Bridgewater College Top Questions

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

Rachel

I would advise myself to look more into other schools and scholarship options, and tell myself to apply to schools that I actually want to go to, not the school my parents pressured me into.

Hannah

High School Hannah, You are going to be faced with trials and tribulations. You are going to feel alone. You’re going to be happy. You are going to lose friends. But this is all okay. This is all normal. You are precious and priceless. The only person that defines you is God. He made you and He did not do that by accident. He made no mistakes and when He looks at you He only sees perfection. You are His child and even when you turn your back to Him, He will never leave you. There will be times when you feel like the world is crumbling around you, but everything will be okay. High School is only a passing moment in your life. Everything you learn there will prepare you for the world. The world beyond the small city you spent your whole life in. You have been confined, never truly letting your wings spread but you will find yourself. You will love yourself. You will be happy. Love, College Hannah.

Faith

The number one advice I would give is to plan better "financially". If I had saved more money I wouldn't have to apply for scholarships for graduate school.

Micaela

Ever heard the phrase, "It's not what you know, it's WHO you know."? This advice could not have been more helpful to me throughout my high school days. The ability to form and maintain relationships with whomever you encounter is one of the most important skills you should develop. Being involved, not only throughout your high-school, but in your community (whether through volunteer work, part time employment, etc.) will benefit you exponentially IF your social skills are honed enough. Eventually, the myriad of acquaintances you've accumulated through years of attentive small-talk and lighthearted banter morph into your own networking system that you'll have woven throughout the community. Networking is undeniably the single most influential and decisive factor in entering the job market. No matter how marketable your competition can make themselves appear on a piece of paper, you will instantly trump them by unintentionally having a good reference from that old man at the supermarket whose daughter is the CEO of the corporation for which you wish to work. So, make an effort to become involved in life beyond academics. After all, it's not what you know, it's who knows YOU.

Lisa

If i had to go back an time to talk to myself as a highschool senior there would be alot i would say knowing what i know now. For starters i would tell myself to read more an not to be so lazy. I would tell myself to take the SATs even though i wante to to to a community college. I would tell myself to have confidence in myself an to apply to four year universities because i am smart enough to get acceped . If i could go back in time an talk to myself about what i know about college life i would tell myself that fear is not an option an that there is no eason to be afraid. I would tell myself that life is hard an there are challenges that you would face but you never give up. I would say life is so much fun an you can do anything you put your mind to. Yea everyone tells you that you are smart an you are good enough, but you have to tell yourself that you are worthy and you and good enough, and believe it. That would be advice i would give myself.

Melanie

If I could go back and give my self advice, I would tell myself to involved in everything I ever dreamed of, to be friends with everyone and anyone, to soak in everything I possibly could and to take risks to learn more about who I am as a person. Being the first one in my family to go to school has held me back from so many opportunities to grow. It doesn't matter where I came from it matters where I'm going.

Leann

I felt when I was about to graduate highschool I was being pressured to decide what I wanted to be when I "grew up". I felt that making money was extremely important and while I knew I had to go to college in order to obtain a job that made me happy and would make me enough money to be a self sustaining individual, I still choose working a mediocore job making mediocore pay over school, which caused me to not have enough time to take college as seriously as I should have been straight out of highschool. I started to feel as though college was a waste of time because it was keeping me from making money. If I could give myself any advice back then I would have told myself to listen to my father. My father always says no matter what you're doing, the time is going to pass anyway, so you mind as well be working toward whatever is going to make you happy no matter how long its going to take. I would have also told myself that success should not be measured in money, but in happiness.

Georgina

If I could go back in time to being a high school senior, I would try to repare myself more in the class work. switching from high school to college opened my eyes widely. The course work, papers, and projects are more time consuming and harder to complete compared to high school. to me it seemed as though an A in high school is equivalent to a C in college. I would tell myself partying is not the way to go for success.

Cassidy

I would suggest to myself that in my freshman year it is most important to learn how to study effectively. College is much different from high school when it comes to academics. When I was in high school everything came pretty easy to me and I did not need to study for tests or quizzes because everything seemed to come naturally to me, this was not the case with college. It took me a few semesters to actually get myself to study and learn effective learning techniques. If I could go back in time and tell myself the best way to study that would be most beneficial to my current self.

Haley

The advice I would give myself would be to stay focused. A couple things I have learned in college is that you can get very distracted with friends and the college atomosphere. Staying focused is a huge characteristic in college. In high school I was focused on just getting out and earning my diploma, but when entering college I did not realize the obstacles of balancing a social life and an academic career. Now I know I need to stay focused on school and my educational attainment, as well as, adding a little fun in when I'm not studying.

Janet

If I could back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to try harder. When I was in high school I wouldn't really try in my classes and now that I'm in college I see and I regret not doing good.I would tell myself to study very hard to do well in all my classes to get good grades.Also to pay more attention in class and to take good notes so when I had to take test I would do good. I would also tell myself to apply for scholarships because the money is going to be very useful, because in college you get to pay for everything yourself.

Edith

It's 12am on a Thursday night, I'm finished with all my homework and all my studying and I'm just laying in my dorm room bed, thinking... thinking about how I got here. Now that I am a college studet I have noticed that while I was in high school alot of people sugar coated the truth about the college life. To be honest, I have changed alot from the person I used to be 10 months ago. If i could go back in time I would tell myself to get ready to go through many changes; both good and bad. I have matured alot since high school, I finally feel like a real adult that looks at life in a different eye. After a year in college I can not belive that a year has passed. It feels like it was just yesterday that I was unloading my car and crying because I thought I would miss my family. College is a new world that is made to learn new things, meet new people, and have fun. Before I know it I will be graduating this world and entering another one.

Ashtyn

College is a big deal to me. I think a college education is more important than a lot of my fellow classmates do because I realize it is a stepping stone to my career. I take college very seriously and focus hard on my academics because I plan to be a great business woman and hopefully a fashion designer someday. I am so glad I am attending college because I have learned so many things that will get me far in life and I am only a freshman. At Bridgewater College, we take a course titled Personal Development Portfolio where we are required to write a 15 page paper our freshman year about how we have changed and where we see ourselves going. I really enjoyed writing and reading my paper because it made me realizemy strengths and weaknesses and helped me formulate a temporary plan for the future.

Kristen

I started college right out of high school, but was unsure of what I wanted to do. At that time, I found that I could complete every class I took with an "A", but without a goal, I was going to miss the target with each step (or class) I took. I am returning to school at the age of (almost) 30 and I am finding that with a goal in sight, I am powerful. I am ready to proceed without caution, full-speed ahead, to hit the target in the center. My college experience has gone from what I was "supposed to do" to what I get to do. I get to be on the path to my dream of becoming an athletic trainter. Without a college education, that goal is unattainable. I am truly excited for this adventure!

Natasha

College is full of opportunities. I have learned that it is most important to take them while you have the chance. I always try to go to class with an attitude and passionate desire to learn. I take every opportunity to attend as many extra social events and activities hosted by the college. Because of the liberal arts education, I have had the opportunity to grow into a well rounded individual. I am becoming a leader and living an ethical, healthy, fulfilling life with civic responsibility. I have also discovered my many passions for art, photography, business, and psychology. In addition, I have made life-long friends. Through everything I have gotten from my college experience, I have discovered myself.

Jane

I absolutely love to learn. I have recently learned this lesson. When I was in high school I did not understand the value of an education. However, as I got older I decided to go to school to be able to have a career, however, in the process I discovered how fun it is to learn something new every day and I do not want to stop.

Laura

I'm currently in my sophomore year at Bridgewater College. A year and a half doesn't seem like enought time to have a life changing experience, but I can attest that in my case, it has. When I started graduated from high school, I wasn't an emotional wreck, a slacker, or a big partier. I was laid-back, keeping my grades up, surrounded by a steady group of friends, getting through school without any major problems; just another face in a sea of students. Coming to college was a whole new experience. Starting all over again, not just in terms of a new residence place but also in terms of friends and academics, was one of the greatest experiences I ever had. Relationships didn't come with me, my reputation as a smart, cool, laid-back person didn't come with me, and my grades didn't come with me. In college, I got to decide all over again who I was going to be. But I really wasn't deciding; it was the real me emerging who I hadn't yet discovered. College has helped me discover who I am; it's made me me.

Savanah

The college experience has taught me to be more responsible as a student and as an adult. Since i just graduated high school, I was used to the fact that schooling was free. Now in college, I see that everything cost money: classes, books, tests, parking. This was a lot of pressure on myself. But now that I think about it, college has helped me out in a big way, mentally. I have grown to be more independent. I recently got a job, I am paying my own bills, and I can also see myself moving out of my parents house soon.

Junika

I have learned a lot about what it means to help your community and value the smaller things in life. While studying here I have developed leadership skills and also have learned how to grow spiritually, physically, emotionally, ethically, and academically. It has been such a valuable experience receiving an education here at Bridgewater because I have been molded into a new person and not only will I be able to bring the skills that I learned here about my paticular field of study, but I will also be able to bring in aspects of other fields of study, which wil make it more likely for an employer to choose me. The greatest thing about it all is that I have helped to put smiles on others' faces and receive an education at the same time.

Allison

By attending Bridgewater College, I have grown and changed significantly spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. The character and camraderie of the school created a haven where I made many lifelong true friends, significant memories, and experienced defining moments of my life. I learned the qualities of good work ethic and motivation concerning my own education: if I do not make an effort, nothing will come out of it. I grew to understand the magnitude of how fortunate I am to be able to witness such a well rounded education and to what degree I should show my appreciation to those around me for that.

Alyssa

I started college in 2005. I spent three years in school and due to financial and personal reasons I quit. I wasn't happy in the program I was working through and had no money to pay for college. Most of what I learned in college was a lot more than some people. I saw a cultural difference at my college then where I grew up. I learned a lot about people, surviving, myself, and gained a lot of job experience. I took a lot of different classes that I obviously learned a lot in but my learning experience was what I didn't learn in the classroom. I gained more knowledge about the world, and people, and life then anyone else I knew and that a classroom couldn't offer. If I could go back to my senior year and tell myself then something I know now my life would probably be very different but I honestly wouldn't change much of what happened. There is a lot that I probably would change but then I wouldn't be where I am now. I am now going back to school and need all the help I can get.

Marla

As I have taken classes, not only did I learn, but I used that learning to help me redefine my career choice. There are so many directions in which you may specialize a degree, my being around new people with different insights helped me to clarify a more specific degree that I would truely enjoy. For me, my education goals have come with many twists and turns rather than the straight path that I originally had in my minds eye. So I have met new friends, learned loads of valuable information, and joined clubs with the goal of making a difference in society. As we learn these things,we mature, thus it make us better keepers of our world and of our fellow man.

Christopher

I have learned that my patience in academic persuits has been critical. Im my high school career I was a consistant under acheiver. Since returning to the classroom after a six year absence, I have grown into a fully commited and over acheiving student. My college, Grand Rapids Community College, has shown me that I can can succeed in the classroom and that I will benefit from a college education. I am currently enrolled full-time and am working hard to maintain my 4.0 GPA. Without a doubt, I will succeed.

Laura

Kathryn

The first piece of advice that I would give myself is to learn to multi-task, with not only a roommate but multiple classes to juggle, prioritizing and learning to stay calm while sorting through your never ending pile of duties is key. Learning to accept others habits and routines when living together is also very important. Make sure to form a healthy relationship and communicate when necessary. Another important piece of advice would be to get to know your teachers. They don?t bite, they are there to help you, so don't be afraid to ask questions and speak up in class, they enjoy hearing from you. Don't be worried about what others think of you, and don't get wrapped up in the fact that you are away from home where there are seemingly no rules or regulations; there are and you do have to listen to them. Also college tends to be expensive as well as time consuming so save while you can and don?t waist your money on trivial objects. Put it in a savings account and lock it away!

Shannon

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to study more and join clubs. I didn't really join any clubs in high school but I wish that I had. I think that if I had joined clubs, my transition to college would have been smoother because I would be used to meeting new people. My first semester in college, I made really good grades because I studied more and put more of an effort into my school work. I didn't do that in high school and if I had, I know that I could have made a 4.0 GPA. I would also tell myself not to be afraid. I was really scared before coming to college. I thought that every professor that I would have would be evil and I wouldn't have any friends and that I would make bad grades. That wasn't the case at all. All my professors were helpful, I made friends, and I made the Dean's List. Finally, I would make sure I knew that college, really isn't that bad at all!

Kirstin

If I was able to go back and talk to myself as I was a year ago, the most important thing I would tell myself is that life is full of the unexpected. It is important to make plans in order to get anywhere in life, but realize that very few or maybe even none of those plans will come into fulfillment. I had my life all planned out and within the one-year of University all of my plans were dashed. You learn to pick yourself up and make new ones. Flexibility is key when it comes to plan making. Life can be good, but it can also put a lot of roadblocks and detours on your path. Be prepared for them.

Kristina

I would simply tell me to continue to trust your heart because it will not easily lead you astray if it's God's will. That I have always resigned that the college decision was God's will was getting off on the right foot. He'll work everything out. I would say just keep doing what you're doing because if you go in with that attitude you will make wonderful friends and start off well. I would, however, caution you/me to be a little less worrisome. 1) Grades are important but not everything 2) take one day at a time (you will learn it eventually but it sure would have helped me my first semester.) 3) A guy will come into your life when you least expect it so stop looking and dressing up for them. Sweatshirts and pants are so much more comfortable 4)Be prapered for years of discovery (self and otherwise), they will occur whether you like it or not 5) ALWAYS make God your #1. He won't let you down, so don't let Him down You're going to be just fine and have incredible family and friends to count on.

Stephanie

The temptations in college are different then those in high school. Should I stay home and do school work or go out on the town with my friends? Should I go to class this morning or stay in bed for a few more hours? The temptations of making major desicions on what to do and what not to do are even harder. The temptations are difficult, but don't worry the best part is that if you work hard and do the best you can do everything will fall in its place. If you put too much on your plate, you will get stressed out beyond belief and almost lose it all. Make decisions that are ment for you and not anyone else. This is the time for yourself and your future. What you do now, affects you later in life. Unfortunally. Keep up all the good work and don't forget to think for yourself and hold on to those how are special and help you through all the rough times, because they're still good people in the world.

Whitney

Though this is only my freshman year in college and I am new to the college life I have already learned so much. It?s much different than I thought, but I love every minute of it. If given the chance to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to open up, spend money wisely, and to never forget to look at the bright side of life. I say that I should open up because I was too shy at the beginning and there was no need to be. Next, spend my money wisely. College is expensive and I truly want to help my parents with financing my college education. If I spend money towards school it will be a wise decision because an education lasts a lifetime. Lastly, never forget to look at the bright side of life. College can be stressful and difficult at times, but in the end, it?ll be worth it.

Samy

College life is no easy task, there will be times when your dedication will be tested, your hard work be worthless, but accept not defeat. Establish your purpose in life and pursuit it with all your might. Life without a purpose is very bleak, because purpose creates hope for a better future, strength to overcome hard work, and dedication to succeed. One never truly realizes how much one can change in two years time, but with every moment experienced, maturity and wisdom grows. Every feat, no matter how small (winning an intramural shirt), and every struggle, no matter how grand (providing for my future) have shaped me into the person I am today. I want you not to remember me for being here at your side, but for giving you the tools to succeed, the power to establish your purpose in life, for life without purpose is meaningless.

JaLisa

The most important thing you should do before going to culinary- or any school, is find out about YOU. Pray and spend time with yourself. Discover your likes, dislikes, strengths, & weaknesses- things that excite you, or make you cringe. Many people, including me, have graduated from high school and taken the "next logical step" to college without a thought. It could turn out okay, but often results in disengaged dropouts or accomplished graduates who lack direction- or worse PASSION! Look for enrichment/ career programs at community centers or local colleges. Read everything you can about cooking. Visit the library, subscribe to Bon App?tit and Gourmet Magazine. Learn on your own. Practice recipes you find- experiment. Get a restaurant job that promises advancement. The experience will be invaluable on your resume and in the classroom. APPLY TO EVERY SCHOLARSHIP YOU CAN! Join a website like WWW.FASTWEB.COM or WWW.CAPPEX.COM to find opportunities. Starting the college fund hunt is easier-- earlier. Create a profile that describes your goals, plans, involvement, and achievements. This will help you answer the most general questions in scholarship essays. Research and visit colleges: contact administration, compare your top choices, and APPLY EARLY!

Chelsey

As a high school senior, I was very eager to choose a college and begin the journey towards rest of my life. If I could go back in time and give myself advice for the future, I would state a few simple tips. I would press upon the importance of applying for as many scholarships as possible. The economy is struggling and any financial assistance is necessary when attending a private college like I am. I would also insist that I try to find someone I know who is planning on going to the same school as me and request that we dorm together. Unfortunately, my dorming experience has not been what I wanted nor what I expected. Perhaps this advice would have benefited me greatly. Lastly, I would urge myself to stay focused and commited to my class work and strive to achieve as much as I can for my academic development. Time management between grades and social relationships can determine what the remainder of the college experience will be like. I would end this conversation with my past self by saying work hard, put in the time, make great friends, and enjoy college as much as you can.

Kaitlin

First, I would make sure I realized this is a new chapter of my life, a time for new beginnings and change. However, it is important to understand that change is okay! The change I am going to be facing is going to reflect me. Choosing a college is not an easy decision, and a decision that needs to be thought about sooner than later. I would make sure to tell myself to focus on ?me!? I would tell myself, ?Make sure you pick a college where you want to go! Don't base your college decisions on where your friends go. True friends will stick with you throughout your life! Also, don?t worry about your parents; they are big kids and can handle you moving away. Part of the college experience is growing up and learning to be on your own. Another big issue that you will face is tuition. Just remember, financial aid is available most everywhere. Also, check around your local town for extra scholarships. If it is where you want to go then GO! But most importantly, don?t settle on one you think you can grow to like. Pick a college that fits you!?

Shannon

If i could go back to my senior year to talk about how college is, I think that i would tell myself not to worry. Becoming apart of the IB program was one of the best moves i could have made in preparation for college and it made the transition from high school to college incredibly smooth. IB shares the same values as a liberal arts college so it will be familiar ground for an IB student One of the most important skills to develop is being able to write analytically and this will be your saving grace in college . It's important to have drive and to b e an aggressive learner as opposed to passive because that's the only way you will retain and gain from college experience. Additionally, I would advise getting a job and saving money to ease the expense of college.

Kylene

While academics are the reason that people go to college, they should not be the sole focus at college. Academics are important, but most often, students are able to put forth 1/2 the effort and gain the same results. I am not saying that students should slack off, but that they should put things into perspective and not stress over the last sentence of a research paper. I am a Chemistry and Spanish double major, and I have a 3.77 GPA. I am on the varsity soccer and swim teams, a leader in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, tutor 4 times a week, and sleep at least 8 hours a night. As a senior, I spend less than 2 hours on homework a night. I have found that I am able to enjoy my college education fully, without stressing. I complete the work that is required with my best effort, but I do not stress about it and I allow myself to have time to relax and do other things as well. Academics are important, but college is about more than that. It is about developing who we are as people and preparing for the real world.

Gurpreet

Firstly and the most importantly I would advice myself "DO NOT PROCRASTINATE," because if there is anything that will ruin my experience at college , it would be procrastination. The first time one does it, her or she will become addicted. I would also like to tell myself that I shouldn't be afraid of making new friends, its life. People come and go in life, but and friends do also. Only the special ones stay forever. Lastly I would advice myself to enjoy the experience and make memories. It is an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life, and I should consider myself lucky to get an oppurtunity of a lifetime, beacuse not many people are fortunate enough to experience it. I would tell my self to make memories that I would laugh at when I remembered them, and not have any regrets.

Casey

You're in high school....DON'T STRESS! Just do what you have to do and take one day at a time. There's no need to stress about tomorrow...what good is that going to do?! You know what you need to get done and it'll get there one thing at a time. Just be cool, calm, and collective. Apply to schools, visit them, and don't rush the decision; yes, take the advice of others but ultimately it's your decision! Pick the school that's going to foster YOU the best---in and outside the classroom. When it's all over what you do want to be able to say---"Man, I'm glad I spent thousands of dollars on books and all my book smarts (with no social life)." Or do you want to be able to say "man, I'm glad that I divided my time among class, friends, intramurals, volunteer experiences, (etc)! Life is too short to be stressed over little things...take advantage of what's right in front of you!!!

Jennifer

Make sure that visit a campus before making any kind of decision. It is important for the parents to like the campus, but it is even more important that the student feels right and comfortable on that campus the very FIRST time they step foot on campus. Looking into what classes would be like is extremely important, but to also see the surrounding area to the school is an important factor. It is just as important to the college life, just as the actual campus is. Being aware of activities offered on campus helps determine how you feel about the school, and a good way to do this would be to vsit a Friday to experience the academic side of things, and a Saturday to experience the social part of things. Every aspect of college is important.

Angela

In order to decide on a school you should consider not only financially, but also the size and location. Consider size because you may not want to be another number, or you may want to participate in sports after high school. Location is important, you want to have enough space to be independent but not too far away incase you need your family. Also when ever you have free time on the weekends you may want to go into town, make sure to have accessible resources. When it comes to academics-- got to class, study a lot on your own, don't sell yourself short. College is all in what you make of your experience. Get involved in clubs/sports/activities available to you at your school it helps you make friends. Some of the best friends you will make and keep are in college. Go in with a positve attitude and make the most of it because it college is an experience and opportunity that only comes once in a life time.

Megan

Do not rush into any choices, and just because a certain school has had an appeal for a long time, do not limit applications to just that place. Visit the colleges that you are interested in and be sure that it is a fit. Be sure that you can visit at a time when school is in session and try to sit in on a class at that time. Do not pick a school based on whether you will have friends there. Just be yourself and you with make the friends you are looking for. Join a few clubs/activities to start with. This will help you make friends and also help with time management skills. After the first year, then add more activities if it fits in the schedule. Be sure to talk to your professors about any problems you are having in classes and learn how to take good notes. Do not just follow the text book, but look for more information to help you learn the material the best that you can. College is fun, but is also ment for learning. Do your best and you will do fine!

Robin

My advice to parents is let your child choose for themsleves the college that best fits their needs for their future career, social life and extra curricular activities. The most important is there career; the college choice should offer the very best for internships, volunteer work, study abroad, prefer large/ small size class rooms (depending on their work ethic). That is one i considered looking at Bridgewater, because my work ethic is more successful with a small size classroom where I have more one on one with the teacher; you learn a lot more especially group projects/field trips!!!

Ashleigh

Find somewhere where you will be happy for four years. They are the four most important years of your life so far.

Kylene

The most valuable experiences in my college search came when I visited the colleges. As I began my search, I was excited about going away to school and every school seemed ideal. However, as I continued my search, I was able to formulate a list of qualities that I wanted in a school. I learned that I wanted a small school, preferably in the country. And I also realized that the dorms and dining hall were not that important to me because I would not be using the meal plan very much due to food sensativites. I had already planned to major in Chemistry and Spanish as I began my search, and I was able to compare labs and departments which gave me a better idea of what I was looking for in a school. Visiting the schools helped me determine what I wanted most in a school and to develop my ideal atmosphere. By the time I had reached my senior year, I was able to visit a school and compare it to what I now knew I wanted.

Kirk

Take your time and find a college that offer what courses you need, a college that make you feel comfortable, and most important make sure if you want to transfer to another college that your credits will transfer. Search for all the scholarships and grants that are out there, because you don't want to graduate and be in debt the rest of your life. College is very expensive and not something to take lightly.

Perry

When looking for the right college make sure it is a school that you will be comfortable with for four years, because this will be your new home for quite awhile. Make sure there many things to do off campus as well so you can get out into the community and explore. You also want to make sure that the schools academics fit your child's needs. If they are interested in a certain major, tak to the proffessors of that major at the schools you are thinking about attending so you can get an idea of thier program and thier requirements. Professors are always happy to talk about thier programs and are willing to share any information that you will need to help you make your final decision. Have your child talk to students that attend the school and get thier point of view on the school. That is a very good way of helping your child make a decision on where they will be most comfortable and social. It is important to be social in college so make sure the school also has many oppurtunities for them to socialize and meet people.

Cyasha

Albert Camus, the French author, philosopher, journalist, and the 1957 Nobel Prize winner, wrote, ?Life is the sum of all your choices.? Choosing the right college is a big step for high school students. There are many options available for those seeking a degree, and the decision process for finding the perfect college can be overwhelming. The following section contains three suggestions for students looking for a college that meets their needs and will support the fulfillment of their goals. First, it is important to find a college that has the intended major or field the student wants to study. Most students enter college with an undeclared major. However, to find the right school, it is imperative to have a general idea of a possible major the student would like to study. Second, students should look consider campus size of the college. Some students may appreciate living in a small, community based campus, while others may embrace the diversity and activity of a larger campus. Finally, students should visit the campus and talk to current students to get their perspective of the school. While visiting, students should also look at extracurricular activities that can enhance their college experience.

Theresa

The best advice I can do is VISIT the schools and really try to find the personality of the schools you are considering and distinguish which best suits your personality. James Madison University was my first choice until I finally went and visited the campus and decided it was too chaotic for me and there were way too many people. Then I visited Bridgewater College and I felt a warm welcoming feeling that made me feel like it was home. Look for that feeling where you know you will just fit in and enjoy the opportunities the campus you choice offers..

David

I feel that getting away from home and being able to adapt to new circumstances is essential. You need to be able to get away from home and make new friends. However, make sure that you chose a college or university where you can really see yourself fitting in and make sure that you realize that you are picking the ideal place for four years or more.

Amber

make sure you know everything you can about the colleges you are considering and visit wach before making your final decision.