Scripps College Top Questions

Dear Jasmine, I want to prepare you for your transition into college life and everything that comes after. The most important piece of advice that I can give you is for you to make a set of goals for yourself at the beginning of the year. Knowing what you want out of your college experience and recognizing that some flexibility is necessary will allow your transition to go smoothly. The goals will give you a direction and being flexible will allow you to try new things. There will be many times when you aren't sure about the path you are on, in these times I suggest that you seek advice from friends, family, or someone who you trust has your best interest at heart. This will reduce stress on your part. Remember that you are young, and this is an amazing new journey for you to embark on. Nothing in life goes exactly according to plans and that's alright, as long as you are confident in the decisions you make everything will work itself out!

Hey Rosh, I have some extremely important advice to give you. As a current college student, I have five words to say which will completely change your attitude about college: DON'T STRESS ABOUT YOUR COMFORTER! I know that in your mind, your comforter symbolizes so much more than just something to keep you warm at night. You think that the other girls will judge your character based on the color and style of your comforter. You think that if your comforter is so cheesy or boring that nobody will want to be friends with you. Let me stress this one more time, nobody will care! You will make so many friends regardless of your choice. I do not want you to spend hours browsing various bedding sites and obsessing over the shade of pink. I want you to go to ONE website and make your decision based on how you feel in the moment. I do not want you to channel your anxiety about college into your comforter. How can I be so confident? Because I have already experienced this transition and know that you will do so well and transition so smoothly. I am so proud of you.

There are no perfect tips or fool proof advice that can be offered about finding the right college. The most important thing to consider and to investigate is whether or not students at the college are happy with their experience. During my college search process, I went by what the college guide books said; I never asked students quetsions and neglected to ask about how they liked their college and the experience that they had there. The best question to ask in helping to choose the right place is " How happy are the students?", " Do students LOVE their school?" With regards to making the most out of the college experience; use the four years to try things you wouldn't otherwise try. Use free time wisely; and most of all, take all your oppotunities to learn!

Make sure to visit campuses. Do research on the campus outside of the materials presented to you by the college. Don't choose a school based solely on prestige. Look for the amount of flexibility you will be able to have in your academic program and your ability to enhance your academic program in the surrounding area.

You should choose a school where you will be happy. Once you get there, get involved in anything and everything! Don't be afraid to try new things or take classes about things you have never heard about. This is a time for you to learn and grow. Take advantage of it!

Visit and talk to students. If the school will not pay for your flight to visit if you don't have the resources then don't bother- you don't want to deal with them.

I believe that finding the "right" college is really difficult. It's not about academics, it's not about social life, it's not about campus life- it's about all of these. Take time and spend a few days at the school. If possible, do not go through program set up by the school. Rather, stay with a friend; go to a party; sit in on a class; eat a few meals at the dining hall when it's NOT prospective student time; ask students what they wish they knew before starting their education at the institution. Once you have chosen a school, do not be surprised that it's not a dream; every school has it's problems. Make the best of it, though! Get involved with campus organizations (they help you to form lasting friendships), visit professors during office hours (that's how you get research opportunities), get familiar with the area around campus (avoid cabin fever). Most of all, Have fun!

Let the students make the final decision

Don't go just for the name; go for the experience

These smaller liberal arts schools (the Claremont Colleges) may not have the big name recognition among friends and family, but among employers and grad schools, these schools are very highly regarded. I transfered from a large public big-name school to one of these schools and couldn't be happier with the personal attention I'm getting.