Providence College Top Questions

After getting rejected from 10+ schools I came to terms with the fact tat no matter where I went I would be happy. Once I was accepted to Providence College and began in the Fall of 2007 I haven't had a single regret. What I like to tell parents and students alike about the college application experience is that no matter where you end up, you'll love it. College is a unique experience that I believe everyone deserves the chance to experience. Just like everything else in life, you'll get from any college or university what you put into it. College takes initiative. You must go out there, join the clubs, work on-campus, play intramurals and you'll have the time of your life!

Make sure when you are looking at colleges you do not get so set in one type of school. Make sure that you apply to a variety of school. I applyed to nine different schools, but in reality they were all basically the same school, with a few differences. When it comes down to deciding you have little choice. Even though you may think you know what you want, things change, and you change so be open to different ideas, and make sure you really look into the schools you think you want to go to, stay there overnight if you can. This is were you are going to spend the next for years of your life so make a very informed decision. Also, if it is not right for you transfer, there is no senses being unhappy somewhere, just make sure the place you transfer to will be better.

Visit all of them before you apply, and don't get discouraged if you don't like your school right away.

If you have the opportunity, don't choose a school about the money. Choose the school where you feel right, where you have that feeling of belonging to something bigger. If you don't get into your top choice, don't wallow in that feeling. College is going to be a great experience, no matter where you end up. If you can help it, don't commute. Live on campus freshman year. It's an experience but it's worth the agravation for the social aspect and life skills. Don't take yourself so seriously, laugh as you live. Meet as many people as you can, and don't worry about making a bad impression. Be yourself, starting with your applications and your interviews. Tour the school you want to go to if you've never been there before, talk to people, stay overnight, go while they're in session. Don't go out on Thursdays, but leave campus once a week. No homework allowed on Friday nights. Spend time with your friends over the significant other, friends are forever. More than anything, don't live in the campus bubble. Be aware of the big world out there. Best Wishes.

The best advice I could give is to simply speak with the students who go there. There is no better tool to use when trying to get the overall "vibe" of a school than talking about it with students who go there. If I were to do it all over again I would come up with a list of questions or at least a general idea of what I was trying to learn about the school form my visit in order to make an informed decision. I would suggest not only asking the school's tour guide's who are trained to answer these questions and give certain answers, but to walk around the campus and ask students a quick question or two. By doing this you not only get a variety of answers, but you get a better feel for the type of students you or your son/daughter will be spending the next four years of their life with. There is no better way to understand or get acclimated with a college than to have a first hand experience with its students.

Visit every school that interests you. The environment can be a huge effect on selection. Also, speak to alumni. People may have different experiences but when a general view of the school can be seen from others then it is probably the feeling that most students have toward the school.

Make sure you visit the colleges you are most interested and not simply do a college tour. To really get to the know the colleges, you need to be ablet to either spend a night there or a least a visit without your parents.

Everyone involved should pay attention to the cost of the school. Go to a school that has the major you need, or that will let you create your major. But remember, it's ok to come in undeclared, because you have a little while to figure it out. Find a school that is the right size for your comfort level, in an environment that will work for you (urban, rural, etc), in a locale (region) that you want to be in. Make friends, have fun, and make sure you do your work on time. Don't forget to go to class and participate. Get involved: join clubs, play sports, volunteer, do what will make you happy and productive. It's ok to be homesick in the beginning, but remember that your parents are always there, probably missing you, too. Call them once in a while. Don't worry about roommates, it will work itself out in the end. Don't be embarrassed to bring stuffed animals. Find stuff to do off-campus, and do it. Be safe. Organize your room in the most efficient and comfortable way possible. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Study!

Ask questions and have a really solid idea of what you and your student wants.

Visit the schools you are considering on a low key weekend, walk around with just yourself or your parent before or after the tour. If you feel at home, you are.