Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion Top Questions

What would I say? One word sums it all up. Pray. Ask God for His direction and you will never be let down. Second to that, to make the most of the college experience, I would say, though having a good time is a good stress relief, it is important to put school first. School is what you are paying for, not a party or social scene, and you should get the most knowledge out of it that you can. Knowledge is the key to the future and people need to wake up and realize the responsibility that has been laid upon them. Lastly, I will say to have fun. Make irreplasible, long-lasting friendships and enjoy the time you have with your peers. To parents, I will say... pray for your kids and let them know that you love them. Also, care packages around finals time are a really nice pick-me-up.

Know yourself. Choose a college that accomodates your own style of living and learning. This not only is a part of finding the right college, but also of making the most of your college experience, because it will be much easier to absorb the benefits of college if your own preferences are met. Don't worry about it too much. Even if you've chosen the wrong college, you've still chosen the right college. You can still benefit from the experience. What really matters with this decision is your happiness, and that is always under your control, because happiness is dependent on your thoughts. It's just easiest to think those good thoughts if you choose the "right" college, which is to say, the one that best matches your own style.

College is a time when many people make life long decisions and refine their beliefs and values. Realize that collage is not a magical cure for life's troubles. Before you get to college you should do several things. Learn how to debate intelligently and logically. You will run into many people who do not share your beliefs, by intelligently debating, both of you can refine your beliefs, not frustrate each other with pointless arguing. Next, I would recommend going outside your comfort zone. Trying out for a play, taking an art class or joining the science club are all ways to stretch one's experience. by doing this you can create memories and stories to tell for the rest of your life. Finally Do something that you enjoy. A large portion of people work in area unrelated to their major, so enjoy what you learn and stretch yourself. When you enjoy what you are learning, your whole experience will be much better.

Choosing a college is a big deal and is ultimately about what the best fit for you as an individual is. It is important to explore all of your options. Discovering how each college interacts with you as a prospective student is a good start. I have found this to be an accurate way to determine the general atmosphere and attitude of a campus. It is also important to know what is important to you. This will help you decide on the qualities you are looking for in a school. Gathering general information about campuses such as financial aide, academics, and location is a good tool to use in familiarizing yourself with the goals and achievements of a campus. Campus visits are extremely helpful in finding how you will fit in a particular school community because they allow you to interact with students who are currently attending that college. Selecting a school can seem like a huge task. It requires research and preparation. Find a place that you are excited about, where you will grow and in the end it is completely worth it.

Students - There is more to "college" than parties and cramming. There is the opportunity for friendships that last a lifetime, learning that leads to a career and growing that will have you finding yourself a better person on the other end. College can be a terrifying transition, but if you allow yourself to grow, if you set your heels in your values and seek to learn, you will be rewarded. Parents - Your kids are grown now, so let them go. I have often seen parents hold tight to their grown children. They call everyday, and write every week. They want their child home every other weekend if not every weekend and refuse to allow their baby to make his/her own decisions. Parents, they will be okay. You've done all you can, now watch them blossom into the young men and women they are becoming. Watch and be there for them when the come home or when they call. Students - last pieces of advice: study hard, sleep sound, eat wisely, think well, call your folks, learn much and have fun!

Parents: Allow your kids to be independant. Yep. Don't be afraid to let them make their own mistakes, instead encourage them to really dream and show you believe in them. Students: Call your mom and dad at least once and month and let 'em know how you are doing. You don't have to talk long, but it means the world (even if you can't tell) when they feel included. Just be yourself. Be friendly to everyone and don't be a groupie (sit with one group of the same exact people every mealtime). Meet with your professors at the beginning of each semester. Get sleep! Don't go socialize when you have tons of homework piled on your desk: your grades will thank you. Don't overcommit to too many things, instead choose a couple activities you really can't live without. Don't drink, don't hang with people who do, and keep it clean. Don't get frustrated if you don't get all A's your first semester, have hope that you can always work hard to improve. If you visit a college, talk to the current students there- they can offer honest insight.

The right college is found by first of all, knowing down which path you want to travel for your career. Once that is decided, you look at the colleges that offer quality education in that field. Quality education is determined by proper accreditation(s) and the expertise of the professors for that field. The reputation the college has in the community is also important as that is one way of attracting future students. Flexibility of classes and size of classes can be important to the student, who may or may not do well in one setting or the other or in bigger classes. Once the right college is found, the student needs to set priorities, be organized, and be disciplined to set aside specific times for studying, no matter whether it is for online or onsite classes. Study habits (study groups, collaboration, and teamwork) are important to self-esteem and ultimately his or her success.

Seriously consider every option and don't let money get in the way. You will have debt no matter what when you get out of college, so don't make that your number one priority.

Follow your heart. You go to all these different colleges and you see all varieties of campuses and each has their own superior qualities. But you know the right campus from the minute you arrive. You get this feeling, its a calming peaceful feeling, a feeling of excitement and pride. As you walk around the sidewalks and through the buildings you will see yourself living that life.

Take your time and find the school that is best for you.