Willamette University Top Questions

I would tell myself to not let social life or the intimidation of peers with better educations to deter me from being a better student.

If I could go back in time to relay advice to my high-school-senior self, I would encourage myself to take as many AP classes as possible. Reflecting back as a college student, the more-rigorous AP classes did well for preparing myself for the college workload. My toughest class in high school, AP US History, helped me learn how to study for exams and developed a set of tools I used to better read a text, a skill set that I use every day in college. By encouraging myself to take such hard classes as AP Physics and Chemistry, which, granted, would have been torturous at the time, I would have developed a better work ethic, allowing me to thrive even more now in the college environment.

I would tell myself to explore everything, even if only for a little while. Then find something to be passionate about and learn as much about it as possible. This is important because its great to be knowledgable in many areas but if nothing inspires you to learn more, then you will just be a person with a little knowledge about a lot of things.

Make it something you love, make it something that can be yours. College is more than an institution of education, it is a new home for those attending and living there. More important than anything else, is that you feel comfortable in your own skin, your own identity, while attending your school. Sure, the academic profile is important. Everyone wants to go to the honors school, get good grades, etc. But beyond that, College is about developing a person's ability to handle tough situations, its about growing up finally, away from home after being under the care of parents for 18+ years, college students are finally given a chance to test their mettle. College is growing up, and learning, yes learning, but learning to be.

All new ventures must be started with a clear plan involved, or goals hoped to achieve. As college seems to become compulsory for those seeking a good career, that fundamental truth cannot be lost. Parent and student should sit down together and figure out what they want the student to get out of this experience. Often, it is a mixture of academic rigor and making a connection to a new place and new people. What I have learned is that the student needs to explore. If there are not activities that interest the student outside classes, there will not be future employment that will be satisfactory. There is more to school than going to classes. If those options are not available at a school that fits in other ways, there should be accessible avenues to initiate some at the university. One must foster their exploration with the right university and surrounding community.

To the parents, don't worry. If your kid has a good head on their shoulders, they will make the right choice for themselves. The most important thing is to visit the campus. There are some colleges that sound great in theory but when you step on the campus the vibe just doesn't sit right. Then, you step on that one campus and bam a wave of good vibration wash over you like warm fresh out of the oven cookie smell that just sucks making you fall for its charm. Also, if the school offers a spring preview or chance for the student to stay over night with a current student; do it. That is what sealed my fate, in good way. To the students: I know it is very clich? to say this but get involved on campus. I joined the rock-climbing club on a whim and it was great. I got to climb on real rock for the first time. It was thrilling, scary and amazing. Also, don't be afraid of those subjects you fear. First encounters can misleading but maybe your leader was misguided. I wish you good luck.

It is important to remember your passions. Your education will do nothing for you unless you are pleased with your life's outcome. At the same time, it is important to think about finances. In this capitalistic society those who lag behind financially have a hard time making it in the world. Try to find a college that will nurture a part of you that you are both passionate about and will make you some money in the long term. This college should be honest and open, trying their best to give you tools for success that are attractive to you as well as effective. If professors, students, faculty, and staff band together to make a caring, interesting, and quality community, the rewards taken by all will be immesurable. When you choose an education that paves a strong road for your future, you will eventually be able to give back to the world in a meaningful way that paves the way for others. Think about this when choosing a college! It's not just a four-year decision... It's a life decision.

Definitely visit the campus and do an overnight visit-- you need to make sure that the school feels like it could be home, not just that it has great academics. This will be where you live for four years-- classes aren't everything, and no one wants to feel the need to go home every moment they aren't in class.

Go and check out the college before making the commitment and talk to a variety of people.

Most students change their minds at LEAST once about their major. Many of my friends REALLY wanted to major in biology, or history, or english...until they took the first class that the major required, and realized that they had no intention of continuing. Not to say that some don't follow through with their ambitions; I do know students who majored in pre-med wire to wire, or have been anthropology majors since the day they arrived on campus, but the point is that you (and what you want to study) will quite possible change over the course of your college education. My advice, therefore, would be to choose a school based on more than any one factor. The availability of extra-curricular activites that you enjoy is incredibly important, as is whether or not you like the climate and culture of the surrounding area. The best way to find out about these things? Visit the campus, and talk with students who are currently attending. The bottom line? Is this an environment in which you can see yourself living and learning for the next four years? If the answer is yes, you've found what you're looking for.