Roanoke College Top Questions

I think visting school is a must. I knew Roanoke College was the place for me after one visit. I think picking a college out of a textbook is like playing a game of Russian roulette. There is so much that goes into picking a school, some things that you probably would have never thought about if you aren't able to physically experience a school. I did not know anyone at Roanoke and had barely heard of the school; however, after visiting I knew it was a place I would love to spend four years of my life at. The people, surroundings, and size all appealed to me right off the bat and I never looked back.

I would tell parents that wherever their kids goes they will find a way to maximize their education, and that all colleges are basically the same; what the student learns depends on how much that student is willing to put into his/her future and academic work/research. As for the students, I would tell them to take advantage of every resource available to them, to focus on their studies, but to never forget that they are at college and a little fun is necessary to truly appreciate and enjoy your education. A huge part of college is making connections for the future, so be sure to get involved and you will find your place on campus easily.

Look at many schools and don't decided until you are a hundred precent sure

I think it's essential to talk to current students, one-on-one, to see how they feel about the school. I'm not just talking about the meal plan or the shiny extreior but what the heart of the school really is. In my case, I've been paying 37,000 dollars a year for mediocre education and constant drama from Greek life. I joined a sorority and suddenly the school really changed for me and I saw where the heart of our school lies and I can't say I'm exactly proud of that. Parents and students alike need to hold their standards high and dig deep.Once a student is underway, it's crucial to remember who your friends are and to make the most of it. It's college: Have fun!

Your college should be chosen on where you like the best and can see can see youself spending years of your life. Your college will be your second home and you must feel comfortable enough there to have it as your home. Parents should make sure not to pressure there children to go to their Alma Mater or even the less expensive school. That pressure may result in a very unhappy life for you child. Students should make sure you feel at home, you will know when you have visited the right choice and will know that that place is where you want to spend your college years. Additionally, do not base your decisions on what your freinds are doing or even one professor or coach. Things change and it is a great experience meeting new people. When choosing to attend a specific college and moving in just make sure you keep an open mind to everything. Without being open minded it may be challanging to find you niche at school and make new friends. Everything will go successfuly if you just follow your heart in making your college choice and making you experience the best it can be.

visit the campus first

Visit the campus, get to know the people and all you can about campus life and the college's policies.

Make sure you actually know the work involved. I've seen a lot of people fail out in their freshman year because they weren't actually prepared for the workload. I don't know what else to say, really. You have to want to succeed, and you have to really work for it. If you aren't prepared for that, it doesn't matter what college you choose; you're already making the wrong choice.

The advice that I would give, is to go where it feels like home. There is not anything more relieving than going home. You are only in college, at least for some, for four years out of your life. Do not go to a school for its reputation because sometimes the reputation is not even there. Parents, I know you want your kids to go to the closest place possible to home, but let your child go where he/she wants to go. It is there four years that will always have to remember and cherish and yes you will get to see them throughout this journey. For the students, going to a party school is not always the best choice. Yes, it is fun getting away from your parents and being able to have some freedom but, the thousands of dollars you or your parents are spending is for your education. Go somewhere you love from the moment you stepped out of your car, not just because a best friend or girlfriend goes there. It is your education, your freedom and the best experience of your life. Good luck!

I would reccomend looking into the strong points of the school. Try to get an idea as to what field of study you would like to get into and see what type of opportunities the school has in that field. Also, it's helpful to know how many and what type of social events go on at the school on a weekly or monthly basis. Also, the surrounding areas/cities help play a large role in decided where you go; make sure you love the area, and the campus of course. Good luck!

I would say that you should try everything you even consider. Make sure you pick the option that is best for you. It isn't your parents going to college, it is you, so make the best decision you can.

Decide where you want to live for four years. Most schools can provide a good education and it is important to realize this is where you will be living for the next for years of your life. Also, visit campuses. It really helps to show what the student body is like and what is available to you as a student on campus and off.

I think the first thing parents and their kids should do is to go visit all types of colleges. The children should know how they best learn. For example, would they learn well in a lecture environment, or do they want they're classes to be small enough for discussion type learning. they need to know the advantages of local small schools and larger schools. Once a student decides what type of environment he/she needs to have to learn and grow academically and personally, he/she should find the school that will most likely nuture that growth. Then, once he/she gets to college, they should surround themselves with social groups and clubs that best show what type of person they are. If they want to help people educationally or personally, they should tutor or mentor. Truly succeeding at college is about stepping outside of your comfort zone and being open minded. It is about making hard decisions by yourself and learning to stand on your own feet. Go to college and take classes you never thought you would like and talk to people that you never thought you would be friends with. Surprise yourself.

Study hard because Roanoke College expects a lot out of you once you're here. Don't slack your freshman year because it will come back to bite you. Have fun, but remember, you need to get a job when you graduate... Join a sorority or fraternity, you'll gain friends for life. There is one for everyone.

Parents, do not pressure your child into going to the school that YOU want them to attend. Students, visit the school before you make your decision. Stay with a current student in the dorm if possible and/or attend class. Don't take things too seriously, but don't slack off either. Get involved and make connections. Go somewhere with good food.

My mom is a College Guidence Counselor, so her job is to help pick out the right fit for everyone. I can not name the amount of colleges that I have taken a tour of. My Best advice is to keep an open mind, and visit as many colleges as you can. When I first heard about my college I thought that there was no way I was going to go to Roanoke. My mom forced me to visit, and I left in shock. I had no idea how pretty Roanoke was untill I visited. I think that it is very important to visit as many colleges as you can. You can hear all you want about a college, but you never know what it is like untill you visit it. My mom even made me make a grading scaile where I would make a chart and grade the college on food, student life, academics, and the atmosphere and I would compair my choices that way.

The most important aspect that should be a major deciding factor of which school a child attends is what matters most for the child and what their needs are. My needs were to have small classes, personable teachers, and to be able to get extra help because of my learning disability. Parents need to think about the right size of a school for their child. They also need to think about a good location. Is the city the best or the country? Should they go to school far away or close to home? They need to decide based on having the major the child wants to pursue. Parents also need to worry about class size, and if it is even possible to graduate in four years. Overall, Parents need to be aware of all aspects of each school their children are applying for. It is imporant to know the good and the bad aspects of each school. The school that is chosen should make both the child and parent happy, and successful meet most, if not all, needs of the parent and child.

I would definitely advise the parents and student to take a tour of the schools they are considering. Also, if possible, I would encourage the student to attend various "Accepted Student" events. Finding the right school is a process, it is not something that happens overnight. Being patient and seeing it as a process is the best way to help make it a worthwild experience. Getting involved on campus is a good way to make life-long friends, as well as connections that could help after graduation when looking for a job. Getting involved on campus does not necessarily mean getting involved with sports or fraternity life; having a job on campus also helps you become involved. Something to consider while deciding on a school is to see if they have activities, clubs, sports, etc that match your interests. College can be the best four years of ones life; however remember that college is what you make it and nobody can change the experience but you. Its all what you make it!