George Fox University Top Questions

First, don't overlook anything: attend college fairs, send for information on colleges that interest you, and ask questions. Don't just ask your high school buddies where they think you should go -- ask teachers, or your advisor, and keep an open dialogue with the schools that interest you. A college may look nice on paper, but the location may not suit you in reality, so visit the campus of the school or schools that you're interested in or have applied to. To get the most out of your college experience, make goals. If you want to excel in academics, set aside some study time and find a quiet place to get things done. Don't forget to balance study time with friends and/or extracurricular activities, like clubs. It's important to have fun, but college is meant to teach and prepare you for a career -- hopefully one that you will enjoy. Two of the very most important things about college that most people forget are getting enough sleep and eating right. Nothing can replace either for long, and your grades and attitude will probably reflect a lack thereof.

Find a college that seems to fit your personality. Take into account the cost, but don't let that deter you from applying to a college. Often the financial aid packages will cover the bulk of the cost and the most expensive schools are not always the most expensive when the financial aid packages come in. The most important thing is that you feel you fit in at the college you're at and that it provides you with the opportunities you need to grow as a person. When you finally get into college, make sure that you do study and keep your grades up. However, don't get too buried in the books. College is a unique place; you will probably never again be surrounded by so many smart and talented individuals. Look for opportunities to explore your interests outside of the classroom. Form friendships with people who have the same interests and goals and try to help each other out. Collegiate soil is rich and open to new ideas. There is a reason many of the most successful ideas come from college kids.

Make sure you visit different campuses. The experiance you feel there is the most important. Don't become too stressed about picking and choosing. Constantly work on scholarships!

Pick the school that feels right.

Visit the Campus. It makes all the difference.

I would tell the students to choose the school that gives them the most of what they are looking for weather that's sports or acedemics. I would tell parents to pray about it and make sure their child is told the correct things and make sure they understand every college is going to try and sell their school. You can't always trust them. Also I would encourage the student to spend the night with a current freshman and see what it is truly like to be a college student.

awesome school

That college is the basework of the development process that young people go through. A good college sets the student up for success in the world after school. It is also important that the school fits the true personality of the student as he or she will feel more comfortable to plug into the social and academic campus life. A great school will have a great staff and faculty to back it up. These are the people that will help guide your student through college and into the world. So picking the staff and faculty is just as important as picking the school. Every student who feels invested in will in return invest more in their college experience.

Make sure parents and students do their own independent research on the schools you apply to before you decide upon one. Try to find people who have attended or are attending the school to talk to to get their impression. I would strongly suggest visiting the school and meeting some of the professors you may have, maybe even sit in on a class, to get an idea of what to expect. Remember to keep an open mind while in school, and that if you are deeply unsatisfied that you can always go somewhere else! Make the most of your experience and take advantage of every opportunity the school offers, and have fun!

I would highly stress the importance of on campus visits. Visiting a school, attending classes, and interacting with professors and students can you give a wealth of information essential. Also research the majors that the schools offer and make sure that they have the major (s) that you're interested in. Check out their study abroad programs and extra curricular activities like clubs and sports programs. Make sure that the campus setting (rural, suburban, etc.) is one that you could see yourself living in. I think that the way the admissions staff interacts and communicates with you is very important. Are they friendly, helpful, and genuine? Or do they treat you like a number and are difficult to communicate with? Refering to making the most of your college experience, I would encourage you to get involved with school activities. Join clubs and attend social events. Get to know your classmates and don't stress to much about grades. Of course, grades are important, but I believe that the most valuable aspect of your college education happens outside the classroom. College is about getting to know yourself, so get out of your comfort zone and figure out who you are.