Azusa Pacific University Top Questions

When choosing a school, it is important to consider every option available to you. Even if you are not sure if the school is one that you would like, visit it, learn about it, ask about it, research it, and consider it. While you may feel like one school is a better fit for your, take time to look at it in person and even go on a tour. This is important because you may like a program one school has, but dislike the environment and the feel of the school. You want to make sure it is a place where you feel the most comfortable. Once you decide on a school and end up going, make a conscious effort to meet anyone and everyone. You never know who you will click with and who you will develop friendships with. Make an effort to talk to people and have opportunities to hang out with people. Having these friends is a huge part of what makes the college experience what it is. However, make sure not to get to caught up being social when school kicks in and work comes in. Be conscientious with school, friends, and time management.

While high school extracurricular activities, grades, AP classes, and test scores do matter, there needs to be perspective in the relational aspects of choosing a school as well for students. I great realization for me is that those factors do get you into great schools, but great schools also come in small packages with different criteria as well! It's important to choose a school that fits a student well in a holistic sense, beyond the 'name' of the school. One that finds a match between professor and student, campus life and the personality, the geographical area and the circumstance and means of living. In retrospect, I still see the importance in academics, but not overlooking the big picture will give a rewarding and vivacious college experience; you still have to live life and develop yourself as a person outside of the classroom. It's just as important!

Don't be afraid to really search for the right school. Start the search early. I was set on APU when I was a sophomore in high school. And it is important to know ahead of time where you want to go so you can really put in the time and effort it takes to fill out all of the annoying paperwork, search for scholarships and figure out financial aid, housing, classes etc. Not putting in enough time creates havoc once the semester begins

I would recommended that prospective students get behind the scenes to see what life is actually like, rather than the picture-perfect tour when you visit the campus. To do so, I think it is necessary to stay with a student for the weekend to see what actual campus life is like and what people do for fun. I would recommended sitting in on a class to see the different class sizes and the manner in which the classes are run. Also, see what the meal plan consists of and school policies. Since I am a nursing student, I would recommended to other nursing students to see which hospitals the school has contracts with for clinicals. Be active and ask people what they think of the school and go with your gut. If it feels right, it probably is.

Selecting the right school and making the most of the college experience is a lot easier than it seems. I find that if you try to make the most of your experience, you miss out on what really makes it special. Your college experience is what happens to you when you just let it.

The most important thing for a good college experience is the people. They make your experience good or bad. There are lots of places with good programs and great academics, but if there are not friendly people there, the experience will not be excellent.

I would definatly research were I was going. Not just the school, but the area as a whole. When I went to Azusa Pacifc University, I had never visited the school. It was 12 hours from where I lived, my parents drove me down and left me the first day of orientation, that is something I don't recommend. I had no idea what to expect and that was frustrating at times. If I had researched the area more, I could have been better prepared, and been less stressed freshman year. This is my recommendation for the parents. Your child may go into college with an idea of what they want to do, whether it be nursing, teaching, graphic arts, ect.. and find out they hate it at the end of their sophomore year. I know that they have done two years of school, but do not push them to stick with that major if they hate it. Let them be happy and find something that they truly enjoy. It is the not the end of the world if they change majors, ask my parents, and I'm so much happier for it, and i finished in four years still.

Go for the college that is the best for the student's desired major. Make the most of your college experience by finally being yourself and finding people who have the same interests as you.

Choosing the right college is one of the most imporant decisions a young adult will make. While the financial aspect is certainly a top priority, parents and student should consider education as an investment; an investment that will eventually pay for itself many times over. Students should visit numerous collages, tour the campus, sit in on lectures, eat at the dining areas, see campus housing, etc. This way, students will truely experience campus life that could not be achieved by simply looking through collage brochures. After choosing a college, students must make the most out of their experience. I regret not delving more into the plethora of sports, music, and other extracurricular activities that my school offers. I encourage students to forego any social concerns they may have, and find activities that interest them. By actively getting involved outiside of class, students will make more friends, broaden their experiences and interests, and enjoy school more. While it has been said that college is the best time in many young peoples' lives, it is up to the individual student to make it that way.

Make time for yourself. Don't get in a hurry for life to happen. Just enjoy it. It's only four years for many people. It goes quick. Savor every moment you have. There will be times when problems arise, but press on, ask for help and be open. Make a schedule - stick to it, it will be a great benefit in the long run. Enjoy each other's company. Meet new people. Get out of your shell, there's great people out there you will never know if you don't. Trust me. Make time to communicate back to loved ones - they think about you alot, keep them informed. You will feel less homesick, and they will feel better about having you away from home. Live in the moment - don't worry about the past, you can't change it; the future will come. Remember, everything has consequences, whether good or bad - just remember your choices affect others. Don't choose a school because your best friend or girl/boyfriend goes there. That's really NOT a good idea.