Mary Baldwin University Top Questions

One of the most important decisions made throughout one's lifetime is the decision to go to college, and the one chosen is an even greater decision. The "right" collge should make a person grow into who they want to be and shape their future career path. The college experience is one that should never be forgotten but also one that provides structure. However college is more than just an experience, it is what one gets out of it that determines how great their adventure afterwards. In other words, choosing the college that your child should attend is like choosing the first career path job after college. It is a decision that sticks with one for the rest of one's life, just like any other job experience. Everyone has their different preference in location, and I too would have chosen to be some place else, but the school itself is the most important. Therefore, the "right" college may not necessarily be first choice in secondary categories such as location, price, what the dorms look like, etc. Sometimes the ideal college is one that is second choice. The point is to always have options!

There are a plethora of resources out there--and they're not all paper-bound books. The internet has so many resources to offer beyonf school websites as well. There are school rating sites where actual students and alumni from the school dish about what their school is really like...look at these sites. You'll see what kind of students have attended, and if the lifestyle at that school is right for you!

The most important thing to do before deciding what college to go to, is to do as many college visits as possible!!! Think about what you want in a college, size, location (city, small town....), majority of gender ethnicity, religion, and financial costs. These are some examples of what to think of before you make your decision on a college or list of colleges. After you have picked your select few, take the time to make a visit, so you can actually visualize what it could be like. It is also a good idea to try to sit in a few classes or to spend the night at a college, so you can experience more than what a campus tour guide can tell you. Once you find the "right " college for you, one of the first departments to talk to would be the financial aid department. Usually if you really want to attend their school, they should do everything possible to get you there and help you financially along the way. Okay, so now your in college, what can you do to make the most of it? Number one, Don't be shy!! Do your best to be social.

Don't choose a college based solely on academic programs, though these are very important--choose a school that will force you to consider things that you may have never considered, a school that forces you to think outside the box. The college years are the time most people begin to examine their worldview, so attend as many special events your school offers, and you will be better prepared to enter the world of conflicting ideas and opinions with an open mind.

Look at all of your options. But in the end, let your child attend the college he or she want's to the most. I believe that if a student has a strong desite to attend a college, they will suceed.

I would advise students to actually imagine themselves attending the school, and visiting the college. Some schools offer prospecitves to stay overnight to see what student life is like, or to sit in on classes that you might be interested in, or taking a tour of the college. Many people are steered away from a women's college, but it's better than what people say. I strongly advise parents to encourage students to go to a smaller college/university. With a smaller college/university, you have a chance to meet professors and actually have a first and last name, where as other schools you are a social security number, or student ID number for the first 3 years of your undergraduate studies. Also, look to see ways your student can get involved on campus, is it competitive to get involved, or is it available? are questions you should ask an admissions councler when calling schools. Lastly, I would also encourage your student to obtain course catalogs from each school, so they know what school offers the type of classes they would like to take.

The advice that I would give to any new coming family is find a school that you feel is closest to what kind of environment that you would like. If you like the tiny town with barely anything new to do is for you then try a tiny school, but if you like the city life then look out for more of those. But within your search you also need to pick a couple of the oppsite just so you can try and expand your mind and search. I would also go for what types of activities that you like, although school work is the most important thing to do in college many students wont be consumed into it for their entire four years, so having safe on campus activities to do is a must and a ton of fun. The enviornment and activites are what make or break a college experience, because if you are having fun in an area that you enjoy you will follow in the footsteps of you company, but if you're in an area thats not for you then you'll try and find more things for your taste and not worry about school.

As a maturing adult or an already mature adult you need to first know your own needs and limitations and have set expectations. From that you must search without relent or lowering your standards to find a college or university that keeps your needs and expectations in mind and high priority. Finding the right college or university is like finding a soulmate, at times we think we want one thing or can settle but in the end, not fully pursuing what we know to be necessary for ourselves will only shortchange one person.

I would encourage parents/students to look at as many schools as they can. Keep your financial abilities in mind, but do not let that limit the schools you consider. Students should follow their heart and gut feelings about a school because if you're not comforatble there you are going to regret making the decision to go there. Never sacrifice athletic programs for academic programs or vice versa. Visit the school twice, once on a guided tour, and once on your own to get the true feeling of the school.

An American Council on Education survey reported that 92{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of college graduates thought their education was worth it, and 78{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} would go back to the same institution if they could do it all over again. This means that whatever college one chooses, one is more than likely to overall be satisfied with their degree. Of course, there are some decisions of balancing that students/parents have to make: smaller classes and interested professors that know all of their students vs. a more diverse faculty with more classes to offer, the campus never stops partying vs this campus is dead on the weekends, etc., but I cannot say which is the best for everyone. What's important is what the student does when one arrives. 1. Attend your classes. It's the best pressure to do one's work. If one's social life is preventing one from attending classes, one might not be ready for this level of work quite yet. There is plenty of time to have fun and do work. 2. Get involved. One will only have so much work. Being helps one stay out of stupid dramas. Study. Stay focused. Have fun. The future will be great.