Wartburg College Top Questions

At Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, I found myself. I entered college unsure of my life and my options. Through the degree seeking process, I met many outstanding mentors, friends, and confidants whom I revere today. I graduated from the excellent academic institution a confident educated young man. I walked away with a double major in biology and secondary education, minor in chemistry, and teaching endorsements in general science, physical science, and physics. I attained a Bachelor of Arts degree but that does not state what I learned. I learned what it was to be a productive global citizen. I learned education is the understanding and not the grade. I learned anyone could aspire to anything they want with the help of a supportive educational “team” behind them. The professors, advisors, and mentors at Wartburg saw more in me than I saw of myself. I know that I would not be pursuing my doctorate in educational leadership today at Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin if it were not for the amazing foundation I was given at Wartburg. I forever hold the campus, staff, and collegiate community in the highest regards. I am proud to be a Knight and bleed orange.

I am learning a lot. It will be so good to have a degree!

I have learned many things during my first year at Wartburg. I have learned that there are two types of freshman. There are those who are going to play it safe and do all the right things. These students will do all the right things to be the perfect college student. They will always to remember to wear flip-flops in the shower or always be five minutes early to class. There is also another, very different kind of college freshman. This type of student maybe won't always be on top of things or may not always follow the unwritten rules. These students are not just going to college to get an education, but to take charge of the experience of a lifetime. They will take chances and be spontaneous. When presented with the opportunity to try something new and exciting, they will immediately join in. Both kinds of freshman will leave college with an exceptional education. Only one will leave with a college experience that is truly worth remembering.

Jason, you need to better understand the academic requirements, career choices, and physical demands of being on your own. Be more focus on multiple opportunities beyond the classroom and athletic playing field. You must be well rounded and become a better person who makes good choices. You need to learn to push your mental capabilities and physically test your limits. Allow opportunities to explore on how to expand your mind, body, and character. Study more, make good choices, but most of all have fun and make a difference.

Ask questions and get all the information. When choosing a college, don't just look at the good qualities; make sure you know if there are any bad qualities about the college. Wartburg College is a great place to get an education. This is only true when you look at a small portion of the picture. When you look at the big picture, you will see differently. Look at the price; it is very large compared to other schools. You might be able to get the same degree cheaper but with the same value and quality. Don't just look for your major, when you look at Wartburg. This college is a liberal arts college, you will be taking many courses that don't apply to your major, and so make sure you understand this. Make sure you feel like you are at home when you visit the campus. If you don't feel that this is the place for you, then look elsewhere. Take this advice and use it well when choosing what to do with the next few years of your life.

If I could go back I would work harder in high school so I could get a better scholarship. I would also work more so I could afford to go to Wartburg.

Definitely take your time, it is important to shop around when it comes to your education. Think about which institution will accomadate your needs. Remember, it is your hard earned money and it is important that you put it towards the education you really want. Don't be hesitant to visit schools because it can give you a really good idea of the atmosphere of the school and wheteher or not it will work for you. Also, if you need it, start looking for financial aid early because it is a very competetive field when it comes to grants and scholarships.

I would tell the parents to listen to their chirldren's choices. Just because you went somewhere else doesn't mean they shoudl go there and just because they may not make a significant amount of money doesn't mean they should be interested in a different major. Just be supportive. I would tell the students to not party their first year away. I saw some of my friends make big mistakes since they were now "free" from their parent's watchful eyes. College is scary and very free. You can stay in dorms with the opposite sex, drink, stay up really late but just remember to be wise because you are paying for this and it can all crumble beneath your feet.

The right college will feel like home because college essentially does become your home. The student should feel comfortable as soon as they step on campus and be able to see themselves learning, working, and living there. If a student is interested in a specific extra curricular activity, such as music or athletics, this should be taken into account when making a final decision. These activities will take up a large part of your time and these are the places where you begin to make friends. The student should be happy with the programs they participate in. If students are unhappy, adjusting to college becomes much more difficult and their future success may be at risk. In order to make the best of college, students need to be open to new experiences and new people. It is important to distinguish who you really are and stick to it. No matter what you are interested in or what you like to do on the weekends you will find people to share experiences with. Don't stick to the usually crowd you would hang out with, expand yourself and you may meet the greatest people you will ever meet in your life

Students, When searching for colleges, search for schools that are going to meet the needs of yourself. Not the needs of your parents, or simply your friends for that matter. When you are in orientation, they tell you to "look to the left, and look to your right" becuase the people that you see will not graduate, and this is very true. College is a whole new ball game after highschool and you want to make sure you are prepared in the best way possible. College should be the best times of your life, it is the line that divides youth from adults. When looking for your ideal school, please take time out to get a tour and to meet some of the students who attend. Ask alot of questions at the school: Ask what the graduate rate is? How big the classrooms are? Job placement level? Ask what degree programs they have and how easy credits transfer? Finally, ask the things that matter most to you becuase this is going to be the end of your old life and begining of you new. Good luck in all your future endevours!