Elon University Top Questions

The most important thing I learned about preparing for college, and making the most of it once I got there, was learned in my high school classrooms. During a required "College Match" class each junior had to participate in, I begrudgingly took personality tests and researched the top universities. But after the class had finished, it made me realize that starting early is the key to making college a success. While I don't mean that preschoolers should be contemplating their Ivy League entrance essays, I do think that juniors and seniors should begin to think about what they want from their college and how to get there, allowing themselves to ease into the college mindset. And once you make it into the dorms and lecture halls: get your hands in everything. Try out clubs and activities you never would have in high school. There, it is likely that you'll discover your passions. College is an exciting and fruitful time, if you allow it to be. And by starting the search early and making the most of it once you get there, there will be no first- day shocks or graduation-day regrets.

As countless college students and alumni will advise: you MUST visit colleges to truly get a feel for the campus and decide if it is the "right" school. Visiting a college helps prospective students get an idea of the student and environmental atmosphere, and this visit should include a tour of the campus and dorms, a visit to at least one of the dining halls, and a conversation with a current student. Tour guides are paid to speak well about their school, so talking to another student can be very revealing (in both a good and bad way). To make the most of the college experience there are a few things that need to be done. 1) Time management: improve it and have the will power to say "no" to a night of partying when you have a paper due on Monday; 2) Social management: learn about yourself...if you need some alone time here and there, make sure it happens. In college, you are constantly surrounded by your friends. Personal time can be extremely beneficial to new college students; finally, 3) Responsibility: realize that every homework assignment you submit says something about you. These years create YOU.

Focus on the journey of college, not so much the destination. Excelling in school and finding a prosperous career is important, but don't forget to have fun, get involved, and try new things. Go with your gut in finding the right school.

When you first enter the campus, you need to feel the gut feeling that you feel comfortable and excited to spend a good amount of time. College becomes a second home to young adults and it should be a place you enjoy being. Don't go to a specific college for anybody but the student's best interest. College will be a few years that people should remember and look fondly upon in remembrance. When you get to the school, get involved. Being engaged with the university is vital. Give as much as you can to the education and extracurricular activities. The student may not remember every class he participated in, however, he or she will remember the memories that changed their lives: service activities, internship experiences, etc. Live your life and enjoy the blessings you have received.

The best advice I can give to parents is to let their children choose what they want in a school versus what you want. This will make the process easier on the child as they won't feel the need to please their parents with every college choice they make. Then, when the child goes to the school they choose, the parents can rest assured this was a choice their child made for themselves, not for the parent which gives them a greater chance of being happy at the school they have chosen. As for students, I would say not to compromise on what you want. If a school is lacking something you desire, then continue searching. I wouldn't say completely rule it out, but at least look for other options that have everything you want in a school. You're only going to be truly happy somewhere that has everything you want. Once you're at school, get involved with things on campus. This will make the transition much easier and it will be easier to make friends to make the most of your college experience.

Make sure you choose your school based on how comfortable your student feels on the campus. Also, visit the school during a "non-tour" day...that way you'll see more of the real life of the campus.

I want to make this short and simple because thats all life is really. Parents tell your kids to live. Get up each and every day with things to accomplish and fresh air to breath. Dont allow a minute of your college life go off unnoticed. Envigorate your life with things that inspire you and motivate you. Its simple, no matter where you go to school if you just challenge yourself to live each day--sweat a little, tear up a little, make art a little...your time and money will be well spent. Live.

I would tell students and parents alike to keep in mind that deciding on the right college is a huge decision that should not be rushed. Actual visits to the college are often the most beneficial, since it allows prospective students to get a feel for the college they are applying to, rather than just seeing the information on paper. When I was deciding where to apply as a high school student, it was my visit to Elon that sealed the deal- the feeling is indescribable, but once you know, you KNOW. Once you are in college, there are so many ways to make the most of your college experience! Upon entering Elon's campus I immediately saw so many doors open up. Academics are certainly the most important reason for attending college, but it is the extracurricular and social opportunties that really help you make the most of the college experience. There are endless options for involvement in clubs, Greek Life, student government, sports, and various other studant organizations. It is your involvement in such extracurricular activities that allows you to experience all that college has to offer, and provides essential skills in preparation for life after graduation.

tour a lot of campuses to find out what feels right for you

Look at what is important to you when selecting a school. Most schools are similar and you can get a quality education almost anywhere depending on your desired course of study. Don't rule anything out until the end because you never know what may change. The school should fulfill your needs, not the other way around. While it is important that your school of choice be competitive and challenging, remember that four years of academic study in a place that makes you feel good is more important than four years at a renown school that is absolutely miserable. There is somewhere out there for everyone, the journey to finding it is part of the reward.