University of Jamestown Top Questions

As a high school senior, the best advice anyone could have given me is to take advantage of the resources the college offers and explore the opportunities you have while you are a student there. There are so many opportunities that come within your four years of college that you may never have the chance to get back. Some examples include study abroad experiences, varsity and intramural sports, career and internships, religious groups, musical and theater groups, and departmental groups. I would encourage students to get involved in something other than just their academics to help keep a solid balance in their life. I want to look back on my college experience without regrets and if I didn't take the time to explore new opportunities, challenges, and people I would be dissastisfied. Above all, I would encourage students to keep their academics their number one priority, but take the time to explore different classes, resources, and activities. In doing so they may find something that they never realized they enjoyed doing and perhaps find a career based on that interest that they can enjoy for the rest of their life.

Choose what feels right. Don't just go wherever friends are going or to be close to home. Make sure you give it at least a year at whatever school, every change takes a little getting used to!!

There may be a number of places that seem like they could potentially be "the right place" throughout the search for a college. I suggest getting the feel for the places you are interested in through whatever means possible: talk with a counselor, visit the website, talk with students from the school, and most importantly, visit! I absolutely love the school I am at and could not dream of being somewhere else. It took two visits for me; the first did not make much of an impression. In fact, I had visited another school just days before the second time, and was convinced I would go there. However, before I was even in bed (it was an overnight visit) I had a feeling that was where I was meant to be. You may or may not get a feeling like that-I was just sistting there and it seemed like someone literally could have been standing next to me and said, "go here,-" but a visit would undoubtedly help. To make the most of college, my main advice-though cliche-is get involved! Leave your door open, as well as your ears, mind, and heart. Finally, don't stress out!

There are alot of influences on how you should pick a school to further your education, but the only thing that really matters: What YOU think! No matter what your parents say or what your friends say, pick what school you think you will like the best and looks the best for your interests. It is the next 2 or 4 years of your life, so take more time that most people do and research and do your homework. It's a big decision, so take your time!

Look around, and around, and around. Don't limit yourself because of distance. Strive to be the best, even if those around you think otherwise. Hard work is necessary, so don't try to get around it. Meet lots of people, but keep close the ones that will encourage and help you along the way. Studying is hard, but it will pay off. When in doubt, ask questions. It is nolonger the responsibility of parents and teachers to make sure you get through, it is all on your shoulders, so don't slouch.

When you tour, get a feel for the campus and the people there rather than just choosing a college based on the statistics for your major. Do some research on the city or town that your college/university is in, such as availability of jobs for college students, supermarkets, shopping centers, banks, churches, population, demographics, etc. Talk to students that attend that school and get their opinion. Get involved in the extra-curricular activities on your campus. Getting to know the people you attend school with will make your experience all the better. Getting involved helps you meet new people, make a difference, and gives you a time-out from your studies, so that you can better focus when you need to. College is a time for you to figure out what you want to do with your life (if you don't already know) and focus on your career path, as well as further discover who you are as a person and who you want to be. Take advantage of every opportunity and choose a school that will allow you to feel comfortable and be YOU!

The best thing to do when picking a college is to make sure that the student will be comfortable there. It needs to feel like home. It was really hard on me when I wanted to go home and couldn't because I lived so far away. Just make sure that the college is everything you want, and don't settle for anything less than the best.

Don't look at the price tag! Everyone will have student loans. Look at how teachers interact with students. Look at the campus and campus statistics. Look at more than one school, you want to find the right school otherwise your experience won't be as good as it should be. College is a great experience but you have to find the right college.

Make sure you first determine what you want. Decide if you want to be a name (small school) or a number (large school). Determine if you want to have a relationship with your professor where you can talk to them at any time about college or not. Also tour as many places as possible, and the one that makes you feel like this is "home" that is the one for you. When I was touring I didn't want to go to the college i am going to. What made me make the decision was the fact that I felt like I was home everytime I went there. The departments are like families not just students working together for one common goal. Good Luck at finding what you are looking for, and don't become frustrated, because there is a college out there for you I promise.

Pick a school that can guarantee your most important needs. If you do this, you will have nothing to worry about. Atmosphere is a key component to any college campus, and if you can come into contact with upper classmen before attending school there you will find it helpful. They will be completely honest with you and won't lead you astray about campus life.