The College of Wooster Top Questions

Go to different campuses and get the vibe from each. You will know which one is right for you/your child. Also make sure to go to classes and talk to professors in the fields you/your child is interested in.

Make sure you're RIGHT for college. Lots of people go because they are expected to, just because they can afford to so why not, or because they think it would be fun, and those people are a drag on the community of learners that is there for the right reasons. If you want education for education's sake, go with liberal arts, no matter the cost. You WILL get good job offers, (even with my majors, English and philosophy, I was offered every job I applied for, and we're talking political jobs to outdoorsy jobs to jobs in the oil and gas industry.) If you aren't thinking about education, just the opportunity to get 'real jobs,' and aren't the kind of person who does the reading and participates in class discussion, go to a big, cheap state school. Take advantage of every opportunity in college---studying abroad, internships, research grants, clubs, teams, and organizations, and definitely try new activities. I learned so much from studying abroad, things that you can't learn in a classroom in the US. My friends got to go all over the world to research, all on the school's bill!

Make sure it is someplace that you could see yourself four years from now. AS well as push current students to tell you the negative things about the school so you are not suprised when you arive on campus!!

One big piece of advice would be to look for scholarships as early as possible, because you'd be surprised a how many outside scholarships there actually are, and how quickly they run out. Also, do research on different schools and see which ones offer you the most for your money. Take some time and write out the things that you're looking for in a college, whether it be ethnic/cultural diversity, small/intimate classes, or located near a big city. Everyone looks for something different when trying to find a school, just make sure that you find what's best for you, because for all intents and purposes, that's where you're going to be stuck for the next four years. Remember, college is what you make of it. The amount you put into it is the amount you're going to get out of it. Although you should remember to enjoy yourself, academics should be your first priority. Think of it this way, good grades equals good job, which equals good money, which means living the good life. Don't sacrifice a lifetime of success and happiness for four years of laziness and alcohol consumption.

Just this: There is no wrong reason for choosing one college over another. If the tie-breaker is the proximity of a McDonald's, then so be it. It is, afterall, where you'll be living for the next 4 years.

When a prospective student is in search of a college, they should always take their time. Also, they should make sure they know everything they are getting to. It's not possible to know everything, but by talking to current students and administration things will get easier. To the parent, be patient. It may get frustrating when your college bound student cannot find that right school. Help with the research process and get all of the information that is out there. Also make sure that the financial aspects of school are taken care of when the school has been chosen; (loans, grants, scholarships, etc.)

The student needs to listen to his or her intuition, want to pursue a higher education, and own his or her decision completely. It's natural to be nervous about making such an important decision as choosing a college, but if you're able to walk onto a campus and can picture yourself happy there, consider why, and let that help you make your choice. I never pictured myself at a small school--I assumed I would go to school in an urban environment since I was raised in the city and couldn't imagine living in a rural area, ever--but when I ruled out my top (urban) choice, I knew that I needed to prioritize what had always been most important to me--academic excellence. I knew that even if it wasn't the first school I thought of, I would be happy someplace I felt I would be enriched. And being on campus at school has become the most comfortable place for me--when I'm home, I'm counting down the days until I can really be home again. If you plan to spend four years in one place, make sure you're happy.