Hiram College Top Questions

If I could go back in time as a high school senior, I would tell myself to experience all of the aspects of college life and not worry so much about grades. College is meant to be an experience. If I knew then what I know now about life and getting a career, I would tell myself to do more extracurricular activities, take different classes outside of my major and just have more fun. Once you graduate from college and start looking for a job, your prospective employer doesn't ask for your grade that you received in physics in your freshman year in college. All that they care about is if you have a degree and from where and if you are a well rounded and interesting person who is intelligent enough to figure out the job that you are appying for. A good college experience can lead you to being that well rounded and very employable person.

I would tell myself that the studying and dedication doesn't stop here. Yes, you are going to graduate, but its just the beginning after graduation. College is not all about partying, drinking and football games like the movies say. You must work hard. However its not just all work and no play. It is possible to balance out the two and still have fun in school. There will be times when you just want to give up and quit school because it gets tough. But don't give up! Four to five years later when you have your degree and your making your money, you will be so happy that you didn't give up. You will be able to look back and see how hard you worked to get where you are. Hardwork pays off!

Dear Senior Jes, Although mom and dad have not put any money aside for you for college you have to do what you always do, go it alone. Yes, college is an option; please don't take six years to figure that out. You are smarter than that, take your ACT's and yes the SAT's. Take the extra babysitting job in the summer, save the money to pay for housing and books. Live on campus, find a mentor and become obsessed with the library. You can make something more of yourself, you do have an option, and they’re not willing to give it to you so you have to take it! Sincerely, Jes - from your future, with a future

At Hiram, I have been able to get involved in numerous activities around campus that have helped me to build on skills that I will need in my chosen career path. I have learned patience and the realization that everyone learns in a different way through my two years as a Teaching Assistant, Peer Mentor and as an Orientation Leader. I have learned organization and communication skills through my work as Student Body President. I have also learned leadership and public relations work by being Co-Chair of Hiram's first annual Relay for Life. By going to Hiram I have seen that the world is a much different place than the community that I grew up in. I have met so many wonderful people who have taught me their values, cultures, and ways of life and although I have some problems with Hiram, I am not sure I would have gotten the same experience that I have received at a different college or university.

The opportunity to study in a college has given me the chance to learn all kinds of things, more specifically about visual communication, technology, and on the way about history, cultural communication, art classes, computer information and the english language; also, through this adventure I have met so many people with so many different cultures and languages and have learned about their lives, after sharing with these people I have become more open minded, more knowledgeable about what goes on all over the world; and more importantly, made new friends. Aswell as friends I have been guided with very skilled and helpfull staff like my English Teacher John Liffiton and my cultural communicatio professor Annaliese Harper and Graphic Arts teacher Patrick Burk. It is overall a unique experience that everyone should have the opportunity of having it and that unfortunately for financial reasons are not given this chance.

I have only been at Hiram since August but already I have learned a lot. I have gotten a lot of one on one attention from my professors . I have learned how to be more independant with a little help from the faculty staff ,much to my mommy and daddys dismay. I think that Hiram has helped me realize my dream of higher education from which I will go on to get my masters and then ph.d I thought I wanted to attend a bigger school, but I am so glad I chose the small rural college I attend.

I have learned a lot about how I learn best and what academic subjects interest me the most. I have also been exposed to opportunities and people that I would not have been otherwise. The professors and classes at Hiram are awesome and capture my attention. The campus activities and clubs are very active and always consist of fun ways to get to know other students. The campus is beautiful and feels like home. It has been valuable for me to attend because not only are the academics wonderful, but the people are amazing too. It has also been valuable for me to grow up, live on my own and be exposed to new experiences. The most valuable part of being in college is that I have learned that taking risks is okay and have tried many new things as a result of that.

I am a freshman at Hiram, but I have done post- secondary education classes at Kent State University during my high school education. The college experiences that I have had taught me responsibilty. Besides responsibilty, it has given me the opportunity to want more; it gave me reassurance to my goals and gave me the ability to have higher ambitions. It is so critical to attend college. Reason being is, not only does that shiny diploma on the wall say "you successfully received more education", one gets to become passionate. Not in one subject necessarily, but in many. There are so many new things to become more passionate about , and college lets people discover those in more ways than imaginable. Once a person gets passionate about something, they will become more ambitious and will dream of being something great. High school gives a person the foundation of dreams, but college gives the person everything else to build those dreams.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have more than enough to talk about. The first discussion I would bring up is that critical thinking is one of the most important tools in decision making. There were so many times I would act on impulse when making decision and it was not the best policy. I believe that in conjunction with not taking every single thing so seriously are important tools to having a good senior year. Being a high school graduate, I sometimes look back at all the drama that I did not have the ability to overlook. Being in college if the same situations happened to me again, I would either handle them differently, or just brush them off. The last topic I would try to cover is not burning too many bridges. Just because I was leaving for college, does not mean that I needed to be closed off from the people "I thought" I was not going to keep in touch with. In all honestly, those people I closed off, are the ones I find myself going to for guidance.

Looking back, I have to say that there really isn't much that I wasn't prepared for in the jump to college life. The only piece of advice that I would have to give myself in Highschool that I know of now is to apply to far more scholarships than I did, given that now I am facing bills I am unable to pay without extra financial support. Other than a higher degree of scholarship hunting, I would simply confirm a lot of suspicions I had about campus life so that move in day wouldn't be quite so nerve-racking.

I would tell myself not to keep myself so sheltered. THe biggest mistake I made was keeping to myself and not getting out and meeting new people my first year. I missed out on a lot of fun people and fun times because I spent all my time doing homework or waiting to talk to my boyfriend from home online. If I could do my first year all over again I waould go to more campus events and open up more to people in order to make more friends. This is exactly what I have done this year and Ive never had so much fun. I have met amazing people and I have fun along with staying focused on my school work. I have the best of both worlds.

Make a list of your college choices with "Pros" and "Cons", including location, tuition, consider the scholarship opportunities, discuss the money you or your parents will owe or pay and go on an overnite stay to get a feel for the atmosphere; don't follow your girl or your friends. College is about new experiences and adapting to a different environment than what you are used to. Watch my 3 minute video posted on Facebook on what to bring to college. Thank you for any consideration to provide me a scholarship. http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=550019904148 Christopher Sabo Junior, Hiram College Hiram, Ohio

My advice to students and parents looking for the right college would be to actually go on campus visits, they are the best way of making sure the college has the right "fit". While you are on these visits, talk to some of the students, ask them for their honest opinion of their college. Also, find a helpfull staff member and ask them why they think their institution is a great place to learn. I would even suggest going on overnight visits to the campus, a campus can be one way on a visit day, but you see its true colors when you stay a couple of days. My final word of advice is to make sure that you feel comfortable when you first arrive on campus. Try to imagine yourself going to the school, sitting a classroom full of students, does it feel right? If it does, chances are, you are in the right place!

To find the right college, it would be in best interest to go with what feels comfortable. If a college that is part of the selection group does not feel right for you, or your child, then it most likely is not a place that will bring success. It is almost cliche to say that people go with what they know, but when it comes to spending a lot of your money and time to receive higher education, going with what you know would be best. Also keep in mind what features you want out of the college, and the college experience. Making the most of a college experience would include extracurricular activities that would be of interest to you but would also benefit you in the future. By choosing to do certain activities and extracurriculars you can really expand and broaden your life experience. These activities, extracurriculars, and campus events can really have an impact on the social network, and future career network, for your life in and after college. Becoming involved on campus is the most beneficial thing that any person will ever have the chance to do in life, and I would take advantage.

Ask students outside of those who work for the school.

Trust yourself first before trusting college advisors.

Make sure that a lot of research is done before chosing a school, especially if finances are a problem.

go for the academics and not the sports

Vist the campus. Talk with students, faculty, and staff. Go with your gu feeling, you'll know what college is right for you. Get involved!

The best advice I could give about making the right choice is to choose a school based on what's the right fit for you. I feel the biggest mistakes some of my friends have made is going to a school purely because it is where their boyfriend/girlfriend/parents. went to college. The choice you make now is going to affect you for the next four (or more) years, not your parents or your friends. If it is the wrong choice, it will make everything about the transition to college more difficult. In order to make the most of the experience, besides making sure you are somewhere that you feel comfortable, be certain that you do not shut yourself off from the other students. Make friends with the people on your dorm floor early. Don't go home the first few weekends, even you are homesick, because this is the time that bonds are made and you are able to really get to know people without the stress of a classroom. Be sure to focus on classwork, too. As tempting as it is to just have fun, education is the main reason for college and freshman year is crucial.

Find what your interest are and attend a school that provide that.

To find one's right collegiate fit, one must always apply to his dream college. Even if it seems financially out of reach, or that you would be unfit for it in some way, it always is possible, and can help you measure yourself. I applied to a variety of schools, and actively tried to give each an equal chance--to rule out nothing. Consideration of every aspect helpd me too, I would never go to a college for just one aspect of it. The main thing is to consider where you would feel comfortible, and not to be distracted too much by what you think you want to do in the future. I don't want to short circuit myself, or miss out on potential opportunity. Changing your mind is alright! To make the most out of college, I almost use my professors. They are the people you are going to get most of your professional skills from. Possessing a love of learning is another key thing. You can't skim by, so put your all into it!

I think the key in choosing the right college is visiting the campus and learning as much as possible about student life while there. Many schools, such as Hiram, do offer overnight programs for prospective students that allow them to stay with a current student on campus for one night and attend several classes and school functions while there. I attended one of these programs at Hiram while I was choosing a school, and it made me see that I could really picture myself attending this school. Once you have chosen a school, it is necessary to always put your education first. It is great to be involved in extra curricular activities, but it is important to remember that you are there to get an education, not to make as many friends as possible or to be the president of everything. College is meant to give us the knowledge neccessary to be successful in the real world, and this means that sometimes you have to make sacrifices in order to keep that process going. Your education is not worth losing for a few nights of partying.

Visit the campuses and choose a place where you will feel comfotable, happy, and safe.

The best advice I can give is follow your instincts. I was always told, "When you get to the campus, you will know if it's right for you or not." It is completely true. When I walked onto the campus of Hiram College I said to myself, "This is it. I'm done looking, I have found my college." It was the only college I applied to and it has been the only place I have ever wanted to be. Your college also has to be a place where you can see yourself being happy for the entire time you are there. For example, if you are an athlete and you get hurt and cannot play again, will you still be happy with the school? Finding a school you love really makes your college experience. When you love it, you are more likely to get involved, make friends, do well in class, and enjoy yourself in general. All in all, don't go somewhere you have qualms about. If it requires twenty-five college visits to find YOUR college, do it. It is worth every mile you drive when you finally find the one.

I think the best advice I would give to parents and students is when searching for the right college, do a lot of research on the college especially in the area you wish to major in. Make sure the college has A+ programs. Don't just pick a college to go to because all of your friends went there. To have a wonderful college experience you have to have courage to step outside of your comfort zone and explore the possibilities. Take chances. You'll probably make mistakes but that is part of the learning college experience. Study abroad if you can afford it. Lastly, don't be afraid to make new friends. Its not like you are getting rid of your old friends for new ones you are just building more bonds with people who have similar goals as you.

In finding the right college, my advice would be to figure out what you as a student want to take away from the college experience in the end, other than a degree. Parents: encourage your child to research a variety of schools before making a final decision. Take visits and tour the campuses. Take advantage of over-night stays so your child can actually live a night and day as a college student before hand to see if they like a certain school's environment. Students should always have a back-up plan and know alternative routes for the selection process. College is about the experiences. Make sure you find a place that fits your personality and learning environment. Once you find a school that holds your interest in both areas, you will be sure to succeed.

Every student has all the potential for making the most of their college experience at their fingertips. You don?t even have to know what you want (though it helps). Just be passionate in what you do. Find a college that will do its best to foster your growth and then work hard at whatever you put your mind to. I recommend making a list prioritizing the characteristics that you seek in a school, such as strong departments in your field of interest, rank, size, location, facilities, and study abroad programs. Then search for schools meeting your criteria online. Once you narrow down your options, try to visit the schools. Visiting is crucial to ascertaining the true atmosphere of the college and its community. Finally, apply to your top colleges and strive to get the scholarships that will allow you to go. Even if you can?t afford your top choice, your second choice isn?t going to hinder your potential. Once you are at college get involved and be open-minded. Explore your possibilities and keep an eye open for opportunities. Most of all, don?t sell yourself short. Anything is possible, despite what the whole world might say.

I think the most important thing might be not to stress that you have to get it right the first time around. If you truly do not like a school it is possible to transfer. Get involved, make friends, and have an open mind, it sounds cliche, but it really is the best way to have an awesome time during your four (or more) years in college.

Find a colleger that fits your son/daughter's personality.

Any college that you choose can be the right choice. Go where you feel comfortable and at home. Make the most of all the opportunities at your school and your college expierence in better for you. Enjoy these four year because you have the chance to learn almost anything you want and it shouldn't be wasted! Good Luck

The key to finding the right college is being proactive. There are so many good choices out there but the key to finding the perfect fit is visiting, staying overnight, and sitting in on a class. The first step is to find out what characteristics are essential for you to succeed in that environment. Rather it be small classes, available study areas, or tutors, the key is to find out what you need to be the best you can be for the next four years. The second thing to do is the look at what schools fit you academic interests. Not all schools offer the same things and a particular school may not have a major that you are looking for. After slimming the selection down the next thing to do is to start visiting. Find out from students who attend the school what things they don?t enjoy about it. Will any of these things become problems for you? This, as well as sitting in on a particular class of interest, and staying overnight to get a true sense of campus life will all aid immensely in finding what is best for you.

When you go on the tour or if you stay the night, ask your tourguide or host to tell you the truth. Ask them what they really think of the school. Are the dorms and food really as nice as what you're shown during the tour? How helpful are the profs? What do kids do in their free time (the real deal, if they drink, you need to know)? Is it hard to get into the classes you need? Is the school good enough for your major? Was this school their first choice? If not, what's the difference between this school and their first choice? If they got into their first choice, did they just come here because of the money? Knowing what they know now, in whatever year of college they are in, what would they do differently? Knowing what they know now about their college would they still apply. If you're positive you're going to go to that school, ask them what dorm you should live in and what profs are the best to take classes from. And ask them to be honest. They are no help if they're not.

The greatest advice is go where you want for the right reasons. Don't go because your friends are going or your boy/girl friend. Decide what is important to you: like do you want to be close or far away from home, do sports play a big role in your life, what is your interests in study. Don't go to a college that doesn't have the degree you want. Do whats right for you, research the schools you are interested in and see what they offer and learn about the requirements and activities. You can get involved and plan ahead before you even start attending college. Back in high school, I researched Hiram and found out what the core requirements were for graduation and what was expected of the accounting major. I also found out all the sports and activities, along with the heads of the accounting department to contact them. I did my research and couldn't be happier. It was right for me and it could help for you too!

The best way to find the right college is to visit, after doing your research and usually applying first. Overnight stays are the single best kind of visit to really know if a college is right for you. When I was deciding on my colleges, it was the "vibe" I got from the tours that pointed me decidedly in the right direction. I knew for certain that I wouldn't be happy at one and that I'd be perfectly comfortable at the other.

If I had to give advice, the most important thing I would say is to first decide what size school you would like to attend. Once you know that, you will have an idea about what types of schools to look at. If your not sure, start by visiting a small, medium and large school. After deciding definitly visit your prospective schools, you will never know what a school is really like until you visit it in person. Many schools offer over night visits, so taking advantage of the over night stays is an excellent way to get to know student life, with out the sugar coating of administrators. Once you choose a school you need to make the most of your experience. I can not express enough how important it is it get involved. You will always have time for a club, a sport or some other organization. It is a great way to get to know people and who doesn't want to make as many friends as possible? Always focus on school work, after all isn't that why you are going to school? It does not mean you won't have time to do other things.

When looking for the right college, you must look at every detail of the college to make sure it has everything you are looking for. Dont not settle for a college that is cheaper or closer to home. Go to the school that YOU want to go to. Be willing to adapt to your surroundings and have fun at school. At the same time you must work hard becuase college is not a cake walk. There are many different programs and events around campus for those who may not be interested in varsity sports. College will be the best years of your life, go to a school you want to and make the most of it. After college your going into the real world, make the most of your college experience.

Finding the right college depends on the individual who is looking at colleges. A key factor is whether or not the student feels comfortable with the social environment of the college, since the education received depends on the student's motivation and the right social environment will help the student find motivation and even help find out what she/he wants to do in life.