Fairfield University Top Questions

It is important to find a school that has similar ideals as you do. Some things you want to think about is if you are more urban or rural, want to be in a sorority or fraternity, or if you are very religious. Of course majors is probably the most important reason for choosing a school. It is essential that you get a feel for a school by visiting the campus. Many times you will look up a college on the internet and love it but visit it and hate it. It is good to apply to four or more schools. In entering college, it may be overwhelming for the first time. Use this time to go to all the activities offered and join clubs. You will meet a lot of new people and many of them will become life-long friends. The college experiece will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.

After attending college for three years now, the most important lesson I have learned is that college is what you make of it. To answer the first question, I would tell students to pick an academic setting where they can thrive and grow as a student. If you are someone who is self motivated and independent then I would say go to a big school. If you can handle the large classes and party scene, while still being able to keep focused on your studies and career path then go for it. In my case I chose a school with smaller classes in order to give my self an opportunity to stay focused and receive the individual attention i needed to succeed at the college level. It all depends on the students personality and the academic setting that each individual is accustomed to. No matter what school you decide on, the most important thing is to get involved on campus and find something you are passionate about. By trying different clubs and joining different programs, you are able to develop lasting relationships and gain life experiences that only college can provide you with. Use this experience to learn about yourself.

Trust your instincts and where you feel comfortable. College is not going to work out for everyone, but when you are 17 years old it is hard to pick one place in this world that will shape you and the rest of your life in four years. Follow what you believe is going to be the best option for YOU!

The best advice that I can give to parents or students about finding the right college is to make sure that they visit the college to get a first hand view of the campus, etc. I feel that the campus visit was the item that helped me the most make the choice of which schools to apply to. It is not sufficient to just view the school's website. There is NOTHING that beats the campus visit. As far as making the most of the college experience, I highly suggest that the student participate in as many extra curricular activities as possible. Whether it be a sports team or the chorus, the opportunity to make lifelong friendships is there. Once the students enrolls in the school she or he immediately becomes a part of the college's family but the choice to meet others as members of a club or team is the best choice a student can make to ensure that they become part of the larger family on campus.

Tuition is key in these hard times. Fairfield University is horribly expensive. If you can get an equal education at a state school, then go for it. Catholic colleges are nice if you are going for that kind of education, but the best catholic schools are Jesuit. Jesuit schools produce more well rounded students and are conscious of different beliefs of the students. We have quite a few Jewish, Buddhist and Muslim students in our school, which is cool.

I think that students should look at certain schools for the right reasons, not because that school seems to be the cool place to go. Compare tuitions, look at class sizes, and the geographic location. Be smart about where you are looking to spend the next 2-4 years of your life. Visit the schools and make sure it feels right.

The one piece of advise I would give students about finding the right college and making the most of their college experience is to get involved in as many activities as possible. It's one of the best ways to meet people who are interested in the same things you are. As for parents, let your child make the decision. It is hard enough to try and picture yourself at college, but its even harder when your parents are you their opinions all the time. This is the place that your child will be spending their next four years, let them decide it they could see themselves here.

Actually scope out the schools you or your child are considering; do research, even interact with students that are already on campus, if possible. Academically, a school may have 'exactly' what you want, but those things change. If you (or your child) enroll in a school that has an environment or culture that makes you (or them) miserable, you (or they) will suffer for it. The most important thing about the school is if a student is *happy* there. After that, opportunities can be found or made.

that as much as reading about colleges in books and guides, you definitely need to go take a tour of the campus, or even spend the night if you can. this will help you get a real feel for the campus culture, which can make a huge difference in how much you like, or dislike, your college experience. And in order to make the most of your experience, make sure that no matter how shy or nervous you are, you do as many things as possible that the school offers in the first semester of school, even into the second semester. when you do things you like, you meet other people who like the same things as you, and its easier to make friends. you wont regret forcing yourself out of your shell, it can only help you. And it is totally worth it to meet as many people as you can, even if you dont end up staying friends with them throughout college, or throughout life.

Go with your gut. Find a school out there that fits to your liking. Make sure the school has great internship opportunities and enroll in a class visit program or some program at the college that allows a high school student to hang out for a day with a college kid. Those experiences are what will make it or break it. If by then you really like the school, setup an interview with the Admissions Office. I give interviews and I know for a fact that they are definitely taken into consideration. Parents, don't force your kid to apply to 10 + schools because I gaurentee if you ask him/her they will say they didnt even plan on going to at least 5 or 6 of those schools even if accepted. So let your student do what he/she feels best. You should be in the background supporting and making your student think about the important things. Do what feels right. I know this sounds cliche but trust me you'll know when you walk onto a campus. You'll just know.