Wheaton College-Wheaton Top Questions

I would say remember that college is about the over-all EXPERIENCE, in terms of life skills. You learn to interact with people and make friends and network and learn discipline. If you focus on the school/grades aspect, you might get overwhelmed. But you should remember that college is so much more than the classes. It is a precious time in life where you are around the greatest number of people your own age than ever before/again. Do not take this for granted, and what you put into college, you will get out of it. Enjoy the social aspect, but don't put too much emphasis on it. Remember that being able to attend college is a great privilege.

Know beforehand what you can and cannot tolerate, who you want to be surrounded by, and what you expect to get out of college. Education, challenges, expansion of your tolerances and limits, and character formation are all good things to consider when picking a college.

Be realistic about how hard you are willing and able to work and pick a school based on this assessment. Don't compromise, and look for good financial aid packages.

I believe the most important aspect of choosing the right college for you should be based off the community you want to become a part of. You need to decide if you want to heavily involved in a sorority or frat house, a community outreach program, or a sports team..etc. Most students change their mind on what they major in and most of those find jobs in other areas. It is most important to find a community that is open and supportive when it comes to study, growth, and knowledge. College is the time when students are first away from home. This becomes the time when you find out who you really are. Each person gets the choice of who they will be; what will they do, who will they know, and how will they act. The relationships you build in college create who you become. People say you become like the people you spend time with. In order for you to make the most of your college experience, it is important that you choose a community of people who value similar things and can stretch, encourage, and support you in your endeavors during these years. Good luck!

don't put off what you need in regards to making your application quality. build relationships with those whom you will be able to request recommendations for your application. visit colleges and universities that you are keeping in mind. take into consideration what you want and need (location, distance from home, financial aid, tuition, room/board, majors) plan, plan, plan. this will save you a lot of time and money from being wasted.

Take time to talk to professors when you visit. Find a school with professors that are encouraging and want to get to know you. While at school, work hard, but play hard too. Get involved in something you are interested. Do an internship or study abroad.

Make sure to find a college that fits your personality best. Don't just base your decision on what kind of academic standards they have. Make sure that you are comfortable there and that there is room for fun as well. You want your 4 years of college to be a good experience.

Get a practical major. If it's an artsy major, get your education certificate.

When visiting a college on designated visitor weekends, I have seen first hand that it is not the most realistic experience you could have. If I could do it over again, I would come on a non-visitor designated weekend and sit and observe the student union, classes, etc. Stop a student and ask them questions. Most students love talking about their school. I had a few parents stop me and ask me questions. Once you find your college, make the most out of it by sitting back the first semester and soaking in the required stuff. Then observe which activities people enjoyed, and which ones were overwhelming. Pick which activities you will be involved in and be committed to them. Study hard, and play hard.

Think about what things are most important to you... while the primary purpose is to get a degree to prepare you for future jobs, it ends up being more about the experience. This includes learning to be independent, building relationships, and trying new things. You want to find a school where you feel comfortable when you visit, but it must also be able to challenge you so you can grow. While it's easy to get caught up in things like location, GPA, and ratios on paper, none of that will matter if you can't find people with whom you can relate and professors who care about you enough to help you and guide you personally as well as academically. Schools with lots of on-campus housing are great to help you get connected. I wouldn't recommend choosing a school based on your prospective major, because most students end up changing their mind. Also, if you are going away to school, avoid schools where people leave on the weekends. Some of the best memories are formed on the weekends just hanging out with people.

It's really important to decide what are the absolutes you really want in your college, and then the things that you would like but aren't completely necessary for you. Things like distance from home, money, campus community, athletics; they were the absolutes for me. Things like college size and academic programs were things that I was less strict about. Based on those absolutes, I found the most ideal colleges and applied. Don't settle for anything less that you really want. As far as attending college, I've found that it is so important to take innitiative in everything. It's harder for some people than others to realize that we are not children anymore, and we make the most out of our college experience. YOU have to seek out meaningful relationships, YOU have to make yourself do your homework, and YOU have to grow and learn on your own. It's also vital to have priorities and live according to them. That is preparation for life after college. You have to know why you're living and what you're living for, and that will give you motivation and purpose while you learn and grow in college.

so, for college students, i have some advice for making the most out of college. college is a unique point in life when you're being molded into the person you will become, so you don't want to leave college the same as when you arrived, you want to leave being affected by everything you've learned and experienced. When we're too busy partying, or studying, we don't ask ourselves the big questions, like why we believe what we believe, who is it we want to become, and how do we make sense of the world around us. college is a safe place to make the transition from kids to adults, so don't leave without having made sure that you have a worldview that is big enough to make sense of the world around you. so on a practical level, ask questions, go to guest lectures, have discussions with fellow students about tough issues. But i think most importantly, hang out with your proffessors, hang out with older adults that you know. they will help you to ask the big questions and make sure that you're getting the most out of your college experience.

When looking for a college, try viewing on a weekend when 4 million other parents and students WONT be there. This gives a good view of what the campus is really like during the school term, not just decorated to welcome you and your loved ones. Also, try and find a few different students to interview (different majors, different ethnicities, from different states/nations, some that love the school, and some that dislike it intensely). Asking them even a few questions can give a good overall view to the school. School should be an enjoyable time; the school should make an attempt to aid the student on focusing on school and not having to worry about paying back loans ASAP. The work load should be ample enough to cause the student to think and grow in knowledge, but not so overbearing that the student has no time for a social life. And if needed, a job should be easily manageable with the work load. Faculty and staff should understand that some students have to work to stay at school and be sympathetic to the reality that a lot of students face nowadays.

Do not go to college just as a stepping stone for your future career. That is important, especially in the sciences, but it is more important to choose a college that will enrich you as a person. It is likely that you will change careers several times in your life, so the most practical thing is not an extremely specialized education but being secure in who you are and what you are capable of doing. Use college to learn to balance independence and community, to help you work through what you believe, and to give you the tools and mentors who will help you become a well-rounded person with good problem-solving skills. Those things will help you no matter what you do. (If you want to work in a career that requires an extremely specialized education, that is what graduate school is for.)

When you choose a college, you should consider practical issues such as academic reputation, tuition/financial aid, campus environment, etc. However, the important thing is your attitude once you get there. Don't assume too much. You will find that reputation isn't everything- sometimes the weird people make the best friends, and sometimes the presigious professors are lousy teachers. If you've never dated before, don't start your freshman year.

Choose the school where you will learn and be challenged the most.

Take the process very seriously; don't make some glib, spur of the moment decision based on where your girlfriend/boyfriend is going (or best friend for that matter). Make the decision that suits your needs best and make the decision very carefully. There is no feeling worse than being at a school that you absolutely hate.

Find a place where you know you'll be comfortable. For instance, decide if you'd prefer a large student body or a small one. Look at the setting...is it in a city, suburb, or in it's own town. Make sure the school has a major you're interested in pursuing, and if you're undecided make sure they have a variety of majors that you might be interested in. Look at schools that are appropriate for your level of learning...don't look at terribly difficult schools if you're an average student. Look at a school that will work for you, but still be a challenge. Make the most of your college experience by getting involved in campus activities. Especially your first two years, this is a great way to get to know new people and find out where you fit in. Take classes you enjoy, but also branch out and take something outside of your major. It's good to be well-rounded and it will enhance your learning experience overall. Work hard, but also make sure you enjoy the time you have at school because it goes by so fast!

The best advice I can give concerning choice of college is a campus visit while class is in session. Simply observing the way a student body interacts with one another and with professors will grant you a feel for the overall ethos of the campus environment. Attend class and observe whether or not the professors stay after, make themselves available for personal discussion, and have a willingness to invest in your life and education. The classes that make the most impact are primarily dependant upon the professor and the atmosphere established for learning the material. Making the most of your college experience involves approaching it with an open mind, aware that your expectations may not be met each day. Friendships ebb and flow, classes are good and bad, but in every instance you can learn something not only about life but yourself; college is a wonderful place to learn and explore--take that opportunity and make the most of it.

Finding a school that ?fits? you is crucial to choosing a school. First, you have to identify what it is you want in a school. If you have a solid idea of what you want to do for a career, it is wise to find a school that has a renowned program in that field. But what if you don?t know what it is you want to do? In this case it is best to choose a school that has a lot of majors to offer because chances are, you will change your major at least once in the next four years. Do you want to be close or far away from home? Speaking from experience, 4 or 5 months away from home can be hard if you never have the chance to go home. Also, if you are going to be missing your state every day, maybe it is best to attend school in state. Remember that if a school doesn?t work out, it isn?t the end of the world. These years are meant for you to form your identity but don?t rush it. Enjoy college because you will always look back on these years.

The most important part of choosing a college is visiting and staying overnight with a student who is involved in some of the activities in which you are interested. If you are religious, try to meet with some of the people involved in the religous group to which you belong to on campus. The visits to the various schools to which I applied were probably the deciding factor for me on which school to attend. In fact, there was one school to which I decided not to apply as a result of visiting and staying overnight. The best part about the college experience is unquestionably the friendships you build. So, to make the most of your college experience, meet as many people as you can and cultivate friendships with them. Be friendly and outgoing (but not insincere). Go to social events and get involved in groups where you can meet like-minded people. This may be difficult if you are an introvert, as I was during my freshman year, but I cannot stress enough how important this is. Put yourself out there; you'll be glad you did.

It is extremely important that both parents and students visit the college and get to know some of the students possible soon-to-be peers. In doing so, the parents will be comported knowing that their child has a place to fit in upon starting college. For the student, it allows him to have friends already, so that he doesn't have to worry about making them while also learning to balance classes and social life and adjusting to living in a dorm away from home. Additionally, by spending an extended period of time with students of the college, the student is able to get a less contrived picture of what the college is really like.

There are two pieces of advice I would give a high school student and his parents regarding the college application process that at first may seem paradoxical. My advice is to start early and to be active in the college search, but also to not gain too many worry lines from the process. Choosing the right college is important because college is an incredible time for academic and personal growth. These four years are fleeting, fun, and should not be taken lightly. Therefore, it is never too early to research colleges or to think about one's top priorities for college. At the same time, the college admissions process gets more competitive with each year, and it is easy to get caught up in the hysteria. While being a well informed applicant is a must, there is no need to orient all of one's life or activities solely toward college. Getting accepted to the best school must not be the 'end all, be all' for anyone. Instead, one should look at applying to college as a privilege and trust the fact that everything will work out for good in the end. Because trust me, it will work out well.

I believe that selecting a college is one of the most important decisions parents and students will make together. It is the time when a student will begin to shape their world view and ultimately decide who they want to be in this world. There are so many distractions along the journey to educational success and choosing a school that protects and points their students in a healthy direction is most beneficial. You are embarking on a season of many unknowns and unfamiliar surroundings. The wonderful thing about attending a thriving institution is that many have gone before you and can attest to the school's reputation of greatness. Take advantage of school programs, athletic opportunities, conferences, social gatherings, on-campus housing, and study abroad initiatives. Never be closed minded to what you can acheive and be a part of. We all desire to be a part of something great and this is your time to shine. There are no limits to your abilities. So, rip uo you "cool card" and enjoy the experience of a lifetime, it is a priviledge!

It's important to remember that a college environment can only shape you so far. When prospective students stress over finding the "right" college, I see it more as a matter of those students straining to understand and be content with who they are and will become. Don't buy into the lie that a college defines you. Instead, when you end up at whatever college, push yourself to contribute and make your presence and compassion a reason for other students to want to attend. If you are stuck in an Ivy mentality, remember that wealth, sophistication, and an aristocratic degree should not be anyone's chief end desire. When we pour out of our own abundance we somehow become supernaturally filled again; see to it that your college experience is one where you give more than you receive and I truly believe that you will not leave feeling or being empty.

First off, one reading this must understand that I must speak through my own worldview through which I prescribe my beliefs and hope--that is, my Christian worldview. The answers to the questions of 'why' and 'what are your priorities' are the most important. Why are you seeking a college? What priorities DO you have in an education--are they simply for a career, or is it to become a more wholistic person, able to engage the world in which we live in. The 'why' questions and recognizing your priorites, for one, help find the best place for a person, but they also keep you going once in the place you've chosen. Understanding the 'why' reminds you to keep striving and perform your best, because hopefully your 'why' is tied to your priorities which you will always desire to be fulfilled and satisfied. And if your reasons don't satisfy in the end, that's okay, we learn as we go through life. But realizing that they don't satisfy is the best way to start correcting it as well and reprioritizing and re-asking the 'why's.

Visiting colleges and talking to the students there is one of the best ways to learn about schools. When you are searching, don't look for a place where everyone is exactly like you are, but look for a place where you can see yourself developing best into the person you want to become. When you are in school, spend time to invest in people. Forming quality relationships is one of the best things about college, and if you become too inundated in academics and extracurriculars, you may lose out on lifelong friendships. Mostly importantly, don't stress. Making the right decision about college is one of the most important decisions of your life, but it is not the only thing in the world. You may never find the perfect college, but that is ok. Part of college, and part of life, is learning to live through imperfect circumstances.

Find a college that values what you value. There's a lot to be said for the fact that you get out of college what you put into it, but you will be infinitely happier if the institution you attend has a philosophy similar to yours. That's not to say that you shouldn't broaden your horizons - by all means, do! - but if you value liberal arts, don't go to a vocational school. If you value small town comfort, don't go to a huge state school. Wherever you end up, it will not be the utopia you envisioned: much of your experience at college will be determined by how hard you work to make it great! Remember that college is a time of change and your choice of major - or what school you attend - will NOT define your life. Talk to people in your classes; join clubs; volunteer; appreciate your professors; take a class for fun; study abroad, or at a different college, or take a semester off. College is a time of maturing: do something you know will stretch you - it will, in turn, make you grow.

Spend a fair amount of time thinking about which dorm to live in as a freshmen. Many people frequently flock to the newest or most accomodating hall, typically the largest hall, ending up with a variety of people living in a small space which may not fit your personality. Many schools have multiple options, so spend some time discussing what you honestly perceive to be your approach to meeting new people. Some people do well in the large halls, but others need a smaller pool to get to know a bit better than trying to meet new people on a daily basis. Don't be afraid to forgo the personal bathroom for a floor bathroom if it means you're more likely to get out there & make friends.

Apply anywhere you think you might want to go, and if you are put on a waiting list for your first choice, don't lose hope. A lot of people change their minds, which can open up spots for you. If you have always wanted to go to a school, but you are nervous about it now, just go there. You can always transfer, and if you don't go, you will always wish you had. Remember, you can find your niche almost anywhere, so if a couple schools don't seem vastly different at first, they're probably not. Know what is the most important to you in a school, and look for that in the colleges you apply to. Every school will have its faults, so the key is in knowing which ones you can live with and which ones you can't.

Make sure to do overnight campus visits! This is a great way to get the temperature of a campus beyond just taking the campus tour or visiting classrooms. In conversation with students you can get a feel for what happens on an average weekend, what political and social life is like, and where you might fit into the campus as a whole. I was a little bit nervous about doing these visits as a high school senior and was forced to do them by my parents, but they ended up being the most helpful part of my decision-making process.

One size definitely does not fit all. If your college experience somewhat resembles my experience it will be filled with many of the greatest memories of your life, but also some of the worst. Know yourself before applying and weigh your strengths and weaknesses with the schools to find a great match.

College is a very significant experience. Some people blossom and flourish during their four years of undergraduate study. Others and scared by various painful experiences. Everything from the courses you take to the people you live with, the staff and faculty you do or do not get to know, even the surrounding towns effect your college experience. College is also one of the few "rights of passage" from childhood to adulthood we have in our culture. That is why it is so crucial to give plenty of thought and discussion to where you or your child will spend their undergrad years. When you are planning, think about location of the campus, whether or not it is important for you to benefit from the opportunities in a large city. Find out what department the school is best known for. Consider size of student body, school rules, both major-related and non-major courses available, and housing options. Make sure you visit the campus at least once. This way you can test the atmosphere of the student body for yourself- something no college catalog can do for you. And make sure you truly feel settled in your final decision. Good luck!

Wheaton isn't for everyone... but if you're looking for a challenging yet awesome experience in a Christian environment, Wheaton is the place to be.

If I had to relive my college selection process, I would do things a little differently. I would value my standards for the college higher than the college's standards for me. When I visited a school, I would skip the pamphlets and the campus tour and just hang out with some of the students. I would pay more attention to the schortcomings of each college on my list. I would also understand that no matter how much I research a college, I wont get a true feel for it until I've lived there. Over all, I hope I'd relax and enjoy the process more. Choosing a college is a big decision, but you don't need to nail it on your first try. Even if you end up transferring, the school you choose will teach you a lot about yourself, and that knowledge is just as valuable as any chemistry or philosphy you'll pick up. And if you don't get into your dream school, step back and adjust your perspective; the most important thing about a college is what you learn while you're there, and how much you learn is usually up to you.

Everyone has a "vision" for what they want their college years to look like. I did. I wanted to have fun, make tons of friends, get involved, and oh yeah, learn something while I was at it. Unfortunately, no school is just going to provide that experience for you. Your college experience, positive or negative, is entirely in your hands. It takes an incredibly good attitude to enjoy college. You can't go into it expecting to get thrown amazing cards all the time--college is hard, and life is even harder! No one gets around that. But if you are consistently striving to have a positive attitude--if you are trying to make your college experience great, come what may--then I promise you will love it. Public, private, 20,000 students or 500--you will love it.

Parents and students alike should start their search with the understanding that college is more than career preparation and a social life. It's a broad opportunity to learn, explore, and gain perspective. Evaluate a school based on the opportunities that will be presented that challenge and develop their students into whole and effective adults that have the skills and the confidence to tackle whatever may come there way. For parents, being a foundation for a desicion rather than the walls that make boundaries will allow kids the comfort that they are trusted to be responsible and will hopefully act as such. More than logistics and writing checks, your kid wants to know that you already know they're capable so when they finally are on their own they have that security and can more confidently live their lives. For students, finding the right college is about understanding yourself in that community of people and being honest with yourself about your expectations. A desicion cannot be based on pride, fear, or naive hope, but on a realistic acceptance that no where is perfect, but your experience is only what YOU make it, your school won't make it for you.

Everything looks confusing before you actually make the step into college life so I will try to make this straightforward and simple. 1.) Apply to your top 3-4 schools based on where you may potentially be admitted and which are most appealing to you. 2.) Based on where you are admitted, go off of your gut-feeling. What's your initial instinct? What best fits the statistics you are looking for (size, teacher-student ratio, price, location, etc.). Where would someone like you (or not like you, depending on what you want) be most likely to go? (If you can't even identify your leaning, use location. A beach is still a beach and freezing cold is still freezing cold in school.) 3.) Before you even set foot in your dorm room, commit yourself to your selection mentally. College cannot be better or worse then you make it. The difference in potential experience available between your top choices is negligible. College is identical to the rest of life with one difference - you are inveitably closely surrounded by other people. It can feel suffocating but in reality you have the chance to breathe life more fully than ever before

Look at student ratings of schools. Talk to friends or family that has gone to a school that you are interested it. Don't leave it up to official school rating companies.

Don't be scared. Never be scared. Whatever it is, wherever it is, jump in, and get your hands dirty. College is about new experiences and new opportunities, take advantage of them. Never again in your life will you live with the same kinds of people as you will in college. Never again will be able to change so much, so quickly. Parents, whenever we come home, accept us. We might change, but we still need your support and love. We want that, more than anything. Sometimes we're afraid that we are disappointing you. Let us know that we are not, okay?