Western Washington University Top Questions

Just find place to study. That's it. Seriously, everything else is over rated. Find a place to be serious student.

My acedmic advisor(s) were actually my professors and did not have the time nor resources to fully advise me. The career center was inadequate in assisting me in finding a job outside Washington state. My advice to new students is to be especially critical of the resources available and supported by the university that will assist in getting a job after graduation. This will also be true for internships.

College is a stepping stone between being a kid and being out in the "real world." College is a place you will live for the next 4 years. You should not only choose a school that has good academics and competitive programs, but choose a town that you can see yourself living in for the next 4 years. This town will soon become your "temporary" home. It's worth it to be in a town you enjoy and like, because when those mid-terms come and challenging courses stress you out the last thing you are going to want is a place that doesn't feel like home.

While it's important to find a college with a solid program in the area you want to explore, I find it far more important to find a college with an atmosphere you work well in. If you find a school with the greatest academic program in the world but you hate being there, you're not going to learn what you need to. And don't search so far and wide for that "perfect" school, because it doesn't exist. Find a very good school, then stick with it. You will be much happier and more successful that way.

Finding the right college is all about the learning style in which your child or you feel fits you best. If you feel you can sit within a lecture of 400+ people and obtain knowledge fine, then maybe a larger more competive school is more right for you. If you want more smaller classes in which you can raise your hand and be called on in the next 5 minutes and have open discussions with your classmates then Western is where you should be. Making the most out of your college experience is devoted to how much you want to put into it. If you go out and get involved the more exciting your college experience will be. Never give up!

Make sure that the campus you pick fits you well and is a place you can stand being at for long periods of time.

Visit a lot of schools and explore the area and take every opportunity to talk to students about their experience at the school. When you find the right school, at the end of the day, you'll know.

I would tell parents and students to find a college where they think they'll fit best. Its not about the ivy leauge school, or the one with the divison one sports teams. I think college is equally a growth experience as it is an academic experience. The college you/ you child choose is a four year commitment. Each environment different, providing potential for different experiences, and growth towards different carreer paths. When I entered college I had no idea what I wanted to major in and I still don't; but i'm happy. I found a place cut to fit my needs and wants from a school but also a social system. When you visit campuses take the time to meet some students (not just the tour guides, they're paid). Walk around and look at campus but also the surrounding area. See if it is somewhere you can see your child/ yourself for four years.

Pick a college that offers a flexibility of majors that you can choose from that could be right for you, so that if you end up changing your major, as so many undergraduates do, that you won't feel like you went to the wrong college and end up being miserable throughout the remainder of your experience. Pick a college that is an acceptable distance away from home; e.g. if you're okay on being all the way across the country, then do that, but if you're not, then pick a college where you can get home in a short amount of time if you need to but one that still offers the different experience of being truly away from home. Most importantly of all, pick a college that is richly diverse, full of the same kind of people as you are to help you and your confidence grow, but one that lets you experience what it is like to come from completely different backgrounds and life situations. All of this will help you grow and develop as a person and human being.

When I first thought about applying to college, at first I thought I wanted to get into the more prestigeous school, the one that everyone said was harder to get into and academically high class. However, I fell in love with my university, which is moderate rather than difficult to get into, because of how nice the people on campus were, how upbeat the school was, how nice the atmosphere was, and that the class sizes were moderate rather than very high numbers. I never wanted to go to a tiny school, but my school felt just right. I later heard that a professor from the other school actually recommended students go elsewhere for undergraduate school, and that the more prestigeous school really made a better graduate school, because the undergraduates were so many that they could easily get lost in the shuffle. I am so glad I chose the school I did!

Make sure to visit the campus and the town so that you know if it is the place that you want to be. You should also talk to the professors from the deparment that you're interested in studying. Gaining information directly from professors that you will be studying with worth more than anything. Trying to find out the main focus of the course and what you will get out of it. Also, be sure to find out if the college has any connections with the outside world which will surely help to build your career.

In regards to searching for the right college, I would recommend trying to decide what area you would like to study and then picking a school with a renound program in that area. If you don't know what you would like to do right out of high school, take some time to figure it out while working full-time and saving up money. College is expensive; without some kind of idea of where you might like to go in life, you may find yourself spending extra time and money on classes that you do not really need.

I would definately go talk to someone that already attends the school to get thier prespective first hand. Also, apply for scholarships and the financial aid from those private schools!

Make sure the college your son or daughter goes to allows them the chance to be involved in as many activities as possible. Dont just send them to the closest place! If your kid knows what they want to do choose a school for a program. Many students dont know what they want to do and are likely to change their minds. When choosing a college, make sure that you choose somewhere that allows a variety of options, if your son is anything like me, they will change their minds about what they want to do! Lastly, dont let your son or daughter follow their friends to college. When they get there they need to get out of thier element and meet new and exciting people! Thats an ESSENTIAL part of the college experience!

My advice would be to sit down and take the time to figure out what college would make them feel comfortable and match their personality. I would say forget about finding the best ranked school in the world, any colleges will provide a good education as long as it is the school that the student loves. Finding a school that you love will make their college experience worth while because it will enspire them to do well.

VISIT! experience the college as much as possible before making a final decision about where you want to attend.

Be aware of what interests the prospective student has, whether it is science, math, liberal arts, languages, or education. Check all the schools in your state for their focus programs, and be sure to check with alumni and friends and relatives of current students to get their opinion and experiences at the schools. There are many online resources for seeing reviews of schools, so use them for in-state and especially out-of-state schools. Visit as many campuses as you can, as well as the surrounding town. Get your paperwork done quickly, and always be on the lookout for scholarships and money opportunities

Motivation is everything! When you apply for a school, don?t forget to stop and think about what it is in the past that you?ve always enjoyed. Don?t be discouraged by career choices or available jobs for a certain degree; if you pick a course of study that you truly enjoy deep down, you will succeed. Like I said, motivation is everything. If you love what you do, you won?t mind doing the work you end up doing, and you?ll be driven to do things better than you would have settled for if you had no interest at all in the field. You alone are in charge of your future, so choose a college that offers courses that strike you as fun and interesting. Go somewhere that offers multiple majors of interest to you, and apply for as many scholarships as possible to further open doors for your education. Find things you like and join clubs or campus organizations to get involved in your favorite department and never be afraid to meet faculty; they can end up being the ticket to your dream job.

Don't let others influence your decision. Make the right choice for yourself and do the research.

The most jealously guarded secret about finding the right college is this: there isn't one. The reality is that you're planning where to write the next chapter of your life, where to act out your next big adventure. This process should be fun, not stressful. Begin with what you must have in a school, and visit the schools that fit your criteria. There is no substitute for the experience of a campus. If you can be happy there and learn what you want, that's the school for you. Making the most of the college experience is as simple as getting involved on campus, and is a function of finding a college you love. This is an even simpler formula: select which college experience you want, and then go experience it as fully as possible. What you do doesn't matter; as long as you're in the right place, you'll find a way to be involved. Go experience college before you apply. Sit in a class, talk to a student, go to a club meeting. Above all, trust yourself to make the right choice and relax; you'll be alright no matter where you end up.

Finding the right college seems like such a simple phrase, but it entails many restless nights and many fingernails chewed to the nub. When applying for college do not limit yourself to only instate public schools. There are many programs that can get you an out of state university for an instate price, ask a high school advisor for a list of such programs. Private schools may also seem a financial burden for many families but for those who excel in academia, sports, or student activities, scholarships are in great supply, thus making private schools much more feasible. Do not be afraid to apply to the college of your dreams, but do make sure to have an alternate course of action should your first choice fall through. Once accepted to college it is important to actively seek and meet with an advisor and map out a course on exactly how you intend to reach your goal. I cannot stress the importance of regular meetings with an advisor, it could mean the difference between graduating on time and many hours wasted to get through classes it turns out you didn?t need to take.

PLAN AHEAD. know what you want to do before even applying for colleges. Go on college visits.

My best advice for students desperately searching for that 'perfect college', the one that will bring out the best in them, is to go with what feels right. Of course I believe you should research different schools and definitely visit the campus, but I don't believe you are able to tell exactly what college is for you simply by doing these things. You have to trust your instincts and go for it. Take a chance. I've learned first hand that a college may seem like the one for you after researching, visiting and speaking with the admissions counselors, however it isn't until you get to college and it becomes your home, will you realize if it truly is the place that will challenge you and allow you to flourish. The good thing about this is that, you can always transfer! Once you do find this ideal college, I believe the way to make the most of it is to get involved. If you stretch your comfort zone to meet people and be active you will be much happier in the end. When you make your school feel like your home you will flourish, socially and academically.

Choose a school that where you automatically feel welcome and accepted for who you are. Also, pick the one that will help you grow into the person you wish to become.

College isn't for everybody. It seems to be a fallback for high school graduates who are searching for what they want to do with their life. Some people go simply because it is the socially acceptable thing to do post high school graduation. This isn't a knock on college, which I have found to be the right thing to do in my life. Saying that, college is a financial strain on yourself along with your family. I would go to college if you are pretty sure the occupation you wish to hold later in your life requires a college degree or if you are looking for a growing up and maturing experience. I have found the people that go just looking to college looking to breeze through and party at every opportunity don't make it past the first year. For parents and students looking for the right college, it really comes down to if the student really wants it. Past that, just find a college where the student feels comfortable around campus. If they are willing to work hard and play hard, college will be an amazing experience!

Always have a personality test done to make sure you are applying to the right university for you they ar eall different. You want to make sure you will like your school and that you will have the majors there that fit your needs for the future. Always try to visit the campus to make sure you will like the location and the people before you decide where you want to go. You need to have a passion for what you want to do in the future so this is important when making your decision. If you work hard you will suceed at whatever you want to do in college and in your career.

The advice I would give to parents and/or students would be to go with your gut, and pick a school that best fits your personality. If you think you would like a small school compared to a big school, then pick a small school. Don't just pick a school because all your friends are going to it. Take into consideration what major your might be looking for, the types of clubs/sports that are available, and the cost of the school. For some people the cost of the school plays a major role in which school they choose. They way to make the most of your college experience is to get involved as much as possible. Getting involved helps you meet new people and start making those life long connections with people. Having friends to go to makes college enjoyable. Also make time for yourself. Don't spend every waking moment studying, you have to take some time out to do fun things or you will get burned out on school. The biggest thing would be to take advantage of resources available on campus. The next most important thing would be to enjoy the experience while it lasts.

The advice I would give for finding the right college is to start early! Go through your options of what you want out of a school such as the size, what majors they offer, where is it located, what social opportunites are there, etc. Once you have narrowed down your choices, it is essential to go visit the schools. Being able to see where it is located, and what the campus looks like and where you could be living is very important. It may be the final influence to where you go. For me, I had a gut feeling the moment I got on my college campus when I was visiting, and I knew right away that that was the school that I wanted to be at. Once you are in college, GET INVOLVED! Join intramurals, join clubs, go to concerts, be friendly and meet new people. My best advice would be to not stress so much about what you want to major in, but really enjoy the beginning classes and take your time. Work hard and play hard, college is supposed to be academic but its also a time to learn about who you are!

Advice I would give to prospective parents/students is to have an idea of what the student wants to major in college. Many colleges and universities have specialty majors and programs and unless the only option is in-state, there are many choices out there. I chose my college based a lot on school size and the city in which the university is based. Also, do not be afraid to go to a school across the country, without friends etc. I did it and I would do it again if I had the choice.

I think the number one thing is to visit the college. Forget about statistics, forget about research opportunities, forget about the academic programs. Walk around the campus and imagine being a student there. Soak in the atmosphere, the vibe. If it's right, you'll know it, and you'll know it's a place where you will thrive academically and socially. Even if a university has the best Chemistry program in the country, you're not going to get much out of it if you aren't enjoying yourself. As for making the most of the college experience, it's important to remember that one late homework assignment isn't something to stress over. Chill out...of course, study and do your homework. But try to find motivation not just from getting a good grade, but from becoming interested in the material yourself. Also, keep exploring. Try something new. Even in my senior year, I still find new places on campus and events to go to.

Let the student decide where they want to go. If parents dictate where the student goes, for any reason, the student is more likely to be unhappy in the school setting and not complete their degree.

For selecting the right college, I suggest that the student makes a list of the things he is looking for in a college and then matching them up to appropriate colleges. Since college is, first and foremost, academically focused, it should have the desired major and classes to support that major. If the student wishes that professors teach the classes instead of student teaching assistants, that may be a sign to look for a school with smaller class sizes. If the student is undecided about a major, it may be a good idea to attend a school that has a large variety of options for classes and major exploration. This way, the student can explor academically and personally what they would like to study. Concerning the non-academic aspects of a college, the most helpful thing that someone could do in deciding which campus they would like to go to is to visit the campus. Staying in one of the dorms overnight, sitting in a few classes, walking around campus, meeting and talking to current students, and just placing yourself in the pictures is the most helpful way to determine if you feel that you belong there.

Be sure that you find a college whose campus environment feels right. If you don't feel like you fit in with the school's reputation or atmosphere at first, it won't get better.

Picking the right college or university can be one of the most difficult decisions for students and parents alike. My choose came down to school size, location, and atmosphere. Those three things are, I believe, the 3 most important factors to consider when choosing a school. all 3 also depend on personal preference. I grew up in a large city and wanted a school in a smaller community, but I know a number of people who, although the were raised in a large city, wanted to remain in a similar location for college. As far as school size goes you'll also want to consider wether or not the greek system appeals to you. For me personally I knew I didn't want to be in a sorority so I chose a smaller school that would give me a more close knit community. Atmosphere can also vary greatly by school. I loved western from the start because I could tell it was an open-minded, liberal, and environmentally conscious community; just what I wanted! Remember to think long and hard, and students: listen to your parents advice! they want to find the best place for you too.

The advice I would give about choosing the right college is to not stress about finding the "right" college. Visit each campus and see how it feels to you. Some may feel right, some may not. Pick the one you feel most comfortable with and that you think you will be able to succeed at. Don't pick the school for the name. Most importantly, once you're there, stick it out. Many freshman hate their first year (I know I did), but often staying for the second year even though it's hard is the best decision. During the second year you start to feel more at home wherever you are and you are able to start figuring out what you want to do with your life. Make sure that even if you know what you want to major in and are taking all the required classes, that you take a few classes that you wouldn't normally take, just for fun. You may as well, since you're there, and when else are you going to have this opportunity?

Do your research. Look at college websites and the academic resources of the departments offered there, and read their mission statements. Find the opportunities that align with your own thoughts and educational desires, and fulfill not only your academic needs but also aesthetic and personal ones. Ask ALOT of questions, never be afraid to ask whatever you want to know. Never assume anything, and don't be afraid to go to more than one source. Go to the campus and take a tour to get a feel for the place. The college that you choose will be your home, will provide your social contacts and job opportunities for the next few years of your life. Trust your instincts. If it doesn't feel right, no matter how wonderful the academic atmosphere seems, then it may not be right for you. It is important that you be comfortable with your choice and know that it will have the resources that will enable you to flourish there. Convenience may seem paramount at first, but it is actually more important that you find the place that will allow you the freedom you need to pursue your dreams and goals.

Make sure you visit a variety of college multiple time a year to get the real feel of a university. Also it is very helpful to ask various students how they enjoy the college. Always make sure that a college has programs and departments that interest you and your career goals.

It's important to think about the city or town where your studying as well as the community's focus. No matter what you're studying your going to be using the community as a means of expressing what you have learned whether it's with research, a job, or socializing the classroom carries over into the immediate surrounding environment. Also consider the main goals of the university and its students and how well you fit in there. Do you value being educated in liberal arts over studying in order to have a lucrative career? For your education it is very important to research the professors in your field of study, because a class is only as good as far as the teacher is good. You want to learn from those who can teach you the best. A professor serves as an individual that demonstrates and motives you to recognize the potential and possibility that lies within you.

My advice to students/parents would be to first decide how far away from home the student is comfortable living. Once they have determined an agreeable distance, then look at the available schools, what the student is interested in, and the programs offered. Pick the school they see most fit and if things don't work out at that school, there is not shame in transferring to a different university. Once the student is in a university, I would advise them to be open to meeting new people and to always try to put there education first but to not forget about taking care of their physical and mental health.

When picking the right college, there are a couple of things that I would consider. First of all, for your child's sake, the surroundings. Although this isn't the most important factor and I wouldn't base not going to a college on this, it definitely helps make the college experience more enjoyable. Secondly, find a college that has the same work ethic values as yourself. It isn't always easy to study hard when the faculty and fellow students don't care or encourage you academically. Thirdly, consider what overall values you want your child to get from what those teaching your child. If you don't agree with what the college stands for, you probably won't like what your child is learning and the ideas that are surrounding him/her.

As impossible as it sounds, try to follow your brains, heart and instinct equally. Do research, visit prospective campuses and find a school that will help you achieve your goals and dreams. Make sure you feel safe and comfortable on campus and around town, surrounding yourself with people who aspire for greatness in the same manners as yourself. It's going to be a bumpy ride, the adventure will be nothing short of trying-times, but always remember that you're not alone. Get involved on campus, participate in your environment and be an active member of the community. Always think optimistically, even when things are tough, brighter days are always just around the corner. That means a lot coming from a student who lives in 'sunny' Washington State! :) Be true to yourself, and you'll know it's the right school for you the instant you find it.

Consult a senior in the major you are interested in at your prospective college to see if they were able to get their prerequisite courses when they needed them. Avoid colleges where you may have to wait two or three years to get into prereq classes. If you are academically focused, find a college that does not focus heavily on sports--there will be more funding available for educational programs. I personally enjoy the fact that my college does not have a major sports team or Greek life--students mesh together much more easily in both academic and social situations. Finally, find out if the professors in your chosen major really teach, or if they have TAs do it while they do research. Professors who live for their research rarely make good lecturers; professors who live to teach make excellent, knowledgable, oftentimes entertaining lecturers that are easy to learn from and approach during office hours.

College is an experience that is about much more than simply obtaining a degree. It?s the time and place where a student is enabled to grow and progress- mentally, emotionally, socially, and, for some, spiritually. It is a common clich? that college is a time for consumption of drugs and alcohol, but this is a false generalization. Those college students who get the most out of their experience learn quickly that futile vices such as these distract from the ultimate goal: to have a memorable experience. Many questions need to be answered before choosing which educational/vocational institution to delve into to obtain the ultimate college experience. It?s important to understand, however, that no matter where you end up choosing to spend your college career, it will be as good of an experience as you make it. You see, it?s not necessarily imperative that you spend a fortune on your college education. The most important thing is that you?re comfortable living, learning and growing in the environment that you choose. The few years that you invest into your college experience will stay with you for the remainder of your life, so make the best of them.

Make sure you love the place you are going to. Make sure that you set aside enough time for school, working while studying is often a necessity but if it interferes with your education then it creates a conflict that requires a decision. Definitely put aside your insecurities and predispositions and just dive right in at college, you'll have a lot more fun and be able to learn a lot more if you aren't concerned about little issues. Don't be afraid to try new things, college is a great place to get to know yourself and you'll never know what you could like if you just give it a try. Join clubs, meet people, get out and do new things. You can learn a lot at college inside and outside the classroom. Don't be afraid to ask questions, to instructors and fellow students alike.

College is the first time in your life when you really get to explore who you are and what you want out of life, so you have to make sure that you go some place that will encourage you in the right direction of your dreams. Go somewhere where you feel safe, loved, and inspired to be all that you can be. Don't pick the biggest school in the state because that's where all of your friends are going or because it has a large population of attractive men or women, because in the long run, this is all about you and only you. Go to a school because it has an awesome pre-med program, because the campus makes you feel comfortable and safe, or because it has a supportive learning environment. The college you pick will determine the rest of your life - make sure it is the one that will make you the most successful, supportive and most of all, happy. Good luck!

If I had to give advice to a student looking for the right college I would tell them to throw their imediate expectations out the window. Incoming freshman like to belive that they have decided their major and that nothing is going to change their mind; and because of this they may be looking at schools based on only one element. Ask any second year student and they will tell you that they have switched majors dozens of times. I believe this is because of the simple fact that college changes who you are. So in looking for a college make your decision based on what the school has to offer as a whole. The best way to do this is to talk with the students that attend there. I see students as products of their environment; they can tell you much more than an informative pamphlet. And remember you are not only paying for an education you are paying for a life long experience.

Just be open to any experience that might come your way. Be open to meeting new people and be adventerous because this is the one time in your life that you can really do whatever, whenever. The people you meet will be amazing and the memories will last forever.

Make sure that you have plenty of money saved up so that does not become an issue you run into through out the year. Also, don't apply to a very large school if you do not feel comfortable in that kind of atmosphere, pick what feels right to you. Don't apply to a school with a bad reputation for partying if that is not your thing, you might not enjoy it at all.

Go check out the colleges before you commit to one. Look at the lecture halls, the dorms, the dining halls, rec facilities. Ask tons of questions to see if a college is the right one for you. Once you pick one try new things, get out of the dorm and meet new people. Make sure to study as simple as that sounds it's easy to get behind if you don't pay attention.

Place, weather, urban city rural, class sizes, transportation, variety of majors offered people change there mind, extra curricular activities