Roger Williams University Top Questions

Colleges aren't really all that different. Each one has its own quirks, but essentially you get what you want to take from whatever college you attend.

keep a few majors in mind incase one doesn't work out. don't just rely on what they tell you on a college tour about the school, ask students who already go there, they can give you a real and accurate description about the way things work there. also, don't go to college if your number one priority is not learning.

Visit it more than once and talk to the real students not the administration, faculty and tour guides. the real students will give you their honest opinions about the school, which helps you to make a much more informed decision about the school you will be attending. if the college process does not work out the way you hope make the most of it you can be happy anywhere as long as you give it a chance.

make sure that you help your student have a plan and try and help them discover what it is they enjoy doing. that should lead them to a career.

It's hard to pick the right school because high schoolers have no idea what they want in a college because they have never been there. Go somewhere new and try new things, its the last chance you'll get. Ask other people that you know who are in college about sizes and settings, and if you think you want to try a big school in a city, then go for it. If you want the complete opposite, then do that. Even if you get there and it's not what you expected, don't try to leave immediately. Make friends and make the best of whats around, and if you really don't like it after that, you can leave. And don't go too far from home, it gets expensive if you do.

Consider not only the academic power of the college, but also where you would feel most comfortable. Whether this is a small seaside university or a univeristy in the center of a bustling metropolis, the college experience is the synergy of the environment, professors and other students. It is understandable to focus on the academically "correct" school, but in my experience I found the correct school by visiting and confering with the professors on campus. While what you get out of the college is up to you, this is a major choice that you should make on your own and under your own discression.

To find the right college, definitely visit the college. Also, figure out just how far away you are willing to go from home. Take in consideration if you want a big college or a small college. Be aware of the activities the school provides, the clubs/organizations, sports, and the academic majors that are available on campus. Visiting the campus, even for a weekend will help you get a feel of college life. Sit in a classroom if possible. do whatever it takes to help make your decisions. Remember, the college you choose will be your home for the next four years. The friends you make in college WILL be your friends for LIFE. The friends you make will become your FAMILY, you will learn to be there for each other, you will share good times and bad. Just remember to let go of the bad and keep the good. Make smart decisions because sometimes even a small decision can change your life.

Go and visit the universities and ask alot of questions even ones that you think you know the answer to.

Get involved! I came to RWU knowing no one, and I was placed in a "forced single" living arangement. I was scared I would make no friends and hate college. Getting involved was the best thing I could have done. It helped me socially and academically. Getting involved opens so many doors for you! I went from being involved in nothing to be coming: a Hawks Herald Campus Newspaper Staffwriter, Student Programs & Leadership Program Assistant, Orientation Advisor, Hawks Pride Council Co-chair, Hollerin' Hawks Vice President, SOAR Participant, and a WQRI Campus Radio DJ. I met so many amazing, life-long friends, and it helps keep me focused on academics. There is really nothing I could say is more helpful. Watching my orientees has even confirmed this. My orientees that are becoming more involved are seemingly happier and are doing better academically. I've noticed my uninvolved orientees have been indulging in more binge drinking and party scenes. Becoming involved on campus has helped me balance my social and academic life, and has just eliminated stress in general.

Look for scholarship money months in advance of EACH semester, never assume that tuition fees listed in material from the school is a final total; always budget several hundred dollars more per semester, for necessary expenses(this does not consider food, rent, entertainment)

make sure the school has the major your child wants, and make sure they are not jsut going to the school because it is beautiful. College is about learning as much partying as there is, one needs to learn to balance the two out, and if you cannot you could find yourself in trouble come Finals Week

the college expirence is about haveing the time of your life in a comfortable environment. One is supposed to be outside the comfort zone and try new things that were previously not tried because they were affraid of what the parents may say. College is a time to spread wings and be the person you want to be and if thats not who you are then change, all the while studing to better yourself in the real world. It is a time to learn how to mannage your private life with work, at first it will be hard but you will get the hang of it and it will become easyer. In other words college is a time to be who you are and better yourself and your future, but have fun doing so.

Go with your first instinct, trust me, you won't regret it.

I suggest to look within yourselves to see what you need for your education, not what you want. Do you need to expand your mind and ideas? Do you need to branch out and try new and different things, to diversify your life? If you do, pick a college that does that. Do not pick a college because it is safe, or because it is close to home, or it resembles where ou went to highschool. Pick a place different, because that will be the best education of all, learning from people that are completely different than you. Yes, money, location is very important, but in the end, the education, and things you take away from college that you don't learn in the classroom is actually the most important. Anyone can study Anthropology, Science, Languages, but not many can say I lived a life completely different than I lived the last 18 years of my life in highschoo?

I would tell students to sit down and think about what they want in a college. Think about everything from academics, to extra-curricular activities. Apply to every school that you are interested in and definitely visit those schools. I truly believe that you can tell if you belong somewhere from the first time you visit the campus. If you think you are not good enough for a school, still apply. I have been told that many schools could fill their classrooms with valedictorians but choose not to because they want a diverse and interesting student body. You could be that person who stands out! Choose your school based on more than one reason. Do not just look for the school with the best academic ratings and think that is the only way you can succeed. Every school offers different opportunities and not everyone belongs at the number one party school or Ivy League!! All in all follow your heart, never settle for the school you think your ?supposed? to go to, and have an amazing time exploring your opportunities. My advice to parents?.let your children explore every option and try not to place many limits on their future!

For the parents, I would ask them to be supportive of their student's choice of college/major, because it is a big decision that will affect their future. For the students I would ask them to consider everything there is when choosing a school in, for example the size of the school and what degrees and programs they offer. Once you find the right school you should do everything you can to become a part of it. Get involved in organizations and clubs, go to as many events as possible, and make sure to always do your work. The way to meet great friends is by participating in different events. Try to experience as many different things as possible because this is probably the only chance you have to do so. It is preparing you for your future so don't get carried away with having fun. The work is just as, if not more important than your social life.

It is important that you find a school that really fits your personality. I loved my school because it had a pretty campus, but after being here for a long time I feel very distant from the rest of my student body. I don't really fit in with them because they are, for the most part, spoiled and catty. It's important that you make good friends early on and recognize the friends who are a bad influence or fake. Spend your time at college finding out who you are and don't be the stereotypical freshman that "goes crazy". You'll regret it.

You really need to visit the school and see what its like. Understand how many people go there and the teacher to student ratio. The way you learn really effects what school you want to be in. Don't go for a huge school if you don't like lectures and you would rather have hands on activities and discussions. The location is a huge part of the school you attend. If you are not happy in the location you will not be happy at the school. Visiting is a key. If you know what you want to do then go for a school that is really focused in that area. If you are not suere you should pick a school that has a lot of general majors and a lot to choose from. You want to make sure you have options if you decide you change your mind about the major. Really look into the social life of the school and see if it fits you; college is not just about learning but getting to know people and having fun. Who you meet really effects if you enjoy going to the school you chose. Remember to have fun!

College is going to be part of the best years of your life. Start early; look at as many colleges as you want until you find the right fit for you. Take advantage of all the college of your choice has to offer; whether it be the arts, extra curricular activities, sports, residential life etc. also be sure to check if the school has those opportunities or the ones you want. Go to class? you pay for them but its OK to skip every once and a while. The social aspect of college is as equally as important as the academic. Make friends and don?t be afraid to let college help shape the person you are becoming. You've got four years to live a completely different lifestyle then you have been and will be living in the future. My biggest piece of advice to you is...Make every second count!

Remember that you will grow and change, and it isn't the end of the world if you switch schools later. In picking a school determine what is most important to you, meaning your values and morals. Find a place where you think you will find others you can relate to, or at least where you will find accepting individuals.