Westminster College-Fulton Top Questions

What you think life would be better if things worked out the way you wanted to is not true. Just stay the way you are. Everyone's different.

If I were a senior in high school, I would look at more schools than I did. I did not want to leave for school senior year so it was difficult for my parents to get me to look at schools. I would have visited more school--especially out of state schools so that I would be better able to make my decision about where to go and where I would be happy. I learned that a small campus is not where I am most comfortable and looking at out of state state schools would have been benificial. Had I done this, I would not have to look at transferring.

I would definitely try to make better grades. I would also face up to the fact that I have ADHD and would seek help. Being prepared for college only gives you a head start. Also, I would take a few college classes at the local Junior college.

Advice that I would give to future college students and their families is to make sure that you select a college that fits you, your character, your style, and your ambitions. Students should choose a college where they know where they will be happy--- not where mom or dad were happy during their college years. In terms of advice about making the most of college, it is a great rule to live by that you should only play hard once you've studied and worked hard. College is about learning and preparing for the future, so students' priorities should rest in their academic endeavors. Take classes that interest you, and also take classes that challenge what you think you already know. Grow and learn new things. After taking your classes seriously, then you get to play. It is important to make good friends and good memories during your college years. However, it's important to do this in the way that you want. Don't let other people tell you want to do to have fun. Join clubs, get involved, meet people, go out. Work hard and play hard. It's a good rule to live by.

talk to your college counsler... and whatever you do, take advantage of the oppertunities the school provides.

The best way to find the right school is to jump right in and try things out. Sitting in on classes as a senior in high school helped me to understand what type of collge was the best for me. Variety is the spice of life, and we cannot know what we want if we have never experienced different things. Get out and visit campuses, talk to current students, or attend a social event. This will allow you to find the best school that suits your needs. Leave fear and anxiousness behind you and roll with the punches. Not everyone is meant for college, and there are many colleges that arent for everyone. There is no shame in transfers! Above all else, remember that college is what you make of it, and you do get out what you put in. If all you are looking for is a degree and a job, you will find it, but it is when you look deeper that you truly find the "college experience."

I would suggest applying to a combination of schools - maybe two schools you're sure you can get into and be happy at, and one or two reach schools - where you know you really want to be. The college application process is difficult, but you should always aim for your top pick school because you never know what might happen. Westminster was my dream school, but I knew that we could never afford the private liberal arts school tuition so I shoved it to the back of my mind and tried to avoid thinking about it. Thanks to the kind words of my mother I went ahead and applied to Westminster just to see what happens - and got in! I was so happy, but just knew that affording the school was out of the question - that is, it was until I worked with the financial aid department. They were so understanding and really took the time to sit down with my mother and I and work it all out. I am now a Junior at my top pick school and cannot wait to get the rest of my life started in grad school and beyond.

I would advise visits the most and to do so when the students are there. Make sure you get a chance to talk to the students and get their point of view on the good and the bad. Also depending on your financial situation look into financial aid and the cost of the school. Ask about the class sizes and one on one times with instructors. If possible sit in on classes to get an idea on the class setups and lectures.

Help your child understand long term affects of Alcohol and drugs and what it is like to flunk out of school. I have seen students flunk out and have their life ruined. Make sure they know what little future they may have if they flunk out!!!!

For any students who wants to be stimulated academically in school, choose a smaller college. Any student who needs the stimulation without the added pressure should choose a small school that doesn't put such a major emphasis on grades and competition. To get the most out of school socially, a student should consider larger, state colleges. Making the most of a college experience relies on wanting to have a certain experience and attempting to achieve it in an environment where it is more likely to occur. For instance, if a student wants to party all the time and still earn a degree, he/she would be better suited for Mizzou than Westminster. A student looking for intense academic stimulation would be more comfortable at an Ivy League school than Mizzou.