Lawrence University Top Questions

Ultimately, I believe that admissions people at the colleges are the best at figuring out what school you belong at. If you are not admitted, for the most part, there is a reason for it, and it is likely not really a good fit for you. That being said, when you look at all of the acceptance letters you get the choice is yours. I think it can be agreed upon that you are going to college to help you in your professional career not simply to have a good time or find a life partner. So that needs to be the primary consideration-- which school has the best program in the field you think you want to go into and has connections and alumni support? If you don't know what you want, then you need to make sure your school has a good counseling system. If you are away form home you are going to rely the most on your advisors. It is important that you have a voice and a face to your advisors. If you feel comfortable speaking honestly with them then you will never have a problem through anything from switching majors to transferring schools.

No matter where you go, you can make the best out of your experience

Pick the college that you can see youself being happy and challenged at. Keep your dorm room doors open when you're inside, because that's how you meet people. Be humble. Don't expect to be the brightest or most talented, because chances are, you won't be (even if you were the brightest or most talented in your state). Do as many activites around campus as you can. Talk to your teachers during office hours or after class. Try to date different types of people; avoid remaining with your high school sweetheart all through college (at least take a break from them and see what else is out there). Don't whine about how much work you have, because the person listening most likely has even more work to do but is keeping their mouth shut. Most important, enjoy every minute, because college goes by fast and you'll miss it when it's over.

Find the college that overwhelms you with how much you may learn there. Let that college also be one that is small enough for you to feel important, yet big enough that you don't feel trapped. Let this college also be filled with the types of people that you will get along with and learn from, not just in classes. Find a college with challenging professors who go above and beyond for you. Find a college that turns you on academically and socially, and never hinders either of those lives you lead. Don't let this college send you into bankruptcy, but remember, if the college is the right fit for you, consider sacrificing now for all the gain you will have later.

Parents-- Pay attention to your children from early childhood through high school. Appreciate their creativity. Get them excited about learning by challenging them, encouraging inquisitiveness and stimulating their curiosity. If children are given the freedom to find answers for themselves early in life, their experience with-- and thereby their understanding of-- the term "learning" will not carry competitive, laborious, and restrictive connotations. Parents need to acknowledge that their children are separate entities. Parents should be unbiasedly present to help their children realize any unique strengths and talents and to encourage children to pursue their niches. Parents can only give children the tools to make wise decisions: it is up to the children to use them. Post-secondary education is the trunk of a tree, and a student will succeed most when given the space and time to realize what branch they would like to climb out onto. There is a persistance and drive behind a student who has made the conscious decision that college is the right path for them. After this realization, it is fun for a student and their parent(s) to work together and find the college which fits the young scholar's needs and niche best.

Do not go somewhere just because you feel like you should-- explore and think hard about what kind of environment you will be happy and successful in. Do not go somewhere simply because it is the hardest school you could get into-- select a school based on how much you will be able to succeed there.

Take charge of your own education. Find a school that will foster your personal, academic and creative developments.

Look around and don't give up!

I would recommend that high school juniors research schools that they think are a good fit for them and organize visits to these schools. The campus visit is an invaluable opportunity in determining how a student will feel and do at that school. The student should pick several of these schools to which to apply. I would recommend starting the application process early and allowing time for revisions to applications. Because the application is the only means by which admissions committees can get to know a student, it is important that the application is well written. In order to get the most out of one's college experience, several things are necessary. First, the student must realize that he or she is there for academic purposes primarily. By succeeding in this realm, the student will have many opporunities open to him or her later in life. Secondly, it is important to get involved in various activities, but it is important to remember not to spread yourself too thin because these opportunities can become draining rather than a release. Additionally, by talking to tutors and professors, the high school to college transition can be much easier.

visit the campus, and try to talk to current students in the field you are interested in.