Pacific University Top Questions

College is not as hard as everyone has said. The best way to achieve is to study class notes regularly and keep up on the class readings. Remember that college is a life changing experience that can help mold you into an adult. Participate in activites get out and make friends with your classmates. This should be a fun and enriching time in your life. You just have to learn how to balance the social and educational parts of college. A little time each night of study will go farther than you think to prepare you for the finals. This well be the best time of your life so make the best of it in all the ways you can.

If I could go back in time to when I was a high school senior, I would tell myself to have as much fun as possible, but still always do my best with school work. I would tell myself to find that balance, because learning how to balance your time is so important, especially in college. I would remind myself the importance of building lasting friendships at home and broadening them after graduation. I would say that these are days that I'm never going to get back, but will always remember and wish I could relive, so to soak up every minute of it and conquer all obstacles with a smile.

I used a couple websites that made researching my college choices enjoyable. If it's possible, find two or three websites you can trust to use in combination to give you a list of possibilties, and be consistant. I would advise looking through the "Student" part of the school's website, if possible, and browse the courses offered and program requirments to see if there are classes unique to that school that you are interested in. I would also pay close attention to the type of environment offered at that school in terms of average class sizes and the area it is located. For example: I wanted a small school with small class sizes with a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities. Then look into the on campus community and events, and definitely visit the campus once you've narrowed your search, during the school year if you can, to see how it feels for you to walk around campus and talk to the people there. Talk with your friends and see how their research is going, too. Pick the one that feels right for you and try not to let cost be the primary deciding factor.

Start your experience with an open mind. That's whats most important. You will experience so many new things but if you keep an open mind than you can ensure yourself of having a much better time.

Don't think about the price. I know the amount of tuition plays a big factor in where you end up going to school, but if you really want to attend a certain college, go for it. Things tend to work out for the best.

Research any potential colleges as much as possible. Visit every prospective campus and visit it during times that school and classes are in session to get a sense of what campus life is really like. Talk to students and ask them about their time in college, how classes are, what the school has to offer, and how they feel about their future. Students need to figure out what exactly they want in a college and what they do not want. It would help a lot if the student made a "pro/con" list and checked how much a college or university offers on each side of that list. Parents need to trust their children's descion and if they end up not liking a college, they can always transfer. I would also advise students and parents to not worry about the cost of tuition if they really like a certain college because there is a lot of help (and money) available.

Take your time and visit all your choices. Sometimes the right one is the one that is right in front of your nose and it is ok to transfer it is easier than you may think. Step out of your shell and be yourself, do the unexpected and enjoy every minute of it!

I would give parents and students the advice that they need to look at the schools which the students are most comfortable at, for instance if the student likes big schools, look at big schools, because i have heard a ton of people complain about the school becasue it is too small for their liking. Also go to the school that provides the best opportunity based on your career goals.

Make sure that the school you choose has a variety of topics to study, even if you think you know what you want to do. That way, if you change your mind, you have lots of other options.

Consider every aspect of the schools you wish to go to before decide "This is the one for me!" For instance, consider the size of the school and what that definitely entails. For instance, if you like large classes, an active fraternity/sorrority life, and a large campus, make sure you understand what effect that might have on your learning capacity. Remember, the point of going to college is to learn and receive a degree you can be proud of, not just party and take a break from life for a little while. Also, take into consideration how far a school is from your home, and whether you are comfortable with the distance or not, and definitely speak about this with your parents! You might like to go to the other side of the country, but when the time comes to go back home, will your parents be willing to pay for the airline tickets every time? Also, try to find a school which matches your top three academic interests, so that whether you change your major or not you'll have room to grow and decide.