Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion Top Questions

My advice goes out to the students. Hardly anyone has a plan set in stone of what he/she really wants to with his/her life when beginning college. To those few who do, choose a school that can best accomodate your academic goals in an environment where you can be comfortable and know yourself. For the rest of us with no sure plan, pick a school where you feel at ease! Most people generally get that feeling as soon as they walk on the campus for your visit. Those four years will mark a time of enormous personal growth in your life, so don't choose a school that might hinder your personal development! One last bit of advice - stay involved and keep busy! Most colleges offer tons of extracurricular activities (intramurals, clubs, choirs, etc.) which are a great way to meet people and make friends outside your classes. In closing, stay true to yourself and remember to enjoy yourself - you can't go wrong!

Visit the college. Connect with people who are like you, but at the same time with people who aren't. Stay true to youself in your final decision and never give up.

Research and figure out what you want from college. Between state, private, and Christian universities, there are all sorts of enviornments and experiences waiting for you, you just need to know what kind you want to pick the best school for you.

When you or your child are looking at schools don't limit yourself. Look at as many schools as you can and apply to as many as you can. You never know what will be a right fit just by looking at a pamphlet or brochure. Make sure you schedule college visits and, if possible, stay the night on the campus's of the colleges you visit. This will give you a better idea of what the campus is really like. Once you have chosen a college get involved. This can be as simple as leaving your dormroom door open so that you can get to meet your "neighbors". If you like to play sports but aren't good enought to be on a varsity team play on intramural teams. This is a great way to get to meet people who are in different classes then you, but share the same interests. Also, you aren't spending four years in college to have fun. You are there to get a degree. Make sure you work hard so that you don't waste four years of your life, some friends will be lifelong friends, but a lifelong job is important too.

While searching for colleges I found that each campus had a personality, and I chose the one that seemed closest to my own. This helps when attempting to assimilate into the college routine of class, play, study... wash rinse repeat. By picking a college I felt matched my personality I met people who had similar study habits and other interests such as sports, music, and faith. When it comes to looking for a school that will meet your academic needs understand that you are the one who will make or break what you get out of classes. The amount of effort you put into a course will reciprocate the amount of information you retain.

The name of the college does not matter. Choose the college that fits your situation and your lifestyle. It is important to find one that will accompany your needs. The college you choose is important in determining your success. If you are a Christian, a Christian university may better suit your needs rather than a liberal university. Don't set yourself up for failure. Choose a school that shares you views, values, and mission. You are hte one that will benefit from your diligent searching.

I would tell parents and students that it would be difficult to find a perfect school that you are not going to have any problems with. However, this is four years of your life that you will never get back. So look for a school that you will enjoy, will stretch you and then be willing to overlook minor faults. Enjoy every moment and don't take any of this for granted.

I would encourage students to look into colleges that are in an area of the country that they are truly interested in living in. There are so many college choices and so much of your college experience relies on where it is located. For example, if your passion is snowboarding look at schools in Colorado. If you love nature and the beach go to Washington or California. If you want to become an artist go to New England. Once you find a location look at your option and visit schools. You will not truly get to know a campus just based on a website! Take a road trip and make sure to stay with a current student to get the full experience. Happy searching!

Go to the place where you feel most at home.

Find that college that best suites your personality and what you are looking to get out of the experince. also do not be so easy to give up on dorm life. your first couple of days and maybe weeks might be a bit rough but stay with it, it will turn around and be the best thing you could have done.