Catholic University of America Top Questions

visit the college before making the decision of where you are going to go. Talk to students that go there. When you choose a college, branch out, dont just run with the same pack you did in high school. Join as many student orgs as you can and stick with the ones you like, you will meet alot of new people you otherwise never would have known. Be responsible, if you are going to drink dont be "that guy/girl" be the responsible one, dont go out on nights you have class. Finally dont skip class, drag yourself there at all costs it will pay off at the end of the semester.

Beyond simply visiting the school, my best advice to hopeful students would be to get to know the school - including job prospects, possible internships, what it takes to graduate. Though these may be issues too far in the future for an applicant, these are the aspects about a college which, truly, will shape the academic experience, no matter what major you choose. To make the most of your college experience, my best advice is to - even if you feel as though nothing really appeals to you - to just try. Try out groups, try out activities, get involved. You can always change your mind later and leave a group; but sitting back and watching others make the most of their university disengages you from every truly feeling like you "fit in." Take up opportunities, plan ahead, try new things, and be active rather than passive - these are statements for all students that will make any college, any universitiy experience, worthwhile.

The number one advice I could give to any student or parent would be to realize that there is absolutely a college that fits your needs. My university literally fit every one of my needs when I was looking; anyone looking for a school needs to be specific, picky and fight for what they know they want. To make the most out of your college experience a student must absolutely take advantage of every opprotunity they possibly could: take a class outside of your major, have a conversation with a stranger in the city, volunteer, meet an exchange student and be open to every odd thing that will be thrown your way. Run and jump blindly into life because that will be your college experience, NOT reading the plain and tedious words on the textbook page.

I have learned a valuable lesson in my year and a half of college. NEVER GIVE UP after the first semester. The first semester can be hard on anyone because it is a huge change in a person's life. I struggled through my first semester, and thought I'd never be truly happy. But now, one year later, I am home on Christmas break, and I am homesick for my college...that's how much I love it. The college you are meant to attend, WILL stick out. Be open to choosing someplace you might not have initially thought would right for you...that's what happened to me! When you have chosen your school, make the most out of college by getting involved in activities and getting to know all sorts of students, professors, and staff. You're an adult now, and growing up means doing things that challenge you, and when you challenge yourself, you grow, and when you grow, people notice. Work hard, and don't slack, but have fun! Be responsible, don't do something you would regret...it will only set you back. "But above all things, to thine own self be true." -Shakespeare

Visit them.

Dont pick a school based on what your parents want or what you see on the outside. Look into the colleges that intrest you and weigh out the good and the bad within each of them. Decide what you want and narrow it down. Start early so that you dont feel rushed to decide where you want to go. When you egt to college, get involved with people that are like you and dont feel pressured to do anything you dont want to do. Dont be too quick to judge a school based on a few weeks.

There are so many wonderful colleges out there and it is not necessary to only look at Ivy League schools. There are schools which offer the same great education for half the price! If you have your major in mind, be sure to look at schools that have a good reputation in that major. But if you are like many incoming freshmen who don't have a major, visit many different schools and see which one you feel "at home" in as cheesy as that sounds. If you have a good feeling about the school from visiting, then you should consider going there. Remember you have to live there for four years!

Make sure you visit the college that you want to go to. Ask random people on campus if they like the school, you will usually get the truth, and a better gauge than if you just asked a student advisor.

I highly recommend perspective students to visit the campus and meet the current students and professors. It is wise to prepare questions to find more about the college and to leave a great impression.

Follow your heart when it comes to choosing a school, and don't be afraid to DIVE IN and make the most of your experience the first seconds you are there...4 years goes by very very quickly!

For parents, I would say do not pressure your child to chose a school you believe is his or her best fit. For students, do not feel pressured by your parent to attend a specific school. Only the student will know what truly works for him or her. I made that mistake and am suffering for it now. I believed that since my dad was paying for my education, it was fine for him to choose the place. I am a student in the architecture program at Catholic University. It is an excellent program and I am learning a great deal. However, Fordham was my dream school to pursue Journalism. Because I gave into my parents' demands, I will never know how I would have made it as a journalist. For now, I'm struggling through architecture while thinking, 'If only I showed a little more spine, I could be at Fordham right now.' Although I know many students are under financial retstraints, do not pay attention to cost while searching for the right college. At least apply first, and try and negotiate financial packages later. It will only end up being a regret in life if you don't.

Look for a school doing exciting work in your field over a school that has diverse extra-curriculars or a "homey" feel. If the department is good and the professors and students are enthusiastic, you will be happier with your education, learn more, and create important contacts for your future. Make sure that undergraduates are given enough attention and opportunity if the school offers graduate degrees. The "best" school isn't the best if you can't participate at a high level. Extra-curriculars are a little overrated - unless participating in a specific activity is important to you. Don't underestimate your ability to create fun or the ability of student groups and departments to do things that will fill your needs but are not billed as "extra curricular activities" in campus recruitment materials. That said, find a school the right size and in the right kind of area for you. No matter how great the department is, if the size of the classes are too big for you to do well in, or in a town that is too big or small for your sanity, you will not be happy. Try to find a balance of these criterea.

I would advise them to examine every aspect of the college that they are looking at. Also they should be sure to speak with many students who attend the college and ask them their opinion about what they think of the school.

Always visit the campus. Talk to students and teachers. Think about location, if you hate the snow don't apply to schools where it snows for half the year. Even if you don't get into your first choice school make the best of it. Your college expericene is about the friends you make and the things you learn.

Look for location academics financial information and the type of college it is to best fit your personality

Make sure the town or city your college is in is fun and is most like you because you can go a little stir crazy by staying on campus!

Don't let closeness to home or scholarships affect the choice of college.

VISIT and don't go somewhere that's just easy, really look at what you want to do and find a school that has a good program for it.

The size of the student population plays a huge role in finding the right college. At a small liberal arts school one will see the same people often, and perhaps feel a sense of community. At a large public university the environment is a lot different. The size of the student population is what I believe to be the most imporant thing in picking a college. The location from home should be considered seriously as well.

Firstly, never pick a school that would be about, "what could make me/my child get noticed for job interviews". College is the most liberating time in a person's life. You can be and do whatever you think you want to do. The worst thing that you can do in college is worry about your career because you may not be in that major all four years. Go out on a limb and try something new that you may enjoy. Also, Pick a school that would match ideally with what you want to do down the road, but don't pick a school in the country if your a city girl just because it's program in your major is better. Pick a school that you could live in and thrive in. If you can, make sure you visit the school and especially while you are there check out the neighborhood. Some schools are their own cities, and some are part of them. Pick a place that has your interests as well as crazy things you'd never dream of. You only have four years of carefree freedom, make the best of it.