Bates College Top Questions

I was so uptight and anxious in highschool that first and foremost, I would tell myself to just relax. I was at an extremely competitive public school where grades seemingly meant everything to everyone. It was so easy to just tunnel vision on that and not focus on simple things such as having fun. I would tell myself to pass up doing some homework assignment after school and instead take my friends up on their offer for an ultimate frisbee game. At the same time, I know that without all of my hard work in school, I would not have had the opportunity to attend such an amazing institution as Bates. Thus, balance is key. Also do yoga-- it's awesome.

Dear Future Fatima , I want you to know that you are a beautiful and smart young woman! Grades do not define you so do not beat youself up about them. I know your hardworking and your very determined. Your drive will allow you to accomplish many tasks, overcome obstacles and become more independent. Please do not linger in fear, push yourself to new limits and do not ever be afraid to ask for help. Everyone at your school wants to help and advisors want to see you succeed. ASK QUESTIONS! Speak up Fatima, do not let self- doubt possess you. Everything you will learn and the new experiences you will gain will only make you become a stronger individual. Your very ambitious and remember to stop comparing yourself to others, its not a race so remember that every person you meet has a similar vision to you. Help each other out and do not forget where you gave from, many family members have gave up their dreams in order to help you pursue yours. Lastly, look in the mirror and tell yourself your awesome everyday! Now go tell another classmate or friend! Love you Girl, xoxo

Coming into college at the beginning of the semester, I felt as though I would be content with being introverted. To me, spending time studying in my dorm room could take the place of being social on weekends, and that’s how my first semester has gone. What I’ve realized is that this isn’t something I want. It has only been within the last month that I’ve discovered that I need to take a few steps out of my comfort zone. I wish I could tell my high school self to be more social and relaxed at the outset. Even though I’ve realized now that I want to make more friends and get involved, I’m not sure how to. I have a solid group of a few friends whom I eat meals with, but overall I haven’t found my niche. I want to seize the day, but I feel as though I’m being held back by myself. This was a problem for me in high school, and I don’t want history to repeat itself. The next time my roommate asks me if I want to drive to Freeport, I must say yes.

I would tell myself that you just have to be self disciplined. There is alot of freedom in college, and that can be a young kids downfall. I would tell myself always remember why you are here at this college. Its great too have fun, but business always comes first. I would also so don't get frustrated when you come too college and don't do as well as you want right off the bat. College is an adjustment and it takes a little time to get comfortable with things. You will get adjusted to the life, classes, and professors as time goes by. If you stay motivated and don't get discouraged then the grades will get better as you get more comfortable in the new way of doing things. The final thing I would tell myself is that college is a little easier if you have something pushing you to succeed and get through it. You should find motivation so when you have a tough time you feel like you can't get through, that motivation gives you that extra push to succeed and stick with it.

I know exactly what I would say to myself as a high school senior if I could go back in time. I would tell myself to stop. Stop worrying about going college, and everything involved with it. As a senior, I would stress about everything college related. Are my applications done? What school should I go to? Will I miss my family while at school? Will I like my roommate? How much harder are the academics? I would tell my past self to relax, because everything will work out. It will be the biggest transition of your life, but just go with the flow. The most important advise I would give myself would be that people are there to help you. As a senior, I seemed to think I was going into college all alone. I would tell myself that every upperclassman and teacher knows what you're going though, and are will help you every step of the way. Heck, thats part of a teachers job. Alot of stress could have been prevented if I had been allowed a visit from my future self. Alot of stress on my mom too, but that's another story.

I would go back and tell myself that I should have started looking into colleges and scholarships over the whole 4 years in high school because now I realized I started a little bit late and now I feel as if I am behind the whole college application process.

I would go back and tell myself how much of an opputunity he has coming his way and make sure not to take it for granted. Being in college will open many doors that you never knew exsisted. Its up to you and what you do with your education. You can be the best you can be by just doing simple things. Such as volunteering for fundrasiers or just be a part of it so other people see your enthusiasm. The best part of school would be getting your grades and seeing how much you excelled during this short period of time. I would also tell him never to give because in the long run everything will pay off. To give up is giving up on yourself and that is a no no. There is so much help around you, you just have to ask for it.Being in school and not giving up will give you the key to success in your future. You wont only be doing good for yourself but also your community and your family and friends. Evryone will be so proud of you. make the best out of it and never give up.

I would tell myself to frequently seek advice if I did not underestand the college scholawrship process. Also, I would make it clear that its completely acceptible to take risks and put yourself out there. Any missed opportunity is a chance to explore the world at a new perspective. I would also tell myself to be more active about visiting colleges and to write out goals that will help with time management and my future major. Lastly, I would spend a lot of time over the summer preparing myself for interactions with people and professors that will help reach my future goal of becoming a philantropist.

What I have gotten out of the college experience is a sense of self. Yes it may be basic and not eye popping but it is true. In high I was an insecure teenage who was trying to stand up for herself physically and mentally. I lived in Brooklyn NY will my single parent mother and growing up always having to struggle. I had abusive father who didn’t notice me as his child. It was a difficult time growing up, but it was those experiences that build my character today. I would have to say it was my first year second semester that said it all for me. I gained my confidence in the class from being shy scared that wouldn’t be smart enough to speaking as much as I can. I also grew outside in the campus social life. I have a great advisor who provided me with a great support system. I also had the culture shock of a life time with Bates College enrolled student averaging about 1700 and 80 of those student were students of color. I learned about the world in a different way something going to school in NYC wouldnt provide.

I was a very uptight type-A person in high school. This caused me to think that there was only one right school for me and that I needed to do everything perfectly. After being in college for a year and a half, I have realized that this way of thinking limited my options and caused me a lot more stress than it needed to. If I could go back, I would advise myself to loosen up a little bit and embrace the period of time I was experiencing. I have discovered that in the end you will be able to find the good things in what others may see as only a negative situation. I have learned that this mentality is imperative to being happy no matter where, or in this case what school, you end up at. Now I would encourage my high school self to go with the flow and embrace life. There are positives in everything, it just depends on what you want to find.

You need to be very focused when it comes to school work. Always remember school comes first. Also that you need to manage your time very well.

College is a pivotal point in a young life. Long-lasting friendships are made and minds are opened; the ability to learn is gained. Although many colleges are similar, the difference between a large university and a small liberal arts college is one that I have learned to appreciate. Attending a small school has been perfect for me: I need encouragement and support from my professors as well as a close-knit community of caring students. However, the sports and social scenes of larger universities have catered to the desires of several of my friends, who are more comfortable with larger lecture-type classes and a greater mix of people. What I have learned from this is that students can work well in either environment; it is the attitude and the motivation of the student to get involved in classwork and extracurriculars that really make college for him or her. I have found that involvement provides a sense of satisfaction in a student, as well as nurturing and instilling friendships based on some common ground. Opportunities in college are numerous, and taking advantage of them is the best thing that a student can do for him or herself.

Personally, I went with my gut feeling. I didn't know exatly what type of college environment I was looking for, but when I went on a campus tour, sat in on a class, and met the tennis coach, I knew Bates was going to be a good fit. You hsould know what type of learning envirnment works best for you. For me, I needed a small class and a lot of contact with my professors. If you like being in a city, more rural, near skiing, etc...you should consider how important the surrounding city is to you. I grew up in Chicago, a big metropolitan city, but ended up going to school in a small rural town in Maine. It was a nice change of scenery for four years and I wouldn' have changed a thing.

they should all try to go to bates!

Be realistic about the kind of environment you want; do not go to a small college if you feel you want to be in a city, and vice-versa. Also, don't be afraid to transfer if you're not happy. Travel and study abroad if you can, and really avail yourself of all the opportunities at your college. It will go by quickly; savour it.

I think the most important aspect of looking at and deciding on a college, and one that is most often overlooked, is to relax. This is not the most important choice you will make. Most likely, you will end up somewhere you are comfortable and happy, however, if your school doesn't end up being a good fit for you, you can always transfer somewhere else. When you are at college, the most important thing to remember is to make time for yourself. There will always be a project or a paper to work on, but unless you make good friends and establish a "family" for yourself, you won't be happy enough. You need to find the balance between work and play; when you do, you will be able to make the most of both your education and your social life.

I would give students the advice to look at schools with an academic program and location you would feel comfortable in. Academics are key to being happy on a campus, as well as a campus's location. If a student is happy with these two aspects, then friends and a happy social life on campus will come along with it. In order to make the most of a student's college experience I would recommend getting involoved in activities that interest you as well as trying new activities. If you keep an open mind your first year of college, to classes, friends, other extra curricular activies, the rest of your college years will be more enjoyable. The worst thing you can do is wait until your senior year to start becoming involoved on campus. For parents, I would recommend being supportive of their student's decisions in college, ultimately, college is a time when the student really discovers their own likes, dislikes, goals and persona.

Spend some quality time at the school. I was very interested in the Maine schools, but Bates was my last choice after my first visit. That visit consisted of a campus tour and information session at each college. It was only when I spent a night with members of the sports team from each of the three schools that the distinction really became clear to me. If you are not an athlete, this does not mean you are out of luck! Arrange (through program websites) to meet with a student or a professor (ideally both) who you know you will be interacting with in college. This could be a mean a member of the theater department, newspaper, biology dept, etc. It will get you excited about the school and will give you a face and personality to associate with the school when you're reviewing your final choices. Most students jump at an opportunity to impact a high school student's decision to come to that college so don't worry about being annoying. Good luck!

1. Choose a school that is going to challenge you both socially and academically. The faculty should be well investedin the well being of their students. The most crucial aspect to having a good college experience is having a good mentor, whether a graduate student or professor. These people have experience working with students and can teach you more than just the subject matter that is their expertise. 2. Make sure that your school has strong ties to the surrounding community. Dont choose a school that is in a "bubble" and isolated by poor attitudes of its students. Even if this isnt your first priority as a freshman right out of high school, you will find that as you progress through your education, you will want to be more than just a student; you will want to contribute to a greater community. 3. The school should ABSOLUTELY have a "green", student based initiative focused to making the institution a sustainable environment in terms of energy consumption, food distribution, waste disposal, etc. You want to go to school with people who care about being responsable citizens, NOT with people who binge drink and throw beer cans in the trash.

Relax.

Visit the school if you can. Stay a night if possible!

Pay attention to the students, and pay attention to the community. You can pick a school with the major you want, the activities you want, the location you want, but if it's full of students you don't see eye-to-eye with, what's the point? The student body will make or break your college experience, so be very aware of the reputation of a college, the flyers you see around campus, the way people interact with each other. Once you're at college, sit back and be patient. People are so nervous and eager to make friends during the first few weeks of school, but it's so worth it to take your time, do some people-watching, and then settle down with the people you most enjoy spending time with. And get out into the community! College students so quickly get into ruts of never leaving the "bubble" of their campus. There are always things to see and people to meet, so go explore!

When deciding what college to attend, try to find a place that will fulfill you socially and acedemically. It's typical to want to go to that "name-brand" college, but do not just look at the name or prestige. Sure, the name is important, but ultimately, YOU are the one going to the school. If you are not happy or enjoying yourself that will warrant presssure or unwanted stress that you could have avoided. To the parents and/or guardians, try to encourage your child to explore - to step outside of the box - so to speak. No matter the distance from home, you have to realize it is your child who is living his or her life, and you should want them to be happy and encourage their success, no matter the area of study they wish to go into. If you are going to push them, push them in the direction they want to go, try not to impose what you want them to do in life. Guide their steps, rather than walk them yourselves. Just let them know that you care and that you are proud of them through the good, the bad, and the indiffernet.

Parents and students both need to focus on what makes the student happy and motivated rather than the name or status of hte college. Look for a campas that makes me feel good when you are on it, and spend time with other students to make sure that the school you are applying to will surround you with people you are comfortable with and inspired by. Don't be afriad to ask for any type of help from anyone on campus, the faculty and other students really are there to make your college experience as easy, fun, and successful as possible. Don't compare yourself with anyone, do what you want to do, the way you want to do it and you will definitely meet people you'll grow you love along the way.

Answer the question "What is the one thing I want most out of college?" as early as you can, and then trust your instincts. If it's landing your dream job, prioritize schools with facilities and faculty that will get you ahead. If it's exploring as many new things as possible, don't forget about off-campus study offices, and find out at what point in your education schools will require you to declare your major. For me, I wanted to make connections that would last my whole life. I could have gotten into a more prestigious school, but I picked a college filled with kids I immediately wanted to hang out with and learn with. It has definitely paid off-- classroom discussions and group projects are infinitely more stimulating than I expected, because I get along so well with all of my peers. Small schools don't mean fewer friends! In fact, small schools can mean tighter communities filled with people more approachable and more compatible with you. The downside is fewer alumni to network with, but honestly, there is nothing an alum wouldn't do for a recent grad; the small community feeling never fades.

Pay attention to the smaller colleges, that will surprise you; visit many places, but don't judge based on that experience alone. Trust yourself and when you're there, put yourself and your quality of life FIRST, whatever that means for you.

First, read about schools in those big college guides! They really are very helpful in hleping you discern the subtle differences between what would otherwise seem very similar schools. (Subsequently, think carefully about what type of students you want to be around, and what type of school you want to go to. ) Visit the schools--one may not pop out at you as the place where you are "meant to be", but you should pretty immediately feel comfortable there. Make sure to look at the requirements of the school before you go: for example, is there a language or science requirement? What types of courses will you have to fulfill to complete your degree? Browse--rather, read carefully--the college catalogue. Not only will you find out what types of courses are available and interesting to you, but you will also be able to glean the college's goals, and thus, atmsosphere. Making the most of the expereince is easy. Get involved in activities you think you may like right away. Hang out with your friends late at night and be silly. But most importantly, take learning seriously--getting engrossed in your work is the most rewarding part of school.

FInd the school that is right for you, and not the school that is most well-known nationally or internationally. The most important thing academically is how invested your professors are in your academic career. Keep that in mind. Many Ivy-League schools have internationally renowned professors who may be at the top of his or her field, yet they do not provide their undergraduate students with the attention that they deserve. Small class sizes are also key. I say all of this as advice for someone who wants to be intellectually challenged at his or her school and will invest in their growth as an intellectual. If you like to party, don't spend the $50,000/year to get a top caliber education. It is simply not worth the cost if you will not be challenging yourself and looking to learn in school, rather than just party. That said, don't forget to have fun! College is exhausting mostly because it is all about burning the candle from both ends. Good luck!

Really try to determine how much learning capacity that your child has for continuing their academic career. If they are students that are "D for Degree", meaning trying to get a grade of D or above to pass the subject for a Degree, then the parents should reconsider whether or not they should send their kids to a good college. Because getting into college is one thing, but completing a Degree is another. One may luck out and get into their reach school, but without hard working ethics, they won't be able to complete their Degree.

Ultimately, all rankings and facts you read about a school should not influence your decision on which college you go to. Many colleges that are good fits will accept you and then you get the opportunity to find which school is the best fit. Visit the schools and talk to the faculty, students, cafeteria staff, and community members to make sure everyone engaged with the school on all levels is happy and friendly. If you are a determined individual you will succeed in any welcoming college environment. College is the most intellectually and socially stimulating, challenging, and rewarding time of your life; embrace every moment of it. Take a class that is different, sign up for too many new sports and clubs, volunteer in the community, seek out your professors, and at least once a week stay up all night talking to your friends. You will never have enough time, but somehow you will surprise yourself and accomplish the impossible. When you make the most of college you will realize only after graduation that the community created and the knowledge gained will guide you to success and happiness throughout life. In this sense your college experience will never end.

My first advice would be to think about the environment the student wants to live in for the next four years. In order to be productive and excited about learning we must like our surroundings. Choose a school in the area of the country that you want to live and that offers to type of schooling you are searching for. Liberal arts colleges are a great way to go if you have some uncertainty about what you wish to study. They offer a well rounded education with an opportunity to study one or two subjects in depth and touch the surface of numerous other subjects. Do not choose a college away from home simply because you want to "get away." It is great to travel and some students do quite well thounsands of miles from home, but there is something special about getting an education near where you grew up. I stayed in Maine and if given the opportunity again I would make the same choice. Look at options close to home as well as far away and choose what bests suits you based on the environment and the type of education offered.

Don't be overly swayed by college branding. While name recognition may help in the post-graduate years, being at the school that suits you will ensure a better experience and more sound investment. Go to the college/university that will allow you to really spread your wings academically because it's one of the few instances in life where you have a lot of freedom to learn things that life situations may prevent as you age. While there, expose yourself to as many new things as possible, because the effects of those experieinces will be felt for many years later.

Find what works best for you.

Enjoy the experience. It only happends once for students. Once you get past all the paperwork, it'e the experience that's going to stay with you. Imagine yourself at the college. The questions should be: will the college meet your needs? Could you see yourself there? Will you still love the college on your worst day? It's a gut feeling.

The advice that I give to all parents and students is simple. College is a place for kids to grow up as an adult and mature as a person. The place in which the child attends needs to be a place where they feel comfortable; the school must trigger something in their mind that says, "hey, this is the right place for me." There are many factors that go into the college search process, but the one major factor that many people overlook is if the school feels right or not. Allow the child to choose both the region and size of their school. Although the parents are most likely going to be paying for college, it is the child that will be attending the school for four years, not the parents. Just because certain things are the way they are on a particular campuses, and certain things might not impress or please the parents, does not mean that this isn't the right school for their child. Choosing a school is purely a gut feeling, and if the school "feels right," then most likely that is the institution that he or she should be attending. Good luck!

Do an overnight stay at whatever school(s) you are seriously considering. Once there, get involved in activities!!

Dont get hung up over which school is best for you. Instead, be honored that you have acheived the oppurtunity to make the judgement in the first place. By no means should you take this task lightly, however, always remeber, Your choices are half chance.....So are everybody elses.

Stay over at the college to determine if it is the right pick for you.

Be open to discovering what you are interested in college. Don't go in there knowing what you want to do.