St Olaf College Top Questions

Make sure you visit and try to stay overnight with a student. Definitely let the student explore by himself/herself. Visit the surrounding area and try to think if you could picture yourself spending time not only on the campus but in the town as well.

The most important thing you can do when deciding on a college is to visit and get a feel for the atmosphere. Even though lots of information can be gained from reading pamphlets and going online, it is cruical to see what you are really getting into. Choose some schools based off the information you read, but then go take a tour, eat lunch with a student, do an overnight and attend some classes. Any school can look great on paper, but it is the feel of the campus that should be an indicator of where you want to spend the next 4 years of your life. Once you are attending the perfect college for you, it is time to make the most out of your experience. Attend sports events, musicals, and speakers that you may not have during high school. Also, students should know that they can't do everything they did in high school. Choose two things (clubs, sports, volunteer activites) to participate in and from there add things if you have the time. Another thing is get to know people! Say hi to someone that shares the bathroom with you or sit with someone new at lunch.

Don't stress too much. I would recommend trying out a variety of schools, even if you think you know what you're looking for. Check out not just the academic programs, but the off-campus community and the extracurricular opportunities. If you have the opportunity, spend the night at the school to get a real feel for what campus life is like.

A college is what one makes of it. No place automatically guarantees happiness- rather, one carries it with them wherever they go. Future students: Study hard, smile often, and remember, when all else fails... breathe.

Make sure to visit, because the feel of a college will make or break your decision. Iit might sound clich? but If the school feels right, if it feels like the best place, if you see yourself being there, if it just feels right, then thats what it will be- thats your choice.

The college i attend is fairly small and very comunal. A common experience prospective students have when they visit my campus is that it "just feels right." I think listening to those feelings is important. It certainly worked for many of my fellow students and me. Also, an open mind towards academic programs is important. For example, i started as a music major but changed to anthropology. Fortunately, my school has strong academic programs outside of music, so I still had many opportunities despite my original plans. I think the best way to make the most of college is by pursuing an experiential education. Studying abroad immersed me in an ideal environment to learn a second language. Also, cultural experiences in another country taught me things i would have never learned in a classroom. Community is another important aspect of college experience. Many times, the mentality of the college community fuels class discussion and topics. So, be considerate not only of the college's academics, but the environment the college offers to pursue those academics.

Make a decision that truely makes the most sense for you. You want to find a place where you can both suceed & be challenged- if you're used to being the top of your class, you may not like going somewhere where you will most likely be below average. Also- think about the school as your next home. What things do you value-- sense of security? sense of place? Nature? Urban entertainment? Are people around you people that you can relate to? Do they challenge your norms? What does it feel like to be there? Get out there and visit. Most colleges have programs where you can spend the night with a host: DO it. Hosts will tell you things that the admissions office won't- for better or for worse. Ultimately, think about how you want college to change you. It's about change. You shouldn't pay thousands of dollars to attend a school that will tell you the same things about the world that you've always heard. Life is too short. Open your eyes and ears to opportunities that will change the way you view the world- that will both educate and inspire.

When searching for a college make sure you visit there first. Take in the "feel" of the campus and ask yourself if you see yourself there, in class, and in the dorms. Do not worry about the cost at first, your education should be considered an investment, one that will pay off in your future. Decide if the location is what you want, close to home or in another state. Find out what people do for fun on the weekends or other activities that you may be interested in. Finally don't forget the academics, see what the school's history is. Do they have a strong program, do people leave with a degree, get into graduate school, or are they placed into a job. Some advice for your first few weeks away from home: don't go home so get used to being away, but it is okay to call, get involved with others, find people with similar interest, and make the most of your time. Enjoy.

My main piece of advice to students who are active in the college search, is be open minded. Too often students believe that they know how they will feel when they arrive on campus and tour. It is so important to keep an open mind and to always visit the school before applying. I also strongly suggest spending the night on campus with a current student. It is extremely important and really gives them a first-hand look at life at that college.

It's all based on the feeling you get on campus so visit!

In choosing a college, ask yourself if you value a small but close-knit community of friends or a dynamic, broad group of friends. If you find yourself drawn toward a small, very close group, choose a larger college. However, if you value the experience of learning from many differnet people and establishing relationships with all kinds of people, think about going to a small school where you can know people in all aspects of their lives. In making the most of the college experience, I would say two things: don't be afraid to transfer if you feel like your school doesn't value the things you value about yourself, and never be afraid to try something new. If you want to study abroad, do it. If you want to be a camp counselor in a different state for a summer, do it. If you want to make different friends, join a new club. DON'T sit in your room be uninvolved. Your college or university will have opportunities that you will never find again - take advantage and learn as much as you can.

I would advise parent and students to consider every aspect of a school, particularly the social aspects. If you go to a school that has a great department for your major, but you are miserable because you don't like the social life at that school, you are not going to succeed. In the end though I think it's best to just go with your instincts. The school that feels right probably is. Don't stress out about it too much though, if you end up at a school you really don't like there is always the option to transfer.

Meet a few of the professors, look at the dorm facilities, and try the food in the cafeteria. It's hard to say whether or not a school you're visiting is the right one for you, unless you have specific areas of study in mind. If you're torn between schools, the best way to help you make your choice is to try the food and know that you'll be able to stay in this campus for a few years, if that's your desire. Try to get involved in something your freshman year, at least--it will help you make some good friends and get your hands into some neat experiences.

When choosing a college, take the time to get to know the lifestyle of the school. Just reading or finding out about the academic qualifications is not enough to set one up for a happy college or university experience. Once you've found your college, get involved in activities and extra-curriculars right away, but don't forget to leave time for yourself. Too many students pack their schedules from the time they get up in the morning to the moment they fall into bed at night. Pick a few choice activities and stick with them, but keep your schedule free to be spontaneous and spend time alone or with friends.

Don't concentrate on the cost, focus on the atmosphere of the college: can you see yourself there? Would you fit in? How do students relate to each other and to professors? Most of all, would you be happy and successful there? There's not one decision-making factor, every single experience you have there is important. Take your time choosing a college, so that when you finally get to go, you won't have any regrets and can make the most of your college experience!

Don't stress out about this decision because it's smaller tha you think. Colleges are more similar than different, and what's important is your strength of character to make it what you want, not what they think they have to offer.

Really research and don't be shy those first few months at college! Meet as many people as you can.

Find what really matters to you and seek that out in the schools that you do research on. Talk to actual students and ask them about their experience. Ask questions!