Rachel
Assuming I can go back and talk to my freshman self, I would advise myself to keep up with my school work. Don't be afraid or too prideful to ask for help in subjects that are difficult to understand. If I could advise myself in my senior year, after I had pretty much killed my high school career, I would say to get moving at a junior college. Take as many classes as possible and don't let making money become your number one proiority. Get your general ed classes out of the way and in a few years you can apply to Azusa Pacific. Don't take years off of school, just keep moving forward and keep pushing. I know school isn't the most fun thing to do, but getting a degree will better your life in the long run. It sounds cliched, but it's true.
Cassandra
Finding the right college can be one of the most confusing tasks of the life of a student and their parents. There are so many factors that both the student and their parents must take into consideration in order to ensure a successful life for both the student and the parents. To choose the right college, both the student and the parents must do their duties. First of all, the student has to research the type of college they wish to attend; they must keep in mind whether or not they prefer a small school versus a big school. Students must also see the location and decide if the weather is comfortable for them. Another great way to choose the right college is to actually talk to graduates or students who are currently attending the college one might be interested in, this is actually effective inorder to know both the positives and negatives the school has. Parents must be supportive and encouraging, for example parents should make room on their schedules to visit colleges and ask questions as well. The parents should also do their own research on the school their child might consider to attend.
Heather
For parents and young students looking for the right college, I would say to go with your first instinct; chances are you are right. Another thing that I would say is make sure to visit the schools you apply too and are thinking about attending. For me, visiting the campuses made all the difference and made making my decision easier. Once you walk onto a college campus, you will know if you can attend school there or not. Also, be sure to learn about the community on campus. A welcoming, friendly community will make or break the college experience. Don't be too concerned about finances; if you really want to go to a certain school, don't be afraid to seek out financial aid from that school as well as other places! There are alot of scholarships out there, you just have to look!
Corey
Look at all of your options and make sure that each school is not just putting on a show for perspective students.
Audrey
My advice to every student looking for the right college is to follow your heart. When you step foot onto the college of your dreams, you'll know it. If you are faced with challenges when it comes to getting in, do NOT give up. Don't settle for less, don't give up your dream because of a rejection letter. Personally, APU is way out of my financial range but it doesn't matter to me because being there is MY dream. People will put you down for your college choice but don't let them get to you.
As for making the most out of your college experience I have to say try everything! There are SO many opportunities out there to you, take advantage of them! Join the surf club, the science club, participate in Homecoming Week activities, run for the Student Government, just DO it. And don't forget to make the most out of your living situation. The people you live with can become life-long friends if you foster those relationships. College is a great experience, why not enjoy it all?
Sarah
Always, always, always visit the campus before you make your final decision. The school may look great on paper, but you may step onto campus and simply not blend with the atmosphere and the people. Attend the school's orientation week, talk to alumni , current students and students with your intended major, and visit a class or two. Of the schools I applied and got into, Azusa Pacific University was my last choice. However, after visiting campus and meeting the friendly faces of the APU community, I knew that was the school I would thrive most at, both academically and socially. You will be spending the next four (or more) years in this environment: a short trip to your potential new home can help guarantee your future happiness.
Carla
Don't buy into the name of the college you look into. Get into the college that best meets your needs!
Josh
Find a school that's committed to teaching you more than just academics. Find a college that strives to teach you about life, about yourself and how to be a better person, about the world and how you can make a difference in it. Find a place where people care about you as a person, not just a student. Find a university that will prepare you for a lifestyle, not just a job. Find a place with strong community, somewhere you can be happy, a place you can call home. Don't settle for less, you don't get a second chance. Parents, don't deny your kids a chance for an exceptional college experience. Don't pressure or force them into anything. Students, be thankful to your parents for what they're doing for you. If finances are a problem, don't give up, find a way! You can't afford to live in regret.
At college, make friends, join clubs, support the home team, learn something new, attend a concert, go see a play, make goals and achieve them, find your creed, dream big, fear little, love abundantly, believe in yourself, and never be the same again!
melanie
Make the college work for you. You're applying, so when visiting make so that you're showing yourself and your attributes and to identify which college would be the best fit to recieve them. Doing it this way makes it less daunting!!!! Parents, remember to do fasfa early!!! the earlier the better. you will have a better range of fiancial aid and a higher offer. also, if your kid wants to a go to a different school than you had in mind, be sure to hear them out. you've raised them and given them good judgement so if they're intrested in a certian school, it might not be that bad. kids, remember your parents are just there to help. it might seem like they're are trying to rule everything but they just want to help. and remember, college is what YOU make it. don't expect it to just happen. you have to live life pro-actively!
Kari
Finding the right college for you often feels like a job in-and-of itself. And most likely, there isn't one school out there that has everything on your wishlist. But don't let that discourage you. It's all about finding a balance. It is important to take into consideration many different aspects of campus life before deciding on a school. Academics are key. The reason you are going to school is to obtain your degree, so make it count! BUT...don't forget that having a social life is important as well. Make a list of the top 5 ideas you most strongly believe in and see how you can be a part of them on campus. I, for instance, love ministry work and so I decided to take time once a week to tutor intercity youth. It's all about balance. It's ok to have a little fun in college; I mean, it is a once in a lifetime experience, but don't forget what is most important: growing as an individual to make a difference in the world!