Eastern University Top Questions

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

Elizabeth

The most important factor in a student's college experience is whether or not they manage to find a school that is a good fit for them. The best way to start is by making a list of all the qualities of your ideal college. For example, a do you want to go to a big school or a small one? In an urban, sub-urban, or rural area? What programs must the school offer? These and other such questions can be answered before you begin looking at colleges. Then, as you begin to look at schools, you know what criteria is important to you. You may even be able to rule out some schools you had thought you were interested in. Also, once you have narrowed your selection down to a few schools to apply to, try to spend a night on each campus. Talk to the students and ask them what they like about their school, if there's anything they don't like, or what made them choose their school over all other options. College is an important time and only by finding a school that fits you can you make the most of your college experience.

Jessica

Please let God guide in the prcess . It helps out so much more .

Joshua

It is best to know what it is that one is looking for when searching for the appropriate college or university to further one?s academic studies. An informed decision is imperative. While the vast majority of undergraduate schools are suitable for continuing one?s education or entering into the workforce, one size does not fit all. The advice carved centuries ago on the gates to the Temple of Apollo at Delphi is still meaningful today. ?Nosce te ipsum.? In English, this reads ?know thyself.? Comparing one?s unique interests with the qualities of prospective colleges can help to determine the best choice. Major areas to consider include: academic rigor, resources, size, location, job availability, social environment, and other personal preferences. Making the most of the one?s college years is not necessarily completing a checklist of experiences, social encounters, and cultural norms. Even if such a list were available for completing, the result might be less than satisfactory. It?s important to remember that it is not the obligation of the school to provide the proverbial ?college experience,? but rather the student?s prerogative.

Sean

My advice is to take it easy. College is ultimately about what you make of it. You can spend your time in your room and not really get to know anyone, or you can be a little more active. Also you don't necessarily need to find the right college at first. It's not a bad thing to go to a college and find that it isn't the one for you. If it isn't then transfer out to one that might fit your personality better. There is no absolutes when it comes to this. Be mindful of where you are going. Try and find a college that will challenge you academically, but will also allow you to have a bit of fun along the way. Be careful, but enjoy the time spent with those around you.

Amanda

Finding the place you will spend four very influential years of your life can be a stressful and draining process for both parent and student alike. Not only are you excited for adulthood, you are scrambling to hold onto whatever part of your childhood you have left. It's scary to leave home, friends, family and familiar places. Although it is a difficult decision regardless of what advice I may give you, the best I can offer is attend a school where you feel at home. Of course it is important that the school offers your major and extra-curricular activities you enjoy, but it is more important that you can see yourself walking around campus, making friends and getting involved at this school. Weigh the pros and cons between schools, but stick to your gut instinct. It will always give you the answer you're looking for. And, if worse comes to worse, you can always transfer : )

Elizabeth

Value doesn't always come where money goes. Only the student can really make the best of their college experience.

Philip

As you begin to look for colleges actively consider all criteria - don't rule out an institution simply because you do not think it is perfect right now. Remember, you will grow and change through the collegiate journey. Consider attending a school away from home. This will help to provide you with many new experiences and will help broaden your horizons. Make an effort to become actively involved in campus activities. Many individuals who are dissatisfied with their college experience never truly took advantage of all of the opportunities made available. Choose your major wisely. Find out what career opportunities are available for the major. Consider double-majoring in complementary fields, especially if one of the majors that interests you is somewhat limited in career opportunities. Take advantage of the time your professors set aside to meet with you, especially if you are struggling in a particular course. Always prepare yourself to grow and expand, and look for opportunities that will help to stretch you. Do not "settle in" and coast your way through school. Graduating early is not always the best option. You may save a littl emoney, but you will lose invaluable experiences.

Whitney

My advice is to be open to the student's desires. If the student wants to go to school far away from home and has a dream to be an archeologist then I think it is best for the student to do so. If they are being forced to do something else because of money or other's wishes they may have a hard time being motivated. Also when looking at colleges try to spend the night on campus if possible. This will help the perspective student experience the college's social atmosphere. Also they should ask to sit in on a class in their field of study so they can experience how classes are taught at the school. My last piece of advice is to stay at the college for at least one year. Freshman year is difficult and during the first semester a lot is changing. Many students become overwhelmed and either think about dropping out or transferring. Yet I would advise the student to stay for at least two semesters before leaving. This will give them the chance to really experience college after the initial change is over and they may come to love it.

Robyn

Take your time. Schedule plenty of time when looking for the right fit. Don't visit all the colleges on your list. Narrow it down to a few you are interested in and then go to the campus for a tour and visit. Sit in on a class of your interest, maybe even stay overnight to see what the social life is really like on campus. ATLEAST visit the campus, see it with your own eyes. That is how I made my final decision. It is hard to decide through tours via computer.

Britney

Be sure you feel comfortable on the campus, not only academically, but also socially. You never want to be that awkward person who has no friends on campus.

Jordan

Students, make sure you know enough about yourself and what your personality is before you choose a school. I started out at a huge state college. I hated just being a number. My advisor didn't advise me correctly. I would have had to go to school for 5 years for a 4 year program if I stayed there. Now I am finishing a semester early, in three and half years. I got lost in the sea of students who just wanted to drink and party. I was focused more on doing well in school. I wanted to be around people who believed similarly in what I believed in. I wanted to find a community to be a part of instead of just feeling like I was in "grade 13". Parents, don't force your opinions on your children when they are looking for a college. Be understanding of their personality, as strange as it might seem to you. Let them decide and make their own decisions. The college they choose will hopefull turn into their new home and their new family for the next four years. Let them choose, because it will be the only chance they get.

Justin

I believe that finding the right college is extremely important. To be a part of a community on campus will help shape who you are and who you will become. Visit college campuses, talk to professors, talk to current students. Make sure that the college is affordable for your family so that it does not become a source of stress for everyone involved. To make the most of the college experience, get involved. Have fun but remember to study hard. This is your one chance. Make the most of it.

Rachel

I would challenge parents to visit lots of different schools and to pay attention to the school which your child fits in best. Not fits in best socially but with the core values of the school, the extra curricular activities and the campus diversity. A student who can get involved in clubs is more likley to be kept busy (a good kind of busy) and enjoy college morethan someone who does not fit in and does not find extra curricular activites. You should also challenge your student to start defining themself and what they want in their college before they start looking so they are not swept off their feet with the good looking girls/guys of a campus and end up there when they would have a much more fullfilling experience at a more fitting college.

Brian

Make sure you agree with the colleges philosophy and and religious affiliation (if applicable). Make sure it's the right size and in the right location and has a good academic program. Make friends and socialize.

Marie

The best advice that I have to share with students and their parents about finding the right college is to search deeply and to not settle for anything less than the perfect school. The perfect school for every student is out there waiting to be found. Tour campuses, meet with professors, do personal research and discover the aspects that the student wants in a univeristy. To make the most of the college experience the best advice I can give is to get involved with the unversity cimmunity, join groups and organiations, find a job on campus, form study groups, take part in on campus activities, join a sports team , whether it be a university team or intramural, engage with classmates, and professors. It is through taking part in these activities that students makes the lasting friendships that will shape their college expereince as well as the rest of their lives.

Rebekah

Find a place where the environment feels right. Not just the campus environment but the surrounding area as well. Spend a night on campus if that option exists for that school because that is a great way to really get a feel for the place.

Emily

Eastern University provides students with a liberal arts education that is rooted in a Christian worldview. Students who attend Eastern are challenged to think outside of the box and beyond what their traditional training has encouraged. Many graduates find that they have been challenged in their faith, beliefs, and intellect. This has allowed some to remain rooted in these areas, and others to seek other oppurtunities. Many students find that by the end of their college career they become stronger in their perception and understanding of themselves. This is due in part by the excellent faculty and administration that are easily accessible and extremely attentive. Overall, Eastern University is a stellar Christian college that continues to challenge itself in various areas.

Kaitlyn

Before I applied to Eastern University I asked the opinions of current college students. They all responded with the same advice: VISIT AS MANY COLLEGES AS YOU CAN! Everyone told me I would know when I was on the right campus...and they were right! As soon as I stepped foot on Eastern's campus I knew that I belonged there. As far as making the most of your college experience- DON'T BE SHY! Everyone is experiencing college for the first time which makes for an awesome way to bond with fellow students. Don't be afraid to approach people, and don't be afraid to try new things. College is a time to discover, and reinvent yourself. You can do anything you want to, and should! You'll only be in school for four years, and you wouldn't believe how fast it goes by. Taking the time to find out what kinds of groups and organizations your school offers is well worth the effort. Lastly, don't waste too much time stressing about your major or financial problems. Everything will come together, and worrying about those types of issues can distract you from great opportunities!

Rebecca

Choose the right college for you. Perhaps start off at a community college to save money, then transfer. Live on campus, meet new people and decide to make deep friendships rather than passing party friends. Study and read, making the most of this great opportunity to learn all that you can. Don't drink. Decide to make school your priority, lasting friendships second. Choose a school where the professors know your name and the administrators at least know your face. Choose to find yourself during college, not letting other people decide for you who you are. Room with someone new.

Jessica

Go where it feels right.

Rebecca

Finding the right college can be really difficult, and I think that sometimes parents put a lot of pressure on their children to find the right school. I think my best advice for the parents would be to try and give helpful advice to your kids, but to remember to try not to pressure them into choosing a certain school, and to remember that you won't be attending this school for the next four years- your child will. So, students, make sure you choose a school that you know you will feel comfortable at, not one that your parents will feel comfortable if you go there. Future students: the best thing you can do to make the most of your college experience is to get involved in something on campus. It will not only help you make a lot of friends, but it will get you out of your room and around campus to enjoy a lot of different things!

Kaylena

I would advise them to look at a LOT of schools, and don't make your mind up until you've been to each school. If money is an issue, make sure you know how much your scholarship/financial aid will actually cover. Take all your general Ed courses first, so you have time to decide what you want to major in, and also, so that you don't end up taking classes you won't need. Get Federal Work Study! CLEP out of stuff when you can, it will save you tons of time and money! (This also goes for AP exams, they are not only cheaper than CLEP tests, but can offer more credit towards your college education.) Stay over night at colleges so you know what campus life is like before you go there!

Ashley

When looking for a place to be educated, consider every aspect of what it really means to learn. Education is far more than classes and books. Those are significant, but don't just weigh academics. Go for the whole picture. Choose a place that is going to meet you where you are and challenge you to find and be who you want to be. There is nothing quite as rewarding as becoming a holistic person and thriving in an environment that allows you to reach your fullest potential. There are many exceptional schools in this country, and several of them may even be good choices for you personally. But choose one that feels right, and then make the decision to put your whole self into becoming a whole learner, wherever you are.

Sarah

I would tell the parents and students to not only read up on the college but to visit the school. Spend a day there with the students who attend the university. I would recommend they meet with people in their desired major, not just a counselor who can say anything to make the school sound great. I would tell them to volunteer, to remember that there's a world out there waiting for them after they graduate. What one does in college will affect how one acts in the world, whether they like it or not. By choosing the "right" college, they are already taking that first step. Good luck.

Chelsea

Although academics are important, they are not the only element of your education that you need to be aware of when you are selecting a school. I personally believe it is more important to find a school where you feel you will grow as a person. The school should provide you with the opportunities and experiences to help you discover who you are and what your place in the world is. It should help you to constantly make yourself a better member of your community and realize that you are a part of a global world and that your actions make an impact in the lives of others. College is not just a time for book smarts, but a time to focus on self discovery and finding out what makes you feel like you are making meaningful contributions to society. Chose a school where you feel you will be nutured and helped by professors, peers, and programs. I place so much more value on the woman I am becoming, than on the grades I am receiving.

Lori

In order to find the perfect college for you I think it is really important to find a college that will stretch you and help you grow the most. Find a college that will allow freedom of thought, yet goes along with your basic beliefs and needs.

Jacqueline

I think one of the best things that you can do while looking for a college to attend is to visit it. When you visit don't just do the campus guided tour. Ask to sit in on a class or two. You should ask to meet the professors too. A lot of campuses have programs were they will house a prospective student over night. Take advantage of those opportunities. Learn what campus living is all about first hand before you enroll. You should also ask what extra cirriculars are avaible too. Talk to someone who is currently enrolled in the degree program you are interested in. They will be able to give you the best insight on what classes to take, what they are like, if there are internships or externships availble, or if studying abroad is an oppotunity for you. There are always funds availble from somewhere to pay for your education. Do not let the price of the educational insituition scare you away. One of the things most important things is to make sure you are comfortable where you are. Visit and revisit.

Ezra

Be open minded but discerning. College is a place to challange your beliefs and a place to strengthen them. The ability to ask questions is the basis for success in college. Whether it be for understanding of a hard concept or to participate in a topic of discussion, the willingness to be open and honest with others and yourself will lead you to success.

Shaneen

When looking for the right college you have to be honest with yourself. A lot of people like your parents and your friends are going to have a say in you choice but at the end of the day you have to go there for four years, so you shoudl visit the school. I strongly suggest you sit through a class to see the class size, the style of teaching, hang out at the school to get a feel of the social life, and go where you think you can learn best. A lot of times kids go go party school to drink and have fun but that is not what college is about, college is a place where you can take your education on a higher level. That is why you should pick a school that will help you focus and learn at the best to your ability. SO when you pick a school be honest with yourself so you can be on the way to mold your future.

Courtney

Start early!! Start researching colleges and visiting campuses your sophomore/junior year so that you can take your time and not make a rushed decision. Ask LOTS of questions; write them down so you don't forget. When you've decided on your top choices, fill out the applications CAREFULLY and stay on top of DEADLINES! Don't be afraid to ask your English teacher for editing help when writing the application essay. Once you're on campus, get involved in something. It doesn't matter what, as long as it's something you enjoy. This will help you to meet people, make friends, and lessen homesickness. Keep the door to your room open as often as possible, only closing it to do some serious studying. An open door will encourage your fellow students to stop in and visit. Finally, stay on top of your assignments. Make a monthly syllabus of your assignments, due dates, and what you will accomplish each day to complete the assignment on time. This will make life a lot less stressful, ensure college success, and will develop a great life skill habit at the same time.

Kayla

Most students stress about finding the perfect college. Unfortuneately the perfect college does not exist. Every student has their own opinions about what makes it perfect. The advice I gave to my brother while he was looking for schools was to find a school with options. Options on different majors that were of interest to him, of activities and oppourtunites, of internship and career placements, and options for social networks. Most college students change their mind about their major and end up at a school that no long reflects their goals. So finding a school that has a few strong departments they are interested in is key to staying happy with their choice. Once the carloads of belongings are unloaded from the car and tearful goodbyes have ended it is crucial for students to get involved. Belonging to the commnity in a purposeful way gets students connected with one another and brings a sense of pride for their school. Students should contribute to the school to which they are receiving their education from. Getting involved in activities introduces students to people from different walks of life who can open their eyes to a world they were never aware of before.

Marie

The most important advice that I could give to students who are searching for the right College is to explore every option available. There is no reason to choose a school for one reason and needing to scarifice other wants or needs. By being intentional and active in searching for a college, it is possible to find a college or university that suits the student's wants and needs. Once a student is attending that perfect school, the most vital advice I can give is to get involved on campus. Join clubs and organizations, try out for a sports team or play intramural sports. While academics are definitely important, what shapes a student's college experience are the experiences that are had and the bonds of friendship that are formed.

Amber

I would tell the parents to be supportive of whatever school your child chooses. They know what type of school they want and know when they have found the school they want to attend. I would encourage students to take their time choosing a college becasue that is where you are going to be for a couple years. Pick a school that best suits your personality. To make the most of your college experience try to be outgoing and involved. People in your school will except you for who you are.