Saint Edward’s University Top Questions

Finding the right college is very difficult, there are many different aspects to finding the perfect fit for you. I would tell parents and their children to make sure to give themselves lots of time in exploring many different college options. Also, I would tell people to make sure to do the research on the specific colleges of interest. It is important to know about the student life on and off campus of a university. Lastly, I would suggest all parents and their children to be aware of the changes that will occur once the child goes off to school, it is hard at first to be away from your child, and as a child away from your family, so realizing that their will be a difficult change early on may help the family cope with these hard feelings later on.

Don't make a judgement on your new school until after the first year. If you give up an it before then you are not giving yourself time to enjoy college. You won't get used to it over night.

Research. That is the most important part of discovering if a college is right for you. Look at the size of the school, the location, the mission statement and values, as well as the rating of education. Also research the city or town the college is is for the following: size, distance from home, lifestyle, crime rate, and transportation. Apply for all colleges you feel are right for your education. Do not rule one out because of costs (financial aid can help!) or because you think you won't be able to make it due to your academic past. Chose those that are practical, and those that you really want but might be difficult to obtain or afford. Another important thing is to visit the campuses! Ask questions and learn more about the college and community! Also, it is extrememly helpful if the parents and students work together!

I would advise parents and students to take their time when picking a college. Write down all the things that are important to them that would best aid their learning experience. This might be teacher student ratio, or how large the campus is, or whether or not it is a private school. This helped me. Also, pick a school that you are financially prepared for, or a school that offers a lot of financial aid. To make the best of college, I recommend getting involved! Start up your own student organization (like me!) - It's such a wonderful way to meet new people! Or just get involved with one. Try to live on campus your freshman year too, this helps with meeting new people. But MOST importantly stay focused. It is so easy to slip away from the true reason why you are at school... to better yourself and your knowledge. College will truly shape you and change you into a well rounded individual. You will walk away a new and better person then before with a bright future. Good Luck!

Visit the schools. Don't base a college choice on a legacy or the social atmosphere. The first priority is school and academics. By visiting the schools, observing the student-teacher dymanic, and being part of the campus atmosphere, a student can make the best informed decision. Once a student has found the right school for them, I believe the rest comes naturally. Financial Aid, course selections, campus housing, were all easily taken care of once my decision was made. The most important part of deciding to attend college is finding the right one. The absolute best way to do that, is to actually go and be apart of the college, even if it's for a brief moment.

Let the children decide where they fit-in best; it's better to be in the right environment than in a well-known school in solitary and cold boston (for example)

Selecting a college is like falling in love at first sight. Upon visiting a college, one should feel an immediate sense of belonging and comfort. When that feeling is present, that is the school at which one belongs.

Visit the campus and talk to the students there. Ask how they feel about the school and their personal experiences there. Also, ask questions which are of personal interest to you.

Remember that leaving home to go to college can be scary even for the bravest person. Dont doubt yourself and if you do, know that if you ever feel lost remember that other people are feeling the exact same way and therefore you are not alone! Don't NOT try new things because you're worrying about whether people will like you; the others are wondering the same thing! Manage both your money and your time WISELY!!! If you dont know who you are when you leave to college, dont worry! Finding out is half the fun! Remember, it's not where you end up that matters, it's HOW you got there, whether the ride there was fun, and most importantly, remember, it matters just that you GOT THERE!!! So, do your best , make mistakes, make friends! You will be a better person for going through this experience! If you do your best, then no one can ask for anymore of you than that!

Make sure to go look at the college in person before you pick the one you want to go to.