Northwest University Top Questions

Do your research. Visit schools on their off tour days to see what it's really like. Spend the night there. Imagine staying there for 9 months. Can you do that? Once you've picked that school, make friends that while they may have fun, they know that college is for learning and partying 24/7 is not a good idea. The more you can pay for college yourself the better. You take college more serious because you have to pay it yourself.

Try to visit a college of interest that maybe a friend goes to, or someone else you know so you can visit it on a non-visitor day. Days set aside for visit tend to try and make their school look great that day, and put their best foot forward. When you finally move in, you realize it's not like that at all. Stay the night if you can to get the full experience. Go to classes. Living in the dorms is a great experience. Even if you aren't a socialite, there will be oppurtunities that you wouldn't get if you choose to commute or live in an apartment. You could choose to do those your last two years, but try to live in the dorms at least one year, with a roommate. Not only do you have great friendships made, but there is always something to do. Study buddies are not too far away, and they can always remind you about that paper that you need to write. And if you're not in a talking mood, all you have to do is close your door. Sure, the sharing is tedious, but it is definiately worthwhile.

Pick a school with a rich heritage. Don't worry about the money too much, but don't just go to the most expensive school because they might be better, go to the school that will help you learn and reinforce your core beliefs. I believe that is what you are there for. The choices you make at this time in your life WILL affect the rest of your life. Make sure you utilize the resources the school offers to get the most out of what you are paying them. Get involved, first in your schoolwork, then social activities and sports. I know the second and third options are more fun but if you put the time and effort into your grades the rest will follow. Don't neglect your liesure time alltogether, your mind and body need that time to reset, recharge and refocus to preform well.

Enjoy the whole process! There is no perfect school, but there are great fits for you! Once you get started, soak up all you can and take each week at a time. The whole picture can be daunting, but if you focus on each assignment, it is doable.

I would say that finding the right college has to be something that fits you and your personality and what you want to get out of the whole college experience. Don't go to a college just because your parents went there or they say that you should. It might be a good college for them but not the right college for you. Only you know what you want and need in your life to succeed. Pick a college that will help you fulfill your dreams.

Go where you feel you'll be happiest at. It makes all the difference!

Students should apply to multiple colleges/universities well ahead of application deadlines. Apply to schools where you could see yourself succeeding. Later, after receiving acceptance letters, pray for direction from God. Ask that he would make it clear which choice(s) would be best for you, and then watch for his confirmation. Finally, make your decision and don't look back! Just enjoy the ride.

The advice I would give students and parent about finding the right college is to take the time to actually go and visit the campuses. Many times the atmosphere on campus is different from the way the brochures make it seem. It is just as important that you find a campus that you feel a part of as one that meets your academic needs. To make the most of your college experience get involved in extracurricular activities freshman year. This is the best way to make friends and it gets harder to join sports teams and clubs the higher you go in school because of the workload. It is also important to find a balance between friends and school. Work hard your freshman year, realize this is not high school anymore, and you do need to study for the tests. If you get a low GPA freshman year it will take the rest of your college years to make it up. At the same time make friends and take your mind off the stresses of school once in a while. It is all about finding that perfect balance, which unfortunaltely, is something that some people never learn to do.

Parents: Do what you can to get your child into the school that they want to go to. If they aren't living at home let them have their space, don't call daily. Students: Have fun because this only happens once. Have fun but don't do anything stupid. Meet as many people and make as many friends as you can.

Parents - I understand that for the majority of parents, the cost is one of the higher priorities when deciding your student's future college/university. Let me encourage you to consider your student's tuition as an investment rather than a purchase because not only is your family paying for their education, you are investing in their future. To find the right college is ultimately going to be your student's choice and the best thing you can do for us is listen. Listen to our dreams and desires, we understand that many of you would like us to follow in your Alumni footsteps walking the paths that you walked. Our generation is more independent, not choosing your school is not out of spite or lack of love; but rather out of independence, ambition and challenge that we seek for our own lives. Students - Trust your parents, trust your counselors, above all else though, trust yourself, it is your future and your decison so make it great. Do not worry about fitting in and attending all the right events, there will be plenty in the next four years. The best thing you can do right now is build quality relationships.