Davidson College Top Questions

Start early and maximize your options. Understand what you want from a college, which can withstand some compromise, as well as what you need from a college, which is much more critical that you find. Don't get caught up in the frenzy to attend a well-known school. Surround yourself with people you like and admire because there's a good chance you'll start to pick up some of their attitudes and ideas.

Go visit the campus and go where you feel at home on campus. Also, surround yourself with friendly , loving people. If people are not nice when you visit, they will not be nice when you go there.

For students, I would say choose a school that feels right. Don't go to a school just becuase your friends are going ot because you think it will be easy. Do what feels right for you. If you get into your "reach" school, go. I think you will be suprised at what you can acheive when surrounded by highlt motivated and academically stimulating classmates. For parents, don't let money get in the way of your child's dreams. If the school is right, everything will work out. Don't push your child to go to your undergraduate school. Your child is an individual and you will be suprised at how much they grow once in school. Let them follow their heart, not yours.

Visiting a college campus is the one of the best ways to findthe right college for you or your son or daughter. Meet the faculty and students in the areas you are interested in studying, check out the facilities and dorms, and if possible, spend a long weekend there with a current student. This way you will get a glimplse of the typical school day and weekend in the life of a student at the college. I found that after the visits, my heart was already leading me to the best fit for me. Once you're in and are beginning your college journey, try new things. College is a time when you figure out who you are, what you enjoy doing, and what you're good at. Get out and meet people. Network. Get involved with the community around you and take advantage of free services on campus. Remember that academics is your primary reason for being there., so keep it top priority. Always introduce yourself to professors and keep a running dialogue with them. Good relationships with professors can be valuable for opening doors in research and other opportunities. Plus it's helpful when needing recommendations.

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Visit schools for their personality along with their degree programs.

find out your every preference by visiting a diverse collection of different schools

My parents had a very strong say as to where I will go. I never really wanted to go to the college I am at now and I feel I could have enjoyed myself more had I gone somewhere else. Let their children have a say in where they want to go. It's their experience. Of course the opinion of the parents is always respected, but I feel that the student deserves a say and should ultimately pick.

What I did not realize when I was first selecting the "college of my dreams" is that college will often also be a home-away-from-home. I have discovered that it is most important to find the college where one's heart and mind meet, or in other words, a school where one can excel academically but also socially. Growing mentally is just as vital as growing emotionally and spiritually. Finding the "perfect" school is a process that takes a lot of soul-searching, understanding, and support. I have seen many students hindered from going to their "dream schools" because parents have been afraid to let go of their child. Parents must be supportive and not lose a wonderful opportunity! Students must have faith in themselves. College means challenging yourself. Don't cheat yourself out of a great education because it seems too difficult. When the bar is set, you can make it. Once you find this school, look at its social atmosphere. Research, visit the campus, talk to alumni! Most of all, think about who YOU are. What do you value? Medical school? Studying abroad? Making friends for life? An artsy climate? It's YOUR future!

If the perspective doesn't have a career set in mind, choose a college based on what he/she wants to do while they're in college, not necessarily what they will be doing after they graduate.