Calvin College Top Questions

Find a college. Get a degree. Get a job and pay the bills. Afterward, when you know so much more about life and what you want to do, then you can start thinking about finding that right job. Either that or you can take a year off from highschool to college and travel. Do some kind of volunteer travel to another country type of work. You will learn a lot and get so much insight to better you in college. To students: college is a job, not like highschool. To parents: let your kids go to the college and do the major they want. You do not know them better than they know themselves.

When searching for the college that's perfect for you, take three factors into consideration. First, how large is the student body? Is it important for you to know everyone on campus (and have them know you), or would you like a larger student body that is likely to be more diverse? Most of my friends and I have gone to schools that are as large or larger than high school. Second, how far away is the college from your hometown? How easy would it be for you to go home for holidays or an emergency? If the college is nearby, would you feel bored or trapped after a while? My college is two hours away from my hometown, so it's a different community, but I'm close to home when I need a break. Finally, how does the college's vision match your own? During a campus visit, or while viewing the college's website, take a look at the school's mission statement, and see how much it resonates with your own worldview. I chose a school that matches my religious views, and I have enjoyed learning from professors that share my faith. Good luck!

Find a school that will let you be you. Don't go to the standard visitation days - set up a time individually so you can get a better idea of what the campus is really like. Do a spontaneious visit that is not announced to the school, and chat with some of the students about what they like best and what their regrets are.

The "right" college probably doesn't exist; however, you can make decisions that make whatever school you're at seem closer or farther from being that "right" school. Look for a loving, challenging, honest community. Talk to students about everything when you go and visit, and ask for honest answers! If you don't have a good reason for going to school but just feel like you want to go...why not just go? Enter college with an open mind and heart. Try to get over yourself as soon as you can. It took me until right before I was done with my undergrad work to realize this. Know that however screwy you think you are doesn't matter- be whoyou are, who God created you to be, and who he's molding you into being... and let people see that! Ask deep questions and don't be afraid to question the "right" answers. Get off campus as much as you can. The on-campus community is great and can be very supportive, but you're spending four years in this amazing new place-- get to know it! Serve, learn, study, do new things, and take every chance you get!

My advice? Recognize your goals, understand your budget, and visit a lot of places. College can be a great experience or a waste of time. Not every person is suited for higher learning. One thing to keep in mind is that you are at school to learn. At least in my view, a flourishing social life can happen later. Right now is a time for working really hard and learning about what I'll need to be successful. Of course I can make lifelong friends and expand my experiences along side my schoolwork, but in the long run I'll garnish more from my years here by paying attention to my academics. One final note. People tend to find what they're looking for. If you're looking for a life changing, educational experience, chances are you get one. If you're looking for a place to pursue hedonic pleasure, you can probably find it cheaper somewhere else.

I would tell parents not to force their children to go to a school that they dont want to go to. If the kid is forced to go to a school that they dont want to go to, the whole experiance will most likely be a lot less enjoyable. I would tell the student to be careful about looking at the size of their potential school, and to make sure that they wont be overwhelmed at a huge school. I would also tell the student to make sure that the school has the program that they want to go into, because it is not worth going to a school if they dont have your program. Basically, I would just say to think it through carefully, and don't make any impulsive decision about where to go, because college is a pretty expensive place to go.

Make sure to choose a school where you will be challenged constantly. It's not a good idea to pick a school that you know is not going to make you think. The quality of your education from a school that aims to expand your ability to think critically and to come up with your own opinions is well worth the work that will be required to succeed. Also, money is always an issue, but sometimes it's worth taking out loans if you know that your education will be a good one. I didn't think this before, but the campus is extremely important to your learning experience. The facilities available and the university landscape greatly influence how you study and how much you enjoy your time in university.

College is an incredible time of life. It is a time that shapes your personality, intelligence, social life, and beliefs. When choosing a college you need to find somewhere where you are comfortable to be yourself. A college that will challenge you is important as well, as you learn the most when you are challenged. If you have a set plan in life, choose a college that has a strong program in your area of interest. You will learn the most when you learn from the best. However, if you are unsure of what you hope to study, I would recommend a liberal arts college, as they allow you to experience classes from all disciplines. Perhaps you will find your calling while sitting in a class of a discipline you had never even considered before. One last thing: choose a college that has a strong sense of community. You are influenced so much by your peers so do what you can to make that influence a positive one.

Whatever place makes you feel the most comfortable and at home. Pick whatever atmosphere feels right to you.

College is not a time to get everything together in life. It is a time to learn and prepare for life beyond your childhood home. Look for a place that challenges you physically, spiritually, politically, etc. You should not feel out of place, but it should college is not a transplant. Enjoy your time at college.