Western Michigan University Top Questions

First of all I would tell them to apply to several different places and to VISIT the colleges that accept them. It is critical to your happiness and sucess to be at a school that is a good fit for you. Secondly I would suggest to explore all finicial aide options possible, it's always nice to have as much help as you can get. Once you select a college, I would suggest that you know what your major is, but if you don't that's fine too. Just take a wide range of classes that may help you determine what you want out of life. Although I didn't completly enjoy living in the dorms, I strongly suggest that first-year students do because I met some very good friends via the dorms that are now some of my best friends. When applying for classes I suggest you ask around to get a better feel for what the course entails. And most importantly I suggest that you get involved with on-campus activities and take advantage of the events that are offered. That is a great way to meet new people and expand your horizons.

People always say that high school is the best time of your life, well I have to disagree and say that college is by far the BEST time of your life. College is the time to re-establish yourself in society, make life-long friends, and study what you want to do for the rest of your life. My advice to a high school student searching for their dream school is to first decide what you want out of your school. If you want to play sports, participate in drama, or become greek, whatever you want to do, you must know before you pick. You also have to talk to your parents about the budget, and how much financial aid you'll be needing, because college does cost an arm and a leg. So when you find your dream school and you get there, move into your dorm room, leave your door open so people can pop in and say hi. It works everytime. Definitely join a club that you are interested in so you can meet even MORE people. Also, go to every class, because it is very difficult to teach yourself! But most importantly, keep an open mind.

Start looking early. Around your sophomore year of high school so you can be prepared when you graduate.

I would give them advise on make sure you really look into a lot of different schools and see what one has the program and how good that program is at that school. Not all schools have the better program. Look into things very carefully when you decide on what one to pick as your final decision.

People often say that your college years are the best years of your life. You can prove them right if you take advantage of all that college has to offer. Enjoy your freedom. Take elective courses that interest you and are outside of your major. Play or watch varsity and intramural sports. Read the books, magazines and papers that students talk about most. Stay up late at night discussing controversial topics with friends. Attend special lectures, panels, speeches, plays and/or concerts. Ride a bike and walk around campus. A lot. Listen, play, sing and/or dance to music often. Study in a foreign country for a quarter or semester. Join a student group that is passionate about something. Go to professors' after-hours sessions to ask questions.

The advice I would give is for them to go on campus visits and make sure to ask questions. Also to get involved as much as you can!

I think that the best way to find the right college is to explore every career you think you may be interested in before you start applying for college. I really think its a good idea for high school seniors to job shadow as many occupations as they can, that way they have a better idea of what they want to go to school for. When students do start researching colleges they can look at what are the best schools for the career they have chosen. Once a student gets into college, I think the best way to make the most of your college experience is to always be true to yourself, and do what makes you happy. In college it's easy to get caught up in doing things just because everyone else is doing them. However, it's important to remember that whatever you do you should always put yourself first. I believe that as long as you're happy with the person you are and you stay true to yourself, your college experience will definitely be a memorable one.

When "finding the right college" it is certainly important to do the research. Find a University that offers the best program for your student. If the student is undecided on what direction they want to go with their college career, stick close to home. To get the most out of your students college experience I strongly suggest living in the dorms Freshman year. This allows for your student to meet a wide variety of new people, and to be within reach of all campus resources. This also limits the issues of driving and bad influences. Living on campus provides guidlines and limitations when a student is on their own for the first time. It is very important to have regular visits to the guidance counselors. Ask help when needed, thats what the services the university provides are there for. The most crucial advice is just go to class!!

Make sure you take a tour. Get the feeling of what it would be like to attend that school. Make sure you meet professors and if possible take a class or observe a class!

Know what you want out of your college experience. If it be socially, academically, and just run with it.