Lebanon Valley College Top Questions

Visit visit visit! It is absolutely necessary to look at all different types of schools and spend time there to get a feel for the campus and decide where you want to spend the next four years of your life. Once you make the difficult decision, you need to put yourself out there. Get involved! Do the things you enjoy. Yes, your classes are important but they don't define you. College is a life changing adventure. Don't get too caught up in your studies and miss out other things. College is about finding yourself. It's not the students with the best grades who succeed. It is the students who figure out who they are and what they want in order to accomplish their goals.

It's not about the campus scenery, the amount of activities the college has for students, or the number of world-famous professors. It's about the people. If you want to make the most of your college experience, go somewhere where the people are kind and willing to answer your questions. A college can have a world-renowned academic program, but if the people are horrible, you will be miserable, and in the long run, not learn as much as you could have.

I would suggest that the students visit the college. Reading about it or seeing it on a brochure is not the same as actually visiting the campus and experiencing it for yourself. It's also important to see the community around the campus and to determine whether or not this is where you want to spend a major part of your life. Knowing the size school you would prefer and whether it offers programs and majors that you are interested in is beneficila in determining where you will go.

When applying to colleges, I found that it was very helpful to go visit the campuses. Before coming to Lebanon Valley College for a tour, I was convinced that I wanted to go to a different college. However, as soon as I visited some of the classes at LVC and had a chance to experience the environment that it had to offer, I knew this was where I wanted to go. My other advise would be to make sure that college is what you really want to do. Do not decided to attend college because all of your friends are going to college. College can be a great investment if you come to college to excel in your profesional field.

College is a crucial point in a student?s life ? it?s when you figure out who you are and who you want to be. Choosing the right school means finding a place that will help you in this process both in and out of the classroom. Find a school that offers academic programs and extracurricular activities that you are already interested in as well as ones that you think you might want to try. Get involved and experience new things ? you might discover a new passion. College gives you the opportunity to reinvent yourself. No one there will know who you were in high school, so it?s the perfect chance to become friendlier, more outgoing, more studious, or whatever else you have always wanted to be. Get out and meet people. The friends you meet in college play a huge role in your life. They will be the people you live with, eat with, and spend most of your time with. It might take a few weeks to find that group of people, but if you make an effort it will happen!

Visit the college before commiting to the one. My visit to this campus allowed me to make the choice to go this college.

be prepared to do worse than in high school

It is important that you look for an institution that is going to fulfill your needs physically, educationally and socially. When searching for potential colleges, you cannot simply look at one of these three areas; you should look for a school where you feel comfortable in all three. Parents will likely view the academic quality of potential schools as most important. If a student has an idea of what field they want to enter or what they want to major in, does the potential school have that program and if so, what is the quality of the program? Does the school help get their graduates jobs after college? For athletes, if you think you are going to play a sport, will you still be happy at the school if you suffer an injury that ends your career? Being comfortable socially is paramount for the student, if they do not feel comfortable, they likely will not succeed. Do you see yourself fitting in with the current student population? Does this school give you feelings of warmth and compassion for one another, or are people simply looking out for themselves? These are some of the key issues when beginning the college search.

This is it, folks, the time of your life! The most important thing students and parents can do to make the best college selection is to visit, visit, visit. Getting a feel for how parents and students see themselves as a part of the community they've just entered will tell you more than any figures about demographics, financial aid, job rates or awards the school has won. Be your own judge, and use your gut. Sitting in on a class with current students gives you the idea of course load, student participation, class sizes, professor interaction, student dynamics and much more. These guides will help you make the right choice for you. However, once mom and dad leave for good it is up to YOU, the student to make the most of your college career. Get involved! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to do things you've never done before. DON'T Stay in your room. There are so many people and experiences that are waiting to meet you. But most importantly, be true to yourself. Use the college experience to add and evolve the person you are inside. Work hard and own what you do.

Make sure you visit the campus before you make your decision! Meet with some students and get a well-rounded opinion of where you'll be spending at least 4 years of your life, (and a lot of money!) Then, once you've found your match, get out and meet people! Cliques are for high school, don't hesitate to make new friends of all "shapes and sizes". It's the last step before the real world, make the most of it!

I believe that researching and visiting the schools that you are considering is very important. A brouchure can only give you so much information so it is important to take advantage of any chance you have to further evaluate the college. I have listened to many stories from my peers who did not visit the school they were attending and found out later that it was not exactly what they were looking for. It is obvious that academics are an important part of selecting a good college. After considering those possibilities I would stress that it is also important to look at the atmosphere. Is it one that will encourage you in your studies and not distract you? Is it one that allows you time for outside events such as sports, music and any other activities that you enjoy? Your outside life at college is often what makes the experience the most rewarding. I chose my college because it was the size I wanted, it offered me great scholarships and the music program was said to be one of the best in the area. What makes it great is the people I've met and the friendships I've formed.

First and foremost, I would advise parents and students to consider--at least on paper--all schools that fit their general criteria, even if the student thinks 'oh, I don't want to go there because my friend didn't like it," or something to a similar effect. Once a student actually looks at all the little things about a school, such as course listings or study-abroad programs, a school that seemed like a possible dud may become a gem. It is also for parents and students to remember that a choice is not binding--if students are unhappy, they should give the school a decent chance and not be afraid to transfer if they simply do not fit. When it comes to enjoying college, though, it is crucial to have a social life. This does not need to include drinking--a student who is willing to join activities and clubs on campus will find plenty of non-alcoholic social outlets. While the first semester may be rough, many students find that their experience improves over the course of the entire year. College is an amazing experience--and for the price, it ought to be nothing less.

Research, research, research. There is no way to know what kind of a college you or your student is attending until they actually spend an academic year there, but it is easy to get a ball park picture of what campus like will be like at any particular institution if you do the right leg work. Remember that most things the admissions people send you in the mail are public relations packages designed to talk you into giving up your hard earned college fund. Try and see past the razzle dazzle. If you have a family friend who's son or daughter attends the school you are looking at, talk to them. There is nothing better than first hand experience. Just don't get fooled by the admissions office. Never forget that their job is to generate as much tuition money for the college as possible.

Research is the key to finding the right school for an undecided student. When I researched finding the right college, I mapped out the characteristics I wanted. I knew that I wanted to live in a small populated school relatively close to home with an extended social scene, variety of extra-curricular activities and an excellent reputation in my field of study. Knowing what I wanted to major in helped narrow down my application submissions and eventual choice. For the person that has a difficult time understanding what type of school they would like to attend or being undecided with a choice of major, I would suggest visiting a variety of campus sizes, locations, specializations and landscapes. In fact, there are some colleges or universities that will allow a visitor to spend the weekend on campus with a guide and be immersed in its environment and atmosphere. A person should choose a school based on gut feelings and impressions rather than award rankings found in magazines and books. Above all else, I suggest not worrying. Even though some people transfer, most people love their choice of school and will have success in their lives because of it.

Be smart and pratical about your chioces . There will be a lot of vioces along the way telling you what is right for you - make sure you listen to your own first before you trust the words of others. (And yes, you're parents will be right most of the time; yes, you will learn the hard way, and no, it won't always be perfect - no matter how much you strive to make it so) This is the start of your new life as an adult, your chioces, your schooling. Don't forget your past and what you've learned from it, concentrate on your present circumstances and remember to think about the future every now and then. Don't be afriad to try new things - even if you are scared to death! These will be the experiances you will remember, the ones you cry over and the ones you'll laugh about later on. Remember: learning is something more than textbooks and lectures: It's friends, events, failure, experiances, mistakes, accomplishments, pride, discouragement, success, re-dos and life. Don't forget to smile, becuase you'll be laughing 10 years from now.

Give advice and guidance, but ultimately allow the student to make the decision.

Allow your students to always visit schools that interest them and let them sit it some classes to get a better feel of the school. Always start early in your search for schools along with financial aid (scholarship) searches. Definitely do not be afraid if you go into a school not knowing exactly what you would like to major in. You will take that one class that interests you the most and it will just click!

To put it simply parents and students should not sacrifice quality or preference over price. Four years can seem like a long time, so choose a college that is right for you. Many colleges have aid available to those in need, and federal aid is always helpful. Once at the right college for you, make the most of your experience, but remember that you are in college for an education. You will have to work for your grades, and can't rely on someone else to help you get by. You want to do well. Afterall, you're paying for it. Find an appropriate balance between academics and socializing. Socializing could include community service, or even an academic club - it does not have to involve parties or Greek life.

Finding the right college can be tough, but you just have to remember to stay true to yourself. If you like large classroom sizes, look at "bigger" schools. If you want more personal, one-on-one attention with your professors, look at "smaller" schools. Also, any college you look at is going to come with a cost, and most colleges provide some sort of financial aid. It is best to look for one that you know will help you in receiving the best education possible for the most reasonable cost. Lastly, it is good to look at schools that have a strong program in what you wish to major in.

It is vital to visit a handful of schools that you feel will better your field of study. First, go on the internet and look at their website to get basic facts. Then, schedule dates for you to go visit the school. Make sure you visit the school during the class hours so that you can get the atmosphere of the school. If you are an athlete, artist, musician, etc, make sure you check out those individual programs too. They will be a major part of your college experience. Last, talk to students that have went and still go to that institution now because they will be able to give you a student perspective rather than an administrative perspective about the campus.

In smaller colleges all of your teachers know your name, you are not just a number. This helps if you ever have problems with assignments or understanding a concept because teachers are more willing to help.

It is really important to find a school that fits you. Don't choose a college based on what your family and friends think, because if you don't like it you won't enjoy your time there. I think the most important criteria to consider are location (distance from home you want to be), the strength of the program you plan on participating in, and cost. I think it is also important to consider the faculty in your decision.. The more commited to your education they are, the more enjoyable your educational experience will be. The most important advice I can give you once you're in college is to meet as many people and participate in as many things as possible. Once you graduate, you will never have the same opportunities again. Join every club you can as it is a great way to meet people and you can always quit later if you decide it isn't for you. Take every opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. Don't judge people on first impressions. You'd be surprised which people could end up being your closest friends.

Find a college that fits you. Do not just look at college names. Make sure that you fit in and like it. It will allow your years to fly by while having a lot of fun.

My advice for future college students would be to look at as many schools as possible. I didn't have a set school that I wanted to attend during my senior year of high school so I went and visited only three. I regret not looking and comparing more schools. In return, I do like my school but somedays I wonder what else could be out there for me and my education. As for the parents and students, don't set your college decision on the price. My school is very pricey but they offer academic scholarships and loans to help pay for school and to help pay back for school. Finally, when choosing a school, make sure you are satisfied with the distance away from home. My suggestion would be to go to a school that is far enough away from home but close enough if you get homesick. Students, while away at college you will truely understand how much your hometown and family mean to you so don't go too far if you are not sure! Most importantly, be yourself and have fun! This is one experience you will never get back!

Don't make your college choice based on a financial situation. Choice the school you will be most content living one for the time it takes you to get your degree. If you are unhappy with your school choice, you will never do well.

Prioritize your activities and desires and pick your college based on the activities that matter most to you. For example if your passion is performing in theater (even if your not majoring in it) and the college you are looking at doesn't have a theater program but has great dorms and food and sports programs and class sizes and extra curricular activities DON'T GO THERE. A whole bunch of little good things don't outweigh one major bad thing. For example I've always been a social guy. I like to party, play sports, try new things, and meet as many people as I can. I knew that the social life was lame here but I came because I could play a college sport, participate in theater, pay an affordable price, and take classes I wanted to. However I'm miserable here. The smaller positive aspects didn't make up for the lack of social life. Now I'm filling out a survey instead of organizing a party or a pick-up game of frisbee. Decide the one or two things that matter most to you and pick your college based on that. Good luck.