University of Redlands Top Questions

?I think you?re good at empowering and healing people. I think you?re good at empowering women,? the advisor rattled off with precise articulation, as if he were reciting a well-rehearsed poem. I was given these words when I was questioning my identity. Ah. Guidance. If only it were that easy! But it wasn?t. When I discovered the Johnston program within the University of Redlands, I was overjoyed to identify my passions and craft an emphasis that strengthened them. However, learning the initiative and management skills were the backbreaking methods to my emergence as a true leader. When I think of The University of Redlands, and the high ratings I gave it in campusdiscovery.com?s survey, I think of Johnston. Yet, because the College of Arts and Sciences at Redlands and the Johnston Center are combined in a constructive environment, I had so many choices. I could design my women?s studies classes and take classes in the art department, taking away skills to create my own activist-focused art. I learned to be an entrepreneur for myself. Simply put, that?s what I want for my children someday: lots of choices and entrepreneurial leadership.

To find the college or university that best suits your needs, I would advise turning to the internet first. This can be a huge time-saver, and, with the information flow on the internet today, it is assuredly a best bet. Armed with a web-site like Campusdiscovery.com, students and families are bound to narrow down their search for the right school in a matter of minutes! One can browse through colleges based on very specific preferences and even see what the current students are saying about it. Once a particular interest is gained, a campus visit can be a helpful option. This can be expensive, but it is a great way for the student to experience the campus, social life, and environment first-hand. As far as making the most of the college experience is concerned, it is all about attitude and participation. Students will find that they will enjoy their college years if they have a positive attitude. Stay connected with people, make new friends, and try to attend events that appeal to your interests. Just remember to stay safe and keep a sharp mind for your studies.

Go to the school, stay a night there if you can. There is no other way of knowing whether or not it is the right fit. Don't out-rule private schools! It is not as expensive as you think. Most private schools give excellent financial aid!

Princeton Review is a good place to start when applying. Make sure you think about it thoroughly and make a decision that works well for the student primarily, after all this is the time for the student to start becomming independent and to become and adult. Also, check out the school before signing up. You want to make sure that you are comfortable with the area, the campud and the vibe of the school.

Parents ought to do their utmost to determine what their sons or daughters are really looking for; that is to say, what their interests really are. While college certainly presents its students with a time for dramatic change and self-searching, parents can do worse than act as guides in this initial way. I would not advise suggesting "dad's good-old alma mater" for the single reason that it is "dad's good-old alma mater"; this reason alone may not stand up to the individuality of the prospective student. Guidance is better than delegation in this respect, though the cost of education can be high. Students ought to heed the advice of their parents, but to take it with a grain of salt would not be rash. They are not the ones going off to college (though they may at first be the ones paying for it). This is the student's education; and to the extent which the student is willing to take ownership of her future, to that same extent ought she to value the selection process. Don't settle! Apply everywhere you might want to go. You might get in somewhere you didn't expect.

I recommend KNOWING what you want. That is the easiest way. Do you like to be around people all the time? Is it important to have your car as a freshman? Do you want someplace that emphases community service? KNOW it. Then find something that fits that description. Then visit. I don't think the scheduled visits with overnight stays are ever that much more helpful--I liked to just go on my own, take a campus tour, and get the feel of the place. You want to feel safe where you go to school, and nothing will tell you that until you visit. Visits also let you know if there's people you think you want to meet there. I think it's important to be far enough from your parents so that you are independent (you aren't going to grow up if you have your parents to do your laundry, and you aren't going to make new friends if all your high school friends are right there), but not so far so that you can't get home during a family emergency . I think anywhere from 300 to 1500 miles is good.

Live on campus for the first year if it's not a commuter school. The experience of being on your own, making friends, being able to stay up as late as one wants is amazing. Not having parental rules helps one create or enhance their own. Go with your gut, if it feels like the right school then it probably is. Go to class, it's essential for learning concepts.

I would just suggest not to go into any schools with any sort of bias or prior opinion. You can really feel it when you find yourself on the right campus. The tour of Redlands really sold me, and I've loved my time here.

Let the student make their own decision. Parents think they know what is right but when it comes down to it, the student will be their living and having to fit in and live their own life. If possible, visit the schools and decide where you feel most comfortable. And when you decide on a school, really get involved. Whether it is clubs, sports, Greek life, within your academic area of interest, or somewhere else, try to get involved in something on campus! Also, try a school that is well balanced. Social needs are very important to your growth as a person, as are academic. People often overlook social because they think it is not what you are in college for. Quite the contrary, social growth (including relationship experience-friendly and romantic) during college is very important.

The prospective student should determine first and foremost whether or not they would prefer a college with enormous class sizes, or smaller class sizes (in which you get more individual attention and more accessibility to professors). Knowing exactly what tuition will cost, and the availability of on and off campus housing is also very important. Location of the college is also an important, but sometimes overlooked factor. If the campus is far from home, gas/plane tickets will occasionally need to be purchased. Rural areas might be too boring, big and lively cities might be too distracting. Go to each campus and take every tour possible. Some colleges will have the prospective student and/or family sit and talk with a counselor of some sort- have all your questions prepared. Definitely make a stop by the financial aid office to discuss potential scholarship or grant offers. If at all possible, walk around the campus unaccompanied by the tour guides and see if you can run into some students that are willing to answer questions: they will give you more honest responses about the quality of on-campus housing, receptiveness of professors and school administration, off-campus entertainment and social activities.