Westmont College Top Questions

If given this opportunity, I would tell myself that Westmont College is the right choice for me. Also, I would advise myself to choose my friends wisely, because friends ultimately influence and make or break a college experience. Having a solid group of friends not only makes college a priceless and wonderful experience, but friends are also an invaluable source of motivation to excel academically. I would then look myself straight in the face and say, "be very diligent with time management your freshman year. The academic load will be tougher than what you experienced in high school, and you will be overwhelmed by the hype of college and the stress of trying to make as many friends as possible. When you have a test to study for, go to the library. There will be ample time to socialize and make friends throughout the year. Lastly, I would tell myself to take every opportunity I get to travel somewhere new, whether it be to a housemate's home town, or simply to a major league baseball game. College is about growing not only academically, but also in experience. Have fun with it, it only happens once in a lifetime.

Don't fall behind and be sure to pay attention! Take advantage of all of the opportunities around you and make friends! Don't room with Nick! Don't take computer science class. Be sure to focus on your homework and take advantage of the "free time" that you have to do homework, because "free time" is not free when you're falling behind. In all, just don't allow yourself to fall behind and don't waste your free time. No matter what.

Finding the right college for a high school graduate is really important and can sometimes be a tough thing to do. Finding a school that is right for you depends on quite a few factors: small or large, public or private, in state or our of state, etc. Answering these simple questions will better help you in researching a college that matches your personal preferences. Make a list of your college choices and write a line or two about why you would want to go there. Save the list. Then apply to each of the schools that you have listed as a prospective choice-- try to apply earlier than later and take time on your applications. Once you have applied to the schools of your choice you may then choose a school based on financial reasons, academic reasons, acceptence, etc. Take advantage of these college opportunities!

Find what you are passionate about and then surround yourself with the people you want to be around with.

It's senior year, and what is everyone's worst fear? Getting caught by your parents sneaking out? Well, maybe, but its also the frightening choice of a new independent lifestlye at college. To stay close, or travel far? Big or small? City or rural? Chocolate chip or sugar? Oops, scratch that last one, but after so much thinking, even the smalles decisions seem to be analyzed. Most seniors believe that to choose the wrong college would make life a living hell. Ha! Wrong decisions are made daily, and all we can do is make the best of it. The biggest part of going to college, is not necessarily what college you go to, but your attitudes and decisions when you get there. I could not emphasize this point more. Say you chose a college that was just too small for you. Embrace the small community and new friends, and also get out and join a local club sport or hobby group. Like running into an ex, things are only uncomfortable if you make them.

Wherever students go there are going to be happy. I suggest that they stay near home so that they can go back whenver they get homesick

Consider the price. The education maybe worth it but you still have to pay for it.

I think one of the most important factors is visiting the college first. Not that one visit will determine everything, but it will point out pertinent aspects in one's decision-making-process. First, visiting the school allows for interactions with the current students and the faculty. Can you see yourself interacting with them--both as your teachers/mentors and your peers (respectively)? Are they a diverse group of people, yet do they still share similar life values? Or do you want to be somewhere completely different from where and how you grew up? Many of the answers to these questions come from a formal visit to the campus to talk with the faculty and students, and to see the city (or town) where the college is located--as that too affects the social life within and outside the campus. In addition, knowing your expectations for a college before you go is extremely important. I have discovered that education, life experience, life-long friendships, personal, mental, and spiritual growth, and discovering one's self-worth can be more important than tuition costs. Thus do not settle as these can be some of the most important developmental years in your life.

Visit the college of choice, maybe multiple times, and at least once during a non preview day. Most colleges understandly try to appear better than they are during preview weekends, especially with regard to the food, so coming during a non preview day will let you knoe exatly what the school is like. When you get to college, be who you want to be, it is your chance to completely reinvent yourself if you have that desire. Also, this is not high school, most people don't care what you're into nor will they judge you, so be who you have always wanted to be. Be open minded, accept everybody, or at least give them a chance, it will make it better for you and everyone. Also remember you are here to learn, so try to get some of that done. Very importantly, try to make friends you could see yourself with for the rest of your life, you will be thankful you did.

I would encourage you to search for a college that does not teach you what to think, but how to think.