Wake Forest University Top Questions

Don't just settle on which place feels right because in most cases, you'll be happy anywhere. When you're beginning the college search process, the most rewarding thing you can do is try and map out what you want out of those four yeras. If you know what you want to major in then you can map out an academic plan, but if you don't, you can think more abstract and think in terms of environment. Either way, once that's established, visit some colleges and pick one that feels right and fits the original plan that you mapped out. You're going to make a lot of friends and have a lot of fun on the weekends and get a great education from almost anywhere, it's important that you remember what college means to you and which one is most consistent with your principles.

When advising future college students and their parents, I would first tell them that personally visiting as many campuses as possible will aid you in finding your perfect match. Be willing to take time out of your high school life to go on college visits. This is the one and only true way you will get to know universities to make your decision. Once on campus, take a tour to get acquainted with the school, but then most importantly get to know the students. Talk to them, ask them what they like or dislike most about their school, where they go to have fun, or how the workload is. It is one thing to see what a university physcially looks like, but it is more important to get a true feel of the place through the students who actually live there. Once you have found your perfect "new home" dive right into the college life. Don't be afraid to take chances, join clubs that interest you, volunteer for a local organization, get involved in intermural sports, spend time with your friends, and most importantly make time for your academics. Afterall, that is the true reason you are there!

It goes without saying that the first year of college will always be one of the most emotional and impactful moments of your life. You learn, live, play, sleep, eat, and discover, all while enjoying an independent lifestyle. With these new experiences comes the inevitable ups and downs that you must face during that first year of college. It is because these are such life-changing events that you must choose an institution that bests suits you in all manners of being: academics, career-placement, extracurricular, and personal choices. Most importantly, you, as a student, must be able to completely visualize yourself at the place of learning. You must be able to see yourself in the classroom, walking the campus grounds, engaging in the occasional debauchery, and eating the terrible food. Most importantly, however, you must be able to be yourself. After all, this is what truly constitutes as a college experience. Now the parents may not want to see their chickadee(s) leave the nest, but this is an important step, so be supportive(!) and keep your wallets and your hearts open. Students, be: grateful for everything your parents have done (and will do), curious, bold, and laugh heartily.

Upon graduation of high school, most students, whether they choose to admit it or not, become overwhelmed with one emotion more so than any others: fear. Sure many students are excited and exhilarated at the thought of a whole new myriad of opportunities, but it is almost impossible for one to enter college supremely confident of how they will adapt. For these students, I say that fear and trepidation is normal and nothing to worry about. However, as you will all come to realize, the old adage "You'll end up where you belong", proves itself true more often than not. Choosing a school is a careful process, and it is ultimately the student himself who makes the decision of which school is best suited to his needs. My freshman year, I joined the club rugby team, played tons of intramural sports, and was engaged very much in the Greek social scene. But those were just a few in a line of literally hundreds of opportunities offered by the school, and my best and most simple advice to those unsure of what to do would be to try new things. After all, isn't that what college is all about?

Do not allow your student to transfer within the first year. Make sure he or she waits out a year and tries different activites and social groups before looking into transfering.

The modern day college process is in need of serious reform. Activities like paying thousands of dollars to a specialist , combing through endless books, or going on college trips freshman year of high school may help you get into the "perfect" school. They also might make absolutely no difference and distract you from the important pieces of the college selection process. The immense pressure that high schoolers put on themselves to get into a specific college is simply counterproductive. Worrying will not help your GPA, or get you through the gilded gate of your choice university. Instead of that behavior, simply start the process with an open mind. When you remove those burdens you'll find that there is not a handful but dozens of institutions in which you would be happy. Your first action should be to go to your school counselor. There you can establish a broad definition of where you could be accepted. After that do research online and get one or two good books to give you a feel for what you might like. Simply visit these places, and you will soon be surprised by the plethora of fantastic options for those joyous for years.

If the school feels right for you, go for it, regardless of anyone else's opinions.

I would say, look at the size of a school and whether or not it is in a city environment or a college town. Also, look at the different majors offered and how involved the school is in helping you find a career. Once at school I would try to be involved with as many activities as possible to try and network. Become close with some professors so they can you help you find a job or write you a recommendation. Always put academics first, but still be social and take time to have fun with friends.

In my experience, making the college decision was about finding the "perfect fit" where I would be guaranteed happiness--a school with a well-rounded student body, smaller classes to facilitate teacher-student relations, respected academics, and strong school spirit. I also looked for parts of the country I would voluntarily live post-graduation in the event that my first job surfaced there--temperature and location ARE worthy factors. However, in looking back at my own decision and those of my friends, it seems that there really is no completely wrong answer. There is no way to "fail" in picking out a college because in reality, choosing to take the path of education is the most valuable decision to make. There will be great professors & there will be not so great professors, just as there will be great people and not so great people to befriend. Dig deep and ask probing questions--remember, the tour guides are instructed to steer away from answering questions that shed a poor light. Don't ask about what they like about the school, ask what changes they would like to see on campus. Know yourself, have your priorities, and you won't go wrong!

It is perfectly understandable that the prospect of selecting a college can be overwhelming. You are essentially selecting an institution that will be responsible not only for your academic advancement, but for placing you with individuals who will become your future best friends, spouses and colleagues. Because it is such an important decision, give yourself time to analyze the different options. Of course look at the typical characteristics -- the dorms, the meal plans, the fitness facilities. But more importantly, go and speak with professors, see if they are willing to take time out to speak with you. Approach a student on campus, and see how friendly and willing to help they are. These are the people and the interactions that will truly shape your college experience, not how impressive the recreatonal facilities are. If you find an institution where you feel welcomed, and the individuals around you are excited to have you there, then you have probably found a school worthy of the most important four years of your edicational life.

While ranking and prestige are factors are something to consider, parents and students should think of 'fit' before either. It is more important to consider where each individual student will thrive academically and socially.

Beginning with the summer prior to your junior year of high school, you will begin to receive an umlimited amount of advice as to your collegiate future. It will likely range in form from themes such as, "If you hate high school, then you will love college" and "College will be the best four years of your life" to "Follow the money: you should choose whichever school offers you the most financial aid." During my time in college, however, I have found that the reality you will eventually live with does not always agree with the misleading, albeit honest, advice that you once received. The decision as to the right college for YOU should ultimately be left up to YOU. Take your time and outline those characteristics that you find most attractive in an academic environment and potential home, because it will be both of things, and more. The decision you make is not only for your academic training, but for your social, emotional, and otherwise personal development, as well. Ultimately, remember that the decision is for YOU, so that you can decide how you will spend the best years of your life--whether they are during college or afterwards.

Visit colleges you're interested in. Make sure the college is a good match for you, whether academically, culturally, or geographically.

Look for a school that offers a program you wish to pursue, is the right size, and you feel will give you the best education possible. Location is also important, whether you want to be in a city or the middle of nowhere, but it is nice to have a school in a place where getting off campus is also fun and that offers a variety of activities.

I truly believe that finding the right college is all about how the student feels upon setting foot on campus. Take it all in and envision yourself there. Talk to the students and wander around campus after the tour. Get a feel for the school, and if you don't feel yourself there, be okay with that. Don't go to any school with expectations, and be in touch with how the school really makes you feel. Know that you're the one that has to be there for four years, so don't let parents or friends influence your decision. Then, once you're there, enjoy every moment. Get involved. Join clubs that are out of your comfort zone. Take charge. Meet someone new everyday. Get to know your professors. Learn to take everything in stride.

Pick the school that feels right to you. Do not necessarily pick a school for a particular major, pick one that you want to spend 4 years growing at.

Take the time to figure out exactly what you are looking for in terms of campus location and extracurricular activities available. I didn't do this and have been regretting it ever since.

VISIT THE SCHOOL!...Talk to the students, not just the people that work there. Spend a day there

The most important advice I can give is to make sure that the college and the student are a good match. The reputation of the college or the ranking of their sports teams is irrelevant. The campus life, and especially the activities available outside of the classroom, is what makes a student feel at home. If your student is not interested in joining fraternities or sororities, make sure that there are enough alternatives to make sure that he/she can find a place to fit in.

I would say that having a list of things that are important to you in a college definitely helps with finding the right college. Knowing what you like will help the process go smoothly and probably a little quicker. But it is also very important to remain open when visiting different schools. Know why you want a small school versus a large school, or why you want a city versus a small town surrounding your school. Also be aware of why you do not like certain characteristics of a school. Also do NOT pay attention to the stereotypes of schools. If you find a school that is a good fit in everyway, then go to that school. Do not listen to what other people have to say about it. It doesn't matter what other people think. What really matters is that you are truly happy and have found a place where you feel you can learn and grow in a comfortable setting. Really consider what you find important in a school setting, why those characteristics are or are not important, and try to ignore the stereotypes some schools have and focus on finding a place of happiness and growth.

Make a list of schools that your grades and SAT score falls into. Then decide where you want to go to school and look into the schools that are on your list and in that area. Take a trip to visit those schools and see what the school looks like and is all about. Your school will just click for you so don't freak out if you don't find something right away. Work hard when you get there and take care of your studies. Take advantage of everything the school offers. If the school paper has a list of things to do before graduating, save it and try to complete the list. Going to a women's volleyball game and theater performance can make a great evening actually.

It's important to do a variety of research when looking for the right college. A tour of the campus is helpful, but it is given by people that will only tell you good things--they are trying to sell their school. Ask friends and their families to see if they know anyone that goes/went to the school to find opinions of others. I also would recommend going to a school that's higher on your list over a school with cheaper tuition or one that offers more scholarship money. These are the best four years of your life, and you don't want to settle for second best if you can scrap together some extra money to go to your favorite school or take out a loan to make it happen. Get to know the people in your dorm if you live on campus freshman year. At many schools, you don't get the chance to live on campus all years, and it's a good way to get to know people. Get to know your professors as well--they'll often have office hours, and it will help you in the long-run to have these connections.

-ASK for a spot at the schools you are serious about - this sets you above a majority of the applicants and gives your applicaiton life -visit every university that you can as soon as you hit your Sophomore year -don;t let your HS teachers discourage you form taking trips to colleges- it is ok to miss class- but make up your work -always visit when school is in session- so you can get a feel for the people and aura of academia -take time to look for the places you would enjoy studying- or spending time with friends e.g. coffee shops or libraries -spend the night on campus with a current student! -the school for you will be the one that feels like home- the "best fit" for YOU -when chosing the school for you (after receiving acceptance), visit your favorite again and then list pro's and con's - see yourself on campus with friends and in class- think of yourself in class and in the library- during exams etc. -RUSH for greek life regardless of any preconceived notion- you will make friends and meet so many more people than if you you chose not to rush

Find a college that you will be comfortable and confident attending. Your college will be your home for four years, and you want to be somewhere where you can be yourself, and make the most of the experience. While at school get involved in activities you love and enjoy and you will easily make friends whom you will get along with and are compatible with. If you have an open mind it is impossible not to have an amazing experience at school.

Go to the school that presents the most doors you are interested in. Just becuase there are opportunities doesn't mean its right for you.

There is no "right place" for any one student, and a good deal of the decision should depend on what feels most comfortable for each individual. Narrowing a list down based on size, location, afordability, or other general criteria can bring you to an excellent starting point, but visiting and interacting with students is vital to getting a real taste for what the school is like. On paper, some universities will seem like a perfect fit and others will not; these views may be drastically reshaped after a weekend on campus. One very critical point to keep in mind is, DO NOT select a school because you think you should go there based on its academic reputation compared to all the alternative colleges or universities you have been accepted to. There are hundreds of quality colleges/universities in the US. A diploma is just a piece of paper, it tells very little about what you learned in college other than your area of academic concentration. The amount of effort you put into your academic studies and what you choose to do during your collegiate years will carry you in the next phase in life, not the name on your diploma.

Visit as many different schools and possible and go with your gut. Also, make sure that if you're paying full price for the school that it is absolutely worth it.

Visit a lot of schools and make a realistic list of ones that you can get into

I would advise students and parents to visit each school before applying. There is no way to tell whether a school is right until you walk around its campus and see the people that go there. To make the most of one's college experience, I would advise a student to get involved and approach everything - both classes and social groups/events - with an open mind. It is easy to fall into the trap of simply extending you high school social life and behaviors into college, but there are infinate opportunities to get involved in new things and I would highly recommend taking as many opportunites as possible to do so.

I would tell a student to talk to current student at any given school they are looking at to find out if the interests/concerns of the student are the same as their own. It is important to be around people who care about similar things, otherwise you will not have a great experience. If you have conservative views, than it would be a good idea to seek out a conservative school, and visa versa. Once at school, I would say to get involved in as many things as possible. Introduce yourself to everyone. Learn as much as you can, because you will remember this experience for the rest of your life. It is also a time of finding yourself, and you cannot do so unless you look. Work hard and play hard. Try not to stress as much as you feel you should. Enjoy the experience, there will be nothing else like it.

I would tell students to look fist at what they want, acedemically. Next, they should get a good idea of how the social scene on campus is, so they can get an idea of how they will fit into the bigger picture. Also, they should look at what activities and organizations are available to them on campus in order to find out how they want to bec ome involved.

Definitely visit all of the campuses because each college is very different from the rest. The most important things to look at are: size of classes, availability of classes, professors office hours, diversity of student organizations, diversity of campus, the area surrounding the school and the resources available within the university library. Also, the prevalence of Greek life can be a deciding factor for many prospective students. My best advice is to visit the campus and stay for a night with a current student. This will give a prospective student the best outlook on the campus and university life.

Students, research a variety of colleges. Examine not only the academic standards at this school, but also valuable opportunities for research, study abroad programs, as well as the involvement of students on campus. Also, think about the type of environment you would like to live in--predominantly cold or hot, near a beach or mountains, rainy or sunny weather. This can make a significant impact on your experience. When looking at possible major opportunities, select a school that allows one room to explore different options, as a liberal arts college. You may find something new and interesting to study. Also, take advantage of scholarship opportunities, offered inside or outside the school. Parents, be flexible in working with your children as they select a school, providing guidance while allowing students to make active decisions as well.