Bellarmine University Top Questions

Be sure you really like the school and it's campus; make sure it "fits" what you want. One of the important things for me when I was deciding where to go was the size of the school. I wanted my classes to be smaller, so that I didn't get "lost in the crowd." Make sure that the campus and the area around it is somewhere that you would be comfortable spending a lot of your time. If you like the city, find a school close to or in a city. If you prefer more space, go to a rural college. Simply, just know what you want in a college and don't settle until you find one you like.

When it comes to finding the right college, you have to find one that offers the major you are looking for and then go with what feels right. Some people just know that school is for them, others just get stuck with it. But you should find a school that works for you. Don't even necessarily look at the costs, because if it is right for you and you want to go there, then you will find a way to get the money. Once at school, be yourself 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}, go in with an open mind, grow, and get involved!!

In order to find the right college I think one has to have an idea of what he/she wants to do. If not then find a college that has courses in different subjects so one can experience different things. It also depends on the student's tastes in whether he wants to attend a big university or a smaller one. Pick a college that has a good courses, good student and teacher ratio and to participate in extra curricular activites are important. No matter what, always have fun, but do the best one can! Remember the name of the school is not the most important because it's the courses that matter most. Try new things, challenge yourself, meet new people, make new friends and life should be full of busy excitement. No one said college was ever easy so there will be hard times, but in the end it will be all worth it to graduate and hold that diploma in your hand!

For students I would give the advice to pick a school that will fit YOU, don't try to make other people happy or stay home to go to a school to be with a boyfriend/girlfriend or to make your parents happy. Go where you want to go because you will be more likely to succeed if your happy. For parents I would give the adivce to be open and accepting of your childs wishes with where they want to go, it's hard but you have to keep their best interst in mind. In the end what matters is that you get a college education and a degree and parents and students alike should be proud.

I advise parents and students to choose a school that emphasizes critical thinking in the classroom and applies coursework to current events in the U.S.A. and the world. It is so important that a college prepare students for life, not just a diploma and a good career. A college whose professors are accessible, engaged in student learning, and build strong relationships with student is of far greater value than colleges who have professors that are not. The learning that happens when a professor is concerned about the learning of each individual student is much deeper and far more valuable. When making college visits, ask how many office hours teachers are required to have per week. Also ask if critical thinking is stressed in every course, since this is something that is valued very highly by employers after college. Remember, the college you choose should offer you opportunities for success inside and outside the classroom and professors, staff, and fellow students to help you achieve your goals.

Students must pick a college where they feel comfortable. Visit a college campus before deciding to attend a specific school. Scope out the residence halls if you plan on living on campus, and ask questions of current students to see how they really feel about the school. Decide what you want in a school, and then look for schools that fit that criteria; however, do not strike down a school just because it is missing one or two things that you are looking for. Sometimes you may be surprised by what you will find. Dive in to the opportunities available to you head-first. Join clubs that you are interested in and take advantage of internship opportunities and presentations by guest speakers. I became involved as a staff writer on our campus newspaper freshmen year, and I was named editor my sophomore year. I have been able to attend lectures by internationally-known scholars, and I won an essay contest that allowed me to travel to New York City for a day to attend the Women's Courage in Journalism Awards. The opportunities available on college campuses are endless.

Take time to research your college. How strong are the programs you are looking for? What's the school to job ratio and how well are the graduates being paid? Don't settle for a school because it's what you can afford, remember that if you're going to a college that will get you a good job, there is financial aid and good loans that can be used to help pay for or defer the cost of school. I know I didn't let it stop me, and it has made all the difference (thanks Longfellow). Don't look at a school for a social life. Remember that it is your money you are wasting if you goof off in school, and that's just not worth it.

Since I just graduated in May 2008 and I am now pursuing my MBA at the same school, I have spent a lot of time at Bellarmine. My biggest suggestion for parents would be to visit several campuses so that you can get a comparison of the schools. Let the student make the decision of where they want to go. Wherever they feel comfortable or feel like home when they step on campus is going to play an important role into how they will do. You may need to give them some guidance as to the degree that they are wanting to receive and where it will take them in the future, but they will only compete this dream if they are happy about where they are. I, myself would have never survived on a large campus. I would have got lost in the crowd and just become another number to them. At Bellarmine, I felt like I got the attention and guidance that I need to succeed. It all depends on the student. They must be happy to succeed!

Apply to a variety of colleges. Select a college that best suits the student, not just because the parent went there but because they want to attend that college. Be open-minded with college expeiences but know your limits. Consider what is in your budget.

Go with your gut feeling! Bellarmine was my first choice even though it's ridiculously expensive. I got scholarships and grants and still have to pay out of my own pocket, but I wouldn't change schools for anything. If you feel better in small classrooms go with that, don't go against your better judgement. Deep down you know what you need to make you do well because you know yourself and how you learn better than anyone. Go on college tours to find out if they offer courses you are interested in. See what the campus looks like. Find out prices on tuition, parking passes, meal plans, and dorms. Find out if they have a way for new freshmen to meet eacher other such as Bellarmine did. They plan a camping trip every year for incoming Freshmen to meet and make friends so they feel more at ease on campus. Most of all figure out if you want to stay close to home or move away for college for a fresh start.