Winona State University Top Questions

It is importatnt to visit the campus you are considering. When I was looking at colleges, I knew the moment I finished the tour whether or not I was going to apply to that school. The enviroment on the campus is important if a student is going to stay or leave. Also, it is good to look at which programs of study are offered so that if you change your mind, you know that there is something else there for you. Not only that, it allows for a wider range of "fun" classes to take, outside of the required ones. Look into clubs and activities and make sure that there are at least a few that really interest you so you have another way of meeting people besides going to class. Many times, those students will have the same values as you as well. Lastly, live in campus housing for at least 1 year, if not 2. Not only will your roommate and and others in your hall become life long friends, but you often find out more about campus events by being in a residents hall.

I chose the college I?m at now because it was the one college that was reasonably close to home and was at a price that was somewhat affordable. I did have other choices in colleges that I still wish I had chosen. However, I let money choose what college I?d attend and ended up in a college that just does not feel right with me. I am not encouraged to get involved with the college or community. When looking for a college you have to ask yourself what you expect from a university. What kind of town or city do you want to live in? What do you like to do to unwind after a hard day of studying and does that college or town offer it? What do you want out of the students and faculty? You should look for a college that holds true you values. In the end, don?t let money stop you from the college that feels right to you or you might end up at a college that you have no connection with.

Take the time to vist the campus, because what looks good on paper might not always feel right when you get there. I fell in love with the campus as soon as i got to my school and knew i had a good fit. When making the most of the college experience remember that you are paying to go to class, but also remember you can't study all the time, so get involved with school activities, find some good friends, and have fun finding out who you are, if you don't already know. College is about learning all you can about life, and that doesn't always translate into grades. Take your time to listen to all your teachers, if that be the professors, your family, or friends.

Know what you're looking for. Don't just go to a school because it offers your major. Know if you like the big city or small town feel--or something in between. Visit the town your school is in. Make sure you like the availability of shopping, eating, or activity related venues. College is more than just a campus, it's part of the community that surrounds it. Make sure you're going to the right college in the right community to fit with your personality and interests.

It is important to pick a school that has a credited program in the fields you are interested in pursuing. Don't underestimate public schools either, I have many friends that attend private schools and are not learning anything of real value, they are depending on the school's reputation to land them jobs. Public schools can also provide you with credited professors, small class sizes, a lively campus, and everything that the private schools provide. Pick a campus that you enjoy, you are going to be living their for 4+ years, you want to like it. Also, if you are looking at schools out of state, be prepared for a first rough week, many kids that travel 10-15 hours away, do get homesick, so make sure it is something you want to do. Also, don't automatically go to the college your friends are attending, pick the campus that is right for you, it will just increase the quantity and quality of your friends.

Apply to several different colleges. Before picking the one make sure you know what you want to major in so you don't waste money on classes that you might now need to take. Study hard and attend classes as much as possible.

The most important decision in choosing a college is that you pick one that feels like home. The first 48 hours are crucial, meet everyone you can and go to every activity. It's a good rule of thumb to never say no to an invitation freshman year, because your future best friend may be at the next event.

The best advice I can give is to start early. That way you have plenty of time to visit all the colleges and choose which one you like best. Also, do not judge a book by its cover. Go and visit more than once and perhaps try to shadow a student for a day. Student life is much different that those boring tours they give you.

This will be the time of your life to grow and love. In college, there is minimal anxiety like high school. You are developing into you. Never in my life would I have worn my bright-orange pants to a class in high school, but now I can and will. I mean, my legs looked like it just crawled out of a pumpkin, but hey it is me. Education is one of the best and wonderful attributes of life--and like a shadow it will always follow and be attached to you. Cherish it. Be adventurous! Don't be afraid to sway your body to the person right next to you and strike up a conversation--you may be surprised at how friendly and wonderful people really are. Be what you truly want to be in your major and in life. Do not worry about the past (or what your career path was in high school) and try out different majors before deciding on one. Learn from your parents, and use financial resources. This is the time to learn about bills and loans--it may be tough but don't worry it will be alright! Lastly, you will make it.

Find what's most comfortable for you, like a big school vs. a small school. It's amazing how many people are so certain they want a specific school and when they arrive they decide that it's just too big or just too small. It's also important to figure out your own financial status. Also realize that most schools have "their major", meaning they have certain majors they excell in. It's important to keep an eye out for that.