McKendree University Top Questions

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

Megan

Dont look at only big school or only small schools. sometimes the one that you dont think you will like, you end up loving. Also, for students, go spend the night at the school. It can be very revealing and help you to make your ultimate decision. Maybe after you have narrowed it down to 2 schools after you have visited at least 4, go spend the night at both and see what you think. Parents, let your kid choose. Give them your opinion but dont push it on them. After all, you dont want them to go where you want them to go and after they decide they really hate it, then you have wasted alot of money because they want to transfer. Let them make the ultimate decision. Be supportive no matter what.

Monica

Be aware of all the surroundings and what the University has to offer. If you or your child attending college is slightly doubtful, check your other options. Every state has several differenct schools that you can choose from, the key is finding the one that suits you, and this will be by scoping everything about that school out.

Michael

The college experience is entirely up to the student; anyone can succeed anywhere and it is smart to go where you can afford. Afterall, schools are businesses and they want your money. If you are not a very good student and/or do not make a good effort in school and need extra help along, do not go to a large university. You probably need a relationship with your teacher and the only person available to you at big colleges are graduate students and they do not care; not to mention they will hardly be able to recognize your face.

Deanne

Take a campus tour. It will really help you decide if you want to attend the college or not.

Eric

Just make sure the college you choose suits you, do not make a decision just because a friend or someone wants you to go there.

Belinda

Parents as well as students choose a college or university that is specific to your area of interest. In doing so you are setting yourself up as parents and students to be able to plan for the future in terms of jobs and success. Every college or university out their has many degrees they exceed at and by choosing the one that is specific to your degree will help you when trying to find a job. For example, take McKendree University located in Lebanon, Illinois, McKendree has an excellent education program and statistics show that most students who graduate with their education degree get a job right away and their job success is in the ninety percentile of hiring newly graduated students. Therefore, you can see why it is necessary that you choose a college or university that will meet your students need. Parents will not to have to worry about their students after graduation because more than likely if they choose a college or university specific to their students area of study they will more than likely receive a job right away after graduation. In conclusion, search for the best universities and colleges that cater to your students needs.

Brittany

I believe that prospective students need to make sure they visit a college's campus and meet current students before they make any decisions about which school they are going to attend. I love McKendree's small campus and and friendly people and that was one of the main things that drew me to this university. I also believe that students need to be able to focus heavily on school work but also get involved in extra curricular activities. To make the most out of the experience, they need to be able to enjoy the best of both worlds in a sense.

Carolyn

To current and future students and students' parents: it is worth the journey. Throughout high school, major things going through many young people's minds are "what am I going to do this weekend," or the thoughts are filled about tests and exams to come. These four years are spent developing relationships and gaining knowledge to help in real life scenarios. This same type of mindset, for students and parents, should be used when it comes to college. It doesn't necessarily matter where a student chooses, as long as they are living their journey and are going to be happy and satisfied with the results. Am I living up to my potential? Am I being everything I can and want to be? Is the value of the education I am recieving worth the money I am spending? What kind of social connections am I making? What opportunities await me after graduation and how can this college aid me? No matter what, look at college for what it can be, not what some others make it. It is a key to open the wide doors to the world! Now is the time to start the journey.

Troy

First check the accredidation of the school and investigate the school's standing in such publications as U.S. News and World Report. If your going to pay for an education, make sure it is a quality education. The most important thing that I suggest is to find a school that fits your needs. An example of this may be flexible class schedules if you work fulltime. I would suggest talking with other students about how they feel about the administration, was the personnel helpful and polite? and what type of help they recieved from the financial aid department. Find the names of some of the professors and research them. You can use sources such as Google and Yahoo to investigate the schools faculty. Finally, take your time -- don't rush -- and start your search very early. Good Luck!

Jacinda

Students need to find a campus that they feel at home at and a place that will feel like a home away from home. Students also need to look at the community that the university is located in because they also need to feel comfort in the community. This could mean not going to a school in the city because they do not feel comfort walking around the campus and surrounding areas. This could also mean going to a school in the city because a rural setting could make them feel closed in. The parents need to allow their children to choose where they want to school. It should be the student's choose because they will be the ones living and attending the university, not the parents. Students should also take full advantage of the school sponsered activties and enteriment venues offered because this is going to be the cheapest places to see quality performce arts during their life time.

Joshua

First off, I would suggest figuring out what you like to do, and then find the college that has that particular interest as a major. Apply at all the colleges you wish to attend, and if accepted, make the choice of which college you wish to attend. Study hard and always read your assignments and do homework given to you by your professors. Also, join a club or group in order to find and make new friends.

Tonya

When looking at McKendree University, or any other fine instituation, really know what subject area you would like to go into. It is difficult are McKendree to finish within four years, especially if you change your major any time after that first initial semester. McKendree is a great school with a wonderful rich history. All classes within your major content area are no bigger than ten people, making the classes really small and giving you the necessary special attention that you might need in your subject area. As a education major, having special attention is really important because you will learn from your professors what to do in a classroom setting and what not to do. Bigger schools, where you tend to be just a number, they expect you to understand everything from lecture and you receive no individual attention. In the area about McKendree, where they place students in schools for field experience, the schools always positively comment about McKendree students, they are profession, positive, and have a great attitude toward learning and teaching.

Jennifer

The advice I would give about finding the right college for them is to first look at if they want to leave home or stay at home. Family is a huge part of my life so I knew for sure that I didn't want to leave home. Secondly I knew that I worked well in a smaller environment. Big campuses and large classrooms were very overwhelming for me so the small classes at McKendree were perfect. To make the most of your college experience is to do what best suits them as a person. Some people enjoy being involved in as many organizations that they possibly can. But on the other hand I enjoy belonging to a couple because I also have a heavy school load, lengthy work schedule, and lots of homework. I need time to accomplish all of that or I will constantly be stressed out and thats not good for any of the activities I am involved in. I enjoy giving as much of myself as I can to each activity rather than spreading myself thin over many activities.

Mark

For parents: some kids just dont really know what they want out of life. McKendree is a good way to help them figure it out as we have a good curriculum. Our Science classes are tuff so dont think they are push overs by any means. For students when you first arive get your stuff in, get settled, and go meet some people. Get out there because its really a whole new life. Get to know the people your are living with in the dorm because many of these people will be friends for life. Dont be afraid to be yourself because for every one person that doesn't like you, there is 10 more that will. There are no clicks in college so talk to everyone! Enjoy your time, but dont forget you are here for school. Time management is a much if you are going to suceed. You can do it!

Kyle

Simply take your time and find whats the most compatible school for you and your specific financial needs and balance it with your future goals.

Ryan

I would tell them to go visit the college that they have the most interest in. Not only should they visit it once, but if they really like it then they should go back a second time and make sure that its a place they really like and are going to fit in. Another thing to do it be sure to ask questions about everything you want to know such as campus life, classes, housing, sports, Greek life, and any other interest or questions you might have.

Ibby

Do your research on the school. The area that the school is in, there academic level, what degree programs that they offer, how long, can you graduate early if possible, what they offer as far as financial aid, extracircular activities, sports, groups, fraternaties (if you wish to be in one), the price of the school per credit out, if you are out of state find out what extra fees you will be charged. Check out the crime rate in that area. Check out the crime at the school, campus security. How far stores are away from the campus, if public transportation is available and until what time. Can you have a vehicle on campus and how much extra it may cost you. How much the cost of living is for campus and off campus if you know so other kids that will be going to that school you can maybe get a place together. Basically anything that you can think of look it up about the school or call to get the information.

Laura

Parents and students look at the college experience from two different perspectives. Parents only want their children to get an education so that they may have a better life than their parents. I would tell parents that you should encourage your child to seek a school that provides more than social opportunities. To remind their child that college is about more than drinking and members of the opposite sex. I would tell parents to help your children find financial aid so that they don't have to worry about their finances. Students tend to want the college "experience." I would tell them that the experience is more about a class discussion on homosexuality in the media or women's rights in the election than about drinking or who is sleeping with who. I would tell them to keep in mind that if they will need a job, don't pick a school in an area with low income levels. Find a college with many majors so you can change your mind. College is about choosing paths to find out who you are and what your talents are. The college experience, to both parents and students, is what you make it.

Belinda

Parents do not let your students pick the college or university that their friends go to. Pick a college or university that is specific to the degree your child wants to obtain. Indeed, wanting to go to school with friends seems like the most resonable response most students would choose. Although, choosing a college or university specific to their area of study is the best. Take for instance, teaching. McKendree University prides itself on being an excellent university for education. The hiring rate for students who graduate with a teaching certificate are in the ninety percentile. So you see why it would be beneficial toward their degree they are seeking to choose a school that prides itself in a specific area of study related to their interest. Parents as well as students need to be concern about the hiring rate after graduation and also the quality of education. Choosing a university or college with exceptional standards such as teachers and specific areas of study would be the most beneficial to students as well as parents. Overall, students deserve the best education to help prepare them for their future.

Deanne

I am a student ambassador at McKendree University, and for every tour I give there is always that one nervous student who barely looks around or asks questions when we are taking the tour. The tour should play a big role in which school you decide to attend. When you are looking around on campus you should know that no question you ask is "stupid" or "irrelevant", if you want to be a 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} certain about your future - be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} certain about your college choice! Once you have taken a private campus tour, sign up for another- but this time on a Preview Day, where you will be taking the tour with other groups. Hearing questions other parents and prospective students have might inspire you and your tour guide may have totally different things to say about the school. If possible, try to also schedule an overnight visit where you can attend a couple classes and sleep in the residence halls. This isn't going overboard and it isnt too much to ask. Afterall, who wants to spend the next four years of their lives (and thousands of dollars) at a school they just were "a little bit" okay with?

Brandon

Knowing what you want to do helps in the college selection process. By knowing what you want to do you can limit your search and look at colleges that offer the program you need. Then you need to know what your going to want out of college. If you want more time with professors then size is a big factor, however if you want a more social aspect then big colleges/universities are good. Go somewhere where your not wanting to go back home every weekend, where there's so much to do you have to pick and choose. Being active in college is just as important as keeping your grades up. The main point is to set goals and make plans on how to reach those goals.

Emily

I would offer parents the advice to get to know the school their child is going to. Students and faculty love talking about their experiences are are always willing to help others. I think it's important for parents and students to make connections with people at their university so that they can make the most of their experience. By asking questions, doing your research and asking around, students and parents will be well informed and feel comfortable about their decisions. In order to make the most of the college experience, students need to make lasting friendships and get involved. By joining clubs and activities, students put themselves in a position to make friends, build their resume and enjoy college. My greatest times in college have been related to the activities I've joined, along with the friends I've made through those activities. I think college is the greatest, most exciting experience in a young persons life, and for parents, like mine, it is amazing to see your students learn, try new things, and enjoy every aspect of college life.

Candace

First I would have to say that find the right school will be hard but worth the expedition. Try to research the colleges of your choice and do your best to visit the school and a counselor to get a feel for the campus. Somw might say get a tour of the campus but for myself I got a better understand by talking to other students about their experiences at the campus. Make sure you find out about transfer credits and other classes that may be needed to complete your program; so you will be set when you are up for graduation. As for making the most of your college experience get to know other students and staff members; so you can easily get involved with school activities or know where to receive help. Find find friends/groups that are positive and who do not party all the time but are focused in their major as well as showing an interest in your educational performances. Try to attend all classes and make sure you stay on top of assignments, presentations. If you play by the rules college will be great and you will be able to conqueor your wildest dreams.