Marquette University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Marquette University know before they start?

Jason

I thought about this question for some time, and I have often thought about it previously. Given the paradox causing time travel scenario, I would not give myself any advice. On the surface there are girls I would tell myself to stay away from, teachers to avoid, teachers to build a relationship with and other instances. However, I think about the person I am today and I like that person. Some of my greatest strengths come from opportunities missed, relationships broken and hardships fought. I think about the hardest parts of being in college but those are some of my most vivid and substantial memories. I can't imagine the person I would be if I had saved myself some transient pain during those times. I don't think that person would be as capable and strong as I am today.

Sade

Really think about your future career and what steps you need to take in order to succeed in accomplishing your goals.

John

Knowing what I know after being at Marquette for almost 3 semesters now, I would love to be able to go back and tell myself to apply for a job early. It is very difficult to get on-campus jobs at this school, and I definitely do not have time to get an off-campus job due to all the homework and studying that usually fills my days. Of course I have free time as well, but I do not wish to give that up. An on campus job would be ideal because it would be a short trip to get there, and most on-campus jobs such as working at the library or in the residence halls allow for a lot of free time to get school work done.

Emily

Just like there is more than one person you could happily date, there is more than one ?perfect? college match for you out there. Look into aspects that are important to you ? whether they are competitive academics, a variety of available sports, or an extensive array of extracurricular activities ? just be sure to factor yourself into the picture! What is your background like ? are you from a rural community, looking to attend a school in a big city? Or perhaps you are a multi-faceted student looking for somewhere to combine your passions for both neurobiology and theatre? There are many great schools; they are simply great for different reasons. Finding the ones that you can most connect with is the key. Finally, one of the most important things you can do to maximize your experience is simple ? meet people! There is a plethora of opportunities to do so ? in your classes, by joining organizations, service opportunities, intramural sports, and more! You will develop lasting relationships that will allow for fun and laughter, networking, study groups, and some great memories. Don?t limit yourself - college is what you make of it! However much you put in, you'll get out.

Alysscia

As a student, who as experienced searching for prospective schools, I would first say to start the search according to major/ minor. During high school, I was very interested in pursuing Forensic Sciences. In order to pursue Forensic Science, I decided to find universities with creditable science majors. Next, if the student is interested in financial aid, some time should be spent finding out if the tuition will be affordable. From personal experience, I chose to attend Marquette University, which is private and can be a bit costly, however the financial aid department was determined to make sure any deserving student received the aid that they needed. Lastly, the student should consider size, location, and extra-curricular activities. To get the most out of the college experience the prospecitve student should be involved in sports, sororities/ fraternities, or clubs. It is also recommended that the student live on campus in order to enjoy the college experience completely. I hope that my advice may aid other students and parents in choosing the right schools.

EMILY

Talk to everyone you meet and never judge a book by it's cover. There are so many people from so many different places and it is so important to branch out from the people you already know.

Henry

The most important way to make the correct college decision would be to give the campus a visit and check out the environment and nearby area. This is a great factor because you will not enjoy yourself in college if the first thing you do not like is the campus.

Molly

The first thing to consider about selecting a college is that no matter what high school you went to, chances are it did not prepare you well enough for college. If you feel like you transition well into new situations, then a college with a high academic reputation would fit you well. If you are very unsure of what you want to do with your life, I would strongly recommend attending a smaller community college, or public university. Wasting money on a private university is not wise because often they assume that you know what you plan to do with your career and the rest of your life. No matter what college you choose you will have an excellent experience. Being in a different atmosphere and living on your own is always a little scary but it turns into one of the best experiences you will have in your lifetime. One last thing I recommend is not to lock yourself away the first few days. Go out of your comfort one and try to meet new people. It will make you more comfortable the rest of your first year, and you might make friends for life.

David

Do what feels right.

Lauren

The best advice I can give for parents and perspective college students is to look for a school in a setting that you see fit for yourself. For perspective students, do not let your parents choose the college for you because, depending on the college you go to, either a 2 or 4 year university, you are the one that has to attend classes daily and make the grades. If you're not comfortable at a place, the next 2 or 4 years of your life are going to be difficult. Once you find places that suit your personality, choose a school that is known for your major, but do not pick a school that you believe will be too hard on you academically, unless you're up for a challenge. Freshmen year is difficult and it takes some time to adjust, but in the end it will all be worth it. The last thing you need is to go to a school you were not prepared for. Finally, the most important advice I will leave you with is to visit your school before attending. This will give you a better idea of where you're going. Good Luck!

Catherine

Visit the college if at all possible before deciding. Once a decision is made, relax and be yourself. Parents should relax too because your child is now in college and well on their way to being an adult. This is not to say that the kids should not still repect you, but giving them a little more space won't hurt.

Brittany

Be sure to visit the school and spend the night with a student in order to get the real feel of the atmosphere of the classes, the dorms, and campus living, because that is where the student will be spending the majority of their time, also make sure that you like the study areas on campus because truly that is what the you as a student are their to do, get a four year degree and studying is a large part of that. College is suppose to be a fun experience, but along with the fun comes a lot of responsibility, so be sure that you are ready to go where ever you go, whether it is five minutes from home or 10 hours be sure it is the right fit. Also, once you get to college get involved in something either a sport (varsity, club, or intermueral), a club, a sorority/fraternity, or a musical/drama group you will make friends fast by joining and staying involved in a group.

Chelsea

To find the right college, students have to seriously consider what the most important traits in their ideal college are; that way, they can quickly reject any colleges that don't meet these criteria. Once they've narrowed down their options, they can start to consider other, less important factors in reaching their final decision. If the student has truly thought long and hard about what they want their college to be like, then they should have no problem finding three to five colleges that match what they're looking for. Once students are at college, they have to realize that although having fun is healthy, keeping their grades up is still highly important. Yes, that means they might have to stay inside studying some nights instead of going out with friends, but building self-discipline early will pay off later, as classes get harder and more intense. Of course, they shouldn't stay in their room studying all the time; making good friends and having a good time in college is important too. If you make the right friends you'll have valuable job connections at best, and at worst you'll still have a great circle of friends

Caitlyn

I believe that there are many aspects important in choosing the right college. Size of the school, distance from home, activities of interest offered, and how academic oriented the school is all are very important. From experience as a transfer student I have been able to see first hand how schools compare. I spend my first year 7 hours away from home at a large university where the social life was based on drinking and being involved in greek life. Academics came second at the univeristy, which was the opposite of what I was looking for. I now go to a university of only 7,000 undergrad students where school work comes first along with community service and I am only an hour and a half away from home. It is important to think about all of these aspects and make a list of what is important for you to have in your college experience and what you don't want to be a part of your experience. Visit all of the schools you are interested and ask any questions you may have. Parents, my advice to you is just to support your child's decision.

Elizabeth

Parents, allow your students to make the decision on their own without too much of your input if possible. Even if you think they aren't making the right decision it is better for them to make the decision and learn from it then to make it based on information other than what they feel will be best for them Students, when you get to the school of your choice GET INVOLVED! Join at least 1 club, intramural sport team or something. Getting involved is the best way to meet people especially if you're going to a school where you will know no one at first. Expand your horizons right off the bat and you will be surprised how many people you will meet within your first few weeks.

Karina

Research is key when finding a college. Make sure it will fulfill your academic and social needs. If you aren?t able to pay tuition, search for grants in a timely manner. I would tell parents to encourage student to go out of state or live on campus.

Elizabeth

My advice to you is to go with your instincts. No matter the cost, no matter the city, no matter the size. Where you feel at home, and where you feel you can develop into your best self is where you should go. The financial aid is out there, and you just need to look for it. I believe in the phase, "Do what you love, and the money will come," and that you can apply that to your college choice. You could even say, "Go where you love, and somehow you will be able to pay for it!" I know choosing a college is a serious decision because, in fact, you are shaping your future. However, the most incredible part about the process is the unknown. There is nothing more exciting then the wonder of the next four years. You will change tremendously, and that is the fun part! No matter what school you choose, you will have an opportunity to make it your own, a place you are proud to call home. Go into this choice with an open-mind and eager heart and you will not be disappointed.

John

My advice to give to a student searching for the best college match would be, do not believe everything you hear from colleges. Every single one is going to tell you their strengths to sound the best. Make sure you do some research on the school, go for visits to the campus, and speak to both current students and educators at the institution. Once you figure out the school that is best suits both your desired future occupation and your personality, then worry about financing it through both student loans and apply for lots of scholarships. The two best pieces of advice I can give for making the most of one's college experience are very simple. First, get involved with something you enjoy. You will not only learn more about yourself and remain busy but you will also meet peers and make friends very easily because you share common ground. Getting involved is also a great way to network and earn leadership positions which are very important for your job in the future. And my second word of advice is to step out of your comfort zone and try something you never thought you would...You may love it!

Raymundo

Do not be afraid of trying something new and different. There are many colleges that you have in mind before you acutally apply to them. Marquette University was not my first choice, but now I realize that it was the best choice that I could have made in my life. I absoulutely love it! Just follow what you think is right.

Lauren

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