Liberty University Top Questions

First, I would tell them to relax and not to stress out too much. Choosing a college can be overwhelming, so they should start early. Attending scholarship seminars and college fairs are extremely beneficial, and utilizing your high school resources, such as information from counselors, help to aid a student in the college process. I also found it helpful to make a list of pros, cons, costs, size, location and other attributes of the schools I wanted to go to and the schools I was accepted to. As far as the college experience, I would recommend being involved in activities, but not overcommitting to an overwhelming amount. Most importantly, they should have good communication with each other about their individual thoughts about the right college and the college experience and should appreciate all the time they are able to spend together.

Always be goal oriented and strive to be the best you can be

Something that I have learned over my first year of college is that one's college experience doesn't depend on how nice the campus is. When I was choosing a college it was easy to be "seduced" by some of the campuses with the nicest buildings and coolest facilities and dorms, but honestly that is not what matters. I love Liberty University not because of their facilities, (which are nice, but in comparison to some bigger state schools, are sub-par) but because of the atmosphere that is created by the students and teachers. I had never met as many friendly people and helpful faculty as when I started attending Liberty. The overall feeling of the campus is warm and inviting which makes it easier to focus and succeed academically as well as in life. Depression is a HUGE problem on college campuses but it is virtually not an issue at Liberty. All that being said, cool buildings and dorms are nice, but don't let that be the basis for choosing your school. Find out how the student life and academics match up with your areas of interest are and use those as a basis for your decision.

I believe that a parent should encourage their child to pursue their education to the next level from high school. It is hard to get distracted by entertainment and other various activities to keep you away from college. In selecting the right college for a student, he/she needs to come up with what college is best suited for them. such as: academically, socially, religiously, public or private. All the little things about a college is what makes it a great or horrible experience. The way to make college the best years of your life is to just basically get out there. Prioritize your schedule with classes being the leading factor and fill with ur experience with beneficial activities, clubs, sports, and social gatherings. You go to college to be molded in who you will become, but you have control of that. Have good, clean fun with your college experience, but remember why your there. Personally, I have done this and am maintaining a good GPA and have found the love of my life. In order to get what you want in life, seize the first chance that approaches you. You will thank yourself in the end.

To the young students out there - those high school students - start your college search early! Don't be afraid to go and visit a college - if the school offers an overnight experience - take it! Really get a feel for the school other than a tour with a group of other possible students- If you know people who attend the college you are interested in - give them a call and ask them some strong questions. I would also suggest making a list of things you want to get out of a college education, like degree, size, network, etc. and from there see what schools match YOUR list. The right school is out there! For parents, please be open to what your child wants and needs - I know for myself and the school that I am at now, my parents did not want me going there, but now they see how happy and great I am and they couldn't be happier or prouder of my decision! No matter what remember that the best school is out there, you just have to be willing to find it. It you look hard enough you will get your dream school!

I believe the best way to find the right college is to get out and visit schools which the students and parents seem interested in. By doing this it will allow one to experience and get a feel for the school and campus along with the surrounding area. Check with the schools and make sure it seems like the right fit for the individual and what they are looking for and or wanting before deciding. The individual needs to go where he/she wants and not based on anothers opinion or what they want. Make sure the school that is chosen is right for the individual not anyone else. Lastly make sure that the college the individual will be applying to is financially a right fit as well.

I would make sure that the parents and students take a day trip to different colleges and check the background of what that college is all about ie research! Also the agenda of the teachers, and the staff. Which one is closest to your beliefs and what your family values are. Does the college, have a 0 tolerance to drinking and, wild parties on campass, plus having a safe campus, I know students from other colleges, they could not believe what goes on their campus. Next, alot of colleges have a weekend you can stay in a dorm with students that have been there for awhile, but don't base it on that alone. Most of all pray and ask God to guide you in the right direction!

Parents, I suggest that you don't hold your kids back from attending the school of their dreams, even if their choice does not coincide with yours. I have found that in an effort to keep from "losing" their kids by not allowing their children to go "away" to school, some parents actually end up pushing their kids away, resulting in the kids(s) growing even more eager to get out on their own. Students, college is the most critical part of your life when it comes to the person you will become morally, ethically, and in the work place. In the short year I have spent in college, I have already learned so much about my beliefs on life issues that I apply to my everyday life. Furthermore, I believe the biggest decision you face when choosing a college is whether you are more concerned about the education in itself that you will receive, or, if it is more important to you to attend a school where you will walk away from graduation having acquired priceless wisdom about life, morality, ethics, and how you will use your gifts to make a difference in your world.

Don't be afraid of trying to fit in here. It is very easy to make friends.

The best advice I would give about finding the right college for any student would be to go to a place that has a strong background in the field you choose to study. Don't go to a particular college just because your friend or boy/girl friend is planning to attend. I would also advise the student to go visit the campuses that they are thinking about attending and make sure you are comfortable with the atmosphere. When making the most out of your college experience, you must remember one word: BALANCE. You are in college, most importantly, to be educated and prepared for your future career. Social life and friends come second. Just because friends come second, doesn't mean that you can't have fun. It means that education is the priority and you have to make sure that all your "education ducks" are in line before you can go out and work on the social aspect of the college life.