Issuu finding the right college fit 2014 15

Finding the Right

College Fit

Go. Explore. Visit. Ask. Interact. Discover. Connect.

Relate. Learn. Imagine. Succeed. Excel. Become.

Making

Connections For most students, the college search can feel overwhelming at times. This guide is designed to help make the process a bit easier for you—and hopefully a lot more productive in the end.

“

Get the Most from Your Search

The best part about the campus is the people. Everyone is warm and welcoming.

Going to Luther College makes you feel like part of a community.

”

—Erika Balk, Colorado Springs, Colo., management major and communication studies minor

It’s all about making connections—connections with current students, faculty, admissions staff, tour guides, coaches, music directors, and other individuals who can provide you with realistic insights into the college experience.

So how do you make the most of those important conversations? We think it helps to ask the right questions.

In fact, we’ve come up with five crucial areas you’ll want to address at each college you visit and several key questions to ask about each area.

The answers to these questions will tell you a great deal about what is most important to that college and what opportunities it offers for involvement and growth.

Vibrant

Learning community COMPELLING

Our hometown of Decorah, Iowa—located in the bluff country of northeast Iowa— offers small-town charm, beautiful views, and myriad opportunities for outdoor adventuring.

Luther College is a community of vibrant, engaged students, faculty, and staff.

Our rigorous liberal arts curriculum and small class sizes allow students and faculty to engage regularly in meaningful conversations about learning, faith, and values.

Founded in 1861, Luther College is a four-year, liberal arts institution of 2,500 students. Affiliated with the Lutheran church (ELCA), Luther offers more than 60 majors, minors, and preprofessional programs leading to the bachelor of arts degree. A Phi Beta Kappa chapter attests the academic excellence of the college, one of the outstanding undergraduate institutions in the Midwest.

Luther College is a great place to get involved, make connections, and learn more about yourself and the world.

But don’t take our word for it.

Come visit, ask us lots of questions, and discover for yourself whether Luther College might be the right fit for you.

Ninety percent of our students live on campus all four years (and 85 percent are here on any given weekend).

With over 100 studentled organizations—and a concert, lecture, recital, or other campus event almost every night of the week— there’s always something compelling to do.

That doesn’t keep our students from exploring the world beyond campus, however. Nearly 75 percent of our students study abroad through one of Luther’s yearlong, semester, or January Term experiences, and more than half do internships at places such as Mayo Clinic, IBM, and the U.S. Congress.

Luther College, 700 College Drive, Decorah, Iowa 52101-1042 admissions.luther.edu | admissions@luther.edu | 563-387-1287

Compare and Contrast Ultimately, the college search is about finding the place where you’ll be most fully engaged—where you’ll be able to get involved, make an impact, stretch yourself, and feel connected.

We hope you’ll tear off the attached list of questions and take it with you to each school you visit.

As you compare and contrast the answers you receive and determine what factors are most important to you personally, you’re sure to discover which school is the best fit for you.

Rigorous Academics 100 percent of classes are taught by professors (no teaching assistants).

Tradition of Excellence Luther offers 19 varsity sports and has won 229 conference titles.

Breathtaking Performances The annual Christmas at Luther concert showcases more than 600 students.

Important

Questions 3. CAMPUS ENVIRONMENT

n Do most students live on

campus? Do they stay on the weekends? n How do students get

involved in the campus community? What do they do for fun? n How does the school’s 1. ACADEMIC CHALLENGE

n What is the student/faculty ratio, and how does

that affect typical class sizes and interaction with professors in and out of the classroom? n How and when do students choose a major,

and what is the typical course of study for my particular area of interest? n Do students have a faculty adviser to help make

decisions about course loads? What kind of support is available for struggling students?

2. OUT-OF-CLASS EXPERIENCES

n What percentage of students study abroad? …do

off-campus internships? …conduct research with faculty members? n What kind of cocurricular opportunities (music

ensembles, athletic teams, intramurals, campus organizations, etc.) are available for students? n How do students develop leadership, engage in

community service, and apply their learning to real life?

location affect a student’s experience?

4. OUTCOMES

n How do students prepare

for life after college? n How many students are

able to graduate in four years? n What percentage of

graduates goes on to graduate school? …volunteer work? …employment in their chosen field?

5. FINANCIAL AID

n How do students make this

college affordable? n How much debt do

students typically have at graduation? n What scholarships are

available, and how do students qualify?

College fit

Comparisons LUTHER COLLEGE ACADEMIC CHALLENGE

OUT-OF-CLASS EXPERIENCES

CAMPUS ENVIRONMENT

OUTCOMES

FINANCIAL AID

COLLEGE B

COLLEGE C