Hood College Top Questions

let them choose where they want to go

In choosing a college, visit the college on a school day, mid-semester. This way, you will see the college in full-swing, but before students are too busy and stressed to talk with you. Talk to students you run into on campus, instead of relying fully on what you learn from those employed by admissions. Attend a few classes. Talk with the professors. Go inside the dorms. Visit overnight. Go downtown and see what life off-campus could be like. Visit colleges that are different from one another, so you will be able to compare. Your college experience is completely up to you. Professors are most likely to take time with students who are clearly invested in the material. Time management and self-directed study are invaluable! Get outside your "college bubble" and become involved in the community. Get a job off campus or volunteer. Go out to eat. Walk around. Make friends in the community, as well as on campus, and be sure to seek out those who you feel are different from you in some way. Be open to change (parents too!) and take every opportunity to grow. Study, sleep, and always stay open to new experiences.

take trips to several kinds of campuses, close/far, big/small, etc so you have something to compare

Make several visits to the campus and talk to the students who attend perspective schools. Be sure to ask questions that pertain to what you are looking for in a school and not just the general expected questions.

As a student, determine what you want to get out of your college experience. Do you want to join sororities and fraternities? Do you want to be a dedicating fan of one of your schools sports teams? Do you want to be taught by well established professors? It is the student's job to determine what is most important to them. College is a once in a lifetime experience and every university has different strengths and weaknesses. Maybe you prefer smaller class sizes or plan on living in the dorm facilities for a few years. Determining what is most important to you helps narrow down the mass of Colleges and Universities. Once you find a school that fits the majority of your needs, it is your responsibity to make the most of it. College can be whatever you want it to be. YOU make college what you want it to be. Get involved in things that inspire you. No other time in your life will you be offered with most of the activites you recieve in college. College is not only to learn, it is to inspire you to grow into the person you want to be in the world.

Research the school very thoroughly, but most importantly go to the school and visit the campus and talk to current students. Ask a mixture of questions to a variety of different people and hope that they answer you honestly. Think about what you would really enjoy, and if this school will achieve your goals and dreams, as well as help you grow as an individual.

College visits are the best way to feel if a college is right for you. Research and brochures will only get you so far. College is about a lot more than the academics, and some things just need to be felt. Parents should know that just getting your kid to college isn't enough. It has to fit... almost like a shoe. There is a style, shape and comfort level for everyone -- make sure you try it on.

Don't work too hard. GPA isn't everything when you're looking for a job.

In order to ensure that you find the right college and are making the most of the college experience, I would avise to visit different schools and selesct a few to stay at overnight (if that program is available) just to see if you are comfortable in that environment. Further, I would asvise to read about what students have to say about the school. Look up some of the professors in your prospective major to see their credentials. Also, see how the college is ranked nationally, especially for your intended major. Make sure it is not in a secluded enviroment so that internships are close and available.

Be open about your child's options. If he/she wants to attend an art school in the big city, or a small school in the mountains, you need to remember that this is going to impact their success for the rest of their lives. Be open, be creative, and be supportive.

Go where it makes you happy. That is the most important part of choosing a college. If you as a student don't feel comfortable and happy on the campus then don't go there, you will most likely continue to feel that way through your 4 year experience. Also, don't limit yourself financially, many private colleges can give big money to help students who really want to be there. Dream big, achieve big!

I would say to not only visit the colleges on days they expect you but also the random other days so you can see what they are really like and go where you feel comfortable and what feels like home. Don't come home for the first month....helps makes school a home and makes it easy to feel its home and do better in classes and socially once you get there. If there is something that is bothering you go talk to someone and see what you can do.

Find the school that is right for you. That is the school that when you walk on campus is home. You do not feel like a stranger who is unwelcomed and the dorm while small is still has everything you need or want. The dining area has food that you like not simply things you can tolerate. The teachers are willing to help students and are not there simply to recieve a paycheck or get their work published. Also make sure the academics are what you want. There is no point in going into a school where you cannot stand any of the classes you will be forced to attend. And while money is always an important consideration, don't make it the only priority. If you can find the loans and scholarships to pay for that school, go for the college you want even if it is the most expensive. That way you will never have any regrets because you can always pay off the debts incurred through school. It is a bit harder to relive those college experiences you missed by attending another college and the friends you could have made in that school.

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I would suggest doing the overnight trips. Get a feel for the college and preferably without the parents. Parents should definitely go during a parent orientation and look around. You will prob ably end up chaning your major so don't just focus on that. Look at everything. Also see where your credits for that school are transferrable to. Be friendly and open yourself up to new ideas. TRY THE FOOD. if you are going to be eating it all year, you may want to try it yourself and ask students what they think.

Students, make sure you find a place that feels like home to you. If it doesn't feel like home, don't even bother. Even if you are going to be commuting to college each day (like I do!), the campus needs to feel like home because that is where you will spend much of your time, meals, and social life. Parents, when it comes to Hood College, this school offers a lot of scholarship money compared with other schools. Although it is a private school, the education is incredible and will end up costing you about the same as a state school would after the financial aid adds up.

A student should not settle for a school that does not feel right for them. A school that is academically focused and not focused on partying or sports will give the student a better chance at succeeding in classes. I prefer a small school, but that is personal preference. I believe that smaller schools with more one on one interaction will allow for better grades.

find the college that is wrint for you. Go visit as many collegees as you can and talk to the studnest and professors and see what they think aobut the college

It is a hard time economically for new coming students. I would advice all freshmens to consider a community college at first and save up their money so that once they are ready to go on to the third year, they are able to afford any school they like. Community Colleges also provode those students who are undecided with enough variety to make up their minds and not necessarily "waste money." Even though any amount spent on education is an amount wel spent.

As a high school senior, looking for that ?perfect fit? in a college, begin by reflecting upon your grade school years to determine what works for you and what simply does not. Are you the type of student who practically falls asleep in an all-lecture type setting? Do you collaborate easier in a small group of peers? What subjects did you strive in or take greatest pride in? How much time and energy did you invest in athletics, art, clubs or extracurricular activities? As these answers help narrow down that number one choice, it is also necessary to step outside your comfort zone and expand your horizons. Find at least one aspect of your persona to re-invent, improve upon or challenge in college. The opportunities are endless, so limiting yourself to what you have always known to be true may inhibit your ability to view the world in a new way. Ultimately, I think choosing a college requires you to identify a passion and to test your character. Do not fear the uncertainties of what you will become, because only in opening your mind to the possibilities will you discover where it is you need to be.

What I looked for most when looking at a college, was the size of the school and the programs it offered. I knew I learned better in smaller classes, so I stayed away from big universities, as well as any private schools that were well known. I looked with in the program I wanted, Environmental Science, to see if there were any specialty programs available. When I found out Hood had a travel abroad Coastal semester that could determine a minor, and give me credits for my major I was sold on the school. Know the specialty programs that are best for you, or your student, and know what learning environment works best for you. Not only will you be excited for school when you get up in the morning, but you will be a more sucessful college student.

College is the time in your life when you make lasting friendships, learn more than ever, and challenge yourself to be better. There are many factors to keep in mind when picking a college. The size should be a major factor. The environment of a college needs to fit the student. Many students do not use this as one of their deciding factors and are unhappy with their choices. Attending a small school I can say that the small school environment fit me perfectly. I liked the personal attention that you receive in the small classes. I was able to get to know all of my professors in addition to being challenged academically. At a small school like Hood I had the opportunity to play a varsity sport. Attending a division three institution academics was always put first over sports. The small school environment gave way to easily making new friends, an intense personal academic experience, and memories that will last forever.

I would like to advice parents and students that picking a college is a very big decision. I believe that the student should have a top choice on the college they want to go to. This is because it is important that the student feel comfortable in the school that they choose to go to. The parent should also be involved in the student's decision of picking the right college, but their role should be more of a supporter and adviser to the student. When the student feels comfortable with their choice of college, they might feel less anxcious and stressed. They will have a better mind set that will help them make the transition from high school to college an easier one. The student ends up not having to worry about the environment that they are in, they can put all their attention to their school work. In the end, it makes their college experience a good and hopefully a successful one.

Students: Find the school that bests fits your needs. Don't settle based on how much financial aid you get; there is always a way to make it work. Major in something that fits your interests and your career goals. Don't ever let anyone try to pressure you into a major; it's your life, you don't want to be stuck with a business degree when your heart lies with English. If you have no idea what you want to do with your life, don't worry. Take classes in a wide variety of subjects and don't limit yourself based on your own preconceived notions of what you'll be good at and what you're not. Get outside your comfort zone; it may be the best thing you'll ever do for yourself. Parents: Let them go out into the world and be themselves, but let them know that you're still available as a support line. Don't put pressure on them to major in something that makes a lot of money. They'll find a way to support themselves in a manner that lets them pursue their dreams. Students and parents: don't panic.

Go with your heart. Find a school that will give you enough individual attention if you need it. Go out and meet people, get involved with clubs and activities. Don't go home every weekend, even if it's close by. Stay on campus as much as possible to really get the full college experience. Study hard, but leave enough time for fun. Find a college with a good program for your major, but also offers plenty of classes in different areas so you can be a well rounded student. Remember that the people you meet in college could be your friends for life, so treat them well. Be yourself and take classes that interest you, even if it's outside your major. Who knows, maybe you'll end up falling in love with a new subject and switching your major. College isn't cheap, so spend plenty of time choosing the perfect one for you. Don't go somewhere just because your friends are. It's easy to keep in touch with old friends that go to a different college while still making new friends. Don't just find any college. Find YOUR college.

Choose a college that feels like home. Everything else will fall into place.

Hood College was the only college I applied to; I guess I was lucky in finding a school that felt right to me right off of the bat. That said, what's most important as a student is finding a place that you feel comfortable and can see yourself succeeding in. As a sophomore this year, take it from me; my top ten freshman survival tips would be: DON'T be a hermit, DO get to know your professors if at all possible, DON'T skip class (unless you're sick, in which case, please do), DO respect your roommates, DON'T overload your schedule, DO try something new, DON'T forget what you're at college for (the schooling/learning part), DO fight the Freshman 15 and DON'T stress about your major. It can be difficult for both parents and students to adjust to such major changes at the start of the school year, but if given their space, a student will be settled in and enjoying their newfound independence in no time. I learned a lot about myself and what I want to do with my life freshman year, and I think you will too.

The advice i would give yo parents and students who are looking for the right college is to follow your heart. If a school feels too big or too small initally it probably is, if a school doesnt fit in with your major or career path then it might not be right for you. make an effort to visit the campus of the school you are interested in because it can make a big difference in your decision.

The best advice that I do give everyone to make sure that the college is there for you and you will not just be a face in the crowd. Talk to the professors, students and community members about the school and what it has done for them. That will be the best way to find out. Also try to come visit the campus a few times through out the year so you can see what campus life is like. If you can try to come and shadow a student for a day. But the main point is you need to find a school that is there for you and willing you help you out to be whatever you want to be.

I would advise both parents and students to shop around as much as possible before picking a college. There are plenty of online sites that allow you to enter what you want out of a college and reciece a list of colleges that meet these requirements. (The Princeton Reveiw for example). Don't ignore all of those postcards and information packetts that come in the mail. Consider each one, go visit any college you think you may like. Ask your friends where they're going and what other colleges they looked at. They will give you the real deal on the colleges they've seen. Spend a night at a few of your final choices. The more you know about a school, the better-informed of a decision you will be able to make. Once you've made your decision, make sure you remember why you're going to college. You're going both to learn and to develop life skills. Don't just study to pass tests; study to know. Also, try to rely on your parents less. Sign up for tutors, learn how to manage your finances, get a job, learn how to live life as an adult.

I would not arrange or research colleges that only offer your "major". During my college search, I only looked at schools that offered an Enviormental Science Major with a concentration in Chemistry. That limited my search. Once arriving to Hood, my major changed to a Double major of Chem and Math, to a single Major of Math. My point is to not limit your choices based on offered majors, rather one should look for a great science department if you want to study science. The more broad and accepting you are in area of study, the more options you will have.

Make sure that your son/daughter applies for more than one college, to make sure that they always keep their options open. Once they start college, actually get out there and make an effort to get along with your fellow classmates, as they are the ones who will be enduring the same journey.

The first thing students should do is go on tours of different colleges and universities. If possible, they should try to attend a class or two. This gives them an idea of how classes are held. Next students should decide whether they function better in smaller or larger classrooms. Also the kind of faculty body needs to be looked at, whether they are PhDs or just completed their Masters or equivalent. The student and parents also need to look at the ethnicities of the different student bodies at the school, and then decide whether they are ok with people from different races, color, religion, etc. Also make wise decisions. Look at your current achievements, such as what your gpa is, what your sports achievements are etc and then decide which school is best for you and what is the likelihood of getting accepted. College is way harder than high school. You need to put in double the effort. Studying is actually what you need to just be better than the next person. Keep all the parties for the weekends and breaks. Make good friends. College is where you really get to know people. Most importantly, dont drink, dont do drugs.