Brianne
To Students and Parents,
Finding the best school for a student is extremely important as it will be the place where you spend the majority of your time over the next two to four years. Make sure to choose schools that are known to have great programs related to your major, but also look at other factors such as size, location, safety, student/faculty ratios, social opportunities, and graduation rates. Also, make sure to tour each school of choice to see whether or not it fits your individuality as a student. Next, keep your priorities in line but also find time for social activities and forming friendships. Lastly, go into your first year of college with a positive attitude and be open to new ideas, experiences, and people. College really can be the best time of your life if you make sure that the school you attend is the best possible choice for you!
Ralph
When looking for the right college, look for a college with lots of options and a solid liberal arts curriculm. The reason for this is that most students do not end up working in the field they major in. Having a background with various skills required at a Liberal Arts school allows for alot of flexibility. Also, students sometimes find a new calling, something they enjoy more than the origonally intended major. Having lots of options available is key. Keep as many doors open as possible. Look for professors that are excited about the subject matter and use interesting ways to teach it. Those are the most important aspects of selecting a college.
Sara
Parents and students should try to find a college that is affordable because being in debt and having a lot loans is stressful.
Students should find a college that they feel safe at because they will spend most of their day at the college's campus and being comfortable makes learning easier. Picking the right loaction is very key. Students should also find a college that has something that will interest them and offers a greaty variety of classes in the field that they will be headed in. The reason is because students need an opportunity to gain a lot of information that corresponds to their major to be successful.
To get the most out of the college experience students should get involved in a club, sport, or any extra-curricular activity that the
college offers. The reason is because it's a great way to expand a person's socail life and to make friends. Another reason is because student will have a chance to bond with upper class students who will most likely give them vital information about the college and help them with problems, like registering for classes.
Heather
I make sure you are going to school for something that you love. Going to school for something you are not passionate will not be as rewarding in the long run.
Danielle
I think that going to visit the college is the best first move. I had my heart set on attending a different university, but once I walked onto the campus I knew it wasn't where I wanted to spend four of the most important years of my life. When I first walked onto the Fitchburg State quad I had the "oompa loompa effect" it reminded me of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when they walk into the chocolate room. Everything seemed absolutly perfect to me. I could easily visualize myself sitting underneath a tree on the campus quad in a study group, or laying out on the lawn reading a book. Sometimes what you see on paper and on the internet is not what it seems to be. The atmopshere of an institution makes the biggest difference in your college experiance.
Johanna
This past fall I transferred from Gordon College to Fitchburg State for financial reasons. In no way do I regret my decision to go to Gordon for my first two years of College, but I am extremely glad that I transferred to Fitchburg State this year. There is no experience like living in a college dorm and if it is possible, but it is really important to make sure the community is conducive for your personal interests and intents in living on campus. Definitely stay overnight on campus and visit at least one class so that you really experience what living there and going to school will be like. You have to be comfortable living there and you have to be able to study since that is why you are there. In terms of academics, I have experienced both private and public education and if anything, my education at a public college is at least as good if not better, so don't let a private education make your decision. Ultimately, you are going for an education to get a job, but you want to enjoy your time spent there. College is an important investment, take advantage of it!
Ashley
When applying for schools, have a variety of choices for yourself - apply to a school you know you will have no trouble getting into, some that are more competitive, and "reach" schools - even if you think you probably won't get in, apply for it as a challenge to yourself. Be sure to visit all of the schools you apply to, and talk to alumni or current students about the schools if possible. Hearing it first-hand from real students rather than a brochure is always helpful and informative.
Look closely at the programs they offer, especially if you already know what you want to major in. If you want to major in English and love the school itself, but their English program is mediocre at best, you probably won't be satisfied with your education. Take into account the extracurricular activities offered - you don't want to get to orientation and find out they don't have the activity you were looking forward to participating in.
Once you start at your new school, make a sincere effort to make friends, whether in your dorm or your classes or both. Go to campus events - don't isolate yourself.
Amanda
All colleges are not the same. Some have large graduate programs and devote much of their time and resources to research. Others enroll only undergraduates and focus their attention on teaching and learning. Some schools have a specialty in one specific area, like engineering or writing, while others are best known for giving their students a broad education. Other differences include whether schools are single sex or coed, if they have a religious affiliation, and whether they are public or private.
The options really are almost limitless. Trust your instincts. If a place feels right, that's important. Similarly, if it just feels wrong, no matter who wants you to go there or how good it looks on paper, it probably is. College is a very personal choice, and after considering all the other objective factors, the fact of the matter is that it comes down to you. then use your gut feeling, becasue that is right 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the time. Could you imagine yourself going to school there? Once you find a few places that you like, you'll be well on your way to finding the college that's right for you.
Maureen
Be sure to visit a lot of colleges
Jordan
Go with what you feel is right. Don't look at college by price and location. Go by how you feel about the institution. If you feel that you will get the most out your college experience, then go there.