Champlain College Top Questions

College has shown me who I am. I have realized my potential and am now working harder then ever to fufill it. I also see what a hugh impact someone with my major, criminal justice can make. I have also gained more direction in my life. I now know that I either want to work in the FBI or become a lawyer in the foster care system.

Diz, You got out of that house and have your freedom, but you need to make sure that you don't loose focus. I know having three roommates is not ideal but you just need to find other places to relax and get work done (your dorm has a great stoop with big stone steps and a bench!). Don't get caught up in new romances with people, especially not ones in your dorm because then you will dread doing laundry, because it will not help you in the long run. You will face challenges that you need to overcome because if you want to work for the federal government they will know what you did. Trust me, they go there. And as much as I don't want you to repeat high school where you worked away so much of your time, you need to prepare for the troubles to come. Also, just sell your car. It is going to die within the next year anyways and let's be honest it has been nothing but trouble and sucked up all your money. Buy a horse.

I sometimes think when looking back on my highschool career, I wish I took more time to spend that extra few minutes on studying or more time on homework, I tell myself that I would be placed with more opportunities. This is all true but I also believe that everything happens for a reason and I was given the opportunity to attend the great school that I am at now. If I could go back and talk to myself as a senior I'd tell myself spend less money,save for all that was needed to be paid for. I'd say dont stress out, get things done as they come, to make friends and to have balance. Lastly I would tell my little senior self to spend a massive amount of time with my friends and family, especially my family. I found that I missed them far way more than I thought I would have, my school is a almost 5 hour drive it is hard to get home when I just want to give my parents, siblings or pets a big hug. I would give myself a small tip, bring a lot of quarters for the laundry machines.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself so many things! First I would tell myself to calm down. I remember my unbelievable nervousness about the transition from little high school to big college and from living with my parents to barely seeing them; but in the end it really wasn't that bad! I was worried about making new friends and keeping my focus on my schoolwork but each has come easily to me here. I would tell myself to prepare more while still in high school, such as developing productive studying methods and better time-management skills. I would encourage myself to take more pride in my work and exert greater confidence.

Research your school, visit and ask students lots of questions!

My advice to parents and/or students is to first seek out a location where you feel comfortable, yet you still feel that you have room to grow. I would personally reccomend a small college, which enables you to have a connection with the professors. Choose a school that offers your major but don't worry whether or not your school specializes in that specific division. College is about acquiring basic knowledge for the real world; it's about learning how to learn. Many of the skills you require for your major are mastered in an internship or on the job. No one knows what the future will bring, so do all you can now to learn for the sake of learning simply to better yourself; the rest will come with time and practice.

I believe that visiting colleges is very importaint. Visiting is how you really get a feel for the kind of people at the school and if you think that you would fit in well. Also to look at more than just what the freshman housing and classes are like. Look at the types of housing available for the upperclassmen, and what kinds of classes and internships you have to do as an upperclassmen.

Visit the schools you're looking at, it's probably one of the most important things you can do. You get a sense of what the environment is like, especially if you go during the school year when students are taking classes. You get a better sense of the scope of the school in person than you do from select pictures on the school's website. Also, try to go to a school with a lot of majors so if you change your mind after first or second semester there's a better chance the school will have what your interested in and you won't have to readjust to another school. Many students change their mind about their major after experiencing it. Finally, be outgoing, people are usually really friendly and are looking for new friends like you.

Right down a list of exactly what you want to find in a college (classroom size, location, activities, etc.), then rate your selections based on this information. Also, make sure you visit ALL the colleges of your choice because you really do get the feeling like "this is the place for you" when you step onto the campus that is right. Definitely get involved with things such as orientation because this is the time to make friends, and get involved once on campus. No one needs to know about your high school life, so now is the chance for you to become who you want to be and portray the image you choose. Make sure you do plenty of research on as many schools as possible before making your decision. And don't go just because all your current friends are going!

Visit every school you may be interested in. Take a tour, talk to faculty and students, and explore the surrounding area. If you can, sit in on a class. Meet with the financial aid office to ensure you are getting the best package possible. Once you know who your roommates are, talk to them and work out what you're each going to bring and your interests and pet peeves. Lastly, make sure you get insurance on your phone. They fall in pitchers, puddles, and toilets far too often.