Bucknell University Top Questions

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

Kathryn

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that unhappiness is not permanent . When I was in high school, I was very unhappy. I did not have many friends and struggled with severe hand pain that went undiagnosed for many years. The pain was hard to deal with, especially since I decided to major in music education. When I was in high school, I believed that my condition was untreatable and I would have to live with it my entire life. However, once I got to college, my music professors helped me find a hand specialist who performed surgery on me and determined that I had a rare form of carpal tunnel syndrome. That surgery changed my life. I also have many supportive friends at college who have helped me through this situation, providing encouragement I did not have in high school. Now that I have had these wonderful experiences, I realize that the unhappiness I struggled with in high school doesn't even matter to me anymore. What matters is that I am very lucky; my life has changed for the better and I will never look back.

Cooper

Cooper, congratulations, you made it through your first semester! With new friendships, wonderful extracurricular activities, and the tough yet fabulous courses taken, you will have a very memorable semester. Luckilly, your transition to college has been relatively smooth, but there are still kinks you have the opportunity to smooth out. First off, don't get so dejected about not making the D1 tennis team; you end up joining the crew team and loving it. Secondly, don't try to be the cool kid in college. You realize the coolest kids are those who are confident in their own skin and are sincere. So just be yourself and I promise that everything will be fine. Thirdly, while the food is awesome at Bucknell (whew!), don't be ambivilant to sit down with a random person and have a conversation with them! You never know who you will meet or what amazing experiences someone has gone through until you get to know them (trust me). Hopefully this letter hasn't created any sort of paradox or altered the time space continuum, but if it has you can make things write by choosing to not to write this letter after your first semester!

Alexandra

It's okay to have no idea what career path you want to take after high school graduation. There's a path of study that is perfect for everyone, and it is solely up to you to figure that out - don't let anyone else tell you differently. As cliche as this sounds, be yourself and your new friends will come to you. College is a clean slate; no one knows your past mistakes or achievements. You must continue to work as hard as you did in high school and people will notice your efforts. Definitely stay involved in any extra cirricular activities that hold your interest. College is a time to find out who you are as an adult and have tons of fun while doing it. Finding a career will always be challenging, but live it up while there's no one yelling at you to clean your room or do the dishes (of course keep up with your workload in between raging parties :) Everyone on campus is there to help, so take advantage of your resources. Money may be an issue, but you can overcome it - keep applying to scholarships throughout all four years!!

Jasmine

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior the first thing I would tell myself is to relax. Yes, college is a lot different and there is a lot more responsibility, but you are ready and can handle anything that life throws at you. And don't worry about the things that you can't change, move on. There is a reason why things turned out the way they did. Now go out and live your life; no holding back!

Gregory

College is one of the best times in your life. You need to make sure you take full advantage of everything the school and the campus community have to offer. Each day will bring a new experience that will allow you to learn about yourself and your future career. You must take advantage of this experiences both inside and outside of the classroom to get the most out of the time you spend on campus.

Sheree

Sher, smart is sexy. I know you’re sad that you didn’t get asked to the Homecoming dance by the boy of your dreams, or by any boy for that matter. And you’re taking it to heart when people call you a brainiac. You think that being smart is going to be an impediment. Guess what? In college, you’ll be surrounded by smart people. Once you get there, you’ll quickly find your groove, and a gaggle of friends you’ll keep for life. Don’t worry, you’ll date lots of dream boys. Remember when that popular guy in school teased you for going to a ‘smart school’ while he planned to party his way through four years of college? Your ‘smart school’ introduced you to your fabulous husband. (Spoiler alert: He’s much more dashing than that popular guy from high school.) You’re going to reach your mid-thirties, and you’ll have a wonderful, vibrant son who makes your face light up. You’ll have a successful and exciting career, and you’ll decide to go back to school for an executive MBA. Why? Because now you know that smart really is sexy.

Elizabeth

I have dreamt of this opportunity many times, where if I could go back to high school I would pursue my passions rather than settling. Being a high school senior again, I would study harder in order to pass my ACT and SAT with flying colors; I would practice learning the German language at a more in-depth level so as to prepare me for a semester abroad perhaps. There are so many "what-ifs" that I have come across that make me shudder at the thought that I never pursued the life I dreamt of having. Working full-time in a dead end job would make anyone unhappy, but I chose to change my future by pursing a degree in a creative field, something I always imagined in which I would have a career. It has been a long, uphill struggle due to finances and scheduled time, but I have spent the last 10 years working toward my goal. I truly hope that someone, anyone, will see this struggle and reward my hard work and dedication with financial assistance - anything helps. High school self: do what makes you happy, work hard, and you will be repaid.

Stephanie

I would tell myself to be patient, but not to give up. There were certain times this past year when I felt as if it was too late for me to make a change in my academic or athletic performance - but it really never was. I just needed time to adjust. Although I was looking forward to my independence and thought I would not be homesick at all, there were many other changes in my schedule, diet, friendships, and interactions with others. I would want to prepare myself for that. I think that if I had been more organized, both with my belongings and my time, that would have helped alleviate some of my stress. Most of all, however, I would tell myself to make the most of my time in college. This year flew by! I cannot believe that I am already a quarter of the way done with my undergraduate experience, and I only began to really love college towards the end of this past year. I wish that during my first semester I had taken more risks in building friendships and trying out new things, because college provides many ways for you to discover yourself.

Katsie

I feel very fortunate to have had my college experience. I learned not only about academics, but also a lot about myself. I was given an amazing opportunity to experience what I did and will always cherish the time I spent at Bucknell University. I gained new friends that became my family while I was away from mine, I was able to take on many leadership opportunities, therefore also learning outside the classroom, and in the end, earned a Bachelor's degree that enabled me to now be in law school. College is what you make of it - and I did my best to make the most of it. You need to take chances, learn from your mistakes, and most of all, stay true to yourself through it all. Without those characteristics, the experience would not have been as valuable to me as it was. But, going to college was by far the best decision I ever made - it is so much more than just academics - it is a complete education and an experience that everyone should take the opportunity to participate in.

Michelle

I always knew that college would be a totally new experience that would alter my life forever, but I never realized the effect it would have on the little things in my life. I now appreciate a simple email from my Dad, who updates me on our favorite sports teams and tells me what's going on at home. I look foward to talking to my Mom on the phone and telling her about my classes, dorm life and all the things that I forgot to pack. And when I receive a package in the mail a few days later with those items inside, I love and miss my Mom that much more. Going away to college has taught me to grow up and do things for myself. There is no one pushing and encouraging me to do my best, I have to be my own advocate. I now know what it means to walk to class in the snow, cook EasyMac at 3 in the morning, and having all-you-can-eat cereal in the cafeteria. Everyone's college experience is different, but mine has made me a more humble and whole person.

Katherine

I would advise myself to assimilate my college perspective to Scrooge's dream in "A Christmas Carol"; past (before college), present (during college) and future (after college). In high school I didn't understand the true meaning of college. Past: Keep looking for scholarships and working hard tto get into college. Present: I honestly thought that everyone in college acts like mature adults. I would tell myself not to expect this, and not to have excessive expectations in general. Having preconceived notions puts a damper on the unexpected uniqueness. Also, be open-minded and outoing during everyday activities. Future: Look for a major based on abilities and interest in subject matter as opposed to how much money it offers as a career. College is not just a place to go which will help you find a job. As important as education is, college is also a world that offers friendships, challenges, excitement, and independence. As I continue to learn: it is what you make it.

Patrick

First and foremost, I would tell myself to relax. It's hard to be uncomfortable at Bucknell since you're surrounded by intelligent students at your age who are all interested in similar things. I would also tell myself to go with the flow. By that, I mean don't be obsessed with joining certain clubs, or meeting certain professors. Everything comes in time. At the beginning, you should just work on becoming comfortable and getting to know everything and everyone. Because initially, the most important thing is to keep an open mind and find out what really makes you happy. Don't inject your previous beliefs and prejudices about yourself and others from high school into the fresh-start college experience. To go with the flow, you have to reevaluate what you thought you knew, liked, and hated. If you just continue everything you were doing from high school, you're not really progressing or opening new avenues of opportunity. And college is about the new. So I would tell myself to just look around and get to know everthing before commiting to certain ideas and people.

Lois-An

Coming from New York City, college life in Lewisburg was like an ice bath on a hot day: a shock. Though I read lots about Bucknell and thought the semester would've been as easy as the weekend I stayed there, I was in a for a big surprise. If I could take the knowledge and experience that I've gathered from my first semester back to a high school senior me, one of the first things I would have told myself was to prepare for a culture shock. (Culture, here, far exceeds the boundaries of ethnic backgrounds, and is instead a way of life.) I also would have told myself that getting by on smarts alone would be insufficient for college work, and that I would need to discipline myself in different ways, to ensure that I was working on a college level. I would have reminded myself that being me is essential, that if never before, now would be the time to. I see so many young adults, like myself, get trapped in the hype of living to someone else's superficial expectations. Because I know what's best for me, I'd keep being me.

Bridget

If I could go back and give advice to my high school self I would have a lot to say. First, I would tell myself to try new things, take chances, and not be afraid to make mistakes. There are many opportunities in college and not all of them are academic. College is a time to explore and find yourself and there are many ways to do this. There are hundreds of clubs and organizations that can teach you about new things. Try them out, you might find a new interest that you love. Also, I would tell myself that I won't be the smartest person at Bucknell. Everyone is smart. You will be smarter than some, but others will definitely be smarter than you. Although it's hard, try not to let that bother you. If you constantly compare yourself to your peers you will never be satisfied or happy. Work hard and try your best, that is the most you can do. Also, find a routine that works for you. There isn't going to be anyone to make you go to class, eat right, exercise, or sleep enough. Make sure you can depend on you.

Kelly

Dear High School Self,Calm down. The first piece of advice I have for you is to stop stressing and breathe. It sounds cheesy but everything will work out. I know you expect college to be perfect and, believe me its pretty close, but not everything is going to click right away and that?s okay. It?s going to take some time to find people that you really connect with and to discover where you belong on campus. In the meantime, meet as many people as possible. The first few months of freshman year are the only time where it?s not weird to randomly introduce yourself to someone. Remember that everyone else is in the same boat; they are just as terrified as you, even if you can?t always tell. Take full advantage of everything that Bucknell offers and try as many new things as possible. Experiment with your classes; you don?t need to know exactly what you want to do your freshman year. College is a unique time period where nearly everything is at your fingertips. Above all, have fun. The next couple of years are going to be the best time of your life.

Patricia

College is a great opportunity to explore. And if you start by expanding your experiences, then later, you can narrow your interests more accurately. As a freshman, it is helpful to reach out in as many directions as possible, whether or not they seem plausible final paths. Join clubs, join teams, take classes in different departments, talk with professors, talk with students, attend department lectures; use as many resources as you can find to explore new ideas and areas. This expansion also creates for you a network of friends, students, and faculty which will stay with you, helping you through both college and career choices. In the following years, you can eliminate those activities which you find less interesting from your list, finally choosing the career or life path which you would find most beneficial and enjoyable. After college, many people go directly to careers or graduate school, lessening or even eliminating the chance to explore other areas. Therefore, before that time comes, use the opportunity presented by colleges and universities to explore as many different areas as you can.

Michelle

Transitioning from high school to college can be difficult. There is much more reading and work involved and you are expected to take on a lot more responsibility in terms of learning the material. Teachers will not force you to as much to do assignments and keep up with your work - this is your responsibility. You will soon begin to understand why it is important to do all homework assignments and keep up with the material so that you can perform well on writing assignments and tests. College is definitely a time where you must learn to manage your time appropriately. There will be many distractions and often you'll probably want to spend time having fun with friends as opposed to studying. You must figure out how much time you need to allocate to your studies so that you can do well in classes while still giving yourself enough time to have fun and enjoy the college life. This is definitely the biggest challenge, but it is doable!

Adrian

Find a school that is in your comfort range (small, medium, large student body); determine if your contribution to tuition, room and board can be fulfilled with scholarships, grants and federal loans to prevent interruption in education, and visit at least three college campuses before making a final decision.

Diane

You can't put a price ona good education, if it's the school you can see yourself learning and striving in do everything you can to make it happen. You're going to living and learning there for four years, and four years can seem like an awful long time when we're at our lowest point. Pick the school that when you visited you couldn't stop thinking about after you left, the school where you fell in love with both the architecture, the people, and the air. It definitely helps to visit the schools you're applying to, I completely changed my mind after I traveled around the summer after my junior about which school I wanted to attend. Overall, college is an amazing and unique evperience that one must take full advantage of, but that is the individual's doing. College, like life, is what you make of it, so my advice is to try new things every step of the way, avoid ruts, keep an open mind, and go places, travel the world, meet the people and never stop learning.

Gregory

Keep in mind that when you are searching for a college, you will be living there! If it's at all possible, try to arrange an overnight visit, or at least a campus visit so that the prospective student may gain an insight as to what kind of students attend the college/university.

Sam

It is important in my opinion to visit the school and to do an overnight visit so you can get a feel for what the campus social life is really like. Talk to current students and get their feedback. Figure out what you would like to be involved in before you come to campus.

Anne

Visit all of the campuses and try to have a moment where it all "clicks" and you can imagine yourself there taking classes, having fun, etc.

Paul

Prospective students should defintied visit as many schools as they and and perhaps stay overnight and talk to current students. They should talk to financial advisers and get the real story on financial aid and how much extra financial aid they will need beyond what the school gives as their total cost. Make sure you can afford the school so that you do not have to be stressed out over financial aid and taking out loans. Believe me. that makes the college experience less pleasurable.

Emily

School size was a huge influence in my university choice. Larger state schools will not be able to give students the individual attention that a smaller, sometimes private university can offer. For a student craving independence, the larger schools are a fine choice, expecially if financing is an issue. It was important to me to find a personal faculty and student body that I truly related to. Having community environment made all the difference in my university choice. I didn't want to sacrifice a liberal arts experience for a technical education, and that really narrowed down my search. Finding out the difference between a large tech school and a small, liberal arts univeristy with an engineering college was very important in the identification of my top choice schools. Also, a distinctive characteristic I looked for in schools is the opportunities for campus envolvement outside of academics. I recommend asking successful students if they are able to find the time to engage in the univeristy outisde of their classes, such as sports, publications, and academic societies. Such small details make the difference between a simple college expereince and the greatest four years of your life.

Luke

Going where you feel comfortable is more important than going to a school for its reputation.

Gabrielle

In finding the right college, the best thing you can do is visit. You won't get a feel of the campus or the student body unless you actually go there. If you can, talk to students and don't be afraid to ask questions. Staying on an overnight visit is helpful to some, so perhaps consider doing so on your visit. Once accepted to schools, you might want to visit again to get a second look. Take into consideration financial aid and how you think you want to do while in college. My primary reason for attending college was academics, so I chose a school accordingly. I am also a varsity athlete at a Division 1 school, but I decided this after I chose a school that suite me academically. Once at school, do as much as you can without spreading yourself too thin. There is so much to do and so many people to meet!

Josh

I think one of the most important thing for parents and students to remember is that there so many options. It is very important to keep an open mind, and to look at schools that may seem too far away, or obscure. You will never know if you will fall in love with a school if you never look. Also, when you do look, make sure to look closely. Sit in on a class, if possible. Stay over night. Tours and information sessions are helpful - to a point. They can never really portray what it is actually like to live at a school. Four years is much longer than an hour. College is an experience. It is not just school. The point of college is not just to learn, but to grow as well. To find your passions and your dreams. Keep your mind open to any possibilities. Colege is not a place to lock yourself away. Keep yourself free, try new things. These four years are the most freedom you will ever have. Make the most of it. Find yourself.

Hae-JIn

I would say the most important thing that the student can do is find a place that makes them feel like they are "at home." The comfort and thought of being in a place that reminds you of where you know best, a place where you would consider the epicenter of your life (does not necessarily have to actually be your home) is going to help with the transition to college. Often the transition into a new environment, surrounded with people that you barely know is overwhemling and can effect students in a multitude of ways; their feeling of safety/comfort, ability to concentrate on one's studies, and new relationships with others are highly at stake and given the right circumstances, can be a great experience altogether. One piece of advice to for students is to find friends that you know will be there for you and support you throughout the four years that you will be at school. One piece of advice for the parents is to support your children no matter what they choose to do, however do not neglect your parental duties, just because your children seem so "grown up"; they need you!

Chris

Don't think you'll know what you want to major in, you won't and you'll change and still it will not be what you really will enjoy doing post-graduation, so instead of working your ass off, have fun in college cause its all downhill from there

Spencer

Having an open mind and be willing to try things that you normally would not. College is a place for experimentation and growth so be sure to go out and do what you think is best.

Christine

When you find the college that connects with you you have a feeling, a magical feeling instantly!

Matthew

Do not pick the college that you believe has the best reputation. When you're on the right campus, you'll know it's the right school for you, so go there. And when you're there, work hard during the week, but have fun on the weekends. Be resposinble about it, but have fun, or you'll get way too stressed and not enjoy youre college experience. Also, go with a major you're interested in, not one that you think will eventually make you the most money. You may not do well and you certainly will not enjoy yourself if you don't like what you're doing. All this being said, have fun with college. It's a once in a lifetime experience... usually.

Jaifi

Parents: When you approach your child about higher education, ask about their ambitions. If they are unsure, perhaps a year (outside of academia) spent in the working world will solidify their preferences & paths. Now more than ever, it is far too costly to move aimlessly through college. If I could do it again, I would have taken a year off to learn more about myself, my talents, my values. Students: When selecting the right college, it is often tempting to go where your friends plan on going. Though nice for some, there is an adventure inherent in doing something different, meeting new people, experiencing a life unlike that which you have lived thus far. Take a chance - challenge yourself both academically and personally. Value yourself and be an active consumer of schools; remember that society incorrectly emphasizes that 'a college chooses you', while in truth YOU choose which college fits your needs, desires, and goals. Finally, once in college, challenge yourself again - this time, academically, socially, philosophically, morally. Some of the most incredible growth occurs during your collegiate years, helping to shape and define the person you are and help you attain the person you wish to be. Thank you.

Anna

You won't love it immediately. People always tend to remember college as the best experience of their life, where they met the friends of a lifetime and really enjoyed themselves. It takes a while for college to become that place for any student. It's important to do your research in learning about the library and the professors at the school. Go with your gut. That's all.

Billy

College is about learning who you are and interacting in a community that is larger than yourself. Get involved in your school's campus and be proud of the community you are a part of because it is the students that make the school what it is; the administration can only do so much to enhance your experience and the rest is up to you. Ultimately, you want to end up a school that fits your own personality and expectations. There are plenty of options, city or rural, big or small, there is something for everyone. Just don't be closed minded because some schools might surprise you by what they have to offer. Get out an go after what you want, because if you sit back and wait, life is just going to pass you by.

Laura

You must definitely explore your own personality to find a perfect fit. Does a big school excite you or make you feel overwhelmed? Do you like being recognized by professors or would you rather remain a number? Once you find that school, try not to look back. Instead, look forward to every possible way you can interact with other students and faculty. Clubs, sports, research are all great ways to make your college experience everything you want it to be. "Don't let your studies get in the way of your college education." Just remember not to completely neglect your studies! It's easy to become wrapped up in a social life but academics are why you're there.

Terri

You may not believe it, but the weather in the area of your college may impact your performance. This is important especially when moving from warm to colder climates. Also, no matter what, always make the most of every situation. You never know how much fun you could be missing out on. Last but not least, get to know your professors and falculty. Not only will that personal connection give them more insight in knowing you, they will become extremely important to helping gain access to the professional world.

Kyle

Visit the college. For me, that is how I knew that Bucknell would be the place for me. Everything about it felt "right," and I visited my share of colleges back when I was looking in high school. Research the college, see what it offers, and really engage with the surrounding community. Really, that's the absolute best advice that I can give you. If you can feel comfortable being there for 4 years, go for it. More often the school that is a better fit for you is one that you will excel in. Don't go to a school just because it's academically rigorous; there are plenty of those around. Choose one that fits you for who you are - the less transferring you have to do, the better. Go with the gut feeling!

William

Finding the correct fit during the college admissions process is unique to everyone. In my personal experience, I attended a small private school and sought the same for college and have thoroughly enjoyed both institutions. I suggest that you reflect upon your high school experience in order to determine what style institution you seek after high school. Once selecting a college, get involved. My freshman year I made the mistake of staying on my dorm hall and never venturing out. Only after I joined a fraternity did I get involved with community service, intramurals, philanthropy, and yes a real social scene. In engaging in these activities I stopped sqwandering my time on video games and started actually accomplishing things that made me feel more accomplished and overall, better. However, the best part of being involved is the people you interact with. I can honestly say that there are friends of mine I would never have thought we could be friends, but now there is not a thing I wouldn't do for them. Thus, I have learned, if you commit and get involved with activities on campus, you dont simply receive what you put in, but so much more.

Jordan

Take advantage of every opportunity afforded to you. Visit and meet with your professor. Don't waste the four years, they go by so fast.

Lauren

Finding the right college is all about visiting very different types of schools (such as city schools versus rural schools, big schools versus small or medium ones) to find out what type of school you like. After you figure out what time of school you like, you can narrow down the field to find the perfect one. Once you choose the college you want to attend, the best thing to do is to try to join a lot of activities, as freshman many schools have many orientations for different clubs geared towards freshman, making it very easy to get involved and to make friends with people who have similar interests as you do.

Stephanie

To find the right college, make a list of schools strong in your intended area of study and then visit them. This is exactly what I did and ten minutes into my tour of Bucknell's campus and felt the atmosphere I said to myself, "This is it. This is where I want to live." I never doubted that sense since. For everyone it will be a different combination of characterisitics that will click. For me, it was the sense of solidarity in the brick buildings, the peaceful beauty of the campus lawns and trees, and the courtesy of the students. It is very important to remember that college isn't just where you will go to school, it's where you will live and I personally feel that you should be able to call it a home that you will feel connected to. And don't be afraid the first few days, be excited! You get to start over; it's the perfect chance to fix all your high school problems. I was surprised how easy it was to make friends. Show a little enthusiasm and the energy will make you a magnet.

Emily

The best advice I can give is this: visit the campus, and you'll know if you feel at home there. That's what I did, and I'm very happy. There are a lot of things about my school that aren't perfect, but I know it's the right place for me. So I would say visit as many campuses as you can (a varied list is best - some urban, some rural, some far away, some close...) and just get a feel for what seems right. Then parents need to back off and trust their kids. :)

Eric

Visit at least 5 schools including safety schools and reach schools. When you find the school right for you it's easy to tell. You'll feel comfortable with the size of the school, look of the campus, and the surrounding area. Also, pick a school that is renowned for what you wish to study in whether it be the arts, life sciences, engineering, or business. When you find the right school, it's suggested to apply early decision because this can greatly increase your chances of being accepted. To make the most of your college experience be open minded to other people when you arrive. Try to relate with and befirend all students living on your hall. Work hard and play hard! Keep up with your school work and see your professors during their office hours so you get to know them on a personal level. Trust me, being friendly with a professor can make the difference between a good and bad grade. If you have all your weekly school work finished, I suggest enjoying parties and other social events on the weekends. All in all, you only get four years at college so stay postitve!

Shannon

You can find a niche for yourself at almost any college! Pick the one that feels best and most natural for you, but once you're committed to a school don't spend time worrying about which schools would have been better or what you would do differently if you could--just jump in and make new friends!

Irene

College is what you make of it. Figure out what you want, what is available, see if these two pieces match up. If so, don't be afraid to take chances and be challenges. Step out of your comfort zone. Make sure your time management allows you to have a healthy lifestyle.

Jordan

Everyone says that these are the best four years of your life for good reason. Take your time during the selection process and find the school that you could see yourself at for the next four years.

Jennifer

My advice to both parents and students who are looking at colleges is not to get caught up in a school's reputation or the hype about what other people think is an acceptable school to attend. There is so much pressure to get in to the best school possible but that is not always the right fit. The demands on high school students today is unbelievable, but i believe that there is a perfect school (or sometimes a perfect 3 or 4 schools) where you (or your son or daughter) will be happy. College is about finding yourself and starting down the path that you will travel for the rest of your adult life, that is why it is so important to find where you belong. Visiting schools for tours and info sessions is a must. When you walk onto a campus and look around at the students and feel comfortable, that is when you know you are in the right place. Then you have to do whatever it takes to get yourself there. Reputations and word of mouth information can be deciveing, but as long as you make the decision for yourself, you can't go wrong.

Casey

Unfortunately the only way of learning is by doing. Even when it comes to choosing the perfect school. No matter how many colleges or universities you may visit before choosing, you'll never truly know what school is right for you until you are there. I would reccommend visiting and researching as many schools as possible. Keep a list of qualities you find important. Don't choose a school simply because your best friend is going there. Even if that is what you want now, college will make you grow, change and discover things you never knew about yourself. There is not one perfect fit out there. However, when you do choose a school, approach it with no hesitation. Take full advantage of your surroundings and give it time. One semester is not long enough to judge whether or not this is the right school for you. If you give it time and put enthusiasm and energy into your first year, you'll find friends, activities, and a place that will foster your academics, creativity, and personal growth.

Bradley

It?s all about fit. Where do you feel you belong? Where do you see yourself having the most quality opportunities to succeed? In finding the right college, you need to make a list for yourself with regard to what you would want out of a college experience. So, you could put on your list a certain major you are interested in or just that you might want a large variety of majors to be offered by your school incase you want options. That?s just one example. Colleges offer so many opportunities for students to make the most of their experience. The thing is, is that the college you decide is right for you, needs to be able to provide exactly what you are looking for. Making the most out of your college experience has to do with making an educated, well-informed decision on what school would be the right fit for you. You can more easily make a well-informed decision by first, making that list of personal interests and priorities, then researching schools that correspond with that list, and finally experiencing the campus first-hand by visiting. This will give you the greatest opportunity for success.