Pacific University Top Questions

College is not as hard as everyone has said. The best way to achieve is to study class notes regularly and keep up on the class readings. Remember that college is a life changing experience that can help mold you into an adult. Participate in activites get out and make friends with your classmates. This should be a fun and enriching time in your life. You just have to learn how to balance the social and educational parts of college. A little time each night of study will go farther than you think to prepare you for the finals. This well be the best time of your life so make the best of it in all the ways you can.

If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself to have as much fun as possible, but still always do my best with school work. I would tell myself to find that balance, because learning how to balance your time is so important, especially in college. I would remind myself the importance of building lasting friendships at home and broadening them after graduation. I would say that these are days that I'm never going to get back, but will always remember and wish I could relive, so to soak up every minute of it and conquer all obstacles with a smile.

I used a couple websites that made researching my college choices enjoyable. If it's possible, find two or three websites you can trust to use in combination to give you a list of possibilties, and be consistant. I would advise looking through the "Student" part of the school's website, if possible, and browse the courses offered and program requirments to see if there are classes unique to that school that you are interested in. I would also pay close attention to the type of environment offered at that school in terms of average class sizes and the area it is located. For example: I wanted a small school with small class sizes with a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities. Then look into the on campus community and events, and definitely visit the campus once you've narrowed your search, during the school year if you can, to see how it feels for you to walk around campus and talk to the people there. Talk with your friends and see how their research is going, too. Pick the one that feels right for you and try not to let cost be the primary deciding factor.

Start your experience with an open mind. That's whats most important. You will experience so many new things but if you keep an open mind than you can ensure yourself of having a much better time.

Don't think about the price. I know the amount of tuition plays a big factor in where you end up going to school, but if you really want to attend a certain college, go for it. Things tend to work out for the best.

Research any potential colleges as much as possible. Visit every prospective campus and visit it during times that school and classes are in session to get a sense of what campus life is really like. Talk to students and ask them about their time in college, how classes are, what the school has to offer, and how they feel about their future. Students need to figure out what exactly they want in a college and what they do not want. It would help a lot if the student made a "pro/con" list and checked how much a college or university offers on each side of that list. Parents need to trust their children's descion and if they end up not liking a college, they can always transfer. I would also advise students and parents to not worry about the cost of tuition if they really like a certain college because there is a lot of help (and money) available.

Take your time and visit all your choices. Sometimes the right one is the one that is right in front of your nose and it is ok to transfer it is easier than you may think. Step out of your shell and be yourself, do the unexpected and enjoy every minute of it!

I would give parents and students the advice that they need to look at the schools which the students are most comfortable at, for instance if the student likes big schools, look at big schools, because i have heard a ton of people complain about the school becasue it is too small for their liking. Also go to the school that provides the best opportunity based on your career goals.

Make sure that the school you choose has a variety of topics to study, even if you think you know what you want to do. That way, if you change your mind, you have lots of other options.

Consider every aspect of the schools you wish to go to before decide "This is the one for me!" For instance, consider the size of the school and what that definitely entails. For instance, if you like large classes, an active fraternity/sorrority life, and a large campus, make sure you understand what effect that might have on your learning capacity. Remember, the point of going to college is to learn and receive a degree you can be proud of, not just party and take a break from life for a little while. Also, take into consideration how far a school is from your home, and whether you are comfortable with the distance or not, and definitely speak about this with your parents! You might like to go to the other side of the country, but when the time comes to go back home, will your parents be willing to pay for the airline tickets every time? Also, try to find a school which matches your top three academic interests, so that whether you change your major or not you'll have room to grow and decide.

Parents don't force your child to attend a school that you want them to go to let them decide because even though you are paying for their education , they are the ones who are attending. If they don't like the school then the cances of them doing well are not likely. Another thing is try going to college knowing a general area of what you want to take up because instead of wasting your years not knowing adn deciding later and fiding out that your courses you took don't fall into your major... you can always change your mind later. Also make new friends because the friends you make in college will be your life time friends. And lastly Parents it is college you know what it is like to get away from home and have freedom for the first time, don't be to hard on your children because after your freshman year you realize how important it is to do well in school. =) College is one of the best times of our lives so make memories.

So far being a college student has opened up alot of opportunites as well as stuffed difficulties in my face. I would recommend strongly to both the future college student and their parents to look closely at each of the chosen schools. Don't be afraid to send out for multiple brochures and info flyers about the respective schools you are eying. When you narrow down your schools visit them. Learn about the programs they offer, different clubs and organizations, and even sports. Ask lots of questions about the life on and off campus. And be sure to ask about the work load of school work. When searching for schools do it soon, possibly your junior year of HS! You don't want to feel rushed in this important step, so take your time and choose wisely. Once in college do your work on time and prepare for your tests and classes ahead of time. Soing this will insure you to relax when it is "crunch time." And go and experience as much as you can. Go out with friends, visit new places, meet new friends, and again enjoy all of it because it only happens once.

First, I would suggest that a student chooses a college that is close to home, so that he or she can stay at home and save thousands in housing expenses that will likely have to be paid back in student loans. If this option is not available, then I would suggest finding someplace to live that is off campus but is reasonably priced. It seems that there are fewer distractions when you live off campus and more time to focus on your education. Next, make sure you talk to junior and senior students at the college you are interested in and see what their opinion is of the college and why. One way you can do this is by talking to students in the small cafes often located throughout the campus. This will require boldness on your part but the students? feedback that will help you decide if that college is a good fit for you. Finally, do not be ashamed to ask for help from the various services available. For example, when you are having difficulty with a particular subject, avail yourself of the tutoring services offered. Good planning, communication and humility will make your college career a success.

I advise taking finacial aide, campus life and culture into consideration. Financial aide is something that everyone takes into consideration, but always think about the amount of time that you might be staying there and all of the things you might possibly be getting into (ie. campus life, friends, greek life etc.) Campus life is more important than youd think. Are you one to stay inside or outside? Do you want to be around people or not? You think you know, but remember: this is college. Give yourself a chance to change and grow. Surround yourself around the things you want to possibly become and possibly be involved with. Culture is something that sometimes people miss. Do you want to expereince other cultures or stay true to your own? Will you be able to handle stepping out of what you know and into a world of change? Basically, take into consideration what youre comfortable with, what you want to experience and what you hope to be... and at the same time, dont cut yourself short or spread yourself thin. Keep in mind how much your education means to you as well as how you dont want to be in debt.

The only advice I would give to parents and/or students is to find the right college that will give you what you want academically. As an athlete, I've seen friends tear ACL's and blow out their backs only to find that they weighted their entire collegiate existence on sports. While sports do and can enrich a college education, the first and foremost importance is and always should be academics. Pick the school that will validate your academic interests and the rest is sure to follow.

TOUR campuses and get a feel because if you don't feel right on the first visit, it isn't the right school. Ask a lot of questions and be honest about what you want to know; it is likely that your tour guide is a student and can give first-hand experience answers.

If you are able to visit the school and try to get a feel for what it is like to live there just go with the one that fits your personality best.

Always visit the college before you decide to attend that school, if the school offers an Orientation program you should particiapate its a great way to make friends.

Have your children start looking into colleges and scholarships early. It's never too early to begin looking, and the earlier you look, the easier the process will be when it comes down to actually having to choose a college.

When looking for colleges it's important to stress the environment with which you intend to surround yourself. College is very much about getting an education, but it's also about building connections with people and a school that you wish to affiliate yourself with for the rest of your life. Those connections can develope into friendships, career oppertunities, and long lasting relationships. Go to a school that you can feel proud of. Surround yourself with people that you can get fulfilling experiences out of. Don't let anyone restrict you. If you set your sights on something, don't take no for an answer. Make your goals happen. Most importantly, have some fun. If you're too busy focusing on your education and career, a good part of your life will slip past you. Think about why you want to go to college and what you want to get out of the experience. Make your decisions based on that answer.