DePaul University Top Questions

GO FOR IT! I would encourage myself to dream big and to jump high because I know I'll make it. I have always had such an amazing support system that has kept my head held high. No dream is ever to big when you have people behind you to help achieve it. College life has been nothing short of extraordinary.

I would remind myself first to relax. It is a tedious process picking out a new school to attend but you will get through it and hopefully make the correct decision. I was not that lucky the first time around. Although I had been accepted into some local Private Universities I decided that it would be financially easier if I attended a state school. The state school was too large for me and I did not adapt well at all to my new surroundings. After a semester I ended up transfering to a smaller University. If I had thought more about my needs as a student I would have realized that the state school would not be the correct choice for me and although the private school cost more with the help of my family and loans I have been able to make this experience one to learn from. Money is not all that matters. Cost is not all that matters. Want it bad enough and you will figure a way out to reach your goal no matter the obstacles in your way.

To be honest, I don't know what advice I would give. I did what I needed to do for me as a high school senior, and I really don't think I'd do anything different if I were to go back and do it again.

My advice to them is to take advantage of the offers the school gives you, it will help you make a better decision. Offers such as campus tours or live with a college student over the weekend are some offers given by DePaul. I live in Chicago so I got to experience the university more often that those who travel far away to visit their colleges. Furthermore, there are many school events that you should attend because they are not only fun but you get to meet new people. And if you love sports but you are not competitive enough for club sports, try intramural sports. Anyone can make a team and play!

Finding the right college cannot be done over the internet or a magazine! I cannot stress enough how important it is to visit and stay on prospective campuses before choosing the school for you! Also ask questions! It is important to know the boring questions like how many students to a class, and how available will your professors be! Anything that you may be unsure about RESEARCH it! Finances are most important! Apply for everything and pay attention to the funding you will be rewarded! College is the best time so do the needed research!

The advice I would give to a new student upon entering a college is trust your gut. I had no intention of going to DePaul when I applied and I only did to simply see if I would get accepted. I didn't visit the campus and I did little to no research on the school at all. I did, however, talk to students and take a tour of the campus after I had been accepted. Like everyone embarking on the collegiate journey, I was nervous until orientation where I met fantastic people and soon we became great friends. I do know that people are not always as lucky as I was on this, but I do value our friendship and I feel that it helped me adjust to life at school even better. I do suggest to anyone going into orientation to just be yourself and to try and not freak out about the new school. It was the best thing I did while entering this university and I have great friends now and a great college life because of it.

A tour guide can rattle off fact after fact, but when it comes down to it only the student can decide which school is going to be the best fit. The only way to determine this is by visiting and exploring. Take the tour, but go a step further! Try the food, get lost on campus and ask for directions. Pay attention to the type of students around campus- do they seem happy? Can you see yourself hanging out with any of these people? Answers to these questions may come naturally, a sense of belonging and community at a school is something that can be hard to define but may easily be felt. Taking in a sense of a school requires more than a 60 minute tour. Be adventurous and ask the risky questions, the responses you get might surprise you. Choosing a school can be a scary and stressful process, but putting the work in can make it a rewarding one. After all, college is supposed to be the time of your life, right?

The best advice that I can give any parent or student regarding the selection of a college is to know exactly what the college can prepare you for and how strong or successful the institution is at placing a graduate upon completion. I say this because, once a student is bachelor conferred; Pell grants are no longer offered. It is extremely important to know what one is going to major and minor in from the first day of class, if coming in as a freshman. This would eliminate wasted time and expense in classes that one can't apply towards their careers or degree, unless its a prerequisite. With the economic climate being what it is, the lack of funding on all levels have become increasingly scarce (from an out of pocket perspective). Our country has becoming less competitive on all levels, we as american students need to gain back the competitive edge in order to be strong in the market place again. Our students need to take more science & math in order to fill jobs that go unfilled because of unqualified candidates. These are some of the reasons why I feel its important to find the right college.

let your child(ren) decide what school they want to go to

Go early. Go often. Graduate. Don't be a bucket-head.

My advice would be judge a school by what it offers. Don't go some where because it has a great name, the name is only worth it if it really is the school for you. Because if you hate the school no matter how great it's suppose to be you won't reach your full potential. Also, don't judge a school by its cost, I know this is a difficult thing to ignore but really my mom always told me that educational debt is never bad debt. It will end up paying for itself if you work hard enough and want it bad enough. Just remember going for your dreams means risk and that could very well include financial risk, but most schools are willing to work with you and so are loan companies, so never give up on your dream school just because it seems a little pricey. And once you find the perfect college and get settled take advantage of every opportunity possible!! Even if its something your really not into such as theater you might be surprised. Keep an open mind and you will have a great time.

The advice I would give is to really look into a few colleges and go and visit them a few times when students are around. Ask lots of questions, like dorm availability in the future, financial aid in the future, what happens if you do bad at first. Don't just go to a school that your friends are going to, you will meet new people. Remember what you are there for and if you have any problems, even if your just lonely go talk to someone. Join clubs or be in a sport, you need to keep busy so that you dont party as much, I have found the students that do nothing find themselves in trouble. Everyone struggles at first so you are not alone, talk to people do not be afraid, dont be embarassed, and do not think you can get through touch times on your own. We all could use help and its nothing to be ashamed of. Have fun but dont go over the top, make sure you go after your dreams your future depends on it.

Finding a suitable college is like solving a puzzle, but this puzzle lies within you. As a prospective college student, ask yourself, ?What are my goals? Where do I see myself 5 years from now? Am I mentally prepared for this transition?? These are questions that I should have asked myself 4 years ago. As an incoming freshman, I can say that I was not mentally prepared for the transition from high school to college. When I entered DePaul, I was in a mental state of shock. I had multitudes of homework within the first two weeks of school and terrible time management skills. One can imagine the outcome... I actually failed one course freshman year. I was at an all time low after that experience, but ever since that horrid quarter, I pledged to succeed. I manage my time very well now and I?ve been on the dean?s list multiple times since then. I just made the dean?s list again with a 3.767 GPA! Just know that you are ready for this new, expensive chapter of your life. Remember: tutors, counselors, and advisors are there to help you achieve greatness! Be wise and best wishes!

Don't be in denial about the type of student you/your child is. Be sure to set realistic goals for yourself. Be sure the school offers a curriculm that you want to major in. Research the school, visit the school, talk with advisors, staff, students. Check out the tution and financial aid available. Research scholarships that are available that part is a lot of work and research. Develop a timeline guide for everything. Be very organized. Write down and ask questions about everything, programs, housing, tutoring, counseling, security, meal plans, etc. Be sure that if you accept . Don't be afraid or get discouraged. There is plenty of assistance for helping you understand everything from applications to scholarships. Be patient.

When choosing the college you want to attend, it's important to look into what the university offers and if they provide what you need as an individual-- not just academically but in extracurriculars and social activities. Make sure the college includes all your passions, even those you may not pursue for a degree, because it is important to know your options and test the waters. Think about what you want out of your college experience, write it down and then look for those attributes in the colleges and universities you decide to visit/research/apply to.

My dream was to attend a University in a large city. I have been able to make that dream come true. I would advise that the student should follow their dream to make the most of their college experience.

Make sure yoour finances are in place. My school was very expensive and I am now struggling very much financially because of it. Do not go in without a pplan, but if you do not like what you initially want, it is good to find something you like. But most of all be fun and outgoing, and you will make many lifetime frinds.

Make sure whatever schools you are researching will fit the student's goals and personality. Many students will look at the reputation of a school, or its location, and don't consider how they will find their own place there.

Go to a community or junior college for the first year or two. Saves money and prepares you better.

It might take awhile, but no matter where you end up it will be right for you. It took me until the last week of freshman year to realize that I loved my school and didn't want to leave for the summer. If for some reason you do transfer schools, you'll have learned something and grown with the experiences you had along the way. Taking chances and trying new things is the best way to learn throughout college. That might be in the classroom, but it may be outside, going new places, meeting people, or studying abroad. The perfect school for you may not be the one you always thought it would be. Be prepared to change and realize that no matter what, your experience will be what you make of it. So be open to making it great!