Gordon College Top Questions

If I could go back in time to tell myself one thing about college, it would be to slow down. My mother had just died of an 8-year battle with cancer, I was focusing on baseball, and I was rushing into a summer job, and trying to prepare for college. It wasn’t until I got to school and I had a little more time to think that everything hit me at once. It was then that my grades started to decline and I just didn’t know what to do. Slowing down and taking time to heal and recouperate would have made a substantial difference in my campus life in the beginning. Knowing that I could ease my way into things and then start to get more involved and busy would have been a huge blessing in that first year. I would also tell myself to stay focused. It is so easy in college to get mixed up in so many different things that your education begins to suffer. A reminder that good money is being spent on my learning useful things for my future dreams is always helpful and encouraging.

Grades aren't everything. Twenty years from now, are you really going to remember your grade in Biology? Is it really going to matter what grade you got in Statistics? No! I'm not discrediting learning or education because you should be extremely grateful for this education you have the opportunity to receive but sometimes relaxation is crucial. Grades are definitely important in both high school and college but you cannot let them rule your entire life. Try and try your hardest. Know that you don't always have to miss out on socializing and spending time with people you love. Maybe you don't study as much for an exam as you should have but instead talk with your friend during a difficult time. It is acceptable to step back from the books and look at the bigger picture. Your grades won't dictate the rest of your life. Put as much effort as you can into your papers and exams but know that you need to pause sometimes and enjoy this beautiful life. After all, you are only granted one life, so you have to live it to the fullest.

There isn't much I can say to prepare you for the journey you're about to embark upon, girl. A large part of what makes the college experience is the unexpected people and circumstances you find yourself in and the life lessons you learn from them. That being said, I will tell you these few things: with everything you do—each class you take, program, job, or internship you apply for, each activity you participate in—make sure you give your absolute one-hundred percent. Because each of these things, no matter how seemingly mundane or irrelevant they may seem at the moment, are building blocks for your character and play an important role in directing you toward the place you were meant to fill in this vast world. Never compare yourself to anyone else. You are one-of-a-kind. And finally: have fun! I know four years may seem like a long time (but it's really not).

Dear High-School Self, I know what you are thinking right now; you are stressed about what everyone is telling you about college, what and what not to do and what they went through. What I want to tell you is to make college your own experience. It is fun to hear what other people went through when they went to college, but at the end of the day, you are the one who is living at college day in and day out. Make choices that will make you happy, not necessarily your parents or friends, because your choices affect you in the end. I know what you are thinking; it sounds like you are into yourself and narsasistic. Once you get to college, it is like starting your real life: employers will be looking for the activities that you were involved in to see the whole you and not just the degree that you acheived. Think about what you want to be known as and make those everyday decisions that will help and please you. Good luck, and do not forget to have some fun too! Sincerely, Your future self.

In college, you should major in engineering to be an astrunaut like you originally wanted as a kid. There's a reason you were drawn to it an still are, so don't choose anything other than you're first choice. It will be the more challenging path to take, but will open up more opportunities for you in more regions of the world. Engineering has the widest applications in all the other fields of study, although you'll need to pick a concentration. You would also get a higher starting salary. All the other majors are competitive as well but it seems that more people gravitate to them. Show the world what females can do and do you're best in physics so that you can be that person that the marine biologists or chemists can rely on for matters that confuse them. If you chose this path, you'll be more likely to get hired by the military and the government. Remember, there will be no other way to get the chance to travel to outer space in your lifetime.

Dear Nate, In just a year, you will be entering college and it will be a time of great transition. Listen closely to what I am saying to you and if you follow these instructions, you will have the best Senior Year! Firstly, let go of the past. Yes, some things may have happened, like a bad break up or not getting the position you wanted in Student Council, but you need to forgive and forget, or forget as much as posible. Second, enjoy your family this last year of being at home. Yes, you will always have family, but you do not realize how vital they are until they are taken away from you. Yes, you may have annoying brothers, but you need to just love him this year because he too will miss you. Thirdly, study hard. The more you study, the more prepared you will be for writing papers in college. Practice reading a ton, because in college the amount of reading that you will have to be doing is almost impossible. Practice keeping up on your work and not falling behind. And don't forget to have fun and make some memories with your class! Enjoy!

Things seemed much easier back when I was in High School. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself to be more prepaired for college. I was depending completely on Finanicial Aide to be able to pay for all my college fees, unfortunatly they did not. I only recieved about $900. Little did I know that my parents made too much money a year for me to be granted with more money, but yet my parents could not afford to pay an additional $300 for the remaining balance of tuition, and $400 worth of books. If I would have been more prepaird I would of applied for scholarships, and my parents would not of had to take a loan out for me to attend my first year of college. This advice could of saved my family from more financial burden. In the end I learned that college is serious, and being an adult now, I have new responsibilites to undergo; so from now on I am taking complete advantage of every opportumity to be successfull in the furture. I would also tell myself, something good comes out of something bad.

College can be scary because it is a time when people may be away from home for the first time and figuring what they believe about certain issues while dealing with academics, social life, and a job. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would tell myself to accept how my worldviews would change and that it would be okay. I attend a small, liberal arts, Christian college. Before entering college, I would not have called myself close minded, but I certainly had my stances on certain issues. My freshman year of college, I was exposed to many different views on life and faith. It certainly shook me at first, but then after working through some of the issues I was able to realize that these views held truths to them and I started to pull from those views and adapt them to my views. Changing or adapting my life and faith views was frightening because of the uncertainty, but it has been caused me to grow as a human and in my faith.

Major in physics! You can go anywhere with this major, even using physics for marine biology purposes. Besides, your first dream ever was to become an astronaut. So what if you didn't take physics in high school? Just study hard and you'll do fine. Physics applies to anything including light movement, engineering to build new devices, gravity, and all things that you consider to be interesting. When you study biology beyond the microscopic level it all comes down to atoms and movement related to physics anyway. How can you even expect to help cure diseases without respect to physics principles in chemistry? Don't back down from your dream because of fear that you'll get bad grades. It interests you more than you know, and majoring in physics will be the highets aim you could possibly achieve and probably has the least females in its field. Show that you have the determination it takes to come to the forefront of technology and space, and most of all to be a leader.

If I was myself back to my senior year, I would tell myself to make sure I know what I want. If I don't know what I want, its okay. Everyone takes their own time and goes at their own pace in order to decide their future. When you get to college, try to become close with your professor. Don't come so close its personal; get close enough to your professor that they understand what you expect, but at the same time, know exactly what your professors expect you to do and get from the course. Also, you will meet many people in college and there might even be some distractions, but always keep your priorities in order no matter what happens. You can still get close and have a few friends, but don't let the world revolve around them. Take care of business. In the next few years of college, there are many endless posibilities. Take advantage of every awakening moment and gather as much informatin as you can about yourself. The world is big and scary, and people will tear you down, but stay completely true, and believe in yourself.

-I know that you are excited to get out of high school and meet some new friends. But let's keep it at "friends". Don't date freshman year. That time is for getting to know the workload and getting to know some new friends. -Don't let the "senior slack" continue. Scholarships can be revoked for low grades, so make sure you go for the A (and jump on extra credit when available) -Get invloved in the community around the college (volunteer at the YMCA, belong to a church, outreach). It makes you feel like more of a mature adult (which is more fun than you would think) and it really helps you get through a tough day. -Apply for scholarships. And more importantly mention community service (and the fact that you are an Eagle Scout). They eat that stuff up. -I know you think that making a schedule is a waste of time. It is not. Right about now I have notifications on my phone for everything. Class, study groups, tests (a few days before), and even meetings. Yes, I have meetings now. I would be lost without these notifications and I would be late for everything.

Dear self,Slow down! You should enjoy your friends and spend more time with your supportive family. Now that you’ve been accepted into your top choice college, pat yourself on the back and remember to rejoice in all that you’ve achieved. It’s time to learn to be confident in your strong work ethic and gentle disposition. You’ve accomplished great things academically, but you’ve molded yourself into a perfectionist. Once you’re in college, it’ll be instinctual to have your grades be your top priority, but you mustn’t let your productive nature consume you. Ever since middle school, you’ve locked yourself away in your room and spent hours on homework. You hoped to prove your worth with your report cards. Yet there’s more to life than your GPA. Embrace the chance to have some fun in your life with wonderful teachers, peers and family. You won’t regret it. Never give up on accomplishing true joy! Let your confidence be nurtured from within your soul. Try not to sacrifice those life-changing friendships for the sake of an “honorable” GPA. Trust me. I’ve learned from experience. Life Awaits!Your College Self

If I could go back, I believe I would have told myself not to worry. I was very nervous about the college process. When I was in seventh grade , I had decided I wnated to go to Gordon College, but I was unsure I could make it in. It turned out that I was overqualified and I had spent time doing things I did not enjoy just to pad my application. I would remind myself that I don't need resume lines to be a good student. I think I also would have advised myself to plan batter. I was strikingly unprepared for parts of college, like the cost of books and even the work load. It was hard for me to transition becasue I was used to working with people, like my mentor and parents, to make a plan. Finally I would have told myseld to be sure I used all the rescources on campus. Things like office hours and study sessions would have made my first quarter go far more smoothly.

I would tell myself to start applying for scholarships earlier in he school year. College is expensive! I would also tell myself to prepare for being away from home. I was homesick a lot freshman year :(

If I could go back in time I would tell my younger self to get a job and save every penny I could in order to pay for college. Understanding, now, how much it will cost in the end I would have planned for it better. I would have been more adamant about getting summer jobs. Learning to balance both school and a part time job would be so helpful because that is now something I need to master. I would tell myself not to be afraid to be yourself and push yourself out of your comfort zone, get used to that uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach, as you stretch yourself. Through this I would have been able to find my interests and explored them and gain experience in the field of study I have now chosen. I would try to help my parents understand that we need to prepare in advance about my college education and get a game plan down in order for me to attend college without being under stress about affording it. I do not regret the investment but only wish I could go back and create a better strategy for myself.

Noemi, High School has been nothing short of an adventure, but now your your Senior year is here, and there is much to look forward to, explore, and committ to. Don't waste your year thinking you have all the time in the world to make and committ to decisions. that will affect the rest of your life. Please don't listen to that counselor that told you that college wasn't for you. Look beyond her words and prove to yourself that not only can you go to college, but you can choose where to go, and you can finish! Don't let the struggles you've had with Math determine the outcome of furthering your education. Remember, one class at a time will build a road and open your life to an opportunity that is priceless. Trust the transition you will have to make from high-school to college. You will find that with time, the differences though apparent, will become second nature, and you'll find the freedom in that transition will make you stronger and more responsible. In the words of the incomparable Dr. Suess " “Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.”

College can be really a great place where you can benefit and at the same time have fun if you give yourself the chance to know it right. The freedom of choosing the classes that you want to take is great. The diversity of the kinds of classes is also great. Professors are very opened minded, have a great cultural background in several domains. They are also very understanding and respect your opinions. At college, there are social clubs that you can meet people from diffrent cultures, interact with them and learn a lot of new things. If you excel in a subject you can the chance to tutor it. Tutoring is a very nice job that beside you can get money from it, it teachs you how to help and also how to teach and it will also look good on your resume.

Don't worry, the drama ends. And it gets a ton better. And you have friends that eat with you.

College has stretched me. 2 years ago I was looking for a place where I could grow and not settle for second best. That's what Gordon provided for me. Professors and classes have moved me beyond settling at "alright" into aiming for the best. It's something I didn't think I could do before, but through hardwork and dedication I have accomplished it. My college experience has forced me to grow up - through the difficulty of adjusting to life away from home and family I have learned how to cope and live on my own, in a healthy and mature way. College has expaned my social circle to individuals it didn't hold before. This has resulted in a variety of friends with a wide scope of backgrounds who are able to teach me something about life from their varied perspectives. College is valuable for the change it has on you. It's a time of defining who you are, and who you will become. It's a time to force you onwards to greater and grander heights you couldn't have reached before. It's a time to stretch beyond your old shell and see the world.

I have been truely spiritually enriched since going to Gordon, the Christian atmosphere is a genuine and you can learn a lot about yourself spiritually as well as learn a lot about other religions . I also learned not to only focus on what you think college is like because most likely it's nothing like that.

I was a spoiled child. I was brought up in a suburb area in Japan. I decided to come out to the U.S. when I was seventeen, and I have changed dramatically since then. I study at least seventeen hours a week for my classes; thus, I aim straight A’s as much as possible. I never studied when I was in high school just because I did not like it and because education was not what I was interested in then. However, when I thought about going abroad to feel different cultures in the U.S., I became a hard worker. I prepared for my unknown life in the U.S. and focused on my writing since it was very different from Japanese writing. I study for my every single class in order not get left behind. Also, since I study hard, my goals throughout each semester is to get straight A’s. Getting straight A’s is my most wonderful relief and reward I can get. I study for my future, and every time when my grades are good, I feel like I am getting closer to my dream—to be an English conversations teacher.

What I think I have received from my college that I think is the most valuable is my independence. I say this in the sense that the things that I used to take for granted at home are now important for me to take care of, and the responsibility very strictly falls on me. The things that I would leave for my parent, such as chores, and personal care, now we're all on me. I had to try not to get sick so that my studies were not hindered, as well as make sure that I cleaned up after myself so that my living space would not become gross in order to make me and my peers uncomfortable. College has made me learn many lessons, and I continue to keep learning.

I've learned a lot about myself by coming to Gordon, and I the process had made me a more informed, stronger person. By studying hard, being involved with some intellectual and cultural events and conversations, I have been introduced to new ideas and learned more about the world. I think that coming to Gordon has made a strong impact on my life, and the things I learned here will allow me to actively inspect the world around me as I leave, and remember my place in the world to try to do what I can to make it a better place.

Every year when I receive my financial package that is never enough, I question why I continue to go to this school. If I continue to attend Gordon as I am now, I will graduate with over $100,000 in student loans. It would seem that I have chosen a school that is too expensive for me, and it would be much wiser to attend a cheaper school. I look at a college’s value in 3 parts: a degree, an education, and an experience. Though my technical degree from a liberal arts school probably isn’t the smartest decision I cannot begin to explain the experience I’m getting. As a college student I am changing daily, growing, and becoming an adult through difficult times, challenging moments, and rewarding accomplishments. At Gordon, I get all of this and more. For almost $40,000 a year I am growing in a deep spiritual way that no other college can give me. I will graduate with an understanding of my faith, the world, and an environmental responsibility.

I have learned that in every case, you do what the professor tells you even if you don't like the class. I did not do well my first year and now I am in need of scholarships to go back. I learned that at all times, you need to do your best. I tried so hard second semester, and I still did not do well because the work was hard. I learned that I should ask for help, even though I don't like to. I have learned my lesson and I want a second chance. I really know what it means to need to work hard. My dad reminded me of something my grandfather said: "Don't do half a job worth doing." I realized I needed to do that. Gordon has taught me to work hard, love those when they aren't loveable, and to finish the course. These are life lessons that I will take with me. I will never forget what Gordon has done for me. I really need help to get back there and stay there.

My experience at Gordon College has served to enhance my understanding of the importance of being deeply rooted in community, highly valuing personal investment in the lives of those around me. It has become clear to me that to be influential in community one must develop competency in leadership. Because of this understanding, I have assumed various leadership roles, which have taught me a great deal about working with others and have significantly shaped my character. The learning I have received in my field of study has equipped me very well for entering graduate school and has greatly strengthened my enthusiasm for my career path.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself about my first semester in college, I would tell myself two things: have patience, and be prepared to work harder than you ever have. When I arrived at school I was expecting to instantly connect with my roommate and floormates and have a blast with my ever-growing group of friends. However, such was not the case. I was totally unprepared for the fact that it took me two months to start making friends. Therefore, I would tell myself to be realistic and understand that everyone is trying to adjust and meet people, and that by being patient, hopeful, and trusting God I will make some amazing friends. I would also tell myself that these next few months are going to require the most dedication and diligence to my schoolwork that I have ever had to put forth. I think the media completely skews the image of college as simply a time to hang out with friends and have fun. While this is still possible sometimes, the overwhelming majority of my time went into working hard on schoolwork, which I was completely unprepared for coming out of high school.

As I look back on myself as a senior in high school, the one phrase that pops into my head is "give yourself time." Before I went to college, I not only thought that the transition would be easy, but I had intricately planned out my college experience from the types of friends I would meet to the exact course of study I would follow. I was shocked when my first week was filled with experiences completely different than what I expected. I felt overwhelmed by the amount of class work, I hadn't made a group of friends by the end of the week, and I did not enjoy the one class I was taking for my intended major. And because of this, I thought something was wrong with me. I did not see the fact that it was alright to give myself time to get used to a new environment, and I beat myself up about my perceived shortcomings. As I look back on my first month of school, I now see that coming to college was one of the biggest changes in my life, and it was perfectly alright for me to take some time to adapt.

I would defintely tell myself to take the AP English Compsosition course, that was offered at my high school. Writing in college was a huge difference from writing in high school even, with all the honors english courses that I took. If I had taken AP English Composition my writing, thinking, and communication skills would have greatly improved. I would have felt more preapared for college if I had taken this course senior year when I had the chance to. The length of papers in college is a lot longer than what I had in my honors courses, so when i cam e to college and had to write term papers I went into shock I was completely unprepared. No taking AP English Composition would have to be thin thing that I would stress the most if I went back to myslef in senior year. With that class the first semester at Gordon College would have been a whole lot easier.

First I would convince myself that staying up past 12, even if to only to 1am, is not worth it. I would advise myself to not worry about making friends with everybody because I really only spend most of my time with small groups and I can get along with just about anybody without building up the expectation that I will manage to hang out with all of them. Also, I would advise myself to take more initiative with understanding my class scheduling and to keep a tight calendar. I believe that I handled my first 3 semesters really well and I don't think there are many things I would have done differently.

I would tell myself to not let people influence your choices. College is all about finding out the real you and becoming confident in it. It is a magnificent time to also question things that have bothered you or you do not know about. Being involved in things that you enjoy and love are great ways to meet people and professors who can help you in your future career/lifetime. College is not like high school and it is easy to let it go into that mold; dont let it! Allow yourself to be challenged and do not give up. Professors are very helpful and want to help you succeed if you take the extra step to communicate. You should also not judge people by looks only. Especially in college, there are people from different cultures, backgrounds, countries, and beliefs that can help to open your eyes to things you never knew. College is about the opportunity and taking a risk. Don't be afraid but embrace it. Things will not always work out, but you will find your true friends for life in college that will help you through. College is an open door, step through with confidence!

Work hard, because when you look back it's all going to be worth it!

Don't have too-high expectations for what friendships are and will be. Just let them form as they do, and enjoy them. Let the ones that will be strong just grow over time, don't force them, although you don't want to sit back and do nothing in them. In all things, give thanks to God (as I Thessalonians says) and remember the reason for what you're doing. Also, my high school self, the linguistics major won't be around for one year. No need to stress about a major during freshman year, cause you'll love linguistics once you start it!

Develop good study habits now! it only gets harder to do so the older you get. Your parents are great and they know what they're talking about, keep an open communication with them!

Try to avoid NOT being picky about the school you choose. The college you choose should fit every criteria you have; it is, after all, your home, school, and hangout for the next four years. Look at their facilities, their extracurriculars, and the class size. Make sure it fits your mold! Once you're at that school, get out there and meet people! Don't be afraid to get involved in all of the crazy extracurriculars they have. Play sports, even if just intramurals, join a music group, or go volunteer. Work hard and don't lose sight of your academic and career goals. Study hard, play hard, and have fun. College will be the most challenging, yet the most fun and rewarding, years of your life.

I would advise students and parents to take a broad, nation-wide view of the many different colleges and universities in the United States. Next, students should choose the type and size of college they would like to attend. For me, I wanted a small Christian liberal arts school with around 2,000 undergrad students. Students must think whether they want to go to school in the city, suburbs, or rural area. Finally, students NEED to go on campus visits during the school year if possible so they experience the campus dynamic. Overnight stay is ideal for students to fully experience student life. To make the most of the college experience, I highly suggest that students spend at least one year in an on-campus dorm to meet many new people and build a living community. To make a comfortable adjustment, students should work their way into intramurals, clubs, social gatherings, etc. slowly, so that they don't spread themselves too thin too soon. It's important for students to receive a broad knowledge of everything the school offers first, and then choose 1-2 things to passionately pursue so that students more actively contribute to life on campus.

Get involved in one or two excurriculars and devote yourself wholly to those, you will be much happier than if try to do too much.. especially freshman year.

Choose the college that offers courses in the subject(s) which you are most passionate about. Aim to find the perfect path to your desired or best possible future career. Do not settle for anything less than what you believe you need.

A student should have some feeling or another that "This is the right school". Although anxiety may still be present, choosing a school involves careful descision making, but it also requires a feeling of contentment or excitment towards a particular school.

It is a very difficult process for both parents and students, but the students need to realize that no matter what college they decide to attend, there are going to be some things there that they will not like. Parents also need to realize that their kids need to decide on which college to go to and learn to trust in their kids' decision.

College, in general, encompasses four years of your life. My advice? Pick what is best for you, as a student and a young adult. The college your best friend of boyfriend picks should not influence your decision. Boyfriends and friends can change a lot as you begin to figure out who you are and what you want. Start with the basics: location, size, and academics. If you like big cities, don't settle for that community college in your hometown. Also don't go across the country if you are content being near home. Size definitely matters. A large campus can offer good sports teams, excellent professors, and a ton of extra-curriculars. A small campus provides an intimate community with small classes and professors that know more than your name. As far as academics, make sure a given school has all majors you may be interested in. Statistics, and my experience, say that you will change your major. Parents, you are important to this process. Encourage your child to follow his dreams, not yours. The more freedom you give him or her the more he will respect you and often seek out your help.

Go to Gordon.

Unless you are absolutely (or at least mostly) sure that college is really what you want to do, and you have a pretty good idea of what you want to do career-wise, I highly recommend taking some time off before you decide to go off to college. Time in "the real world" can do a lot to give you more focus; you may find that what you do in your time off (i.e. volunteering, working full-time) will awaken desires to do similar types of work beyond college thaty you may not hae been exposed to in high school. This time will also help teach you responsibility and skills that will help you immensely once you actually get to college (such as learning how to stick to a budget or work with a group of people you don't like). Working may also give you an oppritunity to earn money to offset the cosst of tuition and supplies.

Many factors go into finding the right college or university. Prospective students and their parents must consider location, size, academics, tuition, housing, study abroad programs, internship and community involvement opportunities, and many others. One factor that is often put aside is the institutions values and attitude towards work and dedication. The college or university's values are so important because they are reflected within the student body. As a prospective student, you will be most satisfied when are are able to identify with your peers as well as learn from and challenge yourself alongside of them. When you have found an academic institution that you feel you can identify with, location, whether distance from home, or urban, rural, or suburban setting, size, and housing are factors that will matter much less. Finally, when it comes down to making the decision, follow your instinct. Chances are, unconsciously, you will know where you want to be, and you will be satisfied with the decision and have no regrets. No matter where you go, you will make friends, adapt, grow, and learn.

Find a college with a good community. Do not worry too much about student loans, it is worth it for the experience.

Many students find that what they thought they wanted in college isn't being fulfilled at the one they attend. I would advise students not to be afraid of changing. Transfering is always an option and a person is never to late to take the initiative to make their own college experience an enjoyable and rewarding one. Just because you start at one place doesn't mean you have to finish there. A different school gives a completely different experience, and each experience is valuable. No college is necessarily right or wrong for a person. College is what you make of it and it really helps to be proactive about the entire experience.

Visit! When you do make that visit, pay attention to how you're feeling...do you feel comfortable there? Look at the students around you, do they look weird to you or do they look like people you want to know. Don't be afraid to make judgements based on your gut reactions, pay attention to your feelings when you're visiting the school. You want to be careful about basing your decision entirely on how you feel about the visit, but don't ignore your instincts! (Remember that you're going to have to live there for a while!...under sometimes stressful conditions. You want to be comfortable at the school.) Talk to students...don't let yourself be trapped by admissions, go out and visit for yourself, talk to students. (You might be meeting your future friends!)

Research research research !

As a college senior I have give a lot of thought to whether or not a chose the right college for me. I originally chose the college I attend based on financial reasons, where it was located, and how beautiful the campus was. The reasons I have stayed at this college are very different. I've stayed at Gordon because it challenges me. It continually puts me out of my comfort zone and helps me grow as an individual. Staff and faculty have encouraged and helped me to think critically and thoughtfully interpret the world. So I would say yes, it is important to choose a college based on whether or not you will be happy where it is located or you are able to afford it. But more than anything I would say it is important to choose a college that will challenge you as an individual and force you to reevaluate your values and ideals. On a practical level this could mean any number of things, but it certainly means that there is a faculty that actively engages with its students and a student body that is thoughtful and engaged in the world.

I would tell parents and students to look for a school that feels comfortable - that provides an environment in which the student feels that they will be able to grow, be challenged, yet not be overwhelmed. I would encourage students to consider both the positive and negative experiences of their high school careers and use them to direct them in their college search. Upon arriving at college, I would encourage students and parents to give it time. A student should not return home during the first couple of weeks. Every student will go through some adjustment stage, but the best way for this to happen is to stay in the environment - you'll get used to it! However, parents - during that time send cards, call, make sure that your student does not feel abandoned or trapped. Students, get involved, find an activity that interests you - no matter how much you love or hate your roommate, they're most likely not going anywhere any time soon - so get involved and meet new people outside of your living situation. Lastly, do your work! Don't get lost in the chaos of freedom your first semester, enjoy life, have fun, do your work!