Simpson University Top Questions

I would definitely find a college that first fits your lifestyle and wants before you pick because of your major. your major most likely will change, but they way the college is won't. :)

As an "older" student I would encourage students of all ages to research a college that will enable you to complete a degree in a program that fits your needs and stage in life. If you are a younger student, you may want to research the availability of extra-curricular activities, the dorm life, the academic programs and financial aid. There are some students who have small children for which an online college may be the best option for them. I believe that finding the right program will aid in the success of your college career. For me the degree completion program at Simpson University offered classes one night a week which was important for me and my family. The program was 18 months which was also a benefit when comparing other college degree programs. I believe that visiting campuses and getting a feel for the culture and atmosphere is important in making a decision on where you will obtain your degree.

My advice is to visit the campus! You can never get a true feeling about whether a school is right for you by looking at a website or reading about it. A visit to campus can be an opportunity to meet students, see dorms, eat food, visit classrooms and experience for yourself if the campus has the feel that is right for you.

Don't make your choice based on money, go with what you want and what will best help you achieve your goals.

Know what you want in a college, and why you want it. Think about what type of experience you would like to have, and then be intentional about researching schools that fit your descriptions. Be flexible because no school will be perfect, but also discover your sense of self because ultimately it is you that has to go thorugh this time.

I would advise prospective undergraduates to really look at the values of the students of the colleges you are considering. Taking a campus tour and actually sitting in on one or two classes is extremely helpful, considering you are evaluating every aspect of the potential college. Look at the job market around the college, as well as the community atmosphere of the city the college is located in, if you're a partier, you may not want to be stuck in the middle of the woods somewhere far from a big city, and if you're a small town person, you may not want to go to a huge college in the middle of San Francisco. Consider the type of roommates you want to live with in the dorms/apartments/wherever, you want to live with people you can get along with on a regular basis. Think about the cultural experience you want to have while attending college, if you want to engage in music ensembles, make sure the college actually has a program of some sort, look at the clubs and extra-curricular activities available. Think about how this college's atmosphere will affect your personality, morals, and religion.

Deciding on the right college for you takes research, visits and a "feel" for the culture, attitude and program that is the best fit for you as an individual. Taking the step to further your education is a big one and should not be taken lightly. I chose to return to college to finish my degree at the age of 41. I started at a junior college and transferred to Simpson University's Aspire Program. I decided this program and school was the best fit for me because as a full time employee, my time away from home was limited to one night per week. When I first visited Simpson, I was amazed at the caring attitude of the staff and the Christian environment that made me feel so welcome. While I realize that Simpson isn't for everybody, I believe there is a fit out there for every individual who has a desire to learn. Going back to school has been the most rewarding thing I have done for myself. When I obtain my degree, the feeling of accomplishment will be overwhelming and an inspiration to my children and to others that you are never too old to learn.

First, to have financial capability as a second priority. Pick a college that fits the student and the lifestyle that suits the student. The college should have a variety of majors so that if the student were to change majors, he/she would be able to switch without going to another school. Visit the college before picking it, because then the student can question real students and get actual respones to questions and the student will be able to see the environment of the campus (to see if it fits the student). To make the most out of your college experience, attend one or many activities on campus to associate the student with peers and the campus. If the student has a certain affinity (such as going to a Catholic college), then browse through colleges of that nature. Most of all, look for a college that you feel you can learn, have fun, and grow because college is an important point in anyone's life and should be enjoyed as well as being a chance to learn about the world and yourself.