University of Puget Sound Top Questions

I would tell myself that college will really be the most fun you will have. You'll make great friends, have amazing experiences, and yes you will be able to finally be in control of all of your choices. Don't worry about telling people you are gay everyone who is going to the school you are attending will love you for telling them. Remeber that you are not alone and when you are off to college you can finally accept yourself for who you are. There are two other really important things. First, don't be afraid to try new things, those will be the most exciting moments you will ever have. Second, try as hard as you can to find scholarships during your last year of highschool. It is way easier then, than when you are in college.

Resarch carefully and visit the school. Also, do an overnight

Make sure to visit the schools, talk to student and professors about their experiences. Don't just talk to the tour guide. Do an overnight stay and attend a class. Apply to many different schools and wait for financial aid packages before making a descision. Think about how far you really want to be from home by thinking about the events that will happen during your time at school, are there big things you don't want to miss during the year? If so, you will want to be within easy traveling distance. When you first start school make sure to limit your visits and calls home. It will be hard at first but in the long run you will adjust more easily to living away from your parents. Try new things even if they sound different and make sure to leave your dorm once in a while. Sign up for more clubs than you want to be in, then only attend the ones that sound the most interesting. Leave your dorm room door open and invite people in. Most of all, work hard and stay on top of homework, this will make life much easier when tests roll around.

Going to college is all about finding what you need, even if that may be different from the people around you, so it is important to have a good hold on the things you know that you want and do not want. Finding the "perfect" college is nearly impossible, so take this opportunity to go wherever you feel like you should go and study whatever makes you happiest. As long as you try your hardest and put your efforts into everything around you, you will be happy with the way you are spending your time. Also remember that everyone has their own goals and goes by their own schedule, so try not to compare yourself to the people around you. This is the one time where you need to be a little selfish and really focus on what you are doing. As long as you feel like you are working hard and you are happy with who you are, you will be fine.

Students should talk to students who they know personally who go to the school (friends, family freinds, friends of friends) becasue they are the most open and free to express how they truly feel about the school

The most important thing to remember when deciding which college is right for you is that your life will NOT be ruined if you choose wrongly. Many people, including parents, college counselors, and even other students, put so much pressure on this decision, telling you that it is the end-all be-all factor for the rest of your life. Having the right fit is important, however, finding it instantly isn't always necessary. There are always options if you are not happy, and this does not just include transferring, and there will always be people there to help you. Equally important, find the college that YOU want to go to according to YOUR standards, whether those standards include the legacy of the college, or just how good the weather is. This decision is for you, and although the many opinions of your parents, counselors, and friends may help, it will ultimately be your journey. Do the research, including talking to students who attend each school and looking online. Make a list of the things you want and deserve in a college, but be practical. Finally, follow your gut and make the decision that makes you happy.

My advice would be to start early! Exposing yourself to a college or university at anytime possible is a valuable experience. Even if it's not at all what you're looking for, taking tours or visiting a friend at a nearby college/university is very helpful when it comes to figuring out what you want out of your experience.

Applying for colleges has no one-size-fits-all answer. Each person needs to consider what they really want out of their college experience, thinking critically about class sizes, educational interests, and extracurricular activities that they want to participate in. What helped me gain a college experience I could enjoy was knowing what I wanted before I applied to schools. I made a list of what I wanted in my school, and then found all the schools that fit the categories before choosing which I would apply to. Sure, my interests and study changed, but I set myself up in a neighborhood I could be comfortable in and with a school I love. While not every kid is going to get into Harvard or Yale, it can be good to aim high in your collage search, applying to at least one school that you may not think you can get into, but that you would love to study at. Don't immediately settle for the easiest option if there is somewhere out there you want more. College is your time, and you should have a chance to love it. Work hard for the school where you think you would fit.

As precisely as you can, figure out how much of a priority academics are to you. Be honest with yourself, and then do what you can to achieve that goal without driving yourself crazy. And for goodness sake, pursue something you love!

I think the best advice I could give parents is to remain interested in their childrens' college selection and the process that goes with it as possible. Finding the right school is challenging; parents should help educate but certainly not help choose too much. Independence is key, and even if initially your daughter or son seems off-track because of the new-found independence, remember that no amount of restraint can actually solve the problem. Making the most of the college experience is more possible if one can have the satisfaction of having earned everything be his or her self. To students: pick the school that feels right to you, and a place that looks academic and makes you feel studious is really a plus. Pick a school with things around it! I'm so glad I did not pick a school in the middle of nowhere. Being in a city, in the middle of a big neighborhood can be a pain for noise complaints, but it is most important that you remember that the real world still exists while you're safe inside the college bubble! College is a stepping stone to the world, not another high school.