Bethel College-Indiana Top Questions

College is all about what you are willing to put into it. There are hundreds of colleges and universities out there, and going to any number of them can get you a great education or an awful one, depending on your effort, desire, and hunger to learn. Going to a prestigious school does not matter if you are not willing to work hard and seek to learn and do as much as you can. Likewise, going to a smaller or less well-known school does not mean that you won't get a world-class education if you are willing to put in the time. What you do outside of class makes all the difference. You can only attend so many classes/lectures/plays, go on so many trips, or participate in so many activities regardless of where you go, so the meat of your education will come from what you do outside of the classroom. The books you read, the friends you make, the questions you ask, the conversations you have will do more to shape you in your college years than anything that will take place inside the walls of a classroom.

Visit as many colleges as possible. To make the most out of your experience, you need to be open to any experience possible.

I would say that parents and students should just go by what the students interests are. If the student likes party schools, then the student and his family should find out more about party schools. If it is a Christian family, than the family should look at Christian schools.

I would suggest that students make a list of what they are looking for in a college. When they visit a particular school I would advise them to write down their likes and dislikes, since it can be difficult to remember the pros and cons about each school. I would also advise the students to look at the quality of education they would be receiving. Some schools may look appealing but tend to have a big focus on partying and less emphasis on education. For both students and parents, I would suggest that they look into what financial aid they could qualify for. Even at private schools there are a number of scholarships and financial aid available for students. At the school I attend, professors have come to class begging students to take advantage of the scholarships that are being offered. I would also advise students to observe the atmoshpere of the school that they visit, because that can tell a great deal about the people who attend there. Lastly, I would encourage students to select the college that they feel ?fits them? and would meet their needs and expectations.

When you are looking for a college be sure that you focus on the community as well as the academic quality of the institution. Going to a college for just the academic view is a way that although the student may be more studious they will not develop as many deep relationships that can be found at colleges with a well built community.

I would make sure you're looking at the campus as a whole, faculty, previous stundents as well as current. Make sure that you're looking at every aspect, from the education, their resources, althletics. College isn't 100 percent about education its about the relationships you make, the service you provide the community and most important your relationship with Christ. College not only gives you an education but a betteroutlook on life, it makes you grow up to be a better person. So dont just look at it as a way to further your education, look at it a way to further yourself as a person as a whole.

When searching for a college make a list of all of the elements you are looking for in your college experience. If you know what area you want to major in you can narrow your options down to schools that provide that major and those that have excellent programs in that area. Make sure to visit the college. This is really important because you want to be somewhere you will feel comfortable and you will be able to tell when you walk on a campus. Also decide if you want to stay close to home or not. Contact the admissions office and take advantage of services they offer such as telecounselors (students who will call and answer any questions you have). Ask about finanicial aid and other services the school offers. To get the most out of your college experience one of the most important things is to keep an open mind. Be open to new experiences and ideas. One of the important parts of your experience is meeting new people, viewing other cultures, and gaining new perspectives on life. Try to be involved in clubs and extracurricular activities. College is the best time to experience new activities.

research and look for what you really want your kids to go thorugh and find the best programs out there!

I would suggest living on campus and not commuting from home so that you can experience the full college experience. I encourage students to get out of their "box" and get involved in the different opportunities on campus. When looking for the right college, pick one that has your major and one that you feel comfortable with the size.

If you or your child have any interest, no matter how little interest it may be, in attending or considering a school for attendence, don't throw it out of the pile. Visit as many schools as possible, because the event of actually being on the campus helps to decide where you want to attend- the brochures can only help some. If you let yourself throw a school out of consideration because of something on the website or in a brochure that your not quite sure about, you may be missing a great opportunity.