University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Top Questions

Visit the college (more than once if needed) and see if you can picture yourself there in the future! Find a school that supports your interests and has a variety of programs- including ones that interest you, even if you are undecided.

Be wise

I strongly believe that the parents and students should find the right college based first on the area of study they wish to pursue. Most importantly is that opportunities are available in your field of interest so that students can stay in a school for a period of time in which they can feel at home there without having to transfer out for educational opportunity reasons. Another piece of advice I would encourage students and their parents to physically go to and tour as many colleges as possible. Take advantage of the tours by asking questions and talking to students currently attending that school. These students will be your best source of information and be able to answer some potential questions you may have about the college experience you want to have. Lastly I would just tell them to go with your instincts as they are most often right. Trust yourself and find a school that you believe will feel like home when you're there.

Finding the right college takes time, so don't put it off! You should research and visit at least two colleges. See the surrounding city, ask current college students what they think of their classes, professors, and the campus, and picture yourself there. If you can see yourself at the college, and you like many of its aspects, then it could be a winner! Additionally, take into account the availability of financial aid awards, volunteering opportunitites, organizations, and campus jobs as they will help you spend your time wisely! Do keep in mind that what really matters is comfort. If you feel comfortable there, then nothing else should matter. For example, if it's financial, remember that your education will pay off. You're not the only one who doesn't have as much money as you'd like, and your career is what will take care of it in the end. As I say to my siblings, don't let anything and anyone hold you back from doing whatever you want to do. If you know you will regret not doing anything now, then you should go on and do it so you'll never regret!

Find a place that fits the student not only academically but socially

Every student is different. What was right for me, may not be right for the next person. I started my school by attending a technical college and completing courses that would transfer to college to save myself and my parents money. That has to be a goal that you set, and you have to work just as hard at tech school as you do college. Every grade matters no matter where you are attending school. My parents were very supportive, let me make my own decisions no matter how crazy they were at the time, they seemed to know that my common sense would eventually turn on and everything would work out. College is the next level, it is alot of hard work, but rewarding. There is an appreciation for creativity, participation, and attendance. If you can accept that, you'll love college.

Make sure that the college is the right fit for you, the student, even if you are unsure going into college about what it is that you want to do, you will still know whether or not a big school or a little school is right for you. It is your choice whether or not you will want to walk a half hour or take a bus/train a half hour to a class, or walk 2 minutes to class, the college has to fit you, not the other way around. Explore your options, do not feel like you have to stay in a major you went into college with, you have all the time to change it, or declare it. Have fun, study hard and remember that college sometimes means no sleep for a few days, but in the end, I bet it will be worth it. Having fun means being smart about your choices, you are an adult, so act like one. Make smart choices. Be proud of what you do. Once again, have fun, study hard, and make your own choice, college is worth the money.

Look for a college that fits your personality. If you are from a small town and looking to branch out more pick a college geared more towards a city atmosphere, if you are looking for just that next step up from high school pick a school more geared toward a small town atmosphere. The college experience is what you make it, yes school is important and so is getting a degree and a job, but it is also a time to let lose and have a little fun, if you go through college without experiencing all it has to offer your going to regret it and look back upon the experience as just more school. It is important to realize that college is just as much a social experience as an educational one.

To find the right college one must consider many factors. These may include size of campus, price, majors offered, sports affiliation (e.g. division 1), sports offered, clubs, dorms that are provided, fraternities/sororities, food service, accreditation, the city and size (e.g. metropolitan, small town), courses offered, and much much more. Although a big list, these factors have to be considered to find a great fit for a student. Once these are well thought out, one of the biggest decisions of your life (or your parents) must be made. After finding the college that best matches your list of factors from above, one can now experience the joys and struggles associated with college life. Making the most of your college experience is essential. In addition to receiving a degree, lifelong friendships will be formed, great memories will be made, and knowledge for a successful, thriving carreer. To actually make the most of college, join a sport, start a club, go downtown, workout, and think how your life would be different if you didn't make that one big decision.

I would recommend that any student looking at college checks out many different places and tours them. It's kind of cliche to say but you really just kind of get that feeling of whether or not you feel right there. That is how I decided on choosing my school, I just got that feeling. Just go with your gut and don't worry about the money. How often would you take out a loan for a car and as soon as you drive off the lot you're losing money. But taking a loan out for college will only benefit you.