Wichita State University Top Questions

Choosing a college is very tough for both students and parents. Often times financial problems keep students from attending the college that they want. There are many financial aid options to help ease the pain of the tuition costs of attending college. I believe that students and parents should come together and discuss what they are looking for in college and what kind of experience they want. Make sure that students aren't choosing a college based solely on the social atmosphere, and that parents aren't choosing a college based on the financial cost. There must be a compromise between cost and atmosphere. And both must remember that although the college might not be the first choice, everyone must make the best of the situation. Your college experience can only be as great as the amount of effort you want to put into it.

Find a college thats right for you visit it many times to nkow that it is good for you. Visit multiple and complete a rating system for the schools. Spend a couple nights around the town there to see if you enjoy the people.

Don't stay strictly within your intended major - take other classes, too. This is a time to dicvoer yourself and where your true passion lies. I had intended on being a veterinarian for many years, but when it came down to it, I no longer truly enjoyed biology. After an interesting series of events the lead to a very imporant delf-discovery, I realized psychology is my true calling. I never thought I'd change majors, but I have now, and I'm much happier for it.

You want to find a college that is going to fit your wants and needs. Find a college that well suits what you are looking for in a future. If you are more comfortable at a smaller school make sure to pick a smaller university instead of getting overwhelmed in the large party scenes of a large campus. Know what your priorities are and base your decision on that.

I would tell parents and students to shop around before deciding on a school. Make sure you have a campus visit so that you get a feel for the school and the atmosphere. You want to make sure that you feel comfortable in the surroundings, and that makes your first day much easier, since you have a general idea of where things are at. Meet with an advisor and see what their plan is for you and what kind of classes you will need to take. Once you find a school that you feel comfortable with, I strongly suggest living in the dorms for at least a year. That allows you to be involved and meet new people. This also makes campus activities easily accessible, and you don't have to worry about parking for classes! Don't feel pressured to be like everyone else, and spend some time finding out who you are as a person. That will make your college experience memorable, and you will meet lifelong friends.

Don't get too jumpy when it comes to choosing your major. Not everyone knows exaclty what they want to persue as a major when they come into college, so don't feel pressured to choose a major once you get into college. Take your time, because the majority of the time what you want to study when you enter college isn't want you'll end up studying later on. Remember what you're doing there too. There are tons of distractions when you get to college, whether they be partying, friends in the dorms, whatever they may be you're there to learn and study. There will be plenty of time to go out and have fun, but make sure that you're taking care of business before you go out and have fun.

The best advice I can give parents/students about choosing the best college to go to is follow your heart. Do not go to a college only because your friends are going but choose a school where you think you can accell the best. Also, what helped me choose my school is because its in the area where my parents live and since im going to schoo I didnt want to go out of state because I know I would not be able to afford a plan to see my mom every weekend.

Research the campus and what it has to offer as far as recreation centers, dining, living, and extra-curricular activities. Schedule college visits and meet people, both students and faculty, in order to get a better feel of campus life.

From my experience, everybody tells you that the college they went to is the best college and they try to promote the school that they went to. They may be able to tell you many goods things about their school, but just because it was great for them doesn't mean it will be the same for you. Don't go to a school just because of their famed sports team. College is much more than that. Find out what is important to you and what colleges offer these things. Once you are in college don't be afraid to be involved and try new things, but don't take on more than you can handle.

There's a few things I've learned while attending college: First and foremost, Prestige or high tuition costs don't always equate to a better education. A much better measure is Professor:Student ratio (keep in mind that large entry level classes are often taught in large lecture halls and can skew the numbers) and the number of professors that have PHD's in a related field to the one they'll be teaching. Other big things to look out for are A) school spirit and social life (makes going to school interesting), B) ExtraCurric Activitie and C) Internship, Coop and Career opportunities (gets you experience AND funding, both are vital to college). Also, last but not least, and yet very important, keep your instructors in the loop. If something comes up, TELL THEM, don't just think "oh, well there's no test or I can still miss x amount of days". By letting them know and keeping them in the loop it shows that you care about your education, and should something else come up later on down the road they're more apt to be much more lenient. they're people too, they know things happen.