Bard College Top Questions

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

Rickey

During my senior year of high school I wish I would have known that the next year of my life would be an experience of a lifetime. I would go back and tell myself to have fun while I can because reality will hit me the day after I walked across the stage on graduation. I wish I had experienced life at that young age. Funny thing is that it was only a year ago, but I have grown so much in this year. I had to learn when to grow up and take responsibilities for my own actions. I wish that I can go back and tell myself that everything is going to workout and that I didn't have to cry some nights. I wish that I could just go back and have an entire conversation with myself about some decisions I have made in the past year. I would go back and correct those mistakes, but I know I can't. So I will move on and make better decisions in the future to ensure my success. I would go back and tell myself that this is going to be the best year of your life.

Eden

1. Smile more! It's much easier to talk to a smiling person. Make people know you're happy and they will be happy too. 2. Know that some days will exhaust you and just remember that you know ways to deal with that. No frustration will be permanent if you don't allow it to be. 3. Don't let the money situation bog you down. Trust that all the learning you will do in college will be worth the hard work and the borrowing. 4. Make sure your family and whoever else helps you to get to college know that you are grateful for their sacrifices. These are important relationships to maintain. 5. Get ready to try the things you've always wanted to try! There is a kickboxing class!

Alexandra

I am a peer mentor at the Kingston High School Success Center where I advise students about the college application process and give insight into what a college experience can be like. As a transfer student who is now attending the school of my dreams, I advise them to do careful research on the institutions they apply to make sure they find the right fit. I also try to instill the idea that college, as well as being a wonderful eye-opening period of your life, is also incredibly challenging and will require you to really push yourself in order to succeed. In order to get everything you can out of college it is necessary to go above and beyond expectations. Read the "Recommended Readings", talk to your professors outside of class, start or help run an organization at your institution and forge connections that will help you enter your field of interest. Always be respectful and courteous towards your professors because they can be an incredibly valuable resource and you will need them to write you good recommendations. Along with doing well in your academic environment, seeking out internship opportunities is a great way to gain career-oriented knowledge.

Kouki

Your social status in high school means absolutely nothing in college. Everyone in college is there to learn, and you are going to be in for a rude awakening if you do not balance your social life with your studies appropriately. That definitely does not mean you should not make friends, but do not let your relationships with them bring down your grades.

Dana

Do not over-commit. You are entirely too serious, and you need to learn to balance yourself more effectively. You will find too many moments, otherwise, when you can not manage your time between social and academic pursuits, and over-commit yourself to one at the expense of the other, when just using your free time more effectively would mean you would not have to choose, and you would have more time to relax by yourself, besides. This is not to say that you should not pursue a lot of different activities, both social and academic, because busy as you will be, you will not regret having been very involved in your community, the people you will meet, or the things you will learn that way. All that you will regret is not doing more, committing too much to doing some things early on, and not having time or feeling too guilty to take another class or join another group for a semester instead. There will be so many opportunities to learn new skills and meet new people in college and the only person who expects you to commit so seriously to what you join your freshman year is you.

Christiane

If I was to go back to my high school self and give myself some advice, I would tell myself to have more fun. Stop living your life based on what other people think of you but instead live your life to its full potential. Use every skill God gave you and stop doubting yourself because you never know. For every flaw you find in yourself others see something positive. Life is about taking chances so take all those chances you have always been afraid to take, talk more in class, voice your opinion, challenge your peers, get involved in more educational conversations. You may not know it but all of this affects how you grow up, and your personality in the future. You have a voice and you have smart interesting things to say to, so speak up. Defend yourself when others try to purposely make a fool of you, show them that you are better than that. Be thankful for every opportunity in you life and stop complaining because you are more blessed then you can imagine. Laugh and smile a lot! Focus on your education and work to your full potential. Be you, be beautiful.

Moriah

Do not go to college expecting that just because you're not in high school anymore, that everything will change. It won't, unless you make it change. It is not your environment that defines what or who you are, and a change in environment will not suddenly make you smarter or more dateable or more able to pay for college - it will make you the same exact person you were before you changed zip codes, just with a twin sized bed and a shitty meal plan. It is up to you to change yourself, not your environment's automatic responsibility to change you. Don't romanticize college - this ain't the movies. Only in rare moments does college actually live up to the epic adventure of love and finding yourself that Hollywood has built it up to be. Let it be hard. Let it hurt. Go on and cry. Stumble. Succeed. Put yourself out there. Stop expecting more out of an idea and start expecting more out of yourself.

Kathleen

Rule number one, trust yourself. Don't worry about how everyone else sees you, and do what you want to do. Study hard, and make sure you study in the library or a study hall, because otherwise, you're just going to waste time. Speaking of wasting time, waste time with people you like. Seek out friends you can talk to about the hard stuff. Don't force any friendships, but also don't pick fights. You never know which classmate might end up being your employer, so be kind. But don't let that keep you from speaking up. In class and in life, make sure you can back up what you say with evidence. Save your money. If you paid for a food plan, use it, because you won't know until you've gotten rid of it just how hard it is to ration your paycheck for groceries. In order to get that paycheck, get a job - on campus or off campus. But always remember that your classwork comes first. And lastly, if any of this advice goes completely against your better judgement, refer to the first rule, and trust yourself.

Adedayo

In high school, I started off strong. I attended a private, Christian school, in my freshmen year, of only 15-20 students. Yes, I know that is super small, but I got really good grades that year. In my sophomore year, my family moved, and I went to a public school with thousands of students. However, I let my time spent with new friends far exceed my time studying and doing more productive activities like I use to do. I began to lose my way and my vision for myself, but luckily my family moved again, and I went to a school with better teachers and more opportunities. However, looking back, I found that I only took part in some of those opportunities during my senior year at the very end. I was privileged to move into such a great community and school, but I didn't really put myself out there. After my graduation, I wrote to myself that I owe it to those who I could have worked with and learned from. That was my advice to myself. It was to not let opportunities pass you by, because those opportunities lead to experiences that lead to your development.

Alexandra

Alex, I know you are stressed about getting into college, but don't worry. Apply to all of the schools you want to. I know you don't think you can get into Brown and Columbia but go for it. Why not? There is no harm in it. You don't want to regret not trying, and whatever school you choose it will be the right one. So don't stress out too much! Instead enjoy senior year while it lasts. Now once it's time to leave for school I know you are keeping a cool exterior and panicing on the inside but its no big deal. Instead go into school with an open mind. Take the time to get to know everyone. Believe me, you would rather have many different groups of friends than just one small group. The first month you should sit with new people at lunch and dinner everyday because it's a great way to meet new people. And remember, everyone is in the same boat! Try new things! And don't be shy, be the outgoing person you have always wanted to be. And most of all enjoy yourself.

Emily

I was told college would help me land a career. I'm sure you were told something glaringly similar. As a highschool student with her cunning set on lawschool, my next steps were apparent. After careful consideration for both my potential and my passion, I chose not to take a career route and instead chose a path that many parents providing private school funds would detest: I chose to make art. I thrust myself into a Liberal Arts environment at Bard College and found myself in a place where a viable career after graduation was a lost concept. Perhaps it was the unforgiving snow, the seclusion of the forest or the realization that there was nothing else to occupy my time with; or perhaps it was the unexpected combustion of all three that blossomed into my insatiable need for learning. My goals became based on my present drive as opposed to a future career and my grades reflected that. There was no contest, no race, just fulfilment that had me prowling the library or watching the sunrise from my studio. I learned to learn for learning's sake. Say that ten times fast, I dare you.

Julianne

College has allowed me to grow into myself, and has enabled me to realize that I am intelligent and capable. No one in my family has ever attended college, and with the help of scholarships and financial aid, I hope to go right through to attain my PHD. The experience of college has changed my life and molded me into a beautiful young woman. Today, because of education, I am proud of who I am. Without college, I would have never said that. Today, I work hard to ensure that I will be able to provide for myself and my future family. I want to give them everything I never had. I never want my future family to struggle with money, hunger, dirty clothes, and the fear of not knowing where you might sleep. I want to provide love, comfort, financial security and support. Things I've never had.

Malinda

When I think of everything that I have gained from my college experience, so many different things come to mind. I have gained a tremendous amount of discipline, developed better organization and leadership skills, as well as an understanding of who I am. My college experience opened the world to me and I let it come rushing in! I became heavily involved in the community by raising money for less fortunate families, assumed leadership positions, and studied abroad in London, Africa, & Spain. I value every aspect of my college experience. Besides from the abundance of knowledge that I have received, I know that I would have never become the young woman that I am today had I not attended college. The funny thing about the college experience is that it has a way of growing us up and helping us to blossom into the beautiful flowers that we were destined to become. My college experience is something that could never be replaced with any amount of money because the lessons and the bonds formed go beyond mere verbal expression.

Kaitlyn

My college experience has been very successful. I have gained much more than I could have ever expected since my start in the fall of 2009. My previous thoughts before I attended my first college class consisted of simply learning the basics. I thought college was going to be just like highschool, where you learn the material, have homework, and study for tests. However, I was proven wrong. Not only did learn the basics in my classes, but also I came to realize who I am. The passion that my professors protrayed in their classes helped me gain a passtion for what I want to do with my career. I have always been a confident young woman with goals, but without my college experience, I would still be undecided on a career. Embracing in a college atmosphere, I was constantly surrounded by intellectual people and endless opportunities, which has led to my understanding of what I want to do in my life. This has truly been the most valubable element of my schooling. I am excited about the future, and my degrees in fashion merchandising, business, and accounting.

Amina

Attending a two year community college helped me realize the opportunties available for me. It was an environment where alot of people where lost and unsure of what they want to do. I was surronded by people who may not have had there majors and education as a priority. Thats what set me apart from everyone else. I learned that I'm ready to start studying for major, ready for the many things waiting for me. and to take advantage of it all. I wanted internships, connections, special courses. It made me eager to start a four year institute where I can focus on my major. This eagerness showcased my willingness and motiviation to succeed. This is what set me apart from everyone else. It was a smart decision to attend so that I learn this about myself. Now, I am ready for the challanges ahead of me.

Brandon

I have learned so much about myself and others. I honestly cannot be happier with my choice of school. I have meet some of the greatest people ever. I have also taken great classes taught by amazing teachers. I am at such a great point in my life and that is all thanks to Bard College. It is absolutely an amazing plce to be and think.

Mary

The college experience is a soul-searching one. I never expected to be faced with so many personal decisions, choices, and dilemmas in my time at school. However, it is precicely these choices and decisions you make while in college that ultimately make you who you are. This, perhaps, is one of the most important aspects of college education that I wish I had realized before embarking on the college experience. A new environment, social circle, and new educational opportunities allow you to really look inside yourself and evaluate what you want, who you are, and what you are becoming. Regardless of which college you ultimately choose, YOU alone can shape the experience and determine your future. The most important thing to remember is to fight for what you believe is right and work hard to better yourself and others. As long as you are committed to bettering yourself and the world around you, the rest will fall into place. Best of luck, college-prospectives!

Aileen

First off, I'd tell myself to take highschool just a little more seriously. If I had gotten some better grades that last year, then maybe I could've pulled just a little more financial aid, and every bit counts. I'd also yell at myself to save some money. I used to spend money ony myself and my friends like it grew on trees, not realizing the buck was going to have to stop somewhere. Consequently, I ended up broke before my first semester was over. Perhaps most importantly, I would tell myself to quit being miserable. I spent the majority of my senior year thinking how badly I wanted to get out of my rich town and my overbearing highschool. I feel like I gave up that year- after over ten years in a blue ribbon school system, I was just sick of the whole farce. I'd like to tell myself to respond not by rejecting the institution, but by priming myself. I'd tell myself to just grit my teeth and deal with bear that last year well, all the while reading whatever I could get my hands on and working on my writing.

Jessica

Be less stuborn and take academic help more readily instead of trying to do it all on your own. Pride is a GPA killer, and being open to help is a really good skill to learn. Always go to class and take every piece of information as if it is gold. Buckle down and study, and do not let your social life over take your academic priorities. Don't let mistakes rule how you live, learn from them and do not let anxiety take the place of concentration.

Courtney

The transition from high school to college is rather difficult to explicate; it is what you make of it. The clich? that I just mentioned should not be overlooked for its clich? quality, it should be thrived upon. For the most rewarding and fulfilling college experience, the transition should be grand. This entails a total social and intellectual change. Socially, it is essential to strive away from the friendships from high school. Keep in mind that if they are truly your friends, they will stick around. So, ditch being trapped in the dorm room typing away on Facebook chat and go out and make new friends. No one is familiar each other, so take advantage of that early. Also, work a million times harder than you did in high school, and learn to resist the peer pressures that cause you to fall into the dreadful realm of procrastination. This way, the good grades you earn will make the fifty thousand dollar tuition worth it, whilst you begin to pave a successful path. Conclusively, college is like a malleable item. Mold it to your liking.

Rixey

If I were able to go back in time, I would tell myself to simply relax. Making friends takes time. It's not something that happens immediately for anyone, and the more pressure you put on yourself, the more stressed you will get over something insignificant. Throw yourself into your activities, and over time you will get to know people that way. Worrying too much about social aspects will actually hinder you in the long run. Be friendly, polite, and have something interesting to say. Don't worry about being introverted, because it's who you are. Embrace who you are. College is a time to change, yes, but not a time to throw away your entire persona in an attempt to create a new one. You are at a place with people who have similar thoughts, ideas, passions, and interests as you. Use that to your advantage. They will like you for who you are, and not who you pretend to be. So, in short, don't get too caught up in the social scene too early, and love yourself. That will make what is a rough transition for everyone slightly easier.

Katelyn

I would tell myself to be more confident and to give the students around me the benefit of the doubt. I think that I initially under estimated how nice and interesting everyone was and instead was intimidated by the transition. Bard offers one the opportunity to become extremely close with students and faculty and I would have told myself to take advantage of that as much as possible. The time I have spent meeting with my professors and the advice they have given me has been absolutely invaluable and I wish I had utilized them as a resource from the beginning. Taking mulitple classes with the same professor is also incredibly helpful, with such small classes the professor really gets to know the students and their work, seeing them evolve over four years and offering suggestions along the way has been one of the most helpful aspects of my entire experience. I would tell myself not to worry, that every resource I would need to flourish would be presented to me at Bard as long as I had the confidence to employ them--that the faculty and staff and students would change my life for the better...for the best.

Emily

I would tell myself to take life a little less seriously! I spent much too much of my high school experience worrying about getting into a high-ranked, prestigious college. I still go to an awesome school, even though it is not an Ivy-League or world-renowned institution, and I believe I would have been much less happy if I had chosen my undergraduate institution based solely on prestige and renown. It's also important to put yourself out there - despite homesickness or loneliness or your own perceived social awkwardness or inability to make friends, its important to get out and meet others. Having friends and people to talk to makes the transition much easier and less stressful.

Samantha

Visit the school, try and find out what the school's values are, what the school's philosophy is, don't base your decision off of who gives you the most aid. Find out what the classes are like, what books teachers ask you to read and what the professors are like. Also, make sure you like the look of your campus, you dont want to feel it's dirty or too noisy. Your campus is your home for the next four years you should love it.

Tiago

Truthfully, anyone could probably adjust to any college relatively well. The question is more about seeing which college can extract and reflect the most of your being so that everything you do is a product of yourself, more than just an academic achievement; that it can be a personal achievement. Thus, the search for an appropriate college begins with a certain level of introspection. Once you realize your goals and desires for those four years, the type of college you will apply to becomes rather apparent. To decide exactly which college suits you best, campus visits are a must and sitting in on classes is highly helpful. However, it is impossible to know a place fully until you are actually a part of it, and that means more than just being in it. You have to plunge into activity, get to know the people that make your school. Lastly, remember that a wrong decision is only a failure if it is not corrected: if it's just not working for you and you've given it all you have and ample time, don't be afraid to transfer. These are the best four years of your life: make them so!

Matthew

Probably the most important thing is to visit the colleges and see how they receive you. Spend the night if you can and do your best to imagine what'd be like living there. Don't get too married to any particular place before you consider the others. It's especially useful to see the way they treat their accepted students. Sometimes the school that's less prestigious would be more glad to have you on board, but don't let an overly gracious letter mislead you either; it's important to feel that the college wants you around, not just for your money but for what you have to offer them as a personality and as a student. Of course, you also want a college that has something to offer you, which is a good case for the more academically prestigious colleges, but these two notions aren't exclusive. You can really find academic rigor and welcoming friends just about anywhere if you know how. The trick is to take your time, look far and look hard because it's important, but don't stress either. Remember that you're doing this for yourself.

Emma

Don't go to college if you don't want to. There are lots of options for different people.

Katharine

Do your research -- the internet allows you to find out everything you could possibly want to know about any college. It only makes sense to use the web as a resource that is both ultra-informative and environmentally sound. You deserve to spend four years at a place that you love. So when actually setting foot on campus, trust your instincts, but also keep and open mind.

Hannah

Picking the right college is a lot of work. At every school, the admissions office wants you to apply, and the administration wants you to get good grades and graduate on time. But that doesn't mean that they have the tools to assess whether they'll be good for you, or even that they care. Do the official tours and so forth, if you have time. But you'll get a much more rounded pciture of the school if you talk to ordinary students (not tour guides) and sit in on regular classes (few instructors will have a problem with this). Try to do overnight visits, if you can--look on sites like Facebook, MySpace, and LiveJournal for student communities at the schools that interest you. You'll find out which of the things about a school, that sound cool and distinctive, are actually positive to spend four years living with. As for succeeding in school? Keep an open mind about what you want. Don't let the person you were when you applied make your decisions for you now.

Laura

Don't forget about paying for it. Student loans are quite a weight to drag around. While private schools are nice, there is nothing wrong with starting out at a state school or community college while you are trying to figure out what you want to do, ie, what major you want to pursue.

Liz

I would emphasize to students the importance of an overnight visit and your gut reaction to a school. DO YOUR RESEARCH!

Allison

There are no exact matches and no such thing as the perfect school. Every school has its drawbacks. It is important to find a school that you could see yourself comfortable in. If you aren't comfortable , you won't suceed academically or socially. Decide if you want a big school or a small school. Big schools offer more variety but don't have the same closeness as a small school. Do you want a school that will make you think deeply or do you want a school that will let you graduate bar minimum? Remember that you can always transfer and that the school you choose is not a reflection of you. College is what you make it. There is no one holding your hand guiding you along. If you want to change something, go and do it. Dont' get too stressed out, enjoy your senior year, allow yourself to feel infinite for a while. In your adult life it really doesn't matter what your SAT scores were or if you got a 5 in AP Calc. That is not to say, be a slacker. You should work hard but find a balance between stressed and apathetic.

Patrick

I would advise looking for a school that feels comfortable not only in terms of academia but in terms of the social environment. A school that is socially accepting and friendly is often more nourishing than one that is strictly challenging all the time.

Laura

Your college experience is about finding the right place for you. The name isn't going to matter if you aren't going to be happy there. Find a place where you can see yourself succeeding. If cities make you uncomfortable, consider the fact that at an urban university, you would be living and working in a metropolitan area during some of the most stressful times of your life. Or, if you constantly need activity buzzing all around you, maybe a rural campus isn't the way to go. College is certainly about expanding your horizons and trying new things, but you also have to be able to live with the college you choose-- for a long time. If you can't see yourself there, maybe it's not the place for you. And really, don't worry too much about practicality-- picking the most practical major or lucrative degree. Unless you're looking to be a doctor or engineer, few employers are going to care where your undergraduate degree is from or what subject it's in, as long as you have one. Pick a place where you can excel and make the most of those four years.

corrie

College should be a place that makes the individual aware of the vast potential they have. It should also provide a space where the student can comfortably unfold and explore this potential. When I fist visited my future college I had what I could only refer to as the "summer camp experience". It was a feeling of comfort paired with excitement, I felt overwhelmed with possibility. There seemed to be so many choices to make, from the types of friends I could make to the areas of study I could engage in. Ultimately what made my college experience the life changing and enriching thing it ended up being was my choice to be there. Sure, the college provided me with a unique and amazing array of options, but the experience of any college largely has to do with what you make of it. Choosing a college does not stop with a deposit, you make a choice everyday to be there, to take full advantage of the opportunities put before you, and to be who you are.

Maka

When I was in high school applying to colleges, I bought college guides, I talked with my counselor incessantly, and asked everyone for advice. I had no idea what I wanted out of college, and could have seen myself anywhere. Given the descriptions of colleges that were given, all of them seemed just right in their own way, and I ended up narrowing my list down to the 19 colleges to which I ultimately applied. But what actually decided the right college for me was visiting all of the schools I applied to. One by one, the decision got easier--meeting other students, meeting faculty, seeing the way the campus was set up for the students--to the point where I was worried that I would have to settle for less than perfect. But I got to Bard, and saw everyone smiling, saw the student art and the nature and the quirky buildings, and new immediately that I was decided, and that no Ivy-League school could come anywhere near Bard in how perfect it felt--and still feels--for me.

Caroline

Don't worry about the name of your school, worry about where you will be happy

Loralee

Make the most of the professors. They have office hours, GO TO THEM. They are all incredible people. Talk to them outside of class.

Jacqueline

College is what you make it. Although schools can be easily lumped into various stereotypical groups, they are not necessarily a good representation of the college experience that you will have. People chose what college to attend for a variety of reasons, so although you may not think you "fit in" to the stereotype that college is known for, a lot of other people probably feel the same way! The key is to be yourself, and you will find friends that respect you for who you are. That being said, there are some very important factors to consider when choosing a college, including academics, money, locations, class size, etc. They key is to figure out which of those things are most important to you, and base your decision on which colleges fit those criteria.

Claire

Go with your gut.

Molly

What am I going to do for the rest of my life? Where will I be in ten years? You're probably asking yourself these questions as you prepare for making that college decision. It's important to know what you want in life, but it's important as well to live in the present. Imagine what friends you'll have in ten years, what experiences you'll have had in college, and now picture the college where you want to have these friends, these experiences. When you're trying to find the right college, the best approach is to seek out the schools that you can be certain will fulfill all your needs. It is better to go to the school where you can be sure you will get the opportunities and freedom you want to make your path through life the path you choose. Is the location of the school going to impact your choices? Liberal arts might be the best choice if you want to be exposed to all aspects of learning. Parents, remember the decision is theres, just give them the occasional reality check. Remember, ulatimately any college is what you make it.

jessie

Visit as many schools as possible and critically think about your choice, do not just go with your instinct.

KC

Apply to at least 6 schools that you could imagine attending. Be realistic and have at least a couple of back-ups. If you don't find the right fit, remember that transferring is always an option. Try your best to get to school campuses and sit in on classes. Don't be shy to talk to students, that's the only way to get an impression of a school. For undergraduate study, I highly recommend the liberal arts education. Graduate school is the time to focus on a career driven major. A broad education will help you become a well rounded person and you may find new interests that will take you in a whole different career path.

Alison

Always ALWAYS spend a day visiting that campus before attending. Attend classes, talk to professors and students, try the food, get a sense of the local area. And if a college does not want you, you don't want THEM. Follow your instincts. Where will you learn the most. Where will you be happy?

Laura

In a student's mind, though academics will generally trump the rural/urban battle when deciding where to attend, this overlooked aspect of a school can determine your mindset for the next four years. I chose Bard because of the healthy foreign languages department and throughout the entire application process, I couldn't be bothered to think about how rural the campus was. All that mattered to me was that there was a distinct campus, since I've known from the beginning that something like NYU's city sprawl was not for me. And yet, 2.5 years into my education, the biggest problem I have with Bard is its isolation-- "The Bard Bubble" as it's referred to. I don't have a car and the hassle of getting to a city is frustrating not only because of the stress of travel but also because my options for learning to work and live outside of college are limited. Thus, I find myself worrying about stepping out of the Bard Bubble and into the world after graduation. So while you should choose a school for what you'd like to study, already keep in mind that you will someday leave.

Leah

It sounds like I have lost my mind, but the answer is vibes. The atmosphere of a college is everything. Statistics about the school play an important preliminary role because one must narrow down the search before delving into the world of abstract perceptions of the place, but there is no substitute for a fundamental semi-spiritual overview of the community that you plan to spend the next four years of your life in. Will this environment facilitate your transformation into the person you want to be? The students must seem like people you could spend all of your time with; people who will motivate, enrich and entertain you. The school has to be located in an area that will be neither overwhelming nor isolating. The professors have to be prepared to provide the engaging and active education that you are secretly at college for in the first place. The idea of atmosphere encompasses all of these themes and synthesizes them into something you can immediately sense after spending just a little bit of time on a campus and asking a few choice questions. Do all your research but trust your instincts, and then prepare for a beautiful, chaotic ride.

Emily

First and foremost, worry about money last. A lot of families from my hometown actually eliminated schools from their lists because they were too expensive--but in reality, those expensive schools are the ones that give the most financial aid. I was sorry to see many of my friends go to affordable but basic community colleges (without aid) for this reason--and I ended up paying the same amount at a liberal arts school. Secondly, I would advise studenst to look for schools with a good study abroad program and big international student population. I have made the best friends and had the most amazing experiences with students from around the world--they really bring something to the table that's unique from the regular American student, and best of all they all hang out together (even rival countries, like Serbia and Kosovo)--you get to see a lot of the world in the comfort of home. I love it. Third, go to the school that wants you most. When I came to Bard for an interview, the interviewer LOVED me. Though it wasn't my first choice, she assured me I'd be totally happy here, and I am.

Sarah

If you have the financial means and support, go to a school that you love and study something that excites you; don't base your education on a career. The value of a career is totally made up by the white capitalist men who govern our world; "career" is a tool used to control people by giving them a false sense of self-worth. Study something that makes you FEEL and choose a school that doesn't mindlessly funnel you into the capitalist job market.

Sascha

For parents, seriously assess whether your child is ready for pursuing the conventional academic track. Let them know there are other options for them, such as internships, other organizations they might take part in. Don't push them if they're not academically or emotionally ready on the shaky grounds that it's the "normal, logical next step in young adult life post-high school". Also, if they hate the college they choose, emphasize that their situation isn't set in stone (although it might be a hassle, transferring is always an option). Feeling trapped is never good. For other students I would also say take some time to really figure out whether you have the perseverence, tenacity, mental and emotional well-being to start on the college road. Depending on what you're looking for, college life can be fabulous but also very revealing. Living independently and managing time can be very taxing. Even things as simple as making time for doing your laundry, writing a paper, and going to a party can be a difficult task. If you decide to go for it, research and visit campuses. Make sure you talk to current students to get the truth.

Natalia

I would try and pick up coursebooks from the college and learn as much as possible about the professors in your major. These are people you will be spending a lot of time with and it will make a huge difference in your college experience if they are fun, intelligent and engaging people.