Wellesley College Top Questions

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

Alice

I can be extremely shy. I would tell my younger self to not feel so self-conscious; the truth is, everyone feels that way the first few weeks of college. The questions "Will I make friends? Will people like me?" might be present, but even so, put yourself out there. I regret my first couple of weeks, where I kept to myself and stuck to what I knew. The third week, when I saw people jamming music in the dorm common room, I finally took the plunge. I spontaneously whipped out my mediocre singing voice and a violin, and those people became my best friends. Join things, you never know. Regarding grades, I would tell myself to prioritize. What if there's an event going on, and I have a test worth 40{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of my grade tomorrow? Probably shouldn't bomb that one. What if it's one of the best events of the year and I have a minor quiz tomorrow? Go to the awesome event! I definitely had moments where I should have worked instead of played, and vice versa, played instead of worked. Have priorities, but try to be smart about them!

Christine

Dear Christine, I appreciate your enthusiasm to impress the pretty girls and handsome boys, but I assure you it is not necessary. Unfortunately you won't stay friends with most of them so bring it back to you. Remember how excited you were when you were doing Habitat for Humanity in Texas and Virginia? Those were times your soul came alive. Find more times your soul comes alive. That reminds me, George... you're little brother. You will have terrific conversations with him before school this year. Over coffee or cereal, the two of you will talk about everything. In college you may see George slip away from you, start getting involved in drinking, and eventually drop out of school. So I ask you to cherish every single moment with George. Create as many deep moments with him as possible. When you look back on high school, the moments with George will be the brightest, most memorable moments that make your heart warm. Forget about the boys and the parties and what you look like. Focus on your soul and spend as much time with George as possible. He will always be the light of your eyes. With Gratitude, Christine

Imara

There are a couple of things I found out about myself while I was transitioning into college life, both academically and socially. First is that no, I can't live without friends. The first thing I'd tell myself as a senior is "Hey, I know you're going to a Boston-Area school like a lot of your friends, but you need to meet new friends on your campus!" Maybe then I would've discovered the amazing group of friends I have now way earlier. I also found out that my favorite subject was not in fact English, but History. Honestly I wish I would have taken more classes that I just wanted to take, rather than sticking to a plan that is now useless anyway. So the second thing I'd say is "Ditch the plan. Take what looks cool!" Lastly, on a wholly practical level, I came into Wellesley with the worst senioritis-hangover ever. I wish I could go back to my senior year self, and scream "Keep studying! You can rest in the summer!" And maybe then I would have done better on some placement exams and not have to review material.

Isabelle

If I could go back in time and visit myself as a high school senior, I would offer myself words of comfort. Before I left home for college, I was terrified; I'm from California, so I was nervous about leaving my family and attending college in Massachusetts. I cried for days leading up to my departure. Even though, deep down, I knew everything was going to be all right, and that I would love college once I got settled in, the thought of leaving my family, friends, and beloved hometown was overwhelmingly sad. Now that I've completed one year of college and discovered how much I enjoy it, I wish I could go back and tell myself all about my positive experiences at Wellesley. I would talk about my caring roommate, my three best friends, my extracurricular activites, and, most importantly, the safe, friendly, environment that makes Wellesley feel like home, despite how much I worried that it would never feel that way. I would tell myself to be brave, and to keep in mind that no matter how scary college may seem at the moment, I will never regret having to undergo this dificult transition.

Gail

Hello, Gail. It's me (you!) from the future. I know you're busy studying for the SAT Subject Tests, so I'll make this brief. You'll be moving thousands of miles away to a completely new region of the U.S. New England is cold, so bring snow boots and lots of sweaters. More importantly, though, be open-minded and friendly. Your first roommate will be amazing and gregarious, and you should take up her offers on going to a social event or hanging out. You shouldn't repeat the same habits you did in high school, i.e. completely forgoing a social life. Academics are important, sure, but did you know the best students thrive on a healthy balance with both social and academic fuel? That said, you'll meet many smart people in college. A lot of them are valedictorians. Don't overestimate your abilities, and never be too proud to ask for help. Even if you don't understand a concept the first time, keep asking for guidance! You'll never learn otherwise. Study at least 5 days in advance, and use the quiz-and-recall method. All right, cheers. Good luck.

tara

If I was able to go back in time and give myself advice during my senior year in high school having the knowledge I have now as a college student, I would tell myself that studying is the most critical aspect in recieving a good grade. I would say that staying after class just for a few minuets to have the tecaher clarify any questions you may have will greatly improve your understanding of the subject. Your teacher is there as a resourse to help you, so utilize him/her. Your teachers want you to succeed, so do not be afraid to ask questions and recieve their help. Take organized notes during class so that they are understandable when you review them later on. Do not sit close to your friends beacuse they will distract you and cost you the knowledge of key concepts. By doing these things, you will be able to stay ontop in college and not fall short given the tough curriculum. Last, but not least, be yourself and enjoy the experience.

Krystal

Be strategic in what classes you take, when you take them, and how you take them. Since no one stressed the above statement to me when I was a first year college student, my G.P.A. remains a poor reflection of my academic effort. Working hard is a fraction of the G.P.A. recipe. The other ingredients include the professor, the semester in which a student takes a course, his/her decision to take the class regular grading or pass/fail, and of course personal life issues. Had I been a wise incoming student, I would have gathered a variety of opinions on different professors, taken math and science courses pass/fail (considering that these are not my areas of strength), and probably arranged my schedule differently. I would not encourage myself to be obsessed with the G.P.A., but at the same time remind myself that despite any personal disagreement with the G.P.A. labelling system, it is something that will affect my future.

Cathy

I would tell my high school self to reach out in all aspects of the college experience. Whether it be in class, at the campus center, or at orchestra, it is important to extend your connections in every opportunity presented. There are so many individuals at Wellesley who are intelligent and share the same interests. To make the most of the collegiate experience, not only is it important to study hard, it's also important to develop friendships. This is one of the most important aspects of the first few weeks of college. However difficult the task may be because of the overwhelming number of unfamiliar faces, it is entirely feasible. As a transfer student in high school, I was discouraged because of the difficulty in successfully transferring socially into my new educational atmosphere. I felt the same when I first arrived to college, but I now know that everyone felt those exact emotions upon arriving. Therefore, I feel that it would be important to tell my high school self to be as outspoken and as friendly as possible because developing friendships are of paramount importance and reaching out to others is a feat we all must overcome.

Vanessa

As a high school valedictorian I felt the pressure to get accepted into an ivy league school. I blindly applied to five top schools solely based on their rank and never visited the campuses even after I got accepted to them. I could not have made a more wrong choice. Yes, education is the main reason for going to college, yet it is definitely not the only one. Looking back at the college selection process, I wish I had done my research as to what type of environment I would be living in, how the social life was, how happy current students felt at such school, what type of weather would dominate, etc. As I apply now for graduate school, my decision on the schools I apply to will be based on whether they are a right fit for me and not because of their prestigious image. This time around I will visit the campuses, talk to current students , sit in on a class, talk to a professor, have lunch in the dining hall, and explore all the resources available to me. I am very grateful that I have a second chance to learn from my mistakes!

Beilin

First of all, RELAX! College is as much about personal growth and enjoying the experience as it is about grades and academic prestige. The friends you make in college are the most amazing people you will ever meet and you should not be too stressed out to meet them. Friends will help you through the toughest times, and you will feel rewarded when you help them as well. Second, college is a lot more challenging than you expect. Getting good grades in high school was difficult and arduous, but getting the same grades in college will be next to impossible. Do not worry though! When you push yourself to do your best and set realistic expectations, you will be prouder of a "B-" that you earned than an "A" that was too easy. The most important lesson is how to motivate, discipline, and appreciate yourself. Picking yourself up after a disappointment is one of the hardest things to do; know that you tried as well as you could and keep looking forward. Finally, no mistake can ruin your life. You are the master of your fate: If you flunked one test, try harder on the next one. Live & Be Happy!

Margarita

i would inform myself that college is a unique experiance and a journey that I have the privlegde of going on in my life. I would also tell myself to work hard but to remember to enjoy myself and leave time to spend with good friends. Furethermore, I shoulf be proud of my accomplishments and always look towards the positive side of every situation because everything in life happens for a reason and every situation turns out to work in your favor in some way or another. Work hard and play ahrd is a good motto to remember while in college. Not everything will be easy though, sometimes you will run into situations that may worry you and cause you pain, but it is important to remember that you will get through these sitations, and these unpleasant situtaions shape you as a person and help you learn from your mistakes.

Judee

If I could go back to when I was a senior I would tell myself to slow down. As a senior I was very focused on getting into a top college/university that I let it take a toll on other areas of my life. I would tell myself to be nicer to those around me. I was always cranky towards my parents, the two people who helped me the most to get into college. I regret that. I would also encourage myself to take that precious time before college to explore a new interest. When I got to college, I discovered that I didn't like to do the extracurriculars that I did in highschool such as, field hockey and student government. I felt sort of lost because I didn't know what made me, me. I think its important that we live in the moment, even as we prepare for what lies ahead.

Jermaine

The advice I would give to myself for the transition into college would be to look more into scholarships that I am able to receive and qualify for. Research the College more in depth, rather than just going to a school because it was alway from home. Secondly, I would have been on top of my school work more so I woud have maintain a gpa greater than 3.75. In other words i would have been opened to more scholarships. Thirdly, I would have scheduled more more college visitation and visit with professors and department heads to understand what my school could offer me while matriculating through their program in the Natural Science and Mathematics Deparment. Finally, Ask myself want is it that I want to be and shadowed the fields of interests prior to freshmen year so that by sophmore year I could declare a major.

Shaheen

Standing before myself as a high school senior I would advice myself not to worry so much, to stay focused, but most of all to be outgoing. I would tell my self to take oppertunities as they arise because you don't know when they are going to come around again. I would instruct myself to take full advantage of the resources being offered to me, clubs, services, other students and especially the faculty. I would make sure to tell myself that professors want to help, and that I should email them with questions and talk to them about papers and tests. Going to office hours and talking with someone whose life is revolved around the subject you are learning is one of the easiest ways to learn about that subject. The faculty enjoy teaching you and they love their subject so I would advice myself to use them. Being outgoing says all of this in two simple words. While staying focused and clearing my head of all the bad thoughts about what was to come I think knowing to be outgoing would have been the most useful advice for me to take full advantage of my first semester.

Taylor

Looking back on my senior year, I wish I had completed more scholarships. By November, I was tired of the college application process and excited by the prospect of being able to "slack off" as a second semester senior. I took classes that I knew would raise my GPA from the trouble I had when I tried to over-achieve during junior year. While I tried hard and excelled in those classes, I didn't really challenge myself. A year of non-challenging classes followed by a summer of laziness was not the best set up for a first semester of college. While it is great to reward yourself for your hard work, it is important to stay busy so as not to lose your work ethic. Junior year I over-booked myself with activities and challenging classes; senior year I took a much easier route. I needed to learn to find a healthy balance not only between easy and hard, but also between work and fun. I had little social life in high school because I was so focused on work. In college, I was so excited for fun and extra-curriculars, that almost neglected school-work.

Kate

I would tell myself to apply for colleges earlier and apply for more scholarships. However, I do not believe that there is anything I would do differently to prepare myself for college- I had good study habits and was involved in a lot of stuff my senior year as well.

Kyle

Be more positive about the college experience. It's not a obstacle to overcome, it's a brilliant opportunity to make new friends, learn from amazing professors, try new things, and develop as a person. College is about planning, making decisions, and putting foward a best effort, but it is also about seizing opportunities, letting things happen as they may, and learning about yourself and others. It is the time to figure out your interests. Be open to the unexpected and take chances.

Olivia

The single most important thing to think about when finding the right college is whether or not the school feels right to you. It could be the best school in the country but not be the best school for you. There is more to your college experience than rankings and that is definitely something to consider in your college search. To make the most out of your college experience you have to have a good balance between academics, extracurricular activities, and your social life. Spending too much time on any one thing, even academics, can be overwhelming and lead to stress and general unhappiness. It is important to use your time wisely and make the most out of your time spent in classes and on your coursework. The more efficient you can be, the more time you have to relax and catch up on those things that you need to balance out your life. My main advice would be to go to a school that feels like the perfect place for you; the people are open and accepting, the coursework is challenging, and the atmosphere is inspiring and just right for you to make the most of your college experience.

Anna

Finding the right college is a subject that has been hashed and rehashed countless times and students receive advice from many sources. Often these sources give conflicting advice and make the decision to find the RIGHT college seem insurmountable. What many students don't realize is that it often comes down to a single moment when a student just knows that THAT particular school is right for them. For me, that moment happened to occur during a school tour. It's true that once a student enrolls in a college, the grass might start looking just a little bit greener on the other side of the fence. What I have learned is that while the decision of what college to attend to important, the best advice that a student can heed is to throw themselves into wherever they end up. Join a club, go to optional lectures or play a sport. Pay attention when an upperclass mentor tells you that tutors are available, and DON'T skip out on office hours. Use the resources your school provides, and above all, get some sleep. With a rested and open mind, a student can enjoy their experience at any school.

Katherine

visit the college, see how happy students are, and remember, an elitist instutition is not necessarily a better one!

Sara

Don't let your feelings get lost along the way. When I first visited Wellesley it felt right, and I really wanted to go there. But by the end of the process I had convinced myself to take a step back from that feeling, and consider the other options. I was really worried about college, and ended up picking a different school because I had friends and relatives who had gone there and so it seemed like less of a scary unknown. It ended up being completely the wrong school, and so I transferred to Wellesley. I wish I had made the decision based on my initial gut feeling that Wellesley was the right school so that I could have spent all four years there. As for making the most of the college experience - don't be afraid to try new things. Take classes in subjects you've never heard of, join new clubs, play new sports. This is the time to find out what else is out there beyond your previous experience.

lisa

To a future college student: I'd say to really think about the kind of person/student you are. You want a campus that fulfills your needs, socially, physically, emotionally, etc. You want a campus that has people who are similar to you, in terms of ambitions and social scenes, but also enough diversity to learn about other interests and people. You want a college that will help you find yourself as well as what you want to do with the rest of your life and help you reach your goals. The kind of person you are and the kind of person you may want to become makes a difference as well, if you are introveted, but would like to get more involved, maybe seek a smaller school that has more personal attention and encouragement for each student, etc. Good luck, and you'll be fine!

Kelly

Look for a college that fits your personal qualities and you academic expectations. Always visit the campus before accepting.

Lindsay

I would tell students to spend 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of their time on academics and the other 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} on social activities and extracurricular. If you overspend on one or the other, you will either sacrifice crucial self growth/networking/relationship building or you will sacrifice your GPA. Spend a night at each school you want to go to. Talk to MANY students of all majors and years. Everyone's college experience is unique so you need as many perspectives as you can to achieve a full understanding of the school.

Rachel

To parents: The college experience and life after college has nothing to do with the name of the school. Everything rests on what the student makes of his or her time in school. Let your child (apply to and) choose the school that will let him or her thrive - psychologically, socially, and intellectually. To students: Choose the school that will give you options. What you want to do with your life right now could be and probably will be entirely different than what you will want in two years, or even a semester. Even though it makes it hard to figure out what you want to major in, having flexibility and being open to new fields of study will enrich your academic experience. So choose the place that will let you play around with your studies. Take classes that oppose each other in doctrine, practice, or theory. It will make your mind work and expand, and you will feel intellectually stimulated/fulfilled. When it comes down to it, college is about your growth as a person and as a student. Pick the most fertile place and the place that will tend to you. Most importantly, seek happiness.

Alicia

Trust yourself. You know what the right school for you is. Don't think about where you want to go the most, think about where you'll regret most not going.

Theresa

I think students should keep their options open when apply to college. They should not restrict themselves to a location or a type of school if they have interests in others. Every family does have financial concerns, so it is difficult to follow your heart and select the best fit or dream school, but sometimes you have to think about which decision would be the best in the long run. Once you are at college, you should definitely make an effort to create new friendships because those you meet at the beginning are most likely to be the friends you will have throughout your years, so make use of the early years. Join what your interested and don't overwhelm yourself with commitments.

Esther

Before making a final decision, the following should be considered: tuition and financial aid, location, climate, social network, campus housing, meals (quality, affordability, availability), religious customs, sports and extracurricular activities, transportation, facilities, demographics, job availability, professors (availability, teaching ability, status of reknown), alumni network, and of course, the quality of education. Although some of these aspects seem trivial, these will all come to be of importance during the student's time at school. Remember: it will be his home for four of his most important years in terms of character and educational development. Where he chooses to attend college will very much affect who he becomes. The absolute best advice is to visit: sign up for a tour, find a host(ess) for some insider tips and a night's stay in a dorm, sneak into several lectures, and wander the campus and poke into its nooks and crannies. Visit the dining halls for a sampling of the daily fares, curl up with a book at the library, attend a sporting event or concert, and stop by the trendy cafe on the corner. Make an appointment with the dean to discuss the future. Photos and words just do not suffice.

Porsha

Do not select a school based upon rankings, but rather one for personal growth in addition to academic growth. In relation to personal growth, I mean a school that will challenge your personal beliefs, identity, ethnicity, and etc

Marjorie

I knew Wellesley was the right school for me from a gut feeling. I have never regretted the decision, but every student needs to find the school that is right for them (cause I am positive there is one). Ask questions and if people aren't sure of the answer ask again. Once at school, ask for help when you need it and help others when they struggle. Help form a community and don't forget to help your community. Volunteer, reading to children, etc. And if you don't like your school transfer. There is no reason to be unhappy.

Alessandra

I would say to trust your instincts. Figure out if you want to be in a city or a suburb because that decision changes the entire dynamic of the college and its experience. In addition, the size would be another key component I think both should take into consideration. Try to pinpoint what means most to you in your life and match that to the college's aims and reputations.

Samantha

Go with your gut instinct when it comes to choosing the school that is right for you; don't attend based on reputation, or anything intangible like that. Strongly consider the surrounding area, campus living environment, and things of this nature, which may seem to be minor at the time when you're looking more closely at academics. You will be surprised how these "little things" will actually impact your experience. Ask students who are NOT tour guides/affiliated with admissions about their opinions of the school; if you have the ability to, visit during times that are not official open-campuses/prospective student dates. Pick up and read STUDENT campus publications! They lend such an insight into the environment of the school. Finally, don't consider a major program as the determining factor in your decision to attend a university that you are otherwise luke-warm about--chances are you will change, and you want to be in a position where you can feel comfortable doing so!

Lara

What is important, first and above all else, is to be happy. Find a college at which you can imagine yourself happy and fulfilled, and when you get there, find something to be passionate about. Whether it is a class, a subject, a club, a sport, or whatever else, find something that you enjoy and that matters to you. Also, find friends. They don't have to have the same major as you or be in class with you; you just have to enjoy their company. You shouldn't feel guilty about relaxing in your dorm room, but remember to get out when you can! There are so many fun and amazing enrichment opportunities, and you will never be in an environment like that after college. Go to that cultural show, or concert, or football game, or student film screening. Go with friends, and you'll have fun. (And maybe you'll learn something - that's the point of college, right?)

Krizia

do what ever makes your child happy

Dayna

Research, research, research.. and spend the night there and audit a couple of classes.

Aviva

It is important that you go to a college where you can be happy. Take everything about the schools into account including size, location, setting, class size, ratio of professors to students, quality of teaching, etc. If you are a student who cannot learn in a classroom with hundreds of people, you will not thrive in a school where the intro lectures are large. If you need to have access to off campus activities, don't go to a small school in a rural setting. Your happiness usually affects your performance in academics, so find a place you can be happy. Once there, stick around. It can be hard to be in a new place, but if you leave campus every weekend, you'll miss out on the fun times when people hang out. Pay attention to academics, but also get involved in other activities on campus. Meet lots of people and have friends in all sorts of different settings. The people you meet in college will eventually be your colleagues. Also, get to know your professors. Usually they care about their students, and the better they know you, the better their letters of recommendation will be.

Sarah

Visit! More than once! Take your parents with you and LISTEN to what they think. They know you better then you think and having a second opinion is definitely necessary.

Jenni

Try everything and anything! Once you pick your school, make the most of it. Go and take classes you're interested in, meet random people, go out and see the city--college is supposed to expand your understanding about the world, if you don't actively engage in it, you'll walk away with regrets.

hyewon

Before I came to college, I was one of those high school students that dreamed of going to an Ivy League University. I looked at the name values of colleges/universities and thought they were very important. However, after coming to college I have realized that those factors should not play such a big role when it comes to choosing your college education. My best advice to those looking into choosing the 'right' college would be to look at what the school has to offer you. For example, does the environment suit you? Do they offer courses that draw your interest that you might want to take or major in? What departments are strong in the college or university? All of these information would be far more useful to you and your parents than the simple name value of a school or how well known the school is. Don't be afraid to look at schools that not many people know about, and be honest with yourself when it comes to choosing your school. Afterall, you will be spending the next four years or so at the college you choose. I wish you all the best of luck!

Darah

Don't worry.

rachel

visit the college and talk to students there, as well as professors, in the areas you are most interested in!

Rachel

For finding the right college, I would highly recommend visiting as many schools as possible. You never really know how comfortable you'll be in an environment until you've been there. Also, do some research: decide what is most important to YOU (whether it's academics, diversity, the extracurriculars available, or the overall feel of a campus) and find the schools that fit. As for making the most of the college experience, one rule: don't limit yourself. Don't be afraid to try new things, meet new people, learn from different points of view. College is about broadening your horizons, so take advantage of every opportunity to expand your own personal world. Challenge yourself to step out of your usual comfort zone, because the more comfortable you are with yourself, the better you'll fit into any future situation you could possibly land in. Most of all, keep yourself sane and try to do what makes YOU happy. College may be a blast, but it doesn't have to be the "best years of your life", because your life is still just beginning. Use college to set up an entire lifetime of "best years".

Brandy

Follow your heart. That's the most important thing. So many students worry about money. Money is important, especially these days, but there are so many ways to work that out after you're accepted. It's more important to be where you want to be. If you're doing what you love, at a college that you love, then you'll work hard. And if you work hard, you'll be successful. There are times when it will seem more complicated than that, but it's really not. So many people feel hindered by money, when in reality, there are tons of options for anyone willing to ask for help and work hard for it. Once you follow your heart, the rest works out.

Amy

Do not rule out private schools just because they are more expensive. Many private schools are finally trying to eliminate or reduce student loans and increase scholarship opportunities.

Jennifer

Make sure you visit the campus before you enroll, to make sure you can stand living in such an environment. Do scope out potential extracurricular activities and clubs you can join when you attend the school.

Samantha

I would advise the student and their parents to follow their intution in selecting a school. Picking a college where they feel comfortable, happy, challenged, safe and excitied is the most important thing in making their college experience a successful one. Once there, the student must, MUST, take advantage of every single opportunity given. They should find what excites them and truly love and commit to it. They have to work very hard, but not sweat the small stuff. Those 4 years fly by in a flash.

Ashley

Be sure to visit the campus while school is in session: attend classes, have lunch with students, and even spend the night. It is important to understand all aspects of the environment you are getting yourself into.

Zahra

Finding the "right" college and making the most of the college experience are not easy, nor can they be accomplished in a short amount of time. College is about, as well as learning academic subjects, growing as a person who will have a positive impact on society. In my opinion, this personal and academic growth cannot happen in an environment that is not a good fit for an individual. I would highly recommend doing research on different kinds of schools early, visiting schools whenever possible, and keeping an open mind - sometimes the best-fit school is one you might not have originally had on your list. Affordability is also something to take into account: explore the financial support that different colleges can offer. Inability to afford tuition, having to take out enormous loans, etc., can often lead to stress which will ultimately result in a less than ideal college experience. In terms of making the most of the college experience, start the way you want to finish. If you want a high GPA, a good rapport with professors, and so on, begin college with that attitude. Develop good study habits early, and don't be afraid to ask for help!

Sally

The advice I would give to someone searching for a college is to go visit the campus. You don't know where you belong until you get a feel for the atmosphere and for the people that you are going to spend the next four years of your life with. At the same time, once you arrive on campus, don't expect people to come to you and ask to be your friend like they used to in elementary school. You have to go out into the world and embrace new situations and new people. Remember those who shaped you in life, but know that there are millions of people in the world that can affect you in different ways, if only you would go out to meet them. Right now, you are infinite. You can be anything you want to be and you will find that people will welcome you for exactly who you are, no matter where you are. Be brave, go get 'em.

Kara

When choosing a college, I think it's important to go beyond the typical. Most students don't think to look at small liberal arts colleges, favoring instead the large, prestigious universities. There is a school out there for each student, and not all students will thrive in the same environment. When you visit a school, see if the current students are the sorts of people you would be happy spending time with. Personal happiness is more important than prestige. Students should also, in my experience, really get to know and make use of their professors. The more you get to know your professors, the more they'll be able to help you with your academic and career goals. It's important to have adults you feel comfortable talking to on campus. Professors are truly an under-appreciated resource--try to take full advantage of everything they have to offer. After all, their job is to teach and help you.