Cedarville University Top Questions

Choosing a college is a huge decision in life and I don't think there is any college that is perfect for everyone. When making a decision on a college its important that they have the program that you want to do, and that it has a quality education. However, college is more than an education it's an experience that transitions you from a child to an adult, from your parents making your decisions to you making your decisions. This makes it crucial to find a school that will help you get ahead not just in education but in life. Look for a school that fits your personality, what school will help you grow up? I'm not talking about what school has the biggest parties, but what school has the facilities that will aid you in making real friends, and real life decisions? Do you need a small school that specializes in one area that will allow you to fit in and focus? Or, are you a person that needs a big school with lots going on that will allow you to really try new things and experiences? These are crucial questions to answer that often get overlooked.

Know exactly what you want and go to the college that agree's with your values and your life plan. If money is the issue, try finding scolarships early so that you can get the best education possible.

Picking the right college is a huge deal because it will impact one's life forever. It is important to pick a school that not only has a good academic program for one's anticipated major, but also a good career services department to assist with the process of job hunting upon graduation. Even more important than this, however, is the values of the school. Pick a school that has beliefs and values that are similar to your own. Beliefs and values infiltrate every aspect of student life from social circles to the classroom. Cedarville, for example, places a lot of value upon reaching out to the surrounding community and distant countries in the world. This has strengthened an already strong passion for ministry and missions, and broadended my outlook on many things. As an RA here on campus, I have gotten to interact with countless students here and it has been an enormous blessing. Although academics are extremely important, friendships and networking are the heartbeat of college life. The friendships I have built here are going to last for a lifetime and beyond. Stay on top of academics, but never neglect your friends and social life.

Talk to the students. Do not just ask professors and admissions .

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Upon embarking on the college search, it is important for the student and the parents to identify a clear objective or purpose in pusuing higher education and why it is worth making that investment. As for myself, I do not view my college experience as simply preparing me for a specific job opportunity. Rather, I am primarily pursuing college as a means of completing my education while at the same time benefiting from an experience which fosters growth and independence and which just in general helps develops successful strategies for approaching and conquering life's problems. For many people it seems that if the college decision is not based on career objectives then it is based on finances or the subsequent lack. However, it is not really fair to compare the pricetag of a particular institution to the potential employment situation directly following, for college is a long term investment. I myself cannot afford the college I am attending, neither could my three older siblings, but somehow we are all making it through and learning to allow our immediate indebtness to motivate us to work hard now to eventually reap the benefits later.

Make sure you pray hard about where you should go. With the way college costs these days, you dont want to make the right decision and not realize it until you are a year or two in. College is typically four years long, just like high school. You want it to be the best, you dont want to be miserable while at school. It is not just about the social life, but if you only pick a school because of the academics, you might find yourself depressed and that depression will ultimately affect your school work. You need to find a place that you can call, a home away from home. You have to feel comfortable and feel welcomed at your college, otherwise it will be a long, painful, four years. Make the best out of your college experience. It helps direct the rest of your life!

It's important to look at more than one school and visit each of them before making your decision. There are a lot of good schools out there, but not all are right for everyone. Visiting the campus, especially when classes are in session gives you a really good feel for what the school is going to be like if you choose to attend there. Also take advantage of opprtunities to get involved while attending whatever school you choose. So many of my really close friendships started by getting involved in various orgs and other activities on campus. When picking a school, look at the extracurricular activities they offer.

I would recommend getting away from home. I did not like being so far away at first, but I think it is an important part of the College experience that you are out on your own and experiencing life as an adult, making your own decisions. If you get home sick, just stick it out for at least a semester and try to do a whole year. You may be surprised how well you adjust in such a short amount of time. Also, time management is key! It is so easy to waste time hanging out, watching movies, being on facebook, etc. If you utilize your afternoons to get all your work done, you can enjoy your evenings more and get plenty of sleep! Do the reading that is assigned and this will also help you to understand your class work better. If you focus on your studies it will be worth it in the end when you are equipped for a career that will support you that you actually enjoy doing! Good Luck!

I greatly advise that you find a quality school with the atmosphere that you value most. Be sure that it has your major, then pray about what the right decision is. Look to God for guidance because He really does care about what goes on in ourlives. When He shows you where to go, trust him to provide the finances you need. If that is the school He wants you at, He will provide, for He is a faithful God.