Union University Top Questions

Advice I would give to parents/and or students would be to pray about the decision you are about to make. It could be the most important decision of your life. It will determine the quality of education you receive, what friends you make, and/or the type of career you begin upon graduation. Weigh the universities pros and cons. Try to find which one will fit you best. Each school will posess different qualities that could appeal to you or not appeal to you. Ultimately, take the decision seriously! It is very important and is more than just about partying. You are preparing yourself for the rest of your life. Parents, give your child wisdom and guidance, but ultimately leave the decision up to them.

I would encourage both prospective students and their parents to research the schools in which they have interest. College visits are a great opportunity to get a first person perspective in addition to the opportunity to ask questions that may not have been answered in the college brochure. It is also a great idea, once you have chosen to visit a school, to request to stay overnight with a student. This gives the prospective student the opportunity to gain an understanding of what a typical day for a student at that college looks like. Host students are also an excellent source of information that may not be presented on a campus tour. A great way to make the most of your college experience is simple: get involved! Join organizations not only on campus, but get involved in the surrounding community. Not only is this a great way to make friends, but it is also a wonderful way to expand your horizons and worldviews.

Finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is all about balance. After reducing your list of schools to the ones that meet your desired criteria, a campus visit is the most valuable resource for a prospective student. No amount of research can capture the essence of a college like being on campus. My first choice was quickly changed when the actual flavor of the campus paled in comparison with my third choice. Choosing a college where you feel comfortable and meets your basic standards will position you to be able to make the most of your college experience. Once there, budget your time and get involved in things that interest you. Many students daily overbook themselves and leave no time to enjoy these precious years. There is just as much danger, however, in allowing fear to inhibit you from seeking out the many opportunities available to grow, learn, and experience things that will shape your future. The right balance of academics, wellness, social endeavors, and extra-curricular activities is vital to making the most of these years.

Dont be afraid to shopp around. Take aspects of each that you like and look for a college that combines them. As a new student, make sure to stay at college the first several weekends to get involved and meet people. It is very important to form a core group a friends, and then branch out to experience different people.

In order to find the right college, I would reccomend that students and parents visit multiple colleges together. The student should be the one to pick their college, but the parents will have different questions than the students will. Together students get a more accurate picture of the college or university. The college or university should fit the student, both in size, academics, and beliefs. To make the most of the college experience I reccomend living on campus if possible. Many group gatherings can happen late at night or run into the night. Also many colleges and universities have a form of Residence Life that plans a few events for the people who live on campus. Living on campus can help you become more connected to other students.

Go with your gut feeling. That sounds scary, I know, but really once you get past all the over-analyizing and the comparative charts, trust your feeling about that school. Of course, finding the right school does require actual work, but don't get too caught up in numbers. Once you choose your school and begin your first semester there, learn how to get out of your comfort zone. Once you hop over the proverbial fence of nervousness, you will be able to enjoy some many new and exciting experiences that would never have seemed possible before. Ask new questions, try new things, meet new people. It will be worth it!

Make sure you explore every possibility. Even if you don't think you could ever make it into a school because of the costs or the academic standards, check it out. I didn't think I would ever get into Union or afford it, but I have. God has opened up so many doors for me to be where I am now and I know I am in the right place. Things will fall into place if it's where God wants you to be. I would suggest attending a conservative Christian college if possible. Especially here at Union, your faith will be strengthened in and outside the classroom. You will be challenged to do the best you can do academically, be the best you can be spiritually and otherwise. Pray that God will lead you to the right school and trust Him, even if it doesn't make sense. It's always better to trust Him and be in the center of His will. :-) Good luck!

You should always talk to other students that go there. Seniors are usually the best because they have experienced the most, but faculty will only tell you what you want to hear.

I would match my childs career goals with a school that offered classes and teachings that would further encourage growth toward their educational goals. I would select a that have a good reputation; however, it does not jeopardize it integrity to keep it.

I would tell future college students and their parents to consider schools carefully and slowly. Begin looking early so there is no rush or pressure on your decision. Be sure to consider every aspect of the campus. While the exciting athletic program or beautiful campus may be appealing, make sure to meet those who work in the admissions and financial aid departments because you will be dealing with them often. Also, look particularly at the aspect of the campus that will most affect you. If you are most concerned about the living situation, the athletic department, or your particular field of study, pay close attention to that aspect of each school you visit or research instead of wasting time researching or debating aspects of the campus that you will never utilize as a student. I would also recommend applying to as many colleges and universities as you can; you never know what will happen between the time you apply and the time you make your final decision. After all research and visitng is complete, I would recommend time to think and really consider which school has the most overall appeal and advantage to you as you prepare for your future.