Loyola University New Orleans Top Questions

What should every freshman at Loyola University New Orleans know before they start?

Cate

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Elizabeth

Visit the campuses, the area around them, and the scholastic areas. Not necessarily in that order!

Weigert

Finding the right college is tricky business; making the most of one's college experience is even trickier. Prospective students should consider their priorities and rank various factors from lowest to highest. E.G. location, cost, offered majors, etc. Start looking for schools that pride themselves on some of the most important points and ask current students about the rest. Never take an official's word for anything. If they work for the school, their top priority is attracting students. If a current student likes the school, they'll tell you why; if they regret the decision to enroll, they'll let you know. Once you've found the right school, sample everything it has to offer right away. Student groups may appear uninteresting, but they usually exist for a reason. If you don't visit them, you'll never know what you're missing out on. Take an active interest in your education both inside and outside the classroom. Nobody else can do this for you. If you want to learn, you can do it anywhere. No matter which university you attend, your education is free. The only thing you pay for is the diploma that goes with it.

Charles

Many people suggest to high school students to go to college right after you graduate. More and more people are going to college, making the "norm" rather than the exception. Where people previously relied on college education to set them apart from their peers, it is not as significant in making you stand out. Decide what you want to go to school for first, that way you can avoid going to college for a fifth year, as a large percentage of students now do.

Amanda

Do a lot of research and dont be afraid to try somewhere or something you didnt think you were looking for... you might be pleasantly surprised and fall in love with a city you never even thought you would visit. You can ALWAYS go back home if you dont like it, but if you dont leave you probably wont ever.

Melanie

Don't be afraid to go far away! Too many people let their fears and misconceptions about college hold them back and keep them close to home - but the academic challenges and life adventures that face you when you really assert your independence and invaluable and really help create great life experience! Don't let stereotypes or misconceptions keep you from going where you feel, in your heart, you need to be.

Jonathan

My best advice is to pick a college that suits your needs. Thus, this requires campus visits and tours. I cannot stress how important these are; they are your first chance to experience the college. I suggest that you sit down, and write out your ideal college. Include things such as size, location, major of study, etc., but don't forget to include the other important factors that weigh in on a college decision: the life factors. The college that you choose to attend will most likely be your home for the next four years, so if you are someone that hates the cold, don't choose a school that gets horrible cold weather. It is your job to find somewhere that you can be happy for the next four years, as well as succeed academically. If you do choose a large university, it is essential that you ensure that professors get to know you. This is critical when it comes to letters of recommendation. How can someone accurately portray you if they don't know you? My last bit of advice is to go away to college if you can. It opens up a whole new world of experiences.

Nathalie

Visit the possible campuses and ask questions; always ask questions!

Joshua

Find a school that is relatively small. During Hurricane Katrina, I went to Louisiana State University, where the classes were quite large (50-500 people). I had no connection to the teacher at all... I was a number, not a name. It was extremely difficult to schedule a meeting with my teachers. At a smaller school with smaller classes, a student will be able to develop a healthy student-teacher relationship that is critical to the development to the student.

Robert

Select a school where your child has the most oppertunity to meet people in their carrer field. These are the people that get you jobs.

Ashley

Follow your heart and go to where you feel comfortable.

Sarah

Parents: I think it is important for you to be active in your child's college choices. They are adults, and it is their first adult decision, but it is nice to have your feedback. We hate to admit we are not really ready to let go of you either. Students: Even if you don't end up at your dream school, make the most of your situation. There are so many people who look back and wish they would have gone to college. You have the opportunity, make the best of it, and be great in whatever you do!

ingrid

First the student should know what they are interseted in and see what fields they can get into that they would enjoy. Then pick a college which is strong in their interests. Parents should never try to pick what college their kids should go to. Because usually the kid ends up hating it because its not what they wanted. Parents should just be supportive in what ever their kid decides. And if the kid doesn't know, then the parents should ask what they are interested in and guide them in their decisions.

Amber

You only live once and you should absolutely make the most of your college experience. I would definately recommend going Greek! I have made friends that I will have for a lifetime and have learned so much from then I will never know. Also in Greek life you associate yourself with pwoplw you might not under different circumstances, so it give you a different outlook on other individuals. Also you should visit as many campuses and take as many tours as possible that is the easiest way to get a feel for college life and to really grasp what is going to be expected of you. Do not give in to peer pressure. I know it's in high school, but in college it's a whole new ball game. Remember to uptain your morals and holds what's most dear to you close to your heart.

Jessica

Go to the campus and ask students about what they think about the school. Students will give you the most relevant description of everything from dorms to classes.

Susan

Know yourself well enough to choose a school that makes you happy. Don't buy into what others say or feel about a place, and don't worry too much about a school's reputation. Ultimately, college anywhere is what you make of it. Know what you want out of college--whether it is friends for life, a good education, a better understanding of the world--and consider that the most when making your decision.

Hope

You have to let your son or daughter go with their own gut feeling, not yours. They should feel comfortable there, see potential is making new friends, and picking a program that is strong and offers them lots of opportunities beyond the classroom. If someone does not go with their own feelings but just settles for something, they will not be as happy as if they pushed themselves a bit into a new environment and learn to live on their own. As a shy girl who moved 6 hours away from home to a school where I did not know anyone even from my own city going there, there was no better way to learn to live on my own, grow bolder, and make closer friendships than ever before. Sometimes you just have to take a risk.

William

Go far or don't go!

nicholas

When looking at colleges parents and students should look at when they want a private school or a public school. They should look at the size and cost of the school and whether or not the school offers what the perspective students wants out of his or her college career.

Gary

My advice is to be creative and adventerous. I went to a high school where 85{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of my class mates went on the same state school. I decided to go to an amazing city to live on my own and go to a school with unconventional ways of learning. Also, choose a school that offers a great college experience with student activities and school organizations such as student run radio stations, newspapers, ensambles, work study, ect. Most importantly, GET INVOLVED. Get out there and start your experience while you're still learning. You might even make some money while doing what you love.