Wheaton College-Wheaton Top Questions

Though I've made my share of mistakes in my life, I would say the greatest one is not being honest with myself. Therefore, my advice is to be genuinely you throughout the college experience - from application to graduation. Some people view life like it is a game of chess, treating people like pawns in their grand plan. They know what to say and how to act and when to surreptiously slide spaces to capture the pieces they desire. But what is their ultimate goal? What about the pawns crushed along the way? When they've finally reached the end, do they even know who they've become? Yes, life is rather like a chess game sometimes, but people should never be pawns. I'm not trying to say that I'm all-knowledgeable in the game of life, because I'm a royal mess myself, but I've learned recently that you go much further in life when you don't have to pretend. Your talents, your flaws - there are always people that will accept you no matter what. Don't make the mistake of pretending to be something you're not. It's your move.

First of all, if prospective students have a general idea of what major they wish to pursue, choose a college with a good program. Next is the size, which depends on what kind of a personality you have. Big schools mean you are a number, your professors are distant, and you don't know a lot of people. Small means close to professors, close friendships with lots of people. Next, never underestimate seemingly insignificant concerns. My advise is definitely go smaller. The quality of the facilities, dormrooms, campus aesthetics, and food make a big impact on your living experience at college. These comforts make college feel more like home away from home and contribute greatly to your mood and perspective of the school. To some, these factors may not matter much at first, but then they end up transferring elsewhere at the end of the semester. If you take these things into account during your search, you should be able to narrow down a list to a few schools which will fit your preferences.

The most important advice I would give to students about picking the right college finding the delicate balance between satisfying the wishes of others and the desires of oneself. By listening only to what parents and guidance counselors think is best for you, you make the mistake of loosing touch with oneself. For some, college will not only be your school but your home. Once this decision has been made, don't just sit back and let this experience pass you by! Put your tuition to work by studying and engaging with your professors. The other side of learning in college is more personal. You will learn so much about yourself in just one year. Put yourself out there or try something that brings fullfillment. In the next year you will work hard and question yourself. I hope you come out strong and confident!

Learn as much as possible about the students, alumni and professors of the college/university; this is where you get to see the values, strengths, and weaknesses of the school most clearly played out. Find exceptional alumni who have made significant contributions to the nation or the business community and ask yourself how you value their legacy; but don't just seek out extraordinary alumni; find ordinary alumni you know and spend time with them; ask them about their college experience and how their college years influenced their current life, career, values, and what they have given to their communities. See how this matches with your aspirations. Also ask about professors. If you have a chance to talk with them, even for five minutes, ask them why they teach at their university and in their subject. Every professor will be preoccupied somehow, but keep in mind the concern they show for you. Stay on campus with students for a weekend. Figure out what motivates them in academics and how they live out their values in school and their social lives and see if this is what you want to live with through college and for the rest of your life.

You will make friends for life at college so choose it wisely, whether it is a party school or more academically focused. It is a unique time in your life when you will be surrounded by peers your own age who are just as brilliant and driven. Take time to get to know people different from yourself. Your peers will come from different backgrounds and cultures. Take time to learn to see the world through their eyes. Also, find a way to volunteer. Volunteering can put a face to the abstract concepts you learn in class and is a great reminder of the practical applications for your studies. One of the most important things to check when choosing a college is the accessibility of the professors. My professors bent over backwards for me, even coming to campus to do study sessions until 9 pm the night before a major exam. It took me two years to realize the professors were my greatest resource. Professors who really care about you and want you to do well can really make or break your college experience. Most importantly, balance is key. Study hard, find ways to serve, and take time to relax.

Don't choose a school based solely on how it will look on a resume. Take the time to find a school where you will enjoy not only learning, but also day to day living. A good college experience is more than just the value of an education. College is a time to really craft individual identity, and picking the right school is an important part of this process.

The child needs to seriously think about what they want out of their college experience. They need to thoroughly research a wide variety of colleges and look at many different aspects of the college. Also, students should not choose a college solely based on academia or on their perceived potential career path. Parents should help their students research but should leave the ultimate decision up to their students. In order for students to make the most of their experience they need to get involved in things they care about and they need to develop a strong social network of people they care about and can be real with.

Make your number one choice an easier school to get into! Without a doubt this is the most practical advice for students. There is no one school that will satisfy all your needs and desires. The college you go to does not make your college experience. Sure, there are many colleges that are extremely different, but there are many that are very similar. The decisions you make and the way you use the opportunities given you during your college life are what make your college experience. Thoughtfully apply to a variety of schools, and, once you are accepted, then decide where you really want to go. That will relieve much of your stress. Take more time to consider not where you want to go, but who you are and what kind of people you want to meet. What type of people, students and faculty, do you want to surround yourself with for 4 years during a large developmental time of life?

I would tell them that if they are getting a liberal arts degree it really does not matter what they study. They should pick something that interests them because they will have to be immersed in that for four years. Additonally, they should consider what type of experience they want to gain. It is important to know what size of school you want to attend, if you want a religious institution, and what kind of location you want to be in. If you know that you want to get off capus and do other activities, you should not apply to a school in the countryside.

When choosing a college, be sure to visit the schools you're applying to. I applied to two schools. On paper, one school was my top choice. But once I visited, the other school became my top choice. I ended up at that school; it wasn't deinfitely the right choice for me. To make the most of your college experience, do not lock yourself away in your room or the library to study! Make friends and have fun with them. You need people to help you get through the college experience, especially that first semester when you're all confused and homesick. And you need fun in your life. You're a human being, not a robot. Don't work the whole time. Studies are important, but so is taking care of yourself and making sure you have fun sometimes. Don't waste this time in your life when you're surrounded by your peers and potential friends.