Drury University Top Questions

If I could go back in time to my senior year in high school I would tell myself that in one year I would realize just how amazing school can be. I would tell my younger self to not worry about anything, that as long as I continued to stay focused on school and homework, I would be fine. I would tell myself about the wonderful library that has thousands of books to read and learn amazing things. I would advise myself to start reading and listening to the news, because Drury is a place where knowing what is up to date is very important. I would also advise myself to take more art classes, as I am in a Fine Arts major and it does get competitive because there are so many talented people. The last thing that I would suggest to myself is to be careful of what I spend my money on. Other than that, I would just tell myself to get excited because the best is yet to come. Drury is amazing and offers so much and continues to offer more each year.

On my college search, people always told me to pick the college that ?felt right? or the school I could ?imagine myself at.? I?m sure this advice works for some people, but not for me; when I was in high school, I couldn?t imagine myself living anywhere away from home. So my advice for someone choosing a college would be to go someplace comfortable, but not overly familiar. A person shouldn?t choose a college based on where his/her friends are going, because it?s hard to meet new people with an old group of friends always around. I chose my school because of its strong pre-medicine program instead of where my friends went, and I love it. To make the most of college, you have to find good friends to experience it with. Freshmen need to join organizations to make new friends, whether it be Greek life or religious clubs or intramural sports. College isn?t all about partying, it?s about finding out more about yourself in a completely fresh, exciting environment.

Make sure that what you are pursueing is accredited by the school you are attending. Education is very important and go to a school that will give you all the benefits of your degree. Even if the tuition is high it is about the best education possible look for the accredition based on placement. Education is the upmost importance.

I advice parents and students to check out a college before deciding on one. This can give the student a feel for the school. Also, I highly recommend a smaller college say 8,000 students or less because you can really connect with people in your classes and with your professors. I think this is really important because it allows the student to learn better and make more friendships in their smaller classes. In a larger class, it's hard to get to know people because you're just a face in the crowd. Also, your professor doens't get a chance to know you for who you are. It really comes down to what the student wants and is looking for in a college. In the end, it is the student who will be attending classes, participating in sports or intrumals, and meeting new people. You need a place that fits you and your wants and needs.

Quality is very important when deciding what college to go to. It is a decision in your life that could alter your career path so think about what's best for you in all aspects. Whether it be academic, sports related, social, or financial reasons, let those reasons guide you. Ultimately the student will have to attend this school for 2-4 years so be sure to be somewhere you'll love. Think about college as not only a degree granting process, but as an experience that will let you grow not only academically but in many other ways.

I am a non-traditional student. I'm a 27 yr. old mother of four. My advice would be you must find a school that fits you; not your best buddy. I searched extensivly for a school that would work with, not only myself, my family. Drury offered classes that fit my schedual, and were SO nice in understanding that if I have a situation arise with one of my children that is my first priority. My oldest child has down syndrome, so my professors are always interested and supportive if I need ANYTHING!

Look at lots of different places. It isn't just the education that you want, it is the experience that will forever mold the minds of the future generation. We must feel comfortable with the new surroundings in order to accept them and allow them to influence us in a positive manner. And let your kids make up thier own mind. Don't try to make them go do this or go to that college. You will get the wrong reaction in the long run from that type of negative influence.

My advice to parents and students about finding the right college is find a college that fits the students personality. I think going out of state if possible is important to get he full college experience. At my school many of the students who live close go home all the time on weekends and do not get the full experience. Going out of state give the student an experience somewhere different than where they have been for most of their life. Its important to see what else is out there so after college they can decide where they want to be and what the right place for them is. Also, a lot of students go to college with a lot of the same people when they go in state. This can often times limit then from going out and meeting new people. They tend to hang out with the same people and not as many new people as they would if they went to a school farther away. To make the most out of a college experience you have to do what makes you happy and not what the parents want you to get involved in.

Get to know how financial aid works. It doesn't matter how well you do in class, if you can't pay for it, you can't stay anyway. Understand the rules of financial aid and how to make them work for you, not for the school. Once the financial aid burden is out of the way, make sure you get to know the head of your degree program once you've picked it. If possible, have your academic advisor changed to this person or someone else in that department. If you decide to seek a graduate degree, try to make this choice as early as possible; no later than the start of your second junior semester. Get as much information as you can and get to work on the application process before the start of your first senior semester. Lastly, have fun. This is your life and if you aren't having fun in your classes, then take ones you do enjoy. College may be about work, but it should also be enjoyable.

Being on the Student Recruitment Team at Drury, I talk with prospective students and their parents often and the best advice I could give is to visit the schools you are interested in and do your research on them. Ask lots of questions, no matter how absurd it may seem. File your FAFSA early and be applying for scholarships early in your Senior year. When you get to college, students, try things that are outside of your comfort zone and get involved on campus, because thats where you make those life long friends. Never take for granted the opportunity given.