Messiah College Top Questions

I suggest that you find a college where you feel comfortable. Also, in your first year, make connections with other students, freshmen and upperclassmen alike. Meet the faculty of the school during your decision process. There is a fit for you somewhere, you just have to be the one to find it (not your mother or father or other family member or friend).

I would definitely suggest doing an overnight stay at the college and definitely visiting a couple of times. It's hard to see what a college is like after just one visit, and without talking to a current student. If you're not in love with your college, transfering isn't a huge deal. I have quite a few friends who transfered and it turned out to be a good decision for them. DON'T chose a college just because your best friend or boyfriend are going!

Don't just go by what the college is offering you b/c they will ususally change their mind. Find out what the college is all about and take a tour. While on the tour talk to random students at the school not just your tour guide. The guide is getting paid to sell the school and make you want to go there. Find out what there is to do on campus, make sure there are fun things to do if not DON'T GO THERE! Find out if there are ways to get off campus for food, etc. without needing a car. Once you're there you're usually stuck unless you know someone with a car or if they have shuttles into town. Check if the school has mandatory lectures, mine did and i had to get up at 8:00 every tuesday and thursday! IT SUCKED!! You want these 4 years of college to be awesome if you're not going to have a blast pick a different college that is more suitable for you! You are the one paying the tuition you should choose a school you like!!

There are a few simple steps that you can take in order to select a great school and enjoy your experiences at that school. First of all you should take your time and shop around. Visit the campus. Try to ask current students about their experiences. Go with your gut instinct. You will know when you have found a college that is right for you. However there is no perfect school, so do not worry yourself about finding it. You will eventually need to chose a college, which brings us to the second point of this question. How can you get the most out of your college experience? College life is all about balance. Sometimes you need to work hard, but you also need to take time for yourself. Spending time with close friends, engaging in activities, and meeting new people are all important. Your college years will be amazing, as long as you follow this advice. Get your work done, and then go out and have fun.

Students: Visiting your potential schools is important - it'll give you a good feel for what the student body is like. Don't worry too much about what you think you'll be doing after you graduate -- you've got two or four years ahead of you and LOTS will change in regards to who you are and the direction you want to go in life by the time you're looking for jobs. Also, keep in mind that you will have to pay back those loans! If you're thinking about grad. school, remember that it's better to go to a big-name school for graduate studies than for your undergrad. work. Above all else, trust your instincts and do what feels right for you, regardless of what other people are doing or saying. Parents: Trust your children! They know their gifts and talents -- let them decide what school is best for them! Your role as a supportive parent is crucial at this time in life. Just keep being there for them, lending support and advice when they need it. Good luck! And have fun these next years. :)

You really need to find a good mix of academics and social life. If you are challenged in your academics but lack in social interaction, you will feel stressed out, but if you focus too much on social life than academics, then you will not excel in your career. School is an opportunity to try new things, to test your boundaries and realize new interests... Diversity is the key, because it helps you discover who you are as a person, and what you need to pursue your dreams. Find a college that feels right when you visit, that you know you will feel comfortable hanging out on campus but also that you know will not distract you from studying.

For parents and students searching for the right school to attend, a very important thing to keep in mind is how close or far away from home you want to be. This limits or does not put a limit on where you will attend college. I would encourage students to attend a college not too close to home, maybe adventure to another state close by, or ones farther away. College is a very growing and stretching experience and you can grow and stretch yourself a lot more if you go outside of your comfort zone, possibly attending a college further away from home. This is something that I wish I looked into a little more before choosing a college. I think that experiencing different places, wether it be a different state, city, country, is very imporant for anyone to do. Don't let money be an issue, there are always loans and scholarships avaliable...go where you think you will gain the most from your experience. Talk to the students from the college campus before picking a school, they can give you the inside scoop on what the school is really about.

Look for the college that just feels right to the student. It seems like a hard decision, but once you find the right one you will know. Also doing overnight stays with students at the school will give you a good feel for what there is to do on campus and how the classes are run. As far as making the most of your college experience, you need to be willing to step out and meet people your first year. Everyone there is in the same position of not knowing anyone else. Everyone is uncomfortable and you should use that to your advantage to meet people. Get involved in clubs and activities. You can meet people with similar interests and have fun at the same time.

I advise students and parents to first visit several different colleges that they might be interested in. It is best to visit both small and large campuses in both urban and rural areas to get a feel of what they want in a school. Once the student has narrowed his or her choices down to 2-3 schools, he or she should schedule an overnight visit at the school if possible to see what the school is really like. Also, if a student chooses a college, and discovers he or she does not like it as much as they thought, they should not be afraid to consider transferring to a different school. I spent my first year at the wrong college, and the decision to transfer was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It may seem like a daunting process, but it is so worth it to end up in a place that is right for you.

Parents - don't force your child to go somewhere that they do not want to go. Give them advice and listen to them and walk along side them through the process, but remember that this is their experience. They are becoming grown-ups that can think and act on their own. It's tough, but they have to feel comfortable and excited about their home for the next four years. And when they come home, remember, they've been surviving on their own since they've been away. They aren't five anymore. Students - take advantage of this incredible, unique opportunity. After college is over, it's over, and there are soooo many resources at your finger tips that won't be there soon. Be adventurous and try something new. Be attentive and spontaneous and really make the most of your time, because four years goes terribly fast. Study abroad. Join a club. Go to dances. Stay up later than you should (sometimes). Pull pranks. Talk to your professors. College is a time like no other and it's important to realize how valuable your time there is before it's too late. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!