DePaul University Top Questions

I believe that choosing the right college is all about knowing what is important to you and following that passion, wheither it be a specific major, volunteer opportunities, location, or even cost. Determine what factor matters most to you and explore all of those options until you think you know what the right school might be. Apply to your second favorites as well but go with what draws you in. Once you get there, get involved, have fun, do new things but don't focus all of your time and energy on studying and working. People who do this run themselves down and miss out on opportunies to grow as a person as well as a student. If you still feel overwhelmed or loney after the first year don't be afriad to explore other options at other schools.

Visit

If I could go back in time and begin my college search again, I think I would have tried to visit more schools. I only visited three, and while I now love DePaul and feel that I definately belong here, I went through a period my freshman year where I questioned if I had missed out on going to some different school simply because I didn't check it out. Luckily for me, while accompanying my younger sister on her college search, I realized that DePaul was a great fit for me. I would also apply to ALL the schools you want to go to, even if you think you can't get in. It never hurts to give something a shot. To new students, all I can say is that your social life is what you make it. Get involved in something you like to meet people with similar interests! Make the effort to study with people in your classes! You can't make new friends if you don't put yourself out there.

I would tell students and parents to make sure that they research all schools before choosing a final school to attend. You should make sure that this is the right school for yourself or your child. Explore as many scholarships and grants that you can because you will need the extra money for other things that you would rarely think about in college.

Visit and talk to students about what they're lifes are like on campus. Don't take what the university or tour guides have to say. Speak with real students.

I would advise them to visit the college and make sure they take whatever tours and orientations are offered by the college. There is a lot of information that you don't find out through catalogs. It requires you to be there on campus and get a feel for where it is, the culture of the students. Visit a classroom, observe the student/teacher interaction. Eat on campus. This will give you a better idea of how it is to attend. Visit a few of them and then decide which makes you feel more comfortable. You can usually tell those party schools from the more academic ones with a visit. Take a couple days at each one so you get a better idea. Visit during the week, not on weekends. This will give you a real feel for the college on an average day.

I think the most important aspect of college life is to have a good work, life, and school balance. Creating the work ethic and responsibility to do well in school to prepare oneself for life outside of school is essential. Another aspect of enjoying the college experience is having a social interaction with other students on campus. Therefore, getting involved in the activites the school has to offer is important, especially if the student does not live on campus. As far as choosing a school, parents and students should evaluate: campus environment, cost, and most importantly students should evaluate what they expect to get out of the school. (i.e. reputable school to help get a job after graduation, programs the school as to offer, etc.)

It is important to remember what you want out of your life. Don't ever let anyone decide that for you. Follow the path you think is right for yourself. Look for a college that can satisfy all your interests so you can dip into each and find out which best suits you.

Visit a lot of colleges. You will know your college when you've found it. You will feel at home, accepted, and welcomed. You will feel empowered. Parents, don't make the decisions for your kids...they are not pawns to be moved around a board so that you can live vicariously. That said, DO stay involved in your child's life while they are away at school - EVERYONE gets home sick!

Students who have not worked a job or have not really have to be responsible for theirselves for at least one bill like a cell phone may not be ready to go away for school they may take advantage of the freedom and may miss some school work.

My advice would to really consider what the student wants to do after school. That way, he/she can make better financial decisions about school (and not be in debt for the rest of their life) ;and to be sure that the student will be qualified (learn what they need) in order to qualify for that job after graduation.

To find the right college for you, make sure you can financially afford it without struggling to buy books or pay tuition each semester. Financial struggles can have an immediate impact on your attitude and motivation toward school because sometimes it seems easier to just give up. However, if you find a school that has a friendly student body and inspiring professors, you will remain positive and succeed. Attend a college that makes you feel comfortable, respected, and important.

The best advice I could give to parents and students about finding the right college woul be to really research the program that they will be getting into for their major. Going into an expensive University with an unstable progrman can ake a stuent feel lost in their career and guilt for the money being spent. To make the most out of your college experience. get involved with activities that revolve around your major. Not only will you find a passion for what you are planing to do with your career , but possible life long friends.

Take plenty of time on and off campus during ones visit. Do a lot of research. Love the schools your applying to.

Make sure you go to the college that best meets your needs not always your budget becasue that is were you will get the resources you need to have a great stepping stone for your carreer journeys.

LOOK AT COLLEGES! Don't just choose the first one that accepts you. That's what I did, and consequently, I did it wrong! Have fun, study hard, party hard, be safe. MAKE LIFE LONG FRIENDS. Don't be afraid to try new things, as long as they have a positive impact on your life. Drinking is completely natural and fun, but be responsibile about it. Nobody likes a sloppy drunk.

Go with your instinct- it's usually correct.

My advice to all the parents and/or students about finding that right college for them is choose the college that they feel they fit in and like the most. Make sure you visit your colleges a number of times to get a feel for the atmosphere. Do not worry about the price of college or where everyone else is going. Your the one that has to be happy for the next four plus years with a school so don't be afraid to meet new people. To make the most out of your college experience make sure you take advantage of your school resources. Split your time between your social life and academic life. YOu need a balance of both or you will get to lazy or to stressed out by all whats going on. Meet lots of people enjoy the surrounding area of the school and have a great four years at the college you choose. Do no hold anything back you only get to do this once.

When searching for the right college I would advise students to go look at serveral colleges and talk to other students who go there. I would explain that the their best choice would be where they felt most comfortable and at home. I would also suggest students to visit any friends and stay overnight in the dorms if possible. I would suggest that parents attend any informational meetings the college offers explaing tuition and prgrams offered; it is important for both student & parent to feel confident and comfortable at the college. I would advise incoming college students to get involved with their college. The best way to enjoy your college experience is to get involved on campus, because otherwise one will simply feel left out. I would also encourage students to join fraternities or sororites, because it's a great way to get involved and make life long friends!

The advice I would give parents is to help their children pick a school not base on the tuition and location. For many parents is hard to let go of their children and believe it is better for their children to stay in the same city, or state. Many schools help students financially so students should not apply to a school base on the tution. Students should focus on the type of classes the school has, they size, social life, and extra curricular activities. The college would become their home and its not only about the classes, but what they can do outside of the classes.