Western Michigan University Top Questions

If I could go back to High School and prepare myself for my freshman year I would change a lot of things. I?d tell myself to spend less time worrying about school, and more time preparing for it. I?d tell myself to work more hours and find more financial aid. I?d do a lot of things different if I could go back, I?d study harder and apply for more scholarships because I now know that college isn?t cheap and it puts financial strain on more than just me. I?d also take it easy, try to stress a little less about how to make new friends and just take things as they came. I?d start focusing on what I wanted my major to be freshman year instead of focusing on what dorm was closest to the dining hall. There are a lot of things I think every college student would change when it comes to preparing for college, but we can?t. We all have to learn from it and just prepare better for the next year, and for me that starts with financial aid.

When I started on my college search, I had never really considered Western Michigan University. I had always listened to what my peers had said, how it was a "party" school where the "dumb" kids went. I had my sights set on attending Michigan State University, since that's where most of my friends were going. But when my acceptance to State was deffered, I decided that I had better look elsewhere. I took a campus tour of Western and fell in love with it. I saw that the campus was beautiful and learned the programs had so much to offer to students. Automatically I had that feeling that I belonged there, and knew that was where I wanted to attend. In finding the school that is right for you, its not about what others say or where your best friends go, its wherever makes YOU comfortable, and that is why I'm so glad that I chose Western. As for making the most of your college experience; get involved with the campus. Join clubs, make new friends, do things you wouldn't ordinarily do and you'll surprise yourself. You will learn and grow so much from it all!

Only a few words come to mind. For the parents I would tell them that every college teaches the same finance, economics, and chemistry material; meaning paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for college is only for the name of the college. For prospective college students, knowing your true self is very important. Knowing what you believe you can achieve and want to achieve is needed first, then shop around for schools that will fit your needs.

To make sure that you dont work to hard but make sure that you work hard enough

Many students choose a school based on it's party scene, name, or its campus. These may be important to your child, but what your student really needs to look at is the school's programs. Is the school known for what your child wants to do? Many large schools have a program for everything, though only a few are actually known and respected. After you find out about the program's reputation and facilities, find out their job placement. If all of these things are good, then it's fine to look at things like campus life, the look of campus, and how large the school is. The only problem you may find with the school you choose as the parent is the price attached to it. Look to see if they have a price freeze guarantee for while your child is in school. You need to understand school is expensive, and financial aid will not likely fulfill many of your needs. Do your child a favor and take out loans for them. The school is more expensive for a reason. Choosing the right school can guarantee your child's success.

Don't go to a specific college just because your "friends" are going. Search for a college that you, as a student want to go to. You should choose a school that you believe will give you the education and experience you want. Most of all though don't think less of yourself when you're applying to colleges. It doesn't matter what your high school gpa isor what high school experiences you may or may not have had. If you really want to go to a school that other people think you're not good enough for then you should still at least apply. After all you never you if you're rejected till that letter comes in the mail, and obviously that letter won't come in the mail till you apply to the school.

Visit the campus before deciding to go there. Plan out your finances and try not to spend too much.

A word of advice that I would give to parents and students is that one of the best things to do about finding a good college is to make a top five list of choices and visit each and every choice you come up with. That is what helped me. You don't really get a feel for the school or campus until you visit and see the interaction of other students. Other students can also inform you on the pro's and con's of the school because they attend it and that will help also. In order to make the most out of a college experience is to surround oneself around positive and funloving people. School is not only about classroom and books. Get involved at school and participate in the extracurriculum programs that the school has to offer. This is the best way to enjoy college life and be happy wherever you decide to attend.

I would tell them to go where they feel comfortable. For me, Western is a giant community and I love it. Students should find a place they can fit in.

Finding the right college is crucial to making the most of your colllege experience. It's necessary to make a list of values and goals you hope to acheive in attending college. Compare those values and goals with the mission statements and programs that your desired colleges consist of. If your values and goals conflict with the mission statement and programs available at a college you're interested in, then the result of enrolling in that college could be detrimental to your dreams. The best thing you can do is to fully inform yourself of what you want out of college and compare that dream with the colleges that show true potential in helping you to accomplish that dream. When you are certain you have found that college, enroll and continue to apply for scholarhips regardless of how you feel your chances are of actually getting them. Involve yourself with as many activities, clubs, and volunteering experiences as you can. You not only meet life long friends this way, but you become very famliar with the campus and create a large network of fellow students who will share many classes with you. Lastly, promise yourself that you'll have fun!