Seattle Pacific University Top Questions

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I would not be too worried about how close or far away the campus is from home. I live a half an hour away from home and it feels like I live a world away since I never go home. You control whether your home or not. The most important thing to consider is the type of people that attend the university or college. Each place has their own setereotype; listen to what those are since they are usually true. The size of classrooms is also important. If you are an individual that needs more help or attention academically then you should probably look into a smaller school. The wide range of majors is important because if you ever change your major you want to constantly have options. Campus life is key; do they have a community feel? Also, what is their job placement like?

The college you are interested in should have resources for you to find out if you will fit in well there. Talk your guidence counselor's ear off! See if you can go to a preview week or a similar event! Talk with actual students who goes to that college and ask their opinions. If MySpace and Facebook are good for one thing it may be this. Do a search for an alumni group at the school you are interested in and ask students who are members of this group their opinions. Remember, everyone working for the school will probably be a bit friendlier than usual, but that considered, they are a fairly honest reflection of what to expect. While at school take advantage of every resource you can find. For example: Go to the writing center and have them review your papers! It will boost your grade and it's free! Also, take advantage of the opportunity to be friendly towards everyone. You never know who may become a friend for life. Get involed in atleast one club (especially if you live off campus). It will be essential for graduate school applications and will stretch you as a person.

Choose the college that fits you personally, regardless of financial circumstances.

Make sure that your child is giong to be able to succeed academically at the school. If they aren't, that is going to cause a whole host of problems, even outside of the academic arena. Be prepared to accept the sort of values and beliefs that the school propogates as well, if you are attending a Christian university, recognize that you are going to have that influence throughout your education. As well, find some way to get involved on campus once you are there. It's the best way to form new friendships especially ones that revolve around similar interests.

Parents: Let your kids decide where they believe they would feel the most comfortable and welcome (even if it is across the country). Moving away for the first time is hard enough without the strains of worrying about new friends and lifestyle choices. Yes, you will miss your children, but they are most definitely missing you, no matter what they say. Students: You can get a degree from anywhere, but the importance of your decision to go to a certain school is what makes the difference. College is an amazing experience that should take place where you most desire. It is what you make it. You will succeed if you try, and you will have an amazing time knowing you have accomplished your dreams making life-long friends on the way.

The advice I would give would be to find a school that fits your personality. Visit different colleges and be able to sit in on a class. When you know that you've found the school, you just will know. Making the most of the college experience, I would just be yourself. Find a group of friends, and learn.