Wellesley College Top Questions

I loooooove wellesley!

It is very important that a student visits the college before deciding because it will tell him or her about the culture there. Sometimes, one night's visit is not enough, they should go for open campus programs. Academics are important and quality of undergraduate education will help in post-graduation job search. However, one should not attend a school just because of academics.

As someone who visited a huge variety of schools during my initial college search and ended up transferring half way through college, I would encourage you to be sure of what would ultimately make you happy as a student. Any college can be fun if you make it that way. However, there is something invaluable about attending a college or university where students actually care about their academics and strive to achieve during their time in school. Also, the diversity of the student body is imporant as well; it is more fun and interesting to live in a community where everyone has a different opinion and way of life. Otherwise, what could you learn? I think the best way to make the most of your college experience is by finding a few organizations that you can really sink your teeth into and become very involved.

Allow the student to take time and look introspectively. Think about what type of student they are and in what environment they learn best.

Its funny, because before college and all throughout college, whenever someone was commenting on, or adressing the experience of college, two phrases were repeated frequently: "Those were the best years of my life" and "college is where you learn how to learn, you learn how to study." Looking back now, summing up college into two phrases would be quite difficult, and maybe impossible. I dont feel Ive gained the insight or experience to comment on whether college was in fact the "best years of my life." I will say that college was an incredible experience. It is most likeley to be one of the most mentally challenging experiences you will ever have to muster. And while you learn an incredible amount, you surely must be mentally prepared, or at least motivated to accept the intellectual challenge college provides. In the simplest terms, my advice would be to make sure you can see yourself living and enjoying your surrounding environment, both social and academic. Make sure the location suits you. I would say know yourself, but so much of college is about growth and learning about yourself, that allowing yourself room to grow is imperative, and ultimatley the most rewarding.

Take some time and think about what qualities in a school matter most to you: think about location, religious affiliation, and class size. Once you have made a list ?school qualities,? look through a college guide to see which schools fit your profile. Take the time to visit your top few schools. When visiting, bring a notepad to write down your thoughts. Here?s a tip for moms and dads. Stay silent during campus tours to let your child get a true first impression. We may not admit it, but your opinion still influences us. After jotting down notes, students can hear their parents? input and still have their own thoughts to look back on. Trust your gut feeling when you are on campus and know that sometimes schools choose you. Once you choose your future school, come with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow. College will bring more opportunities and challenges than you can imagine. Remember that anything that seems like a problem is just an opportunity to learn, as long as you don?t get scared. Enter college with courage and conviction, always ask questions, try new things, and have fun!

Be yourself. Don't worry about who your parents want you to be, or even who you should be. If you just let life happen, meet new people, and live the experience, you will have a greater understanding of who you are. Also, don't give up on making friends just because orientation ends. Keep a positive attitude the whole year, and new friends will flock to you!

Find the school that fits you and your learning style. Find a place where you will have a mutual relationship-the school will have things to offer you and you'll have things to offer it. Find a place that you will be happy at geographically. If you want to be in the city, go to the city. If it's not important to you if you're close to the hustle and bustle go to the country, and if it's nice to have but not necessary go inbetween. Find a school that has a strong program focused on your areas of interest. If you know what you want to do learn from the best whether that's pre-med or medieval studies. If you don't know what you want to do go to a strong liberal arts school and take courses about things you've never even thought about. Be open-minded and find a place where you can enjoy learning and becoming who you will be!

Don't limit your child (or yourself) to an in-state school. If you or your child want to go out-of-state for college, maintain high grades, take risks, and especially be active at your high school. Even for in-state schools, be active. Many state schools (and also ivy leagues and other private colleges) are cracking the whip down on the admitted students. Being active in high school is almost becoming more important than grades. Getting things done early is also highly recommended.

First off, be sure to visit any schools you're interested in - seeing the campus is invaluable. If possible, go during the school year to see what it's like when students are around, try and sit in on classes, and just make a day of it. That's the best way to see if a school is a good fit for you. The college experience is unique in that it's often the first time you're away from home and without rules, so it's easy to go a little crazy at first. Be sure to have fun and try new things you never thought you'd try - whether it's extra-curriculars, classes, foods, or anything! Take classes just because they sound cool - it's the last time you can do that. Try not to stress out about grades too much or you'll end up driving yourself nuts, especially at a hard, top-tier school. Make yourself available to do fun stuff with new people. Force yourself out of your comfort zone from time to time. And have fun!