Concordia University-Wisconsin Top Questions

Choosing a college is kind of like picking out your first guitar. When you pick out a guitar, you need to have an idea of what you're looking for, find a few to try out, and trust your gut to help you know which one is right for you. When you pick out a college, you should know what's important to you, identify schools that match up, visit them, and trust it when one of them feels right to you. Once you're there, be willing to take some chances. That's how you grow. When people first learn to play a guitar, they often hesitate between each chord to make sure they have their fingers in the right places. They have to learn to keep strumming, even if they're not sure their fingers are right, before they'll be able to hit the right chord at the right time. In college, you can stick to what's safe, but unless you're willing to take some steps you're not sure about, you won't grow to your full potential and get the most out of your college experience.

Do not pick a school without going to visit. I was hesitant to come and visit Concordia University-Wisconsin becasue it did not seem like a place I would be used to, but once I experienced the atmosphere, met some of the people, and realized that the faculty really did care about me getting a solid education, I could not pass it up. In conclusion, please do not choose a school merely becasue some of your friends are going as well. College changes an inidividual so much, that you should really come into it with an opne mind and a good attittude to meet new friends.

If students have the ability, they should bring their parents when interviewing prospective colleges. Important questions to ask include what is the standard or average Financial Aid, how often classes for the degree are offered, how many students have graduated with that degree, and what the school's placement rate is, especially in the student's field of study. It is best if students can visit during an active school semester. This way they may view the campus and campus life. They may even be able to sample a meal in the dining hall. Once enrolled, students should join organizations that intrigue them. If possible, they should look for an on-campus job. If the school offers a place for tutoring, students should take advantage of those services. The students not only increase their knowledge, but they can also expand their social arena by doing this.

Parents and students need to be aware of what each university has to offer. Many times the students will go into the institution not knowing what they want to do. Make sure that there are a variety of degrees offered, especially those that you may be interested in, with well-respected programs. Also, make sure that the financial aid is substantial enough for what you have to offer. Don't back off if you think you deserve more, you're worth it. For students especially, it is extremely important to get involved. Academics are important, but that is not all that college is. College is making relationships that last and having fun while doing it. Go out and meet people, you won't regret it! These are the best years of your life before you have to go out into the real world, make the most of it.

Find a school that fits and not one because of a legacy or athletic program. Students should feel safe and secure and comfortable in their major and while living on campus.

Look for the major you want to do. Find true and trustworthy friends. If you want to play a sport in college try out its the best experince I have had personally.

Don't be afraid to try new things. Don't be afraid to change your mind. I was in nursing. I thought my soul purpose was to be a nurse. Then I became a CNA. Hated every minute of it. Now I've switched majors to Music Therapy.

To find the right college you must not worry so much about the social scene. There are always those who study and those who don't. Just try and figure out what you want of your college experience and will that school deliver what you want.

While giving advice to incoming college students, I would tell them to look for the program which best suits their personal career choice, and to continue applying for independent scholarships throughout their student career. I would definatley advise them to do extensive research on the colleges they are considering, and to compare them side by side on as many things as they can find.