Rockhurst University Top Questions

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

ori

I found it the easiest to say go where you are comfortable and at home because it will be your home for the next 4 or 5 years. At the same time go to a place that will challenge you to expand your mind and you thoughts,wiht room to grow in a safe enviornment.

Johnna

When taking tours of schools, don't listen to what the ambassadors tell you. Watch the students and people on campus interact. When they give you breaks, definitely try to talk to people there. It will give you a great idea of how the school really is. The right college isn't about what will get you the best job, it is about a place where you feel safe and secure. It is only in a place like this that you can find yourself and the path you want to walk through in life.

Matthew

The perfect school probably will not be your first-choice school; young adults will make life out of what they're given - so find a place that is student-centric in attitude, with a diverse and comfortable number of students. Don't let distance matter; the perfect school for you is the one that you attend. Live on campus, meet as many people as possible, and don't be afraid to chase your dreams. The only regret you should have in college is having not met enough people, tried too many organizations, or laughed too hard. Enjoy it - it is the best time of your life, and will create for you a life in your future.

Jessica

Making the most of your college experience. Try to experience as much as possible. Go outside of your comfort zone. Take a random class. As a High School senior I chose to attend college out of state so that I wouldn't know anyone around me. I would not trade that experience for the world. Everyone that I met was new. Everyone had a story to share. As a College Freshmen I had already chosen my major, nursing, however, through taking required classes outside my major I found that I was passionate about serving the community. My new majors became Nonprofit Leadership and Theology. I have thourghly enjoyed participating in both majors as well as getting my feet wet with multiple internships. Looking back after graduation I know that the hardest semester that I had emotionally was my first semester, not knowing anyone, being in a new city. My hardest semester accademically was my last semester, I was taking 23 credits so that I could finish a semester early. My last semester was also my favorite semester. The friends that I made and have kept are the best friends anyone could ask for. Take classes that are right for you.

Mary

I would definitely encourage students to get involved with on-campus activities to meet new people, and service opportuinities. It is so imporant to manage your time by not taking on too much. I believe an emense amount of schoolwork is the number one cause for depression and a general sense of unhappiness among the student body.

Kyle

I would suggest focusing on what finding a school that is most geared around what you are looking to study, and also fits your personality the most. College is about getting an education, but the extra-curricular activities are also key to enjoying your college experience. I would recommend a parent or student looking for the right college find out what ammenities the school offers to get you ahead in life. It comes down to finding that happy medium of what you are looking for with school size, learning environment, city/town atmosphere, and ability to have an enjoyable experience.

Zach

Take your time and go where you think you will be happy. The rest will sort itself out.

Laura

I would advise that finding out as much as you can about the school that you are considering will only help you with your decision. Knowing yourself and what you expect from the college experience will help you narrow your choices down. I grew up in a very small academic community, so I knew that I wanted that for my college experience.

Sara

go to college fairs, give private schools a chance because they have good scholarships and can be cheaper than state schools. balance school and fun but be spontaneous too!

Sarah

The most important thing to consider when searching for the college that's right for you is how you feel when you visit their campus. I know this may sound corny, but they say you "just know" when a college is where you want to be. I would definitely recommend visiting each college you apply to because it's a big help to see what it's like to live there and be a part of the campus and its activities. If you don't like what you see and feel when you visit a college then it may be time to reconsider. I know academics and other activities are important , but you won't feel like participating in anything if you hate being at school. I think in order to really do well at college you have to love being a part of the school you choose.

Jesse

I think its important to visit all types of colleges but they should narrow down based on size, how academically challeneged they want to be, and the area surrounding the school. These are the most important factors because they will affect your happiness at your school. I decided that fact that my school was in an urban aread didn't matter. Even though I love the school, I don't like that I sometimes don't feel safe in the area. This is important to consider.

Marjory

There are many things to consider when choosing a college or university. After all, your decision in this area dictates a significant portion of your future. There are so many schools in so many places that its understandably easy to become overwhelmed, but the thing to do is stick to the issues that are important to you. Before you start looking, make a list of specific things that are important to you: school/ class size, majors and minors, tuition cost range, housing, city attractions, diversity. That way when you do your research or begin actually looking into different universities you know which ones will be a fit for you.....and which ones won't. This simple step will save you a great deal of time, and it will help you narrow down your focus more quickly to the school that is the perfect fit for you.

Tyler

Make sure to pick a college that fits you personally. Don't just pick a local University because most of your friends are going there, don't pick a big school just because you want to party, and don't settle. Your high school friends will always be apart of your life but don't be afraid to go away and meet new people. You will be surprised how quickly you will adapt. College is a once in a lifetime experience so it is important to make sure you are content with the surroundings of the University. I know too many people that complain constantly about school but if you choose a school that fits your personality then I believe you will be happy. We have the rest of our lives to work but only 4 years in college so live it up and find the one that FITS you!

claire

I think that a student should go with their gut feeling about a school. This is a big decision, and there are so many options and ways to afford a college education. A student should really make time to meet people, and find surrounding areas to get involved on and off campus. Most importantly, live your life! College is a time of change and experience, and it's so important to be open minded because you can learn so many things about yourself.

Taylor

Choosing the right college or university is like a marriage. Make sure that when you make your decision that you are elated but understand that like all great marriages, there will be ups and downs. I would highly encourage prospective students to understand the philosophies of the institution they are planning on attending and make sure that it is in line with personal philosophies. It is important to take at least one if not a few over night visits to understand the dynamics of campus. In the end, do not settle with less than the perfect match.

Mary

They definately need to visit they campus, tour it with and without a guide. They also need to sit in some classes, see if they like the feel of the atmosphere. They need to tour around the campus, because the student will be living there, they need to see how safe the neighborhood is and how convient everything is to campus. If they know what their major is they need to make that school offers it and if they do sit down with the advisor for that major and have a talk with them about how long it will take to graduate. They also need to see if they are for example, trying to get into nursing school, what the prereqs are and see if they have to have a certain grade in those classes to get accepted into the program. But the big thing is it should be about how the student feels about the school and if they like it, they are going to be spending aronnd 10 months out of the year for 4 years their; they need to be comfortable with that school of their choice.

I

Seek a liberal education, especially if you have yet to decide what you want to do with the rest of your life.

Joni

Find a college that suits your academic goals, and will help you succeed in your future.

Alexis

Narrow down your choices and then visit your top three or four school and make sure you talk to teachers, students, administrators, and financial aid people. Also, dont rule out private universities because they are expensive- they give out more financial aid and scholarships than state schools.

Christina

In finding the right place for yourself it is important to visit the college and feel comfortable with not only the surroundings and the classes, but also to notice things about the students already attending. When visiting my school I found most comfort when every student I passed during my tour said hi or exchanged a friendly smile. Spend more than a few hours at the college if you are interested. Dont just talk to the student taking you around, speak with those in the cafe or study hall if they seem available. The ones who are not part of the admitting process will tell you the most. Facts about the school are important but its also important to know about the social life. The way students behave away from class and away from the party scene is most important. Its also important to look at the city life around the college. For some, the busy and interesting community around the college is a good way to get away from the college scene. Its not all within the walls of the college that sparks the students eye.