Western Oregon University Top Questions

Weigh schools based on their pros and cons and decide what will be important for the student and for the parent. When choosing a school, students should determine what is going to be best for their education and somewhat for their social life. Education is why a student is going to college for, therefore focus on education when choosing a college.

I would hope that any student who doesn't know what he/she wants to major in would attend a community college for the basic classes before transfering to a four year school, but if the student really wants to experience what campus life is like right after high school, look at the cost of the school. Research how easy it would be to transfer credits if the school doesn't have the program you would like.

The advice I would give to students about finding the right college would be to look back on personal experiences and apply them to what they want from a school. Do you enjoy large groups of people or do you prefer a close knit smaller community? Keep experiences like this in mind when you are looking at the size of your potential schools. Also look for a school that offers multiple majors that interest you; you will most likely change your major so find a school with many options that interest you. College is your time; don?t let others make decisions for you. Enjoy the college experience. Get involved at your school whether it is involvement in residence life, a sport, or club. Meet many new people; learn their stories and keep an open mind. Take classes seriously you are paying for them now. However, realize early on that without a passion for what you are learning you will inevitably learn nothing. Also, realize that although you are paying for classes all of the experiences and interactions you have outside of the classroom are the things that will impact you and shape you most, so make good choices!

The one thing I would advise students is to get involved with whatever college they choose to attend. Deciding which university to attend is stressful, but once you do, don't look back always wondering if you chose the right one. Find some way to get involved and let people know who you are. It's your chance to shine! Academics is a large part of the college experience, but so is life outside the classroom. Impacting the people you're around is just as important as being impacted by professors, staff, and fellow students. Coming from an RA's standpoint, I always encouraged my residents to find some way to connect with the school. It's a way to create your identity--whether it's through sports (varsity/intramural/club), clubs, elective classes, student government, community service, etc. You want the experience to be fun, memorable, and life-changing but it's up to you as the student to make it that way. This is your place to grow as an individual and realize who you are outside your home. And sometimes finding yourself means stretching yourself outside your comfort zone.

I would tell parents and students to search for a college that appeals to their needs, such as class size or campus size. Also go visit the school and take a campus tour to learn more about the school. This will help you feel more comfortable while attending your school of choice. Also while attending college try and be open minded and meet a lot of people. This will increase your chances of getting along with your classmates, and roommates, and help you make friends.

Visiting the college's website can give an accurate view on not only their academic and athletic standing, but also the personality of both students and faculty. WOU offers tours for anyone wishing to explore WOU through their own eyes. Tours will show you the campus, set you in the real life college student experience, and really sets apart the differences between High School and College. I've found that after my first summer off after working, I actually WANTED to go back to school. Kids wanting to go back to school, making lifelong friends, helping to find a career that applies to your needs and aspirations. Research the school's specialties, but also look for diversity in the school to show that you can freely change your mind and be whoever you want to be.

Chose a college that best suits you in your course of study. For the parents help your student as much as possible. I know from experience that it can be difficult from time to time but you all will get through it like i have.

I strongly advise to find a school in which you feel comfortable in since the moment you walked on campus for the very first time. Find a school that you know will be the right one for you, by interacting with the faculty and other staff and maybe other students. This way you will know what the environment is like and the kind of people you will be surrounded by. Also, in order to make the most of the college experience, try and become part of the extra-curricular activites and clubs your school has to offer. In most of these areas we are able to express ourselves independently without being negatively judged. Finally, get to know your professors, because the feeling of them calling out your name in class is rather rewarding.

Choosing the right college can be very difficult but choosing a school that fits your needs is very important. Find a school that fits your needs academically, socially, financially and a location that is perfect for you. Sometimes students tend to choose colleges that all their friends are going to but what is right for them does not mean it is the right school for you. Going to college is a great experience for the students to take that first step to being on their own. Yes, the parents will worry and be scared to let their young adult leave the nest, but giving them the wings to fly away, will give them the experience of what their new adventure into the college life and learning to be an adult really is. Most people often think that college is all about education, which is a big part of college, but it is also a place to make life long friends, get involved and to discover all the opportunities the world has waiting for you. Get involved, study, make friends, try something new and last but not least have FUN! You are going to have the best time of your life!

I would really like to encourage that attending a smaller university provides a such a strong basis for students to aspire into whatever career path they decide to embark upon. As a past student of a larger university, I felt like I was just another face in the crowd, with lectures that had even as many as 300 students in them. The instructors at larger universities aren't able to provide a solid teacher-student relationship, because there are so many others that need advising. In a smaller classroom, there exists a motivation to voice your opinion, receive response, and interact with others who share your interests and instructors that have strong background in whatever field it is you wish to aspire towards. Before, I was so limited to my ability to interact with my instructors and other classmates, and I felt like when I began attending a smaller University that it was welcoming me with open arms. I cannot stress how a smaller university can provide such a livelihood that a large one virtually cannot; it gives students the opportunity to establish solid footing in which ever direction they choose to endeavor.