Western Washington University Top Questions

Let the student decide where they want to go. If parents dictate where the student goes, for any reason, the student is more likely to be unhappy in the school setting and not complete their degree.

For selecting the right college, I suggest that the student makes a list of the things he is looking for in a college and then matching them up to appropriate colleges. Since college is, first and foremost, academically focused, it should have the desired major and classes to support that major. If the student wishes that professors teach the classes instead of student teaching assistants, that may be a sign to look for a school with smaller class sizes. If the student is undecided about a major, it may be a good idea to attend a school that has a large variety of options for classes and major exploration. This way, the student can explor academically and personally what they would like to study. Concerning the non-academic aspects of a college, the most helpful thing that someone could do in deciding which campus they would like to go to is to visit the campus. Staying in one of the dorms overnight, sitting in a few classes, walking around campus, meeting and talking to current students, and just placing yourself in the pictures is the most helpful way to determine if you feel that you belong there.

Be sure that you find a college whose campus environment feels right. If you don't feel like you fit in with the school's reputation or atmosphere at first, it won't get better.

Picking the right college or university can be one of the most difficult decisions for students and parents alike. My choose came down to school size, location, and atmosphere. Those three things are, I believe, the 3 most important factors to consider when choosing a school. all 3 also depend on personal preference. I grew up in a large city and wanted a school in a smaller community, but I know a number of people who, although the were raised in a large city, wanted to remain in a similar location for college. As far as school size goes you'll also want to consider wether or not the greek system appeals to you. For me personally I knew I didn't want to be in a sorority so I chose a smaller school that would give me a more close knit community. Atmosphere can also vary greatly by school. I loved western from the start because I could tell it was an open-minded, liberal, and environmentally conscious community; just what I wanted! Remember to think long and hard, and students: listen to your parents advice! they want to find the best place for you too.

The advice I would give about choosing the right college is to not stress about finding the "right" college. Visit each campus and see how it feels to you. Some may feel right, some may not. Pick the one you feel most comfortable with and that you think you will be able to succeed at. Don't pick the school for the name. Most importantly, once you're there, stick it out. Many freshman hate their first year (I know I did), but often staying for the second year even though it's hard is the best decision. During the second year you start to feel more at home wherever you are and you are able to start figuring out what you want to do with your life. Make sure that even if you know what you want to major in and are taking all the required classes, that you take a few classes that you wouldn't normally take, just for fun. You may as well, since you're there, and when else are you going to have this opportunity?

Do your research. Look at college websites and the academic resources of the departments offered there, and read their mission statements. Find the opportunities that align with your own thoughts and educational desires, and fulfill not only your academic needs but also aesthetic and personal ones. Ask ALOT of questions, never be afraid to ask whatever you want to know. Never assume anything, and don't be afraid to go to more than one source. Go to the campus and take a tour to get a feel for the place. The college that you choose will be your home, will provide your social contacts and job opportunities for the next few years of your life. Trust your instincts. If it doesn't feel right, no matter how wonderful the academic atmosphere seems, then it may not be right for you. It is important that you be comfortable with your choice and know that it will have the resources that will enable you to flourish there. Convenience may seem paramount at first, but it is actually more important that you find the place that will allow you the freedom you need to pursue your dreams and goals.

Make sure you visit a variety of college multiple time a year to get the real feel of a university. Also it is very helpful to ask various students how they enjoy the college. Always make sure that a college has programs and departments that interest you and your career goals.

It's important to think about the city or town where your studying as well as the community's focus. No matter what you're studying your going to be using the community as a means of expressing what you have learned whether it's with research, a job, or socializing the classroom carries over into the immediate surrounding environment. Also consider the main goals of the university and its students and how well you fit in there. Do you value being educated in liberal arts over studying in order to have a lucrative career? For your education it is very important to research the professors in your field of study, because a class is only as good as far as the teacher is good. You want to learn from those who can teach you the best. A professor serves as an individual that demonstrates and motives you to recognize the potential and possibility that lies within you.

My advice to students/parents would be to first decide how far away from home the student is comfortable living. Once they have determined an agreeable distance, then look at the available schools, what the student is interested in, and the programs offered. Pick the school they see most fit and if things don't work out at that school, there is not shame in transferring to a different university. Once the student is in a university, I would advise them to be open to meeting new people and to always try to put there education first but to not forget about taking care of their physical and mental health.

When picking the right college, there are a couple of things that I would consider. First of all, for your child's sake, the surroundings. Although this isn't the most important factor and I wouldn't base not going to a college on this, it definitely helps make the college experience more enjoyable. Secondly, find a college that has the same work ethic values as yourself. It isn't always easy to study hard when the faculty and fellow students don't care or encourage you academically. Thirdly, consider what overall values you want your child to get from what those teaching your child. If you don't agree with what the college stands for, you probably won't like what your child is learning and the ideas that are surrounding him/her.