Lewis University Top Questions

I have often thought about what I would do different, knowing what I know now. The biggest transition for me, personally, was the change in class instruction. High school involved a lot of homework and teachers were always on top of students to make sure they did their work. If I could go back in time, I would definitely tell myself not to expect very much homework. In addition, I would also explain that most college courses are only about a midterm and a final, so you are still obligated to study and prepare yourself. It's not like high school where you can raise your grade by attending class and turning in homework. Coming into collge, I was a little apprehensive choosing a major and sticking to it. Going back in time, I would tell myself that it's ok if you don't decide your major right away! Take some different classes and see what sparks your interest. I think many incoming freshman college students are fixated on picking a major and sticking to it. As a result, they might end up invested in a career that they have no passion for!

Study harder so you don't have to waste your time in a community college.

I would have thought about the bigger picture when I was younger and what I really wanted to be instead of the safest career choice. Also I would put more thought into picking what college to go to instead of following friends. Lewis is by far the beest thing that has happened in my life and I wish I would have applied sooner.

It's ok to not know what you're going to be and/or do after you graduate. There's always this constant pressure about KNOWING what you want to do as a career. Because if you change your mind, you are seen as indecisive and unreliable. As someone who does not know what you want. However, this pressure many times becomes a burden and you began to think that if you do not choose a successful career you will be a failure. When you are young that is so hard to see, money and successful career does not equal happiness. Its ok not to know exactly what you want to do. Explore your options, see what else your school has to offer. Do not ever feel that you are limited. Only you can set your own limits, you will go as far as you want to go and as long as your happy with what you do money will come.

It is all about taking one step at a time and taking each day as a challenge rather than overwhelming and overburdening yourself. Every moment in college is a memorable event in your life and its what you as an individual make of it.

Looking back at the last three years, I would not change my experiences for anything, these are the best years of your life. Advice, always be yourself; people should love or hate you for who you are; don?t change for anything. Remember College is a new start to your life. Choose a school that you feel is right and do not base your decision on what your parents say or because all of your friends are going there. Live on campus even if you don?t think you can afford it or aren?t ready; there is always a way. Many of the greatest memories you will have will happen super late at night just hanging with your friends. Get involved in extracurricular activities your Freshman year! Don?t wait till it?s too late. If you get the chance, study aboard or go overseas with a volunteer project. Volunteer as much as you can. Be open to new experiences. Do not blow off your freshman year academics. Not everyone drinks, remember that. Finally, buy an umbrella and rain boots; you never fully appreciate hallways until you have to walk from class to class in the rain or snow!

Going back to my senior year knowing what I know now about college life, I would advise myself to be more open minded about my college decision. I based my decision off of the small class sizes and the dual certificate under a single major in education. If I could go back, I would think more about the ability to make friends in a new atmosphere when it is a small campus. Also, I would inform myself to do more research about the campus itself and the ability to recieve financial aid. I would have considered the amount of money I am paying per year at a private school for four years as opposed to the amount at a state school for five years. In the end, I' be saving money going an extra year at a state school than only four years at a private school. I would have also considered the amount of work study hours the school allows. Due to my clinical experiences for education, I am not able to work my full amount of hours during some weeks. However, they still do not allow me to work extra the next week to make up for it.

Turning on the television or reading the newspaper theses days regularly tells of how college is becoming harder for people to attend. Reasons regarding finances, interests, and peers all influence where one will attend. You, the prospective student, only knows which school and benefits will be right for your goals. Although, parents should be included in the decision process for a variety of reasons. Who knows, maybe mom or dad have some good ideas. Whether one leans towards a small class size, or a big ten school, each has its pro's and con's that need to be researched before any choice is made. Once in college, make friends, explore the campus and area. Think about it, if two to four years of your life is going be spent there, enjoy it. However, the word enjoy can not become overlooked as an excuse for trouble. College is a place to learn and build onto the foundation for ones future. None the less, have fun, learn and be all you can be. Good luck !

I think that finding the right college is vital to the success of a student. I first attended NIU and had a great time. I met my husband and instead of a degree, I had a baby. After ten years, I am going back to school to finally attain my degree. I think that if I had attended Lewis at first, I would have finished my degree and not have dropped out. NIU is a big school which was very impersonal and didn't show any interest if I were in class or not. Here at Lewis, I feel that I am more that just a number, which I feel contributes to my desire to do well in my classes. The teachers here are fantastic and encourage you to regularly communicate with them outside of class.....they are interested in you. These attributes definately help keep a student on track and ultimately successful. Not every 18 year old needs someone to keep them on task, however, finding the right fit is essential to being able to make the most of your experience.

You really have to understand the difference between a large school and a small school and choose which is right for you. Also, research which University has the best program for your area of study.