Smith College Top Questions

Always visit campuses before applying. Academics are definitely important, however academics is not all there is to life. Friends, social networking, jobs and all the other good stuff make a huge difference. Location, academics, size and financial aid are top three things to look for in a school (in that order). Of course the study factor is why one attends college in the first place, and although most of us know what we'll become when we grow up before we actually start attending college, give yourself room for change. Choose a school that offers a wide range and variety of studies from which to choose; options are key. And most importantly stay in touch with family and friends - they can become lifeline's when school's getting you down.

When I visited my college for the first time, it felt completely right. I knew that I wanted to live there for four years. I wanted the people I met there to be my classmates, friends, and teachers. I wanted it to be my home. I have never regretted that decision, and I think that when choosing a college, you should hold out for that feeling. You'll only be in college for a short time, but you'll do a lot of growing up during that time, and you want it to be in the right environment.

visit the campus if you can.. try to get a feel for what your life would be like if you went there.. choose the place where you imagine yourself having the most friends, takeing the most interesting classes, and just generally being the happiest you could be, and the most motivated to keep learning!

Visit your top picks. Understand your finances, and pick the best college for you. If you are susceptible to influence, avoid the big party schools. If you are shy, pick a mid-sized school. If you thrive in distraction and no personal space, big is for you. You want somewhere where you will not only make friends and have a decently fun time, but will also be challenged and made to grown personally. If you are having trouble, think of some alums from the colleges you are looking at. If one of them were to apply to work for the job you dream of, what would you think? Reputations leave an impression on your prospective employers, so consider wisely. If the school doesn't fit after a year (and you should wait a full year) then transfer. You are never stuck with a bad fit, so don't worry so much.

I suggest visiting the different schools you are interested in. Also, deciding beforehand if you want to go to a big school or small. From there figure out where in the country you really want to be and than start researching those schools. Visiting and going for interviews really gives a face to an application.

The greatest opportunity in America is to pursue higher education. When deciding what school to attend, keep in mind who you are as a person and who you want to be when the experience is over. I offer 3 guiding principles to your decision making process: Dollars, Distance and Destiny. College is an investment, invest wisely. Distance from family and friends can be difficult, choose carefully. Your college experience both inside and outside the classroom can help shape your destiny, embrace your decision and hold on for the ride!

Personal growth is the most significant benefit any student gains from four years in college. A motivated student will thrive academically in any college environment; it is the learning accomplished outside the classroom that determines the success of an undergraduate career. This is perhaps not what many parents would like to hear, but the fact remains the same. In accordance, the single most important aspect in choosing a school is fit. Fit involves factors such as school size, campus environment and location. College is the ideal time to discover new people, places and ideas. This experience is maximized in an environment suited to the student in terms of class size, student-teacher ratio, and peer attitude. It is helpful to speak with students currently enrolled in the college to get an accurate account of the student?s perspective. A visit to the college is invaluable in forming a clear picture of the campus atmosphere. In sum: don?t miss out on an incredible college experience by basing your decision on a school?s academic standing and reputable name. Choose a school that will enable you to achieve your goals, but don?t sacrifice personal growth for an Ivy League diploma.

Start visiting schools early, and visit schools that are as diverse as possible (when it comes to size, geography, urban or rural location) because you might be surprised at what resonates with you. You might think you want a large urban school in California, but find that you really like the green at a small New England College, that's ok! That's what college tours are for. When you are on campus say yes to everything! Go to as many speakers and cultural events as you can. Ask students what a typical weekend and weeknight look like, people often forget weeknights. Find out where students spend their most time, is it the library, or the local bar? Ask students if they had a chance to do it again, would they still pick that school, or would they select another. As for parents, you have to help your child ask the right questions, and then let them make the choice, you'd be surprised at how well they know themselves.

I was always a very good student and naturally wanted to attend the best school I could. However, ranking should not be a determinative factor. I chose my college because it fit my presonality: small, liberal, and academically challenging. Most students end up in a large university and become lost in the classroom. I wanted a school where professors knew my name and I could develop as an academic and feminist. The best advice I can give to a student is to consider college as a four-year investment in her intellectual growth. Regardless of the name of the institution, it is only worth nearly half a decade of one's life if it is an environment one can enjoy for several years. Foremost, students should visit the school and its location. In addition, a student should be realistic about one's capabilities and desires. If the student is likely to become homesick, she shouldn't feel compelled to move to another state to attend a school. At 18 it's hard to anticipate one's needs and career aspirations. Therefore, I advise choosing a school that meets one's immediate expectations and provides ample opportunities to change.

Don't be afraid to try a school that may not seem like the right fit culture-wise. I was dubious of Smith College because of the all-women's atmosphere, but the high ranking of its academics and its small campus eventually lured me in. The environment was definitely shocking at first, but being thrust into a place with little warning made it easier to acclimate. You learn quickly that you cannot judge someone by their race, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic status. Everyone at college is intelligent in their own ways, and even if you were the smartest person in your high school it is highly likely you won't be in college. You have to go into the experience with an open heart and the expectation that you will be meeting people from all walks of life and you shouldn't be discouraged by hostile encounters. Take it all as a chance to learn and grow from the best. Only in college will you be literally forced to live and learn with people from all over the country and the world. This is an opportunity that you don't come across everyday.