Wichita State University Top Questions

Learn how to be disciplined, learn how to use finances appropriately, learn how to choose the major that you really, really want to do, prepare to face reality as it really is, prepare to work hard, prepare for the survival of the fittest, smartest, richest, or the most talented, prepare for dissappointment and also great expectations fulfilled.

Most importantly, you need to consider the field of study that you wish to pursue. Do your research and find a school that will provide you with the best education that you can get in your desired field. But you also need to find a school that will fit your personality. I would encourage students and parents to visit different schools, small and large, community colleges and universities. Go on the guided tours, but also sit in the student center, walk the campus, talk to students and get a feel for that school. Find out about the different clubs and activities, and when you get there, make sure you find a way to get involved. Parents need to encourage their students to become involved in some way, and make them stay at school and not come home every week-end. Remember there are alot of other new students who are wanting to meet people, so be friendly, speak to strangers, share your umbrella (that's how I met a new friend!), and put yourself out there. Go to games, cheer for you team, and wear your school colors. And never be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

When parents are trying to find the right college for their kids to attend, they should definitely consider the academic involvement of the school, the amount of financial aid it offers, and the location of the school. When it comes to what students should look for in a college, there are many different options. The first thing I looked for was what graduate programs the school is known for. After that, I considered the student body population. The bigger the school, the more likely it will be a party school. Other things to consider are the price of living, job availabilities, and student life. To make the most of your college experience, you need to get involved, make friends with students and professors, STUDY, and have a good balance between your school and social life.

If you are looking for the right college, take time to talk to students and professors. Ask what current students like and dislike about their school. Make sure all of the things that are important to you (sports teams, activists groups, study programs, etc.) are available. Once you've started your first year at the school of your choice, don't worry if you don't settle in right away, it takes time to get used to your new life. You'll get the hang of it, but feel free to talk to the on-campus psycologist, and call home to Mom as much as you need to!

make sure they offer their major and that they analyze or take into consideration the environment. check to see how much financial aid the school will provide and look for any programs that may be related to your major.

Make sure you go to a school that has many different majors you are interested. Many college students change majors several times, so be sure you have many different choices! Also, college is about earning a degree, so be sure you make that the main focus of why you choose the university you attend.

Finding the right college requires one ability above all others. That one attribute which an individual absolutely must possess is an open mind. College-seeking parents and students most likely, statistics standing, hold a bias towards a certain institution. This of course is natural and in order with societal, personal, and peer beliefs and values. The trick, however, is not to close possible doors and avenues of success. The academic prowess, sporting power, and appeal of a school of higher learning may be great but if one fails to experience a campus tour and truly immerse oneself in its environment then the danger of an incorrect fit presents itself. Keeping options open and realizing the benefit in alternatives may save a college man or woman from a wasted year in education. Making the most out of the college experience differs from person to person, but I firmly believe that the best way to discover this personal path is to become involved. By joining clubs and organizations, asking fellow students about their hobbies and interests, and truly traking an interest in the lives and careers of teachers, a student will grow exponentially and gain more from these sacred years.

As a student, you should keep an open mind to three or four schools. Schedule an appointment for a visit to each school. Before the visit, you and your parents should make a list of the requirements and expectations you have for your college experience (i.e. campus size, location, activites, academic opportunities, etc.). During the visitation, be sure to ask about your concerns and take notes. After the visit, compare the notes you took to your requirement list. For each college, make a "pro" and "con" list. Once you have visited all the schools. Compare the "pro" and "con" list of each school. Hopefully, this will help you to narrow your decision. To make the most out of your college experience, you really need to live in the dorms or campus housing. Here, you will meet a great number of students that are about your age. At the dorm, look for flyers for activites on campus. Apply for a campus job as well. Having this job will make you more knowledgeable about the university and help you to feel more involved in the college.

The advice that I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience would be to believe in themselves. I think its so important for parents and students seeking an education to believe in themselves because without that they have nothing. When looking for a college, I think its important that they find the best one suited for THEM, not the best one thats suited for their friends or parents. A lot of people today focus too much on what everyone else wants for them and instead they need to put forth the effort to focus on themselves and what they want. When they find the college perfect for them, they need to enjoy their experience because before they know it, its gone, so go out and live the life they are building for themselves.

Parents: College is a time to let your children go. Your task is support their decisions and give them advice when they ask for it. I often hear stories from friends about how their parents forced them to go to a certain college. The majority of the time this happens, the kids will end up at their choice college regardless. Just remember it's not your college experience it's theirs, giving advice is ok, they want your input. Just don't try to make the decision for your graduate. Graduates: I know the deadlines and the endless scholarship applications can make the beginning of your college career seem horrible...don't worry it gets better! The best piece of advice I could give you is to LIVE IN THE DORMS. I was ready to be on my own in my own apartment making my own rules, but I am grateful my college required me to move into the dorms. I had the time of my life and met the most amazing people in the world. The cafeteria food and bathrooms might suck, but in the end the people you meet and networks you create are worth it. Good Luck!