Washington State University Top Questions

I would tell parents and students to not worry or stress so much. Choosing a college can be a stressful time, but only if you make it that way. It is, however, something that should be taken seriously. Being organized is something that I found helped me a lot when I was looking for the right college, and it definitely made it easier to look at what was offered at each school. Once you are in college, to get the most out of your experience there, I would suggest becoming as involved as you can in clubs and other activities, and don't be afraid to say hi to people! College is the place where you meet new people and make new friends, if you just sit back too afraid to talk to anyone you won't get that chance to make such good friends.

The best advice I would give students about finding the right college would be to listen to their heart and go where they want to go to. It is crucial to do research to learn as much as possible about each of the programs they are looking to attend. But the most important thing is to go where they really want to go. If they do not listen to their heart in this decision they are not following their dreams. When I was looking at colleges I wanted to attend, I did that exact thing. It came down to two schools, both of which had great programs, great campuses and had great coaches who had recruited me. I knew deep down I wanted to attend Washington State University more than any other program. In the end, I chose Washington State Univeristy and it has been the greatest but hardest decision of my life. Looking back on it this decision, I know I made the right choice. Through my years here I have been working towards a degree and many doors are opening for graduate school. I trusted and followed my heart and now my dreams are coming true.

The best advice that I can give parents and/or student about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience depends on the student. If the student applying does not have a clear direction or idea of what he or she would like to do, I would look at a variety of schools and their offered courses, and find one with several different focuses. This allows a person to find classes that interest them in different areas of study, allowing him or her to find a general direction and later refine that direction. With regard to the student who knows what he or she wants to do and where he or she wants to go, I would advise that student, or his or her parents to take their time and seriously consider each school that has a serious program in their particular field, especially if it is connected to a graduate program in that field, and weigh what will best suit him or her. There are many schools that only have a reputation or a name, but finding a school that truly prepares a person for his or her life is the most valuable quality.

Make sure that you know what you want to study BEFORE you go to college in order to get your (or your parent's) money's worth for your education.

I would tell the parents and the students to not just focus on the social aspect of school, because if you are serious about your future, you will probably have a small social life. You may still have opportunities to socialize, but students should not just go to a school because their friends go there, or it is a party school. Also consider branch campuses because you can stay at home and save some money! Plus, there is also the perk of free food and someone to do your laundry. Planning ahead is also the best thing a person can do.

The best advice one can give is to attend the school that is the best fit both academically and personally. When visiting campuses be sure to check average class sizes, internship/research opportunities, on and off-campus dorms/apartments, and the extracurricular activities offered. Ask students attending the college how they feel about the class availability and effectiveness, as well as the atmosphere of the campus. College is not just about the classes, but about the environment as a whole. Make sure the college picked is conducive to learning and social activity. As for how to make the most of college once you are there, the best advice would have to be to enjoy it. Enjoy the classes, the campus, the students, and the activities. Don't get too caught up in academics, and find a way to balance college life. Take advatage of the help that is offered, such as tutors, study groups and review sessions. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and meet new people. College is one of the few places in life where you will be surrounded by such a wide variety of people. Don't ignore the opportunities that surround you.

Focus on you want on the perfect campus and then find that one with the most matching things from your list. There's no point in going to a school just for the courses when you can't grow and develop yourself.

Parents should leave the decision up to their child/student. Pressuring your child to go to a school because of financial, location, alumni status are not necessarily good reasons. I understand the financial end to some degree. However, if the student is motivated, there are ways and means to attend their dream college. Remember, options are good. Apply to more than one school. Apply to those who fit your criteria. The Princeton Review book of colleges was very helpful to our family. A student will be most successful and more importantly happy and well adjusted if they are attending the school - THEY choose not the one the parents persuade them to attend. Get involved. Join a group of interest. Know your teachers. Participate. Communicate with both faculty and family!

The most important component in finding the right college is the evaulation criteria you use to compile a list of possible schools. Selecting where you want to go to college is an extremely personal decision. You will surely get suggestions from family, friends, teachers and counselors. You should also consider attending college fairs, where you can actually meet representatives from the schools. Review your offers closely. If the school youwant to attend made a low aid offer, consider contacting the school with a counter offer. Many schools have become willing to negotiate in this area. Once you have arrived, don't take college for granted. Reach out to people; you will make lifelong friends and experience tremendous personal growth. This includes getting to know at least one faculty member reasonably well each semester. Take coursework that includes both required classes and others that pique your interests & stimulate your imagination. Play/watch varsity & intramural sports. Read those books/magazines/papers that students talk about most. Attend special lectures, plays, concerts. Join a student group that is passionate about something. Protest something at least once. Stay up late discussing controversial topics with friends. Don't hide academic problems. Learn time management.

Don't rush and find the right college for you. If you are distracted by problems with the school it will cause further problems when you go there. Find a college which is strong in the field you want to pursue, but has enough variety that you can change your majors if you so choose.

Fins a college with lots of people and social oppotunities. The more connections one makes in college the more success a student with find in their life.

College has been the best experience of my life. Encourage your student to be involved either with Greek life, sports and clubs etc. If you allow your student to do what they choose they will be happy and will make friendships for a lifetime, while recieving a great education. Encourage your student to balance school work and social life, it is very important to have both.

Matching up a student to the college that would most benefit their chosen path is important and shouldn't be taken lightly. More than the reputation of a school, the true quality of education provided is one of the most important factors you should compare between schools. Whenever possible, try to stay local or at least in the same state as you reside. This will not only lower the cost of tuition and raise the chances of scholarships and grants for the student, but also will benefit the community in which you are located through the investing of your funds back into the community schools. Studies have actually been showing that community colleges provide great educations due to the generally lower student to teacher ratio, so start the student in a community college and then transfer them to the four-year university that specializes in the field of the desired major.

When picking a college make sure you choose based on the size and what you would feel comfortable with. The surrounding environment is not as critical I have noticed over the past two years studying at Washington State University I have hardly ever left the campus or surrounding neighborhoods, there?s just no need. With all of the extra time join clubs, fraternities, sororities, do community service if there is anything I have learned so far it is what has made me happiest, my friends. The ability to make friends isn?t easy however if you get involved you will be surrounding yourself with many students sharing your same interests.

Choosing the right college is one of the most important decisions you will make for your future. College isn't an extension of high school, but the beginning of your career goals and dreams, which is why picking the right one is so imperative. I always say that whatever feels right, IS right. Visit the schools you are interested in, and see how they are. Do you feel welcome? Happy? Excited? Weigh those positive feelings strongly toward that school. Look at things you are interested and want to get involved in. Which schools have those things you want? And don't worry about price. If you want something bad enough, there will be a way to afford it! So you got in! Start out by living in on-campus housing. It's the easiest way to meet people. Be yourself, and make the effort! Go to the local coffee shop to study with them, or work out together. Make sure you get involved, but not only by joining student government. Sign up for courses you know will require a lot of group work, like an art or PE class. Meeting new people will be that much easier, and fun!

When applying to diferent schools be sure to find out everything there is to no about financail aid, there are alot of htings that can help students that is not broadly advertised. If a university has sister campuses find out if your area of study can be taken at any or all of them. Another good thing to check is the area going to be livable for the duration of your stay.

To perspetive students, I would say that it's all about finding a place where you personally will be able to thrive. Find a college that fits your personality and your lifestyle, as well as your course of study. Visit the campus and meet some of the people there before deciding, if it's at all possible. Make sure your school and the area around offers extra ciricular activities that you enjoy doing so you'll never be bored. Live on-campus for your first year, so you don't have to worry about transportation and food expenses while you're learning how to fit in. Get to know the people in your field, because when you get to upper level classes, it's a good idea to have some pals that can give you an in. When you graduate, make use of your Alumni Association! To parents, give your children a long leash and let them ultimately decide where they want to go. If the really want to go there, they'll find a way to do it, and work harder to stay there than if there is somewhere else they'd rather be.

Don't go for a college that is out of reach. Remember college is not only academics, but social learning to. You learn to be a responsible active participant in society, too much academia can cause social imbalance in a person.

Before your student even arrives at WSU, tell them to get involved. The entire campus, its resources, people, registered student organizations (RSO's), and other resume-building opportunites will open up to them. Their work with other students in Residence Hall governments, ASWSU, and other large-scale groups can only help them to better their perspectives, open their horizons, learn to work in groups and individually, and imbue a great sense of accomplishment that will help them to continue their involvement beyond their collegiate experience. Work with the Resident Advisors, Greek Life affiliates, fellow students, your teaching assistants, and your professors to squeeze out more than just what is printed on that wonderful degree you receive when your work is completed at Washington State University. Make those lifelong connections and your students will be the better for it. Work with your student to make the most of themselves and in turn, the most of the opportunities that WSU can and will present to them when they arrive for that first day of worried parents moving their terrified students into their Residence Halls. The key is to have the mindset that college is what we make of it.

Visit the colege in pesron so you know what your getting yourself into and also dont follow your friends go your own way in life.

When it comes time to choose what college you will be attending, it's important to discover where you believe you will be happiest at. Make sure you take the time to tour all the colleges you are thinking of attending and while you're there look at all the different things about that campus that are important to you. If acedemics are important; sit in on a class you think you will be taking. If social events are important; go to a local area hang-out and ask the people there about their experiences at that school. You really need to get a feel for the school because you will be spending at least the next four years there. One last thing, take a chance and experience something new and if that isn't the right place for you, you can always transfer to another school.

i think that they should first let their kids know that college is not right for every one at the same time. some people realy need to grow a bit more before being thrown in to the college world. I myself had a very hard time, but i think i saw what was real, and what my college was realy about. The good, the bad, the ugly.

The right college is hard to find, there are so many options, each holding unique values and credibility. I myself did not pick the right college at first. I chose to go to a small University far away from my hometown, and ended up disappointed and homesick. I reevaluated what I wanted out of a college, and myself and what I could truly handle, And WSU became my answer. My advice to a student, do not think that you can not handle any situation. Just take the time to really understand what it is you want, to know yourself, and what you really want out of your four year experience. It is a very momentous part of life, and one that no one ever forgets. It is a decision that deserves time and research, as well as hands on experience with what the University is like during the typical school day. Take a weekend and stay at the University, get the full experience before you make a decision. If you take the time to do all that, I doubt that you will be disappointed with your decision. Believe in yourself that you can make the best choice, not your parents.

Make sure to visit every school you are interested in. Go with your instincts. When you do tour the school, notice how you feel; nervous, relaxed, scared? Talk to people of all ages that attended or currently attend the school. Ask questions! Ask about everything, all the way from what kind of food is available to is the major you are interested in a good program. But mainly, go with your instincts!

To be honest, I don't think you'll ever be able to do enough research to find the "right" college. Making the most of the college experience is a whole different ball game. Any college you choose to go to, you'll have to make the effort to make the most of it. Some people have a hard time adapting and may have to transfer, but others fit right into it like a glove. Exploring the different resources in college is crucial. Don't be afraid to try something new. You never know when you'll meet a new friend with a new interest. College is all about networking from day one. Network with alumni, friends, faculty, and staff. One of the important things I learned in college was how small our world really is, and how the six degrees of separation is no joke. As you network, you'll find different connections and in return, will build different opportunities for yourself. Take full advantage of what's out there for you. By the time you graduate, you will have succeeded with all the knowledge one can attain, and feel proud to be an alumna of your college.

I think that it's really important to visit the school. Going to the school and spending a weeked there allows future students to see if they fit it there, and if they like it. Many kids choose schools because they are prestigious or in a big city, but when they actually attend the school they realize that they actually don't like the big city, and end up transfering. Another thing to consider is the major that you are wanting to persue. Make sure your school has the major that you want.

To students and their parents who are seeking the 'right' college for them, the student should ask him or herself what aspects of their college experience will be most important and take that into consideration when choosing the school that they will call home for a very significant and important part of their life. When looking at perspective colleges, it is important to take the time to research each prospective college thoroughly and take consider many factors such as academic relevance to one's career goals, the academic rigor of the school, the amount of financial aid offered, the size of the school, the number of students in a class, and the overall atmosphere of the campus. Ultimately, the decision comes down to the student and what feels 'right' for him or her. Of course it is important to listen to parents' advise as they are wiser, have more experience in life, and most importantly have their student's best interests in mind when giving their son or daughter advice. When choosing a college that is suitable for the student, it is the student's right and responsibility to make the final decision, while taking into consideration their parents' suggestions.

Find out what your priorities are and what kind of environment you feel most comfortable being in.

Do the research in order to find the right college for you.

There are so many ways to get connected at this school, whether through extracurricular activities, sports, clubs, or student government. I would encourage any incoming students to consider an activity that suits thier interests, because having an extracurricualr activity helps keep your schedule diverse. Instead of only going to class and studying, you could look forward to club meetings, practices, etc. I am a rower for the Men's Crew Team, and it has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Although this school does have a reputation of being a party school, there are so many things to do without drinking. I have been a student here for 2 years, and have never had a drink, and have not found myself bored on weekends. The school sponsors activities that offer alternatives for partying, and there are also facilities off campus that are great places to hang out with friends.

I would tell parents and students to look into as many colleges as they could. Try finding a place that you can really relate with. If you are set on a certain major, like business, don't just pick one because they have a great business college. Go visit the college, get a feel for how people treat you, and sit in on a class or two. There were a lot of reasons why I was scared to come to my college, it was farther away from home than others and it was very large. As scared as I was, I can't picture myself anywhere else. And this wasn't my first choice. So don't get discouraged either if your first choice (or second, or third) don't accept you or waitlist you. Things happen for a reason so don't be afraid to give it a shot!

The advice I would give student and parents is simple, find a place that you feel comfortable. If your not comfortable on your first tour of the campus, it's probably not the right place for you, I know that being comfortable on my campus has a lot to do with my academic sucess becasue I know that I can ask my professors for help and they will not shrug me off becasue the classes are too big ot they are too busy. I could not imagine going to school anywhere but here at Washington State University.

Take time to find yourself, this process of college is a huge part of your future, it is your future. Make the most of it, try out things you normally wouldn't and push your own limits, they may be different than you had orignally expected. For parents, do not force your children into a decsion becasue of finances, let them choose the best fitting place (and not just becasue their best friend is going there) but really let them picture themselves walking to class here and being able to find themselves and develop their future selves on the campus. My own college experience has been a ireplacable one, I would not change a single minute of it for anything. Everything I have experience, the people I have met, the classes I have taken have formed the person I am becoming, and I am becoming a better person becasue of this campus.

Finding the right college is very important. Visiting a school can make a huge difference. A school that may not seem to be the best choice could change your mind when you visit it. I had looked at many schools and didn't know where I wanted to attend. I had many schools that I liked but could not afford to attend. I decided to visit Washington State University, which was a very good decision. It was a school that I could afford more than the other universities that I had applied to. I visited it and realized it was much better than I had expected and realized I could actually see myself there. If I had not visited the school, I wouldn't have ended up where I am now and I am very happy with where I am. Also, I had wanted to attend a private university, but the costs of that were very high. By taking honors classes at my public university, I am able to get the private school education for much cheeper.

Finding the right college is bery important because not only does it affect the student's overall experience, but it also plays a key role in their education. The student and his/her parents should visit as many schools as they are interested in because you cannot simply judge a campus based on information through pamphlets or off the internet. The parents should be involved in the student's choice, but should definitely not push the student into something he or she may not like. It is ultimately the student's choice because they are the one who has to spend four plus years there and they should choose a place that they feel comfortable in. Parents can help the student look at multiple different aspects of the college experience such as academics, campus, places to live, etc.. so that he or she remains focued in their search. Always remember that if you dont like the first school you chose there is always the option of transferring. It is important to be somewhere you can be successful, even if it means moving around a bit.

I suggest looking into school s that over a great variety of subjects. If you have your heart set on persuing a specific career by all means go ahead, but speaking from personal experience, I have changed my major about 10 times and Washington State University provided all the classes and resources for each major I changed too. Once you get to college you never know where it'll take you. Just be prepared for a change of heart and to the parents, please accept whatever your child(ren) chose to do with their academic careers, because my parents forced me into a major that I had no interest in and had a mental breakdown. We're all different as much as kids want to make their parents proud, ask yourselves, it is really worth it if your child is unhappy for the rest of their lives?

Start visiting campuses early in high school and revisit them often. Ask to talk to faculty in a subject you think you're interested in or the major you are considering. Ask to attend a class, visit on a game weekend to see how busy traffic is as opposed to the middle of a week. If you can come during the week before finals week and the week of finals week, experience as much as you can before you choose.

hurvfrvfvfugby

Find a college with a good program that one is at least thinking about. Also, look for the right surrounding location of the school. For instance, the city, as opposed to a small town or farmland. Also, look at the size of the school, as well as the class diversity. Lastly, see how much financial aid the school is willing to put in to assist in one's education. These suggestions provide a good start to selecting the college that fits one's wants and needs.

Allow your child to make sure it is the place they really want to go. Don't force them to choose what the parent likes. Also understand that College is a way different environment than Highschool and your child needs to be able to understand that they are going to have to work much harder than before. Another thing is prepare you child to practice safe drinking and "partying" because all students are going to go to parties, so it helps to prepare them to be smart about it.

At the end of the day, it doesn't matter where you got the degree, just that you got it.

I think that you should visit the school first just to see if you even like it there. Then when your there talk to the students and really get a feel for it because going to college not knowing what to expect is really hard.

For me, the best thing I could have done in college was get involved. Getting involved has led me to a plethora of opporunities. I have met people who have helped me advance my college and career goals. I am in our student government, I have a job, and am taking 18 credits. I have learned to manage my time and make sure I have enough time for my academics, social life, and my other commitments. For new students, getting involved right away is an exciting thing. However, my advice would be to really balance your time. Don't get over involved your freshman year. Let yourself slowly sink into more organizations as you get older. It is so easy to over involve yourself and leave out time for studying. Also, once you get involved you recognize more people and you can form study groups. You can be happy getting involved, but the main reason you are at college is to earn a degree. If you have bad grades or are unhappy with your GPA, that can really hinder your college experience. So make sure you can balance all your activities and school work and you'll love college!

College isn't about going to the school with the most prestige, it's about going somewhere that is comfortable. If you're going to spend all that money, it is best to invest it in a college that helps in your learning. Academics are important and some degree programs are better than others, so focus on what kind of cirriculum the university offers and if it relates to what you want to do in your career. Don't be afraid about fitting in, relationships start rather easily in college; focus on whether you think the university provides a positive environment for living. You need to be comfortable in order to study and do well academically. Finally, look at what kind of research the university offers and how easy it would be to get an internship. Those will help you the most toward getting a job after graduation.

I would basically advise them (if they ask) to seek alternative methods of funding. I would advise the student to seriously consider attending a community college, especially if they are not ready for the full onset intensity like that which a 4-year school can bring about.

Students: Don't ever go to a school because of someone else. College is your one chance in life to be entirely selfish and think only of yourself. Seize that opportunity. Trust yourself enough to go out of state. When you're far from everyone who knew you before college, you're finally free to discover who really are. And believe me, your true colors haven't even begun to show themselves. Study hard, but study something you're passionate about, whether or not it'll make you a million dollars. Follow what you love with the utmost determination and dedication, and it'll put money in your pocket and, more importantly, a bounce in your step. Travel abroad for a semester, or just for spring break. It might be expensive and it might be a terrifying, but you either travel now while you're young and have the rest of your life to pay off the loan, or you travel when you're 70, retired, and need a new hip. I bet it won't be as fun. Parents: Love your children enough to let them choose their own destinies.

Make sure that not only does it academically fullfil their needs and wants, but also make sure that it will be a place they enjoy being at and are glad to go back to every semester, because if you dont then that alone could cause academics to suffer, kind of a catch 22 situation.

The college application process was one of the most anxious and exciting times in high school. Trying to pick a future that you think is best for you is not always easy. I fortunately had a lot of help from different family members who all gave me their two cents about the college they attended. With my little brother being a senior in high school and going through the college application process right now, I have been giving him some advice of my own. I am now half way through my college experience and can say that it has been completely satisfying so far. To find the perfect college for you, I think it is very important to keep an open mind. You obviously want to find someplace that you feel comfortable and have something in common with. I found it very helpful to visit the different colleges that I was interested in to see if their truley was a connection. This helps you to see first-hand the type of people that are there, the programs, class rooms, and facilities. Once you have made your decision, making the most of your college experience is completely up to you.

The most important thing for me was finding instructors I could learn from, instructors I could respect. Class-mates you generally learn to like, even if you don't at first, but it is difficult to develop an understanding with professors you don't interact with often, so attending a school that you can learn from and respect is one of the most important factors. It also has to be a place you feel comfortable. Don't forget that either.

Visit them first and go to a few classes. Try staying the night to see what the town is like at all times of the day.