Walla Walla University Top Questions

When selecting a college or university, it is important to keep in mind not only the cost or what education you will be paying for, but what kind of people you will be interacting with. Does the student body, in general, seem to be taking their education seriously? Do they seem to be taking their education TOO seriously? I believe the quality of education you receive has a lot less to do with the courses, or faculty, than your attitude which is affected by how you fit in with the school as a whole. Visiting the campus and observing firsthand is very important to determining if the college or university is the right one for you. See if tours or a "college days" option are offered. To make the most of your college experience, attitude is everything. Don't drown yourself in homework, but don't be afraid to get your feet wet either. Finding the perfect balance between work and friends can be difficult and is something that you will have to practice for the rest of your life. The sooner you learn how, the more fulfilling your life will be.

Basing your choice in college on financial circumstances should not be the first or major factor. Having a solid understanding of what the student wants for their dreams of becoming something should be the primary factor. Enabling the student is what allows for growth in the student themself, whether they learn that they don't want to do what they chose at first, or that they do end up loving it. Being an adult means being given the ability to make your own choices. Whether they end up being right or wrong is not something the chooser should be afraid of. Having the willingness to step out of your comfort zone to attempt and experience something new gives a grander perspective to everything you know. That is what makes a person an adult. This choice about going to college is fits right into that. Following what your dreams are is not wrong, nor is it impractical. People change the world, for better or for worse, based on their dreams. Dreams shape the world.

For undergrad, I would recommend attending a small school, because you have a much more personal relationship with the people that you go to school with. However, keep in mind that sometimes with smaller schools, there is also a lack of resources and funding. I think that attending a smaller school can help you have a much more positive and successful undergraduate experience. However, for graduate school it may be most valuable to attend a large university to take advantage of a large schools' resources and networking possibilites.

Take the time to visit the various colleges that you are interested in or may be interested in. A first hand expierence of the campus when they are in school is helpful in seeing what the campus is like when you would be there. Also find one the specializes in your area that you want to pursue. You will learn more and will be more likely to find people that are interested in the same things you are. Get involved when you get to school. By being involved you will be able to influence the school so that it will be closer to what you want to get out of school. Plus it will often give you a step up when you head out into the corporate world after college. Take the time to learn dont just take the classes for granted you pay for the teachers time dont waste it. Get a job working for a company that is in your field of study it will help you to see what will be required of you in the future.

Spend time visiting perspective campuses.

To begin your college search you need to start by finding a college that sparks interest and fits in your budget/can help with financial aid. Once I had done some online research i narrowed my choices to three schools. I say the best way to get to know a school is to visist the campus and/or talk to the students. You need to know what you are getting into before you decide on that school. The mistake i made involved me following the crowd. Don't do what I did. Choose a school you feel comfortable with; you feel like you'll receive the full college experience and a school that will give you countless opportunities.