“It has always been my dream to become a teacher that is able to give students hope, confidence, and the ability to challenge themselves and to never give up.”

— Cassandra Turner
Saint Martin's University

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I consider college?

You should certainly consider some sort of further education after high school. Your high school education has given you a good foundation, but if you want choices in your future, you need to get more education. You'll increase your understanding of our world and meet people from different backgrounds. It is an excellent opportunity to become more independent, develop leadership skills, and increase your potential. You'll have more control over your future.

Does it matter whether I go to college?

The more education you get the greater flexibility you'll have in the future. The average income in our country is directly related to the level of education of the individual. In high school you learned a great deal of material. In college you'll be challenged to put that to use. But college will do more than prepare you for a career. It will prepare you for life. It will prepare you for whatever comes your way. A liberal arts college will help you build the skills for life — the ability to communicate, work with other people, adapt to change, think critically, and solve problems. It makes you more open and flexible and more interested in the world around you — and more interesting to be around.

Does it matter what college I go to?

You will be most successful at the college that fits you. “Fit” is different for every person. It has to do with the size, location, level of involvement, and the personality of college you're looking for. The only way you'll know is if you visit several campuses. Are there students like you? Who have the same academic goals? Who like to do the same type of activities? Don't forget to find ways to challenge yourself in this new environment.

Does size matter?

The size of the college matters as you find the right one for you. If you want to study something that requires lots of financial resources from the school and you are less concerned about living in a strong community, a very large university may be a great place to go. If you want to connect with more people and explore your academic options, a smaller college is probably a better fit. Larger universities tend to have larger classes with more people who aren't professors teaching them. They also have a broader array of majors and courses. At smaller colleges, you're likely to have the same professor more than once so you'll have the opportunity to know them better — and they you.

How do I pick the right college?

The important thing to realize is that there are many choices out there and it will take time to find your best “fit”. So start early and explore your options! You'll want to narrow the field in order to have a more manageable group to investigate further. This requires you to do a little soul searching and ask yourself what you really want out of college. Websites and guidebooks are good sources of information. Some things you'll want to consider include: size, location, education quality, majors offered, college personality (they each have one), and the amount of involvement you'll want in extracurricular activities.

Does it matter whether I live at home or in a dorm?

College is an excellent opportunity to gain additional independence. Sometimes that can be hard to do if you're living with your parents. Think about whether you can take more responsibility for your actions if you're at home. Some students need to move to another town to fully exercise the independence they desire. If the college you've found as a good fit is in your home town, you should still consider living in the dorm. It is sometimes hard to take full responsibility for yourself living at home. If you and your parents can agree that you should take full responsibility for yourself, it may be an option to consider.

How should I pick a major?

Choosing your major is an important decision, but you shouldn't feel pressured to do it before you get to college. Take some time to explore your options as you fulfill your general education requirements. Many students go to college with a very clear view of what they want to major in, only to find an area they love that they'd never considered. Your major should be an area of study you're deeply interested in. You're going to spend a great deal of time studying, thinking, and writing about the topics. It will be easier if you enjoy the work.

When should I pick a major?

For most majors you don't need to know until the middle of your sophomore year. That should give you time to explore. If you're interested in more technical majors (engineering, nursing, etc.), you'll need to get started early taking required courses so you'll be ready in your junior year to take the courses in your major.

How can I afford college?

Don't start by looking at the sticker price. Find the colleges that are good fits for you. Then explore the financial aid process. You shouldn't choose a college based on its price. Financial aid is available at most colleges. At many private colleges most students receive some sort of aid, often making the out of pocket costs lower than less expensive colleges. Keep your options open.

Who could I ask about details?

You should contact colleges you're interested in early. The staff in the admissions and financial aid offices will be very helpful, even if you don't end up attending there.