Valparaiso University Top Questions

Apply to everything, and don't let anyone pressure you to make a desicion. You may not find the right fit until the very end.

Please do not pick a school solely based on cost because a college student extracts more from experiences in the classroom and training field than from cookie cutter state schools which do not allow room or time for thought beyond the textbook. College is something that should be achieved early on,so find a school that will equip the student with knowledge in four years or less. Find a school that has a good reputation for excellent academic counseling. This is key to reducing stress on the student. Find a school that places priority upon incorporating good values and morals. College is a great experience that allows interaction and bonding with fellow classmates, and it is also an opportunity to grow as a person. Responsibilty is learned best by taking on a position in a club,sorority,fraternity,the cafeteria,bookstore,gym,lab, or an off-campus job. Find a school that allows the student to stay busy with studies,work, and friendships. Find a school that will accomodate to your needs financially. Finally, ask around and get a better idea of what reputation the school he or she may have in mind has out in the public.

I would advice parents and students to make the best choice financially when it comes to choosing a college. One should always explore every option possible. However, when it comes to making a final choice, money can make or break the college experience. Choosing a school that is too expensive can cause unneccesary stress down the road. When I first went off to college, I chose a school that my mother nor I could afford. I ended up not only registering late numberous semester because of holds on my student account, I also had to withdraw, which is prolonging my time to graduation. Scholarships are definitely a student's best friend. Remember, if a scholarship applies to you, apply for it!!!

One should devote much time and effort into researching for colleges. I recommend checking out the college's website, making a college visit, speaking with as many current students or alumni has possible, and seeking outside resources such as this one. Ultimately, you must find a location which offers three things; a sound academic environment, a social network which fits your interests and a price which matches your financial needs. Don't hesitate to apply to many different places. Even a private university whose price tag is high may surprise you with scholarship or work-study opportunities (as was the case for myself). Attending college is designed to open doors of opportunity and this certainly was the case for me at VU. I took advantage of a year long study abroad program in Germany, enjoyed being invovled in campus groups such as a drama troupe, and advanced my own education by taking on a 40 page research project on Genetically Modified Foods! I am fully satisfied with my college choice mainly due to my prior research. It was a joint decision between myself and my supportive parents where I would go, but then my own responsibility to give me all!

It's important to understand what you want your college experience to be, and then select the colleges that you think could fit that criteria and visit them. Don't ever go to a college you're not sure about, and you can't be exactly sure unless you do your research and visit the institutions.

Pick a school that feels right.

Make sure that you child makes the correct decision. Keep your children in your thoughts you might not think it matters but every bit of help from the outside helps.

The most important thing when choosing a college is actually visiting it, especially while school is still in session. The student needs to see whether the people who attend that school could be his or her friend. As far as making the most of the college experience? Learn how to put down a book, for all you nerds, and learn how to control your "I'm free now!" impulses.

It might sound corny, but follow your heart! If you step onto a campus and it feels right to you, it probably is. But even before you step onto a single campus to visit, think about yourself and who you are as an individual. Do you enjoy close relationships with your teachers and classmates, or do you prefer anonymity in a learning environment? Are you a city person or a country person? Do you mind extremely hot or extremely cold weather? Are you certain about your choice of a major, or do you need to find a school with a variety of majors so that you'll have a little "wiggle room"? No matter what school you decide upon, you have to also decide to make the best of your experience. No college is perfect, but if you make an immediate effort to get involved with activities and to meet a variety of people, you will be happy with whatever school you choose. Don't stress about your college decision; as long as you make an effort socially and academically, you're likely to be happy wherever you end up. Best of luck!

I think parents and students should listen to their heart and go to school where they feel at home. I also think that staying over night is one of the most important things you can do. It can help you figure if it is a place where you do feel at home. I also think that most of the decison should be the students only if the student is a serious student. I strongly encourage parents to not to force a school on thier kids because they like it. I have realized that this usually results in a bad situation for the student.