Loras College Top Questions

What should every freshman at Loras College know before they start?

Eric

I would tell them to make sure they choose the college that is right for them, and not just the college their friends are going to. I chose a small college because i enjoy learning in a smaller environment where the teacher knows my name, and i am friends with everyone in the class. Smaller schools like Loras College help you strive to do better. For example, if you do not attend class the teacher will probably send you an email making sure everything is ok. Small colleges are much more personal, and it really helps you make the most out of the college experience.

Lianna

Visit each campus. Find the one where you feel the most at home, and like you fit in. Find a college where you can keep doing your interests, but also a campus where you can explore new interests, as well. Make sure that you try to find somewhere where you can get good financial aid, as that helps parents and students to stress less. Once you get to college, learn to manage your time and money well. Also make sure to be responsible. There is so much to do at college, and it would be easy to spend all your time and money on socializing. While friends are important, it is important to keep your grades up, too! The real reason you go to college is to get an education. Have fun and study hard!

Hillary

Finding the right college takes so much time and effort, but is definitely worth it. To find the right college you really have to know what you want in a college. Whether it is a big university, a private college, or a 2 year community college. You also have to take into consideration what kind of activities you want to do, and what you can afford. Paying for college is definitely not easy, and you want to make sure you make the right decision right away. Finding scholarships are very important to help you pay for college. Any little bit you receive will be very beneficial. One thing to enjoying college is getting good grades. You need to focus and work very hard the first semester in order to get your GPA set at a high level. This is also very beneficial because you could possibly be able to recieve money from your school for getting good grades. Be optimistic, and adventurous in college. Try new things you never would normally do, because you only attend college once!

Amber

I would tell the student to try get involved as much as possible. Being involved in a variety of organizations helps make your college experience exciting and builds your resume.

Nancy

I would say to attend many college visit days because you get a much better feel as to how the college is by walking around campus and seeing what students and classes are like. If you feel like it will be a good fit for you and you fit in at that college, then you should consider going there. Usually you can get a good feel for what that college will be like after visiting it. Look into your interests at the college. If you know what you want to major in, you should sit in on those classes and talk to professors or students at the school.

Angela

If you know what you want to do in life, look for colleges that can get you there - not the fastet, but the most prepared. Don't freak out, just look for what you like and don't get discouraged if you aren't accepted; you can try again if you wish it. If you don't know what you want, still look at more than one or five colleges. Look at schools that give you multiple opportunities and try not to worry about the money situation if it's an issue - there are plenty of scholarships and financial aid help out there to get you through, though nothing comes without hard work. And mostly, just have fun. This is your future you're working on, but there is nothing to worry about - wherever you are meant to be is where you'll end up, and if you don't like it, you're the one that has the ability to change the outcome.

Carla

Talk to students IN the major you're looking at about that program; some divisions can be drastically different from others.

John

The first thing that I would suggest is to visit as many schools as possible. Also, go somewhere that offers a lot of different degrees in case you do change your mind. It is important to leave your options open and it is easier to change majors and one school than to transfer to another. Another important thing is to go to the school that you want to go to, not the school that others want you to go to. To enjoy school, you just have to put your emphasis on your school work and if you are successful in the classroom it is easier to find time to have fun and have a social life. Be diverse and try as many things during school and make as many freinds because it is the last time that you can use money you don't have and experience a lot of things without worrying about a career or a family.

Andrew

When searching for a college, I would advise students and their parents to reasearch, research, research! Pick a college that is right for you, and meets all of your needs. For example, if you have to work three jobs to afford the college, you're probably not getting the education you may think you're paying for. However, realize at the same time that an education is priceless and no one can take it awary from you. After choosing a college, try to make close connections with your professors and upper-classmen. Professors may help you network to the college community and beyond. Upperclassmen may be willing to show you the "ins-and-outs" of the college and provide other tips to make the transition from highschool to college easier. The greatest words of advice I would have to incomming students would be: "Be willing to work hard, and be open to change." A strong work ethic will carry you further in your life than your GPA; let people know you are a hardworker. Being adaptable and open to change will also ease the transition process making your life less stressful. Enjoy the experience; it flys by!

Laura

Look for size and personality of the college. That is the most important. Does the environment suit you? Don't be pressured to decide on a major or stick with the one you first choose. Try new things, you never know what you'll fall in love with. Just make sure the school in environment is right for you.