Whitman College Top Questions

There are so many different colleges out there, and so many of them seem to fit the same description - it can be a daunting task to filter through all of them to find the 'right one.' Yet, it is important not to become overwhelmed by your many choices. Instead, you should follow your own instincts and ideas of what sort of college atmosphere will work best for you in order to narrow down the huge list to a chosen few. It is also important to remember, however, that a written description cannot possibly encapsulate each and every facet of a school. Each college has a certain something that differenciates it from all others, and visiting the colleges you are looking at will help you to determine which ones truly 'fit'. As far as the college experience goes, it too can be a bit overwhelming. However, even when you feel overwhelmed by everything going on in your life, the easiest way to deal with stress is to face things one step at a time. If you stay focused on accomplishing the task at hand and leave time for the many new experiences college has to offer, you will do fine.

Name doesn't matter. Dig beneath the surface.

The undergraduate college experience is one you will (most likely) only experience once. When looking for the school that is right for you, do not overlook the value of extracurricular activities and the feel of the campus community. Extracurricular activities, in particular at a smaller school, will provide many opportunities for enrichment of an otherwise solely academic four years. A strongly knit campus community is invaluable to forming close friendships and networking during and after school. In my opinion, these factors are priceless. With rising tuition costs these days, few people are likely to find a steal for the price of their education. If you find a school that offers exactly what you want and need, price shouldn't be a factor. I am more than willing to take on the financial burden I have, considering the great value of my undergraduate experience.

look at the dorms. ask yourself if you would want to be friends with the kids at the school.

I believe that college is not simply a mode of acquiring a professional degree, but an important time for students to develop their intellects and to discover their passions. For this reason I think that one of the most important factors in deciding on a college is the student's knowledge of what about a school's academics and community excites them the most. For a student to get the most out of a college education, they must be in a place that they find stimulating. This may mean a school's individual approach to teaching, a location such as a big city with lots of diverse opportunities, or a school's excellence in a certain field. An education is only what each individual makes of it. I believe that if a student is in an environment where they can be happy, they will be much more inclined to make their time in college worth it. In looking for a school I recommend that students and parents try and find a place that will give them experiences that that will be both interesting and challenging rather than focusing on a school's name or on a moneymaking career.

Don't choose a college just because it has a program that you think you are interested in now. Believe me, you will most likely chnge your mind a few times when you get into college about what you want to do, choose a college because it is a place that will make you happy. It is a good atmosphere for you? Are you happy there? I can guaruntee you that if you go to a place because you know that you'll be happy there you will find what you are meant to do.

When selecting a college, think both about the experience you want when you attend the school and what you hope to do upon graduation. Having recently graduated, I've found that a liberal-arts school is fabulous if you love learning and plan on going on to get a graduate degree, but it may not be ideal if you hope to get a job right away in the work force. You don't need to know your major going in, but it helps to know what you definitely DON'T want afterwards. Also, VISIT your top choice schools during a time when the college is in session and stay overnight if possible. It may be more convenient to make college visits during summer or school breaks, but the campus is only a tiny part of the equation. A college is your school and your home for four years and it is the students and the classes that make or break your college experience, so get a chance to really experience the ambiance whenever possible.

If you're able to visit the colleges you're interested in, go. If not, talk to as many people as you can about college in general and any alumni of that college or a similar one. To make the most out of your college experience, get involved, learn when to push yourself and when to take a break, to enjoy what you have, to earn where you are, and to make the most out of all the resources around you - friends, professors, facilities, etc...

Make sure the culture of the school is what you are looking for.

Get started early, and find a campus that feels right to YOU. While it is important to have a few ideas about what you want to do, don't stress to much. Besides, if you really don't know what you want to do, then a liberal arts school is the perfect place to go. Make sure you apply to plenty of scholarships as well.