Wheaton College-Wheaton Top Questions

The most important part of choosing a college is visiting and staying overnight with a student who is involved in some of the activities in which you are interested. If you are religious, try to meet with some of the people involved in the religous group to which you belong to on campus. The visits to the various schools to which I applied were probably the deciding factor for me on which school to attend. In fact, there was one school to which I decided not to apply as a result of visiting and staying overnight. The best part about the college experience is unquestionably the friendships you build. So, to make the most of your college experience, meet as many people as you can and cultivate friendships with them. Be friendly and outgoing (but not insincere). Go to social events and get involved in groups where you can meet like-minded people. This may be difficult if you are an introvert, as I was during my freshman year, but I cannot stress enough how important this is. Put yourself out there; you'll be glad you did.

It is extremely important that both parents and students visit the college and get to know some of the students possible soon-to-be peers. In doing so, the parents will be comported knowing that their child has a place to fit in upon starting college. For the student, it allows him to have friends already, so that he doesn't have to worry about making them while also learning to balance classes and social life and adjusting to living in a dorm away from home. Additionally, by spending an extended period of time with students of the college, the student is able to get a less contrived picture of what the college is really like.

There are two pieces of advice I would give a high school student and his parents regarding the college application process that at first may seem paradoxical. My advice is to start early and to be active in the college search, but also to not gain too many worry lines from the process. Choosing the right college is important because college is an incredible time for academic and personal growth. These four years are fleeting, fun, and should not be taken lightly. Therefore, it is never too early to research colleges or to think about one's top priorities for college. At the same time, the college admissions process gets more competitive with each year, and it is easy to get caught up in the hysteria. While being a well informed applicant is a must, there is no need to orient all of one's life or activities solely toward college. Getting accepted to the best school must not be the 'end all, be all' for anyone. Instead, one should look at applying to college as a privilege and trust the fact that everything will work out for good in the end. Because trust me, it will work out well.

I believe that selecting a college is one of the most important decisions parents and students will make together. It is the time when a student will begin to shape their world view and ultimately decide who they want to be in this world. There are so many distractions along the journey to educational success and choosing a school that protects and points their students in a healthy direction is most beneficial. You are embarking on a season of many unknowns and unfamiliar surroundings. The wonderful thing about attending a thriving institution is that many have gone before you and can attest to the school's reputation of greatness. Take advantage of school programs, athletic opportunities, conferences, social gatherings, on-campus housing, and study abroad initiatives. Never be closed minded to what you can acheive and be a part of. We all desire to be a part of something great and this is your time to shine. There are no limits to your abilities. So, rip uo you "cool card" and enjoy the experience of a lifetime, it is a priviledge!

It's important to remember that a college environment can only shape you so far. When prospective students stress over finding the "right" college, I see it more as a matter of those students straining to understand and be content with who they are and will become. Don't buy into the lie that a college defines you. Instead, when you end up at whatever college, push yourself to contribute and make your presence and compassion a reason for other students to want to attend. If you are stuck in an Ivy mentality, remember that wealth, sophistication, and an aristocratic degree should not be anyone's chief end desire. When we pour out of our own abundance we somehow become supernaturally filled again; see to it that your college experience is one where you give more than you receive and I truly believe that you will not leave feeling or being empty.

First off, one reading this must understand that I must speak through my own worldview through which I prescribe my beliefs and hope--that is, my Christian worldview. The answers to the questions of 'why' and 'what are your priorities' are the most important. Why are you seeking a college? What priorities DO you have in an education--are they simply for a career, or is it to become a more wholistic person, able to engage the world in which we live in. The 'why' questions and recognizing your priorites, for one, help find the best place for a person, but they also keep you going once in the place you've chosen. Understanding the 'why' reminds you to keep striving and perform your best, because hopefully your 'why' is tied to your priorities which you will always desire to be fulfilled and satisfied. And if your reasons don't satisfy in the end, that's okay, we learn as we go through life. But realizing that they don't satisfy is the best way to start correcting it as well and reprioritizing and re-asking the 'why's.

Visiting colleges and talking to the students there is one of the best ways to learn about schools. When you are searching, don't look for a place where everyone is exactly like you are, but look for a place where you can see yourself developing best into the person you want to become. When you are in school, spend time to invest in people. Forming quality relationships is one of the best things about college, and if you become too inundated in academics and extracurriculars, you may lose out on lifelong friendships. Mostly importantly, don't stress. Making the right decision about college is one of the most important decisions of your life, but it is not the only thing in the world. You may never find the perfect college, but that is ok. Part of college, and part of life, is learning to live through imperfect circumstances.

Find a college that values what you value. There's a lot to be said for the fact that you get out of college what you put into it, but you will be infinitely happier if the institution you attend has a philosophy similar to yours. That's not to say that you shouldn't broaden your horizons - by all means, do! - but if you value liberal arts, don't go to a vocational school. If you value small town comfort, don't go to a huge state school. Wherever you end up, it will not be the utopia you envisioned: much of your experience at college will be determined by how hard you work to make it great! Remember that college is a time of change and your choice of major - or what school you attend - will NOT define your life. Talk to people in your classes; join clubs; volunteer; appreciate your professors; take a class for fun; study abroad, or at a different college, or take a semester off. College is a time of maturing: do something you know will stretch you - it will, in turn, make you grow.

Spend a fair amount of time thinking about which dorm to live in as a freshmen. Many people frequently flock to the newest or most accomodating hall, typically the largest hall, ending up with a variety of people living in a small space which may not fit your personality. Many schools have multiple options, so spend some time discussing what you honestly perceive to be your approach to meeting new people. Some people do well in the large halls, but others need a smaller pool to get to know a bit better than trying to meet new people on a daily basis. Don't be afraid to forgo the personal bathroom for a floor bathroom if it means you're more likely to get out there & make friends.

Apply anywhere you think you might want to go, and if you are put on a waiting list for your first choice, don't lose hope. A lot of people change their minds, which can open up spots for you. If you have always wanted to go to a school, but you are nervous about it now, just go there. You can always transfer, and if you don't go, you will always wish you had. Remember, you can find your niche almost anywhere, so if a couple schools don't seem vastly different at first, they're probably not. Know what is the most important to you in a school, and look for that in the colleges you apply to. Every school will have its faults, so the key is in knowing which ones you can live with and which ones you can't.