Ohio Wesleyan University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Ohio Wesleyan University know before they start?

Sally

No single college is going to be the perfect college for you as a freshmen. The best way to find the "right" college for you is realize that you will change, and you will change your major at least once, no matter how steadfast you are going into college. Finding the right college will be easier when you take into account which college will be fitting if/when you do change majors, decide to live off-campus, decide to get involved and partake in more than just study groups, etc. As for making the most of your college experiences, it's always a great idea to keep and open-minded. Don't take yourself completely out of your comfort-zone, but at least push the limits. You'll be thankful you did in the long-run.

Emily

Don't be set on one school, and visit all the schools that you are accepted to. You may not get your first choice school, or maybe you will find that your first choice wasn't the right fit for you. Go where ever you feel comfortable, it is four years! And those four years can either be great, or they can be miserable.

Jimmy

Visit the campus, decide what kind of environment you want to learn in. Also, does the college offer the opportunities you are interested in and have there been graduates that have succeeded in the path you would like to take?

Jessica

Go to where it feels right for you. Don't go just because they have an awesome program or are top ranked. Though those are important, it's more important to go someplace you mesh well. If you don't like the place you're in, it doesn't matter how good the program is. Your mental health and grades will suffer. College is to learn and get a job, but it should also be enjoyable. If it's not enjoyable, something has gone wrong. And don't be afraid to get help when you need it.

Louisa

Parents need to be mentors in helping their child choose the right school for them. The parents should have some influence, but should not be too overwhelming in making the decision for the college, such as pushing for one school over another, or basing a choice off of cost alone. You will always find ways to pay for tuition. Students, the best advice I would ever have on picking a school is: it's never too early to start looking! I started looking my freshman year of high school, and through all my research, I basically knew I was going to Ohio Wesleyan University by my junior year. Don't be afraid to ask questions when you go on tours of different schools, and choose wherever feels best. One school might look better, but the place for you is where it feels most like home.

Beth

Search hard for funding, it's out there. Get away from home, you'll appreciate it much more when you go back.

Nicole

Going on college tours and get a feel for the campus before choosing. Explore all your options before deciding.

Casandra

Make sure that it is the best fit for YOU and no one else.

Elizabeth

Be yourself and allow time for fun. Without time to relax, students will "burn out" easily.

Natalie

For parents, I advise them to allow their children to have a say in what university they attend. Although parents may feel like they know whats best for their child, the students have an idea about what kind of school would best suit their learning abilities. I f parents are concerned about campus safety and the like then go with your child to the school they want to visit in order to have a better sense of where your child will be spending their time. For students, I suggest doing some research about what you think you would like in a university before visiting a campus. Most campuses are attractive looking but may not have what you need. Otherwise, when you get there don't be afraid to try different clubs that fulfill your needs; this way you'll be able to meet poeple with similar interests and will make lifelong friends from the beginning.

Kim

Don't worry about money. Go where it feels right. You'll know it when you get there.

Rachel

College will be a wonderful experience no matter where you end up if you go in and seek out opportunities. Unlike high school, you are independent and have to take initative to get the things you want. My advice on deciding on a college is to go to the best academic school you are accepted to but that also gives you the most scholarship/financial aid. If you get into an Ivy league with no scholarship and a small liberal arts school with a large one, pick the latter. The name on your undergraduate degree means nothing, but the experiences and accomplishments you have to show for your time there will be what gets you the job or into the graduate school of your choice. There is no reason to graduate college in debt when you can get a great education at most schools. If you do well enough in your ungraduate college, you can go to an Ivy league school for your doctoral degree for free! At least that's what happened to me and its the best decision I've made so far!

Karen

Visit. Visit, visit, visit. Websites, testimonials, and brochures are only words,.In order to know the place for you, you need to truly feel the atmosphere. If you can, pack a suitcase and explore your potential schools. When you are at the right place for you, you'll know it without a doubt. Once you've found your match, even if it's absolutely the right fit academically and socially, odds are over the course of four years you will get tired. School work will pile up, social life will go through rough patches, and you will wonder if it's worth it at all. The very best advice I can give is: Don't take it for granted. That stress, those feelings, and the occassional fear of the future are all real. But I can promise you, you will miss it when it's over. If you can enjoy it while you're living through it, even if things don't go perfectly, you won't regret a single moment.

Adelino

When you visit the school ask as many questions as possible. Find out from several of the students how they feel about the school as a whole.

Audrey

don't be affraid to look for off campus housing. stick with your gut feeling about a school.

Jennifer

To visit all the schools in person or via webcams, and pick which one best suits you and your needs.

JEnnifer

Visit each college if you can and trust your instincts. If a college feels "right" or "wrong" it probably is.

Susan

I would advise parents and student to visit the college, talk to professors, and have an idea about what direction the student wants to pursue. Attending a mainly science-oriented college when the student is more interested in theater will not satisfy the student the way a theater-oriented college would. Although one can't be entierly sure what direction to pursue, a good idea helps to suit the college to the student.

Sarah

I would suggest that the student visits the school and does an over night visit. By doing an over night visit and attending class the student will get a feel for what college life is like at the university and will give the student and idea of what professors are like. I would tell the students to meet with their professors and use the academic tutoring and acedemic centers as a tool throughout their career. I would also suggest that the student makes friends with as many different people as possible because you not only learn from your professors but from others students as well. I would suggest that the parents let the student choose where he or she wants to go. There is nothing harder for a student than to have their parents telling them where they should go or what they should major in. It is the childs life and parents should be there to support their choices and give them hekpful advice along the way.

Erika

Go to fastweb.com. That website lets you pick criteria for the college you're looking for, including location, size of campus, states, major, etc. It's fantastic. The website also help you find scholarships for school, which is great. Definitely check it out. Also, for students, listen to your gut; it typically leads you in the right direction. Make sure to check the social life; if you're not into partying and drinking, find a school where that's minimal or just don't get out on the weekends. Students, make friends will with your roommates, maybe not best friends but be friendly enough so you don't kill each other. Remember, it's a give and take when you give with other people.