DePaul University Top Questions

Get involved in something, anything. Learn not just from your professors, but those around you. Don't just hang out with people who look like you, and don't be afraid of something just because it's new. Most importantly, engage. Don't do the minimum amount of work to get by. You're here because you want to be, and you're choosing what to study. Choose something you love, and dive into it fully. THAT is how you will learn. Oh, and don't worry about your major. Part of college is making you into a well rounded person, and no matter what you study, that will happen (granted, IF you study...). Plus, you don't HAVE to get a job in your "field" once you're done. Most people I know this side of graduation are doing something completely different. College is about the journey, not the ending.

I think it's best to keep an open mind. You might not always get to go exactly where you want to, and forever comparing where you end up to the place you wanted to go isn't going to help you enjoy the place you're at. Be Appreciative for what you have. And indepence is key. Don't bring your parents with you to college!

773871that your tuition is paid by parents, I had to borrow for myself, and it is annoying to find how many students are going to keep parents happy and are really not applying themselves as they have no real value for the money being spent or sacraficed by others. Be passionate about what you want .

Don't go in expecting a certain experience. Be open to whatever situation or circumstances you find yourself, and give it all a chance. And meet people. You have to meet people. Find a place where you can look at people, and lose no respect for them because of their mannerisms or clothing, etc. It's all about the people.

Research EVERYTHING.

Make sure to keep focused, and to also have fun at college. Don't just study all day; balance your schedule out so that you will not be stressed.

Students: you are the most important! Don't go somewhere to fill the expectations of others, whether they be parents, teachers, or fellow students. Go visit your campuses. Stay overnight with some people you might know, or people you don't know (universities usually have a program that can set you up with students if you do not know anyone). Sit in on the classes. If you are looking at music schools, take lessons with the professors--I know this is expensive, but it is absolutely worth it. How do YOU feel at a specific school? How you feel at the school you choose is crucial to your overall experiences at college. You are no longer children; most of you are 18 or older. It's time to start living your lives and making your own decisions!

I would say to research and visit a variety of different schools. Talk to teachers and students to get a feel of the particular attitude on campus. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Be picky and be completely comfortable with your choice.

When it comes to picking a college there are many things a student needs to consider. How big would you like your classes? What do you want in a social setting? Do you want strong career connections post-graduation? Does a school have your major? I would suggest narrowing down your choices and making plans to visit each school that you are accepted into with a list of prepared questions that are important to you. As for parents, let your children decide what their future holds, do not do it for them.

Be very aware of what it is You want out of the school. Do not listen to all the hype that is feed to you as a prespective student. Evaluate housing, food, tuition cost, job placement, and diversity! I am glad that I waited to go to school, I honestly don't feel that at 18 I would have considered the things that I do now as important.

The best advice for finding the right college would be to understand what you want out of life and what you want from your college. It's better to get into a school knowing what you want to do and being 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} dedicated to that subject. It gives you an edge over other students and shows in your work. From there, choosing the right school for you would simply involve researching the best college for the major of your interest.

I don't think that you should focus on the money factor becasue this is a big descion and you want to feel good about where your going and were your degree is coming from. It is better to go were you want then to go some were you would rather not go only because it is cheaper you will later regret going to school or drop out.

Plan, Plan, Plan! It is crucial that you identify a good program that will give you the flexibility to choose or switch a mjor as you mature and pin point what you are looking to do with you life.

For Students: If you know what you want to study, then find the schools that are well respected in those specific areas and choose the school where you feel you will get the most out of every aspect of you're experience there. If you don't know, don't worry! Most kids don't, but pick some schools that have respectable academics in general and go visit. When you visit, pick the school that excites you. You will spend a significant portion of you're life there, so go where you WANT to go. Just don't make the party scene the primary reason. You will find an exciting social scene at almost any college, focus on the bigger picture. For Parents: I want to quote a friend of mine here, she said "It took me till I was 22 to realize that life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself." Let you're kids create themselves, and try to be supportive. Be available to answer questions that they have, and help them to find the right questions to ask.

HAVE FUN

To parents, I would advise, judging from my own experience, that you really let your child sit down and think about what they want in terms of what kind of college they would like to go to. For instance, you may think that your son or daughter would love to go to a smaller liberal-arts college, but that is not always the case. Your child might want exactly the opposite. Also, there is a good chance your child will be able to decide what kind of college he/she would like to attend if you, the parent, do not interefere or influence him/her by putting in your two cents. Of course, it's great to have that extra feedback and personal opinion, but at the same time, a lot that you say will partially determine or at least be taken into consideration when your child comes to a top 3 and needs to narrow the list down. Bottom line, finding the right college and making the most of the college experience will be possible if you know that is what your child had wanted from the very beginning, without any kind of influence from their parents.

Parents: trust the instincts of your children. This is their opportunity to take a risk and pursue something that could change the rest of their lives. Don't hold them back out of fear or the notion that you know what's best. My mom refused to accept that I wanted to go to Chicago for school, which is six hours from home. She eventually came to the conclusion that this was my life and I had to define it for myself. Your student will respect you more when you respect this step of independence in his or her life. Students: don't rely on others to direct your path! So many of my high school friends went to a school that was comfortable and safe. I showed up to my college with no friends, no knowledge of the city, nada. I had to create myself all over again, and it was the best decision I could have made. The love of my life goes to school 300 miles from me, but my love for what is in store for my future makes it worth the effort. Don't settle for less that you deserve.

Don't rush. Make sure you know all about the school first. Visit it a few times. Parents... don't force your kids into any school. Let them choose. Because if they are forced into a school they aren't going to do well academically or socially.

I think that the decision needs to be based on the students obvious needs and goals, but also based on their personality. It is important that they realized that undergraduate education is only one part of many consequent parts of their educational life. The decision must feel right to both the student and the parent if the parent is to remain an active part of the student's life. Make sure that at all times you are honest with yourself about what you want, and what you can handle. Make sure the school meets all of yoru needs, otherwise, its not worth the effort, expense, or stress.

The right college is one that provides a collaborative environment for you to be motivated and inspired by the unique talents and backgrounds of others. College provides a great opportunity for you to learn, grow, and be challenged. The first advice I would give to students is to never put limitations on what you can achieve and how you can impact change as a student. Instead of allowing your definition of success to be defined by your past, let success be cultivated by your hard work and passion to live out your purpose. Also, college students should not look at themselves as just students but change agents. Stay focused so that you can achieve academic excellence but don't limit yourself to the books. Take part in extracurricular activities, networking opportunities, and study abroad learning so that you can maximize your college experience. This advice will add to your success in college but you must never forget that success is not quantifiable by the things you own, grades you obtain, and activities you participate in. True success is achieved when you are able to advance yourself in your personal and professional pursuits so that you can reach out to others.