Westmont College Top Questions

I think the most important part of choosing a college is visiting, and seeing if it feels like the place for you. If you study hard, you will learn whatever you desire, no matter what school you attend. Just being happy where you are is the most important thing.

Go to a college that offers what you want, not what your parents want, and you will be satisfied.

I think there's a very delicate balance between what an upcoming high school graduate wants from their future college experience and what they'll need to be subjected to during the process to come out of college as someone with a solid sense of who they are and what they want to do based on their experiences. Find a university that forces its students to question their inherent beliefs while providing the support and freedom to come to their own conclusions. Look for a school, no matter the size, that seems to really have the individual student's interests at heart as well as a diverse curriculum that stretches both the left and right sides of the brain through courses in the arts and sciences. To make the most of the college experience, be slow to instinctively reject the unfamiliar, such as clubs or activities you've never been subjected to. Go to a variety of the mixers and activities planned for student interactions. As "lame" as we like to tell ourselves they are, if you subject yourself to them, these experiences can provide the foundation to a new and great life in college as well as after.

Prospective students and parents should always be attentive to the desires and emotions of the prospective student. With that said, the prospective student should determine his or her preferences and their respective priority. For example, a prospective student may determine that a low student to faculty ratio and a particular religious affiliation are more important than the variety of abroad programs and the location of the campus. A prospective student may also decide a liberal arts education that creates a multi-disciplinary, communally focused environment is best for him or her. The students' preferences will define the best kind of college for them. In considering all of these things, prospective students should determine what kind of environment would allow for them to have the most amount of personal growth. The college of their choice should challenge their perspectives and help them realize their vocations as well as provide occupational training. The experiences that will shape their perspective and develop their passion will be the uniqueness that sets them apart in the professional field as well as in life in general. Therefore, prospective students should select a college that nurtures the development of the kind of people they want to be.

I would suggest following your heart in regards to which school you know you want to go, but at the same time looking at all your other options to weigh what is available for you instead of jumping into your first choice school. Once in college I would plan your four years as soon as possible so that you are not wasting time in classes that do not serve your major. Work hard but do not overcompensate. College is only 4 years long and it goes so quickly. Study abroad, take out student loans if you can to avoid spending too much time working, and invest in deep long-lasting friendships. Live on campus for at least two years to experience living in that tight-knit community, going to sports events, and being an active participant. Get to know your professors and tell them when you are struggling. Don't overwork yourself or get caught up in what your degree will look like on your resume. Instead, take care of your mental and physical health and don't forget how important your social skills and well-being are to your education as well. Make sure you study abroad!

I think that visiting college campuses is very important. It gives you at least an impression of the kind of environment in which you will be spending the next few years of your life. It is also important to look at the statistics that are important to you and finding information about the particular program you think you may be interested. Once you've picked the right college and begun attending, it's really important to be outgoing to some point even if that's not how you're used to acting. You need to put yourself out there a little bit so you can meet people who may end up being your friends for life. Classes will help you find new friends, but introducing yourself to and spending time with people you live near is important, too. In the end, it's up to you to make the difference.

Go visit the campus Decide if you like the small or big school Talk to students that go to the school..see what they think like and dislike

I would recommend that students decide what they want to get out of their college experience when they begin looking for the "perfect" college. Every school offers something different and it just depends on what your dreams and goals are. One aspect of college that I think many applicants overlook is the loation of the campus. For me, this was the most important factor,a nd the one that ultimately made my choice for me. I got to go to school in the forest and by the ocean. My campus was beautiful and there was always so much to do in the surrounding areas. Also, the community that exists on-campus is extremely important. If a student is looking for a close-knit group of friends and professors than they should seriously consider a small college. By the time I graduated I knew everyone at my school and they knew me. I would eat lunch with professors and go camping with friends on a regular basis. I never felt alone and there was constant support when I needed it. Finally, I would advise high school students to consider the amount of rigor and diversity they expect from their classes.

Visit the campus, get involved, be yourself. Don't make a decision based on someone else but on what you want. Plug in and make the most of it. Enjoy the time. Don't stress out too much about the classes. Relationships matter more.

Finding the right college for you is one of the most important choices you will make in your life. Not only does your choice impact your future, but it also determines the course of four years of your life. The college search is all about finding a place you can call home. When you go to campuses try to picture what your every day life would be like. Visit during the regular school year so that you can observe current students. Pay attention to how they interact with each other. Do they look happy? Do they seem friendly and welcoming? If you have a chance, take a moment to ask a current student or two what they think of the school. It's important that you can picture yourself in their shoes. Take time to note for yourself what factors are the most important to you. Do you want a mostly residential school? Do you want a large school or a small school? Is religious affiliation important to you? You have to know what you want before you can make this decision.