Pacific University Top Questions

Parents don't force your child to attend a school that you want them to go to let them decide because even though you are paying for their education , they are the ones who are attending. If they don't like the school then the cances of them doing well are not likely. Another thing is try going to college knowing a general area of what you want to take up because instead of wasting your years not knowing adn deciding later and fiding out that your courses you took don't fall into your major... you can always change your mind later. Also make new friends because the friends you make in college will be your life time friends. And lastly Parents it is college you know what it is like to get away from home and have freedom for the first time, don't be to hard on your children because after your freshman year you realize how important it is to do well in school. =) College is one of the best times of our lives so make memories.

So far being a college student has opened up alot of opportunites as well as stuffed difficulties in my face. I would recommend strongly to both the future college student and their parents to look closely at each of the chosen schools. Don't be afraid to send out for multiple brochures and info flyers about the respective schools you are eying. When you narrow down your schools visit them. Learn about the programs they offer, different clubs and organizations, and even sports. Ask lots of questions about the life on and off campus. And be sure to ask about the work load of school work. When searching for schools do it soon, possibly your junior year of HS! You don't want to feel rushed in this important step, so take your time and choose wisely. Once in college do your work on time and prepare for your tests and classes ahead of time. Soing this will insure you to relax when it is "crunch time." And go and experience as much as you can. Go out with friends, visit new places, meet new friends, and again enjoy all of it because it only happens once.

First, I would suggest that a student chooses a college that is close to home, so that he or she can stay at home and save thousands in housing expenses that will likely have to be paid back in student loans. If this option is not available, then I would suggest finding someplace to live that is off campus but is reasonably priced. It seems that there are fewer distractions when you live off campus and more time to focus on your education. Next, make sure you talk to junior and senior students at the college you are interested in and see what their opinion is of the college and why. One way you can do this is by talking to students in the small cafes often located throughout the campus. This will require boldness on your part but the students? feedback that will help you decide if that college is a good fit for you. Finally, do not be ashamed to ask for help from the various services available. For example, when you are having difficulty with a particular subject, avail yourself of the tutoring services offered. Good planning, communication and humility will make your college career a success.

I advise taking finacial aide, campus life and culture into consideration. Financial aide is something that everyone takes into consideration, but always think about the amount of time that you might be staying there and all of the things you might possibly be getting into (ie. campus life, friends, greek life etc.) Campus life is more important than youd think. Are you one to stay inside or outside? Do you want to be around people or not? You think you know, but remember: this is college. Give yourself a chance to change and grow. Surround yourself around the things you want to possibly become and possibly be involved with. Culture is something that sometimes people miss. Do you want to expereince other cultures or stay true to your own? Will you be able to handle stepping out of what you know and into a world of change? Basically, take into consideration what youre comfortable with, what you want to experience and what you hope to be... and at the same time, dont cut yourself short or spread yourself thin. Keep in mind how much your education means to you as well as how you dont want to be in debt.

The only advice I would give to parents and/or students is to find the right college that will give you what you want academically. As an athlete, I've seen friends tear ACL's and blow out their backs only to find that they weighted their entire collegiate existence on sports. While sports do and can enrich a college education, the first and foremost importance is and always should be academics. Pick the school that will validate your academic interests and the rest is sure to follow.

TOUR campuses and get a feel because if you don't feel right on the first visit, it isn't the right school. Ask a lot of questions and be honest about what you want to know; it is likely that your tour guide is a student and can give first-hand experience answers.

If you are able to visit the school and try to get a feel for what it is like to live there just go with the one that fits your personality best.

Always visit the college before you decide to attend that school, if the school offers an Orientation program you should particiapate its a great way to make friends.

Have your children start looking into colleges and scholarships early. It's never too early to begin looking, and the earlier you look, the easier the process will be when it comes down to actually having to choose a college.

When looking for colleges it's important to stress the environment with which you intend to surround yourself. College is very much about getting an education, but it's also about building connections with people and a school that you wish to affiliate yourself with for the rest of your life. Those connections can develope into friendships, career oppertunities, and long lasting relationships. Go to a school that you can feel proud of. Surround yourself with people that you can get fulfilling experiences out of. Don't let anyone restrict you. If you set your sights on something, don't take no for an answer. Make your goals happen. Most importantly, have some fun. If you're too busy focusing on your education and career, a good part of your life will slip past you. Think about why you want to go to college and what you want to get out of the experience. Make your decisions based on that answer.

My advice is to take into consideration what you enjoy doing right now and if you want to learn more about it. If your focus is what you might need later in the future, I think a person might end up wasting valuable time doing useless courses that won't satisfy him. When I say satisfy, I mean being happy and content with the path he has chosen. So the best thing to do is to take a step back from life, before choosing a college, reflect on the physical activities that he enjoys now, and decide which college to go to based on those activities. Do not, aboslutely do not go to a school that offers a lot of hyped up image. I think a lot of students fall for that hooplah. Go to a school that will allow you to grow within your interest. When reflecting on what college is right, be specific. Don't just say, "Oh, I love reading." But about what?? So that way, the basic criteria for a good college that fits a personality is built. Then what matters next is actually getting in to the colelge that offers everything in the criteria.

Be sure to do your research in finding the best college for you. If it's within your means, definitely visit the school and get a feel for what it's like. Sit in on a class, walk around campus, or have lunch with a student. Once you find the right college and start school, get involved in extra-curricular activities and meet new people. You are the most important person in determining what your college experience is like, so don't leave it up to other people to make your life fun. Seek out activities you enjoy and invite others. Only you can make your college experience as fun or as boring as you want.

. For the parents of future college students I would advise you to let your child make their own mistakes. They are out of the womb and comfort of the household, and it is literally their time to shine. Let them make mistakes and learn through their own experiences. Let them know that you support them in all that they do, because during this time of adjustment they need all they support that they can get. Be there for them, help them in this new walk of life that they will only experience once in their life. For future college students I would encourage them to make the most out of their experience in college. You are only in college for so long, and after that it's the real world. College is your last chance to get out of your shell, find yourself and become your own. I would advise you to get out there, join clubs, play a sport and meet new people. It is better to live your life doing, then wishing that you have So get out there. Live, laugh and experience all that college has to offer!

The first and most important question is: Are you going to college because you feel you're obligated to? College is a hell of a commitment, both mentally and financially. Choosing the right school should not only make sense based on your financial and educational needs, but on a sense of value and belonging. Students are happy and productive when they feel they meld in their environment and make a difference on those around them. That's not to say that this comes automatically, it takes time and effort, but getting the sense of a school through visits and interactions with professors and students can often be the determining factor in a student's enrollment decision. Once you've found the right school, take advantage of everything you can; pursue your studies, but find at least two extra-curriculars to thrive in: there's something for everybody. Be open, take risks, spend a semester abroad and take everything in as you go.

Find a school that emphesises in a topic that the student is interested in. If your good in science, in doesnt make sense to attend a school that is known for science. The school must interest and help stimulate the student to work hard towards their goals. The student should feel like that they want to go to this certain school, not feel obligated. Motivation is the biggest factor in being able to achieve ones goals. The school must interest you, stimulate your mind, and motivate you to achieve. School should also be fun. Make sure it is in a area you would think you would enjoy. If you dont like rain and cold, dont go to the rain and cold. That might be a huge downer.

I would suggest visiting the campus you, or your child, are interested in attending school at, and if possible sitting in on a class within the subject that you, or your child are possibly interested in studying. Upon getting to school I would suggest branching out and finding a group on campus with similar interests to your own and building a group of friends from that. Try to get involved in things early.

Students: Pick a college that you feel will help you to get the most enjoyable experience possible, but will help you in the future as well. For instance, my college is small enough where I get the attention I need should I need help with academics. And the size helps me to meet and greet a lot of unique people who I feel influences me in everyday life, and helps me to grow as a person. That is, as long as you are willing to put yourself out there to meet those people. The academic level here is helpful as well, and most of the graduates graduate knowing where they're going next. All those factors should play a part in you deciding where you want to attend college. Parents: Talk with your child about where they want to go and why because in the end, its your child's decision. Financial assistance is always helpful, but in the end you should measure it to the college's academic level and how they can help your child. And always have an open mind about your child's college experience, they're meeting new and different people everyday.

Look for a college that has the same core values that you yourself have. If you think it is important to have a close relationship with those who are teaching you, then definately pick a small school, like Pacific University. Decide what you want to get out of going to college, not just what you want to major in, before you choose what university to attend. To save money, it is a good idea to complete all pre-reques. (or about the first 2 years of school) at a community college, and then go to a university to finish your bachelor's degree. Don't be discouraged by private school tuition. They may be "costly" but they also have a lot of money to give and are usually more than willing to give it in order for you to attend their institution. Most of all, have fun in college, it only lasts a short time and then you're "out in the real world", so to speak. So live it up, but do take your classes seriously, and you willl learn much about life and yourself.

Don't base your college choice on where your friends are going. you need to choose the college that is right for you, otherwise you're not going to be happy . There is a college out there for everyone, you just have to be willing to go find it.

When trying to find the right college or university it is very vital to find a place that will have the things you wish to have both academically and socially. It varies on person to person but the parents should be supportive of the students chocies and the students should weigh all of their options before selecting the perfect school.

Don't stay close to home - travel across the country if need be - you'll become a better person because of it.

Be sure that you have an open mind when looking for a place to spend the next 4 years. When I was looking, I wanted a place that was similar to my high school, which I immediately thought was probably a mistake, but I ended up going to that school anyway and having more opportunities than if I were to have gone to a state school or larger private school. Make sure you feel welcomed at the school you're looking at, and if it feels off, don't do it! It's your money, you shouldn't feel forced into doing something expensive that you're not going to benefit from! And it's okay to have a social life, school is important, but don't neglect yourself while slaving away over that 20 page research paper. Take a break, have some fun!

Visit the college you plan on attending, stay the night there and try to meet new people right away. Don't think about home too much too early on, make friends and involve yourself on campus

Try to figure out what exactly it is that you want to do after you graduate. Know exactly what kind of school that you want to go to. A big public school in the city where you are pretty much just another student or a small private college out of the city where the staff and faculty know you by name. Look for a school that has many different things to offer, academically and socially. Look for a school that has many travel classes like Pacific University. I think by traveling, you can learn much more than inside of the classroom. You should also know about how challenging the school you choose is academically and be ready to meet those challenges. I suggest that a student should consider taking general education requirements at a community college where it is cheaper and then transferring to a 4-year college ready to focus on their major.

I would tell new parents to encourage their student to take up new hobbies and try new things. Also to tell their son or daughter no matter what they do how much they are proud of them and how much they love them. That really helps. To new students I would advise them to just go out and make new friends, even if it means just going to the person across the hall. Your peers wont judge you or hate you if you decide not to go out with them they will understand. Also don't be afraid to ask for help even if it is from another student. Also make an appointment during your teachers office hours if you have to. At times things will be overwhelming and hard and you will just want to quit, but don't just call a friend, your parents or someone you trust and talk about how you are feeling because it really helps. If you don't want to be alone find someone you feel comfortable around and just have a movie night or just do your homework together. Those are just a few thingsI would advise one to doing.

When I first started looking at colleges and universities toward the end of high school, a tour guide at the University of Idaho gave me some incredible advice: "When you're looking around at colleges and campuses, one of them will immediately feel like home. That is where you should end up." I took this advice to heart as I continued my search. I visited more than 10 college campuses in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, and Montana. When I came across Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR, I knew I had found my home away from home. The campus is in a small town similar to my own, but is also a short car or train ride from Portland; there are less than 1,500 students and a great student-professor ratio; every student I met was very welcoming; and the university provides great financial aid for those who have a hard time affording the tuition. It was perfect. So my advice is this: think about what you want to get out of your university experience and, as you continue your college search, you will find someplace where you feel like you belong. That is where you should end up.

It is never too early to begin looking at prospective colleges for yourself. Plan early and do as much research as you possibly can to be sure that you find the right college for yourself. Most high schools, if not all of them, bring in Admissions Directors or Admissions Counselors to speak to students about the college they work for. It is extremely useful to go to as many of these as possible because you should have an open mind about each college when you first begin to look around. You should have enough research done to choose your top five, or even top ten colleges. Visit colleges when you get the chance, and look into the application processes for each college. Do everything you can to prepare yourself for what lies ahead of you after you graduate from high school.

Know if you're a city person or a small town person. Know if you want to be able to talk to your professors, know if you like to be more than a number. Many people are happy in very large schools, but I believe, even if you think it would be best to blend in, you will get more out of your experience if you are expected to interact with those knowledgable in your field. Even at a small school 1200 people, there can be people in your major that you never see. Which I think is good. You don't want to have to see everyone all the time. It's all about financial aid too...do not go to a school where you will have loans for the rest of your life. Save it for grad school or something else. You want to be debt free.

When applying for colleges, the first step is deciding what you want from staff, students, and the school itself. I wanted to attend a small university with open-minded and diverse students and staff. I wanted easier access to available help. Of course I also wanted a great education and a university that opened many doors for me and allowed me to reach my full potential. After you decide what is right for you, reasearch colleges, visit campuses, talk to administrators or students who attend(ed) those colleges. However, the best advice I received during high school was to not let money interfere with my decision. Of course finances are a huge part of the decision process--but there is always help. There are endless amounts of scholarships, financial aid, and loans. So get a head start and fill out applications as soon as possible. The earlier you apply, the higher your chances are of getting accepted and receiving more financial aid as well. I chose Pacific University and it is everything I wanted and more.

The only way to really feel out a school and know if it could be the right one for you is to physically visit campus. Get a feel for the surroundings, meet a professor or two, talk to other staff and students, taste some of the every day food (not just what they feed you at organized events), visit the library... You'll be able to get an impression of how the school really is based on your comfort level and observations that will tell you much more than the school website or other reviews can. Just remember that when you go on a tour or to a university sponsored event you are seeing the school as they want you to view it- not necessarily the most accurate lens. Take your time and really get to know the school!

Make sure you see the campus you will be attending before you decide on your school. Do not pick the school based on what you have heard or the pictures of the campus that you saw online, looks can be decieving!

The advice I would give to students would be to apply to schools that not only interest you acedemically, but location is always key, sports programs, music programs, and maybe even those few schools that you aren't sure if you would get accepted. Once you select your top few choices, make sure you go and visit. It may not be love at first sight, but there could be one specific student that catches your eye and helps you to see the real side to the school. While at school, take advantage of every aspect of the campus, get a job, join a club, become a member of the local Boys and Girls club, try out for a sport that you have never played before. There are so many ways to get out there, it is just up to you to take advantage. You aren't they only freshman on campus who doesn't know anyone and is ready to jump at a new friendship. Have fun, be smart, your only a college student once.