The College of Wooster Top Questions

I f I had the chance to go back in time as a high school senior and give myself advice, I would start off by advising myself to have an open mind. I wanted to go away from home in the Midwest and not consider many options that would have benefited me far more than the school I attended my freshman year in college. Taking advice and considering others suggestions would have caused less stress for me and maybe I would not have experienced a massive transition. But no matter what, I learned that this has been an experience and even when I am not in school or attending my classes during breaks, I am constantly learning. I am learning more and more about myself and what I want in life and what I expect myself to complete and accomplish. Throughout all of life's disruptions and pauses I never take a pause from being myself and knowing who I am as a young, mature adult.

I would tell myself to apply to William and Mary. I was overly optimistic in assuming there would be vast amounts of intellectual curiosity among students everywhere. Instead, I would let myself know that I was spoiled by my high school and that applying to a place with lots of my friends from high school would be a good idea. I would let myself know that everything I had heard about students thinking a lot in college may indeed be true, but it wouldn't be true to the extent that it was at my high school, and so I shouldn't let myself get disappointed. I would tell myself to make sure I stayed in touch with all of my friends and to pick a college closer to some of my friends (and make sure there was public transportation).

It is important when looking for a college that you have a well-rounded experience. A private liberal arts school was the best decision for me to make because the work load is intense, meant for a driven person, yet you could always find time for a school activity, club, or just time to relax and hang out. Classes are small so the attention from teachers is more in depth and rewarding.

I would say to step out of your comfort circle as much as possible while attending college, because otherwise you'll miss out on a lot. Academics are important, and concentrate this as much as necessary to succeed, but there is more to the college experience than academics. I've learned as much from my peers as I have from my teachers, just in different ways. I would also suggest getting help when you need it, and prioritizing your daily activities to suit your needs. Again, try to put your school work ahead of social or extra curricular activities, but don't let it stop you from living during the best two to four years of your life.

Colleges come in many sizes, look at your high school and ask yourself if you like the size and go from there. If you aren't sure what you want to do yet go to a Liberal Arts college. GO VISIT THE COLLEGES AND SEE FOR YOURSELF!

When I was applying to college, I thought that there was a perfect school for me. I had my dream school picked out and a line of back-ups waiting for me (all of which I had decided that I did like, even if it wasn't my number one). I got accepted to my dream school, but the College of Wooster offered me a very generous scholarship. My biggest advice to give in choosing a college is not to set your heart on one school before you get your acceptance letters. I quickly found at the College of Wooster that I was going to get everything from this school that I would have gotten at my one-time "dream school" but wouldn't be paying off school loans for the rest of my life. I guess my advice is to be open to your options, because there isn't one perfect school for everyone - there's plenty, and it's important to take advantage of what is offered to you. All schools have numerous clubs, activities, majors, etc, and even if it takes some people longer than others, if you put yourself out there you will find your place.

For parents, let the student decide. If they're at a school they were pressured into going to, and they dont like it there, they won't do as well. For students, find a school that fits you. Don't go to a school because your friends are going there, or your significant other. Choose for you, some place you feel comfortable and think you could learn well. Remember you're in school to learn.

You've got to make you're decision on what feels right to you. No one else can tell you what college is right for you except for yourself.

I think it's really important to visit the college campuses and find a feel that is right for you. It's an individual decision, and it has to be an institution that is able to provide for your interests, both academically and socially.

Many parents choose a school that is affordable or that maybe is close to home, but the connection between the student and campus does not form. If the intelligence level is there, but the finances are not, sometimes families will simply "settle" and go to a small community college. For me, when I walked on campus, I simply knew right then and there that this is where I wanted to be and get my education. The cost became an issue afterwards, and was dealt with appropriately with grants, scholarships, and any loans that needed to be taken out. If the drive is there, a student will feel it. Parents should sit down with their children and find out what they really want out of their college experience, whether it be a strong focus on the hard sciences and research or if they want to get a good education and have some sort of social life. Then, narrow down your choices from there to schools that fit into what they would like, and then visit the colleges. If the connection is there, parents: your kids will feel it. Students: you will know what I mean.