Oklahoma Christian University Top Questions

Choosing a college to attend is one of the most important choices a young adult makes about his or her future. Parents and students should work closely together in choosing the college or university that is right for the student. When looking at different schools, parents and students should consider the values of the school and if it is in line with their own values. This can be important, especially for those who want to attend a school that is in line with their religious values. The school also needs to have a program for the student's degree that is accredited and well known. The school itself needs to be inviting to students. The professors should be concerned not only about how students are doing academically but personally in their daily lives. They should be challenging the students not only academically but in their lives and in applying what they are learning. On campus, students should find ways to be active, in their own department, and in extra-curricular activities. Having a variety of experiences is one of the best ways to make the most of the college experience. Be willing to challenge yourself and to go for it!

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If I could give any advice to a student looking for the "right" college and making the most of the college experience, I would have to tell them to remember that the goal of college is not to have a great time partying and meeting people, but to prepare them for the future and to create a broad base knowledge to shape them into a good community citizen. When choosing a school, I do not think that a huge mistake can really be made if the student is really concerned with their future career. The price, social atmosphere, and education should all be considered, but if the student is really focused on completed their higher education and aquiring a career upon graduation, then the actual University they attend should not be able to interfere. Make friends, slowly acquire and practice good citizen skills. Most colleges have a party-social life which is expected to be a part of every student's experience-do not let it get the best of you.

When looking for the right college, i would say be prepared. that doesn't necessarily mean start early. Parents, talk to your student. if they do not know what they want to do, don't pressure them into picking a school. That usually only leads to unhappy students, and unnecessary college bills. You CAN take Gen Eds at any community college for a better price while deciding what you want out of your full college experience. Students, DONT RUSH YOURSELF. if you dont know what you want to do, thats ok!!! Find a school and a program you really like, dont settle for a substandard program. Once you decide you are ready, dont let your parents pick for you! its your education, not theirs. Parents, listen to your student, they are nervous, and they want you to be proud, but they want to be treated as an adult, because thats what they are now. Once you find the right fit, get involved. even if you're scared, talk to your professors about things other than class, see what your student government is doing for you. go to sporting events, become friends with the staff. HAVE FUN...and do work too.

The most important factor when choosing a college is finding a place that you fit in. If you are an activist for recycling or something else, it is important to go to a college where you will find other activists. You should find a college where you are likely to find peers with similar interests and values, or you will not have an enjoyable or productive college experience. If you are athletically inclined, you must find a college with a strong athletics program. If you enjoy the theater, you should find a college that produces several theatrical productions a semester. You should find a college that will provide you opportunities to develop activities you enjoy, and a college that will help you enjoy the field you are studying to enter. The professors should care enough to help you find a major and career that you will not become bored with five years after graduating. The professors should show you ways that your specific major/career can improve the world and the lifestyles of people in the world. You should find a college with a teaching and housing staff who will guide you and care about you.

Learn to manage your time. It is easy to get caught up in socializing, or even studying away your time. Once you understand that school work and socializing are both needed in a balance, you will be better off.

Make sure that you find a school that is well-suited for you child. Don't force them into a place they don't want to go. If they go to a college they don't like, their grades will suffer, and the whole semester they will be thinking about the other school that they SHOULD have attended instead. Save the trouble of sending them off to the school that YOU want them to go to and give them so independance. There is nothing worse than a parent who can't let their child go. You try to keep them close, but you end up pushing them away. They will come back, don't worry :-)

Choose a college that makes you feel good about yourself . Where you can meet true friends and establish life long bonds. Where you can learn and be involved and are not judged. Have fun, but don't throw away your education or money. Be sensible and commited. Help others and work with others, you never know what good will become of your actions. Try to look for a college that offers what you want and will help you get the education you need to reach your career goals. Also look for a college where your not just a number but member of their community and family!

Find a college that will encourage you to be involved, because college is more than studying and books.

The best advice that I have is to visit the schools you are thinking you want to go to while the students are in school. It will give you a good sense of what campus life will be like on a normal day and will allow you to see if the school is a good fit for you. I would also say it is a good idea to have many different options of schools. Things come up that you have not prepared for that might hinder you going to the only school you applied to and then you are out of luck. And you might visit your "dream school" and realize it is not for you, but if it is the only school you applied to then again you are out of luck.