DePaul University Top Questions

What should every freshman at DePaul University know before they start?

samantha

I will definately tell myself to take time studying. Also that college is really not that hard when i have done well while in high school. I will tell myself to get a job while in high school because it is hard and a struggle to affaord college. But as long as i stay focus and stay open to learn while i am still in high school i can do it and just have faith in God, knowing that i can succeed. I will tell myself to not get distracted, stay on that track, avoid smoking, drinking and partying. Do my work, and do it smart, apply for scholarships, even when it's very competetive at least try because it is always worth it to dedicate time for learning. It will all be worth to get a higher education. I will let myself know that her parents are not rich, and that I am from A small part of HAiti, in order to succeed i should thrive, and also do my absolute best at everything life has to offer.

Megan

Take it one day at a time. As a senior, knowing myself, I could have easily guessed that in my departure to college I would be a bundle of nerves even in my sleep-- making mental notes, checklists, to-do lists-- all of which adding up to nothing greater than stress and a desperate need for a massage. The wise advice that saved my sanity was printed on a "motivational canvas" my aunt had given to me for my high school graduation. I had hung it on my wall out of love for my aunt, but realized much later the wisdom it truly possessed. "God Grant me the sanity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference." In a society conditioned to prepare for the future like squirrels before winter, we rarely slow down enough to breathe and see the clarity in the worry-crowded dark tunnel. The first weeks of college are hectic, but patience trumps organizing office supplies, folding laundry, and making zumba class every time. Allow yourself time to adjust. Zumba-- and the rest of your schedule-- will come with time.

Tatiana

Dear Tati, I know you are in your senior year, and that it is going by super fast! Although right now you probably do not think so. Enjoy it while you can because you are definitely going to miss it. Even though being a team manager helps out a lot. Also, keep doing well in your classes because those college credits are going to help you out. Do not worry too much about the transition to college. DePaul has these great Discover and Explore classes that help you get immersed into the college life and help you get to know your new city. Chicago is an awesome place and it is fun to go and explore by yourself and with friends. Try to get involved a little bit, even though as a basketball manager you will be really busy. There are always things going on on campus! Last but not least make sure you find true friends. You are not going to get along with everyone, and you can not depend on everyone. Get a few close friends and stick with them. You will definitely need them, and they help make this rollercoaster life better :)

Gabriella

Search for the college that will help you with your needs, financially and educationally. Don't be afraid to check out the college's services that will be better for you in case you run into academic or financial trouble. Study hard, get those assignments in on time, participation is a must and do well on exams. In order to succeed effectively and efficiently, one must multitask in college to be leveled and balanced.

Jessica

I would give myself to take more AP classes and take the AP exams also. Even though I did take honors and AP classes and recieve Psychology credit for getting a four on my exam, I would reccommend taking more. It may have seemed as if the AP exam were expensive, which they were. The money you will save in the long run by doing well on the exam makes it all worth while. Looking back at how much money I save my parents for my minor in Psychology by getting a four on that exam I skipped two introductory course. By skipping those two inductory courses I saved my parents thousand all for fifty dollars for a exam, which is amazing!

Rebecca

Be you, always. Don't focus so much on having a lot of friends, instead find the people who are real and stick with them. Follow your gut and work hard but dont over stress. Have fun!

krystal

If I knew what I know now in high school, I would have been more involved with my school, joined more clubs/after school programs, joined NHS. I would have went to college straight from high school, I would not have been afraid to change my life. There are so many things I would have done, could have done, should have done different; but I have also learned I cannot live in the past. Although there are regrets on what I "coulda, shoulda, woulda" did, I have been brought down this path for a reason, and I just have to keep on going--just like I did in high school.

Gina

A lot of people will be talking about it being okay to change your major, and that most college students do. My advice to you is, pick a school (liberal arts, business, or something else) and stay there. Take one year to decide what your major is. Once you pick one, stick with it! I've seen too many friends and even relatives waste so much time by switching their major too many times. However, this means that you need to know yourself. In college, you will learn about yourself, and at times you will be surprised. Learn to accept what you learn. I had a roommate that thought she was really open minded and gung ho about having new experiences. She slowly started to learn that she was miserable in all these new settings, but it was a struggle because she kept rejecting it. Learn to accept yourself!

Paige

The advice that I would give myself as if I was in high school now is to study as much as you can. Learn not t put your job before your school work no matter what. The professors will work with you one on one you just have to ask. Just have confident in your school work and that will shine through your work that you do. Study, study, study every single day take you books with you every single day because you never know when you will have that opportunity to study. Just stay focused; its hard work now but just push through it till the end because it will pay off. It’s not going to be easy but there are a lot of resources out there that will help you along the way. Theirs different labs for about every subject you can think of to help you along the way. Just study and focus and you will be outstanding.

Ayesha

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know now about college life and making the transition, I would tell myself to take care of all preparations for college as quick as possible. If your college situation is taken care of early, there is less stress. You'll have time to relax and enjoy your senior year without extra pressure. You can apply for scholarships with ease, enjoy yourself, and focus on graduating. I would also tell myself to take you sport and education seriously, but not so serious that you forget what you're doing it for and why you enjoy it. Learn and gain experience while enjoying the ups and downs of the journey you're taking to get you there. Where you're going is not as important as the route you take to get there. Enjoy what you're doing and learn from it as well.

Madison

If I went back in time, I would tell myself that college is not as scary as it seems. Moving away from home is a great opportunity to make new friends and gain independence. After a few weeks, homesickness is not a problem. I would also remind myself that having a fear of socializing is not needed in college. All of the people at DePaul are extremely friendly.

Brian

If I were to talk to my high school self, I would tell him to start applying for scholarships sooner and more seriously. College is expensive and we are seeing the difficulties of paying for it a lot more now. I would also tell myself that DePaul has a ton to offer and to get invloved with as much as possible. I would tell myself that I am going to make a few really close friends and that I am going to feel welcome. I will meet teachers that I constantly try to get into their class again because they are great teachers. Finally, I would tell myself that I don't have to worry about commuting to and from school and that it won't interfere with me getting a "college" experience. Mom and Dad have been very flexible with letting me stay with friends on campus and that it works out well this way. College has been great so far and expect that the rest of it will be too.

Dana

I would start off by asking myself, "Why do I want to go college? How will going make me a better person both academically and financially? Will this transition make my family and friends proud of me?" When I have come and established my real desires and dreams, I would definitely know if going and representing the right college is for me. Understanding that education is very important, it is also costly. I am a firm believer in " Where there is a well, there is a way. One has not, because they ask not." So not having to stress out about the issue of paying for college, I would focus more on what kind of education I will be receiving and how that college can give me exactly what I need to succeed. I will as stay motivated and determined, realizing that whatever I put my mind to, I can do it.

Katlyn

The advise I would give my self as a high school senior would be to be open-minded, hard working, and to be yourself. Being open-minded at such a diverse school is very important because there are all types of people at DePaul University and in the city of Chicago. Making friends with all types of people is important because you learn a lot about different cultures, religions, political views, etc. Growing up in a white, middle-class town, you do not see a lot of different types of people. It's a big change going from a rural town to a big city, so being open-minded is important. Also, being a hard worker at school is number one! Some students think college is all about partying, skipping classes, and being able to pass with out going to class. But it is not, college is hard and you need to be a hard, dedicated worker to be able to succeed. One more important piece of advice I would give myself is to be yourself, do not try to be someone you are not because you will not make true, lasting friendships that way. Be yourself and have fun!

Sandra

My college experience has been an emotional roller coaster ride. I say this because I am married, work full time, attend classes full time, and take care of my household responsibilities. Additionally, I am paying college tuition for myself and assisting in paying college expenses for my two daughters. I obtained my first degree in 1980 with a very low grade point average; something I have always regretted. After several years in the workforce, I knew that I wanted to return to college to obtain a second degree. I waited until both my daughters were in college to apply to the Surgical Technology Program. In January 2010, I began my quest to prove to myself that I could and would do better in college. So you ask me what have I gotten out of my college experience; it is simple. I have received new zest in my life, a new spring in my step, and a 3.83 GPA out of a possible 4.00 GPA. Attending college a second time has been a valuable tool in showing my two daughters that they have no excuse for not doing well in college.

Katie

The greatest thing I’ve gotten out of school and especially DePaul is the inspiration to not only be a better person but to inspire people to be better people. The friendly teachers and staff throughout the school remind me every day of how knowledge is power but knowledge will get you nowhere unless you share it with others and put it to good use. Some schools teach you history, science and math but DePaul teaches you basic subjects while showing you how you are unique and how you can use those unique traits to not only experience the world around you but how to help others and teach them the things you have learned. Knowledge is power but the ability to help others and share your knowledge and use you knowledge to experience the world and eventually change it and change the lives is others is the most valuable thing I have learned at DePaul.

Laura

It has been an invaluable experience of personal growth and knowledge. People say in college you "find yourself". Although that it is a rather cliche sentiment, it is true to a certain extent. For me, I grew up in an enviroment counter to my nature. Mississippi is a very homogenous setting. The majority of people are white. conservative with a narrow-minded tendency. As an open-minded, liberal, and racial minority this enviroment was stiffling. When I moved to Chicago, I felt a breath of fresh air. Finally I could speak my mind and be true to myself. In that sense, I 'found myself'. Personal responsibility is crucial to surviving and thriving - it is all encompassing. You are responsible for everything from homework to health. Mom and dad are no longer there to help when it gets hard. In class I have learned so much about theatre arts and communication studies! At my school, my professors are professionally working and I am making lasting connections with people in the industry. My professors fully understand the material they are teaching. I am getting my money's worth (and more) at DePaul Univeristy. Go Blue Demons!

Tiffany

I have learned the value of respect. As we know, colleges are melting pots and everyone is different. Whether it is religion or taste, we all have to step out into this diverse world. Throughout my college experience I have learned to respect the opinions and views of others because everyone possess different backgrounds and have different values. Being a student at DePaul University is constantly preparing me for this step and allows me to grow on campus as well as within myself.

Tiffini

My college experience has truly been a priceless part of my continued growth as a student in life. Although my career goals have changed over the years, my values and beliefs have been nurtured and enhanced because of my college experiences. I believe that education should be a continuous lifelong experience to enable lifelong growth. Education in and out of the classroom is a vital part of who I am on my journey to achieve my goals. It not only keeps my mind sharp and alive, but nurtures my inner spirit and passion in my daily life. For it is this passion that makes me excited for each days "fresh start" and opportunities that are available to me. By having the opportunity to continue my education, I am given the chance to be the best possible person I can be as well as help guide others around me to achieve their goals too. I wish to continue to pursue my education and obtain my masters degree in education. It will not only add to my college experiences, but to my life ones and that is truly priceless!

Jeffrey

The best is to understand the american way of studying. Applying real life exercises that I was able to apply to my job.