Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion Top Questions

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

Kayla

Being a student at Indiana Wesleyan University I have been extreamly blessed with an amazing group of friends as well as a great education. Being diagnosed with ADD I have a difficult time learning than most students. My professors and friends have helped me a lot over the years and I truly do value the support. I have worked very hard to get to the place that I am in my life and have gone through a lot in my life. The counseling Indiana Wesleyan offers has also helped me get through my dad passing away and many other struggles of having to deal with him growing up as an alocoholic. Paying for school myself I do appreciate the free counseling that IWU provides to the students. I am so blessed to have made it this year and being a student of Indiana Wesleyan has shaped me to be the hard working independent woman that I am today.

Sydney

I have definitely grown stronger as a person in college. I am a lot more independent and am able to figure things out on my own. I value the community that my college offers. There are always people around willing to help someone in need. It is definitely a reoccuring things on campus. They are always pushing us to reach out to the community and do our part in the world. We have a theme at our campus to be a world changer. It should be our goal to want to go out into the world once we graduate and change the world. To make the world a better place. I greatly value my college for pushing me to do these things.

Cody

I have definitely learned that time management is a key to success, not only in college, but also life. In the busy and hectic schedule I had, I had to learn to manage my time for school, work, friends, and God. It was very tough, but really helped me to grow. I also learned that relationships are probably one of the most important things at college. Without friends, I would have gon crazy just sitting in my dorm all day doing nothing. Friends in college are what helped me to survive my first semester, and I think that everyone that goes to college should try to find a group of people that they can be around, just to help encourage and grow them.

Thomas

My experiences at Indiana Wesleyan University have been imperative to the discovery of who I am and what I am meant to do. Entering in as a freshman, my goals were simple: get married, get a degree, live comfortably. This quickly changed as I began reflecting upon my skills and interests, and about the many needs in the rest of the world. Through the programs at IWU, such as Chapel, the Center for Life Calling and Leadership, the Mentoring Program, and many focus groups, I have discovered that I am called to “Business As Mission”—that is, I want to use what I learn in my Business major to help those less fortunate around the globe. Helping to create a student group called “IWU4BAM,” I successfully bridged the gap between my calling and my skills sets. Due to the impact of my experiences thus far at IWU, my life will be forever changed and I will have a far greater impact upon this world. Through this scholarship, I will be able to continue studying, learning, and being shaped by those at IWU, as well as being connected with people in my field to support outreach programs around the world.

Alexis

I went to college hoping that I could find somewhere to get involved. I am extremely passionate about the issue of human trafficking, and in the first weeks of my freshman year, I met many others that felt the same. One thing led to another, and the mayor ended up blocking off the downtown for us. We held a community-wide human trafficking awareness event within Marion. Our goal was to love every person that we came into contact with in hopes that through that they would see the value that they have within them. We wanted everyone to walk away realizing the value in every human being- that no person deserves to be exploited, abused, etc. What have I gotten out of my college experience? Dreams that I never knew I had were fulfilled, not because of anything that I have done. I want to do this for the rest of my life- serving others with God's love.

MIchelle

Reflecting back on my high school days and realizing how life really is and the roads I decided to take, I would tell myself that there will be plenty of time for fun. That I could have so much more fun once I finish my degree and obtain a successful career. I would tell myself that even though the other options that were in front of me looked so appealing, enjoy being a college student and think of the future instead of moving out at the young age of 18, thinking you can make it on your own. Which I knew I could but it's been a struggle and continues to be. I would tell myself that if they are really your friends, they will continue to be your friends from any location across the country and they will support your decision to attend college just like they did. I would tell myself to stop worrying about what others think and actually put myself first, which means a better future for myself by finishing school.

Kimberly

In "1982" I was a senior in high school who knew everything , so I thought. I graduated high school and went on into a field that I really knew nothing about. I attended" Aristotle" dental college which now doesn't exist. I practiced dental assisting for some years off and on between family and babies. I changed careers after my second child and divorce, I went to work in a factory which payed more and had health insurance. After nine years of employment and another divorce and child. I turned to alcohol and drugs, I was with the wrong friends and for all the wrong reasons. I have been in and out of institional facilities. I don't know if I could give advice against all lifes lessons. I feel that I could have prepared my career better and possibly my life would be different. I am a recovering alcoholic and drug addict. I have been clean and sober now for 7 years. I have so much to offer those still institionalized and on the streets. I am currently working with the local drug counseling agency and probation department to help these still suffering. I would not be here now.

jordan

Life is right in front of you Jordan, embrace it. Enjoy your senior year to the fullest, do not let your anticipation for college ruin your last months of high school. As you make the transition from high school to college do not be intimidated, there is nothing you cannot accomplish if you put your mind to it. I am not saying that college is going to be easy without disappointments, but I am saying that if you apply yourself and actually do your homework and go to class, you will succeed. College is an opportunity for you to practice independence from mom and dad. The question is what will you do with that independence? Will you party it away and waste all the hard work you have done through high school, or will you devote yourself to success; growing intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. Do not get stressed about what college you should attend, because the college you choose does not dictate if you will have a good experience or not, You Do! You will get out of college what you put into it, get excited and know that college will be one of the best times of your life

Grace

When I was in high school all I knew about college was that I was going. I did not know much about the expenses or the expectations of college. I soon learned that college is expensive and require a lot of work. I would have described myself as a good student in high school, but in college it takes more work and concentration. The classes are harder and you must work and study in order to get a good grade. Every assignment and test and point counts for the grade. There is no room in college to be messing around or blowing off homework. But if you are focused you can still find plenty of time for fun and friends. College is a great experience. It forces you to grow and yet remain young and fun. Within college there is a strong support group there to keep you accountable and the professors here are there to help even with personal issues or stresses. College life is fun but the education and homework and study must be taken seriously.

Mildred

The best advice I would give myself is to stay very natural about making decision for myself. Now I am able to remained focused, stay strong, and strive hard to maintain good grades. Become more well- rounded and gained more self-confidence that I knew I had before. Continue to change my outlook about accomplishing my goals and made me more confident to tackle new obstacles, whatever they may be. This journey continue to be my blessing and a reward as I continue my education. All the wonderful things I had learned that made me a unique and strong woman, I am today has held significant meaning in my life. Like, Have a very clear and speicfic personal goals, being a life long learner; my advice to myself is that it is always more to gain and learning never ends.

Brittany

If I couldgo back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would give three pieces of advice. First, I would tell myself to pray about my decision. I would pray that God would reveal to me where I would best fit. I believe that prayer should be the first step in considering colleges. The second piece of advice I would give myself would be to make the decision that is best for me. Doing what other people want you to do will usually not be beneficial to you. It is okay to listen to the opinions of others, but ultimately the decision is yours. Finally, I would say that college is very different than high school. Although many people told me this, I never really understood what they meant. Now, after being in college for a semester, I understand what everyone was trying to tell me. In high school, everything is spoon-fed to you, but in college you have to feed yourself. If you dont put forth effort you will not learn. I believe that effort is the key to success in college.

Brenda

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior about making the transition to college life, I would discuss three things, finding the course of study necessary for the desired career, viewing the transition as ?continuing to attend school?, and finally; having a written financial plan to achieve the entire degree. Building the goal of attaining the career one is training for into the college years through apprenticeship, volunteering, summer jobs, and job placement through the college are the best practices. Continuing to live at home may provide a continued support system and security during the transition to college. Underage consumption of alcohol and student loan debt are two major areas of concern. Many freshmen make choices that affect them adversely because of lack of supervision and mature advice. Finding out what money is available, whether it?s earned, parents contribute it, or grants and scholarships will be awarded, must be assessed? Understanding FAFSA and having a basic financial budget for the full degree term will ease financial stress. Parents, counselors and college orientations can all be avenues of help when implementing these steps. Have a plan, and let college be about learning.

Erin

If I could go back in time and talk to my past self as a college freshman now I would tell myself to not wait. What I would mean by this is do not put off finding scholarship money or applying for colleges. I would tell my past self to calm down and get everything done so I could enjoy the rest of my senior year and giggle at the others that are rushing to get that last application in or the last letter of recommendation. I would tell my senior self to keep working hard and keep those grades up like I was doing. I had a fantastic senior year and there is not much that I would change because I am at a great college that will help my get my degree and a great start on life.

Rebecca

When I was in high school, the only thing I could think of was getting out. I did not think how hard it would be when I got out. I was divorced with two girls by time I was 21 years old. I had no child support and was working a lot to support them. I never thought I had the money or the intellegence to go back to school so I strugled to raise my children with little time to enjoy them while they were little. Now, I'm 46, single, and raising 3 grandchildren. I would tell myself that the intellegence will come when I graduate from college...The funds will come with determination and prayers. I can do this!

Christy

I had a child while I was in school, so I would probably try to convince myself to go to college earlier. I thought working and raising my children was hard back then, but the older the children get, the more sports events, scouts and other extracuricular activities just seem to get more and more time consuming.

Kenneth

I have no regrets about my acedemic experience and would do the same way again. If I decide to get another degree, I will most definitely will consider Indiana Wesleyan University again.

Melissa

I would tell myself, as a high school senior, to enjoy my friends more because you really lose track of them once you go your seperate ways. I would also tell myself to apply for every scholarship imaginable because the debts do not go away and they just keep getting bigger and bigger with the more and more loans you obtain. But at the same time, to not be afraid of the price tags associated with different schools because once you get a job they will be paid back, whether it takes you five or twenty years to pay it back. I would also probably tell myself to go where I want to go, not necessarily where it is expected that I go, to not be afraid to strike out on my own, make my own mistakes and gain more life lessons through it all.

Mackenna

If I could go back to my senior year of high school and give myself advice for college, there would be two main things I would tell myself. One of them is to make sure I learn how to study correctly. I did not have to study very much in high school and I did not think I would have to study too much in college either. However, I have realized that studying is very important and in order for me to pass my classes, I need to study more often than just an hour before the test and to try using different ways to study if the one I am trying to use does not work for that class. The other thing I would tell myself, is to become more involved in activities. Being involved in campus clubs or taking part in an even on campus is a great way to meet people, relieve stress, and just to take a break from the everyday monotony. College is not just about moving forward academically, it is also about becoming the person you want to be and making friends that support and love you for who you are.

Laura

I feel as though I have handled the academic transition well, but not as much the social. Going to a very Christian school, and not being overly religious, I have shut myself off to making friends at my university because I am not nearly as spiritiual or religious as other people. Most people think God is the focus over academics, and I disagree, making me very different from most students which lead me to avoiding potential friendships. I wish I had instead of being closed off to everyone, searched for friendships with people similar to me so that I would have a better social life and feel more connected ot the university. While I have good friends at other schools, I do not at my own and I wish that was different.

Julia

Stay focused and do not procrastinate. Procrastination creates unnecessary stress which can deteriorate my confidence. I would need that confidence and boldness in order to present my art projects in the best way possible because that is what teachers are looking for. The art professors are looking for creativity and content, so do not give up on your art classes in high school. Ask questions and talk with your professors, they don't bite. Be friendly, encouraging, and positive; others will always gravitate towards those kind of people. No matter how difficult it gets, remain positive and push through. Perseverence is key with graphic design. When the going gets tough, just get tougher and someone will take notice. Be strong and work hard til the end because it will most definitely pay off.

Korrine

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to apply for scholarships and grants. I waited six years after high school to start college. I would also advise against this. My mother passed away right after I graduated high school. Since I was eighteen, I did not qualify for her social security to assist me with college. We lived in low income housing because of her disability and our income. As soon as she passed, I was forced to move out. I have worked full time since I was sixteen. By the time I was stable in my own place and in my career, I made too much money to get grants. I have decided to continue my education, even though I am concerned about my future financial situation as a result of loans. I would strongly urge any high school senior to go to college and not take a break after high school - even if they suffer a crisis. If I could go back and do it again, I would definately have started school when grants might have been available to help me.

Sarah

I would try and weigh the pros and the cons of the school itself. I would try and apply to get a diverse range of schools to apply to instead of picking three. Also that being yourself is okay and you do not have to try and please yourself. I would tell myself to look at the finanical situation and ask if it is worth it. I would also tell myself that appling for scholarships is never over and to keep on top of it.

Angela

In making the transition, there will always be a few rough days. But remember to take a good look at the big picture. The great times with new friends, the learning experiences, and the accomplishments far outweigh the stress and rough days that lay ahead. Work hard and push yourself beyond the average, but keep a balance in your life. The friends you will be making in the next few years will probably be the closest and most important in your life. Remember to stop every once in a while and enjoy some good laughs, a piece of music that fills your soul, or a breath of fresh air. Afterwards, the burdens that seem too overbearing will shrink a few sizes. In the grand scheme of things, one test or one paper will not determine the outcome of your life career. But do not give up. Never give up on your dreams.

Shakinna

I did not go to college right after High School because I did not know what I wanted to major in and my mother was diagnosed with Cancer my senior year of High school, and passed away 3 years ago. If I could go back to my senior year in High school I would have planned more for college, and looked at more schools.

Nikki

If I could go back in time and talk to myself in my senior year of high school I would stress the most how important it is to be confident with yourself and try new things. The transition to college for me was rough because I was a bookworm. I was afraid to make friends even though I wanted to becasue I thought it would get in the way of my work. I was isolated and that led to developement problems within myself and my identity. People aren't going to bite you and you will never know what will happen until you try. It is important to reach out of your comfort zone and make good relationships with people so that when times get rough you have a support group. Don't isolate, congregate! That is the motto I would give my high school self when she was on the edge of entering the college world.

Patrick

Dear self, First off, you rock. Seriously, you're the coolest high schooler around. Don't let that jerk from Econ tell you any differently. You will soon learn how awesome you are. Second off, don't worry about college. You'll do just fine in classes, but make sure you study hard. Third, make sure you set a solid sleep schedule. Something about staying up until 4 AM studying for World Civilizations throws you off for the rest of the day... Well, that's about it. Give my love to the princesses! (You'll see...) -Future Self p.s. Look under your desk when you move in sophomore year-- I've hidden $5 for pizza. Enjoy!

Daniel

I have a lot of homework and would just like to be entered into the drawing, thanks :)

Seth

I would tell myself to lighten up and be more open to the people that are around you. People aren't going to just walk up to you and say "hey lets be friends." Also the school has freshman things just for this reason and skipping them will only make you miss out on new friends that you will later need to relax with after a hard week of classes. You should probably learn to play some new games as well seeing as the campus life on the weekend is rather dull and you need something to fill the time!

Jessica

The summer before my freshman year of college found me facing the prospect of college with no small amount of terror. Oh, I was looking forward to it, but in the way one looks forward to the highest drop on a roller coaster. One knows the coming drop is going to scare one beyond belief but the scare is ignored for the excitement one expects to feel. Getting ready for college was like waiting in line for that roller coaster and I was freaking out the entire time. Of course, everyone feels that way their freshman year, but I thought I had it worse because I had been homeschooled my entire life and not only was it time for college, it was time to join the "real" world. Everything was going to change. Change. That was my primary fear. And so it is for so many other people entering college. When I finally arrived at college for the start of my freshman year, the change occured so rapidly and easily that it did feel like the drop on a roller coaster. The drop is always easier than expected. My advice? Don't fear the drop, just enjoy it.

Brittany

The first thing I looked at in a school was location. I started where I knew that I wanted to be. Then I looked for the education that I wanted. I knew that my school was known for their education department. Research the school then go on a visit and explore the extra-curricular oppurtunites the school offeres. But surrounding all of this is the money situation. Families have to know what they can handle. My family is paying more then they thought they would, but in the end I know I am getting a wonderful education. It is up to the family how much they want to abnk on this child's future education. Once you are at a school take advantage of the activities and sports. Use the free facilities the school has. Do not waste the money that you are spending on school. Make sure overall you have a wonderful time, make friends, and you learn to the highest of your ability.

Suzanne

What would I say? One word sums it all up. Pray. Ask God for His direction and you will never be let down. Second to that, to make the most of the college experience, I would say, though having a good time is a good stress relief, it is important to put school first. School is what you are paying for, not a party or social scene, and you should get the most knowledge out of it that you can. Knowledge is the key to the future and people need to wake up and realize the responsibility that has been laid upon them. Lastly, I will say to have fun. Make irreplasible, long-lasting friendships and enjoy the time you have with your peers. To parents, I will say... pray for your kids and let them know that you love them. Also, care packages around finals time are a really nice pick-me-up.

Perry

Know yourself. Choose a college that accomodates your own style of living and learning. This not only is a part of finding the right college, but also of making the most of your college experience, because it will be much easier to absorb the benefits of college if your own preferences are met. Don't worry about it too much. Even if you've chosen the wrong college, you've still chosen the right college. You can still benefit from the experience. What really matters with this decision is your happiness, and that is always under your control, because happiness is dependent on your thoughts. It's just easiest to think those good thoughts if you choose the "right" college, which is to say, the one that best matches your own style.

Jason

College is a time when many people make life long decisions and refine their beliefs and values. Realize that collage is not a magical cure for life's troubles. Before you get to college you should do several things. Learn how to debate intelligently and logically. You will run into many people who do not share your beliefs, by intelligently debating, both of you can refine your beliefs, not frustrate each other with pointless arguing. Next, I would recommend going outside your comfort zone. Trying out for a play, taking an art class or joining the science club are all ways to stretch one's experience. by doing this you can create memories and stories to tell for the rest of your life. Finally Do something that you enjoy. A large portion of people work in area unrelated to their major, so enjoy what you learn and stretch yourself. When you enjoy what you are learning, your whole experience will be much better.

meghan

Choosing a college is a big deal and is ultimately about what the best fit for you as an individual is. It is important to explore all of your options. Discovering how each college interacts with you as a prospective student is a good start. I have found this to be an accurate way to determine the general atmosphere and attitude of a campus. It is also important to know what is important to you. This will help you decide on the qualities you are looking for in a school. Gathering general information about campuses such as financial aide, academics, and location is a good tool to use in familiarizing yourself with the goals and achievements of a campus. Campus visits are extremely helpful in finding how you will fit in a particular school community because they allow you to interact with students who are currently attending that college. Selecting a school can seem like a huge task. It requires research and preparation. Find a place that you are excited about, where you will grow and in the end it is completely worth it.

Abbey

Students - There is more to "college" than parties and cramming. There is the opportunity for friendships that last a lifetime, learning that leads to a career and growing that will have you finding yourself a better person on the other end. College can be a terrifying transition, but if you allow yourself to grow, if you set your heels in your values and seek to learn, you will be rewarded. Parents - Your kids are grown now, so let them go. I have often seen parents hold tight to their grown children. They call everyday, and write every week. They want their child home every other weekend if not every weekend and refuse to allow their baby to make his/her own decisions. Parents, they will be okay. You've done all you can, now watch them blossom into the young men and women they are becoming. Watch and be there for them when the come home or when they call. Students - last pieces of advice: study hard, sleep sound, eat wisely, think well, call your folks, learn much and have fun!

Breanna

Parents: Allow your kids to be independant. Yep. Don't be afraid to let them make their own mistakes, instead encourage them to really dream and show you believe in them. Students: Call your mom and dad at least once and month and let 'em know how you are doing. You don't have to talk long, but it means the world (even if you can't tell) when they feel included. Just be yourself. Be friendly to everyone and don't be a groupie (sit with one group of the same exact people every mealtime). Meet with your professors at the beginning of each semester. Get sleep! Don't go socialize when you have tons of homework piled on your desk: your grades will thank you. Don't overcommit to too many things, instead choose a couple activities you really can't live without. Don't drink, don't hang with people who do, and keep it clean. Don't get frustrated if you don't get all A's your first semester, have hope that you can always work hard to improve. If you visit a college, talk to the current students there- they can offer honest insight.

sheryl

The right college is found by first of all, knowing down which path you want to travel for your career. Once that is decided, you look at the colleges that offer quality education in that field. Quality education is determined by proper accreditation(s) and the expertise of the professors for that field. The reputation the college has in the community is also important as that is one way of attracting future students. Flexibility of classes and size of classes can be important to the student, who may or may not do well in one setting or the other or in bigger classes. Once the right college is found, the student needs to set priorities, be organized, and be disciplined to set aside specific times for studying, no matter whether it is for online or onsite classes. Study habits (study groups, collaboration, and teamwork) are important to self-esteem and ultimately his or her success.

Wesly

Seriously consider every option and don't let money get in the way. You will have debt no matter what when you get out of college, so don't make that your number one priority.

Stephanie

Follow your heart. You go to all these different colleges and you see all varieties of campuses and each has their own superior qualities. But you know the right campus from the minute you arrive. You get this feeling, its a calming peaceful feeling, a feeling of excitement and pride. As you walk around the sidewalks and through the buildings you will see yourself living that life.

Charlotte

Take your time and find the school that is best for you.

jacob

find a college that fits your personality and has a good history in the area that you want to study.

Kellie

For anyone searching for the right college for them, I would stress the importance of finding a college that has strong programs in the areas they might be interested in pursuing. Keeping in mind the strengths of the colleges they are looking at will help anyone to make a good decision. By this I mean that if things like fraternities and easy access to a big city are important, than don?t look at schools without fraternities, located in the country. Keep in mind exactly what you want in terms of size, atmosphere, programs of study, etc. This will make the search much less stressful. On another note- I know that the typical advice is to visit as many college campuses as possible before deciding, but the inability to see a campus in person should not deter a person from applying and seriously considering that college anyway. I was not able to visit any colleges first hand and saw my campus for the first time the day I moved in; however, because I knew what I was looking for in an institution of higher learning, I was able to research my options and still pick the right college for me.

Megan

My first piece of advice for finding the right college would be directed toward the student, and that would be to find the school that you are most comfortable at. You are going to be spending a significant amount of time there and it is important to find the school that is right for you, not for your friends or your parents, but for you. My advice for the parents would be to allow your child to make the decision. It is their college experience, not yours. Finally, my advice for making the most of a college experience would be to go out and experience the social aspects of the college and community surrounding it. College is about growing academically, but it is also about gaining new experiences and new friends.

Kyle

Find a place that will make you happy. Find a place that will push you to become the man or woman that you want to be some day. Because that day is coming very soon. College is a place where you discover who you are. If you end up in the wrong place or with the wrong people you might become someone who you don't want to be. So make sure that you find a place and people that you want to surround yourself with while you discover who you are. I think people make a place special or memerable. People make college what it is, the professors, the staff, the students. People make college. The people that I have surrounded myself with are the people that I look the most like. The people that I have surrounded myself with in 4 years of college have made me a better man that I would have been without them. So find yourself a college with people that you want to be around, the books, the knowledge it will be there but if you don't have good people to share it with, it will be a waste.

Kimberly

The best advice I can offer to any student is that they will get out of a University experience what they put into it. Attending a university that has everything served to you on a platter is not far from a home experience where your parents haven't taught you to be functional adults (e.g. saving money, making responsible decisions, submitting to authorities). A college is a place to learn and grow, and universities best serve students who are willing to learn and grow and work to achieve success. Any college experience is going to be a challenging one and you can not expect it to be easy all the time. Be willing to understand that even that "perfect" university you have in mind is run by humans and humans make mistakes. Be willing to learn with a growing university, as well as partake of the benefits and perks it offers you. Have fun and be nice to people. Embrace eachother's differences. If you must become chemically dependent, choose caffeine. Late nights are much better if you know who you are. Offer love and respect to every one around you. Hope. Hope doesn't disappoint.

Ty

College is a chapter in one's life where the ideals, beliefs, and morals that will guide a person for the rest of his/her life, is cultivated and given a chance to grow. Before making a final decision in which school you (or your son/daughter) will attend, certain questions must be asked. For example, - "What are your dreams? " "What legacy do you want to leave behind?" and most importantly, "How do you see yourself making an impact in this life?" -- If you feel that you are choosing a college that will assist in accomplishing these and other ambitions, then you know you are making the right choice. The greatest tragedy that you can make is selecting a college based on what you feel is expected from you by society, your peers, or even your family. By no means should you be pressured, or feel obligated to attend a school that does not allow you to follow the desires of your heart. You only have one college experience, blaze your own trail.

Katherine

Really examine what top priorities matter to you. And how much you're really willing to take on as far as student loans. Don't get in too deep financially that you're overwhelmed after graduation.

Lauren

I would advise a potential student of any univeristy to pray about your choice, a lot. Just because I love my school and I think it's a great university, doesn't mean it's the right university for everyone. God's plans for me and my life are obviously going to be very different for someone else. So my advice is to continually go to God for guidance. As for making the most of your college experience, just do. By that I mean, you're only in college for four, maybe five years. Do whatever you can. Go on school trips, meet people, go to sporting events, and other school events. Get out and enjoy the community while you can. Academics are important and you need to make time for that, of course. But what a father of a friend told me once is, "It's about the people, stupid." The things you learn in school will eventually fade and be covered with life experience. But the friends you make and the lives you can impact, will last forever.

Gail

For students, look for a place that you feel will stretch you to be your best. Remember that you are going to school first and foremost to be a student. Worry about being a good student first, then everything else will fall into place. Also, for me, being at a school where I know that the faculty care for and are praying for me has been one of the major factors that has gotten me through the past 7 semesters. Decide what is necessary in order for you to be successful, and pursue it. For parents, your child is about to experience what may be the most difficult, trying, and crazy years of their life. They will be given a most difficult task--to build their own adult life. Give them room to explore and to grow. It is detrimental that they be given space to discover what is most important to them. And if not solely for your peace of mind, be praying for them. Encourage them to find a place with resources to be successful in what is important to them.

Annelise

Take time to decide why you're going to school. Do you really want to learn and make an investment in your future? Or are you just going to college for the experience. Consider the amount of money you'll be spending on your college education and make choices that reflect this caliber of investment. Ultimately, college is what you make of it. If you want to learn and grow as a student and a professional, you'll have to work towards that. Likewise, if you're just out to have a good time, your future will reflect that. Choose wisely because the place you spend the next four years of your life, could very likely determine the next fourty.