Seattle Pacific University Top Questions

Prospective students should visit the campus/city at least once WITHOUT their parents because if they attend, mama & papi won't be there with them and this will give a more accurate taste test for what their experience will be like. Make sure and ask current students, get a mix of year if you can, what they DON'T like about the school- those are the things that will get under your skin while you're a student there so you might as well make sure they aren't deal breakers.

I would have to say that finding the right college is really a trial and error experience. You should really take advantage of online vertual tours, and visitng the schools in person. As far a making the most out of the experience the only thing I can tell you is be involved. Anyone who ever really loved their college experience was involved in some kind of activity. Being invovled is the most important part of enjoying your college experience.

Find a school where you want to live for the next 4 years

Step outside your comfort zone. The best thing I did while researching colleges was to spend the night in the dorms. I was nervous because I was afraid it would be awkward, and I really had to push myself to sign up for an overnight visit. Those visits made my college decision infinitely easier. In college, there is so much to experience outside of the classroom, so see what it's like before you commit! When you are a student, be involved. Try something new. I've never been a singer, but I signed up this year for Gospel Choir, and it is incredible. I'm discovering new talents, and a new community in a place I wouldn't have thought to look. Work. You will have time, and it pays off as you have money for school and socializing. Push yourself. I reluctantly applied for the honors program, and it was the best decision I made since coming to college because I have access to the best professors, I connect with brilliant peers, and I participate in fantastic class discussions. I get the most my money has paid for. Remember, your experience will be what you make of it.

To parents: save early and as much as you can. With this economic downturn amidst us, loans are harder to aquire. Even if it's possible for you to receive loans, use it as your last resort. Loans are expensive and a major headache. Help your child find alternative sources of financing their eduacation. Fill out the FAFSA early, even if you don't think you qualify for much. Help them in the scholarship process as well. Beyond that, don't let money discourage you from sending your child to the right school. Most importantly, support your children in whatever they pursue. Their decisions may not be what you wanted, but remember that often, we know ourselves better than anyone else, and with this knowledge, we typically choose what is best for us. To students: with so many options for schooling, choosing the right school can be difficult. That's what the internet is for. Know what you want, know your values, research, visit, and compare. You'll find the right school. When you're finally attending the right school, be open-minded, take full advantage of what your school has to offer. After all, you are paying for it.

always go on a college visit. and ask all the questions you can think of. and always look into how much it will cost and how the schools finacial aid may change from one year to another.

Finding the right college for a school bound student can be a very difficult decision. I feel that it is best for students and their parents to visit many school's of interest, seek financial need, observe student housing and classrooms as well as friendliness of the staff and students. Although, I feel the most important overall deciding factor should be the student's future career interest. I believe that anyone can have a great college experience if the student is fully committed to and is willing to dedicate time to studying, social interactions, and school related activities. Overall, I suggest complete communication between parents, students and the staff of any given school in order to make the best decision for a student who is ready to be a new chapter in their life!

To families who are shopping for a college, it's important to remember to try on the options! Visit the colleges that the student is most interested in and attend the scheduled events most colleges offer for prospective students (such as preview days). But after the info sessions, class visits, and caffeteria meals, one of the best things to do is to slow down. Pull up a chair in the middle of the Student Union building or other central flow of traffic, and simply observe. Watch the students around you: how many of them are there? What are they doing - homework or socializing? How do they interact with each other? Eavesdrop a little and find out what's on the mind of these students (after all, this could be you!). The key to making the most of the college experience is engaging in what the school offers (academics and campus life), so find out what there is. Is the talk of the campus sports? The school play? The outrageous art exhibit? Are they organizing study groups or hosting an icecream social, or both? Don't be afraid to speak with the students either; they've all been in your shoes!

Don't judge too quickly, ask students that you see around what they think of the campus, students that haven't been hand picked by the administration.

As a high school senior I sacrificed myself to the craze of college-hunting. I was stressed-out and scared like I was walking the gang-plank, blindfolded and vulnerable before an unknown future. I was certain that the sharks would eat me alive, but they didn?t. I survived and want to share some unconventional college advice to help clear the fog and calm palpitating hearts. Finding the right college is about aligning your values with a community that will help you live fully and deeply. It is not about money, prestige, or gaining a piece of paper at the end. College is about immersing yourself in a world of new experiences, challenging your mind, finding your calling, and preparing yourself to give back to society in some small way. When you are looking at colleges, don?t just look at the dollar sign. Examine the ways the community will call you out to engage and change the world. Once you are admitted, and wave goodbye to your parents- go outside and bloom. Don?t sit on the sidelines. Eat up all the experiences: volunteer, talk with professors, stay up late, read books for fun, and contemplate the stars.