Roger Williams University Top Questions

Colleges aren't really all that different. Each one has its own quirks, but essentially you get what you want to take from whatever college you attend.

keep a few majors in mind incase one doesn't work out. don't just rely on what they tell you on a college tour about the school, ask students who already go there, they can give you a real and accurate description about the way things work there. also, don't go to college if your number one priority is not learning.

Visit it more than once and talk to the real students not the administration, faculty and tour guides. the real students will give you their honest opinions about the school, which helps you to make a much more informed decision about the school you will be attending. if the college process does not work out the way you hope make the most of it you can be happy anywhere as long as you give it a chance.

make sure that you help your student have a plan and try and help them discover what it is they enjoy doing. that should lead them to a career.

It's hard to pick the right school because high schoolers have no idea what they want in a college because they have never been there. Go somewhere new and try new things, its the last chance you'll get. Ask other people that you know who are in college about sizes and settings, and if you think you want to try a big school in a city, then go for it. If you want the complete opposite, then do that. Even if you get there and it's not what you expected, don't try to leave immediately. Make friends and make the best of whats around, and if you really don't like it after that, you can leave. And don't go too far from home, it gets expensive if you do.

Consider not only the academic power of the college, but also where you would feel most comfortable. Whether this is a small seaside university or a univeristy in the center of a bustling metropolis, the college experience is the synergy of the environment, professors and other students. It is understandable to focus on the academically "correct" school, but in my experience I found the correct school by visiting and confering with the professors on campus. While what you get out of the college is up to you, this is a major choice that you should make on your own and under your own discression.

To find the right college, definitely visit the college. Also, figure out just how far away you are willing to go from home. Take in consideration if you want a big college or a small college. Be aware of the activities the school provides, the clubs/organizations, sports, and the academic majors that are available on campus. Visiting the campus, even for a weekend will help you get a feel of college life. Sit in a classroom if possible. do whatever it takes to help make your decisions. Remember, the college you choose will be your home for the next four years. The friends you make in college WILL be your friends for LIFE. The friends you make will become your FAMILY, you will learn to be there for each other, you will share good times and bad. Just remember to let go of the bad and keep the good. Make smart decisions because sometimes even a small decision can change your life.

Go and visit the universities and ask alot of questions even ones that you think you know the answer to.

Get involved! I came to RWU knowing no one, and I was placed in a "forced single" living arangement. I was scared I would make no friends and hate college. Getting involved was the best thing I could have done. It helped me socially and academically. Getting involved opens so many doors for you! I went from being involved in nothing to be coming: a Hawks Herald Campus Newspaper Staffwriter, Student Programs & Leadership Program Assistant, Orientation Advisor, Hawks Pride Council Co-chair, Hollerin' Hawks Vice President, SOAR Participant, and a WQRI Campus Radio DJ. I met so many amazing, life-long friends, and it helps keep me focused on academics. There is really nothing I could say is more helpful. Watching my orientees has even confirmed this. My orientees that are becoming more involved are seemingly happier and are doing better academically. I've noticed my uninvolved orientees have been indulging in more binge drinking and party scenes. Becoming involved on campus has helped me balance my social and academic life, and has just eliminated stress in general.

Look for scholarship money months in advance of EACH semester, never assume that tuition fees listed in material from the school is a final total; always budget several hundred dollars more per semester, for necessary expenses(this does not consider food, rent, entertainment)