Whitman College Top Questions

We line up; the time starts; I run; I finish; That is the story of my first fitness test as a Whitman College varsity soccer player. Along with my matriculation at Whitman College in April came the knowledge that I would be playing varsity soccer and have to complete an assessment measuring my physical preparedness. This entailed a summer of training and anxiety. By August 18th, I was sufficiently scared out of my wits. While my fears that the test would be the most physically exhausting activity of my life did prove true, after ten minutes it was over and I could look forward to what came next. In retrospect, this fitness test was emblematic of my entire college transition. There was a lot of hype, it lived up to most of the hype, and then it was over and a new chapter begins. My most important advice to myself would be to recognize change as inevitable and to not let petty apprehensions detract from what is the most life-altering, positive transition of my life. Don’t get overwhelmed by fears, but enjoy your last months as a naïve high school student and embrace the change to come.

Three things you should know before coming to Whitman: 1) At the beginning of the school year, it can be really hot, so I would suggest bringing a fair amount of summer clothes. But also bring winter clothes too, because after a month or so, it starts becoming chilly. 2) Do ALL of the activities planned for you during Opening Week. They are all part of your Whitman experience and are all amazing. 3) Don't go overboard, but do bring a lot of things from home that will make your new home feel like "home." It helped me transition better. Also, consider bringing a lot of junk food--as means of making friends by bribery (i.e. chocolate).

If I could go back to my senior year, I would tell myself to quit goofing around and to take school more serious. Life threw me a beautiful baby of a curveball and it has only motivated me more to take school more serious. The first time i attempted classes at a community college fresh out of high school I was more worried about what all my friends were doing and failed a bunch of classes. Now, the second time around, I recently graduated with an associates of science degree in a medical assisting program with a 3.95 GPA and was a few days away from perfect attendance. I never would have thought that I had it in me to be so dedicated to school, but now that's all I'm about. I want a good future for both me and my baby girl. I always wanted to become a nurse long before I had children, but actually, now I'm even more excited to have my little one watch me walk across another stage but this time with a lifelong career in hand. You never know where life will take you. You have to get prepared!

An advice I will definetly give myself is to not wait to do the work last minute. College is really time consuming, yet it can be fun if we know how to manage our time correctly.

This applicant would challenge himself to remain focused and intrinsically motivated to retain the dream of attaining a higher education to acquire the soft and hard technological skills for the benefit of humanity and the environment in the spirit of excellence. All the while, he should sustain a spiritual balance and relationship with God, yet ever cognizant that he has been placed in this life to serve. The experiences gained while acquiring these technological skills in the halls of academia would enable and empower him with the rudimentary skills requisite of one who aspires to affect a catalyst for change to the world at-large. Because of his spiritual centeredness and worldly desire to be trained in a capacity to technologically, philosophically, and theosophically contribute to, and add his verve to this human melting pot, he must remain keenly aware of the impact he has on the behavior, thoughts, and actions of others. This striking awareness thereby causing him not to desire to abuse, mishandle, pervert, nor misuse those entrusted to his charge; this all, to the glory of God. Again, this applicant would endeavor to convey the ideology that with this great power comes due diligence and great responsibility.

Don't stress about college, you are well prepared. Talk to high school alums and learn from their experience. Listen to your parents and teachers, they actually do know a thing or two!

I would tell myself this - DO NOT FRET SO MUCH. I was so worried about whether or not I was making the right college choice that I failed to consider one crucial thing: there is not one perfect college for me. I gathered so much information on my top choices and loved visiting them so much that it was rediculous to think that there was a "wrong choice" that I could make in the end. I would be happy wherever I went. And accepting this statement in itself would increase my happiness with whatever choice I made. I found a wonderful new home in Whitman College. Worrying so much over the college process, despite the college process' obvious importance, could only hurt me in the end.

After I read this question, I was tempted to make a list of things to avoid at college. Never procrastinate, avoid that class, do not date that boy. But I realize giving myself advice about what NOT to do was negative. Instead, I would give myself a list of five positive tips. First, I would look my younger self straight in the eye and say: "have faith." Have faith in your talent, creativity, and charm. You are smart and strong, so have faith in yourself. Second, despite your strength, you will stumble sometimes. Ask for help when you falter. Friends and professors will be happy to give you support. Third, work hard. Fully apply yourself to everything you do. Anything less than your best is just not good enough. Fourth, let yourself fall in love. Fall in love with a subject that makes you excited to learn more. And let yourself fall in love with a boy. No, not your first boyfriend (he turns out to be rotten). But the second guy you love is definitely worthwhile. Fifth, revel in being young. You have options, opportunities, and open doors right in front of you. Enjoy every minute!

My college experience so far has been one of hard work, great people and developing the real me. Being away from the influences of home and family have forced me to evaluate who I really am and what I really want out of life and learning. Playing Division III soccer has given me a group of great friends and athletes, a great many sore muscles and a higher level of competition than I have ever experienced. Academicly, the professors are for the most part great. Caring and always able to find time to help. The campus is beautiful and the town of Walla Walla small enough to go anywhere on bike and find the things you need. Even if just getting away from it all is your goal. I am so happy I came to Whitman.

College in this past year has taught me more about life then the seventeen years I lived at home combined. I moved out of my parents house when I was seventeen and ever since then i've been working full time and going to school to make a difference for myself. I've learned how far determination will get me and even though some days I feel like i've hit my threshold that each assignment I complete and each class I attend is bringing me closer to my dream. I've also learned that nothing is handed to you on a silver plater and if you want it, your going to have to work for it.

My going to college means everything to me. I am anxious to learn and receive a excellent education experience. I look forward to a career that will not only allow for great employment , but also enjoying and rewarding. The career field I have chosen; will allow me to help other people who are in need of medical relieve; being able to ease and relieve the pain of others gives me a great satisfaction, joy and knowledge of accomplishment. My ultimate goal in life is helping others feel better. This college experience has allowed me the opportunity to learn, grow, and discover more about my inner-self. The lessons I have learned combined with the values that have been instilled in me through my parents, community, and college has allowed me to become a better student and person, which has given me the opportunity to strive for my ultimate goal in life. My attending College is a important stepping stone along the pathway of reaching my ultimate goal and striving for a dream come true. I look forward to a rewarding career, the opportunity, and satisfaction of doing my best in making the world a better place for all equality

Nothing in all the world is comparable to reading Ayn Rand beneath New York's skyline or to studying Nietzsche atop a mountain summit. Since childhood, the studies of philosophy and science have interested me profoundly. Having read many books on relativity, quantum mechanics, existentialism, religion, capitalism, democracy and post-Aristotelian philosophy, my quest for knowledge has only intensified. Certainly, the purpose of my life is to discover a greater understanding of the universe and its people. Specifically, I plan to better grasp the interrelationship among forces, matter, space, and time. In addition, I hope to find a unified field theory and a convincing explanation for the birth of the universe. During the summer of tenth grade, I took a number theory course at Johns Hopkins University with students from Alaska, California, and Bogota, Colombia. My attendance of the New Jersey Governor's School in the Sciences is another accomplishment that exemplifies my dedication to knowledge. During the summer following eleventh grade, I took courses in molecular orbital theory, special relativity, cognitive psychology, and I participated in an astrophysics research project. For my independent research project, I used a telescope to find the angular velocity of win with the angular.

I would tell myself that it is possible to manage doing a million things at once and that sleep is overrated. I would also tell myself to enjoy my time here because it only last four years. Finally, I would tell myself that nothing is too hard for me and if I just put in the extra time to study, no subject is too hard.

The first thing I would tell myself has to deal with change. I would ask myself what I expected, then tell myself to forget that and not expect anything. College is going to challenge and change you in ways that you can not even dream of. The things you would like to change will not necessarily change, and the things that you would like to keep the same could possibly change. Learning to allow change in your life will be difficult, but will ultimately help you to become a much more confident and knowledgeable person. The second thing I would tell myself deals with self-confidence. Learning to be confident in college will take making friends that really care about you and that will help you find out your strengths as a person. Learning to trust and enjoy the people around you will be the most important thing you learn your freshman year of college. The third thing I would tell myself is to get ready to work harder than you have ever worked in your life. You will need to spend more time on schoolwork than you ever have before, but it will be exceedingly more rewarding in college.

Whatever happens through this process occurs for a reason. Don't fret over the transistion from high school to college like it is the judgement of alll your previous years through public education. It is a large step in life, but countless people have survived it, and made their own memorable experiences, so you can also. Everyone asks about college, and you might feel pressured to go to a well known college, such as the Ivy Leagues, but it should not mean anything. This does boost your confidence, supporting that you passed"judgement", but the Ivy Leagues are not for everyone. It is true that if you go to a name school, people will admire you, but the Ivy Leagues are not for everyone. Something that we all forget is that we should not tailor ourselves to fit a school, but find a school that fits us for who we truly are. Only then, can you have a memorable and joyous collegiate experience. In this light, those colleges that do accept you, recognize your spirit and want your contributions and dedication to learning.

Be prepared to re-learn how to write, think, analyze and read. Whitman professors expect you to understand and interpret on a much deeper level than high school teachers ever did, and they demand more out of you without being intimidating. Push yourself to work hard and you'll get much more out of the class. Don't procrastinate! Reviewing is also key because there are fewer tests and papers, so they are worth more - take your time with big assignments and start early! Try new things, and don't be afraid to introduce yourself to new people. You only get four years - make the best of it! Try a new sport, and go to on-campus events. Go to lectures even if they don't sound interesting - professors and students go through a lot of trouble to bring someone to campus, it's worth going to listen to! You will definitely learn something new. Find a cause or club that you're very passionate about, and focus your energy into it. The power of the students can accomplish a lot and the school is very generous and understanding about funding good causes/projects.

Dear Self one year and 6 months ago, When you arrive at college, no matter where you choose to go, I can pretty much guarantee that you will immediately start wondering if you've chosen the wrong school, if it isn't "just right" for you, and if possibly you should transfer. Do not be alarmed. You will eventually come to terms with the fact that "just rightness" has no set definition. Of the schools you've applied to, each and every one of them has pros, cons, and things that can't be categorized as either, and believe it or not, there is no such thing as "perfect". Your curiosity will always make you wonder what would have happened had you done this and not that, but you will never know, so don't let these questions interfere too much with the choice you have made, becuase whether you can put your finger on it or not, there was a reason you made it. Don't be afraid of working hard, it's the only way to get things done, and the only way you'll ever feel satisfied in anything (sorry, but it's true). Good Luck!

Be introspective when decided what factors are important. Are you someone who engages best in discussion type classes? Look for a school with smaller classes. Are you a homebody and will want to have the freedom to visit home? Pick a school that is reasonably close to home. Do you love varsity sports? Perhaps look for a bigger school. It's all important to look for well-rounded schools if you're not sure what your major will be . You want to know that you're dabbling in strong departments when you're trying to find the correct fit. Reputation is important, but finding a great fit for your personality is key. If you have the resources to visit while school is in session and to stay overnight, I highly recommend that as well.

My advice would be to look for a school that will have students like you. If you like to study and plan on working really hard, then don't attend the number one party school in the country. Being able to live and work alongside students with the same goals and ambitions as you is the most important. It will keep you motivated and happy. Granted, you can find certain kinds of students at any big university, but the overall atmosphere of the campus will have a huge impact on your experiences.

Students should look at their college of choice or if they cant, then they should contact an alumni and see what they got out of the college. Also, it would be wise to contact the professors in your field of interest or your prospective major. If you dont know, you could talk to them anyway because then you might have a better chance of getting into the college. Also, if the school has a program where you can stay over night, that is an amazing opportunity to see what the college is like. Good luck on finding your undergraduate experience!