Grove City College Top Questions

1) This one life you have is YOURS - so get to know yourself. Learn to express what you like, what matters to you, and who you want to be. While you're at it, get comfortable talking about your strengths and weaknesses: study, embrace, and enjoy them. Conforming or rebelling are YOUR choices, but don't get caught up in making statements for the sake of making them. The path is yours, so figure out what matters to you and make your choices based on that. 2) Give nuance a chance. Life is not as black and white as you wish it were. So while you're getting to know yourself and making life choices, learn to love nuance. Develop the ability to hold your values firmly while understanding the values and choices of others. 3) Take informed chances. Some choices are clear: you'll get accepted to your top choice or have one job offer. But sometimes you'll have more than one good option. Don't waste your life worrying. Gather whatever information and advice you can, then follow what your gut tells you. Chances are you will end up exactly where you are supposed to be.

See yourself as a member of a generation, and your generation as a member of humanity. Why is this important as a college student? College allows you to see the world without needing to travel, meet and interact with men and women of the past through their ideas, and learn about yourself, your culture, your past and the legacy you will leave one day. College is a springboard both to the future and also to the past. Do not forget to use your eyes to look ahead to the future and the opportunities that surround you on and off campus. Do not forget to use your eyes to look next to you, through seeking community and support: you cannot do this journey alone. Finally, do not forget to use your eyes to look behind to generations that have come and gone, but leave a pathway, footprints and beautiful testimonies and lessons to learn from. Look around. Don't forget.

Quite simply, I would advise my former self to distinguish the significant apart from the insignificant. Too often, we as college students (especially freshmen!) take curiosity at our poor academic performance, unfortunate social standing, lack of future career options, and so forth. We wonder and wonder, and so few of us are ever guided toward the proper conclusion: too many of us (my freshman self included) waste time in areas that detract from our primary endeavors. For example, if I do not have a thorough understanding that my primary role as a college student is to be a college student (sounds silly, does it not?), I can easily lose footing within the first few weeks of school. Personally, my priorities championed a strong social life, intramural involvement, girlfriends, and so forth, far over classroom endeavors. Indeed, while the former categories of college experience are certainly wonderful, they must have their proper place in the hierarchy of priorities. The little choices, in short, are what make the college experience make or break. If I could speak to my high school self, I would emphasize the value of the small battles. They add up to win the war.

The first piece of advice I would give to my high school self would be to not be afraid to try new things once I enter college. These activities are how you meet people and gain life experiences that will help you in the future. A second piece of advice would be about friendships. I would tell my high school self to spend as much time with my close group of friends as possible senior year and the summer before college, but not to worry too much about drifting apart from these friends. College gives you the chance to easily meet new people who are more like you and who offer more positive relationships than high school friends who are changing and drifting apart from you every day. Additionally, I would tell myself to have more experiences related to my field of study (elementary and special education.) These volunteer or learning experiences would benefit me greatly as I continue my own education. Finally, I would tell myself to focus more on my faith in high school, since I chose to go to a private, Christian school. This would help me as I continue my spiritual growth in college.

I would tell myself not to worry as much as I did about the college application process and the adjustment from high school to college. I was very stressed that I would not recieve admission to the schools that I wished to attend and that it would be hard for me to make friends and adjust to the college level. Grove City helped me with my transition into college and made it very easy for me to make friends and learn the tips and tricks of college life. I would also try to cure myself of "senioritis," as I will admit to catching it late in my senior year. I did not let my grades slip, but I did not work as hard or take my work as seriously as I had in the past, which made it hard to start working again once I began college. If I were able to do this, I believe that it would greatly help me and make my senior year of high school much better. Much of it was spent worrying about how college life would be different, and how it would affect me.

there is no guarantee you will find out what you want in your life within the next 4 years, if you don't that doesn't mean you got an F in life paths 101. here's some advice 1. try several different careers on for size, start early! take as many different interships and elective classes as you can, anything that you might be interested in try it. no matter what mom and dad say or how unrealistic it is, when it comes down to it, the year after graduation mom and dad will not be driving in the car with you every morning on the way to the job that's "just a perfect fit for you" that you absolutely hate or just simply doesn't fulfill you. you are the only one you have to answer to at the end of the day. 2. choose something that will be able to support your after you're done. if you want to major in basket weaving, minor in entrepreneurship so you can set the prices of your own baskets, that way you can have that cruise to italy and send your kids to school in the same lifetime.

Part of the core requirements for graduation from Grove City College is taking a series of Humanities courses, all of which examine different aspects of cultures, religions, and worldviews. This college has, thorugh these courses, caused me to think critically about WHY I believe WHAT I believe. This applies to both my spiritual life and the stances that I take on hot-button issues such as abortion, stem cell research, and homosexual civil rights. I knew what I believed before coming to this school, but now I can defend my beliefs! I can take a firm stand against any opponent and, while I will not always have all the answers to the questions they present or the issues they raise, I will be nonetheless firmly grounded in my views and be able to challenge them to also think critically about why they think the way they do. Because of this awareness, it is as if I have a passion that's been ignited within me for each and every belief to which I hold. When my generation is attacked by the influences of the media and ill-informed peers, I will not be moved. I will stand my ground.

Since attending Grove City College, I have grown into a more mature and complete person. From the challenging educational requirements, I attained a thorough understanding of my vocational pursuit and have learned to work hard to achive success. Engaging with different people from different backgrounds has expanded my understanding of human beings. Living away from home and being forced to cope with a degree of stress has increased my understanding of what it means to be an adult living independently of my parents. College is a time for the student to grow into an adult who is capable of providing for himself and a family. To be a provider, the student must have a vocation, the ability to interact with other people, and the maturity to manage stress. Attending Grove City College has been a crucial part of becoming an adult.

Although I am only a year and a half into my college career, I have loved every minute of it. At Grove City, I learn so much and I feel well prepared for life after college. The professors are helpful and caring, and they give me hope as a future educator that it is indeed possible for me to have an impact on the lives of my students. I know that for a teacher, a degree is a must, and the classes that I'm taking give me information that will actually be relevant to what I plan on teaching later in life. Even though the schoolwork is diffiicult, it is always worth it. I have also met amazing friends there who I know will be a part of my life for many years to come.

It is a huge privilege and blessing to be able to attend a college, especially a school so determined to equip me with as much knowledge as possible. Grove City College has afforded me such an amazing experience, and I am merely a freshman! I have learned so much and not simply just in the realm of academia. Collegiate life has illuminated certain truths of the world a little more brightly than they previously seemed to me. I have learned just how wealthy a man with one truly loyal friend is. I have learned how quickly people can change. I have even learned the value of a dollar, as it is necessary every time I wish to have clean clothes. College has taught me the value of independence; it is up to me to get motivated to study, to do my laundry, even to ensure that I have a ride home for holidays. However, more than lessons of industriousness I have learned the importance of rest. Yes there is a necessary time for intense study, hard work, and diligence; but the fast moving pace of modern society has neglected the importance of rest. To achieve academic excellence rest is needed.

I believe that I am getting a great education at a well respected school. I am learning more about myself and learning to be more independent. I have met some interesting professors and have made some friendships that will last a lifetime. Grove City College has been a good choice for me. I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering and I am enjoying this field of study and looking forward to a great future.

So far, I have learned many things about myself that I did not necessarily want to know, but discovering these things and being able to work on them has helped me as a person. I have already learned quite a lot in and out of the classroom, and I have been able to explore many different activities, as well as focus on those I enjoy the most.

When you attend college, you get just a glimpse of how the big the world is and how many different types of people there are. However, you come to realize that there are many people like you out there too. For example, I was only one of the few devout Christians at my high school. When I got to college, I was comforted by the fact that there are so many people working toward the same goal that I have - to love, serve, and obey the Lord! It made me feel not quite so alone. It has been a valuable experience that I would never trade. I now have gained much confidence in myself and in my faith. I feel like I am being prepared to live life after college much better than I would have been if I hadn't attended college, especially such a challenging and rewarding college such as Grove City.

I have grown so much since I began college for the first time at age 18. I stopped and started again at age 24 and now, at 27, I have a 17 month old daughter and have just graduated with my AA. The educational opportunities and experiences I have encountered over the past 3 years have been invaluable in regards to my growing as a person. I have been forced into uncomfortable, difficult situations; studying for finals at 3am after rocking my crying daughter to sleep for the nth time. Nights that seemed never ending, time after time breaking through the thoughts of "why am I doing this?" "It's not worth it" "It's too hard", etc. to emerge on the other side, triumphant and more confident than ever that I really can reach my goals and fulfill my dreams of becoming a teacher. Though impossible to know it at the time, through every difficult plight, my character was being stretched, molded and tested and I have come through the fire, refined and ready for whatever lay ahead.

I believe education serves purposes beyond simply preparing one for a career. A meaningful education not only achieves this preparation, but also empowers one to help others through their own, newly refined abilities. I feel that my own education can be a valuable means of expanding my capacity to help others and positively affect my community. The decision to attend my local community college, Los Angeles Pierce College, turned into a significant experience of my life. Many obstacles were presented by attending Pierce, such as having no official transfer curriculum, transfer agreements, or counselors to guide me to my four-year university. However, I managed to secure and thrive in my required courses. I have learned through this entire process that my success depends on my determination and perseverance. Along the way, I have developed persistent, resourceful, and motivated characteristics. Consequently, the confidence in my ability to accomplish both my educational and career goals and to take control of my future has expanded immeasurably.

My experience at Grove City College has been enlightening and inspiring. I have grown even further in both the spiritual and academic sense. This has been the beginning to an exciting stage of my life. I have not once regretted ever attending this colllege and would recommend it to anyone who desires to be challenged in every aspect of their life.

I have gotten so much out of my college experience so far! Grove City has amazing academics, it is a great Christian environment, a very safe campus and very affordable. The academics are challenging but I learned a lot just in my first year. I have had the opportunity to play varsity and intramural sports, participate in ministries, and make many wonderful friends. I highly recommend Grove City to anyone looking for a good Christian school with a good academic reputation.

The most important thing I gained from my college experience is self respect. I never considered myself smart before or even really all that educated. Going to college has changed that. I now have a 3.5 GPA and am very knowlegable in all sorts of different subjects. It feels good. I have learned so many knew and interesting things. Things I never even thought I would be interested in. School has inspired me to learn as much as I can. I believe college is a very important experience and definatly worth attending. Attending college has given me self respect, a new insight to the world, and tons of new interests to go along with it.

Because I am a secondary math education major, many of my courses focus on guiding me to the teaching profession. I enjoy my math and education courses and genuinely believe they are preparing me to become a meaningful teacher and to positively change the lives of my students; however, my college education encompasses more than these academic courses. Today I woke up to the blessings of a (semi-)full night of sleep in a comfortable bed, a hot, (semi-)delicious breakfast, and the opportunity to attend classes taught by brilliant instructors. This past semester, my thankfulness for my joyful college experience has been transformed into a desire to repay these gifts with service, so that I may pass along some of my joys and blessings to others. By participating in several on-campus ministries including Prison-fellowship and Adopt-A-Grandparent, attending a mission trip over Easter Break, and applying for an internship at a Christian summer camp for urban youth, I am learning that serving others offers more fulfillment than any individual success. Every night I fall asleep with a smile on my face as I learn to praise God for this incredible college opportunity by ministering to others.

The most helpful thing to know when first coming to college is to stay on top of work, but still find time to have fun. The work that is put onto students can be extremely overwhelming at times, but if they put things off, it only makes the work that much harder. The only thing is that it's also very important to fit fun in somewhere too. College is when people are figuring out how to be more responsible and to become independent while getting ready to work in a profession that they are likely going to do for the rest of their life until they retire. That is a lot to put on someone all at once. There needs to be some type of fun or stress release in their lives so that they do not get overwhelmed. I personally wouldn't have been able to make it through the first semester and still be mentally stable if I had not found a way to have time for fun. It has kept me sane under the pressure. With the combination of getting the work done and some type of fun/stress release, college can be an amazing experience.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself an anonymous quote that I read in the past that helped me to get through the first few months of college. "If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we've never really lived". During my senior year, I was anxiously looking forward to making the dream of me, attending college, become reality, however I never expected what a drastic and overwhelming change that really is. I would remind myself not to take for granted the luxuries I have at home: the smell of home-made food, the sounds of my parents talking in the other room, or the knowledge of my brother and sister being but a floor above me. I would prepare myself to feel nervous, but encourage myself to replace any fear with excitement because these changes are what make life uncomfortable at first, yes, but beautiful with time. Every change is different, but one more way to rely on God. I would remind myself that I am right where He wants me, and that change and growth are magnificent.

As a high school senior, I was deathly afraid that I wouldn't get accepted to college, and even more afraid that I wouldn't fit in at school if I was accepted. Fortunately, I was accepted to Grove City College, and upon arriving, I found that people at college are pretty much exactly the same as the ones in high school, just a little more overworked. However, the people at college all have something in common that brings everyone together into a close knit community: they are all here by choice to learn and further their education. There aren't any sullen people who try their best to show their displeasure at being there. People are happy to be here, and academic fellowship allows you to make friends of and form relationships with people you would never have noticed before. If I could go back in time and talk to my high school senior self, I would tell my past self that college isn't all fun and games; it is hard work, but the people who attend it make it all worth the trouble.

Knowing what I now do about college I would have had several things to tell myself as a high school senior. The most important thing I would have told myself would have been to stop being so frivolous and to buckle down and give everything that I did, wether it be school, work or sports, my best effort possible. Not that i was not successful or did not achieve high grades during my senior year, but i did take many shortcuts and was lazy just as many other seniors are. I wish I had done this, not as much for the better results that would have been achieved, but rather because it would have prepared me better mentally for college and its many challenges. I would also have told myself to stop being heavily entertainment oriented. Once you stop using good study habits and begin to focus primarily on hanging out with friends and going out at night it is much harder to begin college and regain the discipline which you once had. Overall I would have tried to let my former self know that discipline in every apect of your life is what is needed to succeed in college.

Although the transition to college was indeed very drastic and abrupt, I believe that various experiences in my life (such as my parent?s divorce and our subsequent cross-country move) taught me the ability to adapt and helped prepare me for the changes. While most of the adjustments, such as walking across campus for every meal or living on a hall with 36 other guys, were minor and posed no problem, I did find it quite challenging to develop a structured schedule. In hindsight, I feel that developing a routine before actually leaving for college would have helped me through the transition. Given the ability to advise my high-school-senior-self about the future I would have also stressed the importance of time management skills and self-responsibility, things I have found to be absolutely necessary to a successful college student. Finally, I would have encouraged myself to really learn the material in my high school courses, since I would see most of it again in my college freshman classes. Learning it as a senior would save me precious time in college and would allow my future self to focus on topics that were completely foreign.

What do you think you?re doing? How could I have been so stupid? You are about to make mistakes you are really going to regret. I know that you think it?s all pointless but you are wrong. I stay up at night wishing that I had some chance to go to a University and follow my dream as a Computer Animator, but we didn't even have that goal yet. I want you to learn from your mistakes and listen to people and what they are telling you. I know in that thick skull you think you?re just, but you?re not. Not even focused on college yet. If only you could have lit that spark years earlier. Now all I want to do is to go to school. Become my dream as a Computer Animator. You didn't get scholarships during senior year so you lost a whole year because of it. Do better, exceed everyone?s expectations. Soar high until you touch the stars, because that is where you want to be. You want to be on top of the world, not to own it but to help it and dazzle everyone in it.

I would tell myself to work hard at academics, but not to stress too much about it. I would tell myself to pick a few organizations on campus that I could get passionate about and stay dedicated to them. I would tell myself to try and make a lot of friends from different groups around campus, but once there is a solid foundation, stay and cultivate those friendships instead of just trying to make more and more friends. I would tell myself to be as open and friendly as possible to the people around me. I would tell myself to become a math major instead of a business major, that way I wouldn't have wasted my freshman year on business classes.

According to the Bible, ?Life is fleeting, like a vapor?. A vapor appears for a few seconds, but soon disperses into transparent air. The time available to us has the same nature. Just when we think we have unlimited hours at our disposal, we take a step back and realize how much of our lives has slipped through our fingers. Clocks are not going to stop, so instead we have to make it our priority to not let valuable ticks of the timepiece escape us. In high school, I did not recognize that I had only been given a certain amount of time to accomplish my goals and did not take advantage of the opportunities right in front of me. Now that I appreciate the fact that we have been blessed with a precise period of life I have begun to step outside my normal ?comfort zone? and make the most of the time I have been given. I have found that I have the strength to do things I never considered, such as inner-city tutoring. We are only given a split-second in the large scope of time. Do not ever waste a single moment.

If I could go back in time and speak to my former self, I would say, start applying to college early. Applying to College and Universities late gives you less time to make a decision on a life long career. It will be confusing and a waste of money in the future. All of us want to prepare for our dream job, but in reality very few are in the career we attended school for. I spent two years getting a degree in Computer Technology thinking it was going to be a perfect career once I graduated, but was severely disappointed when the economy went down and I found out Multi-million dollar companies in small towns need only one IT employee to run it. Here I stand, with an Associates Degree in Computer Technology, working a minimum wage job and unable to live in a larger city where odds of getting a job in my field is more probable, but not guaranteed. Therefore, do not wait around for things to fall in your lap. Make decisions on what you want for your future, so you won't waste your time and money in becoming a professional college student.

If I had the unconventional opportunity to go back in time to my senior year in high school, I would give myself many different forms of advice. Mainly, I would strongly advise my prior self to save as much money as possible. When in college, money seems to evaporate between all of the diffferent costs. If I would have saved more money while in high-school, it very well could have made the transition a little smoother. Another point of advice would be to work on being proactive and ditching the habit of procrastination. Many students tend to fall prey to the convenient habit of pushing off their work and the best advice would be to tackle the work head on so that you have time to check and polish your ideas. Finally, I would recommend that I would expose myself to different groups of individuals and steer away from what makes me feel safe. Besides the conventional type of learning, there is an unwritten education at college. It is about meeting new people who think differently and challenge your beliefs and viewpoints. It forces you out of your comfort zone and helps with the change to adulthood.

Deciding to go to a four year college is a big step and can be an exciting adventure. If I could go back and give myself some advice, I would definitely remind myself not to let fear stop me from trying new things. College presents students with so many great opportunities that we may never have again. I would tell myself to look around and realize that once this time is over, I will most likely have other responsibilities that will not allow me to do everything I can do now. Take advantage of every opportunity! Years from now, when I look back on my four years of college, I don't want to be disappointed that I was too scared to try something new. Take on the adventure and don't be afraid of failure. Sometimes, failing can be the best way to learn.

The first advice I would want to give myself is to not take 18 credits the first semester of college or any semester for that matter. College is not all about studying and working. There are many lessons to be learned and memories to be made outside of the classroom and books. It is not worth all the money you pay to go to school if you do not spend time with friends or have fun. Yes, school work is important and honoring to God, but it is not everything. Remember, failing a test is so minimal in God?s eyes. He wants to use you for His glory, so do not hide behind books all the time. Sleep is extremely important. Be sure to get decent sleep, or you will regret it. You will be more cheerful and attentive if you get good sleep. Also, make sacrifices for others and give of your time to help others as much as you can. It feels good. Be creative and use your time wisely. Choose specific fun things to do with your friends and plan accordingly. College life is wonderful. Make the most of every opportunity and trust God in everything.

I would tell myself to enjoy the easy life while it's still available. College isn't fun and games like everyone makes it out to be.

I would advise parents to listen to what their children truly want out of life. If it does not match what the parent's dreams for the child are. Than, they need to work together to find a way to compromise and find both a school and degree that will satisfy both parties. I would also advise parents that often times a student will go into something only to realize that what they really want to do is what you have been encouraging them towards their whole life. But, you need to let them figure this out on their own! To students, I say, to make the most out of your college experience, meet lots of people! This will not only be key to you having a great time at school! But, it also builds great connections and relationships that can last for the rest of your life! Take your college experience as a blessing! Study hard, spend time getting to know your professors( they write great recommendation letters!) and also take time to build lasting friendships with your fellow students!

Finding the right college, looking back at it, is really about a) do they have what you're looking for academically (majors, programs, quality of education)? and b) do you have the money to pay for it in a reasonable way? But finding the "right" college isn't as important as what you do when you get there. That's what will make or break your college experience. And really, the college experience (like all of life) is about relationships. Your friends are what will make the college experience wonderful for you, so choose them carefully. Find people who encourage you, who like and accept you for who you are, and in return encourage and accept them. Get involved in campus groups that suit your interests, or find something new to try. This is not to say that you should ignore your academics! College work is an important stepping stone to a good career, and your friends - the good ones - will understand that. But either way, the friendships that you make will truly be what you carry with you from college, and that is how to make the most of your college experience.

Find a college that is the right fit for you. Make sure that your major is offered. Make sure the size of the college and the classroom sizes are right for you. Find out what social activities are available. You want to feel good about your choices for free time activities as well as class room activities. And remember not everyone knows exactly what they want to do at 18 years old, it is okay to make changes as you develop into who you are becoming.

I would say that visiting the college is the most important part. I know as soon as I visited the school I currently attend, I knew that was where I was supposed to be. It clicked, and I knew it was the right place to be. Everything else clicked into place. Regarding making the most of the experience, all I can say is get involved. Whether it be varsity sports, clubs, intramural sports, musical groups, or any other organization go for it. You will meet amazing people, and have the most memorable experiences of your lifetime, guaranteed. You will love whichever college you pick, because you create the experience, your school does not dictate this.

When looking for a college, it might help to find a site that you can list criteria at in order for the site to narrow down options. As for making the most of college, get involved. It is a surefire way to make the most of your time. If you can get involved in multiple things. If the college you chooses has brother/sister halls, and freshman activities, go to them, those are the places you will most likely get to know people that you will be friends with for life.

the one thing that i would reccomend to parents and students dueing the application process would be to take their time. i took a year off after high school and it was the best possible thing that i could have done. during the year off i worked full time, which worked greatly in my maturation process and gave me a better idea of what direction i wanted to take my life in. without having taking a year off i wouldn't have wound up at the school that i did. the year off also allowed me some pretty cool opportunities in addition to working. one thing that i was able to do was spend 2 weeks in the UK visiting friends. it was great to experience a different culture and see how history is different there than it is in America. throughout my whole year off i learned many pratical things such as discipline and hard work, but i was also able to have fun and experience some pretty cool things and i would reccomend it to anyone who is unsure in their search for a college

Hello prospective college students and parents! My advice for finding the "right" college is to go out there and visit schools! Ask questions! Do you fit in with the students? Are the professors approachable and knowledgeable? What activities and events are available to students, especially on weekends? How important is sports? Theater? Greek life? Volunteer opportunities? Check out the classrooms, library, student center, cafeteria, and dorm rooms. Are they inviting? Modern? Clean? "Shop around" for a school where you are comfortable, a school where you could say, "I'm ready to go home" in reference to your dorm room. Students, my advice for making the most of your college experience is to seize every moment. Regarding your social life, form strong relationships with new people. Experience life, both on campus and off. But DON'T act irresponsibly. And regarding your academic life, work hard by diligently. Challenge yourself to move out of your comfort zone. Experiment with new ways of thinking. Inquire about diferent internship and job opportunites, especially over-seas. And most importantly, distinguish your name from the thousands of students who will soon compete with you for a job. Be risky, but be smart. Good luck!

It's worth the money to attend. It's a gorgeous campus, and I really enjoy it. The professors are amazingly helpful and I have learned a lot in my classes and from my friend.

The advice that I would give to students towards the perspective of finding the right college would be to go to the college website and learn everything you could possibly learn about the college itself. Find out everything such as sports, clubs/organizations, and academics. I would also encourage college visits. This assists in the area of learning about the college and experiencing it first hand. Once the right college is chosen, I would encourage the student to get involved in as much as possbie. Do not turn down a great opportunity to be with friends or to even have an opportunity to meet with a professor about academic standings. Develop a relationship with friends and especially professors. The benefits of these relationships will help in the long run and something that will never become a regret. One thing that I strongly encourage towards students and parents is pray! When a person gives everything to God, he gives answers in return. Praying and having a strong and true faith assist us in times of need. Praying about college and the many decisions that come along with college can help a person become more assured about the whole situation.

The greatest help to me in finding the right college was to use the abundant resources that are readily available to high school students. Books, magazines, articles, and websites offer so much information about majors, careers, and colleges. Setting aside time to utilize these resources was extremely beneficial and helped guide me to the right college. However, the greatest resources to me were the people that surrounded me, such as guidance counselors, parents, teachers, and friends. The knowledge, experience, wisdom, and intuition that they freely gave to me was priceless. They were able to guide me through my decisions and helped me identify my strengths, weaknesses, and where my talents could best be nurtured and developed. I encourage high school students seeking a college to use these resources ? they offer valuable advice. Once you find the right college, maximize every opportunity to grow. Don?t let any opportunity pass you by, because college ? and all the experiences, learning, and fun associated with it - only happens once in your life. Attend class, get involved in extra-curricular activities, make connections, and work hard so that you can leave a positive impact upon this world.

Research schools thoroughly and then visit them. Go to some classes and walk around the campus to get a feel for what life would be like there. Be bold and ask some students how they are liking it there. Once you get to college, become involved in activities. Keep active and avoid the Freshman 15.

talk to other people that have went there. its the only way to really see the truth.

Choosing a school: Take a deep breath. You have a lot of people on your side-- family, high school faculty, the college admissions; no one wants you to end up in the wrong place. Talk to your high school counselors about schools with a good academic fit. Talk to your parents about you can afford. Talk to the admissions & always visit the schools you are seriously considering. Walk around, talk to the professors, talk to the students, & see if you jive with the campus atmosphere. Most importantly, listen to your gut. What sort of dreams have you always wanted to pursue? What sort of person do you see yourself becoming? Some people have that figured out, but most do not. If you're like the majority, consider college a time for finding answers about who to become. Examine your goals and decide where you think they would best take off. Once you're there: Even if you're new on campus remember that your time is short. Use your time to explore and challenge your goals. Know that your friends become a second family. Fight the stressors of school with exercise and planning, & never be afraid to try something new.

When looking into a college, it is important to think not only of majors and careers, but of the whole person. Certainly majors and careers are a huge portion of your college experience, but what really constitutes a life well lived? At the end of your life, will your identity rest in your job and your salary, or in what kind of person you were, and what kind of life you lived? Did you love your job and serve faithfully in your career? Did you make a difference in the world, or your particular sphere of it? Finding a school that will not just prepare you for a career, but will in addition shape who you are as a person is like looking for a needle in a haystack. And it is worth every minute of the search. Going into college with the attitude that you're going to have a big impact is a false notion. Expect to be changed, stretched, broken and challenged by your classes, your new friends, your professors, and your campus community. It is up to you to make the decision to put yourself in a place where you will be changed for good.

Looking for the right college is an extremely important process. Not only do you have to look for the place where you will be given the best opportunities, but you need a place that will not send you into a finicial crisis. With the economy and the cost of living being in such a massive upset, finding both is usually quite a trial. My advice is to not pay attention as much to the cost as to the atmosphere of the school and the activities available there. Finding a place where you can bring some of your interests with you is critical to the college experience because it wil help you to maintain some of your identity. college is a life changing experience; a time when you discover what you want to do with your life. If you leave behind the things that you love the most, then you will look back years later and wonder what could have been. Instead of doing this, be willing to take risks and discover your own passions in every field, not just in your major. Learn from your mistakes but never regret them. Find a school that will let you be yourself.

I believe you need to choose a school that will allow you to meet you personal goals. I would encourage students to carefully plan finacially for their education and consider the possibility of starting out at a community college. By starting slow you give yourself more time to decide what you want to do with your life. One of the most important practical concerns is choosing where to live and with whom. Students should look into all of the alternatives before committing to campus housing. Sometimes their are better deals off-campus. This decision can be the prime decider on how you feel about your college experience. Most importantly, students need to look on their college experience as a growth opportunity where you are allowed to approach adulthood slowly and carefully. Look for opportunities to learn and take responsibility instead of avoiding them. There will be significantly less shock when you graduate if you have those experiences. Above all, college should be a enjoyable time where you refine your personal worldview and begin to make the difficult choices that often develop your character and influence your future.

I would suggest tapeaking with current students at the college to see if your personality will fit in with the population. Remember that tests and finals are a different expeience in college than in highschool-- begin studying before the night before the test. Remember that, although it is important to get good grades, it's just as important to have a good time. Make friends that will encourage you both academically and socially so that you can have a balanced and awesome experience.

Parents and students should consider the reputation, location and character of the school. They need to ensure that the college fits their academic and social expectations, and that they can afford to attend there. Once students are at school they should become active members of the campus community, while balancing their school work. It is important to get involved in campus life by volunteering and joining campus groups, because this allows one to meet people as well as contribute to the community. However, it's important to maintain good grades, because graduating is an important aspect of the college experience, after all. Students should accept that they probably are not going to get A's in all their classes, and realize that as long as they are giving school their best effort it's alright to not graduate at the top of their class. Work hard. Play hard. Have fun! These are the best years of your life.