Cedarville University Top Questions

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

Jessica

College helps mold you to be the real you. It is important to place yourself in an environment that supports your values and beliefs. If a student wants to be surrounded by students who have the same values in life, attending a college with similar beliefs would be beneficial. IEstablish what one hopes to accomplish while at school and find a school that matches those goals. Three other things to consider are location, size, and tuition. Do you want to go to school close to home or far away? Do you want to go to a big orsmall school? Do you want to go to a school that offers a lot of financial aide or community college? Do the best you can in your grades so the chances of getting the job at the location you want is more likely. Yet, do not let classes control your life. Meet people. Find good friends who are similar to you. Do not let friendships go to waste. College friends tend to be your "friends for life." Also, with those friends, have fun. Get involved in on campus activities such as sporting events. Support your school with school spirit. Enjoy your college days!

Sherri

Parents and students should decide what they want out of a college before looking at the options. A list of priorities could include things such as high-quality academics, athletics, focus on the community, food selection, housing possibilities, etc. Just as each person is different, each university or college will appeal to different individuals. If a student loves being surrounded by people, going to sports' events, and playing sports herself, then perhaps a larger college with an extensive athletics department would be a fit. There are thousands of colleges in America, and each is different. My first piece of advice is to determine what the student wants out of college and from their decide which insitute of higher education would best fit him. How does a student make the most of the college experience? Be involved! Work diligently at the academics, but do not completely sacrifice a social life for academia. Attend sports events, join clubs, find a place to volunteer in the community. After college is completed, hopefully the student walks away with more than a diploma. College should be a place where students learn life skills and effective ways to serve others. Be involved in people's lives.

Brad

When I look back at my experience of choosing what college to attend, I can't help but laugh at how little thought I actually put into my decision. My parents both graduated from Cedarville University, and they had been trying to sell their alma mater to me since I was a small child. It worked for my older sister, who hesitated to choose Cedarville at first, but graduated with no regrets about her experience there. But I believe that my decision to attend CU was obvious for other reasons besides family tradition. I identify with my school--it's character, its mission, its outlook on education. As an academic, I found at Cedarville uncompromising standards and a curious community of students. As a Christian, I found an institution that is serious about practicing faith in original and productive ways. As a young person, I found a network of faculty that encouraged me to work to turn my ambitions into reality. I would encourage any prospective student not to ignore her mind's eye when researching what college to attend. Find a school that you can identify with, an environment where you feel you can thrive and pursue your goals.

Kristen

Carefully weigh the cost. A great education is imporant, but being a slave to your student loans is not worth the high price for a private school education. There is no shame in a state school education. Also- don't go to a school just because your parents did. You are not your parents, and what you want and what the school offer may not be the same thing.

Mike

Apply to a bunch of different schools. Don't expect any one thing going into your college education. You'll learn a lot, and some of it will be from books, wherever you go. The school itself is only part of the equation. 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of your experience is what you bring to the table. Be willing to get out there and try new things. Don't go crazy; but don't stay in your dorm and do nothing. Get involved in a research study, intramural sports - do something. Studies aren't the half of what you'll learn at college.

Ben

College is a big deal, there is no denying that. But when it comes to choosing the right college, it sometimes just happens. There are hundreds of colleges out there, and if you lose your cool or start worrying that there is only one right answer for you, only one college that will be good for you, then you are fighting a losing battle. Instead, approach college like one of those "Choose Your Own Adventure" books that led to different endings. You don't know the ending with whichever choice you make, but whichever adventure looks most appealing to you is likely a good choice. When it comes to college, the only wrong choice is setting aside your dreams because of the obstacles before you. If you have dreams and aspirations, chase them, make them realities. When when you get to college, don't take as many classes as you can and still pass. You need to leave yourself time to process and evaluate. Don't burn yourself out so you can finish early. Leave time to enjoy life around you, and remain mentally intact so you can finish as a healthy and marketable individual.

Barry

I can tell you how to find te perfect school easily. First, find something you love to do and find a school that offers it as a degree. Second, look for a school that feels like home the first time you visit it. After all, You'll be there for four or more years. Third, Never stop making friends. That will make it even more enjoyable. Finaly, realize you're going to have hard time ocasionally. When they happen, its not the end of the world, simply pick yourself back up and keep going knowing that things will get better in time. Don't quit in those times or you'll never know what you missed out on. In short, live looking foward with the will to over come what ever comes you way. Then, not only will you get the most out of your college, but also the most out of life!

Courtney

Look at as many schools as you can so that you can get a feel for what is out there. Make sure and visit each campus overnight and get a real idea what it is like.

Crystal

When looking at a college, try to talk to some recent alumni or even seniors at the college. They will tell you how it really is at the school. Also, try to visit the campus so you can feel what the atmosphere is like, but make sure the school isn't just trying to put on a show for you. Lastly, see what kind of extracurricular activities the school has. That way you will be able to see if the school has some life, and you won't be bored out of your mind on the weekends. Overall, make sure you look at every aspect of the school not just if they have your major.

Hollis

it is not hard to find the right college. find one that has the major you are interested in but also has others to choose from just in case you change your mind. college is also fun no matter where you go, but remeber it is what you make it. just have fun when you go, don't stress about grades but also don't be a slacker. do the work that needs to be done but remeber to have fun to.

David

Choosing a college is a huge decision in life and I don't think there is any college that is perfect for everyone. When making a decision on a college its important that they have the program that you want to do, and that it has a quality education. However, college is more than an education it's an experience that transitions you from a child to an adult, from your parents making your decisions to you making your decisions. This makes it crucial to find a school that will help you get ahead not just in education but in life. Look for a school that fits your personality, what school will help you grow up? I'm not talking about what school has the biggest parties, but what school has the facilities that will aid you in making real friends, and real life decisions? Do you need a small school that specializes in one area that will allow you to fit in and focus? Or, are you a person that needs a big school with lots going on that will allow you to really try new things and experiences? These are crucial questions to answer that often get overlooked.

Katharine

Know exactly what you want and go to the college that agree's with your values and your life plan. If money is the issue, try finding scolarships early so that you can get the best education possible.

Lydia

Picking the right college is a huge deal because it will impact one's life forever. It is important to pick a school that not only has a good academic program for one's anticipated major, but also a good career services department to assist with the process of job hunting upon graduation. Even more important than this, however, is the values of the school. Pick a school that has beliefs and values that are similar to your own. Beliefs and values infiltrate every aspect of student life from social circles to the classroom. Cedarville, for example, places a lot of value upon reaching out to the surrounding community and distant countries in the world. This has strengthened an already strong passion for ministry and missions, and broadended my outlook on many things. As an RA here on campus, I have gotten to interact with countless students here and it has been an enormous blessing. Although academics are extremely important, friendships and networking are the heartbeat of college life. The friendships I have built here are going to last for a lifetime and beyond. Stay on top of academics, but never neglect your friends and social life.

Joshua

Talk to the students. Do not just ask professors and admissions .

Esther

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Terri

Upon embarking on the college search, it is important for the student and the parents to identify a clear objective or purpose in pusuing higher education and why it is worth making that investment. As for myself, I do not view my college experience as simply preparing me for a specific job opportunity. Rather, I am primarily pursuing college as a means of completing my education while at the same time benefiting from an experience which fosters growth and independence and which just in general helps develops successful strategies for approaching and conquering life's problems. For many people it seems that if the college decision is not based on career objectives then it is based on finances or the subsequent lack. However, it is not really fair to compare the pricetag of a particular institution to the potential employment situation directly following, for college is a long term investment. I myself cannot afford the college I am attending, neither could my three older siblings, but somehow we are all making it through and learning to allow our immediate indebtness to motivate us to work hard now to eventually reap the benefits later.

Emily

Make sure you pray hard about where you should go. With the way college costs these days, you dont want to make the right decision and not realize it until you are a year or two in. College is typically four years long, just like high school. You want it to be the best, you dont want to be miserable while at school. It is not just about the social life, but if you only pick a school because of the academics, you might find yourself depressed and that depression will ultimately affect your school work. You need to find a place that you can call, a home away from home. You have to feel comfortable and feel welcomed at your college, otherwise it will be a long, painful, four years. Make the best out of your college experience. It helps direct the rest of your life!

Jennifer

It's important to look at more than one school and visit each of them before making your decision. There are a lot of good schools out there, but not all are right for everyone. Visiting the campus, especially when classes are in session gives you a really good feel for what the school is going to be like if you choose to attend there. Also take advantage of opprtunities to get involved while attending whatever school you choose. So many of my really close friendships started by getting involved in various orgs and other activities on campus. When picking a school, look at the extracurricular activities they offer.

Kimberly

I would recommend getting away from home. I did not like being so far away at first, but I think it is an important part of the College experience that you are out on your own and experiencing life as an adult, making your own decisions. If you get home sick, just stick it out for at least a semester and try to do a whole year. You may be surprised how well you adjust in such a short amount of time. Also, time management is key! It is so easy to waste time hanging out, watching movies, being on facebook, etc. If you utilize your afternoons to get all your work done, you can enjoy your evenings more and get plenty of sleep! Do the reading that is assigned and this will also help you to understand your class work better. If you focus on your studies it will be worth it in the end when you are equipped for a career that will support you that you actually enjoy doing! Good Luck!

Eliane

I greatly advise that you find a quality school with the atmosphere that you value most. Be sure that it has your major, then pray about what the right decision is. Look to God for guidance because He really does care about what goes on in ourlives. When He shows you where to go, trust him to provide the finances you need. If that is the school He wants you at, He will provide, for He is a faithful God.

Katie

I would encourage them to visit several different kinds and sizes of colleges, in several locations around the United States. It's important to be open to change, be willing to step outside your comfort zone, and go with your "gut feeling."

Erin

The best advice I could give parents and their children about their search for the perfect college would be to begin the process early. Also, the more schools you visit, the better idea you will have about what you want, or what to avoid, in a school. Once the perfect college is selected, I would encourage you to get take time to adjust and figure out how to balance this new life. After the initial shock of college, getting involved in sports, clubs, ministries, or other extra-curriculars early will also be beneficial to your success. We've all heard the familiar expression, "The college experience is the best four years of your life!" Indeed, I would have to say that those words are true, but only to an extent. While it is important for students to have fun making friends and trying new things, it is also imperative that students take their classes and grades seriously because those are some the core reasons for being at school. All in all, college is a wonderful experience, and if you make the most of the opportunities available to you, you will have experiences and memories to last a lifetime.

Trevor

I reccomend thoroughly researching many colleges and narrowing down the potential colleges by visiting and taking tours. Many times, the easiest way to evaluate a college, is to visit and stay with a college student in the dorm. This gives the prospective student an opportunity to experience college life and ask students questions. Once I visited Cedarville, my mind was made up and I didn't even apply anywhere else. Once the parents and/or students have narrowed the college decision down to a few schools, they can start the application process. I reccommend applying to very few colleges to save money and time. One thing I found very helpful when I started out as a freshman was to try to be involved with all of the transition activities designed for freshmen and transfers. It was hard, as a shy freshman with no friends, to get out of my room and go make friends, but it was a good move.

Jennifer

Sometimes it is so hard to know how to balance course work and social life, I know from experience because as a freshman, I only did coursework. Creating long lasting friendships is such an important part of the college experience. Make sure that as you are supposed to try your hardest in acedemics, make time for a social life. This is important for the oppposite as well, if you are a person who struggles with acedemics because of a love to hang out with friends, focus a little more on acedemics.

Tom

Get involved!

Emily

Look at all of your options and know your financial standing. The child should also be aware of what his/her payments are going to be when graduating and/or still in college. This would help motivate the child to work harder. It all comes down to not spoiling your child, so they don't regret the chioces they make later in life.

Rebecca

Make sure that the student really wants to get the most out of their college experience if they are going to a private school. It is very beneficial to save money and to go to a state of community college and then go to a private university after that if finances are tight. Choosing a christian university can be very helpful in helping a student to become more grounded in their beliefs while still having the structure/boundaries that such a university provides. Above all if your student is not happy with their selection it is never to late to transfer out of a school and find a school that better fits the students needs.

Anna

My main advice to parents and students about finding the right college is to go and stay on campus for a night or two. Don't go on weekends that the school hosts in order to have hundreds of high school students there to "experience" their college or university. Schools always put their best foot forward on these weekends, which isn't a bad thing, but you really don't get the real college experience. I visited all of the schools I was seriously considering on a normal weekend. I knew immediately when I stayed at Cedarville that it was the right choice. These experiences were the main things that helped me make my decision.

Rebecca

Academics are important, but so is a fun college experience. Choose a school where you will be challenged, make friends, grow, and develop independence. Take adavantage of the opportunities to get involved at school and in the community. Develop great relationships with your professors and advisors. If you show them that you want to succeed, they will make sure you do so.

Samantha

My number one piece of advice would be to visit each of the colleges of interest to the student and/ or parent. You can read a lot of great things on the internet and see interesting pictures, but until you see how students at the school interact and how they treat visitors, you won't be able to discern whether or not the school is a good fit for you. In visiting, you will have the opportunity to see what the campus offers academically, socially, spiritually, etc. Most importantly you will have the chance to ask other students about their experiences at the school, their likes and dislikes, their values and core beliefs, and the relationships they've made. Once you select a college, stick with it through thick and thin, and you will make the most of your experience. Always remember, you're only in college for four years (well usually!), so take advantage of the opportunities you have to be a part of something that may not be an option in the future.

thomas

Look for a place that challenges you academically and also challenges your growth as a person. You want a place where you can learn and be stretched and changed more into the person that you want to be. In college you should work hard and not procrastinate on homework. Do homework before recreation and you will go a long way!

Michael

First of all, it is important to consider what kind of person you are, what you're looking for in a college, and what you want your experience to be like. Do some research on what colleges and universities fit this description. Get started early! What college you attend is a very important decision, so you do not want to put it off. When in doubt, apply to more colleges than you think necessary. Decide what colleges are on the top of your list and go visit them. If you can, stay on campus during your visit to get a better idea of what life is like on that campus. Also, consider how much each college costs, and decide whether or not spending more will be worth it. As far as making the most of your college experience, I think it is vital that you find friends that balance their studies with their social life well. You want friends that know how to have fun but at the same time, know how much work they need to do to stay on top of all their classes. Be social, because we were made for community.

Laura

Visit the college in person and ask students to tell you the inside story. You will learn a lot.

Nicole

Take your studies seriously and remember that you are in college to get an education first and foremost. Get as much practical experience in your field as you can.

Amanda

As far as finding the right college, I would say to give a lot of consideration to who you are. Consider your personality, likes and dislikes, passions, etc. and go from there. Find a school that fits who you are because that is where you will end up being the most comfortable and most likely perform the best. For example, I operate better in a smaller setting so if I had attended a large state school I would've felt very out of place. To make the most out of the college experience, get involved. On any given college campus there are opportunities to get involved with music groups, athletics, clubs, community service, etc. Find something and have fun doing it. Also, make time for social interaction. Work to keep a balance between your academic schedule as well as spending time with friends. I can almost guarantee you will make the best friends of your life in college - make the most of the time you have with them.

Ashley

Be responsible to know about your college choices, asking questions about the faculty, classes, environment, spiritual atmosphere, extracurricular activities & athletics. Ask them to describe their typical graduate, both in personality & beliefs, but career placement & goals. If you cannot justify becoming that person, that college is not right for you. The right college will shape you into a person you like seeing in the mirror. Take ownership of this choice. At the right college, making the most of the experience is dependant upon your willingness to try new things. You will be drawn into participating in activities that interest you, that cause you learn & grow. Whether it is athletics, the arts, community service, or campus life, allow yourself to enjoy the new experiences. Be tolerant of activities that may not necessarily be 'your thing', and be open to changing your own mindset. Find student and faculty mentors who resemble who and what you wish to become, and meet with them. Learn from them, & experience life with them. Continue those friendships past graduation. Search yourself, explore your desires and dreams. Take time to enjoy this time, as well as learning as much as possible to succeed professionally and personally.

Ryan

When trying to find the right college or university, a common mistake prospective students make is to equate opportunity with success. It is important to understand that the primary determining factor in whether you are happy with your college experience is what you put into it; the time you apply to homework and classes, the effort you put into reaching beyond yourself to make friends with diverse backgrounds, and the perseverance with which you pursue your dreams are what will determine whether you accomplish your goals. If you are planning to pursue an academic career, the prestige and reputation of your undergraduate school are less important than where you do your graduate work; if you are pursuing a business-related career, your grades do not matter as much as your experience and your ability to convince an interviewer that you are a hard-working, trustworthy individual. College is the gateway to the rest of your life; it's where you practice to become the person you will be for life. So the most important question to ask yourself about a college is: is this a place where I will be comfortable for the next four years of my life?

Erin

Firstly, consider not what the dreams of the parent are, but what the dreams of the student are, and what skills they have. Everyone tends to do better and be happier throughout the college experience if they are doing and studying something they truly love. Secondly, consider what the college is offering to both of you, the parents, and the students. What is available on campus and in the surrounding area for the student? If you love the outdoors, are there parks and preserves? If shopping, are there malls or quiant downtown shopping districts? If ministry and outreaches, are there missions, shelters, etcetera, in the area you can be involved with? What support structure does the school provide for the parents? Is it easy to trust that your child will be safe and cared for? If something serious happens, will they contact you? Do they maybe have a service provided so you can send your child gift certificates for a local eatery when they've had a bad week, when you're 600 miles away? Quality of education and distance from home are considerations we all keep in mind, what I've suggested are things we might not think of.

Collin

The first thing to realize about college is that it is not just gaining an academic base for which to enter the job market. College is a learning experience in all areas of life. It is the place where people are transformed from youth into adults. When seeking what college to attend, this must be taken into consideration. Look for good academics, but ultimately look for where you think you will grow and mature most as a human being.

Mychaela

Visiting a campus, especially when classes are in session can say a lot about the college and the students that attend there. Spending the night can give a good feel for dorm life as well. When visiting a campus connecting with a professor and learning about that particular deparment can really say a lot on where the focus is those classes. And connecting with students is a good way to keep in touch with what is going on even before attending the college if that choice is made. Prayer iskey too if one is a Christian and can really bring a peace about what decision is right. Once at the school, getting involved is a great opportunity to serve and make friends. And being yourself is always the best way to make lifelong friends. Studying hard will ensure good grades, and don't be afraid to get help when you need it, because success in the classroom will lead to lifelong success. Try picking a college that has similar beliefs as you and one the seems to be a good fit socially and academically. Remember, college is for the average person, and success is possible if you strive for it.

Chris

College is a time of change. Between the ages 18 and 22 a person undergoes some of the most life altering changes they will ever face. It?s the age that you break from your established mold and are forced to become the person you will be for the rest of your life. As such, it is imperative to choose the correct college. Even more so, it is necessary to go into this stage of life prepared to grow. College can be a time of intense learning as well as spiritual, emotional, mental, and social development. It can be a time where you find what it means to truly live in this world, or it can be a time of squandered opportunities and irresponsible choices . Your mindset is crucial in defining your experience. In addition, I would encourage a prospective student of higher education to find an establishment that offers what they are passionate about and provides a positive, nurturing campus environment. If you enter college ready to grow, if you are studying what you love, and if the faculty, staff, and students engender a positive campus atmosphere, you are poised to enter the best years of your life.

Amanda

Don't let finances hold you back from allowing your student or child to get a good degree. There are forms of assistance out there. Take advantage of them. Also get very invovled and if you find yourself struggling to keep up with school don't be too prideful to ask for help. You are only going to be young and in college once so make the most of it... and stay away from alcohol. It will only mess up your career and future.

Amanda

No college will be perfect, there will always be problems with finachial aid, professors and even among the student body, just enjoy it! You make the most of your college experience, its ultimately up to you. :)

Michael

Make sure you can have fun and learn something that is applicaple to you.

Jacob

Look around. Don't just go to the first one that you like.

Sarah

Really, when it comes down to it - choosing the right college has very little to do with it being "right" on paper. It has everything to do with finding your niche wherever you go and finding your way to leave a positive mark on the school when you leave - for others to experience. Also, when you graduate, the piece of paper that says you did what you needed to get through is nothing compared to the experiences you'll take to start your future. So, stress little about where you're going to spend the next four years or so of your life and focus on the details once you get there. You'll do great!

Michael

Find what you're looking for. Don't setle for less. There's a school out there that ofers what you want, and you can find it.

Devin

I would tell parents and students to begin looking at colleges during the Junior year of highschool. This aides in applying for school senior year, you can apply early and be done with all the paper work and find out where you are accepted and then be able to enjoy your senior year. To get the most out of the college experience you have to have a good balance of school and social life, do not over do the social life, but do not over do the studying as well. Get to know the people in your dorm or hall and start building relationships right away!

Heather

I would tell them to go where it fits, if you want a big school don't settle for a little one, and the other way around. The experiance is what you make of it, if you choose to always be down and never talk to anyone, then you will not have a very good time, but if you put forth the effort to do something and meet people then you are going to have a better time than just sitting in your room. Don't try and be something or someone that you are not, changing because of someone else is not a good thing, you need to change because you want to change not because someone else wants you too.