Western Michigan University Top Questions

I would plan a visit to the college and really research the classes and the professors who teach the class and then determine if you want to enroll and attend. Make sure its the right place and time for you to get an education.

My advice to students is to join organizations and clubs and to try new things. I believe college is just as much about growing as a person as it is learning tools to succeed at a future career. Talk to new people, the people you meet at college can be some of the best friends of your life. This is your chance for a fresh start and to challenge yourself. And finally simply go to class and pay attention, it may sound obvious but you will see how easy it is not to follow. My advice to parents is simply to support your child and let them go.

Find a place that has what your looking for. If your not sure what to major in go to a school that will really help you look at all the options that are available. Get to know your classmates. Talk to your proffesors don't be afarid to ask questions. And most importantly go to all your classes.

Students need to find a college that offers the program they are looking for. But first the student really needs to have in mind what they want to do, otherwise you could be in college way too long (like me) and the bills are way too much by then. Even if you have a couple choices is better than no idea. Then the students really need to attend class and not miss much because this has a huge impact on your grades, not in the sense they grade your attendance, but that you really need to go to get all of the information. If you keep up in your classes, you really will have time to do extra things, especially on the weekends. Or devote one of the days, like Sunday to study and do homework. But definitely put school ahead of all the parties if you want to do good.

Do not party. Focus on your schooling, find your passion, and devote your life to it. You will find this will be much more rewarding than any night out on the town.

In finding the best college for you, there is really only one great piece of advice possible to give- spend a week there. Sit in on classes, go to a party on the weekend, talk to as many students as you can, and seek out those extra-cirricular groups that speak most to you. Birds of a feather flock together, so if you are an ostrich, you are not going to get the same viewpoint on a school from a gaggle of geese. Find other people like yourself, with the same interests or within the same department. Listen to their praises of the school, but pay particular attention to things they wish they had. The best way to succeed is to know that you will have the tools available to do your best work. Talk to teachers, not about classes, but about their past careers outside of school. If you are looking to find a career in your field outside of school, make sure your professors have had careers before teaching. As they say, those who can't do teach, and you don't want to learn from them. Good luck, godspeed.

I would tell potential students to choose their college for themselves and choose one with programs that seem of interest to them. Another thing I would say is that when starting in a new place, always be open to new things and willing to make new friends, even if you know people at the school. This helps in the long run with a social life and classes later. All of this helps but the most important thing is that college is the best time of your life and you should try to enjoy it while you're there because it goes by really fast and you will never be able to get those years back!

For high school graduates I strongly recommend checking out a community college first. It's a lot cheaper to figure out "what you want to be when you grow up" there, than it is at a 4 year university. Another benefit to community college is that everything is more personal with smaller class sizes. A young 18 year old student won't feel nearly as overwhelmed in a class size of 20 vs. a class size of 200. Once the student is ready to explore a 4 year university they should talk to people who are currently enrolled in the program that instrests the student. Current students have the best insight into how the program is run, and if they feel that they are getting their money's worth. Current students can also give insight about housing, "campus culture", and can generally answer any of a concerned student's (or parent's) questions.

When selecting the best college, make sure it has some of everything you want. Don't be afraid to try something new. If you are paying alot, make sure you are getting your money worth, also take advantage of what the school is offering.

To parents i would say don't force you child into a school becasue thats where you went. Keep all their option open and every school has something benifical to each person. To students i would say don't go to a school that all your friends are going to, you want to be able to get out and meet new people, but also find a school that will fit your learning style best. Don't be scared to stand up to your parents about your likes and dislikes about each school.