Western Washington University Top Questions

Finding the right college seems like such a simple phrase, but it entails many restless nights and many fingernails chewed to the nub. When applying for college do not limit yourself to only instate public schools. There are many programs that can get you an out of state university for an instate price, ask a high school advisor for a list of such programs. Private schools may also seem a financial burden for many families but for those who excel in academia, sports, or student activities, scholarships are in great supply, thus making private schools much more feasible. Do not be afraid to apply to the college of your dreams, but do make sure to have an alternate course of action should your first choice fall through. Once accepted to college it is important to actively seek and meet with an advisor and map out a course on exactly how you intend to reach your goal. I cannot stress the importance of regular meetings with an advisor, it could mean the difference between graduating on time and many hours wasted to get through classes it turns out you didn?t need to take.

PLAN AHEAD. know what you want to do before even applying for colleges. Go on college visits.

My best advice for students desperately searching for that 'perfect college', the one that will bring out the best in them, is to go with what feels right. Of course I believe you should research different schools and definitely visit the campus, but I don't believe you are able to tell exactly what college is for you simply by doing these things. You have to trust your instincts and go for it. Take a chance. I've learned first hand that a college may seem like the one for you after researching, visiting and speaking with the admissions counselors, however it isn't until you get to college and it becomes your home, will you realize if it truly is the place that will challenge you and allow you to flourish. The good thing about this is that, you can always transfer! Once you do find this ideal college, I believe the way to make the most of it is to get involved. If you stretch your comfort zone to meet people and be active you will be much happier in the end. When you make your school feel like your home you will flourish, socially and academically.

Choose a school that where you automatically feel welcome and accepted for who you are. Also, pick the one that will help you grow into the person you wish to become.

College isn't for everybody. It seems to be a fallback for high school graduates who are searching for what they want to do with their life. Some people go simply because it is the socially acceptable thing to do post high school graduation. This isn't a knock on college, which I have found to be the right thing to do in my life. Saying that, college is a financial strain on yourself along with your family. I would go to college if you are pretty sure the occupation you wish to hold later in your life requires a college degree or if you are looking for a growing up and maturing experience. I have found the people that go just looking to college looking to breeze through and party at every opportunity don't make it past the first year. For parents and students looking for the right college, it really comes down to if the student really wants it. Past that, just find a college where the student feels comfortable around campus. If they are willing to work hard and play hard, college will be an amazing experience!

Always have a personality test done to make sure you are applying to the right university for you they ar eall different. You want to make sure you will like your school and that you will have the majors there that fit your needs for the future. Always try to visit the campus to make sure you will like the location and the people before you decide where you want to go. You need to have a passion for what you want to do in the future so this is important when making your decision. If you work hard you will suceed at whatever you want to do in college and in your career.

The advice I would give to parents and/or students would be to go with your gut, and pick a school that best fits your personality. If you think you would like a small school compared to a big school, then pick a small school. Don't just pick a school because all your friends are going to it. Take into consideration what major your might be looking for, the types of clubs/sports that are available, and the cost of the school. For some people the cost of the school plays a major role in which school they choose. They way to make the most of your college experience is to get involved as much as possible. Getting involved helps you meet new people and start making those life long connections with people. Having friends to go to makes college enjoyable. Also make time for yourself. Don't spend every waking moment studying, you have to take some time out to do fun things or you will get burned out on school. The biggest thing would be to take advantage of resources available on campus. The next most important thing would be to enjoy the experience while it lasts.

The advice I would give for finding the right college is to start early! Go through your options of what you want out of a school such as the size, what majors they offer, where is it located, what social opportunites are there, etc. Once you have narrowed down your choices, it is essential to go visit the schools. Being able to see where it is located, and what the campus looks like and where you could be living is very important. It may be the final influence to where you go. For me, I had a gut feeling the moment I got on my college campus when I was visiting, and I knew right away that that was the school that I wanted to be at. Once you are in college, GET INVOLVED! Join intramurals, join clubs, go to concerts, be friendly and meet new people. My best advice would be to not stress so much about what you want to major in, but really enjoy the beginning classes and take your time. Work hard and play hard, college is supposed to be academic but its also a time to learn about who you are!

Advice I would give to prospective parents/students is to have an idea of what the student wants to major in college. Many colleges and universities have specialty majors and programs and unless the only option is in-state, there are many choices out there. I chose my college based a lot on school size and the city in which the university is based. Also, do not be afraid to go to a school across the country, without friends etc. I did it and I would do it again if I had the choice.

I think the number one thing is to visit the college. Forget about statistics, forget about research opportunities, forget about the academic programs. Walk around the campus and imagine being a student there. Soak in the atmosphere, the vibe. If it's right, you'll know it, and you'll know it's a place where you will thrive academically and socially. Even if a university has the best Chemistry program in the country, you're not going to get much out of it if you aren't enjoying yourself. As for making the most of the college experience, it's important to remember that one late homework assignment isn't something to stress over. Chill out...of course, study and do your homework. But try to find motivation not just from getting a good grade, but from becoming interested in the material yourself. Also, keep exploring. Try something new. Even in my senior year, I still find new places on campus and events to go to.