University of Evansville Top Questions

Go and check out the campus on a Thursday-Saturday. Want to see how students at that campus during the week and on the weekend. See if you like what you are seeing. Make sure you can see yourself mixing there and feeling comfortable. Get to talk with students currently enrolled and professors in the field you are planning on studying to get a feel for what will be expected of you as a student.

When it comes to picking the right college, visiting is key. Visit the school that your interested in: sitting in a class that you would take, observing the place you would stay, meet the students there and see what they're like and what they say about the school. It's the school's job to tell you how great they are and why you should go there. Don't be deceived into thinking that the brochure tells you. Unless you go and find out what the school is like for yourself, then you will never know the true school. You will merely know the gilt leaf version of the school. To make the most of the college experience the key word is get involved. Don't sit in your room and watch the fun from the window so to speak. Find clubs and other activies to join that suit your interests, but be careful to not overload yourself as that can easily happen as well. Figure out the time that you have to spare for extracurriculars then stick to it. My advice would be to actually join fewer organizations than you think you have time for.

Use collegeboard.com's "College Matchmaker." Tweek it a little bit each time you do it and keep track of which schools continually come up as results. Those are the ones that you want to investigate deeper and find out if they have a prestigious program in the major you or your student is looking for.

It's important to find the right college for you as an individual. There are many factors to consider: size of college, size of city/ location, distance from home, size of campus, student diversity, academic and social opportunities, academic department (for your specific major), and many more. When first applying for colleges, don't worry about the cost. You never know what kind of scholarships or financial aid you will receive. Once you begin your college career, know that it will most likely be a big adjustment. Most schools have an orientation week. Make the most of that and participate in the activities. It is a good way to meet other students and familiarize yourself with the campus. One of the biggest adjustments for me (especially since I went to a small high school) was becoming a part of a student body where I didn't have a reputation. Nobody knew about me or necesarily cared. It is important to not let this hold you back. If you want to make friends quickly and become a part of the new student body, don't be afraid to introduce yourself. You have to make the effort. :)

I would encourage parents and students to visit and apply to more than one college. Even if you have your heart set on one college and believe it is what you want, you maysurprise yourself and discover that another college is actually the perfect fit for you. Also, do not stress about money. There are lots of different scholarships available to students who want to go to college. I strongly believe every student can find the money to attend college! For parents, let your child make most of the decisions regarding college. They need to start making their own decisions as well as learn how to apply and set up times to visit college, basically discover how to be an adult. This is a great time to begin the transition from your parents influnece to mkaing adult choices in the real world. My advice to future college students is to make the most out of your college experience by making use of everything your university has to offer. You will be very surprised with what you can find, Finally, please always keep an open mind! College can open your mind up to an enitre world of new things!

I would advise parents and students to strongly consider finances. Debt is awful

Academics are important, but I think the college experience is just as important. If you have a gut feeling about a school that just "feels right," go with it! I did, and I am very glad. College IS your home for four years. Get involved in something that interests you, and get to know the people involved, too! Most of my really good friends I met through campus organizations. Don't just hang out at events though. Get to know people in smaller groups. You'll be away from your family while at college, so your friends have to be your stand-in family. You won't regret making close friends, and you'll probably be friends for life. Also, be open to hanging out with lots of different people. I have changed core friend groups almost every semester that I have been in school. At first it bothered me, but now I have friends all over campus! It is sad that I don't hang out with some of my old friends, but I don't dwell on it. Embrace change and be grateful for your friends no matter how long your friendships last.

I would go visit the campus serval times and talk it over with your family. I think involving your family is way more important than involving your friends. Do not go to a school just because your friends are going there.

You will know when it feels right. Make sure the college offers everything you want. Its ok to be be picky becuase this is a big decision. Don't decide on a college for one reason alone. There should be several. The best way to make the most of your college experience is to be involved. You will meet tons of people and really get to know yourself better. Also, don't try and go home too much. It will only make it harder.

I would tell parents to allow their children to make their own decision with some interference by them. In the end, it is the student's decision and the student who has to figure out what is a good fit for them. If they are incorrect and end up transferring, it is a learning experience and hopefully they look for more suiting characteristics in another school.