Lewis & Clark College Top Questions

You may feel like an incredibly inexperienced and restless person. Well, you're about to go have a lot of experiences soon. Don't be afraid, and don't hold yourself back from trying new things. Even though you're parents are really hard on you now, it's because they're struggling with the thought of you leaving them and going so far away. Try to be kinder, because you'll really miss them in about five months. Also, because you're an only child and hang out with sheltered friends like you, you have no idea how to not be awkward around people who party and drink or do drugs. Try to educate yourself before you leave about that kind of culture, and how to help people at parties who seem like they're in a bad place. Don't try too much at once, but don't worry too much either. And definitely try to filter your words when you hang out with new people, otherwise you'll put your foot in your mouth more than once. You're going to change a lot as a person, so don't let anyone hold you back! Go girl!!!

If given the chance to offer advice to my high school self regarding college, I would tell them that while it may seem intimidating and scarry at first, college is an amazing experience. Don't be concerned with making friends immediately, instead, begin by first dedicating time for yourself. Allow yourself enough time to explore and discover new things. Join a club that piques your interest, regardless if you have any experience. Most importantly, don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone, it will help you grow as a person. Regarding academics, if you have any questions about any material or topic, please take advantage of office hours, professors are more than willing to help. Don't let your thoughts become consumed by what others may think, ask all of the questions you think are "stupid." Remember that it is YOUR education, so take advantage of it and reach for the stars.

As a college freshman, I've realized that I shouldv'e gone through high school with a different perspective. I couldn't wait to get out of high school. I wanted to grow up, get my education and start my life. However, once I stepped into my first college class, I didn't realize how easy high school was. In college, there is no one to tell you to go to class, do homework, or even get some sleep. I do admit, college is amazing and you get to experience a new enviornment and new people. However, you have to motivate yourself to work hard every single day. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to take advantage of the amazing opportunities that are handed to you. Enjoy every moment of free time, go to all the sports games and become involved in school spirit. High school is easy, and once you're out, there's no going back. So appreciate every second of that beautiful childhood, because when you walk across the stage at graduation, there's no other choice but to become an adult.

Hello, 1-year-younger Hannah! I have a single suggestion for your transition from sunny California to rainy Oregon: Do not bring so much stuff. Now, I know you were probably expecting something more deep and insightful from your future self, but let me explain. College is a time for you to define yourself; don't let memories of the past weigh you down. By taking every little thing that reminds you of home with you, you are forcing yourself to constantly live in the past, instead of living in the now! Objects carry so many memories attached to them. For example, when you pick up one of the hundreds of pictures you have of you and your ex-boyfriend or friends, you are preventing yourself from going forth and meeting new people by wallowing in memories and experiences of the past. Now is the time to go forth and make new ones! However, homesickness is inevitable, I understand that. But instead of jam-packing your suitcases with every memento you have, take your favorite picture and your favorite stuffed animal, and forge a path for yourself that you can call your own. That's what college is all about.

There are a couple things I think would have helped to have known, however I will try not to let hindsight bias interupt what was actually available to me as a senior, and what would have been reasonable. For one, I should have worked harder to get more scholarships sooner on. I ultimately picked the more expensive school out of my top choices, and daily I feel guilt for putting this burden on my parents. On a similar note, I should have layed out a budgeted allowance with my parents for imporant items and new clothing to fit the different weather. It is easy to keep buying things when money is just available and you aren't working for it. I went into college without a plan for what I would have for expenses, beside a rough idea of what I might need for books. Another issues is that I should have packed more thoughtfully, and only what I really needed. I realized too late that I brought way too many clothes. A key thing to know is that if you forget it, your parents can probably ship it to you.

You are a strong, smart beautiful young lady. I know many days you feel defeated because of the abuse you endure, but believe me things will get better. Holding on to the anger and hurt that others have put on you hurts you and only you. It took me seven years to figure this out and forgive dad for all the things he did and mom for not protecting us when we really needed her. It is the fall semester of 2012 and I have finally enrolled in school, better late than never, right. Last week, I went to take my THEA test and do the final paperwork to enroll in school and get my schedule set, so now I am officially on my way to becoming a Speech Pathologist. The moment after I registered for all my required classes was the best feeling of my life. I can't think of anything better than the sense of accomplishment I felt at that moment. Now its time for you to make a better life for yourself, please don't wait, you can do it, and you will be great!

Don't worry!! I know it's stressful to think about the hundreds of college out there and how much they all cost. You will find your way to a great school and you will have an amazing college experience. Instead of applying to a lot of schools just to see what happens, really think about where you want to be and what you want to be doing. It's stressful for you and for the schools to apply to ten different schools when you probably have a gut instinct about where you want to go anyways. Trust yourself. Also, don't box yourself into a certain field of study too early. You may really enjoy reading and writing, but now is the time to take a science class and ask youself, "is this something I would like to study?" Don't give up too early on a career or subject that you may think you could never do. Check out that extra math class or French literature - you may discover your passion! Just remember to relax and to apply yourself!

I would tell myself to not worry because things tend to have a way of falling into place, even without any sort of intervention. Enjoy your senior year and don't burden yourself with gruesome thoughts about college, like not fitting in, not getting a nice roommate, being overwhelmed. Know, though, that it's not going to be a smooth ride in college, but it's going to be a fun and interesting one. It's very different from high school, and the people you meet can have a huge impact in your life, even in the short period that you will have known them. Be calm, breathe, get all of your things done early, and have fun.

Lewis & Clark is a very "what you make of it" school. This has helped me to grow in so many ways. I have learned to be more assertive and active in my own endeavors. I have learned that my experience is going to be what I make of it, and the harder I have tried the more I have achieved. These new found skills and ideas have opened up so many doors for me, and for that I am extremely greatful to the school, and most importantly the faculty. I have never had a group of people care so much about me and challenge me past all points of comfort in order to see me reach my potential. Lewis & Clark has helped me grow in so many different ways, so many doors have opened for me that I never imagined possible. I am extremely looking forward to my next couple years as a student at this institution.

When I first started higher education at a 4 year university, I didn't really know what I was going to major in. Since then, I've had time to take a few different courses in different subject matters and finally decided what I wanted to major in, education. Before I started my higher education I had no idea what I wanted to do, and my family was always so down on educators, that I shied away from it, but now that I've seen all that you can to with a degree in education, and all the kinds of people you can influence, I think this is the right field for me.

As a Lewis & Clark College graduate, I am a better critical and analytical thinker. In college, one is challenged to expand their creative problem solving abilities in academia and in the real world regarding careers and relationships. In college, I also learned how to budget my finances and manage my time more efficiently. Learning how to successfully live away from my parents who are in Colorado and creating my own community in Portland were important as well. The college experience is not just in the classroom or on campus, it is about the time spent living away from home, learning how to interact with peers, and attaining life-long skills to be a successful individual in the career world and in society. It has been valuable for me to attend college because of the academic knowledge and life skills I have learned, which are necessary in the work place and in my daily interactions with the public in my job. Also of value is my desire to give back to the community on a small or larger scale. My career goals are to affect positive social change, a drive Lewis & Clark College helped instill in me.

what I have gotten out of college is an expereince with the outside world with teachers that dont call your house, students who actually want to be their, a chance to interact with people on a more mature level,. the people in a college enivornment are better for me. it hs been valuable for me to attend is because I'm going to culinary arts and for businees mnagement. it will and has tought me a lot about the businees and resturant world.

I have not yet attended college however, I do find it very important to attend. I plan on attending a Christian college in the fall semester of 2011. I graduated in 2009, and I am definately ready to get back on my feet and get back to school. It is very important to attend school after high school for many reasons, but the most obvious is to better your education and find a carreer that best suits you. Who wants to wake up to a job they do not enjoy. I say go to college, find that career that makes you who you are, and what makes you the happiest. I know I will not be that person whose sitting in the rocker chair when their eighty singing their "shoulda- woulda- couldas." I am going to attend college and make the best of this life. I am going to do everything I ever dreamed of and have no regrets in the end. Attending college is a valueable and important part to making your life just that much more extraordinary.

Wisdom.

A very rich blend of cultures from allover the world. LC being a very intact and close community, cultural transfer occurs really fast and community dwellers starts engaging with different cultures and make the most of their college education. Moreover, there is more interaction between teachers and students unlike many other colleges and universities which makes it easier for students to cope with college life and get on with it even before they realize it.

I’ve been in college now for two years and I can honestly say the education I’ve received is far above anything I learned in high school. I’ve been stretched academically and encouraged by professors to get involved in the community. The college experience has taught me more about my degree so that I can be more equipped for a future career. It has also helped me to grow as an individual and understand others. It’s valuable to attend college because knowledge is power, therefore a college education will help career seeking individuals reach personal goals. Along with learning and maturity growth while going to college I’ve also had a blast. The friendship and experiences I’ve had will always be special to me. Another thing interesting about attending college is the different culture I've been exposed to. So many fun, good, and interesting things happen during college and it’s essential to many careers so it's definitely a valuable investment in an individuals life.

I graduated from college six years ago, and I am still realizing countless ways the experience has enriched my life. First of all, it was valuable for me to attend college because I gained skills that provide an outstanding foundation for any profession: critical thinking and analysis, research, and communication. College solidified not only my love of learning, but also my skill in seeking out knowledge and information and both retaining and communicating what I learn effectively. Secondly, my college experience was valuable because I gained independence and confidence. While I was fortunate enough to have my college funded through family contributions, scholarships and minimal loans, it was the first time I was truly in charge of myself, and I learned how to conduct myself with poise, savvy, and humility. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, my college experience was invaluable in terms of the relationships it fostered. I have several lifelong friends and an incredible network of other classmates and professors who have contributed to my success in more ways I can ennumerate here. The people I shared my college experience with, and many who I continue to share my life with, were and are the best part of college.

While I am addmittedly a completely different person now than I was then; I'm pretty sure I can make my past self listen to me fairly well. First, I'd have to question the possibilities and implications of my existence in the past however, remembering my goal, I would proceed onward to the college discussion. The most predominant and pressing issue I would make is cost. A college tuition I once thought a cheap and simple thing: necessary to all that want it, and solveable by easily abtained scholarships for the masses. Going to a private university, however, I found this view utterly demolished in the span of two years. The second? A conversation on direction of study. Originally an intended economics major entering a Liberal Arts school; I felt completely out of my element for the better portion of my Freshman and Sophomore years, outside of the time spent with professors in my current academic interest (East Asian Studies). More than anything else, I would stress to myself the importance of choosing a field where you feel your interest resides and know that you can and will succeed. Without that, the education itself is worthless.

Were I able to advise my high school senior self on how to prepare for college life, there are a few key details I would be sure to mention. One of the most important of this is to not procrastinate and maintain organized, efficient study habits. It may have little effect in high school where there might be at most twenty or thirty pages a week to read, but in college, with somewhere around a hundred pages to read a day, it can make a world of difference. Secondly, I would tell myself not to stress overly about the difficulty of college classes. As this year has progressed, classes have gotten easier, not because the material has but because I have learned that college is not an impossible, intimidating task but a continuation of my education in which I pursue my own interests, not dragging myself to class but looking forward to it. Finally, I would inform myself that it is best not to take time off from a foreign language. It is not something to be learnt overnight, and in a school so focused upon diversity, it is essential as well as uesful for the future.

If I am any gauge of the experience that is first semester freshman year, then I feel like any high school senior could benefit frmo the following advice: Be patient. Life is longer than you think, but it will be made short by rushing off in the wrong direction. I feel that many (myself included) walk into the college experience thinking that with their high school diploma comes the tools to run headfirst into anything. Unfortunately, many seniors are unprepared for making decisions for themselves without an authority figure there to keep them in check. The excitement of wanting to do everything, meet everyone, and be generally well liked can lead one very deep into situations for which the average high school senior is unprepared -- and let's face it, college freshman are just high school seniors two months down the road. With this in mind, I say again, the best way to get what you want out of you college experience is to know yourself, know what you want, and be alert for those things that bring you far away from finding zen within the whirlwind of higher education. There is always time.

Looking back on my senior year of high school, I can see I did a fairly good job of handling the process. I knew what kind of school I was interested in, I had a solid academic foundation, and a very supportive and informative group of people helping me in the process. Overall, I chose a school that made me feel at home. Visiting Lewis & Clark, getting to know the atmosphere of the school, made me feel at home, and that is how I knew I should attend that school. So, I would give myself the advice to trust your gut, ignore what other people want you to do but understand their reasoning, do not underestimate yourself, make a decision with the expectation of success, and find a school where you feel at home and accepted.

Learn how to discipline yourself to do your homework and study. In college, no one will be reminding/forcing you to do your school work. You have to do it yourself. If you are not focused, you will not succeed. Do not hesitate to go to your teacher's office hours and ask for help. That is what they are there for and they should be hapy to help you. It makes the class so much easier and enjoyable when you understand what is going on. Do not procrastinate. Procrastination can ruin you in college. Practice not procrastinating now. In college there is no busy work to boost your grades, you must take assignments seriously.

I sort of arbitrarily chose the colleges I applied to, thinking that it didn't really matter what college I went to, as long as it was a liberal arts college in the Pacific Northwest with a good English program. I really love the school I go to now, but I think I just got lucky. After a semester of college, and then learing of my friends experiences at their colleges, I am sure I would tell myself not to even consider Christian school's, because the intensely religious atmosphere would suffocate me. In fact, I would push myself to apply to a few predominately atheist schools (even at Lewis & Clark, which was rated the most atheist school in the country in 2008, there are a number of religious activities). Apart from that, I would tell myself not only to look at how great a particular school's English program was, but, specifically, how many poetry classes were offered, and the qualifications of the professors of poetry. I think I would also encourage myself to look at what languages were offered, which I hadn't even thought to consider during high school, but found to be quite important during registration.

You will soon embark on a wonderful journey, one that will allow you to challenge your beliefs, values and identity. This journey called "college" is exciting, yet tiresome and therefore you must be well prepared. Firstly, enjoy your time as a Highschooler, enjoy the time you have with your family. Secondly, accept that the transition to college will be nerve-racking and then dive into the experience with all of your soul. Give yourself time to feel like "yourself". Since it is a completely new place, with new people and new surroundings, it is going to feel odd. However, if you just stay true to yourself and remember why you are there and what you can do to get to where you want to be. Do not let all of these new influences make you lose your sense of self. Once you start to adapt to the environment, get involved as much as you can through academics, sports, clubs, jobs and so forth. This is the time to be an active member of your campus community, because it will enable you to become an active member of the world! Good luck and enjoy!

If I had the opportunity to begin freshman year anew, I would tell myself to not worry about making friends or being social, but to focus on academics. Colleges, especially Lewis and Clark, have arranged it so that regardless of your level of awkwardness or comittment to classes there are social opportunities. While it seems like going to class and taking notes is all that is important to being a good student, there is a certain drive to learn that gets lost in the whirlwind of excitement that is freshman year; enthrallment, intrigue and persistence are all key words I would have written down as reminders for myself. It is important to remember to delve into each subject, discussion, reading, etc., and ask any questions that may arise along the way. I suppose most importantly I would say it is important to go that extra mile for each class, to meet with the teacher, go over the tests, study an extra hour - there will always be another party but you only get one chance for each class. I would tell myself to make the most out of each opportunity - maybe "you're not rich enough to stay in school forever"

I would give myself two bits of knowledge. First, trust your instincts. Second, relationships are paramount. I've learned that going with my gut can sometimes lead to wrong answers. But learning lessons the hard way is valuable. Today, I had to drop a class. This was a result of an early goal I had to do as many things as possible. Three difficult semesters have revealed that overachieving has negative consequences. I was losing sleep and I had reached my limit. However, finding my limit became an invaluable lesson. Because I trusted my instincts, I discovered an indispensible character trait. I had many criteria in looking for schools, including strong political science and music departments. However, I found myself looking for friends upon arrival. I soon felt that my happiness would primarily manifest from a supportive group of friends, not a prestigious degree. Relationships count: they count with your friends, your professors, and anybody that you will ever work with. I certainly value the quality of my education, but had ignored my instincts by mixing up my values, I wouldn't love my school the way I do now.

Students, make the choice of where you go to college your own. You're not bringing your parents with you to college, and you don't have to bring all of your best friends there, either. The choice is yours and yours only. Think about exactly what you want out of your college experience--the resources you need to make it happen, the weather, class size, school spirit--and find a college that fits those criteria. Be sure to visit campuses during the regular school year so you can see how students interact, and go somewhere you can picture yourself being happy. Read up especially on unofficial school literature written by students themselves to get a real image of the school. You should also choose a place where it will be easy for you to try new things, because college is the best time in your life to do so!

Just keep in mind that even though you will go home from time to time, your school is your new home. If you live on-campus at a small school, you're going to see the same people all the time; you'll eat, sleep, go to class, study, and party with them. Make sure you consider the social aspects of the deal, not just the academic or political. This is your new world, not just some place you'll spend a little bit of time at here and there.

I would first recommend looking at schools that fit your interests: big or small university, near a city, certain majors. Next, visit the school and see how it fits, some schools will just feel right. There are lots of factors in choosing a college and in the end, the student must choose what is best for him/her. Parents need to be supportive and involved; help the student out with your own experience but don't overshadow him/her. Remember that the student needs to make the final decision. For making the most out of college, you don't have to figure everything out right now. Take your time choosing a major or career, find what works for you. Be sure to try lots of different things in college: sports, clubs, drama, music, volunteer work and especially diverse classes that interest you. College is so much more than just the general education requirements. Follow your interests and keep doing the things that you really love. There will always be some experimentation in college, but be safe. Finally, get outside your comfort zone, travel, meet new people, try lots of new things and always work hard.

Step onto the campuses you are considering and follow your heart. Get to know a couple of students and remember, it is ultimately the students choice although theere will be several contributing factors. Get away from where you grew up for awhile, you can always return there.

I would tell them to look at as many places as they can, consider all different types of schools, even ones they wouldn't initially think they would like. College is a time where many people change their minds about many different things, and it's important to be open to change. Visiting a college is absolutely necessary to get the feel of it and an idea of how they would fit in. It's important to always remember that the years will go by quickly, and they're often said to be the best years of a person's life. Take advantage of all the opportunities offered in college because things will not be so easy in the future. Think outside the box in more ways than just your classes; it's a time to get to know yourself and people around you maybe in more depth than ever before. Do schoolwork that you're proud of, but don't overload yourself with it - having fun is essential. Don't be afraid to change your major many times, explore all the possibilities. Always stay true to yourself. Live, love, laugh and learn.

I believe that when choosing the right college, it is important to thoroughly think through what is important to oneself both accademically and physically. A school may have a major you are interested in, but if the class sizes are too big you might not get as much out of the classes as you would like. Another important factor when deciding on where you want to go to college is the college's location. If you are interested in a career in dancing or singing it is recommended that you go to school near a large city such as New York or LA. So consider these kinds of things before commiting to a school. When in college it is important that one realizes what their goals for their education are. Ultimately it is oneself who is in school, not their parents or their peers. In order to succeed you must be interested in what you are learning, because that subject interests you. If that is not the case, you become a robot walking from one classroom to the next .

To parents: It is your childs decision. You can help guide them, you can give them advice based on your experiences, you can shepard them all around the country by plane, train, or car, but it is the students decision. Let them make it. To Students: It is your decision. It can be life changing, but it might not be. It's not the end of the world if you make a mistake on where you choose to go, but it is a big decision so just make sure you've thought about it, trust your instincts, and you'll be fine.

My advice to students would be to make a campus visit before deciding where to go because the right school chooses YOU. Also, I would tell students to go in with an open mind and no expectations. Life moves too fast and things are constantly changing (interests, mindsets, peer groups...all of it!), so just go with the flow and know that you are not alone and that it will get easier. You will grow up faster than you expect, so have fun while you can, but not at the expense of your education. Appreciate that you have the opportunity to learn. I guess my last piece of advice is to stay true to yourself. When I started college I figured that at the end of my four years I would know exactly what I wanted to do with my life. I'm halfway through my fourth year and I have no idea. All I know is who I am and who I want to be and that makes me feel like I have made the most of my college experience and this is what I would say to prospective students.

Find the college that is right for you. Visit the campus, and talk to students and their experiences, but don't take everything away about a college based on just a few students' experiences. Make sure they have the courses you want in the fields that you are interested in, make sure they have the kinds of extracurricular activities you are interested, and make sure the campus is someplace you can visualize yourself living on for the next four years.

It is important to go with your gut and listen to your heart. Don't let anyone else tell you where you should go to college. Only the student knows the kinds of things they want out of a college experience, so go with that. If you find somewhere that will be perfect, don't let anything stop you from going.

don't worry there is a place for you out there. also don't count out allowing yourself the oppertunity o grow where you are planted

Visit a lot of different kinds of colleges: big, small, urban, rural, liberal arts or technical...talk to the students, sit in on classes, and get a sense of whether you could learn and thrive in that setting. Even though its hard, try not to let things like money or distance from home influence your decision. In the end, having attended a college that truly suits you and has allowed you to grow as a person will determine the value of your investment. Once you're there, make the most of your college experience by getting involved in the community. Participate in activities you're interested in to meet students with similar interests. Be open, friendly, and don't get attached too quickly to one group or clique. Remember that the best way to meet people that you can really enjoy and be comfortable around is to be yourself, not to try to impress them. In the end, the cheesy advice your parents gave you is really true: just relax, smile, and be yourself- you'll enjoy your college experience.

Make sure that you apply where you want to no matter what cost you think it will be. It doesn't hurt to apply and see the scholarships that they give you and see if it is worth going to an out-of-state school or a private school. If you feel a little burned out after high school, it okay to defer for a year and take a break. Because if you are already feeling burned out from school, it is no fun diving back into it again.

Go and visit schools. Consider all the options you have. If it is an option, try not to let money influence your choice. Speak to students. Take into account.Don't be afraid to leave home. Apply for scholarships and fill out FASFA!

Select a small school where you can learn and thrive in class discussions. Don't settle due to financial issues--you can always find more aid, and when you look back on this you'll always be glad that you chose education over money. Go out for as many activities and clubs as possible, even if you're shy--this will help you open up, reach out, and learn what kind of person you really are and what you are really into. Always be willing to make friends and network, and get to know your professors. Find a school with professors who are innovative and respected, so you will always be learning as much as you can in the classroom. Try several different courses your freshman year; you might be surprised at what you decide to major in. Keep in close contact with your advisor so that you're always on track to graduate--it's easier than you think to fall off the map and discover you're bbehind on credits. Be tolerant of your roommate(s), open-minded, eager to try new things...and use a planner for your homework! It will save you a million times over.

Students - Look at the general population of the campus, look for people who you could see yourself being friends with or dating. Look at the things they offer students, and make sure to consider whether they are things that you can actually see your self using. Look for hang out spots or things for students like pool tables, ping pong tables, basketball courts ect. Look at the size of the school. Look at the proximity of things. It's like trying on clothes find something that fits you,,don't sell yourself short. Look at as many colleges as possible. Parents- support your kids decision because they have to live with it. As for making the most out of your college experience. Go to lectures, your professors are professionals who know what they are talking about. Don't get too caught up in the reading, there is always more to do. Remember college is a major change and everyone struggles with adjusting. Remember that other Freshman don't know anyone at the school either. Use the oppurtunities that are available to you. Major in whatever you like, because you are going to spend a lot of time with your major.

One of the best ways to know if a college is right for you is to see it and experience it. Visiting the college is one of the best ways to get the feel of a college. Going during a specific "prospective student" orientation is okay, but you will get a more authentic and genuine experience by visiting during a normal week and weekend. Walk around campus, sit in on a class in a major that interests you, dine in the dining hall, sleep in the dorms, go to a sporting event, check out the library, go talk to a professor, go to a college party, see what clubs and extra-curricular activities are offered, talk to random students as you walk around, check out the town the college is in. This is exactly what real students do and there is no better way to get the real "feel" of a college. If nothing else, go to the dorms, knock on a random door, and talk to whoever answers it. It may be intimidating, but at least you'll be talking to a real student, not a school designated tour guide or admissions counslor. Good luck in your college search!

Make sure you visit before any comittments are made, though I didn't, I was just really lucky.

Make sure your second choice for a major is at your first choice school. I've seen too many people transfer away from Lewis and Clark because they realized what they really wanted to do wasn't here. Also, have the right balance between studying and playing.

Keep in mind that college is supposed to be fun. If you love football, don't go to a school without a team, if you love literature, don't choose a career focused college. That also means that you have to love the place you live. So much of selecting the right school is about following your instincts. When a school just feels right to you, that's where you belong. Don't let the details or the reputation of a school weigh too much on your decision. Sometimes the best school may not be the best school for you. Keep your mind and heart open to new people, places, and experiances, and the rest will fall into place.

Trust your intuition. I was lucky enough to have a very strong gut-feeling that my school was right for me, and I ended up being completely happy with my experience. Yes, it's important to take statistics and numbers into consideration, but what really matters is whether or not you can truly see yourself on that campus, in those classes, with those people, being happy.

Spend a night at the school to see what the school is really about.

Small liberal arts colleges have a lot to offer, but consider other alternatives too; they are often not what they claim to be. For instance, I have been severely disappointed by Lewis & Clark in almost every regard, especially academic rigor, extracurricular availability, quality and diversity of the student body, and disregard for student well-being and for employees, staff and even professors. Ask students how happy they are with their institution; that may be the most important measure of the quality of a school. Be sure your school is sufficiently academically rigorous; many students and colleges simply want to go through the motions. Look for colleges that specialize in your strengths, but leave room for flexibility too. It's OK to enter college without a focus, but if you suspect you have a talent or passion for something, just go for it and see what happens. Also, never base a decision fully on financial aid; remember that aid can be pulled and reduced at any time, seemingly without reason.

My advice would be look for a college where you can receive a good education and at the same time be happy. Now happy is a very broad term, but no one wants to go to a school that will cause them to become depressed and force them to leave. Pick a school that provides an education for the career that you would enjoy but also think of some back-up enjoyable jobs. This school should have the proper education for those jobs also. In this day and age thanks to no child left behind, it is hard for high school students to get ahead, and college is an entirely different world both socially and acedemically. So even though you may love a subject in high school you could realize that it is not the thing you want to do in your life within your first semester in college. Make sure you visit any college that you wish to attend to make sure that you will be able to surround yourself with people that you can get along with and see yourself building strong relationships with, because those friendships can save your life in college.