Duquesne University Top Questions

There are numerous things to consider when making such an important decision as to what college is right for the individual. The first thing is researching schools that are known for what a person is choosing as their field. Then make visits to both small and large schools as well as a few in rural and city areas. Get a feel for what kind of location and atmosphere fits. Next, talk to admissions, faculty, and even current students all of which will most likely present you with the school you prefer as well as the one that prefers you. A bit of advice would be to go into the admitions office with substancial academic and financial questions. Let them know what a brilliant person you are with other great college offers, but do not be snobbish and let them know you are sincerely interested in their school. That will most likely result in some scholarship offers. As far as the actual college experience itself, most people want to not only do well in school in order to be successful afterwards, but also to enjoy the time while they are there. The key thing to strive for is a good balance.

My best advice would be to go see the campus no matter how far of a trip it may be. Getting a feel for the school is worth everything. Pictures and information only go so far. When you get there the best thing to do is get involved. The benefits of making connections and having fun at the same time is priceless.

Visit the college campus. Makes a big difference.

I would find a college that is fulfilling in what the student is looking for, while keeping in mind the cost. Many majors today require more schooling than just undergraduate study. In these cases, the cost of a student's education will be significantly higher. Therefore, undergraduate school's importance reflects on the student's grades more so than where they actually attended. I would personally save my money for graduate school to save on debt after graduation.

Choose the college that most feels like home when you visit. Going to a well-known school is great, but if you really enjoy being somewhere, your life will be so much better and easier. Sometimes, smaller and lesser-known schools have opportunities that you would never get at a big, fancy school. In any event, work hard and really learn what your classes are teaching. It's easy to think it's boring and zone out, but as you come to the end of your college career, you'll realize how much useful information you missed or forgot this way. It really is worth it to work hard and learn the material to give yourself an edge when looking for a job later. If you're willing to do this, even a smaller less-prestigious school is a good starting point for a long and successful career, as long as you feel welcome and at home there.

I would advise them to finad a campus you are comfortable with. Not to far away from home. Study hard, have fun. Makre friends, join social groups. Take advantage of services offered. Go on trips with the school. Try a study abroad program.

Get involved in an extra-curricular activity.

When touring your potential colleges, take a self-guided tour. Find the students hanging out around campus and ask them the questions about college life that are most important to you. The people who live and study on campus will see the university in the ways that you will experience it your freshman year. In the end, your gut will be able to tell you as you walk around and explore on your own whether you belong at that college/university or not. It's cheesy, but you'll know. Once you get to school, take advantage of Orientation, even if you hate icebreakers. If you don't find your best friends through Orientation, get involved. Join Student Government so that you can have a say in operations that don't work or you don't like. Join a group where you can be silly and relax. Find friends who will listen to you vent about your bad test and your most recent ex. Try everything new. Stay on top of your homework, but be willing to step back and take the chances necessary to improve your college experience.

good luck

I would encourage students to apply to schools that they didn't initially intend on looking in to. I did not plan to attend the university I am at, and not because I was denied elsewhere. I was accepted everywhere I applied, and Duquesne was my backup, but my parents forced me to tour it, and I fell in love. Whenever you find the right college, you will know. You will absolutely love it and know that it is the place for you. I discovered that and I could not be happier. College is best time of your life. Enjoy it, get inovlved, meet as many people as you can, and live it up. It's all about doing the work, learning, and getting a great degree and job, but there is so much more to college than that. No matter where you attend, college is what you make of it. Just live it up, however you want to. It may be the first time in your life that you can be your true self, and you will find people who love you for that and will be your friends. College is amazing :)