Bethel University-Saint Paul Top Questions

I gotten a new outlook on the possibilities that life has to offer. Not only by being knowledgeable, but by also being able to contribute. To give something back to those less fortunate. The knowledge I gain from college is shared with those around me. I believe that college has shaped me to become a better person. The education I recieve is not only important, but also very rewarding. It is a challenge to get most out of the college experience. To juggle with work, family and hobbies, but in the end it helped me improve in all areas of life. It has been valuable to attend since I learned a lot on how to deal with the real world. Before I started my first semester, I asked myself "Is college right for me?" The only way to find out was to take classes and see if it was right for me. To my amazement, it did become a good choice. Not only did I learn a lot, but I also gained confidence in myself and started to socialize with other students. It made me feel good. Going to college is definitely worth the experience.

I came out of college not only with a feeling of accomplishment, but with a desire to learn more. The things I have experienced during my 3.5 years have changed me for the better. During my college experience, I met many friends that I expected to last forever. Some friendships didn't last to graduation, and that's real life, but I already know of a few friends that I will never lose touch with. Beyond my closest friends, my professors are some of the people I trust the most. College has granted me a safety net of friends and advisors that I can look to and recieve help from in every stage of my future life, whether my trial be academic or otherwise. When I studied through an off-campus program, I was given the means to succeed independently in a strange and different world. Finally, my college experience granted me many class experiences and discussions that have changed, shaped, and opened up the way I think and react to the world around me. Only a month out of college now, I cannot sit in a classroom without feeling compelled to apply for another higher education experience!

I have learned the basics of my future career and how to prepare for it. I have learned many things outside of the classroom as well, such as learning from other people. The strong sommunity life on campus has also allowed me to make life long friendships that make me feel apart of a bigger picture, rather than just being another student at a big university. I feel very accepted and that I fit in at this school. I also like the atmosphere of a Christian school, and it has taught me how to live out my faith. I also like it for the great athletics program. It is a NCAA division III school, which makes it easier to participate in sports without having my academics suffer. Overall, I would recommend this school to anyone who likes a smaller, christian school atmosphere.

My college experience so far has proven valuable to me in so many ways. College has not just given me an invaluable education, but also a broader outlook on life, new opportunities and hope for the future, as well as taking me a step closer to achieving my life-long goals and dreams. However, the single most valuable aspect of my college experience has been the personal pride it has given me. Being the first from my family to ever attend college, has been a proud moment in not only my family's life, but mine as well - especially since attending college has not been easy for me. Being that I am from a lower-middle class family, our household income has prevented me from receiving any assistance. At the same time, my family could not afford to assist much either. As a result, I have worked full-time throughout my entire college career. It has been hard trying to find a class schedule that fits with my work schedule, and vice versa. However, despite my diffiulties I have slowly perservered. College has given me pride in myself.

College has been a time for me to grow as a person. This growth has occurred through the encouragement, high-expectations, and relationships given by and formed with my professors. Due to these three things I have become more responsible, driven, and appreciative. Growth has also occurred in the student life and strong communities found on Bethel’s campus. Because of these I have formed relationships that have helped me grow in my academics, in my spiritual life, and in my acceptance of other people. College relationships have brought me in close contact with people who are also striving to be successful and this has helped me become more successful as well. These relationships have also taught me to always stand up for what I believe in. Lastly, these relationships have been diverse and have driven me to be more accepting of all different kinds of people. Overall, this college experience has been very valuable to me because of the various ways I have grown as a person. Bethel University has shaped me into the successful person I am today, and will continue to shape me far into the future. Because of this, I greatly value my college experience.

Bethel has been a wonderful community for me to make friends, grow in my faith and become academically enriched. I love the campus, which is small, right near a lake with nature paths, but only 15 minutes away from the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. This allows students to be outside and feel like they can get away from the business of school while still easily being able to go to baseball games or concerts downtown. Personally, the relationships I have made at Bethel have been the most influential and important. All of my professors have an open door policy and love helping students in anyway that they are able. They truly care about the students' success. They have become people I can trust and turn to when I need advice on anything, even something nonacademic. I have also made strong friendships that will last my whole life. I am going to be in my freshman roommate's wedding this summer; those types of lasting friendships are not something you will find everywhere. Overall, Bethel has shaped my entire and I am extremely happy with my decision to attend.

Taking into account the things I appreciate and do not apparciate about my school, I have been able to realize how to exist in a community that does not necessarily aline with my beliefs, views, and passions. I have really enjoyed my experiences at this school regardless of the differences I feel I have with it because it has taught me how to be in a community with other people that I disagree with but can still appreciate their view point and values. I have learned about myself and who I am outside of whatever social context I may exist in. Being at my school, I have really discovered what it is that I am passionate about and thats my majors and living in a community that is committed to social justice and reconciliation. I have learned what it means to call myself a social worker, a reconciler, a friend, a sister, a daughter, and a girlfriend. I have been able to understand who I am outside of my family context and who I hope to be in the future.

I have a little piece of paper tucked in my wallet, which came from a fortune cookie I got at a Chinese restaurant in Vail, Colorado. It reads, "Adventure is worthwhile in itself." College for me has been just that: one whirlwind educational and social adventure, building community and friendships with people that I will know and love for the rest of my life. The excellent instruction in my courses has prepared me well for my (reasonably prestigious) internships at United Launch Alliance, and I have been developing my leadership skills as a Coordinator of our new student orientation program, overseeing a staff of 70 students. My involvement in the top concert choir as well as the theatre program has provided me with an attractive balance between science and the arts. College might cost both arms and both legs, but these experiences belong in a Mastercard commerical. As I departed last September for what would be a fantastic semester of study in Edinburgh, I recited a Mark Twain quote to my dear parents, of which the last three words are: "Explore. Dream. Discover." I encourage you to look up the remainder of that quote. Then... catch me if you can!

I feel the best thing that I have gotten out of my college are the friendships that come with it. I found that the social aspect of college is what really makes the experience worth while. My relationships with my teachers tend to also motivate me to make myself better and perform to the best of my ability with the challenges they give me. I find that people at this college really care for my well being and understand the difficulty one can experience during this time. This is valuable to me because the relationships I have formed with my teachers and peers are genuine and something that I can bring outside of Bethel to others.

College has become a place of learning that I would not trade for the world. Alongside the vast amount of learning that goes on in the classroom, from major studies that led to knowing more than I ever thought I would know regarding how molecules interact to general studies that have rounded out my education, I have learned so much about myself by attending college. As cliché as it sounds, college provides a clean slate to begin life. I am not saying that once I stepped on campus I became a totally different person, but I had the opportunity to start fresh. I was able to have my own personality shine through in a way that was not clouded by my associations (some good, some unnecessary) that had accumulated throughout growing up. College provided the environment of friends who were not tied to the biases of my past as I was not tied to theirs, leading to opening up and truly learning about others more meaningful than it had been. Through these friendships as well as through balancing school and challenges some call life, I learned more than I thought I had signed up for when I enrolled in college.

Before entering inot my college experience, I assumed that the primary purpose of higher education was simply the degree it promised. What I have found is that it goes so much further than that, by giving you an experience that is worth more than any diploma. Relationships that are made, serve strengthen us socially and psychologically. Success teaches us the value of staying in once and awhile on the weekend to study for Monday's exam. Failures probably has the greatest effect on us, we feel the consequences of our actions in sometimes harsh ways. This only pushes us on to achieve our overall potential. That is the true value of a college experience, and that is why I am thankful I have had one.

I have learned many things from my first semester of college. I have learned to live with another person--a total stranger--and I've actually enjoyed it. Obviously not everyone lives in a dorm, but I think it's crucial to live on campus to get the full experience of college. I've learned many time-management skills. College teaches one to prioritize and work quickly, and that is a valuable skill for life. Everything I've learned in my first semester of college can--and will--be applied to the rest of my life.

At Bethel the education was superb. I would not take back my experience for the world. I was able to explore life in a supportive environment even when I did feel out of place. The faculty gave me the much needed support I needed. I learned to laugh a little, cry a little and be who I am.

From my college experience I have gained the vitue of determination and dedication. I began my college journey as a means to reconnect with the feeling of fulfillment I recieved when volunteering as a preschool aid for my oldest son prior to his death. In many ways this journey has been my tribute to him and the one thing he loved most, learning! Along the way I have met some fantastic people, made friends. lost friends, and most importantly discovered the person I am ment to be. The challenge has been great; the rewards, greater! The most powerful lesson I have learned and wish to pass on to those who embark upon the journey of higher education is this, don't be afraid to push yourself for it is when you think you can go no father that you find your true strength!

I haven't really been in college yet. I am starting in the fall this year, but I can tell you what I expect out of my college experience at ECC this year. I expect to grow, and mature as a new college student . I also expect to find my dream career/ career path. Maybe this year, I will realize how hard work pays off because if I work hard to maintain good grades in my classes this year, then I will possibly win a big scholarship or grant from one of the universities that I want to go to. Going to ECC , I think, will be very valuable as far as an education goes. What I would learn at a university as a freshman, I could learn at ECC as a freshman for about 3/4 less of the price, and that is what I call a very valuable education.

It has shown me some key problems with the world and ways i can help.

The most valuable component of my college experience is understanding what it means to be a life-long learner. At my university, the professors emphasized that much of what we were learning in our fields of study was only the beginning. We were encouraged to question traditional beliefs to either change them or understand them more intimately. This process of continual examination ignites the continuation of learning beyond the classroom and facilitates discussion and growth in my particular field of study. Today, I can clearly see how well this mentality is serving me in becoming a better professonial and a better individual. I view learning now as an opportunity to stretch myself beyond my current limitations towards a better understanding of the world around me. With this continual growth and insight, I hope that I will be a positive influence and force in my home, my family, and my community, while maintaining a sense of humility and appreciation of the wonders life has to offer.

I have learned what it means to genuinely seek out truth in the name of God. I see the world as His beautiful creation, and I want to know more and more about it with each day I spend at Bethel. I have gone so much deeper in my relationship with God and can't imagine my life any different than the way it is now. Coming to Bethel was certainly something God wanted me to do, and I now know why--He brought me to this place to show me a side of Him I had never seen before, a side that provides for an academically-minded person. I have learned how to learn in the name of Christ.

My college education...hrm, sometimes I forget that I actually have a degree. Currently, it is hard for me to be extatic about my college education because I work as a Barista, getting paid $7.70 an hour. In high school, we were told, "Go to college, that is the answer to your career woes." NOT! Any more, college is just like a high school diploma...manditory to move just "make it" in this economy. Enough negativity though, I did get some benefit out of my college experience . I was able to go to Europe for a semester and that is probably the best memory of my young adult life. As many young people discover, college is a great time to begin finding yourself, analyzing your beliefs and stepping out on your own. It was valuable to attend school because I would not be where I am today with out that education or experience. Although I have my frustrations, college was necessary for my personal growth. Even though I sometimes feel my degree is worthless, I have to remember that it will open doors for me later down the road.

I would assure myself that deciding to do PSEO (Post-Secondary Enrolement Option) was the best choice of my high school career. It made the transition fairly smooth. I have been able to get a full year ahead in my college career. The decision was wise. Despite the hard work, it is very important to find a group of friends (especially when you are commuting). These should be friends that you can trust. Work hard throughout your senior. Do not have a senior slide. Watch out for your calculus II class. It is a lot of work. Overall, stay focused, but remember you are allowed to have some fun along the way.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would tell myself to stay strong and keep your eyes on the prize. Going into college is a huge step to take and is very intimidating, but it will be completely worth every struggle and every sleepless night you spend studying for a big exam. You will have a lot more reading, homework and responsibilities then you ever had in high school, but it is all a matter of planning and keeping your priorities straight. Always make sure to stay on top of everything and I promise you'll be alright. There may be times where you are going to feel like you don't know if you can do this, but always remember the reason you went to college was to pursue your dream and nothing can stand in the way of that except for yourself.

I would tell myself to save money. Money is a hugestressor in college. I would say that you need to get on the same page as your parents and have your parents get on the same page. I would tell myself that you are going to be prepared thanks to your highschool education and that you dont keed to worry about a girlfriend because you are going to meet a very nice girl during your sophmore year. There is a chance that you wont be able to finish your sophmore year due to financial complications. Be strong and you'll be fine

If I could go back in time and give myself advice about college, I would tell myself something no one else had bothered to tell me. Something that I could have really benefited from. I would tell myself that the first semester of college will be hard, not necesarily because of the work load but because true friendships don't form over night, they take time. I would tell myself this because no one told me how hard ajusting to being on your own would be. All I ever heard people say was how great college was and how they made so many friends. However they all failed to mention how alone you can feel at times. Living on my own meant that I no longer had my support system, my family to go home to everynight. I was actually on my own. However I would also tell myself that it doesn't stay that way. But because I wasn't prepared for the, at times, overwhelming loneliness, it seemed as if it would never end. I would tell myself to be strong through these times, and pray. That eventually true friends will come.

Dear Self, Don't forget where you come from and where you're going. In this next year, you're going to get hit with some very hard stuff. It's going to be difficult to keep your head above the water. But remember that you have the potential to be a world-changer. Start finding ways to hold onto courage and strength now! Find music that will revitalize you when the storm comes. Make friends with people who will remind you who you are- how good you are, how great your story can be if you keep your chin up. Don't be afraid to fall in love. Don't be afraid to do something with your life. You will make a name for us. You have the potential to be a hero, if not for a thousand, at least for a few. Know thyself. You come from a childhood of genius. But, as Pablo Picasso said, "All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. " No matter what, do not forget where you are going. You have what it takes. Work at it. You'll be great. Love, Your Future Self

High school was 30 years ago for me. As an adult learner I now realize that I should have more fully applied myself to the opportunities that I had then, and immediately post-high school, for college success. I guess the advice that I would have given myself would have been to take advantage of every opportunity that I had to learn what I could and to establish myself in a successful career so that I would not be trying to do that now. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed being an adult learner but I am certain that college life at a younger age would have been many times more enjoyable and fulfilling. In some ways I feel like I have missed out on a lot from those years by not going to college right away.

I would tell myself to not worry about anything. Don't worry about whether or not I will be able to make friends. Don't worry about the rigorous academics that college demands. Don't worry about wondering if this is the right plan for your life. Worrying only adds extra, unnecessary stress to the already great amount of stress that the transition to college brings alone. All of these things that you worry about will fall into place overtime. You will find friends, just be yourself and people will naturally come to you. Classes may be hard, but there are professors and classmates who are there for you, to help you with anything you ask. As for planning your life, always remember that things change. Life itself is constantly changing, and if you don't allow plans to change, you wont be letting yourself live life to its fullest.

Being a college student for less than a year now, I would tell my self as a senior many things. I would tell my self to be better prepared for registration and financially. The hardest struggle my first year as a college student has been figuring all this college stuff out. My parents were sitting right next to me coaching me all the way through. I had to figure stuff out on my own. That set me back because I realized I didn't even know where to start. Determined to go to college I decided to start asking questions and prepared my self to certain extent. It wasn't until half way through my first semester that I was told that I wasn't fully prepared. I began to panic, thinking I wouldn't be able to attend college anymore. It was then that I finally utilized all my resources to make college possible for my future. I'm nineteen years old and still have a lot of things to figure out, but the challenging part of understand preparation for registration and financial situations is at peace.

I would tell myself to just be yourself and to not let anyone discourage your future or dreams. Let whatever comes happen, and be open to change. Try to open up to people from the start; it will makes things easier later. Trust in yourself, and lean on your family. They are there for both guidance and protection. Have fun, and stop caring what other people think. There will be hard times, but in life there will always be hard times. Just try to get through them as best you can while keeping your head held high and staying true to yourself and your beliefs.

If I could go back in time, I would definetely tell myself a few things to do differently. The first thing I would say would be to get rid of my habit of procrastinating. In college, it is extremely unwise to procrastinate. It is important that once you are a college student you have the ability to stay on top of things and get stuff done otherwise you can get very far behind and have trouble getting caught up. Another thing I would tell myself if I could back would be to study harder for tests. I feel that so far in my college experience I haven't put enough time and effort into studying for the tests. Tests are a big percentage of your grade in college. Taking the time to study ahead of time can make a world of difference. You learn and remember more if you start studying far in advance. You will also be less stressed the day of the test because you will know more material. When you are taking a test, you want to be the most relaxed you can be. College is hard, but with perserverance and hard work you can succeed.

Learn how not to procrastinate. Keep doing what you are doing academically and with your extra-curriculars. Try coming out of your shell a little bit before you go to school.

I would tell myself to not stress over the little things and to work harder on studying in high school. I picked up bad habits of procrastinating and not studying for exams in high school and once they carried over to college, I realized this could not continue. You need to be on top of your work and prepared for every quiz and exam in college because everything counts. I also worry over things that I cannot control and it would have been nice to know that when you can't control something, you shouldn't worry about it. It would have been great to know these things before I came to college and had to learn them for myself.

I would tell myself to choose a college not for athletics, but based on the most important thing in my life, my relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Picking the right college is important for your future career and the future relationships that will impact your life. I would tell myself that your first year in college is the most important. The friends you make and the choices you make are very important in shaping the rest of your life. Study hard your first year because it is hard to make up for mistakes further down the road (i.e. poor GPA). Your college years are some of the most important years of your life, so enjoy them and don't take them for granted. Make good choices and rely on God to help you find the right path and plan your future.

As a high school senior, I really had no idea what college would be like. Being in my second year now, I am so thankful for choosing the school that I did and have loved my experience this far. Bethel is a genuine community filled with people who love you as they are. Don't worry about making friends- it will come really easy to you. Making the transition will be a little difficult because you will miss your wonderful parents, but you'll quickly adjust because you love your school so much and know that this was the place God wanted you.

I would say to balance out life more by not cramming classes into a semester, be more proactive in seeking out extracurricular activies, and get to know the professors in your department sooner rather than later. Most importantly, keep being yourself!

It's going to be a lot easier to make the transition than you think and you're going to love it!

I would advise myself to take as many college level classes in high school as you can. This will not only make it easier to deal with the workload once you get to high school, but will also help very much with the financial part of college. Every class you take that counts for credit at Bethel University will usually save you about $3,000. So it is good to take as many as you possibly can.

Dear Abby, College really isn't as different and challenging as your highschool teachers might tell you it is. Of course you have to meet all new people and learn how to get around in a new place and adjust to the different class schedule, but really, it's not something to get all worked up about. No matter where you decide to go, there will be people there who will like you for who you are. No matter where you go, you will eventually find your way to class without getting lost. And no matter where you go, excepting maybe Harvard, you will be able to compete academically. There is one thing though, that I wish you would do differently than I did. Don't let that boy back home hold you back. Make lots of friends and go out and have fun! Have new experiences and enjoy (responsibly) your new freedom. Most of all, be who you want to be. Beginning college gives you the chance to start fresh and change those things about yourself that you might not like. Reach for your dreams, and don't let anyone tell you you can't. Love, Yourself

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give myself some good advice about making the transition to college. First, I would tell myself to be realistic about the first couple months of college life, because they are incredibly hard. You are adapting to living on your own, keeping up your grades without your parents' encouragement, and realizing that life is not as easy as it seemed in high school. The independence of college can make or break you. Strangely enough, going back to the basics we learned in preschool can help you survive: work hard, be yourself, and remember to take time for recess. By working hard, you can achieve your goals in grades, sports, and activities. By being yourself, you can make real friends who are most like you. By taking time for recess, you can have a balanced and memorable college experience. College is the time when you become the person you'll be for the rest of your life. Make sure you can look in the mirror at the end and love who you see.

Knowing what I know now would have made my transition so much better. I remember being in high school and questioning my decision about attending Bethel. It was the only campus I visited and the only place I applied to. The first thing I would tell myself is that Bethel is the perfect place for me and to not worry. I would also tell myself to not worry about my roommate and all the small things, because they all worked out. I would tell myself not to be scared and to jump into the new lifestyle with both feet. College life, and especially Bethel, is great. It is a great place to learn new things and meet new people. The most important thing I would tell myself is to be confident in all that you do and to trust your heart and God. He knows what lays in store and trust that whatever it is, it will work out to your benefit. Bethel is a great college with many great things to offer, so don't be scared, just dive in and have a blast!

I would tell myself not to worry. Things work out no matter what. Don't let people pressure you into things. Pick a school based on what you want, not what others want.

You'll do great. Yeah, you'll change majors, but don't worry about it. God has you exactly where He wants you. You'll love your freshman year, and your roommates, too. Don't be afraid to take the steps of faith that God is calling you to. Your sophomore year is going to be a struggle. It'll be your four random roommates, but once again, God still has you where He wants you. You're going to learn what loving someone when it is difficult to love them looks like. You're going to learn firsthand that ministry is messy. But, this is right where God wants you: looking to Him for your source of strength. Don't be afraid to not know the answers to everything in life. You don't need to. Keep indulging this love of learning and learn as much as you can about whatever you can.

I would encourage myself to never hold back. To always make the effort to live life to the fullest, no matter what the cost. I would make sure that I knew fear of failure or rejection are irrational fears and I should not allow any sort of fear to hinder me from striving towards my goals. A general sense of "fear" has held me back from many things the past two years, and I am coming to realize that fear has robbed me of some great opportunities. If given the chance to go back in time, I would let myself know how silly it is to listen to those fears, and I would tell myself to actively live by the old phrase, "what do you have to lose?"

Looking back, the advice I would give myself would be to not stress so much about the transition to college. I was very stressed at the begining of my freshman year because I was so far from home and was extremely worried that I would not make new friends. It is a part of the growing process to seperate oneself from their parents and home. I would tell myself to embrace the oppertunity to spend time being at least partially independant instead of worrying so much. It is a process to make friends and I have made some truely amazing friends so far at school. When I first moved in I was very stressed and afraid that I would spend all four years by myself while everyone else had friends. If I could go back I would reassure myself and remind myself that most people at college are in the same situation and therefore are also looking for new friends. I believe that simply remembering that everyone is in the same situation would have helped me to make a smoother transition and that I would have been much less anxious during the begining of my college experience.

To not be afraid of going to college and the transition it will bring by living away from family and friends that you know so well. You will meet wonder students who will become your best friends and faculty that will encourage you and help you to grow so much as a person inside and out. Be ready to embrace all there is to do and learn at Bethel and strive to be open-minded about the new things happening around you. You will be challenged and you will end up a different person than you were before, but even though it sounds scary and you might want to fight it, trust me when I say that the change and challenge will only make you a beautiful, stronger woman.

I would say to make sure to make sure to get involved quickly with organizations and find friends as soon as possible. I would also suggest not leaving campus for at least the first month in order to make it feel like home and to establish relationships early. Another area I would tell myself about would be lifestyle, I would emphasize that this is a time to change who you are, a blank slate from highschool. My advice on this would be to make sure that you are becomming who you want to be not who others want you to be. I would also say to study early for classes and not wait until the last minute; but more importantly take classes that interest you and take advantage of oportunities that are offered because they are not as easy to find upon graduation

Hold on loosely to things. Keep an open mind. Everyone is in the same position as you, so get to know others and love them unconditionally. Seek out the Creator of our world more than anything. As long as you know God, everything else will fall into place. Knowing him will set you free to live a balanced and disciplined lifestyle. Don't expect any of this to be easy, but expect it to end, and get as much out of it as you can. Look at college as a priviledge, and not as something you deserve. Serve others to see your life as a priviledge. Live among the poor. Spend time with people that are seeking the name of the Lord, and people who are seeking and not finding satisfaction. Never be afraid to share the gift of eternal life with anyone. Pray continuously. Meditate regularily. Emerse yourself in the Word of God. Learn all you can about the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Learn all you can about the field of study you go into. Study in community so you can learn, and others can benefit.

Be willing to talk to anyone! Don't get caught up in your comfort zone. The first few weeks at school will help determine some of your closest friends. No need to stress out about not making any friends though, everyone else is in the same boat. Get yourself out there and meet people! Especially boys. You will get extremely tired of only seeing girls, you will live with many other ones. Try not to live too much in the past either. High School was great, but college is a whole new experience. There is so much more freedom and responsibility that comes along with going. You are going to live without your parents, with about 20 other girls very close by. There is not a lot of privacy, so get ready to share your life with these people. College years could be the best of your life. Live it up and learn as much as you can. Not everything you learn from college is in class, a lot of your growing up will happen from being away from mom and having to deal with living on your own. Enjoy it!

This transition is going to be one of the hardest you have ever come up against. Do not lose hope in the fact that home will always be behind you, awaiting your return. Friends and family will look very different in this next year, you will miss people like crazy sometimes and home will never sound sweeter. When selecting a school, look for views that are as closely related to as your own as possible. While attending campus visits, meet some of the kids and ask what they like and don't like about the school. If you ask for the truth, the students will let you know what the fun is about their school and also what has been difficult for them in this drastic transition. Feel out the vibe of the school through the students there and the styles they bring to the campus. You will always be you, find a school that can help you exaggerate your best traits and keep you joyfilled throughout this crazy thing we call college.

I would pry into their knowledge of what they want to do in life. Certainly college is a big part of that for many people. Wherever you choose should be where you think you will be happiest. Be sure to look into a variety of schools, and on your visits be sure to ask students what they dislike about their schools as well as their favorite features. Choosing a school with a variety of majors is good (in case you want to switch). Really focus on what their study abroad programs are like. Traveling for study is an eye opening experience unlike anything. Don't stress too much about senior year of high school. College is the best years of your life.

When I was in high school I didn't know what to look for in picking a college or university. I based my decision on what felt most comfortable. If I could go back I would tell myself that each school has a different culture and way of learning. When looking for a school I would focus on discovering that culture and base my decision on that knowledge. By discovering the culture of a school you can better prepare yourself for what college life will be like there and what to expect from the academic side of things. The transition would be much easier if I knew these things before I even began my college career at the school I had chosen.