Westmont College Top Questions

oThe most important thing is finding the school that is right for you. You have to make sure you will be happy at this school, and that you will be able to make the most of your education. Talking to professors and faculty is a good way to get an idea of the nature of the school, and what it will be like. I think that when you find the right school it will just "feel right". I remember it being very confusing for me, and somewhat stressful thinking about making a decision of this magnitude, that would really direct the rest of my life. Remember though, that it is what you do that decides where your life will go. Even thought the school is important, and a good school where you really fit can make things a lot easier for you, essentially it is your own drive and ambition that will allow you to make the most of your college experience.

I believe now in restrospect one of the most important things to in choosing a college is for it to be the students decision and not the parents. Although I do believe parents should be able to voice their opinion it must be the students because in the end they are the one going to the college not the parents. I also beleive it is crucial to visit the campus and compare with other campuses in order to really get a feel for the campus and even stay the night and talk to some of the students and the college or university because that is really the only way to get a better idea about what the school is like. Make a list of things you like and dislike about the schools and really make sure you will like the area your school is in because even if the campus is beautiful the surrounding area will be like you second home and you want to be sure it is safe and nice!

Being open to schools that may not be an obvious choice is great to help a student discover what they really want out of their new school. Taking advantage of the opportunities and entertainment in the surrounding community can make a huge positive difference on your college experience, especially taking the time at the very beginning to do fun things with the first friends you make, even if they may not be the ones you end up being great friends with throughout your time. Your experiences with a variety of people will help you discover where you fit in the world and how you can have an impact on people unlike yourself.

It's important to list the pros and cons of each school you are considering, but when it comes down to it a lot of the final decision should be based on your guy instinct. Be sure to visit the campuses and get a feel for the kind of students there. Most schools provide a quality education; it's the activities, social events, and community feeling that separte schools apart. See what school aligns with your life philosophy best and go with your gut. Also, don't be afraid to travel somewhere far away for school! Breaking away from your hometown can provide opportunities and experiences you could have never dreamed of! Bigger risks, bigger rewards.

One of the most exciting but stressfull times for parents and students is searching for the right college. It seems as though there are too many to choose from, which there are. Thats why i believe it is important to decifer what locations you would most want to be in before even looking at colleges. The college i attend is in beautiful santa barbara and that at times makes me sure of my decision to come here. One you have chosen a few different locations look at the schools that fit your criteria, and dont just look at school names, but many online sites have virtual tours now days and list extra curricular activities that you might be interested in. Another important aspect to factor in is which schools cary which majors, you want to make sure that the school you choose to attend has majors of your choice. Lastly make sure that you take many trips to the campus before making a decision, to see if you could see yourself at the campus, check out community life, maybe meet some professors, becuase that college may be your home for the next four years.

The biggest advise when choosing a college is to do a visitation. You can get the pulse of the campus by living with the students for a day and sitting in on classes. Make sure you talk to students when you visit to get an unbiased evaluation of the college. Like a complex math problem, the best way to come to a final decision is to write it down. Sort out the pros and cons, write them down, and explore your thoughts and feelings. In the end, trust your gut and when you arrive, try to make the most of your experience. It will hopefully be the best four years of your life!

Advice I would offer about finding the right college and making the most of it would be: 1. Be able to be yourself in every way; some colleges, or people attending them, force people to conform... be able to be you. 2. Do not drown in debt. My parents told me the $47,000 a year was an "investment for my future". As much as I appreciate it and am thankful, I wish I had gone to a school that was less of a burden. 3. Study what you love. If you study what you love, classes will be easier, life will be much better, you will be following your passions.

Do your homework. Research every school you are considering. Even visit the campus and get a feel for the school.

Visit schools. Ask questions. Spend the night if possible. This will help you decide if you like big/small, city/less-city, class sizes, and the overall vibe of each campus. Good luck!

Please shop around. Look for a campus that won't make the future college student depressed or angry. Look for a college that has faculty that is easily approachable and distinguished in their field. If you undecided as to what major you wish to choose, then a liberal arts school such as Westmont might be a good choice. Keep an open mind, but don't choose irrationally. Don't be swayed just by friendly tour guides. Be sure that the college of your choice fits nearly every criterion that you assume a good college should have. Meet students and faculty at each college and take into account how attractive they are, either physically, personality, and intelligence. Judge for yourself if you think it would be easy to make good lifelong friends. College is not just about education, although that should be the biggest concern; it is also about personal growth. Personal growth in college is found in its educational rigor, the friends and relationships formed there, and in the freedom that a certain college allows.The choices you make in college will affect the rest of your life, so choose wisely.