Bates College Top Questions

Visit the school if you can. Stay a night if possible!

Pay attention to the students, and pay attention to the community. You can pick a school with the major you want, the activities you want, the location you want, but if it's full of students you don't see eye-to-eye with, what's the point? The student body will make or break your college experience, so be very aware of the reputation of a college, the flyers you see around campus, the way people interact with each other. Once you're at college, sit back and be patient. People are so nervous and eager to make friends during the first few weeks of school, but it's so worth it to take your time, do some people-watching, and then settle down with the people you most enjoy spending time with. And get out into the community! College students so quickly get into ruts of never leaving the "bubble" of their campus. There are always things to see and people to meet, so go explore!

When deciding what college to attend, try to find a place that will fulfill you socially and acedemically. It's typical to want to go to that "name-brand" college, but do not just look at the name or prestige. Sure, the name is important, but ultimately, YOU are the one going to the school. If you are not happy or enjoying yourself that will warrant presssure or unwanted stress that you could have avoided. To the parents and/or guardians, try to encourage your child to explore - to step outside of the box - so to speak. No matter the distance from home, you have to realize it is your child who is living his or her life, and you should want them to be happy and encourage their success, no matter the area of study they wish to go into. If you are going to push them, push them in the direction they want to go, try not to impose what you want them to do in life. Guide their steps, rather than walk them yourselves. Just let them know that you care and that you are proud of them through the good, the bad, and the indiffernet.

Parents and students both need to focus on what makes the student happy and motivated rather than the name or status of hte college. Look for a campas that makes me feel good when you are on it, and spend time with other students to make sure that the school you are applying to will surround you with people you are comfortable with and inspired by. Don't be afriad to ask for any type of help from anyone on campus, the faculty and other students really are there to make your college experience as easy, fun, and successful as possible. Don't compare yourself with anyone, do what you want to do, the way you want to do it and you will definitely meet people you'll grow you love along the way.

Answer the question "What is the one thing I want most out of college?" as early as you can, and then trust your instincts. If it's landing your dream job, prioritize schools with facilities and faculty that will get you ahead. If it's exploring as many new things as possible, don't forget about off-campus study offices, and find out at what point in your education schools will require you to declare your major. For me, I wanted to make connections that would last my whole life. I could have gotten into a more prestigious school, but I picked a college filled with kids I immediately wanted to hang out with and learn with. It has definitely paid off-- classroom discussions and group projects are infinitely more stimulating than I expected, because I get along so well with all of my peers. Small schools don't mean fewer friends! In fact, small schools can mean tighter communities filled with people more approachable and more compatible with you. The downside is fewer alumni to network with, but honestly, there is nothing an alum wouldn't do for a recent grad; the small community feeling never fades.

Pay attention to the smaller colleges, that will surprise you; visit many places, but don't judge based on that experience alone. Trust yourself and when you're there, put yourself and your quality of life FIRST, whatever that means for you.

First, read about schools in those big college guides! They really are very helpful in hleping you discern the subtle differences between what would otherwise seem very similar schools. (Subsequently, think carefully about what type of students you want to be around, and what type of school you want to go to. ) Visit the schools--one may not pop out at you as the place where you are "meant to be", but you should pretty immediately feel comfortable there. Make sure to look at the requirements of the school before you go: for example, is there a language or science requirement? What types of courses will you have to fulfill to complete your degree? Browse--rather, read carefully--the college catalogue. Not only will you find out what types of courses are available and interesting to you, but you will also be able to glean the college's goals, and thus, atmsosphere. Making the most of the expereince is easy. Get involved in activities you think you may like right away. Hang out with your friends late at night and be silly. But most importantly, take learning seriously--getting engrossed in your work is the most rewarding part of school.

FInd the school that is right for you, and not the school that is most well-known nationally or internationally. The most important thing academically is how invested your professors are in your academic career. Keep that in mind. Many Ivy-League schools have internationally renowned professors who may be at the top of his or her field, yet they do not provide their undergraduate students with the attention that they deserve. Small class sizes are also key. I say all of this as advice for someone who wants to be intellectually challenged at his or her school and will invest in their growth as an intellectual. If you like to party, don't spend the $50,000/year to get a top caliber education. It is simply not worth the cost if you will not be challenging yourself and looking to learn in school, rather than just party. That said, don't forget to have fun! College is exhausting mostly because it is all about burning the candle from both ends. Good luck!

Really try to determine how much learning capacity that your child has for continuing their academic career. If they are students that are "D for Degree", meaning trying to get a grade of D or above to pass the subject for a Degree, then the parents should reconsider whether or not they should send their kids to a good college. Because getting into college is one thing, but completing a Degree is another. One may luck out and get into their reach school, but without hard working ethics, they won't be able to complete their Degree.

Ultimately, all rankings and facts you read about a school should not influence your decision on which college you go to. Many colleges that are good fits will accept you and then you get the opportunity to find which school is the best fit. Visit the schools and talk to the faculty, students, cafeteria staff, and community members to make sure everyone engaged with the school on all levels is happy and friendly. If you are a determined individual you will succeed in any welcoming college environment. College is the most intellectually and socially stimulating, challenging, and rewarding time of your life; embrace every moment of it. Take a class that is different, sign up for too many new sports and clubs, volunteer in the community, seek out your professors, and at least once a week stay up all night talking to your friends. You will never have enough time, but somehow you will surprise yourself and accomplish the impossible. When you make the most of college you will realize only after graduation that the community created and the knowledge gained will guide you to success and happiness throughout life. In this sense your college experience will never end.