Winona State University Top Questions

Whatever you do after high school, you will be doing for yourself and your future career and life. In high school you might do certain things or belong to certain things because of your parents expectations. They will not be watching you or taking care of you while you are at college. You will have to make responsible decisions about education, social life, safety and money on your own. In the first few months spend some time setting goals and deciding what you want your life to be like. Write your goals down and follow them but allow some flexibility as the college years are the best years of your life. It is a time to study hard but also a time to enjoy adulthood without the responsibilities that life will bring later. Don't procrastinate. Everything will seem easier if you don't wait until the last minute. There are no second chances to turn things in late and still get credit for them. Enjoy the new people you meet and the exposure to new ideas. Approach both of them with an open mind.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself, "Rachel, deciding to do the PSEO option (post secondary enrollment option) at a community college during your senior year is the smartest decision you will ever make. It will open your eyes to the college community and what it is like to be a college student before you even arrive at Winona State. You will save yourself a lot of time and money. When you get to Winona State you will be prepared for what they have to throw at you. Finally, don't worry about moving away from home. You will meet a lot of fun and interesting people when you get there even though your roommate is a sophomore. These friends you will meet will be there for a lifetime. Good luck kid!"

Stay focused on why you are in school- to learn. The social aspect is important, but don't let it get in the way of your education. Stay out of trouble, you don't have to be a 'goody-goody' all the time, but know where the line is, and not to cross it. Sleep and rest, schedule some down time. Keep in touch with your family. Learn each teacher's 'style' and don't fight it. You will have great teachers, good teachers, and not so good teachers. Learn early what the teacher expects, and don't argue with them. Select some school activity you can get excited about like chorus or band. There might be days when you dont want to go to school, but you will because of your chosen activity. Students get in trouble when their chosen activity is not about school-they just want to hang out with their friends. If my activity is 'hanging-out"-then, heck, I can just skip school and hang out even more! Find something at SCHOOL that you like.

RELAX. Don't worry so much about people who will judge you. If they don't like you then they're not worth your time to try and hang out with them. Also, don't be afraid to go see a professor- they LIKE it when you come to talk to them. It shows them that you're really trying in the course and WANT to learn about it. It may in fact, even boost your grade at the end of the semester. As for the roommate situation, you just have to sleep in the same room- and sometimes, not even that. If you don't get along, you can request to move out second semester, or look for a subleaser. Don't take psychology in your first semester, it will NOT be pretty. But in the end...just RELAX. You'll have a better time if you do and your stress levels will go WAY down, which can only help you.

I would advise not to room with a friend from high school. I chose to have a random roommate, and am very glad that I made this decision! It helps you to branch out more, and allows you to meet a lot more people because you aren't in your comfort zone from the beginning. You still have to opportunity to hang out with high school friends if you choose to, but you are given many more opportunities to branch out and meet new people by rooming with someone random. Another piece of advice I would give myself is to take a lighter credit load your first semester in college. It is very hard to guess how adjusting to college life will go for you, and trying to take a full load of credits would just make it harder on yourself than needed. Also, sit in the front of the class so you become friends with the smarter people in your class and can get into a study group with them to help keep your grades up as well! Other than that, enjoy college and get involved early so that you can meet a lot of new and wonderful friends!

If I could give advice to high school me, it would be to not worry so much about Freshman year, you'll make plenty of friends, you'll get along with your roommate, and you made the right decision to not go to Bemiji. But you do need to do our homework a bit more. You need a higher college GPA to keep your scholarship! And you don't need to take Germ 201 or 202, because those are the classes your U of M credits count for, but you should take them anyway. You need the grammar review. Just make sure next year, you keep your options open, and be willing to accept things that might seem a little strange to you, it might just work out in your favor. Remember to keep your old friends close, but to broaden your circle of friends. You never know who will cross the line from friend, to family, and in college, your family is what you'll need with you at all times! They will make sure that you are safe, and they will always try to make yur gloomy days a little bit brighter!

do not let anyone else influence your choice in schools based on how close it is to home.

I would tell them to support their children no matter what. Let them go where they want to go and don't influence them to go where the parents want them to go. Take them on a lot of tours of different colleges. Encourage them to go out and make friends, and dont call them all the time and check up, it ruins the experience.

Visit them, go on campus tours. It makes or breaks the college.

Be sure to go to where you feel most at home; do not go where your parents want you to go or where your friends tell you to go, make the decision yourself after thinking on it. Do not, however, stress too badly about which school you want to attend that you lose the excitement of selecting your next step in life. College is a great experience no matter where you go so long as you enjoy your surroundings and go where your heart tells you. Give it your all no matter what it is you are doing so you will never regret your time in colllege and make sure to enjoy the time you have there as well.

It is importatnt to visit the campus you are considering. When I was looking at colleges, I knew the moment I finished the tour whether or not I was going to apply to that school. The enviroment on the campus is important if a student is going to stay or leave. Also, it is good to look at which programs of study are offered so that if you change your mind, you know that there is something else there for you. Not only that, it allows for a wider range of "fun" classes to take, outside of the required ones. Look into clubs and activities and make sure that there are at least a few that really interest you so you have another way of meeting people besides going to class. Many times, those students will have the same values as you as well. Lastly, live in campus housing for at least 1 year, if not 2. Not only will your roommate and and others in your hall become life long friends, but you often find out more about campus events by being in a residents hall.

I chose the college I?m at now because it was the one college that was reasonably close to home and was at a price that was somewhat affordable. I did have other choices in colleges that I still wish I had chosen. However, I let money choose what college I?d attend and ended up in a college that just does not feel right with me. I am not encouraged to get involved with the college or community. When looking for a college you have to ask yourself what you expect from a university. What kind of town or city do you want to live in? What do you like to do to unwind after a hard day of studying and does that college or town offer it? What do you want out of the students and faculty? You should look for a college that holds true you values. In the end, don?t let money stop you from the college that feels right to you or you might end up at a college that you have no connection with.

Take the time to vist the campus, because what looks good on paper might not always feel right when you get there. I fell in love with the campus as soon as i got to my school and knew i had a good fit. When making the most of the college experience remember that you are paying to go to class, but also remember you can't study all the time, so get involved with school activities, find some good friends, and have fun finding out who you are, if you don't already know. College is about learning all you can about life, and that doesn't always translate into grades. Take your time to listen to all your teachers, if that be the professors, your family, or friends.

Know what you're looking for. Don't just go to a school because it offers your major. Know if you like the big city or small town feel--or something in between. Visit the town your school is in. Make sure you like the availability of shopping, eating, or activity related venues. College is more than just a campus, it's part of the community that surrounds it. Make sure you're going to the right college in the right community to fit with your personality and interests.

It is important to pick a school that has a credited program in the fields you are interested in pursuing. Don't underestimate public schools either, I have many friends that attend private schools and are not learning anything of real value, they are depending on the school's reputation to land them jobs. Public schools can also provide you with credited professors, small class sizes, a lively campus, and everything that the private schools provide. Pick a campus that you enjoy, you are going to be living their for 4+ years, you want to like it. Also, if you are looking at schools out of state, be prepared for a first rough week, many kids that travel 10-15 hours away, do get homesick, so make sure it is something you want to do. Also, don't automatically go to the college your friends are attending, pick the campus that is right for you, it will just increase the quantity and quality of your friends.

Apply to several different colleges. Before picking the one make sure you know what you want to major in so you don't waste money on classes that you might now need to take. Study hard and attend classes as much as possible.

The most important decision in choosing a college is that you pick one that feels like home. The first 48 hours are crucial, meet everyone you can and go to every activity. It's a good rule of thumb to never say no to an invitation freshman year, because your future best friend may be at the next event.

The best advice I can give is to start early. That way you have plenty of time to visit all the colleges and choose which one you like best. Also, do not judge a book by its cover. Go and visit more than once and perhaps try to shadow a student for a day. Student life is much different that those boring tours they give you.

This will be the time of your life to grow and love. In college, there is minimal anxiety like high school. You are developing into you. Never in my life would I have worn my bright-orange pants to a class in high school, but now I can and will. I mean, my legs looked like it just crawled out of a pumpkin, but hey it is me. Education is one of the best and wonderful attributes of life--and like a shadow it will always follow and be attached to you. Cherish it. Be adventurous! Don't be afraid to sway your body to the person right next to you and strike up a conversation--you may be surprised at how friendly and wonderful people really are. Be what you truly want to be in your major and in life. Do not worry about the past (or what your career path was in high school) and try out different majors before deciding on one. Learn from your parents, and use financial resources. This is the time to learn about bills and loans--it may be tough but don't worry it will be alright! Lastly, you will make it.

Find what's most comfortable for you, like a big school vs. a small school. It's amazing how many people are so certain they want a specific school and when they arrive they decide that it's just too big or just too small. It's also important to figure out your own financial status. Also realize that most schools have "their major", meaning they have certain majors they excell in. It's important to keep an eye out for that.

Choose the college that first gives you the best acedemic opportunity, then pick the one that feels the most "at home" to you.

I would say to definitely look for a college that you can afford, you don't want to by stuck with a large debt once you graduate, especially when the economy looks like it does now, it is hard for college graduates to find jobs and once you graduate you only have 6 months to start paying on your loans and if you can't find a job, then you are out of luck. So just be wary of that. Pick a university that has good credentials and professors.

Students, take your time. If you really want to spend the next four years or more at a school then you need to know that you really do like it and there is no harm in taking your time and figuring out if this is where you want to be.

?You have four years to be irresponsible here. Relax. Work is for people with jobs. You'll never remember class time, but you'll remember time you wasted hanging out with your friends. So, stay out late. Go out on a Tuesday with your friends when you have a paper due Wednesday. Spend money you don't have. Drink 'til sunrise. The work never ends, but college does..."? - Tom Petty

Don't select a college based solely on academic expectations, because that's not hat college is about. College is about academics, but more importantly, it is about the friends you make and the extracurricular activities you become involved in. The university you choose should be one that the student feels comfortable on and around, and feels included in the community of students on campus. Choose a university with a diverse list of majors, as well as minors, because there will be a variety of classes available to take; this way, a student can take classes in many different subjects before deciding on a major area of study. It's a good idea to choose a school that has small class sizes so that the professors get a chance to know the individual students so that they may be tuned in to their individual needs. The most important things about college are not only the academics (which is the most important part - it's what you're paying for!), but the friends you make and the fun you have.

Visit the campus and look around. Take a chance to visit some of the classes and talk to students in your field of interest. Also look at extra-curriculars. Cost is another thing that is a large factor. If you can get a scholarship for any or all of the cost then take it. Distance from home was a factor for me; far enough away to be independent but close enough to visit on a weekend. Make sure the school has your major of choice. Look at the size of the campus. Make sure it is not too big or too small. Thoroughly research your choices and discuss them with your parents or a counselor. Compare and contrast each college with the others and look at admission requirements. Don't spend all of your time in the library. Take the time to make friends and socialize with others on campus and get involved in clubs and fraternities. Go to campus functions and meet new people. Meet your professors and talk to them. They may give you a reccomendation after college that could be the difference between getting a job or not. Most of all HAVE FUN.

Try and become as involved as possible with campus activities. Do not go home every weekend. It is very helpful to have a car when you go to a small school. And no matter what don't let your social life come between your school work. This is an investment for yourself and it should be the most important part of your life, but still have fun as much as possible.

get out and meet people, have fun

In order to get the most out of your college experience you need to get involved on campus. Just attending classes and parties on the weekends isn't enough. Join a group on campus that interests you, or something related to your major. Also, make sure you live in the dorms at least a year or two. The dorms are a great place to meet people and form life-long relationships. Join your University Programming club, it is the best way to find out what is going on around campus. In choosing a college you need to make sure the size fits your personality. A small school isn't for everyone, and neither is a bigger school. Find something that is just right. Don't be afraid to go away to school. Living close to home will be tempting to go home every weekend and miss out on things going on around campus. And make sure your major is offered at the school!!

I would first and foremost tell them to look at as many colleges as possible. This way, they will have a lot of ideas on what is really out there for them. It will give them a better understanding of what they are looking for. Even if they are positive they will not attend a certain college, it is still a good idea to look at it just to give them an idea of what different colleges have to offer. After this first step they will have a much better understanding of what they want in a college and it will make the search so much easier. After the right college is chosen I would strongly encourage new students to attend various orientation activities. This is where they will meet great people who can help them adjust to the new college life. My first week of college is where I met some of my closest friends that I have today. It really helped me get started out on the right foot. Good luck!

I would be sure to tell them to visit the campus and stay over night or for a weekend if they can, experiencing as much of the campus and city as possible. Think about what size of school you want as well as the size of the city/town and what kind of major you want. Also make sure you see what the college specializes in and if they have opportunities to be involved in activities and events if the prospective students want to be involved in anything. Make sure you like the campus and get a good feeling when you visit!

For students i would recommend that you do some research on your school. I came to school with very little knowledge and regret not finding the school that fit me the best. I got lucky and WSU is a great academic institution. Find a school that is affordable and academically focused for your particular interest in learning. Also, do not forget that you must like the campus itself, because it is where you spend the majority of your time for the four-five years you are in college. For parents i would say that you must make sure that your child has looked at all the possibilities because if they don't then they have to live with it during their time as a college student, and you get to hear about it from them.

Find a college that is cheap!

Firstly, go with your gut. If you feel comfortable being there during the tour, that's a good sign. Ask a lot of questions about the area of study your interested and find out what that specific department is like. Once you're actually at college, take advantage of the extracurricular opportunities, because it's a good way to get to know people with similar interests. Participate in dorm activities, because you'll get to know your neighbors. They're in the same situation as you are, not knowing anyone, so it's a good way to connect. Stay on top of your homework, because if you skip too many classes or procastinate too much you can get easily overwhelmed.

Finding the right college may be difficult, but if you take your time and look into what each college has that best fits the student, you are guaranteed to make the right choose. It helps to go on campus tours and talk to students that go to that school already. It also to learn what the classes are like, to make sure it fits your learning style. To make the most out of your college experience, people should go out and participate in activities around campus. It is best to live in the dorms your first year to meet new friends and learn more about yourself. College isn't all fun and games though, make sure to keep up on your school work by studying hard and going to all your classes. I found that working your first year of school may be difficult, but it is also another way to make some good friends. New friends are something you need to have when you are away from your family and friends back at home.

Choose the school that feels the best for the student, not for other reasons. Get out and experience new things

I would say that the most important things students and their parents should know about choosing a college is to go with your gut feeling. I know that going on college visits can be overwhelming with information, so my advice would be to take time before or after a college visit to walk around the campus by yourself and just see if it feels right and if you can picture yourself walking through this campus. After spending time on a campus just to reflect, can often lead you to the right choice for you.

Focus on Community. Knowing who you are and what surroundings best complement your living and learning styles will result in the most profitable outcome when chosing the right school. In order to make most of a college experience, I feel that the student needs to immerse themselves into the community, focusing on the town's history, geographical landmarks, famous companies, and the people who make everything there possible. Being involved in organizations not only allows students to reach out to peers, but further lends opportunities to reach the community. Also, placing an emphasis on academics and forming relationships with students in your major as well as professors in your major's department will lend for apple access for study groups and direct teacher-student help. When chosing Winona, I fell inlove with the aesthetic appreciation that everyone here seems to have. It is truly one of the most beautiful places I've ever been and being able to appreciate that each day provided a positve environment and a constant reminder of what goal I'm serving as a student, which is to ultimately become an effective member of society and give back to everyone who has helped me get here.

The best piece of advice that I could give to parents and students about finding the right college is that parents should really listen to their children when they give an opinion on a school. Kids should not be forced into enrolling in a school that their parents are forcing them into because "it's best for them." The best thing that you can do to make the most out of the college experience is to go out and socialize. This does not have to be drinking every weekend, it can going to the club fairs and club sponsored events around campus. The more friends you make at college the better. I think that too many kids are stuck in high school mode and they don't want to let go of the friends that they have known forever. Don't forget your high school friends, just make new friends.

To find the right school for you, you need to visit and spend time in the town and on campus. Make sure they have the major and activities that you like to participate. Take a look at your finance and your availability to afford each school. Lastly, you need to know yourself and analyze whats important to you.

I strongly advise that you give your self some space and time to get used to being away from mom and dad. You need to become independant in any college situation.

Look around often, talk to other students, talk to proffessors, and go with your gut feeling. Dont let anyone influence you, just take in advice with open arms. Different colleges offer different things, go with what fits you best.

If you want to find a college do not look at colleges that have specialized things for your major. As a freshman many people switch their majors and these specialized things do not matter anymore. Choose a campus where you feel like you could live. Take time to walk through the campus without your parents or a tour and see if you feel like you could live there for the next 4 years of your life. If you get a bad vibe, then this college is not for you. If you compare every college you visit to one college in particular then this particular college is more than likely the one you are going to attend so don't even apply to the ones that don't meet the standards of your choice college. Also, as a tour guide there are two things I tell visitors. I tell them 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the things you learn in college don't come from the classroom, and you don't come to college to find your husband you come to find your bridesmaids. Which means socialize, but don't get caught up in finding Mr. Right.

Make sure to visit the college you are thinking of attending. If you have a good gut feeling about going there, look at the other aspects (tuition, admissions, size of school, etc.) and then make your decision. Picking a good college is hard, but try to make it a fun process. Plan a trip with your parents to go see the school and spend the day there. Get to know the town the college is in too if you're seriously considering going there. Remember, college is supposed to be fun, and if you're not comfortable with where you are, you might have to transfer later which can sometimes be difficult (to transfer credits, to move, etc.). Also, see what the school can offer YOU. Do they have scholarships you can take advantage of? Do they offer clubs, sports, activities you'd like to join? What is the availabilty of on-campus/off-campus jobs in the area? These things are all important to the college search. Just take your time and if you visit a school that you really like, chances are that you'll like going there for 4 years.

Find a school that gives you the "right feeling." You should feel welcomed and at home when you walk around and you can picture yourself there. When you are going on college tours, try to be open-minded about every school you see. Listen to all if offers and make sure that it has what you want. Ask questions if you have any to the tour guides or coordinators. While at college I have two words that will be beneficial if followed, GET INVOLVED! It is the best way to meet people and make friends for a lifetime. Also don't be afraid to try new things. You never know how perfect something could turn out to be if you dont' try it. As far as academics go, do NOT procrastinate. I feel it's one of the easiest things to do but the hardest thing to over come. Study ahead, look over notes from the days classes, even if its only for a half hour. Everyone can be successful, just put your mind and time to use! COLLEGE IS some of the best times of your life. ENJOY it now! :)

Make sure you tour the college. I did not know I was going to Winona until I visited it. Some will treat you wonderful and others will barely care you are a prospective student. You will know what feels right when you visit and tour.

Talk to your counselors and see what colleges offer your programs. Then just look at each college and find a few ones you might like. Go visit them and apply to ones you really feel suit you. Enjoy college to the fullest after that!

Advice that I would give to parents and students about choosing the right college for you is to decide how far away you would like to live from home. I think that is one of the biggest parts of choosing a school. Once you have decided how far away you are willing to go to school, look at the schools with that distance and try and find one that will be right for you. Also, you should try and find a college that has many things that you are interested in. To make the most of your college experience make sure you make time to have a personal life other than class and school. And if you dont have to have a job while in school, don't!

The advice I would give to parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is simple. When searching for the right college/university, tour as many places as you can. This gives you the most exposure to students, faculty and the surrounding area. The more places you tour will give you a better persepective on which college/university will be best for the incoming student. Once you have selected the right college/university, get involved early. Before you leave for college, take a look at which clubs/organizations you would be interested in. Depending on what you were involved in during high school, most colleges/universities will have similar organizations you can get involved with. Get involved in these clubs/organizations early before your classes become over-whelming. These clubs/organizations are a great way to socialize and meet new people. Just be yourself and you will have a wonderful college experience.

check them out in person, try to have a diverse campus, racialy and major wise, have an open mind, check out places that aren't at the top of your list, you might like them.