Western Oregon University Top Questions

Weigh schools based on their pros and cons and decide what will be important for the student and for the parent. When choosing a school, students should determine what is going to be best for their education and somewhat for their social life. Education is why a student is going to college for, therefore focus on education when choosing a college.

I would hope that any student who doesn't know what he/she wants to major in would attend a community college for the basic classes before transfering to a four year school, but if the student really wants to experience what campus life is like right after high school, look at the cost of the school. Research how easy it would be to transfer credits if the school doesn't have the program you would like.

The advice I would give to students about finding the right college would be to look back on personal experiences and apply them to what they want from a school. Do you enjoy large groups of people or do you prefer a close knit smaller community? Keep experiences like this in mind when you are looking at the size of your potential schools. Also look for a school that offers multiple majors that interest you; you will most likely change your major so find a school with many options that interest you. College is your time; don?t let others make decisions for you. Enjoy the college experience. Get involved at your school whether it is involvement in residence life, a sport, or club. Meet many new people; learn their stories and keep an open mind. Take classes seriously you are paying for them now. However, realize early on that without a passion for what you are learning you will inevitably learn nothing. Also, realize that although you are paying for classes all of the experiences and interactions you have outside of the classroom are the things that will impact you and shape you most, so make good choices!

The one thing I would advise students is to get involved with whatever college they choose to attend. Deciding which university to attend is stressful, but once you do, don't look back always wondering if you chose the right one. Find some way to get involved and let people know who you are. It's your chance to shine! Academics is a large part of the college experience, but so is life outside the classroom. Impacting the people you're around is just as important as being impacted by professors, staff, and fellow students. Coming from an RA's standpoint, I always encouraged my residents to find some way to connect with the school. It's a way to create your identity--whether it's through sports (varsity/intramural/club), clubs, elective classes, student government, community service, etc. You want the experience to be fun, memorable, and life-changing but it's up to you as the student to make it that way. This is your place to grow as an individual and realize who you are outside your home. And sometimes finding yourself means stretching yourself outside your comfort zone.

I would tell parents and students to search for a college that appeals to their needs, such as class size or campus size. Also go visit the school and take a campus tour to learn more about the school. This will help you feel more comfortable while attending your school of choice. Also while attending college try and be open minded and meet a lot of people. This will increase your chances of getting along with your classmates, and roommates, and help you make friends.

Visiting the college's website can give an accurate view on not only their academic and athletic standing, but also the personality of both students and faculty. WOU offers tours for anyone wishing to explore WOU through their own eyes. Tours will show you the campus, set you in the real life college student experience, and really sets apart the differences between High School and College. I've found that after my first summer off after working, I actually WANTED to go back to school. Kids wanting to go back to school, making lifelong friends, helping to find a career that applies to your needs and aspirations. Research the school's specialties, but also look for diversity in the school to show that you can freely change your mind and be whoever you want to be.

Chose a college that best suits you in your course of study. For the parents help your student as much as possible. I know from experience that it can be difficult from time to time but you all will get through it like i have.

I strongly advise to find a school in which you feel comfortable in since the moment you walked on campus for the very first time. Find a school that you know will be the right one for you, by interacting with the faculty and other staff and maybe other students. This way you will know what the environment is like and the kind of people you will be surrounded by. Also, in order to make the most of the college experience, try and become part of the extra-curricular activites and clubs your school has to offer. In most of these areas we are able to express ourselves independently without being negatively judged. Finally, get to know your professors, because the feeling of them calling out your name in class is rather rewarding.

Choosing the right college can be very difficult but choosing a school that fits your needs is very important. Find a school that fits your needs academically, socially, financially and a location that is perfect for you. Sometimes students tend to choose colleges that all their friends are going to but what is right for them does not mean it is the right school for you. Going to college is a great experience for the students to take that first step to being on their own. Yes, the parents will worry and be scared to let their young adult leave the nest, but giving them the wings to fly away, will give them the experience of what their new adventure into the college life and learning to be an adult really is. Most people often think that college is all about education, which is a big part of college, but it is also a place to make life long friends, get involved and to discover all the opportunities the world has waiting for you. Get involved, study, make friends, try something new and last but not least have FUN! You are going to have the best time of your life!

I would really like to encourage that attending a smaller university provides a such a strong basis for students to aspire into whatever career path they decide to embark upon. As a past student of a larger university, I felt like I was just another face in the crowd, with lectures that had even as many as 300 students in them. The instructors at larger universities aren't able to provide a solid teacher-student relationship, because there are so many others that need advising. In a smaller classroom, there exists a motivation to voice your opinion, receive response, and interact with others who share your interests and instructors that have strong background in whatever field it is you wish to aspire towards. Before, I was so limited to my ability to interact with my instructors and other classmates, and I felt like when I began attending a smaller University that it was welcoming me with open arms. I cannot stress how a smaller university can provide such a livelihood that a large one virtually cannot; it gives students the opportunity to establish solid footing in which ever direction they choose to endeavor.

Students need to get involed on campus. FInd a group that is interested in the same things as you are and become involved as much as you can. This will give you the chance to not only get to know other students but to also get to know other faculty. If there is not a group that meets your needs then start one! The most important things you can do to make the most out of your college experience is to be yourself! Move to your own rhythm; whistle your own tune; dance to your own beat! Be yourself and don't be afraid to stand out! Have fun and let everyone get to know the unique person you are. The final piece of advice I have is to fina a balance between school work and having fun. You will meet lifelong friends at college. Create memories with these new friends that you will remember for years to come! Also, find time to relax and do something for yourself. This will help relieve stress, especially during finals.

I would tell students to really research the schools that they apply to. Taking tours and reading about the school before going to it really makes a difference. I would encourage parents to help their children by giving them the opportunity to go to the school before they apply, take a tour and talk to an admissions counselor. They should make sure that the major that they want to pursue is one that the school has a good department for. School can get very boring if you have to take the same types of classes from the same professors every term.

Visit the schools you wish to attend! You will not get the full experience unless you visit the campus, meet with a couple of professors, and talk to a few current students.

Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Do not be afraid to get involved. Do not be afraid to meet new people. Do not be afraid to take challenging classes. Do not be afraid of cafeteria food (you will need to remember this one or you will starve). Do not be afraid to grow. Do not be afraid to try something new. Do not be afraid to apply at top schools. Fear just holds you back from doing and accomplishing great things. Moving far away and being on your own for the first time is scary. And that is natural, but don't let it hold you back.

TOUR THE CAMPUS, make sure the school offers what you are looking for.

Dotn worry about the money or what your parents want. Do what makes you happy. if you do that then your college years will much more enjoyable

It's all about what college fits your personality and feels like home. Students spend a lot of time at school so they need to pick an environment that is comfortable and is undoubtedly a good fit. They also need to condisder their vision for their life and if the school can help them successfully achieve that vision. To make the most of college you need to have the right balance of fun and focus. It's important to make those life long friends along the way. It's important not to miss out on the memories. Yet it's even more important to remember your goals and why you are here. Just remember not to choose a college for the big name or because your parents want you to go there or because its the only place that gave you a scholarship. Choose a college because it suits YOU and YOUR dreams!

Don't make your college decision based upon brochures or viewbooks that are sent to you. Take time to visit each school, sit in on classes and talk to students and professors. By physically visiting a school you get a much better feel on what life on that particular campus may be like. And if for some reason you cannot go to your first choice school, it's okay. College is what you make it. Get involved, make friends, get to know your professors and you can still have a challenging and rewarding college experience.

Visit the schools and check out the campus. Check out some different classrooms, and all the dorms, as well as the city around campus. Try to do an overnight stay and see how the dining hall is, and just walk around and explore the campus a bit, as well as talk to an advisor about all the programs, especially those youre interested. Try to meet a professor in your intended major and find out about the program and what you can get out of it.

I would advise students to get a feel for the town where the potential college is located and see if it is somewhere they would enjoy calling home for the next four years. I would also recommend that they take a tour of the college and get a feel for its class sizes and variety of clubs and extracurricular activities offered. It is important to find a school where you feel comfortable and are able to take part in activities that you enjoy. Finally I would recommend sitting in on a class and getting a feel for the professors and their styles of teaching. You can make the most of your college experience by applying yourself academically, but still leaving time to enjoy yourself and meet new people. This will ensure that you have the degree and the memories to last a lifetime.

My advise is simple. Be yourself. Explore who you are and what you want, and apply the same exploration to the schools you consider. Even if you are sure of what you want to do, don't be closed minded. Keep your eyes and heart open to other options, find out if you love something else. Looks at arts and cultures with an open mind and try to learn new things. Meet new people. Let your world expand. The more you learn and experiance the more you grow, both as a person and as an adult. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do things. Prove that you are your own person and be happy with yourself. And most importantly, don't try to be anything more than who you are. Do not try to change, if you live your life you will change and grow on your own. I have a saying. "Trust the universe and it will bring you the road you should take." Try not to worry about where you are going. Just live, and the universe will take care of the rest. You'll be suprised where it takes you.