Western Washington University Top Questions

Since sixth grade I was never the most popular person in school. It wasn't that I was ugly or socially awkward, I simply spent more time studying or playing video games rather than socializing. It didn't help that my entire class consisted of 54 people, or the fact that my school was both a middle and high school combined. Because my reputation was shot since the beginning and followed me for over six years, as a high school senior I vowed to change in college. I vowed to be the complete opposite of the loser I was in middle and high school, to take risks and branch out to people as much as humanly possible. It wasn't until just recently, as a junior in college, that I realized my mistake. Although I have plenty of friends now, I don't connect with any of them on a personal level. It's not that they're terrible friends, I simply wish that they appreciated the company of the introvert in high school who had nothing to hide. It is because of this reason that my advice consists of two simple, powerful, yet somewhat clich? words: "Be Yourself."

One of the hardest things for me to adjust to in college was having enough time for just myself. I did not even think about this before I went, and it did not bother me until about the second quarter, but it was something that I desperately needed. In college, especially for freshmen, there are so many new things to do, people to meet, places to explore, and subjects to study that students can exhaust themselves quite quickly. Although these things are necessary for making new friends and doing well in school, a new freshman could get burnt out very easily if there is not enough time to recharge. The solution which I found was to make time for myself and have a place to go and get away from all the noise. Another word of advice, and it sounds somewhat contradictory, is to get involved in groups that are interesting. This enables a student to exponentially expand their horizons beyond dorm and classroom friendships, and can cement good and lasting relationships for the future. In conclusion, students should be involved, but have time for themselves. That is the biggest piece of advice I can offer.

If I could go back in time to talk to myself when I was a senior in high school, I would tell myself a few things. The first would be to not procrastinate. I waited to long to apply to colleges and for scholarships, I got into the school I wanted, but I still waited too long, and I did not get any scholarships. I would also tell myself that I should save more money. One of the issues I had with trying to find the right college was that I didn?t want to choose the wrong one to go to. And, with that, I would tell myself that Western Washington University was definitely a good school to choose and I didn?t have to worry anymore about if I was going to like it because I truly love this town and this school and I'm very happy with the choice I made.

If I were to travel back in time, I would advise myself to advise myself to enjoy yourself as who you are. My transition from high school to college was one tough transition. I had a hard time accepting the fact that I need to grow apart from my high school friends and make new friends that will open my view on the world. It was especially hard on me because almost all of my friends were accepted into the same college and I was accepted into Western Washington University, which unfortunately my friends decided not to attend. I was also nervous about making new friends at college. I lacked confidence in my abilities to make new friends because I felt comfortable with my old friends, as well as the fact that I was very unwilling to make new friends. Looking back now, I believe that this kind of advice would have saved me a lot of time not worrying about my future. My lack of confidence in my future lead me to believe that making friends would be tough and unlikely. If I were to hear this from my future college self, I would save time and build confidence.

Considering what I now know about college life and the college experience I would love to be able to go back to a young high school self and tell myself to get involved in the activities you love. I personally am ultimatly looking towards a career in law and government and now that I have gotten involved in the student government in college I want to kick myself for not doing it sooner and not being more outspoken. Becoming involved in student government has given me a basis of positive role models and life experience that could not be bought. This involvement has helped me find a role for myself on campus and I have made significant contributions to this university because of it.

Congrats on getting into college, you're doing well. However, we both know we don't want to be at Western Washington. We (you, me, us? who knows) need to be in California where we are meant to be. Trust me, you get into your dream colleges down there, but we can't afford them. You need to start applying for every scholarship out there and start working a lot more. I know you're having fun this year coaching and playing soccer, partying with friends, and school seems easy for you, but we need to think about our life. We can make friends anywhere, we both know it. We can get the grades we want and need (I do love your competitiveness), we both know it. We can play sports wherever we want to, and once again, we both know it. So please, consider where we want to do all this. California. We both know it.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I think one of the most important things to do at a university is to get involved. Joining clubs and/or groups allows students to find a goup of people that have the same passion as they do. It allows you to also find a variety of friends. There are a lot of students who go to college from around the world and by joining a club or group, you are most likely going to meet a student who is not from around the area you grew up in. Also, clubs will help you find a variety of genders. In conclusion, clubs will help you find friends who have the same passions as you, a variety of cultures and genders. It is a great way to make life long friends and enhance one's experience at college.

I would have told myself, you should have started 4-year university a lot sooner. I made the mistake of entering the workforce upon graduating high school, and I had even achieved a 2-yr Associates degree already (through Running Start). But the focus at that time was to build sufficient financial resources so that I may afford my tenure at college towards a Bachelor degree; however I ended up working for several years without much saving to show for it. If only I could have told myself back then, to start on the path of university enrollment, to seek finances through FAFSA, and to persevere through the obstacles that might have arisen....I think I might have just taken a different approach to my future where I would have achieved my Bachelor degree in less time and with less struggle than I have at this point.

Knowing what I know now, I would tell my psat self to really consider the choices that I would be about to make. Before, I hadn't really thought about my choice in attending Western. I was put on a waiting list to the school that I actually wanted to attend, but because of the pressure from my parents, I decided to go to Western instead of waiting. At the time, I thought that attending Western would be a good experience, but it turned out to be different than expected. I would tell my past self that even if I had thought it would be a good chance to take, everything doesn't always end well. Dorming here at Western was and still is a terrible expeirence. I would much rather be at home, even if that meant I would have gone to a community college instead. I would tell my past self as a high school senior to not go to this school.

If I were to go back in time and talk to myself as senior in high school I would stress the importance of being open minded during my college experience. College is a time to grow as a person and continue to learn and develop as a young adult. I would suggest stepping outside of my own comfort zone and dive into a new environment by becoming involved in my school and community. I would stress the importance of challenging myself and I would encourage myself to be open to furthering my education beyond the undergraduate degree. As a high school senior I may be exhausted from applying to scholarships, universities, and financial aid but I would stress the importance of continuing to apply for scholarships through out my college years. I would explain how my parents support me in every way they can but I have had the sole responsibility of funding education. I would make sure that I am aware that the only way I can finish school is by applying for loans, working throughout the year, and applying for scholarships like this one. I would encourage myself to continue to work my hardest.

If I could go back in time and give myself advise about college, there are several things I would tell myself. First off, be comfortable with yourself and reach out to make new friends. There are unlimited possibilities to what you can do to pass time. Find things that make you happy and do not worry about what others think, because if you think it is enjoyable, you are guaranteed to find people on campus that will enjoy it as much as you do. Second, get into a major that you will enjoy! Do not just do something because you are good at it or others think you are, because at some point it will no longer be easy and you will not be happy to struggle through something that you are not committed to in the first place. If you pick something that you are passionate about, when it gets tough you will not mind persevering through it. Third, save your money. College is not cheap. External costs such as gas money are overlooked; you will be asking yourself where all the money went, and where are you going to get more so you can continue your schooling?

Grades are important in high school in order to create a good study ethics. But, do all you can to remember the good times. Times with favorite teachers, friends and activities is what you will remember the most. Through doing this you will know who you are as a person and what you admire in others . College will not only be graded on A's and B's, but your ability to make friends and connections. For success is not only measured by good grades, but by freindships and hapiness as well. Stress is an ever present part of life, therefore learn to embrace the fact that you are stressed because you want to suceed. Failures will happen so know that it is normal, but learn to bounce back. The eight years of high school and college will be a time in your life that you will allways remember no matter what your grades were. Be friendly and positive at all times and you will be successful because people will want to be with you when you need them the most. High school will come and go faster than you realize it could, so embrace it.

I would definitely tell myself to live with a random roommate in the dorms instead of my best friend. I learned the hard way that we were not compatible to live together and after a few months she moved out without so much as a goodbye. It was hard to lose such a good friend, but I was very grateful for the new roommate I got soon after. I would also tell myself that you can?t procrastinate in college and get away with it like I was able to do in high school. In all of the classes that I?ve taken in college, I always do better on tests and quizzes when I study a little every day rather than cram the last few days before the test. But most importantly, I would tell myself to exercise, relax, and have fun.

Dear Kayanna, I know this year has been hard, but somehow you did it. You?ll go on to do some great things and learn some valuable life lessons. Though it takes you longer than the average to get back to school you do and you do well. If I were to have gone to college right out of high school I don?t think I would have been ready I didn?t have a clear education goals and paying for school myself has made me value my education and my time. I wouldn?t change anything I?ve done because I am proud of the person I am and am going to be. I am disappointed that I wasn?t diagnose with a learning disability until the end of my Jr. year of collage but, on the other hand go me for making it that far!

Be ready for inconsistency. Be ready for change. The beginning of college life can be hectic; dorm life, challenging classes, club recruitment, creating new social networks, independence interlaced with new responsibilities, more homework, and brand new challenges. It can be hard to know who you will be friends with, what you should get involved with, or even figure out what you want to major in! All of these choices are important; but what?s more important is to know that each person can, and will, create a unique path for themselves; including you! Don't be afraid to create that path for yourself. Allow yourself to change your mind, change your views, and change yourself. Friends and acquaintances with come and go, but you will always be with yourself. Also, find those great professors and take their classes (specifically professor Margaritis). Take each course with the intention of gaining new knowledge and a fresh prospective, and don't worry about the grades. Concern yourself more with your own learning and growth; rewire your brain to feel rewarded for knowledge rather than a high score on a test. Challenge yourself, have fun, and always know that everything will be all right.

Apply sooner! I realize WWU was/is your last choice, but there's really only one place that is 'the' place to be for on-campus housing: the Nash/Mathes complex! People everywhere are nice, but applying later is going to get you put in your last choice for housing, and in your case, that did not turn out to be the optimum housing/first-year experience! Also, give clubs more of a chance that just one or two meetings...that is not enough time to really get to know people for who they really are to be able to fully enjoy the club experience! Be sure to participate in language classes more than you think is necessary, too, because the professors are extremely harsh in that area of grading. All in all, just use common sense and get involved; everyone in Bellingham is friendly. Oh, and if you decide to go to Warm Cookie Night (or a special meal), make sure to arrive atleast 15 minutes early at the dining hall to line up!

Okay Misty, where does your mind want to go? You are in control of your destiny and you can call out what you want and achieve any thing you apply yourself to. You are powerful and capable and deserve to cherish information and challenge norms. Follow through with your ideas. Write or draw every day even if your life is full of busy. Stay open and vulnerable but assert your worth and take up space. Don't step on anyone or let someone step on you or those around you. Keep your passion central to informing where to put your energy. Tell someone in your own words about what you are learning every day. Collaborate and network because people thrive off of eachother. Keep the promises you make to yourself and believe your words. Be present, life goes by fast. Balance is always a good answer. Be the first to believe you can do something you wouldn't have ever tried, and do it!

I would tell myself not to worry about other people. Instead of trying to make everyone happy I would encourage myself to be "selfish" and just go in focusing on my classes and my ultimate goals. People come and go in our lives, so it is important to keep your goals foremost in your mind because without those you can't get anywhere. You can get places without having to have everyone in your life pleased.

The biggest piece of advice I can give is to NOT settle for anything less than what you are looking for. As a college student you are PAYING for your education, that means the staff, school and all affiliates of the university is being paid from your tuition money. That means that you are entitled to make sure you are succeeding in your education and receiving the proper accommodations for whatever you are pursuing. Push yourself and make every opportuniy important. Take risks and profit from them. And above all-realize that this is the time in your life to be selifsh make bold choices and have time to figure out what you need to make you happy and successful.

It's a big change, but it'll be okay. All the freshmen are new to college, and some of the returners are really nice. Your RA is a great resource, and it's important to make friends in college, not just finish all your homework early so you can doublecheck it. Also, Western's a great place for you, so don't be disappointed it's a state school, it's just right for you.

Knowing what I know now about college life, the advice I would give myself would be to not consider money as an obstacle to reach higher education because there are a variety of financial help. Moreover, to not stress and rush on deciding what major to choose, because while taking classes you will learn more and discover new interests. Additionally, to make sure to keep yourself busy by becoming involved in clubs and organizations and to not be afraid to try new things because college opens many doors for great opportunities that can change your life. It is essential to always set yourself high goals, work hard, and never give up and to always think optimistically. It is crucial to keep in mind that college is not just about books, but also about networking, building friendships, and having a social life as well. If you continue being what you are then you won?t become what you should be. So don?t let fear or doubt get in the way of taking a leadership role or undertake something new. Plus, it?s a great way to grow and mature into a more positive person.

Robin, now that you are about ready to graduate, I see that you avoided classes that would help you go to college. No math? No foreign language? (How on earth did you get away with that??) That?s okay, when you are about 30, you?ll see the light after being passed over for deserved promotions due to a lack of college education. Later, go to a local community college and catch up on those subjects you didn?t think were important. The class sizes are small; your professors? love teaching; your classmates come from all walks of life, making for a rich classroom experience. When you decide it?s time for college, make sure to see an advisor this time to help you select classes. If you still don?t know what direction to go, your advisor can also help you choose from specialized certificates or degrees such as automotive, nursing, culinary arts; or from academic paths leading to a bachelor?s degree in any number of fields. You won?t regret it either way because you?ll finally explore and exercise your potential! (Not to mention opening career advancement opportunities by finally having a degree!)

If I could go back, I would tell myself not to worry. I would convince myself to try harder to make friends and to not be shy. And I would tell myself that everything I do and every decision that I make has to be for me, not for anyone else. Because of this, I didn't gain very many friends straight off and I spent alot of time alone. I'm attending college for me. I'm here to make lifelong friendships and discover who I am. If I live to please everyone, like I have my whole life, then what is the point? Being what you think others want you to be takes way too much effort. I've learned that being yourself is effortless, and much more attractive to others. And that's how a friendship should be. I don't need the approval of others to be who I really am. And the people that I want to surround myself with are the ones that enjoy being with me. If I had started this way of thinking earlier, then I definitely would have made more friends and I would've had a way better freshmen year.

Were I able to go back and talk to myself as a High School Senior, I would have encouraged myself to work harder at managing my time while I still had the security net of being at home. In college time management is so important because your teachers aren't going to breathe down your neck about turning in assignments. What grade you get is based on what effort you put in. Some classes require more effort than others. I'd have told myself to stay in the AP Statistics class and take the test so I'd have at least one GUR out of the way. Also, I'd have told myself to keep the second job up until the week I left. Money is so tight now, and evem just the two extra paychecks would have helped. Still, I think as a highschooler, I thought pretty far ahead, and have no major regrets. I am the sum of all my experiences and choices. I am who I chose to make myself.

Dear David , High school is almost over. Good work! And now your off to college next year. I know that you are more reserved than some people but college is the place to change that. Being involved in different activites is a great way to meet new people. Go to all of the activities that you can, without sacrificing your scholastics, no matter how lame you think that the activity may be. I didn't attend many events my first year and now I'm learning just how much I missed. I have attended considerably more events this year and I have been having so much more fun. Take the initiative to go to programs regardless of whether or not you have a friend with you; you will meet someone friendly there. When in doubt, just go- you won't regret anything. Have fun next year. Sincerely, Your later self

Don't worry so much about what other people think because people are really only concerned with their own problems. Stand out and don't be afraid to say what you mean. You have a mind of your own, show it and don't hide in the crowd. Life will be a lot more interesting!

Without question I would try my to take care of my undergraduate requirements at a community college.

Choose a general area of study and work towards it as soon as possible! You can always switch directions later, but it is always good to be working towards something. Alos, AP classes and college equivalent classes are so beneficial in the transition - you know what to expect and you can complete some of the grad requirements while you're working through a nice and easy transition.

When I was a senior in high school, I was completely ready to take advantage of life in college and to pursue what I really wanted to do in life. Unlike most high school seniors, I found out what I wanted to do during that year, and I was determined to achieve it, but even though I was ready to move on from high school I still was holding on to one thing- a long distance relationship. This boyfriend held me down so much during my first year of college. Not only with my social life, but also with my school work. The effort to keep the relationship together was not worth it. This may seem like a strange thing to talk about for a scholarship application, but I really wish I could of thoroughly enjoyed that year without a boyfriend. That is what I would of told myself before I came to college- "Let him go, it's not worth it". I missed out on alot of stuff last year, but now I can finally let go and just take care of myself, because that's why I came to college.

In high school I was a bit of a dreamer and my goals were highly unrealistic. After attending a little more than a year of college, reality sunk in and I realized that I have to make more concrete decisions in my life in order to succeed in the future. Now, I'm going to have to suffer through more years of school because I could not make a decision of what I wanted in high school. So if I could magically go back in time and I come face to face with my high school self I would say choose a path and stick with it. "If you're going through hell, keep going."-Churchill.

The best advice I could give myself in high school would be to get a job! I didn't take working in high school as seriously as I should have. It doesn't matter if you get into your dream school if you can't afford to pay the first quarter's tuition. Now I have to work part time while taking 17 credits, which I could have avoided if I had worked through high school when classes and exams were way less intense! My second piece of advice would be not to worry about the little things. What was a mini apocalypse in high school won't matter once you reach college. You don't have to have every step of your life planned out but remember your goals and don't stress over mistakes that won't affect them. My last piece of advice is not to take the relationships you have now for granted. Chances are you'll fall out of touch with a lot of your high school friends and you'll move out of your parent's house. Love it while it lasts--and appreciate not having to buy your own toilet paper!)

If I were to go back in time and talk to my high school self I would advise myself to make goals early and stick to them no matter the distractions that come up. My first few years of college I was very caught up in all of the fun and excitement happening all around me and being on my own for the first time. Without mom and dad there to tell me what to do, I made some decisions that I wish I could take back. Everything turned out in the end, I am graduating this year, but it has taken me longer than I had anticipated with more student loans than I'd like. This advice could go for any high school senior that is leaving home for the first time. Please make a goal and not get too distracted. College is exciting and fun, but it's not a vacation. You are there for a reason. Follow through and finish with your head held high.

Apply to as many schools as you see necessary, making the right option is key in deciding a college to attend. There is always the off-chance that you will not be accepted into the school you wanted and you will need a back up. Once accepted, pick the school that suits you. The town or city will set the mood of the school, if you like to go shopping and go out on the town then you can't pick a school in the middle of the wheat fields for obvious reasons. Once you're at the school you're at, you must be outgoing! As outgoing as you can be and then some, at times this means almost being fake. Initially, be nice to everyone, you don't have to keep all those relationships but a friendship rarely starts off on a rocky start so, love everybody, get involved and it will make the transition much easier. Once you have a comfortable setting, it is easier to focus academically as you have a support system through your group of friends and you're confident in yourself which makes your social and your academic life more successful.

I would really advise students to choose the college that is right for THEM. Not the school where their peers or going, or the school that their parents are pressuring them to attend, because ultimately you are the one attending the school and you are the one who has to live there for four years. You need to not only love the school, but the community and all the people that are around you. I was determined to attend another school because that is where my friends were going and where my parents really desired for me to go, but I had to make the decision that I knew it wasn't right for me and that I needed to go where I was going to be happy, and I'm glad I did. Also, once you are in school don't let all the opportunities (good and bad) overwhelm you! Focus on what you came for in the first place-your education, and everything else will fall into place with a little work. Have fun and definitely make the most of it because it's a once in a lifetime chance, and one that you will likely never forget!

Do not rush into your decision. when deciding on your future career follow your heart and not what you think your family always thinks is best.

Look for what you like, and don't let your decision be influenced by others opinions. Your college experience is what you make of it, and you want it to be somewhere where you will be able to enjoy yourself.

If I were to give advice to parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience, I'd advise them to gather all the information they can about the school's they're interested in and do it early, about two-years before the student will be attending. By doing this, you're ahead of the game and are able to have an organized plan for the student's college career. There are several different steps that are needed to be taken in order to gather all the appropriate information as well as submit what needs to be submitted in order to meet a deadline on time. College can be a crazy adventure and without organization and careful planning, students and parents can get discouraged and lose the motivation that they need to be successful in school.

Most of us are fully aware of the hard economic times these days. The cost of attending college is expensive, and still rising. In order to make the most out of your college experience, one will want to be efficient and thrifty with their finances. I personally suggest paying for college credit for the high school classes one may be taking in which offer college credit as an option. This way, one can avoid taking duplicates of similar classes he/she already took in high school, and then can take a larger variety of interesting classes in college, ones that may not have been offered in high school. Also, coming into college with credits already will help give one an edge over others competing for the same popular and general education classes during registration time. Having this edge ensures one will be able to take classes they are interested in and work towards getting done with college in a timely and cost efficient manner. I highly recommend paying for college credit in high school because it is generally cost effective, it saves time, and maximizes one's potential college experience.

To find the right college, I would first think about what you might want to do as a career. From there, lok at the schools that offer the program your interested in. But don't make your choice on just the programs. Tour the schools, see what environment fits you the student. You want to be comfortable with your surroundings to enhance your learning. The college experince goes hand in hand with the school choice. By making the right choice, your college experince will be amazing. You will meet many new friends, get involved with clubs and the school, and you will be comfotable with being yourself which makes going to school fun. If you are comfortable with your school pick, college will be the best time of your life.

While looking for the right college don't lose yourself in the process. Some people take so much time deciding what college to go to that they forget why they are going to college. And if your not sure why your going to college in the first place, find a college that feels right, you should feel like you belong there, not like you are trying to fit into a mold so that you can become accepted.

Make sure that you choose a place that will offer the programs that you want to take, not just the place that your friends go to. Don't go home the first weekend, it's one of the best times to meet new people with all the activities that go on during that time. Check out the clubs that you're interested in and ask around if you want to find one. They're all good ways to meet new people and make friends. Don't just stick with students you knew from high school, branch out, you never know who you'll meet. pay attention to your studies, but don't burn out from studying or things will be impossible. Live your first year on campus, it'll keep you in the thick of things and you can meet new people and maybe even find help for the issues that you face. My most important advice is to make sure that you do this for you, not for anyone else. Take control and make your life something you'll be able to look back on with a smile.

Go somewhere will you will be truly happy. College experiences differ and just because your school may lean towards a specific sport, activity, or be very well known for partying or a particular department, doesn't mean that will have a direct impact on your life. You can choose to be a part of school activities or do your own thing. I recommend taking diverse classes, even if you know in your heart you wanted to major in history since you were 10 doesn't mean you can't expand your taking classes outside of your comfort zone. I suggest this not to deter you from sticking to your well thought-out major prior to beginning school, but to help make you a well-rounded person and to expand your horizons. Most importantly, take classes you will enjoy! You get to actually PICK your own classes, times, and professors, take advantage of this!

Make sure you visit the campus and feel that it is the one you could live at for four years. Make friends and feel free to be yourself!

I would tell future college students to go look at campuses before deciding which college to attend, as well as planning ahead financially. I love WWU's campus which is part of why I decided to go there. The campus is comforting and not overwhelming as I've felt at other universities. I feel that it is important for students to balance their academic, work, and social lives. Many of my friends have focused too much on their social lives and have neglected their school work. I, on the other hand, have focused much more on working and school work because I am more conscious of my future. At the same time I have learned that I do need to give myself a little more time for myself to have fun and enjoy myself. The college life is unlike anything that you will ever experience elsewhere, and although new students may find themselves overwhelmed, in the end it will be the time of their lives in a number of ways.

Even if you have a very small idea of want you want to study, make sure the school has qualified resources for it. Also, make sure that there are clubs, extracurricular activities, sports, etc. that you would want to get involved in. Don't make it movie college experience of just drinking and partying, make sure you are active in your community. Not only will you make great memories but you will also make great connections that could help you in your future.

Find scholarships! Apply to as many as possible!

To fellow future students and their parents, when choosing a school for the student go for their interest. Look at the school's community and what they have to offer, not only in academics, and programs that will help them with their the student's future particular field but programs that involve the students. The students should be able to bond with the school and its community promoting comfort and stability. This gives the student that attends to the school a sense of belongingness and offers them positive motivation to pursue in there education. A place where it offers the student a positive atmosphere. Academic wise, students should search for a school that offers programs that excel in the student's field of interest, to provide an education that will help in the future. So when selecting a school look for the environment of the college that will affect the student positvely and a school than can help them pursue in the field of their interest.

Choose a school that has a good department in the major you intend to choose.

As I have also told my kids who graduated also from WWU, find a school that is close to attributing to the degree you are seeking. If you prefer to live on campus, find one that has suitable and reputable on campus housing that you will feel safe in while attending that University. When you find that right University you have chosen make sure to screen each of your professors to make sure you feel secure with them when in class of your subject. Always remember, you pay for your own education.

Personally, I don't think that any college is perfect for any one person. Picking a college is just like any other major step in life; you have to do some big personal searching and accomadating to make a school work for you. You spend four or more years at a University and it can make or break that major part of your life. Thats a lot of pressure. Advice that I can give to any parent or student is simply this, do not over think it. If you overthink a school and it's pros and cons for you, you might end up disappointed. Although on the flip side, you should be aware of what you're looking for in a school. I would recommend making a list of the basics and then find schools that meet those basics that are in an area you'd love to live in and is with in your price range. There might be hundreds of schools that meet one's wants. It's not about FINDING the perfect school, it's ultimately about making a great experience out of the school you do attend. You choose your destiny.