The College of Wooster Top Questions

Finding the right college isn't easy. For me, it was a gut instinct. This was where I belonged, and I knew that after spending an overnight here. For others, there are three or four schools where they could fit - I think what helps is to evaluate the school's program. Wooster's Senior Independent Study attracted me and many of my peers, but it also dissuaded a lot of people from coming. Making the most of the school you choose is easy: Mark Twain once said, "I never let my schooling get in the way of my education." Though this adage has become somewhat trite in modern day, it's still completely applicable. College is about graduating, and getting a degree, and getting a good job, sure. But college is also about what you learn outside the classroom. I've learne works livimyself and about the way the world works living in a dorm than I ever have in an academic building.

Visit schools, overnight, and don't be afraid to challenge yourself to apply to schools just out of your reach. You don't want to end up at a school where your academic interest becomes deflated as a result of coasting and in effect a disregard to schoolwork. Also consider what types of majors you are interested in before heading to school some of the smaller schools only offer a limites selection. Despite all the other factors, your academic advancement is the main purpose of going to a college or university.

I would tell both parents and students that when choosing the right college, it is paramount that there is an ample amount of open and honest communication about expectations on both ends. There are a number of things that have to be considered, such as location, financial aid, the campus atmosphere, and just the feel of the campus in general. It is important for students to think about how often they want to be able to get home, how accessible they want their professors to be, and what type of extracurriculars, study abroad, and course options are available. Also, it's incredibly important that both parents and students visit the schools in questions, if at all possible. A lot of the college decision just depends upon the "right feel" for families. I would suggest that students just make a list of things that are really importantant and that they would really like to get out of their college experience, and choose the school that is able to meet their needs and offers the best combination of options so that the student is not only getting the best academic experience, but also the best personal experience possible to help them grow.

VISIT! Also, check out everything; from courses to extracurriculars. Spend the night on campus. Talk to as many current students as you can. Don't aim too high, choose a college that's on the same level as you both academically and financially. Talk to your future professors. Don't even THINK about going home every weekend. Don't do something (anything) you might regret later.

Overnight stays are the ONLY way to learn about a school. And make sure that you actually vist more than five kids. Colleges have many more students than the ones you'll meet. Student Org's will be your life, so find ones you like.

Make sure you find a college that fits to personality. Visit as many colleges as you can because when you visit the campus you will get a feeling that it is the campus for you. Dont choose a college because of your money situation unless you really have to. Teh college will most likely provide financial aid and is understanding with how the enconomy is. Also there are plenty of scholarships available for all types of people. When you get to campus dont be afraid to go out and meet new people. Try a party or two, but dont feel like you are forced to drink because people could care less. Also try different activities around campus without losing site of you school work. Take advantage of the community around campus and just have fun.

Make sure to visit schools more than once, and do an overnight. If you are uncomfortable on your visit you will be uncomfortable going there. Go with you gut.

Pick the place that draws your heart...don't worry about money, you can always pay it off later.

Students should go to a prospective college alone for an overnight and get a feel for how the students there interact outside of the classroom and what a typical day really is.

The name of your school won't matter as much as your experience there, unless you plan on working abroad. Try not to worry about it. Don't be afraid to branch out and study something you never thought you'd be interested in--one new subject every semester. Take advantage of the school's resources while you're there, because soon enough you'll have to pay a lot for things like a gym membership, a personal trainer, and database access. That includes going to the free tutorials offered by the information technology department and hearing guest speakers. Make lots of friends, leave your pettiness in high school, and remember that you may be nervous and stressed, but everyone else is, too. Enjoy!