DePaul University Top Questions

First, I would tell seniors in high school to take a deep breath and relax. Sometimes getting rejected from a "dream" school is the luckiest thing that will ever happen to you. There are so many factors that make a college experience enjoyable; I've been through the rejecion, but in the end the right school accepted me. It's a funny thing about the universe and sometimes you just have to trust it. Secondly, I advise you to visit your top choices before making a decision. There is a big difference between a picture in a brochure and the feeling you get from students on campus. Make sure you feel comfortable amongst the student body and that the location/weather suits you. Lastly, I would advise both the students and the parents to have a serious discussion about money. When you're only 18 money isn't real yet. The quality of life and quality of education is important, but parents I urge you to help your student think long term...because four years goes really fast and debt can last a lifetime. Trust your gut and your wallet and remember: this is NOT life or death. Good luck!

Do as much research as possible, and visit as many campuses as possible. In the end, pick the campus that you felt home at.

Make sure to visit the campuses of all the schools you apply to. This really helps to narrow down your decision.

Do not worry too much about which career your major will lead to. Your undergraduate degree is structured for YOU. Don't worry about how your parents or relatives feel. Find a major that you truly have a passion for, and it will change your life. Work on bettering yourself, and from there, the jobs will come.

Search for a school that best fits your academic needs. Also look into the various activities and see if it works for you as well. Make sure that the financial aid is accomodating for your financial needs.

Have your child follow their gut. Take them on a campus tour and, while you are taking notes for your own personal reference, let your child walk around, see if they fit in, and ask their own questions. Ultimately, it is their choice and their experience.

Parents and students should take the time to visit a variety of colleges, ranging in programs offerred and campus environments. I know that in my own personal search for a college I was benefitted by seeing small and large campuses, which revealed the kind of attention and extra-curricular options available to me as a student. Talking to a number of students and professors about what to expect from their particular university is also a crucial part of finding the right college. And most importantly, parents and students should check out the financial aid colleges offer, because even if many schools seem unaffordable they may have loans or scholarships that offset their overall costs.

DONT let your kids pick their school based upon where their friends are going. Visit many schools and see what amazing programs the school have to offer. Choose a school that is appealing to you and your interests.

Make sure it is somewhere you would feel comfortable at. This will be your home and you should make it a good study envirnment.

Make sure you check out the school before you decide to go there. Try to visit the school when they are having a involvement fair that way you can see what kind of clubs you can get into on campus. The grades will come but if there is no outside responsible fun you will not like your choice.