Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion Top Questions

When looking for a college expect that the things you think you want and the things foremost on your mind may not matter in a year. Look for a place that matches up with who you are and what you plan to do, but in some ways just go with your gut feelings. Many people, including myself, started off with a picture of who I was going to be in 4 years; I was very wrong and am much more happy. Hey, you are coming to college not in the middle of your career. The world is open to you, keep it that way. College is an amazing experience where you will learn, grow, and change, love every minute of it. Select a college that completes you, not a checklist.

Make sure that you visit the colleges you are looking at so that you can get a feel for the atmosphere. Also, don't get to hung up on the money, try and look at what you are getting for your money. As far as making the most of your college experience, be willing to try new things. Put yourself out there, meet new people and don't judge them just because they are different then what you're used to. Also, be careful what friends you make your freshman year, because these will probably be your friends for the rest of college, and despite what you think, they will affect you and your choices.

I would advise partents and students to be open to suggestions. I applied to the colleges I wanted but then also applied to a college my friends went to. The suggested college happened to be the best fit for my personality, and it offered me the best scholorships (academic and athletic). Also, it helps to attend a college that offers all of your choice majors/areas of interest since plans often change. I think that making the most of college really depends on the person. I don't do much outside of my major and sport, but that works for me. It can also be important to find your comfort area and then stretch it. New college students should be read to make friends that last a lifetime. And they should be ready to discover more about themselves. College is a growing, trying, but ultimitely rewarding experience.

I would give the advice that I feel this school is good for certain majors and that it's lacking for others. I dont' feel I'm well prepaired for grad school, but then again I haven't been yet, so I can't say for certain. Also I would say that in going to this university I have grown a lot in my spirituality and for that reason alone, if I were able to re-do it, I would still attend this university.

In order to find the school that fits you best, you need to identify what you are looking for and make a top five attributes list. Once you have identified schools that meet the majority of your criteria, VISIT! You can never know if you will like the school or not unless you make the time to go. Visiting the school is usually the best way to see what just feels right. Make sure to meet with advisers and faculty in the departments you are interested in, so that they will know your name and face, and be able to help you connect to the school. To make the most of college, work hard in your classes, get involved in clubs and extracurriculars, and meet as many people as you can. You will get out of it what you invest into the experience. Utilize your time management skills; make sure you have balance. Success requires hard work and dilligence, and don't forget to have some fun and enjoy the transforming journey along the way.

The most important part of the college search is the college visit. Spend the night, eat the food, meet the people--get a real sense for the pulse of the campus. Ask questions, be curious, make the most of your opportunities.

follow your heart.

Worry less about grades and more about your social life.

College is place of narrowing down your skills and making those qualities better and more aplicable to a carreer and lifestyle. Never forget to give all you've got otherwise you will be settling for the mediocre part of life. Be outgoing and kindhearted. Never forget the past and how to learn but never loose sight of the future and your passions and talents. Persue true satistfaction in life through fullfilling your purpose. Listen to advice less than you give it. While you study, listen, try, and conquer, be thankful in all things and encourage others in what's right. Truth never fails. Colleges offer many things to which makes the process harder. Don't go to a college with no connection to your major and trust instincts and advice of others. Visit colleges and see who they are beyond the tour. Meet students and see how they have grown and learned and lived. Never give up.

I would strongly encourage prospective students to not only come and stay over night on campus, but also to really try and get to know the type of people that attend the particular college. One thing I struggled with when I came to IWU was the fact that although I loved the professors and got a lot of benefit from the classes, I have had an extremely hard time fitting in with the students here. Because the social aspect is very important as well as academics, I really think a student should look into the people attending and the social opprotunities provided before making a final decision. I would also strongly encourage a new student to get involved as much as possible. This helps you foster a sense of belonging, and there is less of a chance that you will feel lost in the crowd. You will need a support system of friends to help get you through the stress of college, and you will gain much fulfillment by providing that support to other students.