Seattle Pacific University Top Questions

I would encourage parents and students to participate in the college search together. It is important for the parents and the students to choose a college that they both feel will provide the best learning opportunities for the student. Every person has a unique learning style and it is important to look at all the options available and find out which school will help them to learn the best. But college is about more than just learning. College should be a time for children to begin to turn into adults and learn to live on their own, without their parents complete supervision. It should be a time for children to branch out and make new friends, while staying in touch with their old ones. Although the student may not want it, it is important to get their parents input when choosing a college since many of them have been through the experience and many of them will be helping to pay for the experience. Together they can choose the college that will cater to the students needs and help them to become more productive members of society.

A key thing to keep in mind for anyone looking to attend college is to make sure to, at some point, go visit the school in question. Take a moment and contact a professor in the field you may be considering and ask to sit in on a class lecture. Don't decide to go to a school just because friends are going and you want to be with them. If you don't know what you want to do as a career it may be beneficial to attend a community college and acquire your Direct Transfer Associate and transfer to a 4 year college. This allows you time to branch out and see what possibilities await you.

Start looking into colleges early in your Junior year. Take campus tours and start looking for financial ad early. Once you find the college that works for you, ENJOY every minute.

Seven-- the number of schools I applied to. While applying to several different schools is not for everyone, having a range of options is liberating. Large, little; liberal, conservative; near, far -- you name it, I looked at it. Six-- the number of colleges that offered me financial aid. Sticker prices nearly gave my family a heart attack! I highly encourage prospective students to apply even when it seems impossible to make ends meet. I was surprised at how scholarships, grants and loans offered make college affordable. Campus visits also helped deterimine which schools were better fits for me. Five-- the number of times I hesistated. I got cold feet, didn't want to come. Since then, I've definitely changed my mind. Students, be willing to stick it out for awhile. Give the school a fair chance. Four--the number of years most students stay. At first four years seems like forever, but time really flies. Take advantage of opportunities to try new things, go new places and meet new people. In college, the world is literally at your fingertips. Reach out. (And call home often, to keep in touch with family!)

Finding the right college - don't limit your options, know what you want and go for it. Know that there is a college that is right for you and don't get discouraged. Keep the conversation going, visit schools and talk with students currently attending (but not just one, the more opinions you hear, the better). College is definitely the most memorable time in one's young adult life, and a period of personal growth for all. Transitions are tough but worth it, stick it through. Go to class - it's the easiest way to succeed and the most beneficial to ones learning and understanding. Your professors are incredible resources, talk with them, not only will they appreciate it, but you'll get so much out of it. College is not cheap - you have to make the most of it and don't take it for granted. Time goes by faster each year. Have fun and do things you've never done before.

Visit as many places as you can! Ask lots of questions--and when you get there, have fun, but don't forget you're getting an education!

My advice for choosing which college is right for you, is to visit the campuses. Do you feel like that is a university that you can be for the next four years? Is it a place where you feel you could both learn and foster genuine friendships? The feel of campus is a big factor to choosing a school. Another factor should be how accessible the professors are. Are you able to meet with your professors to seek advice both in their field of expertise and also about life in general? Are they professors who will recognize you and know your name both on and off campus? Third would be the extracurriclars that the school and the surrounding areas provide. While education in the most important part of your schooling, it is important to get involved in other activities and to able to get off campus to relax and have a change of scenery

There are many things you have to think about when choosing a college. It would be unwise to only focus on finances and academics and neglect considering the whole picture. College can be a very transformative time in one's life nad many things can play into this experience. You might consider asking yourself the following questions: How far away from my family do I want to live? Do I want a city or small town? Do I want a big school or small? What kind of cultural activities are there? Think about it and trust your instincts.

When looking at a college, it is important to look at more than the academic programs that the school has to offer. Look at the environment that the campus creates. College is an incredible time of growth and change and it's important to know you are in a safe place during what you will likely deem "the best years of your life." One very important thing I have learned about college is: it's not all about "college." It's about building friendships, having fun, and simply growing. Work hard, but don't stress too much; it's okay to miss an asignment or two. If I could insert my biased opinion, I would also say, "look at private universities." The high cost can appear to be overwhelming, but sometimes you can get enough aid/scholarships to actually make it cheaper than a state school. Private universities offer smaller class sizes, more available professors, and a close student community.

I think that the most important part about finding the right college is looking for a one that will fit you personality and your priorities. Look for a college that has good academic programs as well as campus life. I think it is important to be passionate about your school and education to make the most of the college experience, because then you will be motivated to be engaged in your studies as well as having good time and will be able to balance those out.