Union University Top Questions

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

Sarah

In choosing the right university, you must look at the integrity and life of those students and professors who attend and teach there. When you are living and learning in such close proximity to the same group of people for four years, you will inevitably be influenced by them for the better or for the worse. How do the students behave? What values do the professors hold to? What impact --good or bad--does the university as a whole have on the community and the world? This is a reflection of the behaviors, values and impact that will be yours after graduation. If this is the kind of person you desire to be, learn all you can from your classmates and professors while you are there. A college campus is a one of a kind environment to grow in--you will never live this close to so many peers for the main purpose of gaining knowledge again. Put yourself among those who you desire to be like, ask questions, learn to have a good sense of humor, and take joy in the process.

Katie

The first advice I would give to parents about helping select a college for their student is to make sure that their child is going to be taken care of. Even when a student is living far away from home, a parent should never have to worry about his or her child's safety and their concerns being heard and met. For students, I tell them to first find a college that fits into their major and then look at the other fields it has to offer. Choose a school that is going to be there with you every step of the way, from Freshman orientation to graduation. I personally like the smaller school environment because it's not a bunch of faceless strangers sitting in each of my classes, it's my family. Select a school that not only grows you educationally, but always brings you up as a better person. A school that works on every aspect of you, not just your intellect. A school that truely prepares your heart and your mind for the future, so that when you graduate you know you are ready to step into world and conquer it.

Erica

Unless the price is extremely out of your limit don't let that determine where you attend school. Union is better than I could have ever imagined but it is a little pricey but a lot cheaper than most private schools. Go with a school that matches your beliefs and you'll feel more comfortable and the transition will be easier and your college experience will be much more enjoyable.

Natasha

My first piece of advice would be to seek God on His plan for you. He knows what is best for your life, therefore He knows the perfect college that you should attend! I fully believe that if you are walking in right standing with Him, He will show you the place you need to be. Next thing, would be to look at the majors that you are interested in and see the colleges that offer what you are desiring to do with your life.

Ellen

Choosing the right college is important, but it is more important to make that college right for you once you get there by getting plugged in with campus groups and making friends who you have some things in common with but also have some thigns to learn from.

Preston

Please keep your child's passions in mind when applying for colleges, because ultimately it is a person's passions that they will work the hardest to attain.

Ryan

Go with where you feel most at home. Money is a huge factor in where one ends up, but it shouldn't be the deciding factor. Somehow, it all works out in the end.

Rebekah

I am addressing my response of this question to students: prospective college students, figure out what your purpose in going to college is! Is your highest goal to have friends and be popular, to gain a degree that will open doors for successful careers, or to even find a future mate? You will have a top priority; figure out what that priority is. Some schools have quite the social scene--if you are hoping to focus on classes, perhaps these are not the schools for you. Tailor your interests in college to the school that seems to fit those needs. Once there, do not forget the cost of this education; someone (you, your parents, or maybe the school!) is paying a large amount of cash for you to get this education. Are you going to make the most of that and take advantage of the resources that are available to you as a student? Work hard, but remember to take care of yourself and enjoy the community. Sleep and eat well, and make good choices, but do remember that college IS school, and treat professors and classes with the respect that they deserve. Make it a wonderful, non-regrettable experience!

Adam

If you know what major you want, then research that specific major of the schools you are looking at.

David

Go where God leads. That is all that needs to be said.

Laura

Take the time to notice the little things about the university as well as the campus environment. It is important to not only look at what the university can offer you, but consider what you can add to the university. This will help determine if the school is the best match for you. Observe the students and environment during a normal day as well as during a scheduled visit to see if there are any noticeable differences between the two. Remember that the school that you feel most comfortable at is most likely the school where you will thrive.

Ashlinn

I would encourage every parent to send their child to a two year college first then transfer to a four year college. Many students flunk out of college because they are given to much freedom to fast. Also parents need to make better decisions on where to send there child. If its known for partying and flunking out, then the odds of their child doing that is very highly.

Daniel

Find a college that is academic in focus, incorporates your faith, and allows for discussion of new ideas that challenge your worldview.

Jonathan

Parents, give your child the benefit of the doubt that they can make a smart choice in the school they wish to pursue. This is a time for students to let themselves blossom into who they will become in life. Also, be the most supportive part of their decisions and when neccessary, be the one who is first to say that their decision may not be the best and find an alternate solution.

Jande

Students--When you know, you know. Find some where with a place for you to plug-in to compus life. Parents--Support your students' decision; they have to live with the choice more then you do. You raised a(n) intelleget student(s) so let them make the choice and if it is wrong they can learn from their mistakes.

Heather

When making a choice for college, people tend to look at dorm situations, cafeteria, and activities, but what really matters in college is that you are in an environment that you will be comfortable in. Look at the type of student that makes up the student body. Find a school that has people, or groups of people, not necessarily like you, but that you would feel you could connect with on the levels of academia, intellect, politics, faith, and social life. The college experience is all about learning who you are and what you believe on your own, without the direct influence of family. To make the most out of this time, be sure to surround yourself with people who are different from you. It will teach you so much about culture and values, and help you figure out where you stand in the mix. It may even inspire you to choose a major or career path that you wouldn't have normally been attracted to. College is definitely about learning-just remember that you can learn from each and every situation you are presented with. Seek knowledge on every level!

jamie

Please think about how money it will really cost! it gets so so stressful for me.

Aaron

Picking the right school can definitely be a difficult task and is a process that takes some time and research. I think first of all, you need to have some idea of what field of study you would like to do. This can make narrowing down a list of schools a bit easier. Make sure all the schools you are considering offer a degree in that field. Once you have narrowed down your list, the next step, and maybe one of the most important of all, is to schedule a visit to the campus of those schools. Experienceing the enviroment of the campus can be a huge factor in a student's decision. Visit the ddepartment of interest and meet the faculty and check out the class size. If you are going into a science field, it also handy to observe the labs you will be working in. Look at the condition of lab equipment. And then of course, money can definitely be an issue. Look at your list of schools and deicde if the expensive ones are worth taking out student loans. These are just a few key steps in the wonderful process of picking a college.

Victoria

Begin on the internet. Research, research and more research. THEN visit as many as you can and randomly talk with students on campus that LOOK like you. See if you can sit in on a classroom. Try to NOT go on preview weekends as they let you see what they want you to see. On individual visits you will see more of a normal day. TALK with friends and family members to find students that have been at the campus for more then one year. Ask about REAL costs of the campus and see if you can get a budget or realistic idea of the true expenditures. None of the sites cover everything. Be realistic about living away from home. Can you do it? How often have you been out on your own? Does the school have the support environment for you if you're homesick, in trouble or need advice or is it so large you're just a number? You can never learn to much about the place you are choosing to spend the next four to five years of your life.

Laura

I would advise parents to allow their child to be the one to pick out their college. The more passionate a student is about their college and education, the more likely they will succeed. This does not mean that parents should be excluded from the college searching process. Be honest with your kids and have opinions. I would advise the students to go and visit the campuses, both on preview days and on regular days. Preview days are when a college puts their best foot forward, but on a regular day, you see the college as it is. Both views of the college are important in the process. When at college, make friends. These years will be some of your best years so far in life, but they will be hard too. Having friend there will make the good times better and the hard times endurable. These years are the years that you begin to figure yourself out. You learn to handle things on your own. You leave behind the years that you live with your family and visit your friends. In college, you live with your friends and visit family. Enjoy these years of growing, they are precious.

Michelle

Start looking early. Take trips to different colleges and then discuss what you like and do not like about each college. The campus tour can make the difference in deciding if you like that college or not. Do not stress. Sometimes it takes fifteen minutes on campus to make up your mind and sometimes it is a choice between two great colleges that will take time to decide. Also, do not leave out prayer. It is amazing how prayer can calm you and lead you toward great decisions. Once you get to college, get involved. Find a program or club that you like and sign up. However, do not sign up for so much that you do not have time to do schoolwork.

Kyle

One of the most improtant things about a college in my opinion is the current students enrolled there. They speak volumes about the school itself.

Heather

Don't let money make your decision for you. Explore all of your options, well in advance! Take time to seek out scholarships and develop relationships with those in your university. Figure out what suits you best, where are you most comfortable? After all, your college will be your home for the next four years. Find a place where you will be challenged and recognized. Get involved. College goes far beyond the classroom. Develop relationships with your professors, classmates, mentores, etc. Get involved in the community and on campus. Take on leadership roles and delve into your classes. Try you best in all you do. When you fail, get up again and learn from you mistakes. Learn to take and value constructive criticism. College is as much about the experience as it is the academics, so don't waste a moment of it.

Mary

Start early and work hard. If you start looking into colleges when you're younger, you'll know which university is right for you. Go and visit before you decide on a final college. When you get to school be sure to take advantage of what the university is offering you. Generally, you will have state-of-the-art equiptment and the opportunities to meet new people and forge essential contacts. Do this. Remember, you're paying $100,000+ to go to a school and you should do what it takes to use the resources available to you because of your education.

Natasha

Parents, start a college fund early in life. Look into colleges, and financial sources, as early as the tenth grade. Careful financial and scholastic consideration should be given to junior college vs. four year college for your first two years. If you are limited in finances; you may want to take online courses or live at home to cut down on housing expense. Financial Aid papers should be filled out and turned in before the deadline. You should do this even though you may not qualify. You should seek scholarships first locally, using counselor, friends, the library, college information, and the internet, as sources. Check out student loans available. Set up a budget and stay as close to it as possible. Talk to your older friends about their financial experiences. Stay away from credit cards. You should select a college that has the best program for the major you are considering. If possible, you should have an idea of that major before finializing your choice. You may be wasting time and money if you don't, Do not put all your apples in one basket, apply to a number of colleges.

James

My advice to parents and students who are looking for the right college is access what you really want out of the college experience. Parents should make a list of things they want for their student and the student should make a list of what he/she wants to gain from the experience. They should rate the importance of each item and then compare and discuss their lists. They should then come up with a list that everyone agrees are the most important things to be gained. Then search for the school that is most likely to meet their needs and desires. Contact colleges to arrange a visit and take along your list of expectations. Make sure to ask about each item while visiting campus. When parents and student feel they have found a good fit, parents should encourage their student to embrace the experience. At this point, parents need to take a back seat. They should allow their student to fully engage by encouraging their student to take part in as much as is available on their campus to help with the transition. The college experience is one thing that truly is what you make of it.

Phillip

Choosing a college is one of the most difficult decisions one will make during their entire lives. Many universities throughout the United States are fine institutions, and personally I do not think there is the one 'right college' just for you and stressing will not help anything. I would look at many different schools, visit them, and learn as much as you can about everything such as campus life, academics, extra-curricular activities, etc. Parents: do not push your student into a hasty decision or force them to go somewhere. Be completely supportive no matter what they decide because even though you will most likely be paying for it, this is their choice and they alone can make it. In order to make the most of your college experience, get involved! Getting to know students and faculty is a key component to making your college career an incredible, lasting experience. Get involved in whatever you're interested in whether it be intramurals, academic clubs, social clubs, anything. By doing this, you will make friends that you will have your entire life and it will enhance your learning experience. Do not be afraid to ask questions!

John

Private education is a lot better then public - worth the cost if you'll work hard, not worth it if you just want to coast through life.

Dwight

I would tell future students to make sure that the campus offers plenty of diversity, something my school doesn't offer. I would also make sure that they would make sure to look for a school in a setting that fits them. I chose a school in a small town when I am better suited to attend a school in a city with many cultural sites such as art museums and concert halls. The size of the school is extremely important as well.

Mollie

I would tell students to be careful to decide what they want in a college. Then, when they find that college not to let social life take over to the point where they neglet their studies.

Jacob

I would definitely tell students and parents to look as many places as you can, and once you have narrowed down your choices, go and visit the schools. Your first impression of a campus is usually correct, so if you don't like it when you go and visit, then you probably won't like it later on! One final word of advice that I would give to students is to apply for as many scholarships as possible! If you qualify for it...apply for it! In regards to making the most of your college experience, make sure you get out and meet new people, but don't let your social life become more important than your studies. It is a balancing act, but if you can accomplish it...then you will enjoy college so much no matter where you go!

Katie

Make sure you visit the campus and ask a lot of questions while you are there from financial aid to food plans. Meet students who are already there and professors and see how welcoming they are to visitors. Also, go into a couple of classes and see what you have to look forward to. This will help prepare you for what is to come and you can feel more confident as an incoming freshman. Also, read a lot of reviews about the school... not just the school's website, because they will only put the positive on there, but look into what others have said about the school to see if they are reputible and trustworthy. You will be spending the next 4 years of your life here, so make sure you're setting yourself up to have a good 4 years that fly by!

Kelly

It is so important to find the right college and make the most of your experience. The best way to do this is to explore your options. Be sure to gather the needed information to make a wise choice. Consider the campus living situation, financial aid, on-campus extracurricular activities, and the classes for your chosen major. It's important to go with what you want since you will be the one living there. Making the most of your college experience demands a good attitude. One willing to put themselves out there will come away with more than one who will not. Try new things! Expand your horizon with new activities and new experiences.

Natasha

My advice would be to decide on a major before choosing your college, if it is possible. If not ,it will be more expensive. Decide where you will get the best education for the major you choose. Don't put all your apples in one basket, as my Granny told me. Apply to all the schools you want to attend and accept the one most best suited for your plans. Make plans for the financial expenses, for they are high and increasing every year. If you will need to get financial aid get all your information together before you start entering. Researce student loans for the best interest rate and payback schedules. Visit the colleges and talk to the advisors and students. Plan carefullly to budget your money. Use your high school advisor, local libary, school libary, newspapers, and the internet for a source of scholarships. Contact your college for scholarships from them. Don't wait until the dead line to enter for scholarships. Be very careful to be accurate and answer every question. Pre-write essays that are proofed by someone before you enter. Do the very best you can, putting as much time as possible on each application.

Courtney

Students should take advantage of college preview days. Talking with students at each school helped me get ?the feel? of campus and determine if I could picture myself there. Current students offer a realistic picture of the school and point you to crucial information that representatives fail to mention. Additionally, it?s important for parents to attend these trips with students because they can offer a fresh perspective and insight from their experiences. To get the most out of college, I recommend students live in a dorm on campus. Many of my friends commute to school, attend a few classes, make no social connections, and then go to work or home. College is a big adjustment and becomes easier when you can make new friends who are going through the same things as you. If living on campus is not practical, join extracurricular activities such as an intramural team or club. Furthermore, do not be afraid to seek out free school resources. I received valuable advice on time management and how to study in college from a study counselor. Tutors, counselors, and career services representatives are available to students and willing to help.