Wake Forest University Top Questions

Don't just settle on which place feels right because in most cases, you'll be happy anywhere. When you're beginning the college search process, the most rewarding thing you can do is try and map out what you want out of those four yeras. If you know what you want to major in then you can map out an academic plan, but if you don't, you can think more abstract and think in terms of environment. Either way, once that's established, visit some colleges and pick one that feels right and fits the original plan that you mapped out. You're going to make a lot of friends and have a lot of fun on the weekends and get a great education from almost anywhere, it's important that you remember what college means to you and which one is most consistent with your principles.

When advising future college students and their parents, I would first tell them that personally visiting as many campuses as possible will aid you in finding your perfect match. Be willing to take time out of your high school life to go on college visits. This is the one and only true way you will get to know universities to make your decision. Once on campus, take a tour to get acquainted with the school, but then most importantly get to know the students. Talk to them, ask them what they like or dislike most about their school, where they go to have fun, or how the workload is. It is one thing to see what a university physcially looks like, but it is more important to get a true feel of the place through the students who actually live there. Once you have found your perfect "new home" dive right into the college life. Don't be afraid to take chances, join clubs that interest you, volunteer for a local organization, get involved in intermural sports, spend time with your friends, and most importantly make time for your academics. Afterall, that is the true reason you are there!

It goes without saying that the first year of college will always be one of the most emotional and impactful moments of your life. You learn, live, play, sleep, eat, and discover, all while enjoying an independent lifestyle. With these new experiences comes the inevitable ups and downs that you must face during that first year of college. It is because these are such life-changing events that you must choose an institution that bests suits you in all manners of being: academics, career-placement, extracurricular, and personal choices. Most importantly, you, as a student, must be able to completely visualize yourself at the place of learning. You must be able to see yourself in the classroom, walking the campus grounds, engaging in the occasional debauchery, and eating the terrible food. Most importantly, however, you must be able to be yourself. After all, this is what truly constitutes as a college experience. Now the parents may not want to see their chickadee(s) leave the nest, but this is an important step, so be supportive(!) and keep your wallets and your hearts open. Students, be: grateful for everything your parents have done (and will do), curious, bold, and laugh heartily.

Upon graduation of high school, most students, whether they choose to admit it or not, become overwhelmed with one emotion more so than any others: fear. Sure many students are excited and exhilarated at the thought of a whole new myriad of opportunities, but it is almost impossible for one to enter college supremely confident of how they will adapt. For these students, I say that fear and trepidation is normal and nothing to worry about. However, as you will all come to realize, the old adage "You'll end up where you belong", proves itself true more often than not. Choosing a school is a careful process, and it is ultimately the student himself who makes the decision of which school is best suited to his needs. My freshman year, I joined the club rugby team, played tons of intramural sports, and was engaged very much in the Greek social scene. But those were just a few in a line of literally hundreds of opportunities offered by the school, and my best and most simple advice to those unsure of what to do would be to try new things. After all, isn't that what college is all about?

Do not allow your student to transfer within the first year. Make sure he or she waits out a year and tries different activites and social groups before looking into transfering.

The modern day college process is in need of serious reform. Activities like paying thousands of dollars to a specialist , combing through endless books, or going on college trips freshman year of high school may help you get into the "perfect" school. They also might make absolutely no difference and distract you from the important pieces of the college selection process. The immense pressure that high schoolers put on themselves to get into a specific college is simply counterproductive. Worrying will not help your GPA, or get you through the gilded gate of your choice university. Instead of that behavior, simply start the process with an open mind. When you remove those burdens you'll find that there is not a handful but dozens of institutions in which you would be happy. Your first action should be to go to your school counselor. There you can establish a broad definition of where you could be accepted. After that do research online and get one or two good books to give you a feel for what you might like. Simply visit these places, and you will soon be surprised by the plethora of fantastic options for those joyous for years.

If the school feels right for you, go for it, regardless of anyone else's opinions.

I would say, look at the size of a school and whether or not it is in a city environment or a college town. Also, look at the different majors offered and how involved the school is in helping you find a career. Once at school I would try to be involved with as many activities as possible to try and network. Become close with some professors so they can you help you find a job or write you a recommendation. Always put academics first, but still be social and take time to have fun with friends.

In my experience, making the college decision was about finding the "perfect fit" where I would be guaranteed happiness--a school with a well-rounded student body, smaller classes to facilitate teacher-student relations, respected academics, and strong school spirit. I also looked for parts of the country I would voluntarily live post-graduation in the event that my first job surfaced there--temperature and location ARE worthy factors. However, in looking back at my own decision and those of my friends, it seems that there really is no completely wrong answer. There is no way to "fail" in picking out a college because in reality, choosing to take the path of education is the most valuable decision to make. There will be great professors & there will be not so great professors, just as there will be great people and not so great people to befriend. Dig deep and ask probing questions--remember, the tour guides are instructed to steer away from answering questions that shed a poor light. Don't ask about what they like about the school, ask what changes they would like to see on campus. Know yourself, have your priorities, and you won't go wrong!

It is perfectly understandable that the prospect of selecting a college can be overwhelming. You are essentially selecting an institution that will be responsible not only for your academic advancement, but for placing you with individuals who will become your future best friends, spouses and colleagues. Because it is such an important decision, give yourself time to analyze the different options. Of course look at the typical characteristics -- the dorms, the meal plans, the fitness facilities. But more importantly, go and speak with professors, see if they are willing to take time out to speak with you. Approach a student on campus, and see how friendly and willing to help they are. These are the people and the interactions that will truly shape your college experience, not how impressive the recreatonal facilities are. If you find an institution where you feel welcomed, and the individuals around you are excited to have you there, then you have probably found a school worthy of the most important four years of your edicational life.