Calvin College Top Questions

Find a college. Get a degree. Get a job and pay the bills. Afterward, when you know so much more about life and what you want to do, then you can start thinking about finding that right job. Either that or you can take a year off from highschool to college and travel. Do some kind of volunteer travel to another country type of work. You will learn a lot and get so much insight to better you in college. To students: college is a job, not like highschool. To parents: let your kids go to the college and do the major they want. You do not know them better than they know themselves.

When searching for the college that's perfect for you, take three factors into consideration. First, how large is the student body? Is it important for you to know everyone on campus (and have them know you), or would you like a larger student body that is likely to be more diverse? Most of my friends and I have gone to schools that are as large or larger than high school. Second, how far away is the college from your hometown? How easy would it be for you to go home for holidays or an emergency? If the college is nearby, would you feel bored or trapped after a while? My college is two hours away from my hometown, so it's a different community, but I'm close to home when I need a break. Finally, how does the college's vision match your own? During a campus visit, or while viewing the college's website, take a look at the school's mission statement, and see how much it resonates with your own worldview. I chose a school that matches my religious views, and I have enjoyed learning from professors that share my faith. Good luck!

Find a school that will let you be you. Don't go to the standard visitation days - set up a time individually so you can get a better idea of what the campus is really like. Do a spontaneious visit that is not announced to the school, and chat with some of the students about what they like best and what their regrets are.

The "right" college probably doesn't exist; however, you can make decisions that make whatever school you're at seem closer or farther from being that "right" school. Look for a loving, challenging, honest community. Talk to students about everything when you go and visit, and ask for honest answers! If you don't have a good reason for going to school but just feel like you want to go...why not just go? Enter college with an open mind and heart. Try to get over yourself as soon as you can. It took me until right before I was done with my undergrad work to realize this. Know that however screwy you think you are doesn't matter- be whoyou are, who God created you to be, and who he's molding you into being... and let people see that! Ask deep questions and don't be afraid to question the "right" answers. Get off campus as much as you can. The on-campus community is great and can be very supportive, but you're spending four years in this amazing new place-- get to know it! Serve, learn, study, do new things, and take every chance you get!

My advice? Recognize your goals, understand your budget, and visit a lot of places. College can be a great experience or a waste of time. Not every person is suited for higher learning. One thing to keep in mind is that you are at school to learn. At least in my view, a flourishing social life can happen later. Right now is a time for working really hard and learning about what I'll need to be successful. Of course I can make lifelong friends and expand my experiences along side my schoolwork, but in the long run I'll garnish more from my years here by paying attention to my academics. One final note. People tend to find what they're looking for. If you're looking for a life changing, educational experience, chances are you get one. If you're looking for a place to pursue hedonic pleasure, you can probably find it cheaper somewhere else.

I would tell parents not to force their children to go to a school that they dont want to go to. If the kid is forced to go to a school that they dont want to go to, the whole experiance will most likely be a lot less enjoyable. I would tell the student to be careful about looking at the size of their potential school, and to make sure that they wont be overwhelmed at a huge school. I would also tell the student to make sure that the school has the program that they want to go into, because it is not worth going to a school if they dont have your program. Basically, I would just say to think it through carefully, and don't make any impulsive decision about where to go, because college is a pretty expensive place to go.

Make sure to choose a school where you will be challenged constantly. It's not a good idea to pick a school that you know is not going to make you think. The quality of your education from a school that aims to expand your ability to think critically and to come up with your own opinions is well worth the work that will be required to succeed. Also, money is always an issue, but sometimes it's worth taking out loans if you know that your education will be a good one. I didn't think this before, but the campus is extremely important to your learning experience. The facilities available and the university landscape greatly influence how you study and how much you enjoy your time in university.

College is an incredible time of life. It is a time that shapes your personality, intelligence, social life, and beliefs. When choosing a college you need to find somewhere where you are comfortable to be yourself. A college that will challenge you is important as well, as you learn the most when you are challenged. If you have a set plan in life, choose a college that has a strong program in your area of interest. You will learn the most when you learn from the best. However, if you are unsure of what you hope to study, I would recommend a liberal arts college, as they allow you to experience classes from all disciplines. Perhaps you will find your calling while sitting in a class of a discipline you had never even considered before. One last thing: choose a college that has a strong sense of community. You are influenced so much by your peers so do what you can to make that influence a positive one.

Whatever place makes you feel the most comfortable and at home. Pick whatever atmosphere feels right to you.

College is not a time to get everything together in life. It is a time to learn and prepare for life beyond your childhood home. Look for a place that challenges you physically, spiritually, politically, etc. You should not feel out of place, but it should college is not a transplant. Enjoy your time at college.

Make sure the college has the same goals in mind that you have.

The most important thing to remember when choosing a college is that it needs to fit the student- not the student's parent, favorite teacher, or best friend. Spend time exploring each school on the 'short list' to see which qualities make him or her feel comfortable. Is it the size? The laid-back atmosphere? The academic community? Or that the beach is a bus ride away? Look at the type of people on each campus and look for common values and interests. Is the general atmosphere more conducive to studying or having fun (not that those two activities are mutually exclusive!)? Once school starts everything is a little overwhelming. However, to fully experience the college life, you have to explore. Step outside your comfort zone and see what is going on around campus and in the community outside. Treat all of the strangers you meet as potential friends- you never know who you will click with!

First, find the place that you feel comfortable- with the setting, with the people you meet, and with the subject areas & availability of those things. Don't go where your friends go- you may limit yourself and not meet a lot of people. Take into inventory what matters to you- Faith? Go to a religious college. Sports? Look at a big school, or one where you can play competitively or in intramurals. Make sure they have a good group of majors towards what you're interested in; options are important here! When you get to school, you have to be willing to meet everyone and be friends with anyone. You never know who may end up being your best friend, boyfriend, girlfriend. This is a new time to define yourself- don't be afraid to try new things! Make memories every week! Take advantage of on campus activities, as well as things in the community surrounding. The world is your oyster!

Find a college that fits your needs and your beliefs, in otherwords, where you feel most comfortable. I just lost my mom to liver cancer a few weeks ago and have come to realize the importance of a caring faculty and a close group of friends who can be there for you during the good times and the bad (especially since I am an out-of-state student). Academics is very important, it's why you go to school. However, you won't enjoy your time at college if you don't have people there who you think you can enjoy it with. So try to find that balance of a school with good academics and a strong community that you feel fits you and is something that you can really be a part of.

Apply to and visit as many as you can. Do not get stuck with a college you only marginally like. Talk to friends who attend the school you are thinking about and get their honest opinioins on the school.

For students looking to find the right college, I would advise talking with those who know you the best. When looking in a mirror proves fruitless, those closest to us are naturally the ones who can enlighten us as to who we really are, what we excel at, and what we might have a potential passion for. I would also advise prospective students to be realistic and flexible about their college choice. Transfer students never plan to transfer, but in specific situations, schools might not match what you need or even want. You are not trapped when you enroll in a college. Remember to try new things while you're there, go to seminars, talk to people you don't know, and go on dates. Stretch yourself!

They always tell you that you can go wherever you want and be whatever you want, but its not true. Its getting harder and harder to get scholarships and financial aid, and schools are becoming more and more expensive. Uou end up spending more time stressing about money and student loans then you do studying, and so many students have to take time off or quit school completely because no one told them that loans would be so much of a problem. Unfortunately, you really should go to the cheapest school you can find, because I had to quit school for a year and a half, since no one on my family (including me) was able to get enough loans because of credit- we had taken out too much for my other years. So keep money in mind, because it might seem like a small deal now, but it could definitely affect your degree and your life after college- if you make it that far.

Look for a school that does well in the major you are looking at. Finding a school with a great campus life is also very important. While at school, work hard at your studies, but make some time for social activities, sports, friends, etc too!

Visit and really think about yourself in a school.

Study abroad, learn a language, and minor in something.

To get the most out of your college experience, head the following advice: Study the subjects that you genuinely enjoy. Find a department that has a strong sense of community, and that is a good fit for you. Talk to your professors. Take more classes with your favorite profs. Study hard, and make yourself better. Ignore your homework to become better friends with someone. Party, but don't let partying be your whole life. Sleep. Get to know the community and the area outside of campus. Let the things you are learning affect you, change you. Consider your own privilage. Read for class (at least some of the time). Ask for help, if you get depressed. Stay up all night with your friends. Participate in at least one corny school tradition (jump into a pond through a hole in the ice in Febuary). Live with people you like. Don't graduate thinking the same way you thought as a freshman.

Look for a college that will provide as broad and diverse an education as possible. In this day and age, it is important to be able to think critically about many different things. A broad and diverse education, like one provided from a liberal arts school, enables one to better contribute to society.

College students are explorers. They explore themselves, each other, and the world. Make sure you pick a college that encourages exploration, but also one that helps you find your way if you get lost. These are some of the most formative years of your life. Put yourself in a place that will help you become you. Pick a campus that you'll be comfortable on. Do what you want to do, and don't worry too much. You'll figure out the balance between academic life and social life when that's what becomes important to you. Meet lots of people-- some of them may be your friends well into adulthood. Open your mind and let it learn. That's what college is for.

Look around, don't be easily satisfied. Make sure you've found the best college for you. Once you've found the right college, go for it. Also, make the most off your college experience. Get involved with as much as you can; if something interests you, at least go to one meeting. The more you get involved, the more you'll get out of your college.

I would advise people to seek out a place that is academically challenging, but provides the major and learning environment desired to the student. I advise getting away from one's own hometown and experience the world outside of what they already know. Don't be afraid to travel abroad. Liberal Arts colleges are great if a person is unsure about what they want to do with their life. Community colleges are inexpensive and most credits will transfer to a university. This is cost effective and a smart decision that still provides for a good education. Don't be afraid to try new things and be open minded. Your college experience is what you make of it!

My first recommendation to students searching for the right college is to visit as many as possible. Spending time on the campus was the most informational factor in my personal choice. A student should also consider the quality of program that the college offers for their intended major. Not all students consider distance from home extremely important because each person values contact with family in a different way; however, For parents, other information is much more valuable. Total Cost and availability of financial aid of the school are very important.

Go with what feels right and with something that has a lot of opportunities.

Whether you are already 90 percent sure of where you want to go or you have no idea where to start looking, you should go to collegeboard.com. You can do searches there in which you are questioned as to what you are looking for in your college. You can be as specific, or non-specific as you like and if you have an account there, you can even save your searches for looking at them later. It can be a very helpful resource in narrowing down your options and/or providing you with a few extra. Parents, be supportive, but make extra effort not to be intrusive, once your kid has started college. Students, make the most of your time. Go out, get to know people, get outside, do extra-curricular activities, play sports, and have fun, but don't neglect your education. Try to stay ahead of your classes, because you'll get better grades and it's difficult to catch up once you start to fall behind. Have study sessions with classmates. It's a great motivator and usually helps you retain things better too. Just don't forget to relax and enjoy yourself every so often.

There are so many schools out there, and you may never be sure if you picked the right school. I have a friend that has been to 3 different colleges in 2 years, and has liked every one of them. Make the most informed decision you can for the situation that you are in at that point in your life, and eventually everything will all work out for the better if you stay focused and ambitious.

make sure you apply to alot of different colleges unless you know exaclty what your looking for. College is what you make of it. There are plenty of oppertunities to find an activity to get involved in so find an extra-curricula activity you enjoy and join a group, it helps with meeting new people and learning more about the college

Finding the right college is essential. You need to choose an environment where you feel comfortable and safe; at home. Do not make hurried decisions, but weigh your options and ask every question possible. Make sure the school you decide on has the degree, sports, extra curricular activities, and other entities that you are not happy living/studying without. In order to succeed in college, it is important to try your best, especially during your first year when so much is new and distracting. Balance your work, school, and social life so that you do not feel completely alone or lost in your work load. Enjoy every minute, classes and teachers included; the knowledge, skills, and relationships made during your college years will last you a lifetime. And there's only four years to cram it all in! Best of luck. :)

As for parents, try not to pressure your child too much into choosing the school you think is right for them, as often that is only a reflection based on what was best for you. Students, visit colleges before you choose them, the environment can make all of the difference--academics need to be strong, but without the right learning environment those can mean little to nothing. Also, take into account that with a larger school, the classes can be large and impersonal, to the point where good education can be neglected--value one-on-one time and find a place that seems to suit you as a person and allows you to express your own opinions and values. Try to find a school that pulls in people that do not sequester your unique personality while still offering a quality education that will serve you later on in life in the working world.

Get started in the process early enough to visit and research several different colleges. Take this decision seriously as you may spend the next four years of your life at this school. Once you arrive at the school of your choice, make all efforts to be involved with the things that interest and excite you. Make it a goal to leave college without having had any regrets. Although many schools are reluctant to make change based on the will of the students (citing the fact that students are only around for four years anyway), a group of dedicated students can make a difference at any college. Perhaps your passion is the environment. Find others who share your passion and push your school towards more green policies. It may be a daunting task, but with enough people and the right organization, a lot of good can be done.

Picture yourself ten years from now. Where are you? What are you doing? Are you married or single? The answers to these questions are very relevant to choosing which college to attend. From the major you want, to the relationships you hope to build, all these things factor into choosing your college, and help ensure that you love being wherever you end up. Knowing what you want to major in is helpful for choosing a college, but if you don?t know what your major is yet, don?t panic. A lot of people go into college with no idea what they want to do, and those that do oftentimes change their mind several times before deciding. If you?re unsure, pick a school that has a diverse selection of classes and look around. Another thing you should consider is the atmosphere of the school. Do you want a big school, one with a good swim team, or one really into politics, or all three? Being around the kinds of people you like makes all the difference in the world in college. It?s really the relationships you make and the good memories you take away that make college fun.

Explore your oppions and see what majors and minors are offered at the schools you are looking for. figure out it you like the city or the country. A relgous college public university. don't go to a school because all of your friends are going there pave your own path no matter were you choose to go you will make friends

I would first advise parents to push their children to consider their interests and their desires when finding a college and not to push their children towards a specific college (Ultimately the student should be allowed to make this decision on their own). I would advise parents to push their kids to get their applications in as early as possible seeing how this can be very important in gaining entrance to a college. After a child enters college, I would caution parents against putting forth the classic overprotective, over-involved parent behavior. College is a time when teens need to learn the indepence and self-sufficiency needed to succeed later on in life, and as hard as it is, parents therefore need to let go and let their teen live on their own. I would recommend students take the college search very seriously. This is not something to just blow off or put off until later. I also advise students, once they have made a choice and start attending school, to get involved with organizations and activities on campus. Do not worry about a major right away, but rather focus on making friends and figuring out your interests in academics.

Life is what you make it. College is the time of your life to learn to survive & prosper in the real, un-safeguarded, no safety-net attached world. If you've found a school that you like, it fits in everyway, don't hesitate, . . . apply, but don't be closed minded to other options. College is like shoes, designer ones are nice but you have to find one that fits. Don't let anyone tell you what you should do, its your life & you're the one who has to live with the decision, so make sure that its where you wannabe. Do your reseach, make sure that it offers what you're looking for. Its important to focus on your work, but don't forget about having fun. This is where you will find the relationships that'll last a lifetime. There's so much to experience, so be smart but don't hold back out of non-familiarity, take a few risks. Parents support your student's decision this'll make the greatest difference. Also your education is an investment, everyone has debt but if you get to where you wanna be, its worth every cent, I promise.

I would give some counter-intuitive advice: Don't dive into college until you're sure about what you want it for. I sincerely wish that I had taken a year off to research different career fields, develop my worldview, and maybe to volunteer in a field of interest, before coming to college. You will probably never get another time in your life where you have no loans, no job, and no dependants to keep you "tied down" to where you are. If you take some time off and use it wisely, you will know much better what you want out of college, which is perhaps THE most important part of making sure that you get a meaningful education that helps you to get where you want to go in life. This is especially important if you are considering going to a specialty school where a major change would be difficult if you decide after a year that you have chosen an ill-fitting path for yourself. Definitely go to college. But take your time getting started and you will get much more out of it then if you just dive in because it's what everybody else is doing.