Roanoke College Top Questions

There is no set way or method to finding the right college. You can have gut feelings and visit, but until you have been for at least a semester, you really cannot accurately gauge your feelings towards an institution. Knowing basic things such as what size school, what amount of money you're willing to pay, and what kind of people you're looking to be around are helpful. As far as making the most of a college experience, that is totally in the hands of the student. At all schools there is partying. Some choose to kill their livers and lungs while others enrich their brains. Some do both. Even the most poorly rated schools have something to offer, you just need to know where to look to find it. Roanoke College's extremely poor advising has led me to be more independent in my choice making and decisions. It has also helped me to be more decisive. If I could describe college in one wod, it would be "variable." Some cliches such as "adventure" and "journey" do not fit. It's a very variable experience and its path is totally in your own hands.

Don't make a decision solely based on financial offerings. Go with the school that is the best fit for you, not the one that offers the most money!

I would suggest parents and students to do their research! Make sure you know what you are looking for in a school and that it has the major, activities, and opportunities you are interested in. When you narrow down your choices, be sure to visit the campus to really get a feel of what the college or university is like. You want to make sure you know what the school, faculty, and students are like and if it will be the right fit for you. If I didn't visit the college I am at right now when I was doing my college search, I would definitely be at the wrong school and I would have had to go through the hassle of transferring. You want to make sure you're happy because college is supposed to be the best years of your life!

Do whats best for you and get involved

Look at more than one place. Sit in on classes, talk with professors and financial aid. Make sure you apply for all the scholarships you're eligable for. Don't become set on one school; be flexible, especially if you aren't 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure what your major will be. Choose a school that has more than one major you like, just incase you're like me and decide to switch once you find it the department isn't what you thought it would be. Make sure any classes listed in the catalog that you want to take are being offered and that the professor hasn't retired or something.

visit the school and if it feels like home you will know

going to the best school isn't the goal. it's finding a place that really fits with the indiviudal's needs.

PIck a college where you feel comfortable and welcome. This is going to be home for about 4 years so you want to be in a place that feels that way. Decide what is important for you and what you want to get out of the school, then pick the school that will be able to deliver that for you.

Make sure you are picking a school that has a high rate of placing graduates in jobs. Try to find a school that will help you toward your career goal, many colleges let you major in whatever you wish and then there is no hope for employment afterward with your degree. Be careful!

Small schools have great communities, and let you make a lot of lifelong friends. Go somewhere warm and live it up!