Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion Top Questions

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

Shay

I strongly suggest making numerous visits to colleges of interest, and even a college or two that does not interest the parents and/or students. Variety helps the parents/students find what best fits them. It is important to keep options open, and find points of preference in each school. Before agreeing to attend college, I visited numerous schools, which included three visits to my first choice school. Because college is a large step in life, it is important to find where a student would best be satisfied, and sometimes there is more to the search than a first impression. As for the schooling, earning a degree is difficult, which means the student must be comfortable and satisfied with his or her choice. Once your search is compelte, making a college experience is all dependent on one's attitude. It is important to be truly dedicated to studies, yet find yourself and life long friends! College is a wonderful experience, and I wish you the very best in your search. Have fun!

Shane

Pray.

Maria

In looking for the right college for you or your student, you have to be willing to say no to a fantastic university just because of the name. Sometimes, those universities are the very thing that messes up a students ability to do anything. Parents listen to what the student wants in a university and students, if you visit a campus and something just fits, go for it. Sometimes you don't know why, but you were meant to be somewhere.

Diana

Deciding on a college is a challenging task that takes a lot of thought and dedication. Indiana Wesleyan made this process painless and enjoyable. From my very first encounter with Indiana Wesleyan, I felt welcome and important. My admissions counselor made me feel as though I mattered to the university. This attitude extended from the starting point and continued all the way through to graduation day. Indiana Wesleyan wishes the best for every prospective student that walks through the doors, even if that means the student chooses a different college. After making my decision to attend IWU, I never looked back. Even through the hard times and the late night study sessions, I took time to be thankful for the great facilities that I could utilize at my will and for the incredible professors that became more like my family everyday. College isn't just about meeting new people and getting a degree. College is about finding yourself and gaining confidence in the direction your life is headed. Find a college that can support you in all of these ways because it will affect you throughout the rest of your life. I'm thankful that I found that at IWU.

Ashley

As you leave high school and go on to college try to find a school that fits you. Don't pick a school based upon your friends, family, or any other outside influence. The college years are extremely busy and you will grow and change in many ways. You will no longer be the person that you were in high school. You have the chance to decide who you are and who you want to be. Having a campus that will help you become that person is the best thing that you can have. College is great. You meet people who have different backgrounds from you. You learn from professors who are extrememly smart and have amazing life experiences. You'll make friends that will help you through rough times and will keep you laughing during good times. You will have the opportunity to be involved in any kind of activity that you desire whether it be athletic, religious, or academic. So, I guess my best advice would be to embrace this time of life. College goes by fast and you'll miss the community you've developed when they eventually kick you out into the world with your diploma.

Beth

Don't stress out too much about which school you go to. I went to my third choice school for financial reasons, and it ended up being great. Once you get there, try hard. I saw too many people waste their talents and brains goofing off, and when they graduated they were in trouble.

Shaun

Get involved in many activities and make friends. Also, make the most of your classes, actually study. You can learn a lot and be very prepared for life if you apply yourself.

Olivia

You will be able to tell if this is the place for you just by stepping onto campus. Do not let the finances get in the way of attending Indiana Wesleyan University. If this is where God wants you to be he will provide. The professors here are superior in their fields, they are knowledgeable and willing to help you at all cost. I am leaving here a completely changed person. Indiana Wesleyan University is the place to grow spiritually, emotionally and academically. When you leave you will be over qualified in your feild of study and be able to get a job due to your vast knowledge.

Erin

Make sure you visit your prospecive schools and apply to more than one.

Anne

I would tell you to visit as many places as possible during high school. Have a good idea of what you want in a school, but be open to other things too. As long as you work hard and develop good study habits while you're in high school, the scholarships will come. Don't let money be the deciding factor if you feel like a certain school is the best fit for you. Once you're at college, get involved, make friends - and don't go home every weekend. That's a recipe for disaster. If you stay on campus, you're more likely to develop lasting friendships and relationships than if you're only there during the week. You'll get out of your four (or five...) years what you put into it. Work hard but keep a balance with relaxation or you'll get burned out very quickly. Parents, be supportive but let your kids be themselves. They'll probably make some mistakes - but you have to trust that you've raised them well and let them be adults. They'll figure things out. But don't forget to remind them they're loved, no matter what.

Jocelyn

When looking for a college expect that the things you think you want and the things foremost on your mind may not matter in a year. Look for a place that matches up with who you are and what you plan to do, but in some ways just go with your gut feelings. Many people, including myself, started off with a picture of who I was going to be in 4 years; I was very wrong and am much more happy. Hey, you are coming to college not in the middle of your career. The world is open to you, keep it that way. College is an amazing experience where you will learn, grow, and change, love every minute of it. Select a college that completes you, not a checklist.

Jennifer

Make sure that you visit the colleges you are looking at so that you can get a feel for the atmosphere. Also, don't get to hung up on the money, try and look at what you are getting for your money. As far as making the most of your college experience, be willing to try new things. Put yourself out there, meet new people and don't judge them just because they are different then what you're used to. Also, be careful what friends you make your freshman year, because these will probably be your friends for the rest of college, and despite what you think, they will affect you and your choices.

Kristen

I would advise partents and students to be open to suggestions. I applied to the colleges I wanted but then also applied to a college my friends went to. The suggested college happened to be the best fit for my personality, and it offered me the best scholorships (academic and athletic). Also, it helps to attend a college that offers all of your choice majors/areas of interest since plans often change. I think that making the most of college really depends on the person. I don't do much outside of my major and sport, but that works for me. It can also be important to find your comfort area and then stretch it. New college students should be read to make friends that last a lifetime. And they should be ready to discover more about themselves. College is a growing, trying, but ultimitely rewarding experience.

Jessica

I would give the advice that I feel this school is good for certain majors and that it's lacking for others. I dont' feel I'm well prepaired for grad school, but then again I haven't been yet, so I can't say for certain. Also I would say that in going to this university I have grown a lot in my spirituality and for that reason alone, if I were able to re-do it, I would still attend this university.

Ashley

In order to find the school that fits you best, you need to identify what you are looking for and make a top five attributes list. Once you have identified schools that meet the majority of your criteria, VISIT! You can never know if you will like the school or not unless you make the time to go. Visiting the school is usually the best way to see what just feels right. Make sure to meet with advisers and faculty in the departments you are interested in, so that they will know your name and face, and be able to help you connect to the school. To make the most of college, work hard in your classes, get involved in clubs and extracurriculars, and meet as many people as you can. You will get out of it what you invest into the experience. Utilize your time management skills; make sure you have balance. Success requires hard work and dilligence, and don't forget to have some fun and enjoy the transforming journey along the way.

Patrick

The most important part of the college search is the college visit. Spend the night, eat the food, meet the people--get a real sense for the pulse of the campus. Ask questions, be curious, make the most of your opportunities.

Autumn

follow your heart.

Melissa

Worry less about grades and more about your social life.

Nathan

College is place of narrowing down your skills and making those qualities better and more aplicable to a carreer and lifestyle. Never forget to give all you've got otherwise you will be settling for the mediocre part of life. Be outgoing and kindhearted. Never forget the past and how to learn but never loose sight of the future and your passions and talents. Persue true satistfaction in life through fullfilling your purpose. Listen to advice less than you give it. While you study, listen, try, and conquer, be thankful in all things and encourage others in what's right. Truth never fails. Colleges offer many things to which makes the process harder. Don't go to a college with no connection to your major and trust instincts and advice of others. Visit colleges and see who they are beyond the tour. Meet students and see how they have grown and learned and lived. Never give up.

Amy

I would strongly encourage prospective students to not only come and stay over night on campus, but also to really try and get to know the type of people that attend the particular college. One thing I struggled with when I came to IWU was the fact that although I loved the professors and got a lot of benefit from the classes, I have had an extremely hard time fitting in with the students here. Because the social aspect is very important as well as academics, I really think a student should look into the people attending and the social opprotunities provided before making a final decision. I would also strongly encourage a new student to get involved as much as possible. This helps you foster a sense of belonging, and there is less of a chance that you will feel lost in the crowd. You will need a support system of friends to help get you through the stress of college, and you will gain much fulfillment by providing that support to other students.

Kellsi

My advice would be to make an appointment to visit the campus and stay overnight in the residence halls. This gives you a great perspective of the student life atmosphere that you would not get if you just visited for the day. It also gives you a chance to talk to students and observe how things go. It's important to go somewhere you will be comfortable and see yourself living.

John

Have an open mind. Try to be happy whenever you can be, and sometimes when you can't. Love life, not just events. Love God, Love others. Learn to Love yourself! You'll get pretty far with that.

Sarah

Keep an open mind. Don't be pressured by people who believe there college is the best one out there, it might be right for them but could not be for you!! Tour several campuses, don't just go to the one you want to go. God might not be calling you to that campus and you would end up not enjoying it at all. When visiting a campus, stay with someone in the dorm, get a feel for what the dorm life feels like it is probably the third factor behind acedemics and financil aid. Talk to present students at the school, ask them what they think about their school, ask them about the pros and cons. Also talk to professors, see what their classes are like as well as an interested major. Just because your parents went to that school and they are pressuring you to go there too, doesn't mean you have to go there too!!!! These are the best four years of your life, go into them with a clear mind and open heart!!

Heather

I would encourage parents to let their students make their own choices and be supportive, because it is the student's life. That doesn't mean however, to not be involved and encourage your child to work hard. College is a time to discover who you are, and learn how to be your own person. Students, get involved in activities. This is your chance to make a life for yourself away from the watchful eye of your parents, but that doesn't mean to cut your parents out. They still have valuable knowledge of life that can help you get through a jam. Also, take advantage of the opportunities and resources available to you. They can make your life easier, and trust me, they won't always be there.

Luke

Don't look at the money. Although college may be expensive, if you were supposed to be at that college, God will provide a way for you to be there. Find a college with a major you like, a spiritual background you can appreciate, and then apply for whatever financial aid you can get. Find a way to complete your dream.

Stacy

College is a monumental chapter in a person's life. Many lifeskills and abilities are found and learned at college. College students also find who they are while being away from their families and high school friends. They have the opportunity to make new friends and be who they want to be and for a Christian, who God wants them to be. That was the biggest deciding factor for me, personally. I felt called to Indiana Wesleyan University and after being a student here, I can see why. This school has the Christian environment that I want and all my classes revolve around Jesus Christ. It is important for parents and students to know what they are looking for; whether it is a big campus, small classes, certain degrees, food options, or living arrangements. Choosing a college is an essential decision in a person's life and it must be taken seriously and with much thought and consideration.

Scott

Find what fits. Find professors that are interested and involved. Find facilities that encourage your field of study. Find a school that pushes study abroad and cultural diversity.

Jessica

Be sure to visit the campus more than once. Look into the social aspects of the school, if you are not happy in your doorm life, your experience will not be as fun, and fullfilling :)

Kinzie

Find a university that is accredited and takes a genuine interest in the student.

Shea

Find the college that has the right areas of study and programs that you would want, and research how well how people do when they get jobs. The social aspect you can have anywhere, do not base your choice of how much fun the college looks.

Aidan

My advice goes out to the students. Hardly anyone has a plan set in stone of what he/she really wants to with his/her life when beginning college. To those few who do, choose a school that can best accomodate your academic goals in an environment where you can be comfortable and know yourself. For the rest of us with no sure plan, pick a school where you feel at ease! Most people generally get that feeling as soon as they walk on the campus for your visit. Those four years will mark a time of enormous personal growth in your life, so don't choose a school that might hinder your personal development! One last bit of advice - stay involved and keep busy! Most colleges offer tons of extracurricular activities (intramurals, clubs, choirs, etc.) which are a great way to meet people and make friends outside your classes. In closing, stay true to yourself and remember to enjoy yourself - you can't go wrong!

Ryan

Visit the college. Connect with people who are like you, but at the same time with people who aren't. Stay true to youself in your final decision and never give up.

Laura

Research and figure out what you want from college. Between state, private, and Christian universities, there are all sorts of enviornments and experiences waiting for you, you just need to know what kind you want to pick the best school for you.

Emily

When you or your child are looking at schools don't limit yourself. Look at as many schools as you can and apply to as many as you can. You never know what will be a right fit just by looking at a pamphlet or brochure. Make sure you schedule college visits and, if possible, stay the night on the campus's of the colleges you visit. This will give you a better idea of what the campus is really like. Once you have chosen a college get involved. This can be as simple as leaving your dormroom door open so that you can get to meet your "neighbors". If you like to play sports but aren't good enought to be on a varsity team play on intramural teams. This is a great way to get to meet people who are in different classes then you, but share the same interests. Also, you aren't spending four years in college to have fun. You are there to get a degree. Make sure you work hard so that you don't waste four years of your life, some friends will be lifelong friends, but a lifelong job is important too.

Matt

While searching for colleges I found that each campus had a personality, and I chose the one that seemed closest to my own. This helps when attempting to assimilate into the college routine of class, play, study... wash rinse repeat. By picking a college I felt matched my personality I met people who had similar study habits and other interests such as sports, music, and faith. When it comes to looking for a school that will meet your academic needs understand that you are the one who will make or break what you get out of classes. The amount of effort you put into a course will reciprocate the amount of information you retain.

Cherelle

The name of the college does not matter. Choose the college that fits your situation and your lifestyle. It is important to find one that will accompany your needs. The college you choose is important in determining your success. If you are a Christian, a Christian university may better suit your needs rather than a liberal university. Don't set yourself up for failure. Choose a school that shares you views, values, and mission. You are hte one that will benefit from your diligent searching.

Crystal

I would tell parents and students that it would be difficult to find a perfect school that you are not going to have any problems with. However, this is four years of your life that you will never get back. So look for a school that you will enjoy, will stretch you and then be willing to overlook minor faults. Enjoy every moment and don't take any of this for granted.

Laura

I would encourage students to look into colleges that are in an area of the country that they are truly interested in living in. There are so many college choices and so much of your college experience relies on where it is located. For example, if your passion is snowboarding look at schools in Colorado. If you love nature and the beach go to Washington or California. If you want to become an artist go to New England. Once you find a location look at your option and visit schools. You will not truly get to know a campus just based on a website! Take a road trip and make sure to stay with a current student to get the full experience. Happy searching!

Courtney

Go to the place where you feel most at home.

Tyler

Find that college that best suites your personality and what you are looking to get out of the experince. also do not be so easy to give up on dorm life. your first couple of days and maybe weeks might be a bit rough but stay with it, it will turn around and be the best thing you could have done.

Kelly

Americans are blessed with various opportunities for higher learning. Yet, because there are so many options, picking the right school can be challenging. My advice to those who are pursuing higher education is to consider two simple but meaningful questions. Who are you and where are you going? The first question requires self-reflection. Who are you? What are your interests, hobbies, activities, passions, and habits? Consider your strengths, temperament, ambition, aptitude, likes, dislikes and beliefs. This will help you decide on the type of school that best fits you weather big, small, public, private, Ivy League or big ten. It is important to know who you are so you can know what type of environment will make you feel safe, comfortable, and content. The second question focuses on future goals and ambitions. Knowing your future major isn't as important as knowing what you want to gain from your college experience. It is important to know where you want to be academically, spiritually, mentally and physically when you finish school. Simply think about where and who you want to be in four years and make sure you pick an institution that can help you achieve those goals.

mitch

Finding the right college is like finding the right girl (i'm married). You have to date around and by this I mean that you need to go to different schools and check them out stay with a friend on an unofficial visit day or weekend, because let's be honest when you do official visit days they try to sell you the school. Find a place that you really like because if you like the place you won't mind doing all the work that needs to be done. MAKE GOOD FRIENDS freshman year and stick with them. New ones will pop in and some of the old ones will pop out, but your friends will make or break your college experience. Last thing memories are better than pictures and if you can't remember what happend you can't have memories.

Hannah

To Parents and Prospectives Students: Choose a college that you feel comfortable with and one that you believe will impact you as well as you on you can make a difference in. There are many great colleges, but every college is half of what you make it. It is important to find a college that balances academics, social life, and first rate technology and buildings. Parents should help their children excell academically while still encouraging them to take time to make friends and have some down time. While many prospective students are highly concerned with college costs, be sure to check all of the facts. Some of the top schools may seem pricey, but many schools offer excellent financial aid. It is important to look into all the options and the amount of financial aid the school offers. Another tip to finding the perfect school is to be aware of the surroundings on visit days. Look for friendly enviromnets, where staff and students go out of their way to talk to or help you in whatever you need.

Chris

The key to finding a good school is making sure that it meets your needs. IF you don't do well in big classes or feel like you might get lost at a big school then take that into account. Choosing a school that meets the student's needs will make all the difference when it gets down to grind time. If you're happy then that will affect your performance and attitude when the going gets tough, so you should find a place that you would be willing to call home , that you can count on during the tough times.

Megan

Make sure you visit as many campuses as possible and make sure you are comfortable there. As well as, make sure that the school has the same set of morals as you and your family.

Amy

Make sure you know what youre getting into before attending a school. visit more than once if possiable.

Ellana

Visit the campus, stay with students to see what it's like. Sit in classes.

TJ

Find one that fits your needs and budget. Community college is a good place to starts. Find a college that is academically responsible adn has a very friends atmoshphere and people say hi or hold doors.

Kara

In choosing a college I would advise the students to meet with several proffessors and gauge how much the proffesors care about their students. To make the most out of their college experience I would encourage them to meet as many people as possible and get to hear how they view life.

katherine

Start Early. Choosing a college is not something that can be done the last month of highschool. I suggest starting to browse various university's websites at the start of junior year to be ready to visit them in the spring. Visiting more than one is a good idea to compare and understand what is right for you. This is an important decision as you will spend four years or more of your life and you want it to be the best four yet! Look at a variety of schools, public and private, in and out of state. Determine what components are most important when making the decision, to help narrow your options. When you visit I highly suggest attending a class and staying overnight with a student to get the real feel for the school. Once you've been accepted get excited! Join facebook groups and meet future friends. Once there be open to meeting new people, get involved on campus, and be yourself! When meeting people and making friends it is important not to judge people too early since they are all trying to be liked and not 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} themselves at the time. Don't forget to study!