Mercer University Top Questions

Look at as many colleges as you can, near or far, and narrow your possibilities down by truly thinking about what it is you want in your college experience. College isn't just about books and classes. College is a lot about what you learn outside of the classroom and through experiences you can't find in books. Students, don't feel pressured into going to your parent's alma matter or the college they think is best. They may be helping you pay for your education but you are the one that will be headed into the "real world" after graduation. Don't stress too much over it because that won't help you make the right decision. Have fun in your search and good luck!

My advice I would give to parents is no matter what, always support your child in the college of their choosing and their plans for the future. If they have a very strong interest in something and will stick to it.....support them. My advice I would give to students is to say that there IS a way for everyone to go to college. Starting with high school, do your best in school, talk to your counselors about your future plans and they can help you find colleges and scholarships that match your interests, attend college fairs, apply for financial aid even if you think you might not qualify, research and visit the college campuses you have an interest in so you can get a feel of the atmosphere and see what that college has to offer you and if you like it APPLY! When you do get into your dream school, attend the orientation so you can learn about all to the exciting opportunities your school can offer you and learn as much as you can so you can make the most out of your college experience!

Above all else, make sure that your first determining factor is the quality of your program. Money is definitely an important factor to consider, but make sure that the program you choose is high quality and will provide challenges as well as a place to foster love for your desired career path

I applied to eight schools. When the acceptance letters started coming in I started a pro and con chart. Something that I was not prepared for was the feeling in my gut that made me disregard everything my pro and con chart stood for and pick the school that I had applied to on a whim because I thought "why not". I drove down a week before the decision deadline to look at the campus. I had previously decided that a state school was were I really wanted to be and was perfect. When I got out of my car I was hit with the feeling that this place was perfect. It was everything the the other school I had decided on wasn't. It was states away, more expensive, a lot smaller and was conservative Baptist. I did the most scary thing deciding to go to that school. I have never regretted it though. My advice would be to make the pro and con charts if you have to, but in the end be brave enough to recongnize your gut feelings no matter how scary the truth it is that they are telling you. You won't regret it.

Future college students need to only look at the colleges which they are sure they will be accepted. One does not want to put themselves into the position where they are frantically trying to apply to the colleges who's application deadlines have not ended. Also, personal thank you notes to the conductors of tour or admissions counselors. In the way of making the most out of your college experience, live in the dorms, meet as many people as possible, and try to remember that high school is behind you. The parents of future college students should be as active as possible in their students choice of college. Attend tours, help with financial aid, and give them your opinion of each institution. Also, try not to discourage their choice of college. Encourage your children to not get too stressed out and take some time for themselves. Also, try to reframe from visiting their college too many times a year.

consider all things but then go with the heart.

I suggest that the parents and the future students go to the campus of the school that you are interested in. I was not considering the school that I am at now until I walked onto the campus. By visiting the school you are able to envision yourself attending there, and you are able to interact with students and facutly. You are able to see what opportunities are avaliable to you if you attended that college. While visiting you can begin to get a feel of the campus to adaquately assess whether it is the right size for you. I would also suggest that the parents and future students try and visit when school is in session. This will allow you to interact with the current students to see what the clothing style is, the atmosphere is, and how happy the students are. It is very important that the future student feels at home when he/she walks onto the campus. For me it was love at first sight, but I had to first take the time to travel to my Universtiy and experience it. I wish you all luck on finding the perfect school for you.

Do not encourage your child to participate in college athletics. Intramurals are much more fun. Let them get the education they deserve in college. Mercer has the best professors and an excellent classroom size. Everyone is friendly and people easily adjust to this small college life. It's like high school without parents, and a lot more partying... but I still have a 3.9, so that is not a bad thing (we're just socially well rounded).

Starting your Junior year of high school, think critically about yourself. Think about what you are passionate about and what you want to do for the rest of your life. Remember that you are going to college for a reason: to work toward a career. It is important to remember that your first choice might not end up being the one you stick with, so think of a variety of things and try to find a school that has most of them. One of the greatest things you can do to help yourself is to talk to people who've done it before. Talk to your parents, a guidance counselor, or a teacher. They will give you better advice than I can ever give, but remember that it is only advice. You are the one who makes the final decisions in your life. The most important thing to do is to know what it is that you want to do. Nosce te ipsum. Know thyself.

To find the right college you have to keep in mind what you want from your college experience. For some people large lecture based classes are what works best for them, and for others they like the ability to have one on one discussions with their professors. To make the most of your college experience you have to get involved with more than just your classes. If you lock yourself away in your room then you will miss out on so much. Living on campus also makes a huge difference, you have to learn how to take care of yourself and how to get things done without mom or dad to tell you how. College is supposed to be a fun experience, but you also have to keep in mind what you are really there for; you're there to study, meet people, and prepare yourself for the rest of your life -- not to drink yourself stupid and kill your brain cells.