Wellesley College Top Questions

visit the college and talk to students there, as well as professors, in the areas you are most interested in!

For finding the right college, I would highly recommend visiting as many schools as possible. You never really know how comfortable you'll be in an environment until you've been there. Also, do some research: decide what is most important to YOU (whether it's academics, diversity, the extracurriculars available, or the overall feel of a campus) and find the schools that fit. As for making the most of the college experience, one rule: don't limit yourself. Don't be afraid to try new things, meet new people, learn from different points of view. College is about broadening your horizons, so take advantage of every opportunity to expand your own personal world. Challenge yourself to step out of your usual comfort zone, because the more comfortable you are with yourself, the better you'll fit into any future situation you could possibly land in. Most of all, keep yourself sane and try to do what makes YOU happy. College may be a blast, but it doesn't have to be the "best years of your life", because your life is still just beginning. Use college to set up an entire lifetime of "best years".

Follow your heart. That's the most important thing. So many students worry about money. Money is important, especially these days, but there are so many ways to work that out after you're accepted. It's more important to be where you want to be. If you're doing what you love, at a college that you love, then you'll work hard. And if you work hard, you'll be successful. There are times when it will seem more complicated than that, but it's really not. So many people feel hindered by money, when in reality, there are tons of options for anyone willing to ask for help and work hard for it. Once you follow your heart, the rest works out.

Do not rule out private schools just because they are more expensive. Many private schools are finally trying to eliminate or reduce student loans and increase scholarship opportunities.

Make sure you visit the campus before you enroll, to make sure you can stand living in such an environment. Do scope out potential extracurricular activities and clubs you can join when you attend the school.

I would advise the student and their parents to follow their intution in selecting a school. Picking a college where they feel comfortable, happy, challenged, safe and excitied is the most important thing in making their college experience a successful one. Once there, the student must, MUST, take advantage of every single opportunity given. They should find what excites them and truly love and commit to it. They have to work very hard, but not sweat the small stuff. Those 4 years fly by in a flash.

Be sure to visit the campus while school is in session: attend classes, have lunch with students, and even spend the night. It is important to understand all aspects of the environment you are getting yourself into.

Finding the "right" college and making the most of the college experience are not easy, nor can they be accomplished in a short amount of time. College is about, as well as learning academic subjects, growing as a person who will have a positive impact on society. In my opinion, this personal and academic growth cannot happen in an environment that is not a good fit for an individual. I would highly recommend doing research on different kinds of schools early, visiting schools whenever possible, and keeping an open mind - sometimes the best-fit school is one you might not have originally had on your list. Affordability is also something to take into account: explore the financial support that different colleges can offer. Inability to afford tuition, having to take out enormous loans, etc., can often lead to stress which will ultimately result in a less than ideal college experience. In terms of making the most of the college experience, start the way you want to finish. If you want a high GPA, a good rapport with professors, and so on, begin college with that attitude. Develop good study habits early, and don't be afraid to ask for help!

The advice I would give to someone searching for a college is to go visit the campus. You don't know where you belong until you get a feel for the atmosphere and for the people that you are going to spend the next four years of your life with. At the same time, once you arrive on campus, don't expect people to come to you and ask to be your friend like they used to in elementary school. You have to go out into the world and embrace new situations and new people. Remember those who shaped you in life, but know that there are millions of people in the world that can affect you in different ways, if only you would go out to meet them. Right now, you are infinite. You can be anything you want to be and you will find that people will welcome you for exactly who you are, no matter where you are. Be brave, go get 'em.

When choosing a college, I think it's important to go beyond the typical. Most students don't think to look at small liberal arts colleges, favoring instead the large, prestigious universities. There is a school out there for each student, and not all students will thrive in the same environment. When you visit a school, see if the current students are the sorts of people you would be happy spending time with. Personal happiness is more important than prestige. Students should also, in my experience, really get to know and make use of their professors. The more you get to know your professors, the more they'll be able to help you with your academic and career goals. It's important to have adults you feel comfortable talking to on campus. Professors are truly an under-appreciated resource--try to take full advantage of everything they have to offer. After all, their job is to teach and help you.