Baldwin Wallace University Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Misty

I would advise student or parents who are searching for the right college for them to consider a lot of different option. Don't be afraid to tour the campuses and seee which place feel like home. It is important to feel comfortable with the location and population of the school. Also, when it comes to making the most of your experience, get involved. Meet as many people as you can and don't be afraid to try new things and go new places that you may have never considered before. In the end, have fun and try to learn more about yourself in the process.

Brittany

Find a college that fits your personality, and has the same educational goals that you would like to achieve. Choose the college that suits you don't go where your friends or parents are pressuring you or picking the college only because of its name. Be open minded and act friendly towards your peers. Don't overwhelm yourself with too many activities or taking too many classes at once, try to maintain a balance with school, work, and your social life. Enjoy the college life and take your time because rushing through it causes nothing but feeling overwhelmed and stress. Communicate with your teachers and develop relationships with them because they can help you with finding your career and giving you the advice to help you succeed.

Nick

Be sure to ask lots of questions, and make sure that the college you settle on will give you the right education to help you live your dreams and succeed in the world.

Megan

Students should come to college to learn, have fun, and meet amazing people. Don't close yourself off and restrict yourself from hanging out with one group. I am in a sorority and I hang out with everyone. I am friends with people from other chapters and people who are not greek at all. College gives you a chance to truly find yourself and figure out what you want to do with your life. Keep your head on straight and don't focus on partying 24/7. Going to college is an amazing accomplishment, but graduating from college is an even bigger accomplishment. Never forget that the number one reason why you are there is to learn. Parents should support their child. There are so many good days and bad days in college and a student needs support to help them through it.

Brittany

when you visit a school and you get the feeling that you belong there, and when you see the people and you think they could be my friend. You found your new home. Parents, take your child on as many visits as they need because you will never find the right home unless you see it and get a feel for it yourself. It may not always be what is expected. once you get there, dont let anything hold you back, join as many groups and clubs as you can. Make friends with everyone, because youll soon find that those people will be your lifelong friends and that your high school friends will slowly disappear. Never let anything stop you from doing what you want. Live your life, and dont regret anything. its college, its the best experience you will have in life!

Alyson

Get involved on campus in activities. You get out of the school what you put into it, so don't be afraid to ask questions and get to know your professors.

Lianna

Go into college with a positive attitude. Never say that you can't do something, because nothing is impossible. Try your hardest and never give up. Keep an open mind and be open to meeting new people. Talk, because it will pay off in the end. Don't be shy, give it a try. :]

Brad

To Parents: You often know how your child responds to different types of education, teaching styles, learning enviroments, and their interest in extracurricular activities. Help them find the college/university that best fits them. Be wary of schools' reputations as 'drinking schools' or 'party schools' and be sure you child knows the risks involved with going to a school with that type of reputation. Though money can certainly be a factor in choosing a school, keep your options open with loans, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities. Be supportive of your child, this is their transition to the 'Real World'. To Students: Deciding on a college/university can be tough. Choose a school with a program you're interested in. For me, Music Therapy was a very specific program and I found Baldwin-Wallace College to be the best fit for me. For schools you're interested in, choose one that you can picture yourself in for 4 years. To make the most of your college experience, be sure to get involved. Join up with groups that interest you; most schools have intermural sports and student clubs for various activities. Have fun and take advantage of the opportunities that await you.

Keane

Don't worry so much about getting into a "top" college. There are many schools out there with great teachers, great professors, and great resources. I've found that most of what you get out of college, academically, socially, career-wise, and in every other facet, comes from what you decide to put into it instead of where you go. Many schools are big enough for any student to find their niche, but nobody is going to push yourself if you don't. Self-motivation is key to getting your money's worth, and every college has more resources than you could ever deplete, so take advantage of everything you can, try new things and don't care so much about what other people think of you. It's a time to learn more about who you are and you can't know that until you know who you aren't as well.

Cindy

The advice I would give parents and students is to get out and explore campuses. You will never know what school fits you the best except if you get out and see multiple so that you can compare one to the other. I looked at 5 different schools. I knew that I did not want to be too far from home and that I liked a smaller school better. I went to many college fairs to see what other colleges and universities are out there that I did not know about. Once I stepped on the campus of Baldwin- Wallace College I knew that that was the place where I was ment to be. When picking out a school you have to make sure you feel when you are there and that is just how I felt about B-W. Once you are on campus make sure to get involved you meet so many people. The people from the organizations I am in are the ones I am the closest to and I turn to them for help or questions. Go and make friends with the upper-classman they are the ones who have already gone through where you are.

Emina

I would have to say keep your options open, research the colleges that you have an interest in to see what they offer, not only what classes and degrees but extra-curricular activities as well. If you are given the opportunity to take a few college courses while you are still in high school, take advantage of that because that will benefit you once you choose your college. Make sure to manage your time wisely, make sure you study and learn the material, but also engage yourself in social activites on campus because that will connect you to others and will help you establish friendships. The most important thing is to balance everything to make the best out of your time.

Nathan

Often times, perspective students hear the phrase, "Find the college that fits." The real question is, what exactly does "fit" mean? Fit could mean many things, ranging from enjoying classes and making friends, to climbing the social ladder to the top of the proverbial food chain. Fitting in at college is actually a cumulation of all these factors and how they are balanced to create an educational, yet enjoyable time at college. The best advice I could give to a college bound student and/or his or her parents would be to find both a college and a major in which you or your child TRULY enjoys and excels. Attend an institution where will surely make friends, excel in class and ultimately ENJOY being there, because after all, it may end up being a few years.

James

A college decision is best made by gut feeling and a willingness to to try new things. If you step onto a campus and immediately feel welcome and at home, that is oftentimes a great indicator of a good choice. No college experience will ever be good if you are not willing to step out of your comfort zone and find out who you really are and what you are capable of doing. There is no other time in your life in which so many leadership and personal development opportunities present themselves. It is up to you to decide on how you respond to challenges you will be undoubtedly be presented with, whether academic, organizational, or otherwise -- and even in the most brutal times of misstep and failure, this will be your education. Such is the essence of the college experience. When you respond positively to something difficult with dedication and hard work, even when it does not turn out how you expected, you will find that success comes to you. When it comes, be humble, keep your eyes open, and be proud of everything you have done, because it will shape who you are.

Courtney

Find a place that you're comfortable with and that you can feel at home.

Stephen

When chosing a college, the best thing to keep in mind is how comfortable your child feels on campus. It's important to remember it is your kids choicelife choice of what they would like to do. A lot of my friends parents were not accepting to their choices of college, whether the reason was the cost or location. Both of these issues can be compromised with a little communication between parenta and students. Another issue that is often discussed around campus is the amount of time students spend with their parents when they leave for school. I reccomend that parent remember to give some space to the child. Maybe comunicate by sending care packages, as it is well known all college children need help buying food, and love getting mail!

Jenny

I think what is important is to just go with your gut feeling. Also to make the most out of your college experience, just try to get involved and be social.

Amanda

Go with your gut and where you felt most comfortable visiting. Try to get involved early with campus activities to meet people and interact. Hold a couple of internships to help you decide what field you really want to get into. Be open minded and don't be afraid to try new things. Don't ever feel pressured to do something, stand up for what you believe in.

Dana

Find a place where you can be yourself and express yourself. Attending a place that has a strong field of study that you are interested in is important, but attending a college that offers a variety of activities is just as important. However, be careful not to involve yourself with TOO much. If you spread yourself too thin because you're involved with too much, your academic and social life will probably be impacted in a negative way. I think another extremely important aspect of the college experience to prepare oneself for the future, is to get internships and to put one's knowledge to practice. Those experiences open so many opportunities for future jobs and provide experience that future employers value and search for on a resume. ALong those lines, never be afraid to ask for help whether from an advisor or an upperclassman. Most people will want to help you succeed and will use their resources to help you out. Take advantage of those opporunities.

Brian

Look for a clollege that makes you happy and somewhere that you feel comfortable. transfering sucks so try to make the right decision the first time

Brooke

Finding the right college is about finding the place where you fit. All colleges will have many attributes that will make them seem appealing, but those attributes might not be right for you. You have to find the place where you can see yourself being happy for the next four years. Choose a college based on your criteria of what you want, whether it's a large or small school, public or private, in state or out of state. Do not rush into your decision, but take your time. This is the biggest decision you have made so far and making the right choice for yourself will benefit you for the rest of your life.

Jessica

To all of the incoming college students of 2009: you should makesure you go to a college that meets all your needs in every area. It is important to have strong academia, as well as academia that matches your needs for where you would like to be in the future. The campus itself is also very important, choose a college that strikes you as beautiful, where you would feel greatly at home. Make sure the environment seems friendly and welcoming, and that you can easily contact your professors. It is also helpful to have a college with good counselling services. You never know what may come, so it is best to go somewhere that will meet your needs full circle. Most important, go to a college that you completley fall in love with. Remember for the next four years it will be your home away from home.

keturah

My advice is to go out and meet new people. Networking is very important, you never know who you will be working for. Also, take advantage of every oppurtunity available that the college has to offer. They may seem long and over drawn but they are given to you for a reason!

Hilary

College should be about the future it can bring you if you do the work, but it also has to be a place that helps you grow and become a person you are fully satisfied with. It is a tough process, but you will know if a college is right. You can feel it in your gut.

Allison

do lots of research and visit the campus more than once.

Erika

I believe that one of the most important aspects of finding the right college is to actually visit it. There's no way you can know if you'll love it or not if you never see it! Another important thing is to make sure you are majoring in something that you are really passionate about. Find a college that supports that, and make sure they have other activities/majors that interest you.

Michael

Make sure you know what you want when it comes to deciding what you would like to get out of the college such as a degree or meeting new people. Then I would say no matter where you decide to go the best college experiences are the ones in which you make. If you want college to be fun then do things that make you happy and be active in activities on campus. These should be the best four years of your life and they go by fast, trust me it seems like I was a freshmen as if it was a day ago. Always keep in touch with your family they will miss you.

Anthony

Keep focused on your goals and have fun!

Stephen

Figure out what kind of setting you are comfortable in and what kind of people you want to surround yourself with. It is 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} about the student. Parents should not let their own insecurities or agendas get in the way of making this choice. If you have something you want to do specifically, start researching and find the schools with the best programs in that field. Remember that college should be a gateway to better oppurtunities. Nothing is set in stone. This is your life. If you feel you should change majors or change schools, then absolutely pursue that. You have a responsibillity to yourself to take control of your life and seek out ways to get what you want.

lauren

what feels right to you

Elizabeth

Talking with students who attend the school is a great way to find out what being on the campus for 8 months of the year is like, instead of just a 1-day visit. Music students should definitely schedule a sample lesson with their potential private teacher, because you don't want to be stuck with a teacher you don't like for 4 years.

Jayla

Go with your heart. Financial aid of course is a big factor, but go where you feel most comfortable and could see yourself living. You are living there for the next four years, don't choose a place that you are not at all comfortable with the area around you. Make sure there are things on campus that you would like to be involved in.

Yasriyyah

I would tell them to research colleges. Take campus visits and talk to some of the students on campus and see what there experince is like. Also go on your own preference on the kind of college you would want to go to to narrow your choices, whether it be a small college or large university. Once you pick a school work hard, make new friends, and take every opportunity u can when its giving to you. Of course it will be a lot of hard work and you will have to dedicate yourself, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Lisa

I would choose the college that is best for the student. Most students want to get as far away as possible, but does not look at how much the cost of the college is, what it has to offer, and what finacial aid you will get. I think that in order to choose a college, the student must, evaluate the college, on his/her standards. The student must feel comfortable at the college, and actually enjoy being there. A friend of mine wanted to get away from his parents and enjoy freedom, well it didn't work because he is home every weekend and is tranfering next semester. He looked at the mileage of the college versus the education and the cost. Now he is more in debt in one semester, than he probably will ever be. I think choosing a college is a students responsiblity but the parent needed to be there to guide the student and make them realize what college is about, instead of how far away it is from the home.

Laura

Make sure you visit the college first.

Amy

Every student/future student is different, therefore every school is not going to be for them. It is important to seek out a school that has a personality that the student wants for themselves, or reflects of themselves. It is also important to look at the opportunities the College allows for that student. There are so many aspects to think about when choosing a college. You may decide that you want to join a fraternity/sorority, you may decide to get involved in community service, you may decide to spend a semester abroad. Keep all of these things in mind when looking at a school, along with your priorities (safety, quality of education, ect). You have to find the school that has the opportunities you want to take and will create an atmosphere that will encourage you to take these opportunities.

Richelle

First, my advice is to involve as many resources as possible. Students should use internet search programs, government websites, high school guidance counselors, and parents to narrow the search. Search programs will lead them to make some difficult choices. Ideally this will result in approximately five possibilities: a dream school that if accepted and it is at all financially possible, is the one; three realistic choices, one of which is at a distance beyond your normal comfort zone (for me that was 500 miles from home), and a good back-up college (that may be a community college or a nearby state university). Also important is the fact that the final choice should rest with the student, not the parent because it is not the parent who is going to be attending classes. Once on campus, get involved! Try out for a play, be an athelete, join a fraturnity/sorority, find a club, but don't commute on weekends. Go to class -- You're paying top dollar, so get what you're paying for. The college experience is more than just academic knowledge, but the proper balance between social life and a focus on academics must always be remembered.

Andrew

Overall, the college decision process is a difficult one, and many parents and students will struggle with it, even after they have been accepted to a specific institution. At the end of the day, I think the only thing that a prospective student can do is to make sure they feel comfortable and welcomed by their campus. This is essential and will help everything else fall into place. You need a home away from home. You need a place where you can picture yourself growing and prospering and really the only way to figure that out is to vist campuses. It may seem like a hastle to take so many tours and to visit so many schools, but it's worth it. First of all, the more schools you vist, the more you'll understand your own likes and dislikes and the more you'll understand what you are looking for in a school. Second of all, when you find yourself on the right campus, you'll just know. You'll picture yourself there. You'll imagine yourself growing as both a person and a student, and you'll imagine yourself obtaining your goals.

Aaron

Search for a school that speaks to your heart. Pray and ask God to reveal to you where you could be used most to glorify Him and His kingdom. Then once you feel like you have a good grip on where you should go, pray and go. Never look back and make the most of your college experience. If you let Him, God will blow you away in your college years. College students are unique in that movements can be started for God that impact thousands of people for the kingdom of God. Praise the Lord God Almighty!!!

Alex

Definitly visit the college campus. It will give you such a better feel for what the college is really like. Overnights are a great way to see how the night life is. You will know when you find that "right" college. Keep visiting and don't stress!

Alyssa

Spend a night at the school you most want to go to, and the runner up. Wherever you feel most comfortable is where you should go. Don't go where all of your high school friends are going, branch out and engage in new situations.

Megan

Make sure and visit all colleges/universities and make a compare and contrast list. Also, know what you are looking for and what you are not. Additionally, speak with students who live on campus and those who live off campus to get a real feel for the school. Do not forget to speak with financial aid before you leave!

Justin

First of all, when deciding what college to attend, it helps to narrow down your choices by choosing one that has the major you are considering. Next, you have to decide which size of campus you will feel most comfortable living on for the next four years. I also think it's important to look at the extra curriculars that are available. You definitely want to become involved in something other than studying! To make the most of your college experience, I suggest you meet your academic advisor early and often. It's extremely helpful to know them on a first name basis so when you have an important question or decision to make, you won't hesitate to use their expertise. Lastly, have fun! Believe your parents when they tell you that these are the best years of your life, and you will most likely be friends with the people you meet in college for the rest of your life.

Sarah

Talk to people from the schools you are thinking of. Take tours of each college. Sit in on a class or two

Pete

If your kid wants to go to a smaller school that is a little more home-like and tends to be a much quieter area then send them to BW. There's much more work to be accomplished if you're focused on your studies.

Paige

The one big piece of advice that I can give to parents and students about finding the right college is to go and visit the college. Seeing a college in person is the best way to know if a college is right for you. While you are there observe the students, see what their reactions are walking around campus. If you can picture yourself with these students and you feel comforable there, then that is the right college for you. If you are stuck between colleges, ask if you can do an overnight, where you can sleep in the dorm and attend classes at that college. To make the most the college experience is to get involved. Get involved in anything you are intersted in and it is a great way to meet people. You will never get the full college experience sitting in your dorm room. Go out and get involved.

Amy

As a transfer student and a commuter, I think the best advice for parents of commuters would be to give your son or daughter lots of space and freedom. To the students, never choose a college based on the fear of moving away from your hometown. Choose the school that fits your interests and plans for the future, because if you base your decision on location, you may regret that decision sooner rather than later. Going away gives you the opportunity to live on your own in some ways, and make your own choices. Having that freedom to choose is what forms your self, so find the school that suits you, and stick with it, even if it means going away, and even if you're scared.