Washington State University Top Questions

I would tell students to go look at as many schools as possible and get to know different people at each to get a real feeling of that campus and that atmosphere. It's important that what ever school a student chooses, is that it is like another home to that person, they feel comfortable, and that they really belong there. Once that student finds the school that makes them feel good and that they know they can succeed at, it is important that the student gets/makes the most out of their college experience. The student needs to get involved; go to sporting events, join clubs and activites, get to know other students around campus and hang out with people as much as you can. The idea is to be as emersed as possible that way when a student looks back they have no regrets and they won't be thinking about things that they wished that would have done. And while focusing on school work and academics it's important to have fun and enjoy this part of a person's life!

First off, know what you want to do (or at least what you can picture yourself doing). Then, look into what universities thrive in that field and why they do. Does the university have great research facilities? How about other factors like faculty or government involvement? Does the school fit your social preferences (recreation, sports, social life, community)? Can you see yourself living there for four or more years? If you can find a school that fits all of these needs, and an opportunity arises to attend that school, go with your gut; following your instinct can be the best decision you ever make for college.

Pick a college that provides plenty of opportunities to socialize and enjoy life outside of academic interests. It is difficult to do well in class if you hate life outside of it. The university's academic reputation is important but more important is the quality of life presented by the community in and around it. The best source to determine an institution's quality is likely the experiences of alumni. Find them and ask them what their impressions of the institutions are. If they enjoyed their life while they attended class chances are you will too. Also find out how easy it is to pursue your interests, academic or otherwise, outside of class. Clubs and other social groups can provide help in classes as well as opportunities to make good friends.

do a great job with school work because you GPA means everything inorder to get into allot of programs

As I am not a parent, I can not give any definetive advice other than help your child make the responsible decision. If your child is immature and frequently makes poor choices, consider that when helping select a school. The reason for this is because at every college your child will find a new world of drugs and alcohol. If they have never been exposed to the likes of such before than they are in for wild time of peer pressure and addiction. I have seen "good kids" do 180 degree turns and be dropped out and in rehab at the end of their first semester. For students, I would say choose the school which offers the best options for your degree. The education is why you go to school afterall! Location and your weather preference is also important. Consider the distance you will be from home because if you choose a school far away, there will be times when you go months without seeing friends and family. I have seen this cause depression in more than one classmate, myself included. Remember, if you find yourself unhappy, life is too short, make the move back to happiness.

My advice is to not focus on the "college experience." In the media today, going away to college is portrayed more as a time to cut loose rather than to buckle down and really focus on academia. Those who buy into this idea are short-changing themselves of a quality education. While it may feel good to relax, it is important to recognize your college years for what they are: an amazing opportunity to expand your mind, learn new things, and strengthen your knowledge base in your intended major and future career. Take any potential consequences into consideration. Choose your school based on what you want to do with your life, but don't be afraid to also explore other fields of academic interest. Think about your college experience in terms of educational and professional goals, rather than what fantasies are born from watching movies and late-night TV ads.

Find an atmosphere that your child feels most comfortable in. Make sure it is a school with much support from both administration as well as peers, because it can be a difficult transition to be away from home for the first time. Be supportive and actively involved in their learning for college and no matter how they do, be understanding and try to figure out what you can do to make the transition easier. As a parent, there is a need to let the chilid know that you are involved without becoming overbearing. Learn your boundaries and make sure that you know your relationship well enough with your child not to overstep any boundaries.

Go to campus tours and talk to advisors, professors and current students about any questions you have.

My advice would simply be go with your gut. Don't only think about what kind of degree or how much money it costs because in the end, if it is the school you want, then it is meant for you and you can find a way to get what you want out of it. Don't tag along with your best friend, follow in your big brothers footsteps, or attend your mothers alma matter just so you can be a legacy in her sorority. The kids that get the most our of college do what is right for them. It is a time of discovery and some may think that they don't know what is best for them, but in the end it is you and only you that controls your life, the school you go to, the friends you make, the clubs/activities you join, and ultimately how you look back at your college experience. College is about having the experience of a life time and the first step to making it that is to make it all about you.

I would suggest first of all, that as prospective students use your own judgement and not that of your parents as parents are often times biased by where they went, or wish they had went etc. I then would advise that you do your research on the school itself, and also the campus and the town surrounding or near the campus as you will be spending a lot of time there. Take into consideration reviews from past students as they have no reason to lie so often times their opinions and/or experiences should be valued. Also be sure the school offers the best program in relation to your potential career path. Some schools are very limited in what is offered so be sure you read all the fine print before commiting. Once attending the school of your choice, I feel the best advice I can give is to do all the assigned reading. That is where students, myself included, skimp the most. But if you do the required reading, even though it seems like a lot at the time, not only will you succeed in the class but you will have all that knowledge to take with you.