Rockhurst University Top Questions

I would tell parents and students to have a good idea of what the student wants to gain out of college. Know how important grades, a social life, the size of the college, the price of a college, and the college's reputation are to the student. Then find a college that meets these criteria as much as possible, and is the college the student has found to be most comfortable at during college visits.

I believe that parents should consider a Jesuit education highly, because it is in general, a higher education than public schools.

I would urge the individuals prospectively attending college to actually visit the college upon decision of their interest in a particular school. During the campus tour, keep in mind that collegiate officials only show you areas of the campus generally considered "good" and that their tour might not necessarily reflect the overall portrait of the campus living conditions and facilities of the school. Furthermore, I would ask actual students who attend the school what they like, dislike and are otherwise concerned about regarding the schools. To ensure that the sample of students is representative, you should strive to inquire multiple students, from differing economic, social and political backgrounds. Your level of comfortability at a school should be holistic, in others words your political inclinations, religious affiliation and economic status should either be accommodated or at least respected by the school you select. Important, too, is that you compare the various financial aid packages offerred by the schools of your choice. While private universities are generally pricier, they often disburse bigger financial aid packages; as a result, public schools can actually be more expensive than a comparable private school because many of their funding programs are loan based.

My advice to parents and students look for the right college is to start early. It is always better to have more time than not enough time and by starting early, you will have more options as well as more time to consider each option. Parents I suggest to encourage but not push your child to make a decision. Ultimately, they have to decide what will be best for them and all you can do is give your perspective. Do not push your ideas on your child let them be free to make this decision. For students who are looking for a school; make sure to ask questions about the school whenever you get a chance. You can learn so much by asking current student how the school really is. Keep an open mind in the beginning of your search and in the end, the right school will be obvious to you. To make the most of the college experience get involved right off the bat. Ask about different organizations and clubs that interests you. Find different activities that you enjoyed in high school that can help you feel comfortable and still meet new people.

Find what the school that suits your personality and learning habits - smaller school for greater personal attention and a more friendly environment.

Apply to a wide variety of schools. Take tours of the campuses and try to talk to as many students and members of the faculty as possible before you decide. Don't be afraid to leave your hometown, new people and new possibilities await in places unknown to you. To make your college experience the best you can, don't be shy, but be yourself. Your opinions and ideals may change, so be open to new ideas. Be real with your professors, they want to help you succeed, not the contrary.

When deciding on a school, you should really VISIT and STAY at the school. Talking to random strangers on campus might even help. Once you ahve picked your school, GET INVOLVED. Greek life may sound sketch to some, and I know I never in a million years would have though I would have rushed, but it has turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life and I KNOW I have met friends that WILL last my whole life.

I kind of blew off the really investigating what college I wanted to go to. I looked at 2 schools and figured I would make it work in the one that gave me the most money to attend. Parents - if at all possible, do not make money a huge factor in where your kids attend there are always loans if they really have their heart set on a place. Students, investigate. When going on a campus tour, see if you can ask random people who are not giving the tour their honest opinion. These will be more trustworthy since they were not hand selected for there love of the school to try to convince people to join. When making most of the college experience, just be true to yourself. If you don't want to drink - don't. My brother and I both made it through college with a very good group of friends - not superficial drinking buddies. If you do want to - just be smart. You don't want to regret something. Know how much you can get involved and don't be pressured to make extra committments. School should take priority - that is why you are there!

Talk to friends and family who have been through the situation and find out how they handled choosing the right school (or wrong school). Then work out a plan to visit schools and have questions ready based on what you have heard from these friends and family. Each school is going to SELL itself to prospective students so you need to be an educated buyer to make the right decsion (similar to buying a new/used car). Overall, know the facts and come prepared to hear things that may be sweeter than they really are.

Talk to several students who attend the school but are not employed by the school. People that are employed are going to only talk about the positive aspects of the school. They are not going to talk about anything that they have had trouble with or the negitive aspects of the school.