Western Michigan University Top Questions

Students- College brings freedom, but with that, as cliche as it sounds, responsibility. Even though your parents are usually right about how you should manage your life, remember that they don't know what your college experience will be like (even if they went to the same college), so they can't make all your decisions for you. Think about what you want to experience in the present and future, and base your college decision off of that. Still, keep in mind it is okay to explore other subjects, because you never know what you'll end up developing a passion for. Oh, and don't be nervous about starting college. There is no reason for that. Parents- The college experience is not only about learning academic things, but also about experiencing an eclectic array of new people and situations, which will help your son or daughter become a more well-rounded and cultured individual. Really, all you need to remind your kids to do when going to college is to think ahead and make pragmatic decisions. They can take it from there.

Eat poo.

When it comes to picking a university some of the most important things are the community atmoshpere (Do people know eachother or are they complete strangers?), a qualified faculty, and a strong program of the field that you want to pursue. Certainly, money does put some weight on the decision of where you want to go, but it is important to remember that education is worth going into debt for. Also, look for many scholarship opportunites as this shows a strong support of alumni that are happy with the degree they received from that university.

First of all, make sure you are aware of how the financial aid system works. If you are financially stable enough to pay for your tuition outright, good for you! But if not, make sure you know the ins-and-outs of grants, loans, cost of attendance, etc. This is, in my experience, the single-most stressful part of being in college - you need to know how much it's going to cost, how you can pay for it, and that your money is going to get to you on time. Also, analyze your housing options. Talk to students who have stayed in apartments, dorms, or shared houses in the area. Their reviews may be valuable in evaluating prices and your desired level of privacy/social life. Once you're comfortable in your school, it's useful to develop rapport with your professors. Most of them have connections and experience beyond their everyday jobs and really care about your well-being, and you may be able to work for them as a TA (this is a great experience!). Also, tutoring is a great way to volunteer, since it helps you as much as the person you're teaching.

Always visit the campus before choosing an university. Have an idea of why you want to go there besides friends are going or it's a party school. It's best to choose a campus similar, but not exactly, like your hometown. This way it's a bit easier to adjust.

If you are unsure of what you want your major to be, choose a school that emphasizes its great advising. As if school weren't stressful enough, it is even worse when you find out you are taking classes you don't know or the ones you do need are full or not offered. If you are sure about your major, it is easy to find a school that specializes in your chosen field. Take into consideration your budget and the location of the school; once you do these things, you can't really choose wrong. Every college is going to have its ups and down. Also, once you are there, don't expect to just absord the knowledge. You really need to know the material and how to apply to be a step a head of your peers. Study first, go out later.

you should choose a school that you want due to all categories including: academics, diversity, social activities, athletic activities and many more. Dont choose the school that you want to go to just because its the same school that your friends from high school are going to. It should be completely up to you and maybe some of it should involve your parents but if you choose the right school you will know by the end of your first semester whether or not it is for you.

Be sure to look at plenty of schools before you choose one. Look at the atmosphere, go on a campus tour, look in some of the buildings, and talk to other students on campus to see what their opinions are of the school. Finally, pick one that think suits you and your parents the best! Always look at cost compared to benifit and I surely recommend looking at instate schools because there are many good schools and it is much cheaper to go to school instate vs. outstate. That way you don't rack up as much student debt that needs to be paid off in this deteriorating economy.

Make sure you can see yourself being a part of the campus you visit as a prospective student. Do not hold anything back; be yourself, have fun and be a strong student.

Live in the Dorm once, then live alone. Then live with people. Take a gym class. Go to a club that you've never heard of. Go to school hosted plays.