Washburn University Top Questions

You have to visit the college and sit in on a class. Talk to actual students there and not just the ambassador's because that is what will give you the best picture of the college you're looking at attending. Also remember that the amount you pay does not always reflect the education that you will recieve. Try to find out the job placement rating of the school before you decide where you're going.

Visit the school and go check out the classes.

For parents I would make sure the campus security is great to help when leaving your child at college. Also, to allow your child to grow up, and make big grown decisions for later on in life. For students, be careful when starting college, to not get caught up in everything else going on outside of school. You are there to live, learn, laugh, and grow up. Know where the library is!

View several different schools. Look at ones that are different sizes and different kinds of area (in the city, rural areas, etc...) it allows you to experience different types of areas and get a feel for what you really want. Try and get involved with the school; you meet alot more people that way. I recommend staying in a dorm the first year because that is how I met most of my friends today.

I would tell the student to think about how they learn. If they learn better in a smaller classroom in which they get to have open discussions and do group work, they should look at smaller colleges. Another thing they should think about is whether or not they can balance their social life and their classes. If they are constantly giving in to the temptation of partying when they need to be studying, they should choose a college that has less of those temptations.

Make the visits. You can't choose a college out of a brochure; after all, those shiny pieces of paper are really on public relations tactics trying to draw you in. But when you are on campus, you can talk to real students and teachers. You will see what you will be around all the time and get a feel of the atmosphere. Also, use your gut. Your instincts are usually a pretty good indicator of what school is right for you. Don't be scared to leave home. Dream big, spread your wings, and fly!!! To make the most of your college experience, you should be involved. Don't overstretch yourself, but pick two or three organizations that you are interested in and be ACTIVE. Don't just pay your dues and get the tshirt. Make sure that you don't put off studying. That is the whole reason you are there!!! Make friends, form study groups, use available campus resources like the library and study cubbies to make the most of your study time. Finally, don't forget to have fun. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people. Live it up, but study hard.

Make sure that you not only take the college sponsored tours, but that you talk and interact with students who are not being paid to make their school look better. Spend time on campus without a guide. Check out their website to see what they emphasize. Subscribe to their newsletter to see what kind of awards they get, and how they spend their money. Once in college, get active. Find something you like, and go with it. Don't be afraid you won't fit in, eventually someone else will be the new kid on campus. Everyone's been there. Don't feel obligated to do everything. Do what you like and stick with it.

Smaller schools are better learning enviroments.