Winona State University Top Questions

I would be sure to tell them to visit the campus and stay over night or for a weekend if they can, experiencing as much of the campus and city as possible. Think about what size of school you want as well as the size of the city/town and what kind of major you want. Also make sure you see what the college specializes in and if they have opportunities to be involved in activities and events if the prospective students want to be involved in anything. Make sure you like the campus and get a good feeling when you visit!

For students i would recommend that you do some research on your school. I came to school with very little knowledge and regret not finding the school that fit me the best. I got lucky and WSU is a great academic institution. Find a school that is affordable and academically focused for your particular interest in learning. Also, do not forget that you must like the campus itself, because it is where you spend the majority of your time for the four-five years you are in college. For parents i would say that you must make sure that your child has looked at all the possibilities because if they don't then they have to live with it during their time as a college student, and you get to hear about it from them.

Find a college that is cheap!

Firstly, go with your gut. If you feel comfortable being there during the tour, that's a good sign. Ask a lot of questions about the area of study your interested and find out what that specific department is like. Once you're actually at college, take advantage of the extracurricular opportunities, because it's a good way to get to know people with similar interests. Participate in dorm activities, because you'll get to know your neighbors. They're in the same situation as you are, not knowing anyone, so it's a good way to connect. Stay on top of your homework, because if you skip too many classes or procastinate too much you can get easily overwhelmed.

Finding the right college may be difficult, but if you take your time and look into what each college has that best fits the student, you are guaranteed to make the right choose. It helps to go on campus tours and talk to students that go to that school already. It also to learn what the classes are like, to make sure it fits your learning style. To make the most out of your college experience, people should go out and participate in activities around campus. It is best to live in the dorms your first year to meet new friends and learn more about yourself. College isn't all fun and games though, make sure to keep up on your school work by studying hard and going to all your classes. I found that working your first year of school may be difficult, but it is also another way to make some good friends. New friends are something you need to have when you are away from your family and friends back at home.

Choose the school that feels the best for the student, not for other reasons. Get out and experience new things

I would say that the most important things students and their parents should know about choosing a college is to go with your gut feeling. I know that going on college visits can be overwhelming with information, so my advice would be to take time before or after a college visit to walk around the campus by yourself and just see if it feels right and if you can picture yourself walking through this campus. After spending time on a campus just to reflect, can often lead you to the right choice for you.

Focus on Community. Knowing who you are and what surroundings best complement your living and learning styles will result in the most profitable outcome when chosing the right school. In order to make most of a college experience, I feel that the student needs to immerse themselves into the community, focusing on the town's history, geographical landmarks, famous companies, and the people who make everything there possible. Being involved in organizations not only allows students to reach out to peers, but further lends opportunities to reach the community. Also, placing an emphasis on academics and forming relationships with students in your major as well as professors in your major's department will lend for apple access for study groups and direct teacher-student help. When chosing Winona, I fell inlove with the aesthetic appreciation that everyone here seems to have. It is truly one of the most beautiful places I've ever been and being able to appreciate that each day provided a positve environment and a constant reminder of what goal I'm serving as a student, which is to ultimately become an effective member of society and give back to everyone who has helped me get here.

The best piece of advice that I could give to parents and students about finding the right college is that parents should really listen to their children when they give an opinion on a school. Kids should not be forced into enrolling in a school that their parents are forcing them into because "it's best for them." The best thing that you can do to make the most out of the college experience is to go out and socialize. This does not have to be drinking every weekend, it can going to the club fairs and club sponsored events around campus. The more friends you make at college the better. I think that too many kids are stuck in high school mode and they don't want to let go of the friends that they have known forever. Don't forget your high school friends, just make new friends.

To find the right school for you, you need to visit and spend time in the town and on campus. Make sure they have the major and activities that you like to participate. Take a look at your finance and your availability to afford each school. Lastly, you need to know yourself and analyze whats important to you.