University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Top Questions

Always be open to new things and new people. Being on your own -away from family- can really change your views on life, and it's important to allow others to help you through those changes. Getting involved in new things can open your life to many possibilities you never imagined possible. It's not bad to change, but make sure you change for the better.

Take every opportunity that comes your way. Take the Advanced Placement tests because you never know when you will need them or could use the credits. Do not listen to your teachers in high school who tell you not to follow your dreams to Colorado. Prepare, prepare, prepare for living on your own by discovering who you really are before trying to do it while you also face the world on your own. Life will throw you curve balls that you may never expect but learn from them and do not get discouraged because it all works out one way or another. Be open to the world and what it has to offer you. New adventrues lie ahead and high school is just one step but take high school in because it is the best and easiset part of your life. Just be thankful for each day and live in the moment breathing in everything you are given in your life. Apprecciate the small things and stop fretting over the big ones. Lastly, never regret what feels right in the moment because the memory will last a life time.

Possibly take more college prep courses and to engage in learning material, not just passing classes. Also, education isn't everything, so relax and feel free to be social at times.

Just because a college isn't really well known or your first choice doesn't mean it's not for you or that it's a bad school. Stay open minded because you'll never know what it will be like until you start going there. Who knows you might find your future somewhere you'd never plan to look.

Finding the right college means that you have to ask a lot of questions about the possible college you would like to attend. You should try to find out everything from how much laundry is in the dorms, what kind of food they serve at the cafeteria, what majors the college has to offer, etc. Don't just rely on facts on the website either. A student should visit their college and look around and get a feel for the campus. Go on tours of the school, but also walk around after the tour and see if you could fit in well at that college.

The best advice I can give parents and/or students about finding the right college is to get to know the college as much as possible. Decide on two or three colleges and visit each campus; even try to meet some faculty members. If you do not feel at home consider looking at your other alternatives. I strongly urge each of you to make a plan of graduation; even if you are undeclared, make a plan for your undergraduate courses and stick to it. Once you are accepted by a college speak with an advisor right away, an advisor can set you on the right path and prevent you from taking courses you will not need to graduate. In short, do not assume you can make most decisions on your own, the faculty and staff are there to help you. Once you have a plan, don't be afraid to meet new people. College will be a more pleasant experience if you have friends to share it with. But, be careful and make sure you find a way to balance studying with your social life. It is important to have friends, but you want to be successful too.

I would say that visiting colleges is one of the most important things you can do in order to find the right college. I would also ask a student who has been at that college for their accessability to getting the classes you want, also to go to a college that focuses on the students needs for their major. I would also recommend spending a weekend with a student in the dorms and possibly shadowing to their classes.

I would recommend that students should find the college that will give them the best chance of success. If a college is too difficult, but prestegious, and the individual is not prepared or willing to work that hard, they will not be a successful student. Second, it would be best to find a school that most represents the students interests (ie science, education,natural resources, etc. ,international studies). These programs will provide the most opportunity to travel abroad or intern along side some of the best scientists and reasearchers. It is also important to pick an enviroment, in which the community enhances the student's education and culture!

When looking for the right college, it is important to keep in mind the best "fit" for the student. "Fit" can consider several elements including: academics, placement rates, financial aid, student life and housing, student employment, and political climate. Regardless of all of these factors, I would argue that student life and housing is one of the most important components, especially for a first-year student. Through living and learning communities, student organizations, and campus events, students find their "niche" within a college community. This is where they develop a social support system and often life-long friendships. To make the most of the college experience, I encourage students to take advantage of everything that is offered on campus. Within the classroom setting, students can benefit from taking advantage of study groups, study sessions, talking with and getting to know their professors, tutoring services, and study abroad programs. Outside of the classroom, students have many more opportunities to become involved including: student organizations, leadership opportunities, campus events, student government, hall government, and on-campus student employment. To maximize the college experience, fully immerse yourself in the process. A diverse resume will serve well during the job search and in life.

I would recommend that the student visits the college at least two times. One time should be with his/her family allowing the student to get there perspective. The second visit, should be either with a group of friends or some orientation group. The possible student needs to choose the college that they actually like, not the one that others think is the best. Another good way to find out if a specific college is right for you: talk to older friends from your high school that attend (or attended) the college you are considering. If you are friends with them, they may be of good use!