Hope College Top Questions

Make sure you find somewhere with faculty and staff who care about the progress of the students, and will be available to advise, help, or just talk. I have greatly benefitted from the small faculty-to-student ratio on my campus, and I've found that all of my professors have been more than willing to assist me in any way possible. Also, look for a school that focuses on good academics, and study hard - you will have plenty of time to party later in life, once you're happy and successful because you focused on school and did well.

You should look for the college that offers what you want to get out of a college education. Do they have degrees that will allow you to get the job you want. Are they at the right distance from home for you. If you want to be close to home and maybe drive to campus this will be important, especially if you want to stay in close contact with family. Is the price right, can you pay your own way or will financial aid and your parents be able to pay for it without trouble. Are graduates from this college likely to get jobs after they graduate? Is the office of career services helpful in finding jobs and helping you figure out where you will go during and after college? Try not to stress out too much about school work and try to schedule things so that you have plenty of time to do them. Try not to stay up late into the night trying to do work when you have a class at 8am the next morning. Plan things around your schedule and have fun at college.

To find the right college and make sure that the experience is everything it can be, I think that there are three words parents and students should keep in mind: follow your heart. I didn't want to go to my college before I visited, but then I fell in love with it immediatley. I knew it was just where I belonged, and just thinking about going there made me smile in a way that the other colleges couldn't. Financially it did not make sense to go this college, but my parents and I knew that the key to success is to follow your heart. Sometimes it takes us in unexpected directions, but it rarely lets us down. This advice applies not just to choosing a college, but to making the most of the college experience as well. When it comes to choosing a major, I would advise students to go with their passion. You'll be far more successful doing something you love than something that your heart just isn't in. In the end, making these decisions are never easy, but if you follow your heart happiness is within your reach!

Do not pick a college based social aspects. Pick a college based on what you will get out of it in terms of your future wants and goals.

Stay with current students to try and see what the student life is like before attending a school, and go on more than one or two occassions. If you feel that the school that you are at doesn't feel right, then transfer without hesitation, don't stay somewhere for the mere fact of friends.

Visit the schools and talk to professors as well as students. Don't just talk to student tour guides...they are paid to sell the college. Stop someone on the sidewalk, they'll tell you the truth. Also, don't worry about money. You can always get loans...If you truly believe you are supposed to go to a certain college, then don't look at the price tag.

Go visit and have the student stay over night with other college students.

I applied to several schools and wasn't sure if I would be able to go to college based on financial need. I ended up following what school felt right to me and God made a way for me to be here. I can't afford college, but I work several jobs to continue my stay here. I love every day because I've earned my place here and appreciate it so much. For those students looking at schools, be practical, find a school that fits your academic needs, and then try to find that "X" factor that makes one school stand out more to you than the others. It should begin to naturally feel like a second home to you. Also, don't worry so much because if it's meant to be, you will develop the initiative and resources to make it . Every dream is possible!!

First and foremost, I would tell students to base their decision on what campus and setting really fits them best. It is important to consider your interests and passions and values when choosing a school instead of simply choosing to attend somewhere because their degrees have a big name attached to them. If you hate parties, don't choose a school with that reputation and on the other hand, if you love them, don't choose a school with a dry campus. Also, don't miss out on your dream school just because you think it is too close to, or too far from, home. Once you get to school, understand that it's going to be a change from however you were living at home and be ready to take on a lot more responsibility. Just remember: a lot of people have done this for a long time, you will make it! Be sure to balance your social life with your academic life and have some fun!

Look for a college that has the right amount of people at it. If you want to be lost in the crowd, go to a big university. If you want to have small classes and know alot of people on the campus, attend a small college. Just match up what you want in your life and the right scholl will come along.