Catholic University of America Top Questions

The most important thing to remember about the college experience is that it is a learning environment in every sense of those words. From figuring out academics to lead to a good carreer, to making life-lasting friendships, to building yoru self confidence and self value in order to go out into the world and positively influence it. Each future college student has to make the right college choice for them individually, and no one can make this choice for them. Remember that this choice is important, but not the end of the world if it is made incorrectly. These are the years in your life you don't get back, and making this choice has to be what you know will positively affect you, so you can positively affect the world.

Truly do look into the current statistics of the school, and look outside the campus as well as on-campus.

Getting into your top choice is not what's most important. You can make almost any college experience into a rewarding one. It's what you make of it.

Enjoy the ride.

Advice I would give to parents and or students would start with make sure you like this area. It is not the safest and it is very close to the city. Options and safety are a big issue. As a student you should make sure this is hands down the school you definitely want to attend. Go through all the options and make pro's and con's for each school. Choosing a college is very important and you want to be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} happy with your choice. This is a school where parents can be involved in many aspects of campus life which can be good for both students and parents. Ask questions. Make sure your getting what you came to school for, and if your not find out ways to fix it with the help of other people on campus such as friends or professors or administrators. College will be some of the best times of your life where you will make friendships that will last a lifetime.

I would advise both parents and students alike to visit as many schools as they can before beginning the application process. Assess the individual needs of your child who is applying -- applicants as well must assess what type of school provides what they need and what they're looking for. Do not wait until the last minute to apply and do not put all of your eggs in one basket. I thought I wanted to go to one specific school and I exerted my energy and resources in trying to get in. In the end, I was wait listed and ended up going to my second choice. As it turns out, my second choice is the only school I could now see myself at. I was very fortunate, but not everyone is. Plan ahead and do as much research as you can in finding out the social environment of the school, the class sizes, the type of faculty a school has (the percentage of professors with doctorates versus those who have masters degrees, etc), the size of the school, its housing program, and most importantly, the amount of financial aid it is willing to give. Good luck!

The best advice I could give to students and parents is ask and try to find the answers to a lot of questions! You can never ask too many questions. To even begin the college search process, ask questions about what kind of school you are looking for, including things such as size, location, religious affiliations, school setting, price, possible majors/departments, etc. It will be easier to narrow down the search if you have an idea of what you are looking for, and once you have it narrowed down heavily research the schools that most interest you on the surface. Parents can be very helpful and it makes the transition to college from highschool fun and exciting if parents are involved in the decision making process in some way. It is important for parents and students to understand one another and set expectations so everyone is on the same page. Finding a college is a stressful time, especially senior year of highschool when so many other things are going on, but it can be fun and exciting! There will be a feeling of relief once you have decided and start to move forward with your choice. Good Luck!!

In order to make the most of your college experience, do not limit yourself. Many people choose a college because they want the "Animal House" experience: parties, goofy fun, et cetera. Others want to go to college simply because they want a high paying job when they graduate. These two extremes are available at most schools, and can be part and parcel of your college experience. However, it is important not to choose a school based on these two extremes. Look at the big picture when choosing the institution you want to attend. The best college experience should not merely include an obsession with parties, or with getting the best grades. Rather, the best college will be one that will help you grow as a person so that you can flourish when you enter the real world. Parties are fun, and you can find them easily; don't choose a school because you want to party. Academics are extremely important, but don't make them your world. Do well in school, have fun when you can, and find programs that will help you grow. Beer and grades are nothing compared to what you can become.

You will never know a school until you go there, and the tour doesn't count. Use your best judgement from others that have gone there that you know, it helps better than anything else.

look beyond the surrounding area and really focus on the students, faculty, and campus.