Goshen College Top Questions

If I were to go back in time and be able to give myself advice about college, these are some of the things I'd say. First, I'd remind myself that college is a huge change in life. You change friends, where you live, your schedule, sleep and eating patterns, and study patterns. Since it's such a big change, I'd remind myself that big changes take time to adjust to. Realizing that transitioning into college life is a long process that takes a lot of time, and energy, support is essential. I would tell myself to stay connnected to friends and family at home that can help me transition, while trying to find at least one confident to help ease the transition once arriving at school. I would also want to remind myself that patience and CONSCIOUSLY trying to involve myself and try new things are crucial for making friends and the transition more smooth. Finally, I would remind myself to have fun, take care of myself by trying to get good sleep, eat healthily, and exercise.

I would make sure that I knew how to study well before exams and that I would focus more in calculus and get college credits for it in high school then having to take it in college.

I would have learned how to study for exams and to write papers better.

In choosing the right school for you or your child, decide what characteristics are necessary in a good educational institution according to you or your child. Decide first these characteristics, and search for schools keeping those characteristics in mind. Read the mission statement of the school and see that it matches your values. Once you have started college, keep in mind what you want to get from the school. This includes educational aspects and social aspects. College is expensive and you want to get the most for your money, so decide what is most important to you and strive to get your money's worth!

The process for deciding on the right college can be stressful, difficult , and at times deceptive, but with a bit of guidance it is ultimately rewarding. Start by using that mass of glossy mail to get a general idea about each college. It is perfectly acceptable to be somewhat arbitrary in deciding what schools belong on your short list. There is such a quantity of options that you may need to just pick five to focus on, otherwise it will be too hard to manage. A campus visit should bring you the most insight, but never assume that the real experience will perfectly mirror that microcosmic view. During your first semester as a student you will decide if you chose correctly. If it is impossible to find reliable friends or you are not receiving the education you paid for, you should think about tranfering. In order to survive college remember that you need make time for friends with whom you can study, laugh, and commiserate. Do not forget why you came to college though, you should not let your friends take over your life and your grades suffer. It is all about finding your perfect balance.

Go visit a school before you enroll in it. Once you have narrowed sown your choice of colleges, go ahead and visit the school multiple times. Also, make sure you have one or two solid connections with people at that school before you attend.

Visit a variety of colleges. Don't go somewhere just becasue it is popular with your friends.

Visit the college first and spend a night or two on campus if you're planning on living on-campus while attending. Before visiting colleges, write up a list of requirements for the college (including programs offered, sports, music, size, location, class sizes, etc.) and narrow down choices to ones that fit your specifications. Ask questions. Get to know your professors and ask questions when you can't figure something out. Be diverse and get involved in activities you wouldn't normally become involved in, such as intermural sports, theatre productions, choir, art, etc. Get to know those around you--they may end up being your friends for life. Get a job on-campus or off-campus for some extra cash for those late-night snacks, movies, eating out, etc.

Go to Goshen College.

Open yourself up to new experiences while putting academics first.