Western Michigan University Top Questions

Look into what other students have to say about colleges. Don't go with the college that is nessacarially most well known, because that isn't always the best college. Look for a college that seems to fit your personality, becuase mostly you want to be happy with the college you will being attending and living with for hte next for years of your life. Not to mention paying a ton of money to.

Don't just pick a college because someone tells you to or someone says that it's the right place for you. Pick a college because it's going to be a good fit for you as an individual, a future professional, and as a student. And when you get there, remember that it isn't all about the education, it's also about building life long friendships and enjoying turning into an adult. But don't let the social life take over either, find a balance that works for you and encourages you to grow into a better you.

Make sure that their is enough financial aid to go around and counselors avalible to help your child.

Look around and weigh your options in order to be sure you make the right decision.

I would make sure you take campus visits of the colleges you are interested in, I was a great expirance to some and take a tour of campus, class rooms, dinning services and student lifestyles. Even if you don't pick the school it is still fun to get out andd have a good time. I would also talk to friends that are currently enrolled at youor favorite school, no matter how much advertising a school can do no one knows it better then the ones that go there, this also works when your picking classes, find someone that has all ready taken the class before you.

The right college is, above all, some place that will prepare you for what you want to do in life. However, there often are many different choices who provide that. After finding the schools who can get you where you need academically, remember this: these are the best years of your life. Sure you want to study hard and get an education, but pick somewhere you can have fun too. And while you are there, HAVE FUN. It is possible to do exceedingly well in class and also have fun. So while you are there, do not forget to have a little fun and excitement along the way. Meet people, make friends, do crazy things, explore, and experiment. These will truly be the greatest years of your life. It is up to you just how great they are.

If the student does not know what he/she wants to do, parents and students should research together what the student's main interests are. Do some reasearch online and find out what career fields those interests might best place you into. Once you have a general area, you can find what colleges are known for the best education in that particular area. Once you have a few colleges narrowed down, it is very important to visit the colleges, and get a feel for your potential future four years. Ask lots of questions, not only from tour guides, but students and faculty as well. Once decided on the college, research jobs on campus. These are very flexible with your schedule, which makes for a great experience with less stress. Research the registered student organizations and get involved! No matter what, make sure your first year is spent in the dorms. This is where you meet new people who are in the same position as you and you grow up and experience life together. This makes it easier to find roommates for the future, study partners, and perhaps life long friends.

College is just a way of opening a door to what you want to do with your life. Just find out what in this life you really want to excel at, and open the right doors to get there.

visit as many different schools as you can and keep an open mind.

I would say just take time reviewing a number of colleges and universities. Choose the school that best suits your needs and go to that one. College is extremely hard work, but it is also a lot of fun. In order to be successsful you will need to be able to balance your school and social life. Not to even mention getting a job. Study hard, party hard and make many lifelong friends.

Find a place you can be comfortable in and try to meet people. They can help you stay active by having fun, helping you study, getting involved, and who knows what else. It's up to you to make it the best you can, not anyone else. Also if you can, try to study abroad, it can be a highly beneficial eye-opening experience.

I would suggest that they look at the programs at the school, the campus itself, and the student life there. You have to know how big of a school you can handle; how big of a school you can handle as a student. You also want to look at how far away from home the student/parents are comfortable with. The school also has to allow the new student to be able to get out on their own and grow up and learn, both academically and life lessons.

You don't have to go where your friends are to have fun and do well.

It is necessary to visit a variety of schools before choosing one, in order to really know what the best environment is best for you. I didn't attend college immediately after highschool and I would have to say that was the best choice I could have made. Not everyone is ready right away and that time gives you a chance to learn more about yourself and learn a lot about the real world. Upon taking that break I felt as though I had a lot more clarity when ultimately deciding what my major should be. Lastly, I would tell students that they shouldn't worry too much about declaring a major right away. One should take a variety of classes and try a lot of different things before stressing out about what their future career should be.

Finding the right college is a major decision. Many factors need to be taken into consideration. Class size is so important. If you cannot speak directly to your professor you may feel lost in a crowd. Closeness to home also is a major consideration. I spent my first year 9 hours away from home and now I am only 2 hours away from home this year. I feel more closer and I am able to go home when I feel like it. This is important to me. Student body is another factor. Find out as much information about the students and what they like to do. I knew Western had a reputation for heavy drinking but did not realize how much until I arrived here. I am now trying to find groups that are against this and make new friends. Visit the campuses you like most and even stay overnight to observe everything you can before making a choice. I feel that what you witness with your own eyes is more important than any brochure or web site. You have to trust you own judgement.

My advice to future students and parents about choosing the right college would be to go on as many campus tours you have to until you step onto the campus that feels like home to you/your child. I personally had a difficult time deciding where to go to college, but taking the campus tours is what helped me to finally make a decision. After I had visited the campus that was right for me, no other college compared. My original plan fell through once I walked the campus of the college I am currently attending and have attended for the last two and a half years. It was the campus that I fell in love with, not because it was big and perfect, but because it was the perfect size for me and spoke to me. It was where I wanted to be. Honestly, after attending that campus tour, all the other colleges I was interested in were just not as good. Nothing could change the way I felt and I still feel that way when I walk on my campus today. So take the time to go to the campuses; you won't regret it.

The best advice I can give to parents and/or student about finding the right college, is to be supportive. Education is one of the most important things one can pursue, and that education needs to be the right one for that person. Find out what they feel about what they would like to do, and look at colleges to find out if they have a first year experience or career pathway class to help. If they already know, look and research for colleges who specialize in that, and then find the colleges they like the most and visit them! Visiting colleges is very important; you're on the campus, you learn about the college, you learn about social life, you know things that would be available, and you get a glance of what a student life would be like. Also, see if there is someone you can talk to about your particular interests; they can answer a lot of questions you have about a specific major, program, organization or club. Listen to what the you or your student has to say, so you know they are comfortable and feel supported in their choice; they'll go far.

I would tell people to first look around at many college and the programs to offer. If you like what you see than by all means attend that school. While at school I would tell people to definately get involved in an organization and make as many friends as you can. You can still keep your high school friends but they are now scattered across the state and country. It is always best to make friends that live just down the street.

A great way to find the right college for yourself will be to search according to your major, the size of the campus (if you like it small or big), the location of the college, or a college that is financially stable for your needs. Once you have established the search process for the right college, then you should find out all the information about that college before applying to make sure that you have made the right decision about starting your college life. Now that you've chosen a particular college of your own you probably want to make the best out of your college experience, Right? Well, College is a great place to meet people from all over the world and experiences that you've never had before. So the best way to enjoy college is to get out with an open mind and be involved with school activities, which could provide for you a great social network for life after college. If school activities can't fulfill your needs then join a club/Frat./Soror. that is to your interest, go out into the city to have fun like movies, dinner, shopping, or you can always travel.

I would encourage parents and students to look into finding a college that best fits the student regardless of cost. I believe that college can only truly be enjoyed when the student is in an environment where they feel most comfortable. Another important factor is finding a college that has a quality program for the student's desired career. This is especially important because attending a college merely for the social aspect, or because of the cost of the school will shortchange the student and their potential learning and knowledge.

I would tell any future college student to go with their gut and not be too swayed by what their friends are doing. College changes you and you come out a different person than you were going in. Parents need to realize that their kid is growing up but they still need guidance and support sometimes. Also, to future students, the two easiest and most common sense things to do in college are often the ones that are neglected the most : go to class and study for tests. Obvious but so easy to not do. It took me 3 years to figure that out, and I learned the hard way. But...I learned....

Find a place that works for you, don't be afraid to ask questions, and for goodness' sake, remember that money does matter. As horrible as it sounds, money is the thing that you may end up having to worry about most. If the cost between a state school and a smaller school (or a school with a lesser reputation) are substantial, but the education seems equitable, don't shell out the dough for a school's name. In times of economic hardship, it's not the reputation that's going to get the job, it is you, and you alone. --And it is the school that gives you those skills.

Be yourself and your college will find you the right place for you.

Start early, junior year if possible, the more choices the better. Don't neccessarily look for a college with a specific major in mind, look around for one that has a diverse campus and various programs that could be potential interests. Don't be afraid of the new and different, if the fear takes hold then a lot of opportunities will be passed by. Don't be afraid to be an individual and break away from the "normal." Finally, talk to people, the more people that you meet the more friends or potential friends you'll have and the more opportunities that will arise.

Do NOT follow your friends, by going to different schools you grow as an individual, AND have great campuses to visit!

Starting at a community college is a great option if available, particularly if unsure of a major right away. It is cheaper, and an easier transition into adulthood.

Dont just pick a school based on where your friends are going. Your going to school to get an education and graduate, if your friends are true they will always be there. Also make sure you use your time wisely, make time to have fun as well as do school work, your school work should be done before you go out. Pick a school that best goes with your major, dont just pick it based on its popularity.

If you don't know what you want to study at a 4 year university, go to a community college first to discover what you may like.

Let your children find out for themselves what they like or dislike about school, but make sure that they are financially responsible for themselves in the process.

Make sure you know what career field you'd like to go into before you jump into a university. They can get expensive and a degree is a degree no matter where you attended your first two years of college. Community College is a great way to experience the many fields available in this day and age and even get your prerequisites out of the way. Make sure to talk to people and be social, and live in the dorms at least one semester or year. You will meet so many people in the dorms and likely you might even move out with them the next year.

Look at the size. Some people arent meant for huge school, and some people need huge schools. I'm happy with the medium size of Western

Look at what you are interested in and not what makes the most money. You will spend 40 hours a week doing the same type of things so why not do what you love? I do.

I would tell them to make sure that the college feels right when you go for orientation or just a tour. You will know if this place is right for you, if it is where you will spend the best 4 years of your life meeting new people and experiencing new things. College is a lesson and I'm not just talking about classes, but life in general. I have learned so much and I want everyone to be able to experience the same thing, because I know how much it has impacted my life and the person I want to be when I graduate. Go out there, meet people and do things. Go outside of your comfort zone cause you never know what you might enjoy. Take time for yourself as well, so you don't lose the sense of what is important while you pursuing your eductional goals. All I want to say is enjoy college and smile - it is going to be just fine.

Keep yourself open minded. Don't let the faculty fool you.

There are a few things I discovered while selecting the college where I would spend the four best years of my life. I learned to apply to every school you ever dreamed of, even if you don't think you'll make it in, because you never know when something will work in your favor. I also learned that a good college visit can make up your mind for you, and don't forget to talk to those who attend the schools you want to attend. And remember: always ask lots of questions!

First figure out what your goal is after you graduate, then figure out what school will put you at that point in the best way possible.

Find a place that you can actually see yourself at, that will be a good school for your degree, that is close enough (or far enough away from home) to home to keep you happy, and a place that you feel warm and welcome. Also take into factor whether or not you have a car and how far away groceries and stuff will be from you!

DO YOUR RESEARCH! I know of soooo many friends that went to a college and did not like it. Just make sure you look into it really well. Go and visit the college that you want to go to and make sure its the right one for you.

Determine what kind of school you want before choosing. Answer questions like how many students are there, how large is the campus, how good of a program do they have for what you're interested in, what sports are popular, are there lots of student organizations, etc. Once you start college - get involved. The easiest way to feel connected to a campus is to live on-campus and room with someone you didn't know before. Take part in the programs resident halls offer. Find at least one student organization to get involved in - this could be a sorority/fraternity, student government, academic club, volunteer organization, or something random like a gamers club. Its a great way to make new friends and meet people with common interests. Not only that, but involvement will give you an opportunity to build on your resume.

I am a Nursing Student, the advice I have mostly applies to clinical and a little to class. 1.Relax- anxiety only makes the critical thinking harder and the patient and staff can smell your fear. 2.Be confident in yourself even if you don?t feel confident- only you can make others have confidence in you, so it starts with you. After awhile things will start to go right because of your positive attitude and you won?t have to pretend anymore. 3.Just because the nurse or teacher asks you a question does NOT mean that you have done something wrong. They are sometimes checking to see if you know why you are doing what you are doing, and it helps you learn. 4.Every day there is a possibility you will make mistakes- the important thing is if you catch them, learn from them and grow. At the end of the day remember your mistakes so you can learn from them, but don?t let them dominate how you think the day went. Give yourself credit for everything you did right. Only you can control how you perceive the day.

I would plan a visit to the college and really research the classes and the professors who teach the class and then determine if you want to enroll and attend. Make sure its the right place and time for you to get an education.

My advice to students is to join organizations and clubs and to try new things. I believe college is just as much about growing as a person as it is learning tools to succeed at a future career. Talk to new people, the people you meet at college can be some of the best friends of your life. This is your chance for a fresh start and to challenge yourself. And finally simply go to class and pay attention, it may sound obvious but you will see how easy it is not to follow. My advice to parents is simply to support your child and let them go.

Find a place that has what your looking for. If your not sure what to major in go to a school that will really help you look at all the options that are available. Get to know your classmates. Talk to your proffesors don't be afarid to ask questions. And most importantly go to all your classes.

Students need to find a college that offers the program they are looking for. But first the student really needs to have in mind what they want to do, otherwise you could be in college way too long (like me) and the bills are way too much by then. Even if you have a couple choices is better than no idea. Then the students really need to attend class and not miss much because this has a huge impact on your grades, not in the sense they grade your attendance, but that you really need to go to get all of the information. If you keep up in your classes, you really will have time to do extra things, especially on the weekends. Or devote one of the days, like Sunday to study and do homework. But definitely put school ahead of all the parties if you want to do good.

Do not party. Focus on your schooling, find your passion, and devote your life to it. You will find this will be much more rewarding than any night out on the town.

In finding the best college for you, there is really only one great piece of advice possible to give- spend a week there. Sit in on classes, go to a party on the weekend, talk to as many students as you can, and seek out those extra-cirricular groups that speak most to you. Birds of a feather flock together, so if you are an ostrich, you are not going to get the same viewpoint on a school from a gaggle of geese. Find other people like yourself, with the same interests or within the same department. Listen to their praises of the school, but pay particular attention to things they wish they had. The best way to succeed is to know that you will have the tools available to do your best work. Talk to teachers, not about classes, but about their past careers outside of school. If you are looking to find a career in your field outside of school, make sure your professors have had careers before teaching. As they say, those who can't do teach, and you don't want to learn from them. Good luck, godspeed.

I would tell potential students to choose their college for themselves and choose one with programs that seem of interest to them. Another thing I would say is that when starting in a new place, always be open to new things and willing to make new friends, even if you know people at the school. This helps in the long run with a social life and classes later. All of this helps but the most important thing is that college is the best time of your life and you should try to enjoy it while you're there because it goes by really fast and you will never be able to get those years back!

For high school graduates I strongly recommend checking out a community college first. It's a lot cheaper to figure out "what you want to be when you grow up" there, than it is at a 4 year university. Another benefit to community college is that everything is more personal with smaller class sizes. A young 18 year old student won't feel nearly as overwhelmed in a class size of 20 vs. a class size of 200. Once the student is ready to explore a 4 year university they should talk to people who are currently enrolled in the program that instrests the student. Current students have the best insight into how the program is run, and if they feel that they are getting their money's worth. Current students can also give insight about housing, "campus culture", and can generally answer any of a concerned student's (or parent's) questions.

When selecting the best college, make sure it has some of everything you want. Don't be afraid to try something new. If you are paying alot, make sure you are getting your money worth, also take advantage of what the school is offering.

To parents i would say don't force you child into a school becasue thats where you went. Keep all their option open and every school has something benifical to each person. To students i would say don't go to a school that all your friends are going to, you want to be able to get out and meet new people, but also find a school that will fit your learning style best. Don't be scared to stand up to your parents about your likes and dislikes about each school.