Hope College Top Questions

Don't focos on percentages and numbers, whether its admission rates or financial aid amounts, find the school that speaks to you, and go for it. When you're there don't focus on the grade percentages either. Learn the material- that's the important part. And experience the "college experience" - employers don't just look for someone who sat in a library for four years.

Take time to visit the colleges you're interested in, and visit more than once if you can. It helps the decision making process a lot. Try visiting at different times of the year, and get an early start in the college search process if possible. Upon your arrival at college, get involved right away, talk to everyone you meet, and be open to new ideas. See what's out there and take some classes just for fun.

My advice to students entering college and to parents of students trying to make the most of the college experience is just to embrace it. There is so much worry and stress that goes into finding the right college and making big decisions that are involved with going to college that often people just get anxious but my philosophy is that things will work out- and our worries don't help anything. There are probably several colleges that a student can be happy at so the myth of "the one and only perfect college for me" just creates more stress, and if a student ends up at a college where they aren't happy they can learn what makes it not work for them and make changes- it isn't the end of the world. When you finally get to college dive in! There will be so many new things to try and people to meet-- explore it all! There are often programs for parents to get involved in as well and these are a great way for parents to keep up with what is happening at the college but still allowing their student freedom.

Keep an open mind when you go on college visits because some of the schools you visit you would say "I never want to go there" but then in the end, thats where you feel like you belong. Look for a school that has a good program for your major. This is beacause since college comes with a high price tag, you definately need to make sure that you are getting your money's worth when it comes to an education. Also look at the professors and how well they know their area of teaching and backgrounds. See how avalible the professors are when it comes to help in a class or anything else because if they are unaccessible when you need them most, that will greatly cripple you. Look at how the students act on campus: Are they smiling? Do they say "Hello" to visitors on campus? How do they interact with the people around them? Try to find a school that has a social atmosphere that you know that you will definately fit into and will be able to form amazing friendship bonds because when you're at college: your peers become your family.

Check them out. Then just go, you will enjoy it if you keep your attitude positive.

I would advise them to visit the college more than once, and not just on visitation days. On visitation days the serve better food, have more guides to help, and as many other things to make their school look better. There are the other days that you don't get to see if you only visit on visitation days and those days are needed to get the correct feel of the atmosphere of the school. It is also important to sit in on classes to see how the classes are structured there and if they fit your learning style.

I would tell them to prayerfully consider their options, visit the schools that are on the docket, see what feels right, and go with it. You want to be at a place where you will be happy. If you are miserable at college, there isn't much you can do other than drop out, and that is not something you want to do. Try to pick out the things in a school that are the most important to you, and don't settle for anything less. If your reasons are faith-based, academic-based, athletic-based, go for it! But remember, you are there to study first and foremost. If you are going to party, party, party, you may want to consider another option until the desire to learn arises. We have minds for a reason. College has the potential to be one of the best chapters in life. Search and search, and when you get any sort of an answer, go with it.

Do not be afraid to follow your heart and dreams; do not follow your high school classmates to the university that everyone is attending. Be strong and choose our own university. Live your life and dreams. Dream big, embrace life and stretch your boundaries, move away from your comfort zone. Do not be afraid of failure, it's ok to fail, you become stronger and learn. At times, it?s invigorating; anything difficult is worth working for and gives a sense of accomplishment. Find the college that fits you and your goals and you will be happy and enjoy what life brings each day.

To find the college that is right for your child or yourself as a student comes down to one thing. Make sure that the college that you choose is the place that makes you feel at home. When you are there you should feel as though you never left the comfort of your home. The people there should be genuine and caring and will invite you in gladly. When you find this school you will know it the moment you arrive there.

Visit as many schools as possible so you can have great comparisons. If you think you could only thrive at a big school, try some small schools anyway, or if you want to venture out of state, still visit some close to home too. After visiting each school make a list of the pros and cons right away so you don't forget your likes and dislikes for each individual school. Research each school through books, pamphlets and their websites to get a complete description, as well. After I had visited 7 schools, all completely different, I only applied to one because my visits had made my decision that clear. Good luck!