Spelman College Top Questions

The most important factor when trying to determine a memorable and finfilled college eperience is the school you choose. Each school offers different experiences and also different program that could possibly lead to your future success. So when choosing a school I think the most important issue is finding an institute that has the best program for you academically. Then, that is when you look into location, cost, and other circumstances that goes along with that college or university You want to have funfilled college experience but you also want to make sure that you are being molded correctly into the future doctor, lawyer, scientist, etc that you wish to become. Always choose an institute based on the strength of their academic program because in the long run that is the only thing that is going to contribute to your future success.

I would tell first the parents to take into consideration what their children have to say about a school because after all it is their child that has to spend all of his or her time there. For the Students I would definitely say visit the schools you are considering at least twice. The first time you may go on a official tour with a tour guide and it looks and sounds like its catered to you, but then I suggest going a second time on your own sit in a class talk with a student that way you can get the feeling of being there and make a decision from there.

The right college for a student should be one you would be willing to go to great lengths to stay there. If a student will not go the extra mile to educate themselves at this institution, whether it requires working a job, studying extra hours, or early morning pratices, then the school isn't for them. College is not only about learning academically, but also learning socially . Therefore, if a college has all the "bells and whistles" but doesn't connect with you on a deeper level than only academics (or sports, extracurricular activities, etc) then it will be more difficult to stay there. College is about taking the knowledge obtained in a classroom and applying it to the development into adulthood. In order to truly embrace this development, a student must feel safe, supported, and able to exert their independence on campus, so that when they leave they can act as a young adult and make good adult choices. The campus and its inhabitants must be a fertile ground for this development. Therefore if a student cannot "root" themselves to an institution, they will never grow there.

To parents who are overprotective I would say to allow your child to pick what best fits them, college is stressful enough without adding the complication of being uncomfortable and unhappy in the school that you attend. Students should pick schools not because of the parties but rather a place that will fit their lifestyle and best serve their future needs.

I believe parents and the student must decide together what's important to them. Will the college course programs correspond with the degree. How safe is the campus and how involve are the professors with the students, or classroom size. You must outline a list of questions, and know by reading the material and visiting the college that all you concerns are address. Once you and the student feel that the colleges are a perfect match, always select at least 3 colleges with this same assessment. Pick alternative schools just incase you don't hear from your 1st choice, always have 2nd, and 3rd choice. Once you and the student have pick the schools that best fit in every aspect of need, only then will you have the college that makes the parents and student happy.

First make sure you visit the college campus on a normal class day, not an orientation day or weekend. This will allow you to get a feel of what the school and its students are REALLY like. Also talk with a financial aid representative privately while visiting the school to talk about your individual financial situation if this is something that is an issue. Don't neglect your individual desires for the sake of going to a "good school". If you know you prefer a smaller more intimate campus, don't attend a huge state univeristy. If seeing green grass or the stars everyday is something important to you don't go to a school whose campus is located within a large urban city. Just pay attention to what YOU want. There is a school out there that will meet your needs and ultmately you will do better because you will be happy. Don't pick a school that is to expensive family if you will not have sufficient finacial aid. This will only put unnecessary stress on you and your family during your college experience. And the #1 rule while in college is to BE YOURSELF always!

My advice to parents would be to make sure the school provides support for their child in numerous ways; academic, financial, social, and health (physical and mental). This support will help their child to succeed greatly. This is a time where their child is able to take on many responsibilities without much of their help, and having those around their child who are experienced and willing to help the matriculation through college will end in great results. My advice to students is to not go to a college just because their peers are attending, as well as if their parents are stressing them to attend their alma mater. Make sure the institution is where they want to be and will provide them with adequate resources. College is a time for freedom, but it is also a time for career planning. The relationships they make throughout this time can provide great network opportunities for post-graduation, as well as life time friends. One last piece of advice is to not stress! College is more difficult than high school, but taking each assignment as it comes, be it academic or social, will aid in success.

For parents and students looking for the right college, I suggest writing a list of different qualities you would want your school to have (challenging academic curriculum, finacial aid, location, competetive sports, study abroad, diversity, etc), then look for schools that fit the list. Once you have comprised a list, visit those schools! Spend as much time as possible with the students, with professors, and with faculty. Make sure the choice made is one you're ready to live with and literally pay for. As far as making the most out of one's college experience, I say be bold and be involved. Do not shy away from people, but get to know as many people as possible. You do not have to become friends with everyone you meet, but establishing a community outside of those from highschool is important. Take advantage of all that the school and community has to offer, whether it applies to your major or not. Also stick to your morals or beliefs. Try new things, but also exercise discernment. Do not come so impressionable. Lastly, remember why you are in college, to learn and to excel academically. Do not allow distractions to negatively affect you.

There are three words that sound clich? but make the difference in choosing the right college; they are ?follow your heart.? Before college there are distractions and opinions that can get in the way of your choice, however remember to focus on yourself and the best college for you. When I began searching for colleges there were many variables that played a part in my decision such as academics, cost, location, and size. I was constantly worried with what people said, what I didn?t have, was afraid to be different, and to also take such a great financial risk. However, I remember the night when I fell in love with Spelman College; at that moment all the voices of doubt, my fears, and the lack of resources went out the window. Currently as a sophomore I know that college can and will test your character and challenge your determination. Before going to college the best way to make the most of the unknown journey is to spend time getting to know yourself, your values, and what your goals are. It is imperative to remember and stay true to who you are and the reason you are pursuing your degree.

When finding the right college. It is always best to see what fits your lifestyle and the academic statics.