Case Western Reserve University Top Questions

I think I would tell myself to not be afraid of socializing. As an introvert, I often feel like I am missing out on experiences that my more extroverted friends seem to find easily. Over the year I have begun to come out of my shell, I just wish I had been able to do that sooner! Second, I would tell myself to work hard in college. I see too many people who spend their time partying and then are disappointed in their grades. In a school this academically good, it takes a lot to be successful, but its hard to know how to spend your time correctly as a freshman. I'd tell myself to think carefully about a weekly study schedule and stick to it. Third, I would advise myself to get involved early and often on campus. Interest areas can change drastically after high school - you really get to know yourself away from home. Some things I thought were requirements are no longer important, and things I thought were trivial are now central to me. I would not have discovered those things without getting involved when I got here. So try lots of new things at college!

There are so many new people, opportunities and acitivities in college that you will feel overwhelmed. That's normal, you've never had this many chances to define your life. Use it! You never know what may end up changing your whole life, and you never will know if you do not let it happen. Take it all in, savor every moment and don't miss out on a chance to explore and grow. Four years seems like a long time but it is not. College is the last stop on the way to adulthood, when responsibility falls squarely on your shoulders. Do not avoid that responsibility--prepare for it! Freedom and self-responsibility are right around the corner, be ready! Most of all: Never, ever, compromise yourself. Live today so tomorrow there's no guilt. For every great opportunity you gain there is another one that will only lead you to ruin. Be discerning. Be critical. But always be yourself.

There are a few things in life you really don't want to screw up, and where you go to school is one of them but maybe not for the reasons you might think. The single most important piece of advice I can offer is to make sure you can get the best education possible under the best possible conditions for you. As long as you are basically comfortable with the atmosphere at the school then don't worry about social life, opportunities, or prestige. Those will fall into place, but won't is your education if your classroom atmosphere and the approach to education is wrong. Pursue a school that allows you to learn in the way that you are the most successful. If you are an independant learner, a bigger school may be better. If you like personal attention and teachers who will work to understand yo uwhile you work to understand them, go to a college without graduate students teaching classes. Over time your friends will change, as will your social life, but the purpose of going to college, the education you will recieve, will not, so get it right the first time.

Don't stress about the transition to being away from home. It will be more seamless than you think. I know you are anticipating the difficulty of the course work, but I can never stress enough, the work load should not be underestimated. You will have to work much harder than you did in high school and most importantly, don't procrastinate!

Always take care of yourself first

Deeply consider what it is you want to do with your life, consider all the options you have before you and choose what you want to do, plan for this, and maintain that drive throughout your career. Manage your time well to suceed fully, don't overload yourself, and don't worry if you have to drop a class sometime. If you feel yourself slipping at some point, ask for help, there are several sources to help you with any academic problems, also consider Greek life. A solid foundation of friends and colleagues can help you in numerous ways. Research the career center, take some tests, find out what is best for you to do. Although you may think you know what you want to do now, you may, down the road, after experiencing college, find that you have something else you'd like to do. The earlier you can be sure of what you want to do, the better your college experience can be. Be involved, but remember to only do what you think is best for you, do what you enjoy, and don't overload. Above all, enjoy college, its the last hoorah before real life.

If I could go back in time and give myself one piece of advice during my senior year of high school, it would be to find what I love to do during college instead of worrying about not knowing what the future would hold. I have spent so much time in the past three and half years worrying about not knowing what I was going to do with my life. As it turns out, most people don't know either. Three changes in my major later, I now know that college is a time to find yourself; If one thing doesn't fit, move on to something else. This is the unique time in your life when you can find what you love to do, so don't spend your time in a major that makes you miserable. So, i would say to the eighteen-year-old version of myself, "Sit back, relax, and find something you truly love in college. Don't worry about what everyone else is doing, just find something that makes you happy.".

If I had the chance to tell myself what I know now about college life, I would divulge the need to be involved, whether it be in student government, Greek Life, or another student organization. I was highly involved in my later years in college, and I can now say that because I was involved, I am where I am today. Being involved in a fraternity and student government has made who I am today and has lead to the great opportunities that I have had. The planning, leadership and time management skills that were built during my involvement in the organizations that I was in have greatly benefited me in my day to dayjob performance. Being involved in extracriticular activities would be my advise to myself if I had the chance to relay the information back throw time to my high school days.

I would tell myself to focus, study hard and always be myself. Don't be blinded by pretty words or people and remember to always give people the benefit of the doubt.

To follow my heart and base my decision solely on that.

take advantage of all PSEO and AP courses available

Work hard from the beginning, and have a drive to learn new things, so that you can grow as a person and as a student

Your old study habits may need to change; procrastination will not help you through that Biochemistry test. Whatever you do, attend the Supplemental Instruction classes taught by students who have already received an A in the class! They know the teacher's style, and their free study sessions break down tough material into common terms. Keep in touch with special high school friends (snail mail means a lot!) but get involved early (marching band, philanthropy groups, youth groups) because Case is semi-antisocial and making quality friends will take time. All the students try to impress each other at first; don't be intimidated! Instead of worrying, study!

To be completely honest, I would not give my high-school self any advice to change anything during my college years thus far. I believe that one of the main parts of the college experience is the unexpectedness of it all. Being able to adjust yourself in a completely new enviornment socially, academically, et cetera is a valuable lesson that will most definitely come in handy for the future. Although I have made some poor decisions during my freshman year, such as not getting involved with the extracurricular activities as much as I would've liked or not actively looking for a job, I have discovered from them a priceless tool which is the most important aspect of my life: overcoming obstacles and learning to improve. Because of the mistakes I have made, I know that I will be better off in the future. If there had been someone with me during my high school years giving me advice on what to do and what not to do in college, then nothing would have been new, and I would not have learned anything firsthand. I treasure all the experiences of my life, the good and the bad.

Stick to your gut feeling about which college you want to go to, even if you accepted at the most prestigious college! Pick somewhere where you WANT to be for the next four years of your life!

Looking back, I have learned a lot about myself through the college experience. It was the perfect opportunity for me to go beyond the little street I lived on and explore realms in life that I had not previously imagined. Beginning of freshman year of college, life was changing for many of us who attended the university. We were all very excited and had a strong sense of camararderie and friendship. If I could give myself advice, I would tell myself to hold on to that eagerness and zeal for as long as possible. Once it is gone, it is easy to lose yourself amongst textbooks and papers, which can become very lonely. Similarly, it is important to also find yourself. I struggled for countless years resisting the pressures of my parents while also trying to figure out what I really wanted to do in life. I bounced from class to class, taste testing various majors in hopes of finding myself. However, everything is a learning process. It may have taken me awhile to figure out my future, but at least I can take pride in the fact that my career decision was based on my passion for life.

I would tell myself that college life is extremely different from high school. The expectations increase a lot and people expect you to act as an adult and take responsibilty for all actions, good and bad. I would tell myself not to get sidetracted by the idea of freedom that comes leaving home. I would remind myself to stay focused and remember why I decided to go to school. I would advise myself to speak up in class and befriend my teachers because they'll seem a lot nicer once you know them. I would also encourage myself to meet new people and get involved in student life on campus because it's true that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Time management skills are essential and so is finding all the resources that are available to students. All in all I would remind myself to be myself, try and work hard, and appreciate this opportunity to attend college, a milestone many people do not reach.

Do not let your parents influence your decision. I made my own choice and it was the best thing I have ever done. I truly feel at home at my university.

Make sure you can afford it before you start and give yourself time to acclimate to your new surrroundings. DO NOT go home until you have been there at least 2 months.

Students: try to determine early in the college search process what you are looking for in a school. Also, make sure that you visit any schools that you are interested in to get a feel for each campus. The campus visits really helped me to decide which school was the best fit for me. You can do research on a school all you want, but no amount of facts and statistics will tell you if the school feels right to you. To make the most of the college experience once you are there, it's most important that you get involved - introduce yourself to people, join groups, go to campus events. Being social will ease the transition into your new environment and make it feel like a second home. Parents, relax. The college search and enrollment process can be very stressful, but it will do no good to panic or worry excessively. Trust me, my parents drove themselves crazy worrying about deadlines, finances, etc. These things need to be taken care of, but just tackle them one at a time and you'll make it through. Your most important role is to support your student in his/her college endeavors.

The college decision process is a very difficult one. My advice to all students about finding the right college is to remember that choosing a college is not a prize to be won, but rather a match to be made. This was a common phrase used by the college counselors at my high school and it proves to be very true. A lot of the time, we make decisions based on other people. When choosing a college, however, this is not a good idea. Students should explore all aspects of the ir potential college choices and choose the one that best fits them. I'm proud to say that my college was a perfect fit. Despite its prestige, most people aren't familiar with the school. However, I know chose the right college for me. As far as making the most out of the college experience, it's important for students to step out of their shells , explore, and meet a variety of different people. Colleges and Universities have a lot to offer, so why not make the best of it?

Parents of students who will be attending CWRU should be aware of the dangers of the school. Make sure you let your child know all the basics of being safe when out alone. Moreover, if you can afford it, provide your child with a vehicle because the campus life is dead. Students who have vehicles are less likely to stay on campus and binge drink on the weekends too. Lastly, motivate your child to join a fraternity or sorority because these institutions really do provide meaningful activities during the year.

Making the most out of college means to get the best education for the right amount of money, be prepared for a career in a specific field, but also to have a good time while training. To find the right college, students must decide the most important parts of what they are looking for. How many hours the student will allow themselves to study, work, utilize extracirriculars, and other social activities. Weather and location of schools are also important. The most important part of finding the right place to go to university however, is class structure, variety, professor information and class size. Make sure to find a college that will allow you to excel, to be a big fish in a small pond or a little fish in a big pond, as long as you won't be a big fish in a little fishbowl- you'll be happy. Make the most of where you are, and decide what will make you the happiest in your situation.

Encourage your kids to visit the school more than just the one time for orientation, because the school plans activities for the groups of students to attend and that is not the real atmosphere of the school at all. That second visit will show the real University

I would advise parents and students to look for the best education they can receive for the tuition price. A pricey private school should offer you considerably more resources than a cheaper public school. As a student in a private school, I feel I receive more help finding jobs and research opportunities. Also the facilities available on campus, ranging from dorms to cafeterias, should reflect the amount of money being spent. Another important advice is to be lax on judging a school's social and physical environment and the surrounding city. Most students are consumed with the courseload, extracurricular activities and jobs. There is little time to explore the neighborhood or socialize. As long as there is a tolerant atmosphere, friendships will form. It's enough to ensure the campus is neat and hygienic. It's important to have a well-rounded experience: participate in activities, get a job, do summer research, and of course study hard. College is a precursor to real life. The more you experience, the easier the transition will be to a full independent life.

The best idea is to be truthful with what you want for yourself and from your education. Explore all there is that the college and surrounding area offers and choose from there. Also be sure to take into account the costs associated with your education, be sure to find a budget and be smart with your spending. Try not to take on too much debt, save what you can, and remember that it's better to live like a broke college student while you're young then to live broke later on in life.

Make sure you visit a school you are considering. Also, don't get sticker-shock at the initial cost of tuition, there is a lot of aid available. Make a list of the pros and cons for each school you are accepted to, and really weigh out each one. This will help with determining the best school for you. I would tell parents to give their child space when they first go away to college, so they can figure out who they are away from home and make friends on their own without having their parents checking in on them every five minutes. To students, I would say do not let the expectations you have for the school get in the way of you making the most of college. Don't listen to the negative things everyone else says about the school- make your own opinions.

When looking for a college, pay attention to housing and whether or not professors speak English-- those two things affected my education more than anything else. Go where you think you fit. And in terms of making the most of it-- as long as you aren't failing, or trying to go to a really competitive graduate or professional program immediately after you graduate, don't kill yourself trying to get fantastic grades. Keep it above a 3.0 and just enjoy yourself-- there will never be another four years like these. Enjoy every minute, get involved, make a ton of friends and keep the drama to a minimum. And if you don't like it, get out right away and go somewhere you do like.

It may seem counter-intuitive and go against what everyone typically advises when selecting a college, but the best way to decide where to go is to simply visit the school and pay attention to see if you are happy or not. Often people choose a school by picking apart and analyzing every aspect of it and then balancing the myriad of pros and cons between academics, social life, sports, arts, and the surrounding community of a college. This is of course helpful if you don't know what you feel about a school after visiting, but it is truly just a superficial means to decide a very large decision. The truth is that every student will love and dislike something about the school they attend and adapt to the dislikes. Only the foolish think that a school can be perfect. However, some schools are better matches for people than others. You can instantly understand this concept when visiting a school, even if you don't know why you like or dislike the school. Listen to this feeling that you will receive when visiting a school, because it will decide the next four or more years of your life.

Get your feet on the campus. You'll know once you get thier if its right, trust your gut.

Step off of the tours and wander the university yourself get a feel for the atmosphere. Maybe even come up to random students and ask them specific questions for what their experience on campus is like that way you get the unscripted scoop the tours can't provide you with.

If you are making your decision based on money, ask yourself this question: Is the experience I (or my child) can expect to have at this college worth the money? For me, money was the deciding factor in choosing my college, and that was a mistake. Seriously consider putting youself (or your child) in a controlled amount of debt in order to give yourself (or your child) the college experience which will suit best. If there is a college which seems significantly more attractive than the others, but you are questioning your decision based on finances, go there lest you regret it for the rest of your life.

College is the experience that is most likely to have the strongest impact on the rest of your life, so the choice of the right college should be approached with clear goals and an informed mind. One must realize that college is more than just education: It is also a time of great personal growth and self-realization. Besides a degree, you are likely to leave college with exposure to conflicts and opposing viewpoints, emotional changes, and unsavory temptations. You are also likely to leave with great new friendships, a job, or a spouse. The most important thing to do is to choose a college that agrees with your personality enough to maximize the benefits while still exposing you to a sampling of the negative aspects so as to come out of college not only more intelligent, but also better prepared to confront the challenges and struggles of the real world. As an admissions employee, I would encourage active participation by the whole family in the choice of schools and the support of the choice afterward, both emotionally and financially, to make the best of the experience. As with most things, you will get back only what you put in.

Adjusting to college is difficult, but choosing the university is key. Visit the college for an overnight stay to get a glimpse of life on campus. Students who host prospective students do not normally give the student the full experience of campus-life, simply because the hosts want to give the prospective students the best possible impression of the university. Every university has its downsides. There are dangerous things that you should never do on any campus, like walking outside alone late at night. Get involved with campus activities, usually colleges offer many clubs similar to those from your high school, and even some clubs you may never have heard of before like capoeira. College is definitely the time to learn about yourself. You will learn many new things and have some difficult experiences while you adjust to the college life. You will learn a lot outside of the classroom when handling awkward roommate situations, making new friends and finding your way around campus. Just remember that everyone in your class is in the same boat as you are, so go out there and meet as many people as possible!

I would suggest that you shop around and find a school that will let you persue more than one interest, because it's really unfair of the world to expect us to know what to do with our lives at 17. You need to find a campus that's the right fit for you. And make some time to find yourself- sometimes it's so easy to get so buried in your work that you forget about yourself.

Choose a place that is financially feasible and also educationally desirable. You can always make fun and create your own fun. College is about education.

If you want to go to college to party, don't go to an expensive private school. If you want to go to college to learn, it's worth the money. Look at curriculums for your chosen major, or potential ones if you're not sure. If you don't know which one you'll choose, make sure they are flexible enough to allow you to switch! More than anything else, really, get to know the area and community around your school, because chances are it has as much to offer as the college itself.

Go to the campus and stay overnight to get the feel

Parents and students should definitely try to find a place that would foster both academic and personal growth. If the student isn't learning from other people or experiencing new things, then academics is all that is left. That's unfortunate, because life isn't based on getting good grades. It's being able to adapt, grow, change, and learn. Also, it's important to have fun in college too. There definitely needs to be a balance between school and having a social life, but really living out your college years, however the student chooses and defines this to be, is very important. This is the time to be young and live! Also, take your time. Try not to feel pressured into making a decision right away. Also, parents, try not to influence your child's choice of major/career. I know that you love your child and that you want him/her to be successful, but that may mean he/she will choose a different path in life. I just wanted to let you know that, if they learn from it, and they are happy, then it's okay. Let them live, learn, and love.

Wherever you go, there wil probably be a good selection of majors. Don't get caught up in analyzing statistics. Make sure you visit the different colleges that you're thinking about, and ask yourself if you could see yourself spending the next four years of your life there. You should pick a college where you feel that you fit in, somewhere that has its own unique sense of culture, somewhere that has activities you could get involved in and fun things to do on the weekends. Picking a college is more than picking a school, it's picking a place to live. Choose wisely. If you want to make the most of your college experience, you should make sure to get out of your room once in a while. Join a club, go Greek, find leadership positions. You'll have much more fun than if you just concentrated on your academics, and these organizations will all be things that will look good on your resume to show that you have people skills as well as knowledge in your area of study.

Students- Go with your instinics about your college choice and make the most out of where you end up.

Look for schools with balance. I came into my university wanting to major in political science and economics and then go onto medical school. Within two months of being here I decided to stay with medicine but switch everything else to medical anthropology and through that process have found that my true passion in life is global health. The opportunities that I have had here and the personal development I have undergone I can attribute almost entirely to my involvement with a department (anthropology) that I had never considered while applying to college. So even if you are positive of what you want to be when you graduate, realize that that decision is a product only of your cumulative experiences and that not only is it likely to change to some degree, but it will probably be in a direction that you have not considered. So amongst all the other considerations such as finances, social life, and location, keep balance in the academic opportunities in the front of your mind. No other time in you life will you be at such a liberty to explore your interests, so make sure you do not limit that opportunity before you even begin.

Pick a school that you feel most comfortable at. Pick a school with a student body that is like you. To make the most out your college experience, just get involved in activities that you enjoy. It's fun to do and you meet people that share the same interests as you.

Visit the campus and see if people are happy. Don't let the papers and pretty pictures fool you. Ask the students.

Visit the college and talk to the students. Ignore rankings.

Go where you want to go. It doesn't matter if they give you a scholarship. Find someplace where you're going to be comfortable for four years. Don't make compromises. Apply to lots of places you can see yourself living and don't put all your eggs in one basket.

take your time and don't stress about researching financial aid. People are friendly and return calls promptly. They're also generous.

Think of the college application process the same way you think of dating. That is, find a few places that seem like they'd be a good fit for you. Then send in your application, being sure to indicate who you are through your essays. It's the job of the admissions counselors to determine whether you'd be a good fit for the school, not whether you're "good enough" to get in. Just remember that the application process is all about finding the best school for you. I was wise enough (somehow) to decide not to make a decision as to my favorite school until I knew where I got in. I know that I was myself on my applications and tried to describe myself to the best of my ability. I'm glad I was rejected from four of the six schools to which I applied: It would have been a huge waste of time, energy, and money to try out schools that weren't right for me. I believe I've found the best possible school for me. And I couldn't be happier. You'll figure out how to handle college once you're there.

Make sure you understand the complete package you get with the school you choose. Consider size, location, academics, activities, and campus life. Don't feel that choosing a school is permanent, transfering isn't necessarily a bad thing and most schools have study abroad/exchange programs that can really add to your college experience. Most people make friends based off of where they live their freshman year, so pay attention to surveys/forms asking about housing preferences. If you're really nervous about meeting people try playing a sport or getting involved in Greek life. Choose a major that you're really interested in - it will be a lot easier getting up for those 8:30 classes! College is a lot more about self-discovery than people realize, so get ready to live and learn.

I think that parents should really look into the financial situation they will be facing and that students should look into it as well because money plays a huuuuuuge part in your college experience. No money, no fun. It's true!