Biola University Top Questions

Give your kids the freedom to experience life the way they want to. Allow your kids continue growing up, be supportive of their descisions.

I would advise parents and students to weight each of the facts of each school: academics, community, faculty, location, student body, etc. Its important to get a full experience while in undergrad, to help narrow your interests to help decide your career.

Keep in mind that choosing a college is about more than just academics -- your college experience will drastically change the way that you look at the world and the person you are. Follow your "gut instict" about schools that you are deciding between; ultimately, that reaction can go further than making pro/con lists and deciding based on school rankings or prestige. Pick a school where you can truly see yourself being happy and productive. Good luck!

Be aware that most likely the major you choose when going into college will change as you get to experience and see what else is out there. In addition, realize that though it is expensive, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity and so it is worth the investment. More than anything else, get involved with the school, live on campus, and try to meet people.

It's not so much about finding the "right" college as it is about investing yourself in what you've chosen. Decide what you want to pursue and pursue it whole-heartedly. College is an awesome experience, but it's not the sum total of your existence. Let it be a stepping stone and don't allow it to be the thing that makes or breaks your life.

While academia and GPA's are certainly at the core of higher eduction, college is also an extremely impressionable period of your life, where you have the precious opportunity and resources to think, build relationships, and hopefully become a respectable adult. College is the four years that is supposed to prepare you for a life that isn't easy. Exams, mid-terms, and even GPA's, we eventually forget about. But the fundamentals of the life perspective and ethics we develop in college will have an effect on our lives forever. It's not a time to be wasted on parties, alcohol, and sex, nor is it a time to solely make the grades to graduate suma cum laude. It's an expensive, life-molding, person-building experience that one should treasure the luxury of having.

Don't doubt your first inclination. Move forward once you've made you decision. Once you're in college, know your limitations.

Don't be afraid to really research and visit the campus! This decision affects the rest of you or your child's life, so don't make it rashly.

Visit the dormotories, sit in on classes in the major for which you are applying, and speak to the professors in your major

Visit every college on your list. Narrow your choices down to these things: values the college holds to, the character of the teachers and students you meet, the size of the program(s) you are interested in applying for, and the area surrounding the school. If you are an introvert and want a small quiet college experience, don't go to a big city that will overwhelm you. Or maybe the introvert wants a place that will take him/her out of their shell ... maybe a big city is for them. Consider the values most of all though. This will determine how teaching/learning is carried out in the classroom. Take your time visiting colleges and don't be afraid to talk to as many people as possible. Ask them what they like most about the college or working for it and what they like least. Stay in the dorm room a night or two, visit classrooms, eat in the cafe, and go to a sports event or a pep ralley. Go with your gut and where you feel most comfortbale. The last thing you want to feel is like an outsider where you will spend the next 4 years.