Stevenson University Top Questions

College is going to be hard. You need to prepare yourself to deal with hared situations, because life is going to get harder. You're going to have to deal with new situations, people are going to be frustrating and pig-headed. You need to know when to fight and when to let it go, but don't back down when your know someone is wrong. Just be strong and you can handle what comes your way.

There isn't anything I would tell myself to change what has happened. The transition happened the way it did for a reason and it has made my life great. There isn't anything I would do differently.

Keep your options open. Don't just focus on just one school, may sure that you are looking at all your choices.

First thing is to visit all colleges they are interested in and pick the one that you feel the most comfortable with.

Think finacially, no problem with community colleges.

Parents and their students must keep their lines of communication open when applying for colleges, and discuss all possible options. Parents need to understand that if their child is adament about attending a university 300 miles away, they should allow their child that experience, no matter how bad it hurts to see them go. However, if the student does attend school far away without the parents around, they will need to understand that with freedom comes great responsibility. The student and their parents should visit as many campuses as possible, both large and small, and in between to allow the student to decide which school, student population, faculty and curriculum is right for them. College is only what you make of it, so parents should be supportive, and students should be adventurous whether that be joining a club or fighting for a cause. Why do I give this advice? Because, it worked wonders for me!

Keeping up with your schoolwork is the most important thing, because once you get even a little behind, it is hard to catch up. But don't forget to have fun too. Otherwise you will end up stressed. Devote small chunks of time throughout the day to be "power hours" where you completely focus on your work for a short time. Then take a break before doing something else. I find this way I get work done, but don't feel overwhelmed.

The advice that I have to give, is to really take time to reflect on yourself. Think about aspects of life that are important to you. If being near the city and always being on the go is important to you than think about a bigger school with lots of extra-curricular activities, but if taking it easy is more for you than look for a school that is set in the country side. Also, shadowing a student at the school(s) that you are interested in is extremley important. You sit in on classes and mingle with current students and it allows you to get a feel for the college!

The factors that I would suggest to look out for are: teacher/student ratio, available financial aid, location of school, tuition, available programs to study, and career services department.

I would advise that parents AND students visit several colleges before making a final decision, and base their choices on mutliple factors. Among them, location, tutition/scholarships offered, meal plans, sports teams/extra ciricular activites, and how the academic program is set-up, and especially if the major the student would want to pursue is available. Upon selecting the "right" college, being accepted and beginning the college career, a student should get him/herself involved with extra ciricular activities, avoid costly decisions (such as partying during weekdays), befriend fellow classmates, get to know roommates and hallmates, and use all of the resources the college has to offer, including libraries, fitness centers, teachers/staff/administration, tech labs and any other resource the school offers.