Elon University Top Questions

I would tell the student to go to school for what YOU want to do, not what your parents want you to do. You want to major in something that will make you happy in the long run. Also, make sure to visit your school a few times before attending because you want to make sure that this is the right place for you. When you get to school, be active in as many things as you can without overloading yourself. That way, you'll have something to do with your spare time, and you mett new friends! Overall, just make sure it's a place that you will want to spend four years of your life.

Make sure you visit all different types of colleges: private, public, large, small, in-between, diverse, etc... That way you make sure you choose the right school. And don't be afraid to go somewhere outside of your comfort zone!

Get out there and speak to professors - not the deans, the rank and file professors - and see what they have to say. Get personal. Apply everywhere you might like, apply early and often.

Definitely be open to all different school and majors. Explore all the options, and make the decision that feels right for you inside. Do not let others taint your feelings, and go with your gut. Step outside of your comfort zone, and try something new, for it will be so beneficial at the end. Parents, support you child in any way possible with any decisions they may make. Applying for colleges is the most stressful time and a young adults life. Please do not make it harder or them by creating added stress. Them them find the right school for them, and do what you can to help them get there!

Don't force your kids to go where you went because if its not the right fit for them, they will be miserable. Encourage your kids to apply everywhere because they will regret not applying to their dream schools, even if there's a slim chance of them being accepted. If you have to take out student loans, remember that they are in invest in your child and that its a statement of the person you want them to be, so don't just look at the numbers. Remember how hard your kids worked to get where they are, so don't limit them. Don't force your kids to stay close to home just for you. If they want to go out of state, let them because choosing the right school is about them, not about you.

If I coul advise students about finding the right college to make the most out of their experience, it would be to visit the school first. Once you step on the campus, you can get a feel for what you do and do not like. Once you are enrolled in a school, discover what it has to offer! (If you're payin' the big bucks, it's not to go out and party everynight.) Look into certain organizations and clubs, sports and Greek Life to help you socialize as well as learn about yourself and your community!

I would recommend that parents leave the decision up to their children entirely, while still remaining actively involved. If a child does not feel welcome or comfortable at a university, it will never make their academic experience easier. However, if you remain an active part in their college search, you will be able to tell if a certain university is just not the place for your child. A student can truly feel after spending time on campus whether or not that university is the right place for them. Don't pressure your child to go where you went, or to go to a school that is known for the major they are interested in. Don't rush them to apply, and DON'T do their applications for them. Stay involved, but rememer that ultimately, your child is the one who has to attend that university for a designated period of time. It should be up to them where they want to spend the "best years of their life."

Go somewhere you feel comfortable. Some place you're not going to wake up one morning and be embarrassed of your fellow students, the school's upkeep or the reputation it holds. Sometimes small and unknown colleges are hidden gems.

Go with your instinct.

The college admissions process is incredibly daunting. For it to be successful, the student must ask themselves, can I truly see myself here for 4 years? Some will walk onto a campus and immediately feel the right vibe that tells them they've found their college choice. For those that are not so lucky, I reccommend attending a class in your anticipated major and talking to students in that class to get a feel for the university, its professors, extracurricular activities and social life. Visit during an open house and on a random day during the year. Colleges put on such a show on Open House weekends; while that's wonderful for gathering surface information, to truly get a sense of the school, you must talk with those currently attending it. Once you've made your selection and you've moved in, ENJOY! Be sure to get involved! Go to class and engage with your classmates and professors or find an organization that suits you. By getting involved you'll find your niche. That group of friends will be your rock of support through your college years and beyond. Breathe. You'll know when you've found the right school!