place where you feel comfortable. Finally, don't party during the first 2 months of school and don't go home for the first month. This will help you to have a healthy start to your college experience.

I would suggest many college visits to different types of colleges such as large universities to small colleges. Spend the night in the dorms to experince what it would be like to live there. Research success rates of graduating students to them finding a job in their field. To make the most of the college expeirnce I suggest that you should get involved into clubs or sports that you really enjoy. This is a great way to meet new people and also belong. Also this helps you learn new things and how to manage your time well.

Don't choose a college simply because of its academics or financial aid package. Choose a place that is challenging not only academically but in other ways as well: emotionally, spiritually, socially... College is going to be home for the majority of four years and should stimulate personal growth and act as a springboard for "the real world." Get to know the people you live with. Be involved in school activities whether it is attending athletic events, school sponsored concerts or plays, or any other community event. Don't wait for happiness to come to you. Go find it.