Mercer University Top Questions

I would advise the parents and students to, together, decide whether to go out of state and then the amount of money that they are willing to spend for the extended education. Next, the parents and the student should come up with an agreement to keep the grades up in order to keep scholarships other grants, and if the student doesn't fulfull their end of the bargain, the student should leave the school.

It should be decided what is valued more highly (e.g. eruditity and standing of professors, social life, sports, facilities) before a decision is made, as the level at which each is adressed varies extensively from college to college. After choices are made, in addition to reading extensively about the college's history, professors, and programs, I suggest traveling personally to the desired college and spending a few days conversing lucidly wih students as well as faculty and staff about the advantages as well as disadvantages and pitfalls. Another important factor is price. Even if a favorable school is found and chosen, the economic limitations of the student should not be neglected just to attend the ideal school. The individual ambition of the student and drive to succeed what I have found to be the most important factor. Irrespective of the excellence of the college, a student without their priorities ordered or the determination and gumption to flourish will not necessarily grow and triumph simply because an exemplary college is chosen.

Rule number one is NEVER decide to attend a college you've never visited. I wouldn't have chosen Mercer had I not visited campus, and I cannot imagine being happy elsewhere. Rule number two is to not be afraid on new concepts and ideas. Many liberal arts colleges especially will break through your comfort zones and introduce material that challenges what you have always been taught--you will be a better, stronger, and more well-rounded individual for it. Rule number three is NEVER be afraid to ask questions of all sorts: about the school, the course material, a grade that wasn't what you thought it should have been--NOTHING. Questions are a means to an answer-use them, and do so wisely. Rule number four is get involved in things you enjoy, but don't overtax yourself--it's easy to do, especially as a freshman. Extra things cannot interfere with your studies or you are wasting a lot of time and money to go to college. Finally, rule number five, thank your parents for all the stupid things they didn't let you do in high school-they were right and you should acknowledge their wisdom.

Prospective students and their parents should tour the campus, but also take a little bit of time to look around the school on their own and get to know the campus a little bit better. Campus tour guides are full of all the good aspects, but take some time to get to know what the negatives of the school and the area are. I would also use extra time to drive around the city and learn a little bit about what it has to offer before deciding to attend a university there. My final advice to future college students is to force yourself to stay on campus your first few weekends. Many times long-lasting friendships are made through weekend experiences, and students that go home too frequently typically miss out on these types of friendships.

My advice is to watch your money that you have for school. Make every penny count. Because when it's gone it's gone and it is hard to get scholarships/financial loans ect. Also watch the classes that you take, so you will not take classes that you do not need unnecessarily. And last try to take all basics classes(core) at a ralatively inexpensive school, and transfer them over. and do them first. I made the mistake of waiting to finish a few math classes til the end ( because I feared math at that time). But I'll never do that again, and don't advise it.

I would advise that parents and students should do their research on where they want to be and really think about how impactful such a decision is. Students should take into consideration that this will be where their dreams come true and where they will discover themselves as individuals on their own. For parents, this is a time of letting go of their babies into an institution that can give their children the materials needed to be adults in the real world. Give them, your children, the opportunity to make you proud as parents. It is their turn.

You must choose the school that can best help you achieve your goals. You should choose a school at which you are comfortable. Not comfortable in the way in which your classes don't push you and challenge you to become better, but in the way that you know that if you work hard and earn it you will succeed. You should also feel safe, not only amongst your teachers and classmates, but also amongst those visitors whom your school allows onto the campus. You should feel as though your professors are mentors as well as teachers; mentors who not only inform you but guide you in your own discoveries. You should never feel pressured to agree, but sincerely encouraged to disagree. You should feel as if you learn more outside of class than in it, but that is not to say that you don't learn anything in class. You learn a lot there too, but the experiences you have outside of class prepare you so much more for your future. You should most importantly feel that your school's main concern is your well-being and success. Your school should care about you and show it too!

Research many colleges before making a final decsion. It is also great to visit the college and possibly sit in on lectures. Another important thing to think about is make sure that college is really what the student wants to do. Most importantly, know what you want out of life, it will make it a lot easier finding the right college because you will know exactly what you are looking for. Lastly, when in college, stay focused on your goals and never get distracted.

In order to find the right college, you must know what kind of enviornment you works best in. Some people tend to work better in smaller class enviornment, and if you are one of these people you might want to look into a smaller campus with small class where you can get the attention you need to succeed. The social aspect of college life is also very important. You want to make sure you choose a college where you can get a good education and also have fun. You might want to look into the activities and clubs that each school you are interested in offers. The best advice I can give you is to go and check out the schools you are interested in for yourself. You will be able to get a feel for the environment and you will also get a little taste of college life. Remember, a good college is a place you can learn and enjoy yourself. You only get these years once in your life. Take advantage of them!

When searching for the right college for your children, parents do not try to force your child to live up to your dreams. Talk with your children so that both of you can express your ideas and thoughts. Consider location, academics, and finance. Students should take into consideration their career choice. From your career choice you should narrow down the choice of college. Find which one provides the resources and opportunities that will allow you to achieve your future goals. Think for yourself and don't let others like friends and families influence you not to do what you want. It's all up to you so carefully plan out your choices carefully and as soon as possible. Do not wait until the last minute.