The Evergreen State College Top Questions

Students should really try to look outside the box for college. There is no need to limit oneself to their hometown college. It is important to feel like you are part of a community when you go to college. Your community is why you will feel comfortable and supported through the years. Alternative learning can be a great step in the right direction if you were unhappy at your traditional public school. The sense that you can be youself and more and not be limited by the people around you will be increased with the right community vibe. FInding the right college is really about finding the perfect balance between acedemics and community. Understand your learning style and find a school that appeals to that. You can find schools with small classes and less emphasis on grades and more emphasis on learning. After you find your new place in the world getting the most of your college experience is as simple as listening to your head and heart. If you feel uncomportable change your situation. And if you see a place where you could push yourself take advantage of the experience.

Start any requirements for admission and registration early and check on the progress often. Don't assume that everything is working out on it's own.

keep it real and dont let the small things get you down. keep your goal in sight and dont forget to keep your head up looking at your horizon. everyday counts and its never to late, you are ultimatly responsible for your life. as long as your happy things will work out for you even if you have to force a smile just do it.

The Evergreen State College is truly about the student. If the student only wants a minimal amount of work with a small amount of accountability, then the student will get that. This may sound very negative and defeating of the school, but if the student really wants to be pushed, really wants to succeed and to hold themselves accountable then the student will find the school amazingly productive to the student's education. The experimental academic system here can easily be used for easy credit and an easy degree, true. However, the school shines for those who want to truly hold themselves accountable for their education. If you or your child is self-motivated, ambitious, cares about their future and is interested in the liberal arts or the environmental sciences, then I truly believe there is no other school. At The Evergreen State College, the result truly is the work you put in.

Think about what four years means in your life, and that this shapes who you are going to be and where you may end up at the end. Be honest with yourself about what you want to do, and if you don't know what you want to do make sure that the people at the campus seem interesting, new, and friendly. Classes are definitely not the only place that you learn things in college, you want to meet people with varied backgrounds and interests so you can build yourself around great people. If you do know what you're into, see if you can email a professor and have a conversation with them about yourself. And if you did not enjoy high school, meaning your a smart person but you did average in high school, think about alternative styles of education. Like Evergreen, where there are no grades only narrative evaluations and programs rather than courses, I loved it!

Make sure that your student is ready. For me, taking a year off to travel helped me grow more than words can express. After that, I just knew which school was the right one for me. Also, don't pay too much for an undergraduate degree. Going to a reputable state school is often just as great a learning environment as any private school. The only difference is how much you owe when it's all over. Most students need a place to find themselves, so unless a student knows exactly what field they expect to work in, the expensive schools end up being a regret. To the students, I would just say "work hard"! If you give it your all, you will see results. Don't worry about the parties until finals are over. Get enough sleep, and eat your veggies!! It really does help.

Consider your goals in life, and research which colleges are best suited to help you acheive those goals. The primary reason students should be attending college is to help shape the rest of their lives, and this is manifested in multiple forms - in the information you learn, the relationships you form with peers and faculty, and the degree you will receive that will help you to build a career doing something you will be happy doing for the long-term. College should be an enjoyable experience, but responsibility is key for success. Balance between your studies and recreation, but always put your studies first. Whatever you do, apply yourself fully to the material being taught in all your classes. The old adage is true, that you get out of college what you put into it. You will become a more developed and intelligent person if you challenge yourself by fully absorbing new information, even if you don't care for it initially. Sometimes you will have to put extra effort into liking more difficult subject matter (and difficult professors/peers), but it is ultimately worth the effort. So apply yourself; you might surprise yourself.

Find the right college can be a real difficult task, but basically you want to find one that meets your needs academically. Then you can slowly discover little gems abou the college that really makes the school great. This can only come from spending quality time with faculty and students. Also, try to be as open as possible to meeting new people and exploring new things. This will make your stay as rewarding as possible. Know your priorities, because ultimately you're there to receive the best education you can. So make sure you get your money's worth.

Don't have too many expectatoin, good or bad. College is what you make of it., so find a place that feels right to you and offers what you're interested- not the place that necessarily is most prestigious or gave you the best financial aid. If you find a place that is conducive to your happiness, you will be able to make the most of it. Take a variety of classes, use lessons from class and outside of class to synthesize your own education. No one decides if your education was valuable or not except for you.

My advice is to take your time with you decison; college will affect every aspect of your life after gradution, and even while you're in school. Look into every possible thing you can, talk to people who attend, visit to get a feel for the campus and make sure it's what you want. Also remember that college is like a job; take it seriously, don't screw around too much (but also enjoy your environment) and it will all pay off in the end.