Davidson College Top Questions

Find the place that fits you in the most aspects of life. No place is perfect but aiming for the best possible fit academically, socially, financially, and emotionally will make anywhere feel like home

Visit every college you apply to and really get a feel for the campus, faculty, staff, student, and administrators.

Pick the college that feels right to you. Not your parents. I would strongly advise that you visit the college before to see if you fit, and if it fits you. If you can get along with the people, and you feel at home with the campus. You will know that it's the right college for you, you will just feel it. So stand up for what college YOU want to go to. If your parents say that you should go somewhere else, don't back down. Because then you will regret it. But whatever college you go to, make the best of it--whether it was your first choice or not. Take the classes you want, not the ones your friends are because you will meet new people. It's okay to make new friends and have old friends drift away. It's a time to discover who you are--so just have fun and be who you are--not necessarily who you use to be.

When I first thought about college, I decided I wanted a private, small liberal arts school. Somehow, during the application process and getting swept up in school ratings, where friends were applying to, etc I ended up applying to a variety of larger schools and some state schools. When it came time to decide on a school, I looked back over and found that the one that suited me most was in fact Davidson, a small private liberal arts school which I had applied to half-heatedly while getting caught up in applications to Berkely, Georgetown, and Boston University (to name a few). Looking back over my choices, I realized that even though these other schools might be bigger names, I in fact would be a better fit at Davidson: a school in a small, close-knit town, very green and beautiful, a lake campus, 4 hours from home so a good distance, and with wonderful professors ready to assist you, or just sit and have coffee. I realized that I needed to look at MY needs, MY interests. In the end I choose based on where I could thrive, rather than which school would look best on my resume

If possible, stay overnight or a weekend with a student at the school you think you're in love with. Try to envision yourself in that environment and evaluate if you'd be happy there.

Students should take advantage of overnight programs for prospective students in order to better experience a day at a school before making a decision. Sit in on a variety of classes; science and liberal arts classes differ and the professors that teach them are very different. Attending one class will not provide an accurate picture of class at a particular school. Consider some off-campus experiences that you would like and look at schools that will provide opportunities for those experiences.

You are the one who is going spend these next four years at the school you choose. Thus this choice is yours. You are the only one who is is going to feel the full weight of this decision. Don't sell your soul- it doesn't matter what other people think. Ultimately you are deciding what kind of person you want to be. Yeah, this is that big a decision! The place you choose to go will shape you in ways you cannot yet image. You need to think about what kind of person you want to be and how a each college on your list can help you get there. Do your research. Email professors, email students, visit campus, sit in on classes. People love to talk about thier schools. Let them talk, ask good questions, and listen carefully. You have been a child until now. This is the time to take control of your own destiny. Where you choose to spend your college years is the place where you will grow up. Where can you see yourself growing up? What about that place will make you grow? Remeber: stay positive, you have a lot to offer.

Follow your heart and your gut...if it feels right. ..it probably is.

I would ask them to spend a lot of time in researching for the right school. I think it heavily depends on what parents and students prefer in their education.

Apply to saftey schools that you would actually attend. Go with the school that makes you happy, not the name or the best one that you got into. Ask tons of questions on tours. Talk to people who aren't giving you a tour. When at school, make time for yourself, your community and your academics, find balance, enjoy it.