Southern Nazarene University Top Questions

I think the most important advice I would give is to first do your VERY BEST to find and apply for any scholarships or grants that could possibly be given to you. This will help you base your decision less on whether or not you have sufficient funds, and more on where you could see yourself really fitting in. I would tell parents to be involved as much as possible to help their child find what they could to help keep them out of debt. But more than anything, do everything in your power to help them financially through school. It's a really tough time with many life adjustments taking place, and the best thing you can do is to just be there when they need you. If they can rely on you, they will have that much less to worry about while they are struggling through school. For the student, I would just suggest to do your best just to know what is going on around you; financially, politically, and academically. And last but not least, make this life-changing process a FUN process. Don't stress too much over the little things. Let God be in control.

Students need to value their parents' opinions on finding the right college, but not go to a school just because the parents want them there. Parents need to be careful about pushing a particular school on a student. Even though they may feel it's right for their child, it may be exactly the opposite. Having the freedom to go where you want while valuing the opinion of your parents is hard, but essential for both the parents and the students to remain happy through the college experience. As far as making the most of the college experience, allow yourself to let loose and take the time to find out who you are and who you want to be. This may be one of the few times you are able to start with a fresh slate. Take advantage and be who you want to be. Parents, let the student find their way and make their own mistakes. You can't protect them and teach them "life." It's much better for us to figure it out ourselves - no matter how hard that may be for you to watch.

Dont limit yourselft to just one college find a couple that will meet your needs then narrow it down to the one. Get involved and stay involved. Try new things and dont worry what other people think.

Parents, PLEASE make sure you help your kids find scholarships before college! If you don't it will only come back to hurt you when they graduate and can't afford to live anywhere but home.

Make sure the student is actually comfortable with the school, not only what their parents want for them.

The most important factor to discovering and deciding on the right college for you can be answered by the question "Is this somewhere where I can grow and become who I want to become". If that college can and will help you on your growth into that person you wish to become then by all means that is your college. Honestly the worst reason for picking a school is because your friends are there or you parents went there or the fact that it's Ivy league. Those are the worst types of reasons, you may just end up sending yourself down a road built for someone else. Make your own destiny and discover who you truly are and let that guide your decision. If your friends happen to go there or your parents went there too that's great, just know that you made your decision on a reason infinitly more sound. Now that you're at your new school it's time to get down and dirty. Go have fun, enjoy your time... but don't forget to study! Explore your world and discover what it's you were meant for. This is what college is about.

It is very important that one finds a school that they are comfortable in. One should be able to feel that school is their home away from home. Also, check to see how many and what kind of extra-curricular activities are available on campus. Arrange to make a campus visit to see how things are around campus on a day to day basis. It might also be beneficial to go to campus on a day that they are not doing sponsored school tours so you can see it on a regular day. Also, look at how far away the school is from home. The distance may cause the new student to become homesick and miss out on many of the opportunities available. One also needs to get involved in campus activities. College is a great time to find new friends and try new things.

For the parents I would say help your kids. This is a big dicision, so when they come to you listen to everything they say. Do not force your desires on them, but help them find the school that is best for them. To the students I would say know what you want. Have an idea of what you are looking for in class styles, professors, and community life. Take the time to to visit the schools you are looking at. Meet the proffessors and students. Ask question and be honest.

Decide what you want to do, then look at the major that corresponds, then look at those programs at the schools. Visit! Get to know the professors. Activities may look great. The campus may look awesome. The reviews may be fantastic, but the quality of the professors is most important. It has made a world of difference to me that my professors truly care.

Have an idea of a major, so you can choose the school that will most benefit your student's education and career options. Demand a list of EVERY class needed to graduate for their major and the schools requirement. This will allow you to save money and keep your student focused and on track, while also knowing what extra classes can be taken without interferring with the major.