Loras College Top Questions

I am learning how to become a better person! Life is not fair but you have to do your best! their will be people trying to stop you.

So far in college I've really learned how to be an adult. I've grown up so much since I've moved here and I've met so many life-long friends. I've learned to manage my time better and figured out why people say these are the best 4 years of your life. I love being in college, I love being independent and I love the people around me. All of my teachers, friends and family are a great support system and I've grown into a man. Coming in, I didn't know a single person at my institution, it was taking a shot in the dark and I've truly been rewarded. Being the oldest child in my family, this is completely new to all of us. At first it was weird that i wasnt living at home any more but now I've grown to be a more independent person and really found myself. College has done wonders for me, greater things than I ever thought possible.

After completing my first semester of college I realize how much my school days have changed since high school and how valuable this experience has been so far. Independency is what every 18 year old wants, right? Freedom from living at home under mom and dad's watchful eye, no more curfews; I'm on my own now! With this newfound liberation comes many responsibilities. A few examples are: relying on my cell phone's alarm clock to wake me to make sure I get up for class on time, learning to sort and do my own laundry, and mastering the art of microwaving. Living in a dorm is a true test of my interpersonal skills. I have also developed excellent time management skills to juggle my very busy schedule. I believe that in everything you do, you only get out of it what you want to put into it. Here at Loras College I have gotten very involved in the campus life; extracurricular activities, student senate, campus ministry, work study, community service, and have made amazing friends! What an awesome experience! And lastly, it has given me a much deeper appreciation of my family. Thanks mom and dad!

If I could go back and tell myself anything I would tell myself to improve my study skills while in high-school. If I could go back to high-school I would have made sure to make a schedule for each day and designate time every night to study so that I could make sure to get into that habit. I feel as though college was a huge reality shock for me, the amount of homework was almost overwhelming. I would go back to my high-school days and prepare myself better for it, and make sure to take my homework seriously. By taking the time to improve my study skills in high-school I feel as though I would have been better prepared for exams through-out my first semester of college. I wish I would have taken the time to practice good study habits.

I would advise myself to be social and to get involved in many things on campus. A big part of success in college are the relationships that you build and the people that you know. This will help you get a job later on in the future. Also, work as hard as you can to earn the money that you need. College is more expensive than people realized especially when your parents arent paying for it. Also, apply for as many scholarships as possible because you never know what ones you just might receive! It is money that you don't have to pay back and it can be an extreme help to pay for college.

Number one thing to remember is that you will meet every type of person possible. Sometimes you won't know what to think about the people you are surrounded by, sometimes you won't want the moment to end, and sometimes it will be an experience you will remember your whole life time. Every person you encounter will change you somehow. Whether it be a bad room-mate, a wonderful professor, or an experience you have helping someone or being helped. The next four years of your life will change you, but don't forget where you came from. These friends you make in college will be life long, but just because you have new people in your life doesn't mean you should forget about the ones from home. Remember, it's only four years enjoy yourself because life gets a lot harder after this. Oh ya, that weird person you meet at orientation, could become your best friend!

STUDY STUDY STUDY!!! It is not the same as high school you can not easily slide by. Get involved and make friends, join groups and attend dorm functions.

My advice to myself as a high school senior would be to participate in more college visits and take more into consideration the expense of perspective colleges. I chose Loras College because I really enjoyed the atmosphere and I loved the concept of small class sizes. Unfortunately, I did not pay enough attention to the price. I now find that I have to give up a lot of things so that I can work long hours to pay for tuition. Each dollar that I spend I feel guilty about and I force myself to work extra hours to make up for it. My concern with money is an everyday battle that is stressful and often gets in the way of my studies. Looking back I wish I would have analyzed my finances better and perhaps looked into less expensive state colleges. Therefore, the advice I would give to myself, given that I could do it all over again, and the advice I would give to anyone, is to thoroughly make sure you have considered all elements of perspective colleges. Make a pros and cons list and don't ignore something as big as expenses!

Dear Hailey, Stop being so afraid! You will make the right choice on where to go to school because in your heart you knew it all along. You will meet better friends in college that will love you for who you are. You need to spend more time with your family now because when you're away they will miss you more than anyone and they are the people that will always be there for you. Your sisters will annoy you now but when you come home and want to spend time with them just like they wanted to spend time with you will annoy them just as much. You are a strong girl and won't make any dumb decisions in college. You will stick to your morals and remain true to yourself so stop worrying. You won't change for the worse but actually for the better. Good Luck and stop worrying. Love you, Hailey

I would say to try harder in my science classes. I always had good grades, but I never actually learned the material for the long run and a lot of it has come up again in college. That would have made life a lot easier my first semester.

I would tell myself; hey don't worry, it's is to get along with many people here. they are ready and willing to help you out whenver you need it. This place will help you feel alive and you don't have to be that lone wolf no more. People here actaully care about each other. Because of the size of the school, many people will know you and your story. People you don't know will actually say hello and be curteous. This school is about making a better version of yourself, it wants you to better you in many ways you thought you couldn't and didn't even know about!

I would make sure to take as many college credit courses in high school as possible so that it isn't so hard, time-wise, to figure out what i want to do in life.

Do your homework, try your hardest, and always stay up to date!

If I was able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself not to get too hung up on what I plan to major in. Right now I am a Media Studies major, and after talkning with my Academic Internship Coordinator I am completely optimistic with the opportunities I have on this campus and the opportunities I will have once I graduate. The major is the key to the career, and the learning will only continue as we go into our chosen job and through life.

If I could travel back in time and talk with myself in high school, I would warn myself of the difficulties of college. I would, however, make it a point to do it in a positive way. After experiencing nearly a semester of university, I know that professors demand excellence in every aspect at a level higher than that of high school. I would tell myself about the benefits of working diligently as well. When one finishes a project on which he has spent a lot of time, he gains a sense of accomplishment and worth. Ultimately, I would prepare myself to become organized and to anticipate a feeling of success in my schoolwork.

Dear Jordan, I know you are so excited for college in the fall and starting a new chapter in your life. There are so many things that I want to tell you before you get there, but in many ways, many of those things you need to learn in your own time. Just remember to stand up for yourself and keep strong in your beliefs. You will have many trials with various people, so remember to always keep an open mind and listen to others. Don't ever forget where you came from, and keep in close contact with the people you love the most. They will always be on your side, no matter the circumstance, so don't be afraid to lean on their shoulders when you need them. Lastly, don't feel "nerdy" for working hard in school, believe me, you will be so happy every semester when you see your grades and see your name on the Dean's List. Love, your older and wiser self, Jordan

When looking for a college you need to know yourself. If you like spending time with your family then it might not be the best decision to go to a college far enough away that you cant come home for a weekend. It is also very important to look at a college that has your major so you will leave there with a degree. If you don't know what you want to do for a career it is perfectly acceptable to attend a community college. It alows yourself to get classes out of the way while trying to figure out what and who you want to be. Once you start college it is important to be involved. It will allow you to meet new people and make life long friends. Remember not to spread yourself too thin. If you are in too many activities and cannot give one hundred percent to all of them the you need to limit your activities. Remember, study but make sure to have fun.

Know what your priorities are for your college experience, and talk to various students at the college to get a feel for the atmosphere of the college. If financial issues are important to you, look at several schools to find best deal. Talking to current students of the school can give you a good idea of how affordable the school will end up being. Looking back, if I could redo my high school career I would have taken honors courses and I would have chosen to learn an instrument. By getting into college honor courses and being involved in the university's band, your tuition is almost entirely covered at many private colleges.

There are several important aspects in looking for the right college or university. First, know how big of an establishment you want to attend--some do well with larger, lecture courses, others in smaller, one-on-one classes. Know what you prefer. Look at where it's located in relation to your hometown. How far away do you want to be? Do you have a car or ready transportation? That's a key factor in allowing a smooth transition for many people, especially if they want to go home often or need to work off campus. The most important factor is PRICE! How much money do you have saved? Will you need to work to pay? How much in financial aid will you get? If you have large tuition costs and a little financial aid package, think about the payment options. That is my most important part of trying to continue at a private college--how much money I will need, and how I can get it.

Take as many campus visits as you can. Try to find a school that you will be comfortable at, if you can, stay overnight on campus. Once you know what you want in a school, the sooner you will find a school that fits you. You shouldn't go to a school that fits you because it offers you money based on sports or family ties. Also, don't go to a school because of friends or a boyfriend or girlfriend. Do that and you will be happy and succesfull in school.