Goshen College Top Questions

Don't fret too much about the future and making decisions. Keep following your passions, but begin to narrow down the choices by listening to the advice of older people. Don't over-extend yourself, and make taking care of yourself a priority! College is a time to grow and explore academically, but the social, emotional, and spiritual growth process is equally important. Be sure to search for outside scholarships and financial aid each year. Check in with your academic advisers often and early, to make sure you aren't missing any requirements! Learn from experience, but pause before trying everything. Become friends with the international students. Start acting like the person you want to become in the future, now.

Goshen College is a strange place. Before moving in this small, Mennonite-affiliated instituion in August, I had never been to a place more focused on helping others. I had lived in a world of jumbled priorities and had grown to accept that in almost all occasions, the self must come before the other. Of course, it had always seemed easier and everyone else in the world seemed to function that way (or at least, that is what the evening news told me). Yet, I questioned the justice of self-focused living. My inner need to serve others was intensfied by a newly grounded faith. I began to realize that if I was going to become independent, I would have to choose a college that would fuel that need. After my first completed semester, I know it was the right choice. Goshen and all of its different facets (professors, students, classes, activities) gives a voice to the voiceless of the world. It has tought me, after only four months, to care for the world. We canoe race to remember the earth, have earnest conversations to remember eachother, and sing to remember God. Goshen College is reprioritizing my life.

What I have gotten out of my college experience is knowledge of multitudes of subjects and knowledge of the field I am going after. I have managed to have hands on experience with what I am trying to accomplish; Health Information Technology. Without college, I feel as if I wouldn't have known different aspects of the subjects being lectured to me. When I am in classes, I feel as if I have the experience and comfortability of talking with my teacher to get a better understanding of what is expected and the importance of the learning strategy. The reason why it has been valuable to attend is because i receive a learning experience that I have never received before. The college I attend has the exact program that I am striving for and touches all the basis of the field required. What also makes it valuable is that you can basically make your own schedule to make it more flexible for your convenience.

In the few months that I've been a college student, I have become a completely new person. I have this new-found confidence that allows me to be a leader for the first time in my life. I have the ability to say, yes, I can accomplish this. And above all, I know that I want to do something with my life. It doesn't matter what happened in your past, in high school or otherwise. Once you're on your own, it's all about you. The decisions you make are your own and you can't blame them on anyone else. The money you put into school is yours. If you decide to fail a class, that's money from your pocket. Having the responsibilty of being an actual adult completely changed me. And I love it.

It's taken nearly five years and three schools to teach me the value of an education. After a couple of poorly researched loans, six years in the customer service industry, and trying to find work in our current economy, education has never seemed more valuable and necessary. My college experience has taught me so much about who I am as a person, and how important it is to listen to yourself and how horribly awful it is to be a full time waitress. I'm excited to see what the future holds, because I know it'll be more than $7.25 an hour.

My world view has expanded. I've gotten a large variety of classes because of the liberal arts piece, which I've greatly appreciated. I've gotten many opportunities for refinement and leadership because it is a small school. But most of all, I've gained relationships with professors.

During my college experience, I have learned the value of musical education. I have studied as a music performance major with an emphasis in vocal performance. If I had not studied music thorughout my college career, I would not have learned to become disciplined, as many musicians have to be. This dicipline has helped me perform well in my non-music courses and I feel it wil help me in the future with my career.

MY VALUES ARE HIGH, I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, THEREFORE GOING BACK TO COLLEGE TO SUPPORT MY CHILDREN MEANS EVERYTHING TO ME. MY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE SO FAR IS GREAT. IT IS UPLIFTING MY SELF-ESTEEM AND MOTIVATING ME TO BE MYSELF AGAIN. I THINK THAT IS A STRONG WORD "MYSELF". THIS MEANS THE WORLD TO ME TO BE ABLE TO HAVE STABILITY IN MY LIFE AGAIN. MY PLANS IN THE MEDICAL FIELD WILL HELP ME AND OTHERS AND I KNOW THAT THE MEDICAL FIELD WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR ME ESPECIALLY IN THIS ECONOMIC WORLD. EVERYONE AT THE COLLEGE IS VERY ENCOURAGING AND THAT MEANS ALOT TOO, IT HELPS YOU NOT TO GET DOWN OR THINK YOU CAN'T DO THIS. IT ACTUALLY MAKES YOU REALIZE HOW BAD YOU REALLY WANT THIS. AS I SAID MY VALUES ARE HIGH ALOT HIGHER I AM SURE THAN OTHERS. I WANT TO BE INDEPENDENT AGAIN AND AMERICAN INTERCONTINENTAL UNIVERSITY HAS GIVEN ME THAT OPPORTUNITY AND I WOULD'NT TAKE ANYTHING FOR IT. GIVEN THIS SCHOLARSHIP WOULD MEAN SO MUCH TO ME AND MY FAMILY. I COULDN'T EVEN EXPRESS THE APPRECIATION. I AM ON MY WAY TO THE TOP.

Over the last two months I've spent at Goshen College I have academically matured at an incredible rate. College has really challenged me to control my random urges and manage my time. It's strange looking back at high school study habits and comparing them to the way I now study. In high school I would spend every free study minute enjoying myself, casually bumming my way through my day. I now operate my studies on a full time work schedule, clocking in at eight and finishing up at four. Approaching my studies as if it were my job really helped me buckle down and clinch onto my priorities. I'm afraid that if I had not moved on to college studies I would be living my life in a high school attitude. College has galvanized my purpose and excited me for the future.

Young Adults in the twenty-first century are constantly comparing themselves to others and competing with each other to see who is the most powerful and popular of them all, how they come to these conclusions comes from the media, that everyone is exposed to on a daily bases. The advice that would have made my high school senior experience more enjoyable would be Self-confidents. Being a High School senior, a self-identity has been all ready established because of the phases and peer pressure teens go through trying to figure out the difference between right or wrong. Knowing yourself is important when establishing relationships with others because there is always somebody else that is going to try to bring you down, while others look up to you as inspirational. Setting goals and having priorities is fundamental when trying to know where your time would be most wisely spent. Knowing what you want to be in life and how to accomplish it will set you up for the rest of your life. Meanwhile having a social life where you can have fun with people that accept you for who you are and who you except for who they are.

If I were to go back in time and be able to give myself advice about college, these are some of the things I'd say. First, I'd remind myself that college is a huge change in life. You change friends, where you live, your schedule, sleep and eating patterns, and study patterns. Since it's such a big change, I'd remind myself that big changes take time to adjust to. Realizing that transitioning into college life is a long process that takes a lot of time, and energy, support is essential. I would tell myself to stay connnected to friends and family at home that can help me transition, while trying to find at least one confident to help ease the transition once arriving at school. I would also want to remind myself that patience and CONSCIOUSLY trying to involve myself and try new things are crucial for making friends and the transition more smooth. Finally, I would remind myself to have fun, take care of myself by trying to get good sleep, eat healthily, and exercise.

I would make sure that I knew how to study well before exams and that I would focus more in calculus and get college credits for it in high school then having to take it in college.

I would have learned how to study for exams and to write papers better.

In choosing the right school for you or your child, decide what characteristics are necessary in a good educational institution according to you or your child. Decide first these characteristics, and search for schools keeping those characteristics in mind. Read the mission statement of the school and see that it matches your values. Once you have started college, keep in mind what you want to get from the school. This includes educational aspects and social aspects. College is expensive and you want to get the most for your money, so decide what is most important to you and strive to get your money's worth!

The process for deciding on the right college can be stressful, difficult , and at times deceptive, but with a bit of guidance it is ultimately rewarding. Start by using that mass of glossy mail to get a general idea about each college. It is perfectly acceptable to be somewhat arbitrary in deciding what schools belong on your short list. There is such a quantity of options that you may need to just pick five to focus on, otherwise it will be too hard to manage. A campus visit should bring you the most insight, but never assume that the real experience will perfectly mirror that microcosmic view. During your first semester as a student you will decide if you chose correctly. If it is impossible to find reliable friends or you are not receiving the education you paid for, you should think about tranfering. In order to survive college remember that you need make time for friends with whom you can study, laugh, and commiserate. Do not forget why you came to college though, you should not let your friends take over your life and your grades suffer. It is all about finding your perfect balance.

Go visit a school before you enroll in it. Once you have narrowed sown your choice of colleges, go ahead and visit the school multiple times. Also, make sure you have one or two solid connections with people at that school before you attend.

Visit a variety of colleges. Don't go somewhere just becasue it is popular with your friends.

Visit the college first and spend a night or two on campus if you're planning on living on-campus while attending. Before visiting colleges, write up a list of requirements for the college (including programs offered, sports, music, size, location, class sizes, etc.) and narrow down choices to ones that fit your specifications. Ask questions. Get to know your professors and ask questions when you can't figure something out. Be diverse and get involved in activities you wouldn't normally become involved in, such as intermural sports, theatre productions, choir, art, etc. Get to know those around you--they may end up being your friends for life. Get a job on-campus or off-campus for some extra cash for those late-night snacks, movies, eating out, etc.

Go to Goshen College.

Open yourself up to new experiences while putting academics first.

I would suggest strongly that parents and students alike consider personal and career goals before entering college life, in order to make the most of the experience. It is important to find a campus where not only are you comfortable to share your values with others who support you in those choices, but those who also challenge you to broaden their interests and global awareness throughout the college experience. It is important to recognize that though personal belief shapes social and academic lives on any campus, one must remain open to shifting goals and ideals according to influential peers and professors. While location and income of any school influences quality of education for each individual, it is not as important as those environments formed by individuals and groups themselves each year. I have found that the most important factor, apart from remaining engaged in extracurricular activities to supplement academic focus, is that of maintaining close and trusting working relationships with professors. Much knowledge and life experience of others can be used to form and refine life goals of any student.

I would say that it's about finding what you love and going with it. Find the atmosphere in which you would be most comfortable for a college campus and you may be in the right place. As to the experience, I recommend choosing your major based on the classes you would like to take. It is good on your resume just to have a degree; it is not necessarily pertinant what it is in as long as you can show you followed through the four years to complete what you set out to do. Another word of advice is not to spend all of your time in your room studying. Yes, it is important; turn in all your work on time and make sure to have plenty of time to complete it, but do not isolate yourself. From college, you are going to remember the times you spent growing closer to your friends and having times of bonding.

The most important thing in picking a school is to find a place where you feel at home. From that, all else follows much more smoothly (though it doesn't hurt to find a program that excites you with professors that will challenge you and facilities that provide convenient opportunities). While you're there, the best way to fully enter the college experience is to stay out of the "stepping stone" mindset - college is so much more enjoyable if you immerse yourself in the social world at the school. Total immersion is impossible if you only see that period - that four year chunk of your life - as a stepping stone to later things. Let your friends there mean everything to you - skip the occasional class to go ice fishing with a housemate, neglect the occasional small assignment for a late night chatting with friends, and most of all: live together, laugh together, struggle together, grow together. Energy also ought to be directed towards studying so you get your money's worth for your education, but the real rewards come from getting involved with the people you meet there. Be young and stupid. Take on the world.

Find a college that fits you personally! As a student, do not lose focus of why you are going to school and do not go just becuase you want to party or socialize. College is not easy and you have to work hard. Do not be afraid to ask for help when you need.

When looking for a college choose one that will give you a well rounded education based on the variety of types of classes and experiences it has to offer. One strength found in liberal arts colleges is the ability to draw on various strengths, making graduates more ready to handle the variety of challenges they will find in the work place. Take advantage of opportunities to travel and study abroad. Cross-cultural experiences change your life. When you have the opportunity, go. Don't be afraid to look at things you've always believed and question them. By asking questions you will understand better what you believe and why. Questions only make you stonger. Find extracurricular activities that you enjoy and dive in. Especially in the first year, trying new things will help you make friends and learn names of peers you hadn't know, even if your bond happens to be that you both DONT enjoy that new thing you tried. College is a great time to learn about the world and about yourself and try and figure out how you will make a difference.

Parents and students should make sure to talk to students at the schools that they visit. Meet some of the professors and talk to administrators to see if you feel like you fit in. College is a once in a lifetime experience and should enrich and nuture you. I have found my college experience to be extremely valuable. The people I've met and the experiences I've had have changed me into the person I am today. I am very greatful for all the time I have spent here at Goshen College.

Transitioning to college is a daunting task. Looking for a college that fits "you" is intimidating and can be stressful for the college bound and their parents. I feel that most people make good decisions on where they want to go, based on what they want to study, what kind of social life they want to experience, and what they can afford. People do a good job searching for a college. After the choice is made, mom and dad send their child off to gain a higher education. At this juncture, things should be great, but one quickly learns that beginning college can be an extreemly lonely time. It is important to have patience and wait for things to settle in. Everything takes time. Classes take time. Sports take time. Homework takes time. Finding friends takes time. I would encourage any new college student to pack their schedule and get out there. Don't sit around. You will feel lonely. You will feel like you have no friends, but the more you get out there , the more you learn about yourself and life. Things will settle in and you will feel comfortable, just give it time.

Valuing the learning environment of a school is just as important as the course offerings. Beyond a diploma, what do you want to be able to say you?ve accomplished or achieved? Through college, I have gained a new and wider understandings of change. The important thing to understand about college is that it will change you. No matter what college you attend, there will be times of feelings of completely lost and completely at home. This time in your life is a time of independence and one of building community. You will be stretched to new limits academically and socially, with new and old challenges alike. What is importance is how your formal and informal education will encourage these changes in you and help you discover what you truly want to accomplish. So chose an institution that has goals for its students that will encourage changes that you wish to see in yourself. You will accomplishing the changes of a lifetime in any school you decide to attend.

Relax and Enjoy the Process. It is a difficult process. First, look for colleges that have a potential major you would be interested in, but don't rule out other majors. Upon entering college, life changes and interests in different subjects might be elevated, so don't limit your options. No matter where you go, there will be positives and negatives regarding the campus life and education. But be open to new things and oppurtunities, for this is when you will really grow into the person you were made to be. It is then you will truly learn about yourself and with that comes clarity in life and direction. Participate and get to know others instead of locking yourself in your room or the library. Network - it is never to early to start thinking about a serious career, and networking people you know will one day help you to find an ideal job. Have Fun! Life is about balance, so don't be afraid to have fun as long as you can balance it with work! Lastly - laugh!! Have fun and laugh hard and make as memories as possible!

The biggest thing that I've learned after being at Goshen College for 3-1/2 years is the importance of letting your child pick their own college. I felt pressured into attending my parents' alma mater, and as a result, I have spent the last 3-1/2 years at a college that doesn't fit my needs or personality at all. Parents, it's your child's time to pick what they think is right for them, not your time to force the glory days of your college expereince on them. Making the most of the college experience ties right into this. If you choose a college that you fit in to, it will be much easier to make friends that share your interests and worldviews. It's been hard for me, because I'm the opposite of many of my classmates, and even though I am in my senior year of college, I have not yet found a close group of friends that I can identify with. So, in summery, evaluate every option carefully, because the next four years are some of the most important years of your life.

Know where you're going. Don't talk to the admissions councelors. Talk to Seniors, and not ones the college directs you to. Stop someone random and ask them what they think; you'll get a more honest assesment.

It is important for students to focus on the academic aspects of their college choices, but I think that this can sometimes be pushed to hard. Having good academics at a college is necessary, but if that is the only thing that students base their college choice on, there is a good chance that they will not be happy in their college setting. I think that it is equally important to focus on the atmosphere of the campus. If a student chooses a college only because of a program that it has, there is a good chance that they will still end up changing their major and then what are they left with? If students choose the school that feels right to them, they will thrive because they have not only academics, but a support system of friends and professors to help them through difficult times. Without this, a student will struggle to thrive academically no matter how great the school is. I knew when I stepped onto the Goshen College campus that it was the school for me. It just felt right.

If I could go back in time and select a school again, I would seriously consider more schools. I only visited and really looked at two schools. This limited my options, and I did not really seriously think about going to the other schools I looked at. My advice for any high school senior and his or her family is to make a large list of schools, find five or six that really look interesting, and then go visit those schools. When you visit a potential school, think about what matters most to you about a school. If you are concerned about academics, meet with professors and advisors. Ask students about what classes and the academics are like. If the social life if your top priority, talk to students about what activities happen on campus, and stay on campus for a weekend if possible. Above all, just ask a lot of questions. The more you find out about each school, the better prepared you will be to make sure that the final school you pick fits your needs.

When choosing a college it is not only important to choose a place where you can grow academically, but you must also grow in spirit. A sense of community with in the college will give you a bigger picture in life. The teachers must know there subject, but can also be there as a friend to help guide and support. A good school is not all about the numbers and facts, but about the people that are within it.

Visit plenty of colleges, and be sure to understand that students will change their majors. Its just bound to happen, so be sure that all of your students academic interests are well served.

Stay up to speed on ALL class work. -reuben

My advice to students looking to find the right college is don't let price or distance get in your way. Parents let your kinds spread over the earth to be representatives of you and what you have taught them. Don't be shy and fearful in this great stage of development but belive that better things are yet to come.

I think it is important for students to visit colleges and get a feel of the environment of the college so the student knows that he or she will be comfortable there. Most of the academic information can usually be seen in statistics about the school. Living on campus, I have discovered how important it is for the enviornment of the school to fit the personality of the students. I would be able to get just as good of an education at many other colleges for the same cost or even less, but I would probably not have had as good of a time because of how well the school fit my personality.

I would say that, you should pick a school based on your academic needs. That means if you don't do well in large class because you tend to lose focus like me, than a big college is not for you even though, they have more to offer and more resources. You want to choose a school that best fits you academiclly and has some of the things you would be in to like, sports, drama, music, etc. Because in reality there is no one specific college for everyone, so take the time to find the right one for you!