University of Redlands Top Questions

As a young person, I understand what most teenagers want to go to college for......partying. My advice would be to find out which schools are the "party schools" and which ones focus more on academics. Choose schools that have more of a conservative background if partying is a concern. (That is what I did myself). While you can never escape a party scene, if desired, it would be easier to find friends who focus on other things besides partying. That is very important for finding success in a college atmosphere.

Students need to feel absolutely comfortable and content with where they decide to go to college. As long as they feel comfortable they will have the confidence to branch out and meet new people. It's important for parents to encourage their children in the transition from high school student to college student. Parents should not hinder their child's growth but provide them with the tools necessary to succeed in college. Deciding on the right school is so important and will be a decision that affects their life so do your research--visit the campuses--stay overnight in a dorm--attend classes to help make the right decision! In the end, pick the school that feels right for you...the student!

Every college is going to give you the education you need to be successful in the "real world," and any book or counselor will be able to point you towards the college that is best suited for your intended major or career. What is most important, in my opinion, when deciding which college to attend is to visit the campus and see if the "vibe" is right for you. What I mean by this is that each school has an intangible aura, present in the student body, professors, and classes that elicits a different feeling in each person, of either comfort or distress. Walk through the halls and try to imagine yourself in a year walking there as a student, would you feel content? Once in college, take advantage of every possible opportunity, because you will only be at that school, with those people, and at that moment in your life once (and you're paying for those opportunities!). Don't let anyone or anything stop you from meeting someone, taking a class, or joining an organization. There is nothing worse than leaving college saying, "I wish I'd done..." and nothing better than saying, "I have no regrets."

Follow your heart. This is a huge decision, and the decision can not be made according to what you can afford, or even what you hope to gain from the college experience. The choice needs to be all about a single factor, and do you know what that factor is? Neither do I. It's something you've got to find for yourself. The one thing that I ABSOLUTELY needed from college was an independant studies program and a place where all of my insane interest could come together to (somehow) form a degree. Maybe for you the factor is more than 40,000 students or the very best biology labs in the nation. Once you find that driving force then you go for it without relent. Make no compromises, and don't settle for what someone else suggests. This is the first time that the decison is all on you! Don't mess it up, as I believe you won't.

The most important thing about finding the right college is about where one feels comfortable and able to express themselves as individuals. Your education is really what YOU make of it, and in order to make the best of your education, I think you need to feel comfortable to be yourself in that setting.

Make sure you visit the colleges that you apply to and get accepted to because when you visit the schools it helps you get a feel of what the campus is like and whether or not you think you will fit in with the other students. In order to make the most of the college experience make sure you become involved in all the activities that your school offers too because that is a good way to stay busy and meet new friends.

Visit the college and talk to the students

I would definitely look into the academic programs that the schools offer as well as visit the schools beforehand to see what their facilities are like. I would also interview students who go to that school and get their personal viewpoints. Also check to see if that school provides financial aid to students who are below a certain income level.

When I stepped foot onto the campus, I knew it was my new home. My simple advice is to go to each campus you are considering and see how you feel there. Stay and make appointments to meet with advisors and students to get the feel of the school. It is truly your home away from home.

Visit the school during the academic year and make sure to sit in on classes. In order to properly gague the fit of the school you must be willing to put forth the effort both in online research as well as in-person visits.