Western Kentucky University Top Questions

Plan a school visit and try to talk to students that have attended the school for a while to get a good idea of the good and bad things about the school.

I believe that finding the right college is determined by your personality. If you are someone who is laid back and somewhat of a family person, you want to find a college close to home that offers an inexpensive good quality education. If you are upbeat and like the big city life then you want to focus on larger universities or schools. It is important also to make sure they offer your program of choice. After that, look at the classes and ask others if possible. College experience is all in how you look at it. You need to be open minded and know that you are going to meet all kinds of people. Be open to that and be willing to learn as much as you can. College is one of the best times of your life so make the most of it and cherish every moment.

I believe that choosing the right college is based upon how well educated your professors are in your own field, as well as being in a safe learning environment. You want your professors to know what is best for you, and to challenge you as much as possible throughout your time in college. I think it is also important to be in a safe learning environment because this past semester our university went through a "gun scare" and we thought shots were fired on campus. It turns out that nothing happened, (which was a relief) but I felt assured that my university took care of the situation the best way possible to keep our commmunity safe. I believe it is also important to be involved in campus activities and to make great friends you will have for a lifetime. It makes the college experience so much more rewarding and memorable when you have great friends that are always there to experience it with you.

Research, Research, and Research!!

Since the financial burden of school falls upon my shoulders it was very hard for me to look past the cost of school. I chose the college I attend simply because the price was in my budget. My recommendation would be to not be so concerned with the cost. I know it seems like a lot for an education, but go where you feel most at home. Go to the school that makes you the happiest and try not to think about the cost too much. Also if the cost does seem daunting, apply for as many scholarships as you can get your hands on. Don't think that if you don't fit every little criteria that they aren't worth applying for because they are. Every little bit counts in offsetting the cost of school.

I would tell parents to make sure that when you are doing a campus tour that you feel as comfortable as possible. The more relaxed you and your child feel about the campus, its academics, social activities and job placement will make it an easier transition for both.

Definitely talk with financial aid to see what you can do as a student/parent to prepare for the academic year, get to know your professors and don't be afraid to seek help from your professors or tutors outside of the classroom. Every one of them is willing to go above and beyond what is asked of them to help assure your success. Don't take your education lightly. Make sure to attend all classes and get the most out of your education. Just because what you learn in the classroom doesn't apply to the degree you are working toward doesn't mean that it doesn't apply to general life.

The best advice that I could give to a prospective college student about finding the right college is to keep your options open. Apply to as many schools as you can, so that when its time to choose your school, you are not limited to one or two schools. And as far as making the most out of your college experience goes, stay involved. The people that don't enjoy college are the people that just sit around their dorm room all the time watching t.v. in their underwear. There is always plenty to get involved in, so find a niche that you belong in, and live your college experience up to the fullest.

Visit the school and just pick the one you would want to spend 4 years at. Don't worry about reputation or money, just pick the one you like the best.

Don't pick somewhere just because your friends do, pick a place that will the be the closest to suite what you want out of life.