Washington State University Top Questions

At the end of the day, it doesn't matter where you got the degree, just that you got it.

I think that you should visit the school first just to see if you even like it there. Then when your there talk to the students and really get a feel for it because going to college not knowing what to expect is really hard.

For me, the best thing I could have done in college was get involved. Getting involved has led me to a plethora of opporunities. I have met people who have helped me advance my college and career goals. I am in our student government, I have a job, and am taking 18 credits. I have learned to manage my time and make sure I have enough time for my academics, social life, and my other commitments. For new students, getting involved right away is an exciting thing. However, my advice would be to really balance your time. Don't get over involved your freshman year. Let yourself slowly sink into more organizations as you get older. It is so easy to over involve yourself and leave out time for studying. Also, once you get involved you recognize more people and you can form study groups. You can be happy getting involved, but the main reason you are at college is to earn a degree. If you have bad grades or are unhappy with your GPA, that can really hinder your college experience. So make sure you can balance all your activities and school work and you'll love college!

College isn't about going to the school with the most prestige, it's about going somewhere that is comfortable. If you're going to spend all that money, it is best to invest it in a college that helps in your learning. Academics are important and some degree programs are better than others, so focus on what kind of cirriculum the university offers and if it relates to what you want to do in your career. Don't be afraid about fitting in, relationships start rather easily in college; focus on whether you think the university provides a positive environment for living. You need to be comfortable in order to study and do well academically. Finally, look at what kind of research the university offers and how easy it would be to get an internship. Those will help you the most toward getting a job after graduation.

I would basically advise them (if they ask) to seek alternative methods of funding. I would advise the student to seriously consider attending a community college, especially if they are not ready for the full onset intensity like that which a 4-year school can bring about.

Students: Don't ever go to a school because of someone else. College is your one chance in life to be entirely selfish and think only of yourself. Seize that opportunity. Trust yourself enough to go out of state. When you're far from everyone who knew you before college, you're finally free to discover who really are. And believe me, your true colors haven't even begun to show themselves. Study hard, but study something you're passionate about, whether or not it'll make you a million dollars. Follow what you love with the utmost determination and dedication, and it'll put money in your pocket and, more importantly, a bounce in your step. Travel abroad for a semester, or just for spring break. It might be expensive and it might be a terrifying, but you either travel now while you're young and have the rest of your life to pay off the loan, or you travel when you're 70, retired, and need a new hip. I bet it won't be as fun. Parents: Love your children enough to let them choose their own destinies.

Make sure that not only does it academically fullfil their needs and wants, but also make sure that it will be a place they enjoy being at and are glad to go back to every semester, because if you dont then that alone could cause academics to suffer, kind of a catch 22 situation.

The college application process was one of the most anxious and exciting times in high school. Trying to pick a future that you think is best for you is not always easy. I fortunately had a lot of help from different family members who all gave me their two cents about the college they attended. With my little brother being a senior in high school and going through the college application process right now, I have been giving him some advice of my own. I am now half way through my college experience and can say that it has been completely satisfying so far. To find the perfect college for you, I think it is very important to keep an open mind. You obviously want to find someplace that you feel comfortable and have something in common with. I found it very helpful to visit the different colleges that I was interested in to see if their truley was a connection. This helps you to see first-hand the type of people that are there, the programs, class rooms, and facilities. Once you have made your decision, making the most of your college experience is completely up to you.

The most important thing for me was finding instructors I could learn from, instructors I could respect. Class-mates you generally learn to like, even if you don't at first, but it is difficult to develop an understanding with professors you don't interact with often, so attending a school that you can learn from and respect is one of the most important factors. It also has to be a place you feel comfortable. Don't forget that either.

Visit them first and go to a few classes. Try staying the night to see what the town is like at all times of the day.