Westmont College Top Questions

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

Joya

You don’t know what you don’t know. Be open to new experiences, and get out of your comfort zone. Learn to be self-disciplined and make decisions that will impact your future positively, don’t just do what feels good. Discipline yourself to do important things consistently each day so that you create good habits for yourself. Practice budgeting your money; learn the difference between wants and needs. Be willing to put your phone down, meet as many people as you can and learn to network. Invest time with people don’t just spend time with people. This includes getting to know your professors and administrators as well as your peers. If you are a name and a face to a professor instead of a number, tough grading decisions tend to fall in your favor and opportunities come your way. Be sure to celebrate your victories, count on making mistakes and learning from them. Instead of letting your disappointments get you down learn to let them inspire you. Never forget where you came from and call home once in a while.

Alyssa

Dear Alyssa, Breathe. Slow down. Do not worry about which college or major you will decide on. College is great because YOU decide it is. No one else. The details really don't matter and you are distracting yourself from the things that do matter. You will miss your mom and dad. You will miss free time. You will miss great food on a regular basis. So enjoy this while you can because you never get to be in high school again. Ever. I know right now you are thinking "Yay!!!!" But soon you will be in college, and then you will be graduated, and then you will be working, and then going to graduate school. It doesn't stop. Time never stops. But you can. You can pause right now and thank God for taking care of you. Thank your mom and dad for sacrificing. Thank your friends for forgiving. And thank yourself for never giving up. For being patient. For trusting that everything will work out. College won't fix what high school broke. That acceptance letter won't solve all your problems. Accept yourself and realize no one can take that from you. You are loved.

Ainslie

To my high school senior self, Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, and try to beat these fears immediately. As in the first few weeks. Most everyone is just as nervous as you are about all the upcoming adjustments - you really aren’t all that different from one another after all at the core. Even if you have very different stories, you can find common narratives if you take the time to listen to others, to be open to them. Look for connections rather than differences, give people the benefit of the doubt. You will end up learning more together than you ever could have on your own, and these life lessons last far beyond your four short years in college! And always remember, no matter how tough it seems to be in the moment, take a step back and remember how blessed you are to even be stepping foot on this campus - compared to most of the rest of the kids in the world your age. Never take that for granted, but use that gift to give back to others without such opportunities.

Roberto

If I could go back in time and talk to myself, I had told to myself three important advices. First, the necessity of getting a profession. The requirement of earning a college degree has increased. This is a result of the competency among professionals at companies. Therefore, every student should to go to college and study a carreer with the purpose of being prepared for life. Second, the importance of saving money. The enthusiasm to study is not enough because money is the main requirement. One should save money for paying the tuition. Finally, do not throw books away. During the first year of college, one will take similar classes like in high school, so it is important to save books, such as math, physics, and chemestry to review notes. To sum up, I had gave myself three imporant advices: get a degree, save money, and do not throw books away.

Karlie

Life is going to be moving very quickly, for you and your friends that are going off to their various colleges. You will be having many different experiences that you will not be sharing with your currently close friends and even your family. And that is okay! This new growing and learning stage of life will bring you a new set of people to spend time with and get to know and just do life with. Some of those friends of the past will remain despite the fact you will all be having these different experiences. Not everyone will stay the same, but those who are truly important to you will continue to be in your life in one way or another. You will be able to maintain that strong bond even when you do not see each other or talk for months. Those who truly care about you and visa versa will be able to catch up like no time has passed at all when you have time to connect. Do not worry; distance is not the end of friendships. It reinforces and refines the truly important relationships that will remain as time flies on.

Blake

My first piece of advice, and this is perhaps the most important thing to remember, is to be patient with and trust Mom and Dad. They have a wealth of valuable information; use it! Having been through this process before while you haven’t, trust their judgment and humble yourself to learn the lessons they already learned.When shopping for your dorm room, don't be overwhelmed. Most colleges provide a recommendation list, which has proven very accurate. Use that list as a sufficient starting place, and supplement it with your own fun ideas to personalize your new home. When it comes time for the big move-in, I will emphasize only one thing. Don't be nervous! You are about to start the best four years of your life. Although easier said than done, simply be yourself. You have been preparing for this time since you were in elementary school, so live it up! After all, you are only a college freshman once (hopefully).If you follow these simple pieces of advice, you will find the transition into your new college life easy, fun, and rewarding.

Devon

I attended three different high schools starting my freshman year, before I found the one that would be home for the final two years of my high school days. A lot of students experience only one school for all four years, not that this is a bad thing, but I experienced a unique opportunity to figure out what type of school I enjoyed. I ended up going from a public high school my freshman year, to a charter school, to a private homeschool my junior and senior year. My graduating class had gone from 500 to 12 within that four year span, and I loved it. The smaller community was something I thrived in. I was friends with everyone in my class and all of us were really close, like a family. I don't regret anything about my transitions from school to school, but I do regret not spending more time on scholarships and studying for the SAT exam. Westmont College is expensive and I know I should have had more forthought when applying to such an expensive school. Luckily, I was able to complete my freshman year and now I'm focused on applying for those scholarships!

Analicia

Relax. It's not as scary as it may seem. Get your college essay out of the way, have trustworthy and knowledgeable people take a look at it, take a deep breath, and send it. Show them who you really are; that's all you can do. Afterwards, make the most of the rest of your high school career. Spend as much time as possible with your best friends. Start thinking of things you will need to bring during the summer before you leave. Make a list and add to it as you think of things. Talk to people who have been there and who know what you are going through. Visit the college and meet some people that will be there when you make the transition. Keep an open mind towards the new people you will meet and the new experiences you will have. Be prepared, but don't have too many assumptions or expectations. The transition is different for everyone. Be excited!

Suzanne

To my high school self, college is a time in life to learn and explore. Make the most of your last year of high school. Try not to worry so much about grades, leaving home, or making new friends. All of that will take care of itself. Keep in touch with your high school friends, they will ground you to your home and your past. Make it a point to stay in touch with your parents and your sisters. Every freshman is away from home for the first time, everyone is missing their family and is as scarred and excited as you are. Make the most of the commonalities you have with these people; you all chose the same school so you have more in common than you might think. Don't be too shy to go to the dorm planned parties, don't be to cool for that either. It's a great way to make friends. Set aside time for school work each day, but don't let all of the homework keep you from having fun. College is a great time to learn about who you are away from you family, give yourself time to be you.

Benjamin

Get your homework done before midnight. Don't ever be "that guy." (Yes, you know the one I'm talking about. Save yourself from embarrassment.) Oh yeah, when writing papers, don't even think about looking at someone else's paper; no good can come of this, even if you have no intent of plagiarizing.

Rebecca

Really just follow your heart. This is a tough decision and don't let the pressures of schools, family or anyone make your decision for you. Ultimately you need to choose a school that you are going to be happy at and you are going to succeed at. Choose the school that you will be comfortable at because when you get down to it, you are going to be spending four or more years at this campus. Yes, you can transfer but that means starting over and taking a risk again. Sometimes the most unlikely choice is the best choice. Take my journey for example, Westmont was never on my radar and I absolutely love the campus and the school! I made a great choice because I choose what was suitable to ME. Good luck!!

Laura

All of my 13 years of formal education occurred in a small, private Christian school at which I had the opportunity to develop relationships with my teachers, but failed to take advantage of the opportunity. For college I attend another small, private Christian school, in it I have gained new experiences, traveled across country and continued my pursuit of higher education 3,000 miles away from home, dealing with the struggles of a demanding college. Having gone through this I would go back in time to advise myself of the following truths. Do not take your teachers for granted; understand what great mentors teachers can be. Actively develop relationship with them, they are not there to watch you fail; they are there because they care about you and your goals. They want to educate you, aid you, encourage you and advise you in the pursuit of your dreams. Teachers are real people, just like you; the only difference is that they have experienced, in part, the trails you are about to face and can offer you wisdom that will make you successful. Seek their advice, they truly can offer perspective and wisdom that you cannot yet know nor have experienced.

Mark

Assuming I could go back in time to my senior year of high school I would tell myself some much needed advice about how to make the right choices. The very first thing I would address to myself is to take my senior year seriously and not use it as a carefree pass. I would study harder and take more challenging class that would benfit me in my college life. I would also focus on being more indepent this would prepare me for the choices I would need to make while attending college. I would talk to my counselor to make sure that I was on the right path for my college career so that I wouldn't waste any time when I start my freshman year. My final advice would be more mature don't waste a minute higher education is the key to success in life.

Tamara

Freshman year can sometimes seem like hell. Alone, distant from all that you have known, you will have to come to face with the scariest thing in existence: yourself. Feelings of inadequacy begin to creep around your every thought. You begin to realize that you have no idea who you are, what you are, or what you want to become. It takes a few months before you realize that this inferno through which you passed was actually a form of purgation; you will probably come to find that you learned more about yourself during those hours of heartache than during all your days of carefree collegiate adventures. That does not mean that this process will hurt any less; on the contrary, each moment of doubt is valuable precisely because it thrills you to your very core. Yet freshman year is also paradise; you will meet people who will make you marvel at the strength and the grace they possess, and someday you will come to realize that you have become one of those people. Remember, then, to look beyond the difficulties that you will encounter, for someday you will find that they are what made your freshman year life-changing.

Jenna

I have learned so much from my college! I absolutely love it! I have learned so much history and context behind my religion, Christianity, that has further built a foundation for my beliefs. I have learned about Art throughout the world. I studied Art in India, China, Japan, Korea, South Ameria, Oceania and the context of the pieces in those cultures. I have also learned about many other opinions and beliefs. Just in my first few months of college I have learned so much about the world, my self, God, and so much more!

Shanese

College has been a real intense, learning experience. I've met a lot of interesting people. I've learned that knowledge is a key tool in the progression of ones life and career. I've learned that going to college is a lot different, than high school, whereas you are responsible for what you get out of the lessons that are provided to you. You have to study harder, and you have no one to blame for any of your missteps. You must be dilligent in your quest to learn and retain the information, that is provided by the teachers. I've learned that you are in control of your destiny. I've also learned that , with this college education, I will have a better selection of jobs to choose from, and it will help me fullfill my goal of giving back to my community and to the ones, that have helped me along these trying times.

Taylor

The college experience so far, has taught me more than I could have ever imagined. I have learned the power of higher thinking is remarkable, and without it our society would suffer tremendously. I have learned that I have a voice to speak out against the wrong in the world, and to promote my opinions. It has been valuable to attend for countless reasons, it has taught me responsibilty, how to own up to my actions, and of course the daily learning provided by my wonderful professor and instructors. Elizabethtown Community College has taught me a lot in this past year, and I'm eager to see what else I have to learn in the next few years!

Melissa

I have gained life-long friends and memories that i will never forget. Westmont College is not a typical college, it is a place where you can meet a diverse group of friendly people while you gain knowledge. I have the opportunity to have small class sizes and ask my professors for help whenever it is needed. Freshmen year I learned a lot, but i also experienced kayaking, movie nights, dorm activities, pillow fights, cooking classes, and everything you can imagine from a college experience. Westmont is a wonderful place for genuine people who want to make a difference in our world.

Kathryn

I have gotten strength of character, independance, and a better voice out of my college experience. I am by myself at college and have no one to lean on but myself. I have learned to depend on myself and all I have learned for the past 19 years to get me through. I have grown in perserverance to get all my work done no matter how hard it is and to never give up. I have learned to be more responsible and make sure that I am neat and orderly - my mom is no longer in my life to clean up for me. I have gained independance and can determine for myself what is right and wrong and when to go to bed. I am in control now and need to know that I can handle everything for myself and know that I can take care of myself. I am studying voice and have greatly improved my voice through my college and its professors. It has taken a lot of hard work and time to perfect my voice but everything I have done is well worth it. Overall I have benifited a lot from my college experience.

Marki

I had a great time in High School. I grew up in a small town, and I loved it. I was comfortable with my group of friends, and everything was easy for me. Coming to college has opened my eyes to the real world. I no longer live in a small town where everyone knows my name; I have been forced to spread my wings and make new friends on my own. I no longer have my family to go to after a bad day, and I have learned to be responsible for myself. Without college, I would not have gained the independence that I believe everyone should gain as they get older.

David

From the examples set by the faculty and staff, and through some hard mistakes of my own, I've learned to put away childish behavior and begin to focus on the kind of "man" I want to become. I feel pretty proud of the character I have been developing this year at Westmont--a character of discipline, honesty, integrity and determination. An injury in December benched me from the school's baseball team for quite a while, and the hours of sitting have allowed me to build patience and refocus priorities. Additionally, through classes such as economics, pyschology and international politics, I am developming a larger world view the reaches far beyond my own, little community. In fact, I now plan to pursue a career in political economics, possibly securing an internship next year in Washington D. C. It has been a frenzied six months of growth.

BriAnna

As a high school student, I had many priorities, but preparing for college was not one of them. As a senior one of the main focuses of the year is graduation, the end of your high school career. By emphasizing graduation however, it makes one?s year as a senior seem less significant to college and more like a year to ?get by.? Focusing on senior year as one to get by leaves little room for preparation for a future of continual studies. If I could go back in time I would make my focus less on graduation and more on preperation for my future studies. In high school another main concern is homework, and turning it in on time. In college however, the main focus is not on completing mundain tasks, but the assesment of information learned through exams. One is not taught how to study in high school, but rather how to complete assignments. Preparation for the future however, comes with the neccessary cognition of many aspects of a subject. If I knew how to study more effectively in high school I would be better prepared for the examinations and hours of studing ahead of me in college.

kimberly

Kimberly, it is time to focus. You will be entering into college and if you realize now that you were ment to be a Veterinarian, life will be so much easier. If you don't heed my advice or if you lose confidence, you will end up where I am now; attending college full time to finish the prerequisits that I need to enter into vet school, despite my B.S. in Biology, my A.A.S. in Veterinary Technology, and my Certification in Veterinary technology. Just start college as a pre-vet student. You love biology and chemistry and will do well. Learn to be extremely focused so that procrastination won't hinder you from reaching your true potential. And when you reach a challenging course, which you will, ask for help sooner rather than latter. Study the day's lessons that night, not waiting to relearn it before an exam. Your highschool education will not have prepared you for the proper study habbits, consider taking a class in this area. When tough times come and you think you can't make it, pray, and take a nap or dance and then resume with focus. You will succede

Shaun

The most important thing I could tell past-self is this: "Don't Panic!" As the Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy promptly indicates. The biggest mistake that young students make is being stressed over the college-picking decision. Yes, it is a difficult time, but it doesn't have to be any worse than it has to be! I found myself worrying to death over my senior year, about the expense, considering I came from a family that could not support me in the slightest. As well as academic standing, community, majors... There are so many questions to pose, but by far I think the most important part of the decision making process is learning to relax, take a breath, and listen to yourself think about the different colleges you have available to you. Make a list of pro's and con's, go to the schools if you can, or read reviews about them. You want to make an informed decision. In addition, one last thing: Whichever school you choose will be exactly what you make of it. Give the choice your best, then give the school the best you've got.

Sara

Stepping out and going away to college means so much more than moving to a different location and getting a degree. Going to college means you lose your comfort zone; it?s gone. You do not have a kitchen stocked full of food that you can go to whenever you are hungry. You have to do your own laundry, and pay for it. You have to clean your room. You have to keep up with your homework and readings. You have to start new friendships. You have to deal with the fact that most of your friendships from high school will slowly fade away. College matures you in ways that you could not ever imagine unless someone warned you. Your relationship with your parents changes in college. Instead of having short blurbs of conversations everyday , you get to communicate with them via telephone or email. And you can?t just walk away from an email or phone call if you have nothing left to say. You soon begin to talk to them as adults, and if you prove to be an adult, you will get respect from them. College is the last step before really facing life.

Isaac

If I could go back in time and talk to myself senior year I would first tell myself to save money. I went into college with only the money got from graduation and was nearly broke after buying books for all my classes. Next I would tell myself to work harder on getting scholarships, academic and athletic. Sports are what helped me get into college, with a little more research and self recruiting I might have been able to play at a NCAA school. I would also tell my past self to study harder fot the SAT and to take it more than two times. Highger Sat means better college opportunities. For the transition into college I would would suggest packing somewhat light because more than likely you will buy more stuff while you are at college. another point I would like to add is practice planning out each day. What some students don know is that waking up and going to sleep at near the same time consistently will help you function better during the day. Lastly, unless you want to gain some extra weight I suggest you develop good eating habbits and learn to stick to those habbits.

Christine

My advice would be that no one can define, you can only define yourself. That the community living covenant is based on the idea that people of faith can live and work in a productive educational community while facing the chaallenges of the modern culture. Challenges of faith occure in experiences every day and the application of personal spirituality to these challenges is imperative to develop as a person of faith. In a community of spiritual learners, i believe that i can contribute a moral message and the strength of a person with personal ethics and conviction.

Garrison

Just wait until college it's going to be the time of your life.

Sarah

Dear Myself, You need to allow yourself to relax. Don't worry about making friends- if you be yourself, you will attract people who are just as crazy as you are. You will get homesick, but focus on the relationships you are building now, because you will find people to love and who will love you here as well. Failing a test and getting less than an "A" in a course will not kill you, so use that dissapointment to help you learn. Oh, and having teachers that care about more than your grades is rather terrifying, but you will get used to the novelty. There are also times to sleep, and times to stay up all night with good friends just because you can. This transition will be difficult at times, but there is a wonderful time ahead of you that includes deep relationships beyond your wildest hopes as well as a better understanding of youself as you pursue your passions through exciting classes. Sincerely Yours, I

Stacey

Enjoy where you are--wherever you are. Whether that's being a senior in high school and getting involved (but not too involved) or packing up and getting ready to leave home, enjoy the time that you have to live right now, rather than being consumed by either worrying or being really excited about the future. College is tons of fun (and tons of work), but be present where you are with the people and places and things around you and enjoy. :]

Jonathan

If given this opportunity, I would tell myself that Westmont College is the right choice for me. Also, I would advise myself to choose my friends wisely, because friends ultimately influence and make or break a college experience. Having a solid group of friends not only makes college a priceless and wonderful experience, but friends are also an invaluable source of motivation to excel academically. I would then look myself straight in the face and say, "be very diligent with time management your freshman year. The academic load will be tougher than what you experienced in high school, and you will be overwhelmed by the hype of college and the stress of trying to make as many friends as possible. When you have a test to study for, go to the library. There will be ample time to socialize and make friends throughout the year. Lastly, I would tell myself to take every opportunity I get to travel somewhere new, whether it be to a housemate's home town, or simply to a major league baseball game. College is about growing not only academically, but also in experience. Have fun with it, it only happens once in a lifetime.

Robert

Don't fall behind and be sure to pay attention! Take advantage of all of the opportunities around you and make friends! Don't room with Nick! Don't take computer science class. Be sure to focus on your homework and take advantage of the "free time" that you have to do homework, because "free time" is not free when you're falling behind. In all, just don't allow yourself to fall behind and don't waste your free time. No matter what.

Jenny

Finding the right college for a high school graduate is really important and can sometimes be a tough thing to do. Finding a school that is right for you depends on quite a few factors: small or large, public or private, in state or our of state, etc. Answering these simple questions will better help you in researching a college that matches your personal preferences. Make a list of your college choices and write a line or two about why you would want to go there. Save the list. Then apply to each of the schools that you have listed as a prospective choice-- try to apply earlier than later and take time on your applications. Once you have applied to the schools of your choice you may then choose a school based on financial reasons, academic reasons, acceptence, etc. Take advantage of these college opportunities!

Steven

Find what you are passionate about and then surround yourself with the people you want to be around with.

Sarah

It's senior year, and what is everyone's worst fear? Getting caught by your parents sneaking out? Well, maybe, but its also the frightening choice of a new independent lifestlye at college. To stay close, or travel far? Big or small? City or rural? Chocolate chip or sugar? Oops, scratch that last one, but after so much thinking, even the smalles decisions seem to be analyzed. Most seniors believe that to choose the wrong college would make life a living hell. Ha! Wrong decisions are made daily, and all we can do is make the best of it. The biggest part of going to college, is not necessarily what college you go to, but your attitudes and decisions when you get there. I could not emphasize this point more. Say you chose a college that was just too small for you. Embrace the small community and new friends, and also get out and join a local club sport or hobby group. Like running into an ex, things are only uncomfortable if you make them.

Martin

Wherever students go there are going to be happy. I suggest that they stay near home so that they can go back whenver they get homesick

Bethany

Consider the price. The education maybe worth it but you still have to pay for it.

Holly

I think one of the most important factors is visiting the college first. Not that one visit will determine everything, but it will point out pertinent aspects in one's decision-making-process. First, visiting the school allows for interactions with the current students and the faculty. Can you see yourself interacting with them--both as your teachers/mentors and your peers (respectively)? Are they a diverse group of people, yet do they still share similar life values? Or do you want to be somewhere completely different from where and how you grew up? Many of the answers to these questions come from a formal visit to the campus to talk with the faculty and students, and to see the city (or town) where the college is located--as that too affects the social life within and outside the campus. In addition, knowing your expectations for a college before you go is extremely important. I have discovered that education, life experience, life-long friendships, personal, mental, and spiritual growth, and discovering one's self-worth can be more important than tuition costs. Thus do not settle as these can be some of the most important developmental years in your life.

Garrett

Visit the college of choice, maybe multiple times, and at least once during a non preview day. Most colleges understandly try to appear better than they are during preview weekends, especially with regard to the food, so coming during a non preview day will let you knoe exatly what the school is like. When you get to college, be who you want to be, it is your chance to completely reinvent yourself if you have that desire. Also, this is not high school, most people don't care what you're into nor will they judge you, so be who you have always wanted to be. Be open minded, accept everybody, or at least give them a chance, it will make it better for you and everyone. Also remember you are here to learn, so try to get some of that done. Very importantly, try to make friends you could see yourself with for the rest of your life, you will be thankful you did.

Bethany

I would encourage you to search for a college that does not teach you what to think, but how to think.

Joy

oThe most important thing is finding the school that is right for you. You have to make sure you will be happy at this school, and that you will be able to make the most of your education. Talking to professors and faculty is a good way to get an idea of the nature of the school, and what it will be like. I think that when you find the right school it will just "feel right". I remember it being very confusing for me, and somewhat stressful thinking about making a decision of this magnitude, that would really direct the rest of my life. Remember though, that it is what you do that decides where your life will go. Even thought the school is important, and a good school where you really fit can make things a lot easier for you, essentially it is your own drive and ambition that will allow you to make the most of your college experience.

Ashley

I believe now in restrospect one of the most important things to in choosing a college is for it to be the students decision and not the parents. Although I do believe parents should be able to voice their opinion it must be the students because in the end they are the one going to the college not the parents. I also beleive it is crucial to visit the campus and compare with other campuses in order to really get a feel for the campus and even stay the night and talk to some of the students and the college or university because that is really the only way to get a better idea about what the school is like. Make a list of things you like and dislike about the schools and really make sure you will like the area your school is in because even if the campus is beautiful the surrounding area will be like you second home and you want to be sure it is safe and nice!

Kelsey

Being open to schools that may not be an obvious choice is great to help a student discover what they really want out of their new school. Taking advantage of the opportunities and entertainment in the surrounding community can make a huge positive difference on your college experience, especially taking the time at the very beginning to do fun things with the first friends you make, even if they may not be the ones you end up being great friends with throughout your time. Your experiences with a variety of people will help you discover where you fit in the world and how you can have an impact on people unlike yourself.

Stephanie

It's important to list the pros and cons of each school you are considering, but when it comes down to it a lot of the final decision should be based on your guy instinct. Be sure to visit the campuses and get a feel for the kind of students there. Most schools provide a quality education; it's the activities, social events, and community feeling that separte schools apart. See what school aligns with your life philosophy best and go with your gut. Also, don't be afraid to travel somewhere far away for school! Breaking away from your hometown can provide opportunities and experiences you could have never dreamed of! Bigger risks, bigger rewards.

joshua

One of the most exciting but stressfull times for parents and students is searching for the right college. It seems as though there are too many to choose from, which there are. Thats why i believe it is important to decifer what locations you would most want to be in before even looking at colleges. The college i attend is in beautiful santa barbara and that at times makes me sure of my decision to come here. One you have chosen a few different locations look at the schools that fit your criteria, and dont just look at school names, but many online sites have virtual tours now days and list extra curricular activities that you might be interested in. Another important aspect to factor in is which schools cary which majors, you want to make sure that the school you choose to attend has majors of your choice. Lastly make sure that you take many trips to the campus before making a decision, to see if you could see yourself at the campus, check out community life, maybe meet some professors, becuase that college may be your home for the next four years.

James

The biggest advise when choosing a college is to do a visitation. You can get the pulse of the campus by living with the students for a day and sitting in on classes. Make sure you talk to students when you visit to get an unbiased evaluation of the college. Like a complex math problem, the best way to come to a final decision is to write it down. Sort out the pros and cons, write them down, and explore your thoughts and feelings. In the end, trust your gut and when you arrive, try to make the most of your experience. It will hopefully be the best four years of your life!

Megan

Advice I would offer about finding the right college and making the most of it would be: 1. Be able to be yourself in every way; some colleges, or people attending them, force people to conform... be able to be you. 2. Do not drown in debt. My parents told me the $47,000 a year was an "investment for my future". As much as I appreciate it and am thankful, I wish I had gone to a school that was less of a burden. 3. Study what you love. If you study what you love, classes will be easier, life will be much better, you will be following your passions.

Joshua

Do your homework. Research every school you are considering. Even visit the campus and get a feel for the school.

Brennan

Visit schools. Ask questions. Spend the night if possible. This will help you decide if you like big/small, city/less-city, class sizes, and the overall vibe of each campus. Good luck!

john

Please shop around. Look for a campus that won't make the future college student depressed or angry. Look for a college that has faculty that is easily approachable and distinguished in their field. If you undecided as to what major you wish to choose, then a liberal arts school such as Westmont might be a good choice. Keep an open mind, but don't choose irrationally. Don't be swayed just by friendly tour guides. Be sure that the college of your choice fits nearly every criterion that you assume a good college should have. Meet students and faculty at each college and take into account how attractive they are, either physically, personality, and intelligence. Judge for yourself if you think it would be easy to make good lifelong friends. College is not just about education, although that should be the biggest concern; it is also about personal growth. Personal growth in college is found in its educational rigor, the friends and relationships formed there, and in the freedom that a certain college allows.The choices you make in college will affect the rest of your life, so choose wisely.