Grove City College Top Questions

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

Elizabeth

Go to the college & walk around for 5 minutes, take a look at the buildings & examine how you feel inside. Does this college have majors that center around your passions? Follow your heart.

Connor

Everyone knows the typical advice for choosing a college-- famous ratings publications, guidance counselors, and the panoply of books on the subject. This is just a start. Once you are focused on a school, getting in-depth information about it requires digging into the internet, because that is what the current college-going population uses to communicate. Use search engines extensively. Read blogs from students at the school. Find any unofficial, student-made forum or website. Look for websites by alumni, too. Keep in mind that students often use the internet when they have an axe to grind, so assume negative comments are exaggerated. However, there is much positive information to be found, and it is invaluable. Normal books will give you short, superficial quotes from a few students. The internet will give you an entire book's worth of information from hundreds of students. Doing this will save you from surprises once you arrive, and will help you throughout your college career. Your most unpleasant surprises about school are things you could never predict. Knowing about recent school controversies, titanic or insignificant, can help you know what you are getting into. Forewarned is forearmed. Your investigation must be thorough.

John

Visit the college and talk to the actual students. Don't believe pamplets, tour guides, or admissions counselors.

Wes

Goodluck

Becky

Make sure to pick a school with all majors you might be interested in; lots of students change majors during college. Make a list of the top most important things you want in a college before you begin the search; be sure to consult this list everytime a school comes up. use the princeton review website and college search, it was really helpful. Once you get to school, no matter what, determine to have a positive attitude about your college. Determine to make friends, go to all the freshman activities and enjoy them, try things you've never tried before, be friends with people outside of your major, work hard at your studies, have fun!

Lauren

Ask tons of questions from the administration, faculty, and students and in the end, pick a school that represents your values.

Catherine

Work hard, and have hope. Seriously.

Cara

While the choice of which college to attend should be primarily a future oriented decision, the importance of the life lessons learned at college should not be underestimated. College serves as the foundation for learning to cope with life independent from parents; therefore, it is important to choose a college that is a safe and healthy environment for learning these essential skills. As friends from high school fade, remember that friends from college last a lifetime, so choose wisely what type of people you befriend. Do not be afraid to try new things-- college is a time for exploration. Take lots of different courses because you never know what might captivate you, and when you find something about which you are passionate, cling to it and give it your all. Make sure that you carefully research what your major will translate to in the 'real world.' A lot of times students form this ideal career in their heads only to get into the 'real world' and find it does not exist. Work hard, but play hard, too.

Nikki

Don't take everything at face value--dive into the exploration process and discover things for yourself! Visit schools you're interested in, talk to current students and professors, and learn about the campus and campus life. Most importantly, keep an open mind--that school that may be your last pick today could end up being the very place you spend the next four years of your life! College is a time of self-discovery--it's a time to find out who you are, what you believe, and what you want to do with the rest of your life. You're going to meet friends who will be with you for a lifetime. You're going to learn life skills that you'll carry with you forever. Who knows--you may even meet your future spouse! Keep an open mind about your options, try things out for yourself, and find a school that's going to challenge you and allow you to grow in every area of life, not just academically.

Katie

Do your research. Stay overnight at the college. Think about how your particular school will help you get to where you want to be in life.

Emily

Look long and hard at each school. What made this school for me was that it stretches me where I need to be stretched but is comfortable enough that I feel welcome and able to branch out and grow. The faculty were willing to go above and beyond their positions to make sure I have the oppertunity even if the school didn't offer it. So take the time to meet with the people in the department of your major find out if you could work with them and learn from them. Also, find out as much as you can about the community of students at the school, you will get so much out of your education if you are in an environment of people who are diverse in their abilities and interestes but also have similar goals and direction as you so that you can work with them and learn from each other to reach those goals instead of feel frustrated and alone. You want to find a school that will be worth your time, effort and money. A school where you will really grow and enjoy the learning process and come away with more than a college degree.

Jessica

It all depends on what experience the child is trying to gain from college. Obviously, I am more focused on my education and becoming a more well rounded human being. That is why I chose Grove City College. I am also blessed because it is a Christian College and that has deepened my faith tremendously in addition to my academics. If the child is looking for a party school, obviously Grove City isn't it, but it really all comes down to what school the child feels he or she most fits in.

Calvin

Come to Grove City college :) It's an amazing school that prepares you for the rest of life. When you graduate from Grove City your set for life in almost all areas.

Benny

Most importantly, you have to choose a college that fits you. It may not be the one that is most desired by your parents, high school teachers and friends. It should, however, be one that the above groups of people will support no matter which school you choose. Be sure to visit the college before making a commitment to attend. Talk to some of the proffessors and, if possible, the head of the department. Their job is to get you to want to come to their school. If they can't do that then it is likely that it is just not the right school for you. Visit a few schools and keep your options open. Maybe the school of your choosing won't accept you and you will have to choose another one. Or maybe you will discover something about one at the last minute that would greatly influence your decision to go there. While in school, make the most of everything you do. Classes and grades are not the most important part of education. They are very necesary and should not be taken lightly, but relationships with friends, faculty and family is much more important and long lasting.

Shawn

There are several suggestions that I would offer anyone going through the college experience. The first suggestion is do your homework on the university or college. Discover what the university or college is committed to providing. This involves reading articles written about the college or university, in particular outside sources (sources not from the actual university or college itself). Next, take a tour of the college. This is the best way to determine the actual atmosphere of the college. The only way to really know the campus is to be on campus. I would recommend sitting in a class or talking to a professor at the college. Finally, talk with an admissions advisor. Ask them for an interview (if they offer such a thing) or otherwise ask for the best approach to get into the college of your choice. This is my advice for anyone going through the college experience.

Diana

Make sure to research the school and its policies thoroughly before you decide the attend the school, so that you know what you are getting yourself into. Also, research many different schools to determine which is the best fit for you. Talk to actual students at the college, as well as faculty and administration in order to get a good idea of what the people are like and what it would be like to attend the school. Don't rush into any decisions--think everything thing through before making a final choice on what school to attend. Make sure to visit the school, if at all possible, in order to be able to take in the atmosphere/environment. If you have a chance, even sit in on a class or two, to get an idea of what they may be like. Also, find out the graduation requirements of the program you are interested in, to see what you will need to do/take over the next four years. Plus, try to speak with the head of the department in the program you are interested in to find out more information about your intended major and what is involved.

Carl

Make sure that you don't go to a college just based on one factor. Examine the college in all facets. Make sure you can afford it, you like the location and it has the programs you want. Do your research and don't be afraid to ask people that go there what they think of it, that's where you get the real answers, not from the college literature. Make sure that college is a place that can impact you not just academically, but also in your personal life and help you become the person you want to be. If the college is not going to do that, then you might as well simply enter the real world and begin there. College is a time to grow up and learn, make sure the place you pick is going to help you do both, not just one or the other.

Anna

In choosing a college one of the most important things is to find a college that fits with your life-style and beliefs. At Grove City College I was able to find a niche in the school. It is a good place to get involved in many of the extra-curriculars: theatre, music, literature, the college newspaper, and Greek life are several of the things that I was able to be involved with. The teachers, also, are important in choosing a school. It is necessary to find a school where the teachers are involved and experienced in their field. They are an invaluable resource in finding a job, or advice on internships. In choosing a college the most important factor is choosing a campus that offers many extra activities so that the students may be well-rounded individuals and able to make an impact in the world.

Sadie

Each student is different; therefore, not every college is a good fit for everyone. When selecting a college, make sure you take the following questions into account. What is the program like in the degree I am interested in pursuing? Do the professors offer one on one time with their students? In labs and other workshops, is the professor present, or is it run by a teaching assistant? What is the social environment like? Do the students enjoy the same activities I do? What is the religious life on campus like? How well known is my college, and is it likely that I could easily get a job upon graduation? What does the campus look like? These are all important questions to ask to see if a school is right for you. Selecting a college is an important decision, and it is important that you enjoy the school that you chose, since you will most likely be spending about four years there.

jared

FInd the one that you like and make sure you agree with the school's philosophy. You have got to do this because the school's philosophy will be pushed on you for all four years, and you dont want to have to fight something for four years. Make sure it is the right distance away/close to home. To make the most of your get involved with groups, sports, clubs and other things on campus, you will have lots of fun. remember to meet people and make friends, you will remember these people for the rest of your life, they will become closer to you than your high school friends. And most of all just have fun, don't get stressed about things it will just make it harder.

Rachel

Before starting your search, write down 1 or 2 key things you absolutely must have in a college, and 2 or 3 you would really like. Grove City had my main qualification, and my 3 important ones! Also, make sure you visit the campus, and don't underestimate the importance of a beautiful campus. It's so relaxing to just walk from my dorm to class and vice-versa because of the beauty of Grove City's campus. I also love how close the dorms are to each other, so it's easy to visit your friends. Distance from home is also important, as you might want it far enough away to keep you from driving home every weekend, but close enough so you can still go home for breaks without too much trouble. (I would recommend the neighborhood of 6 hours.) Most importantly, don't get too obssessed with school work. When it's all said and done, it's the memories of the relationships and good times you had that last the longest. Pick a school we're you'll click with the people, the culture, and the community, and you won't regret your decision.

Tamara

When it comes to finding the right college, it is important to have goals for your education experience and seek a school that will best fit that mold. The right college will look different to everyone but the best fit is always out there. Visit campuses and talk to people from the school. Find out what other student?s opinions are of the school. To make the most of your college experience, get involved on campus and with friends in activities that will last even beyond your college years. Friendships from your college time of life last a lifetime. This is your time to experiment in different areas of life in trying out new things and expanding your horizons. You will never know how much you could love something if you have never tried it. Be bold and confident and stick to your opinions. Take advantage of all the experiences your college/university can offer. Start new programs to share a love or talent you have with others. This is an incredible time of life, make the most of it!

Brandon

As our country heads into harder times and people are beginning to pinch their pennies, it becomes very clear that price tags do not necessarily reflect quality. Before getting set on a certain option, make sure that you know what you're doing this for. For students who want to get anywhere, the time for just going to college for the sake of going and having fun are over. Sure, there will be certain students who will do well despite their social life, but college shouldn't be based on the social aspect. It's been built up that way to the incredible disadvantage of our student base.

Elise

First: the best way to find the right college is to broadly research. Reading up on and visiting several schools in different geographical settings can give you a good idea of what you like in a college and what degree you wish to pursue. Second: don't expect perfection. Every college has flaws--you want to look for a school that has negative aspects that you can deal with. Making the most of your college experience is achieved by keeping a positive outlook. Adjusting to new places is always challenging. The first semester of freshman year is especially difficult, and a lot of students leave a few weeks after the beginning of school because they are unhappy. Sticking it out for at least a semester before leaving is usually the wisest course of action. On the other hand, though, do not be afraid to transfer if you rationally deduce that the college you originally chose is not a good fit for you. Furthermore, get to know as many students and professors as possible. The more friends that you have encouraging you and the closer you are with your professors, the more you will learn and enjoy your college years.

Valerie

Don't feel pressured in to picking a major right away. I went in to college with a major in place already. Now, looking back on it, I wish I had taken a broader range of classes and my major may have changed. Also, there are lots of schools out there and the perfect fit for one person could be the worst place for another. If you begin school at one place, but are not happy, there is no shame in switching schools. Go where you'll be happy and learn the most. That is what will best prepare you for your future. College is a great time of life, so don't spend it being miserable.

Emily

"Look to your left, look to your right, your future spouse might be in sight." That's how my freshman orientation to college began. Many (if not all) campuses seem to have sayings that are unique to them. Pay attention to these gimmicks. Find someone on the campus you're looking at, and ask them to use a student-perpetuated quote to describe thier campus community. If you asked my friend Matt, for example, to describe his rustic forestry school, he would call it a place where "the men are men and the women are too." Students have a way of using catchy sayings like that to cut right to the essence of their environment. Beyond learning campus catchphrases, my advice is simple: don't stress. When my friend Jonny was in high school, he drove a state away to look at a college he was interested in. He got out of the car, took in a deep breath, and said, "Smells like home. I'm goin' here." You, like Jonny, are an intelligent person. You know what's right for you and what's not. Identify your needs and wants, and if a place just smells right, go there.

Barry

I would advise that they would take their time to find the place that fits them the best. Colleges are businesses and we can sometimes be drawn into their marketing schemes with beautiful pictures and eye-catching statistics that they use to advertise. It is important to find out the bad things about the school...those things that they do not want you to know. I would also recommend visiting the college and spending a few days and nights there with other current students to get a better feel of what the college is all about. I would suggest that you do not choose a college simply based on the fact that your parents/relatives/friends went there and they had a great time. Experiences are relative and college life at a particular school changes from year to year, not to mention over generations. So the most important thing is to get out and visit many different colleges in many different regional areas. Go with the one that you feel the most comfortable being there and makes you feel like you are at home.

Kristen

Visit the campus.

Sarah

You have to fall in love with the school that you are going to attend, it is the only way that you can be sure that your college experience will be one that you will enjoy and the only way to get the most out of your experience. You have to FALL IN LOVE with everything that the school has to offer.

Alex

First, take a deep-breath and relax. This is such an exciting time in your life, so don't be stressed or worried. Throw away all the stigmas and expectations of attending an ivy league school. Instead, look at you. Who are you? What do you love most about life? Find a school that matches you. To be honest, there are many schools where you can get a great education, so finding the right college is all about falling in love. Fall in love with the classes; fall in love with the campus. When you fall in love with a school, then you don't mind the small things that may annoy you. No school is perfect and if you don't fall in love with your school then you won't be happy. You deserve to be happy. So find a place where you can love, laugh, and live. Smile and jump in!

Rebecca

Go where you feel comfortable on the campus, not the name of the school.

Angela

My advice to parents and students trying to select the correct college for them would be to try to spend time just walking around the campus while class is in session and observe how the students, staff, and faculty interact with each other. Don't get me wrong, academics and extra-curriculars and values are extremely important, but so often we spend so much time focusing on a school's credentials that we forget that it has a personality as well. Remember, it is that personality you will be living with for the next four years. That is no little thing. And don't forget to make the most of your college experience! Work hard AND play often. You will regret it if you wake up after four years only to discover that younever left your dorm room or library, but never forget that you are there to learn.

emily

Based on my own personal experience, the perfect college does not exist! The qualities that a college needs to have in order for a student to be successful will always be subjective, however there are a small number of objective necessities. First, the college should make you feel like a welcomed member. You should feel like the people who you talk to really want to see you, and that you are welcome on their campus. Second, a college should have the major that you think you are interested in studying, especially if you know that you want to study a very specialized subject. Third, the college should be a place where you think you can grow and be challenged. If you don't think that you could grow spiritually, emotionally, socially, and academically, then you should really ask yourself why you are considering that school. For parents, I would only recommend that you help your son or daughter make the college decision under whatever criteria you deem acceptable and necessary. For instance, if as parents, you are paying tuition, then you have the right to have a say in the type of college your son or daughter attends.

Sarah

The best option for finding out what a college or university is really like is to do an overnight visit without your parents. This is the best way to find out what dorm life is really like on that campus and what current students do for social activities, how much and where they study, and other aspects of life on campus. Spending some time on campus will help you to find out if it really is the right school. Brochures and tour guides aren't going to give the most accurate account of social life, dorm life, political atmosphere, or academic focus. The way to find out the true nature of the college and its student body is to invest time in an overnight visit being hosted by current students. Once you've spent that time doing what students at that college do, you'll know if it's the right school for you.

Samantha

Finding the right college is supremely important. This does not mean picking the school where your significant other is attending, going to the place with the best name, or going where your parents went. What is important is that you find a school where you will feel comfortable living and learning, where you will be challenged and edified. Be sure to take into account the testimony of past or current students of the school you are considering. While college websites and admissions offices mean well, they are not always the most honest means of evaluating what the school is really like. For example, if you plan on living on campus, make sure that there is stuff to do on the weekends, especially if drinking isn't your thing. Also be sure to check out the financial aid offered by each school and the policies on renewing that aid for all four years. Know whether or not your scholarship status will be affected by a change of major, GPA, or other circumstances and evaluate whether or not the criteria is feasible. When you find your dream school, apply early to ensure the best chances of acceptance and first chances at aid.

Briana

My advice is that everyone is open to new experiences and possibilities. The students have to choose the school that they feel is best suited for them, and while the parents should help in the process, they should not make the decision for the student. A student can make the most of the college experience by being involved in a variety of activities on campus. They should not be afraid to make new friends who could be different from them and to step out of their comfort zone. They should try new things but keep up their previous hobbies. They should be open-minded and willing to learn, not only in academics, but about the world and other people. One of the main things a student should do is remember they only have a couple of years, so they should make the best of their college experience.

Katherine

I would say you should stay overnight, during the school year. The overnight stay should be from a Wednesday through a Sunday. You need to see how people act Wednesday night through Sunday morning. Also find out about grades and stress from a variety of students.

Lydia

College is a pivotal time for students. With that in mind, students and parents should invest time in finding the right fit. College is not always about academics; many times, students form lifelong friendships. Academics are another aspect that plays a deciding factor in a student's decision. Many colleges try to impress you with flashy advertising, but one has to visit the campus and talk with students and faculty in order to gain a true feel as to what the college is really about. Religious colleges are sometimes the only type of schools that some students look into. As a result, many students lose the opportunity to see other colleges that could offer much more in terms of academic opportunities. At times though, it is better to choose something that appears less advantageous than a college that has better facilities but does not fit one's other needs.

Rebecca

Take plenty of time to think about your decision. Choose a school that is especially strong in the subjects you may want to study.

Sarah

It doesn't necessarily matter what college you choose. Pick one that you know you can survive at, and throw yourself into campus life. A great group of friends will make any college ideal. Getting good grades is important; you're at college to learn, but remember that learning occurs outside of the classroom as well. Get involved!

Julie

Before applying to and visiting different colleges, I made up a list of essentials in terms of what I wanted to find in a college. Ask yourself what you consider indispensible in a college experience--public or private, high or low academic focus, a football team, a specific major, a certain musical ensemble, etc. Know the things you can't live without, be committed to finding those things, and go from there. Past that, I would recommend that you follow your instincts. On paper, my top three choices seemed about the same. When I came to visit my school, I was able to get a good feel for what campus and community life was like. My heart said, "Yes, Julie, I can call this place home." So, I came.

Patrick

The most important thing about finding the right college is finding the right people. If you go to a college, looking only at its financial costs, academic rigors, and cultural oppourtunites, but don't find out what sort of people go there, you have made a big mistake. All of those things are very important, but what will really make or break your college experience are the people you will be spending those years with. These are the people you will be eating with, sleeping with, and spending counless hours studying with for the next four years. They will influence you for the good or lead you down a path you never wanted to go. Find a college full of people that you want to be like someday and then figure out the little details. And get ready to meet some of the greatest people of your life.