Winona State University Top Questions

Choose the college that first gives you the best acedemic opportunity, then pick the one that feels the most "at home" to you.

I would say to definitely look for a college that you can afford, you don't want to by stuck with a large debt once you graduate, especially when the economy looks like it does now, it is hard for college graduates to find jobs and once you graduate you only have 6 months to start paying on your loans and if you can't find a job, then you are out of luck. So just be wary of that. Pick a university that has good credentials and professors.

Students, take your time. If you really want to spend the next four years or more at a school then you need to know that you really do like it and there is no harm in taking your time and figuring out if this is where you want to be.

?You have four years to be irresponsible here. Relax. Work is for people with jobs. You'll never remember class time, but you'll remember time you wasted hanging out with your friends. So, stay out late. Go out on a Tuesday with your friends when you have a paper due Wednesday. Spend money you don't have. Drink 'til sunrise. The work never ends, but college does..."? - Tom Petty

Don't select a college based solely on academic expectations, because that's not hat college is about. College is about academics, but more importantly, it is about the friends you make and the extracurricular activities you become involved in. The university you choose should be one that the student feels comfortable on and around, and feels included in the community of students on campus. Choose a university with a diverse list of majors, as well as minors, because there will be a variety of classes available to take; this way, a student can take classes in many different subjects before deciding on a major area of study. It's a good idea to choose a school that has small class sizes so that the professors get a chance to know the individual students so that they may be tuned in to their individual needs. The most important things about college are not only the academics (which is the most important part - it's what you're paying for!), but the friends you make and the fun you have.

Visit the campus and look around. Take a chance to visit some of the classes and talk to students in your field of interest. Also look at extra-curriculars. Cost is another thing that is a large factor. If you can get a scholarship for any or all of the cost then take it. Distance from home was a factor for me; far enough away to be independent but close enough to visit on a weekend. Make sure the school has your major of choice. Look at the size of the campus. Make sure it is not too big or too small. Thoroughly research your choices and discuss them with your parents or a counselor. Compare and contrast each college with the others and look at admission requirements. Don't spend all of your time in the library. Take the time to make friends and socialize with others on campus and get involved in clubs and fraternities. Go to campus functions and meet new people. Meet your professors and talk to them. They may give you a reccomendation after college that could be the difference between getting a job or not. Most of all HAVE FUN.

Try and become as involved as possible with campus activities. Do not go home every weekend. It is very helpful to have a car when you go to a small school. And no matter what don't let your social life come between your school work. This is an investment for yourself and it should be the most important part of your life, but still have fun as much as possible.

get out and meet people, have fun

In order to get the most out of your college experience you need to get involved on campus. Just attending classes and parties on the weekends isn't enough. Join a group on campus that interests you, or something related to your major. Also, make sure you live in the dorms at least a year or two. The dorms are a great place to meet people and form life-long relationships. Join your University Programming club, it is the best way to find out what is going on around campus. In choosing a college you need to make sure the size fits your personality. A small school isn't for everyone, and neither is a bigger school. Find something that is just right. Don't be afraid to go away to school. Living close to home will be tempting to go home every weekend and miss out on things going on around campus. And make sure your major is offered at the school!!

I would first and foremost tell them to look at as many colleges as possible. This way, they will have a lot of ideas on what is really out there for them. It will give them a better understanding of what they are looking for. Even if they are positive they will not attend a certain college, it is still a good idea to look at it just to give them an idea of what different colleges have to offer. After this first step they will have a much better understanding of what they want in a college and it will make the search so much easier. After the right college is chosen I would strongly encourage new students to attend various orientation activities. This is where they will meet great people who can help them adjust to the new college life. My first week of college is where I met some of my closest friends that I have today. It really helped me get started out on the right foot. Good luck!