Saint Vincent College Top Questions

Find a college that gives the students the BEST education possible. A good school should have unbaised professors that instruct and delight. They should never be negative. Make certain the food is good. Test it out yourself at orientation. Go with the students when it is orientation. See where your money is going. Look for lots of activities that the student can participate in. Also be sure to watch out for the events the campus holds. Look for popular bands and concerts that the students could attend at either the campus theatre, stadium, off-campus nearby, etc.

My first piece of advice is finding a school that is right for the student. A student that excels in smaller class sizes, should not, necessarily, enroll at a large school. These students will, most likely, feel out of place and unwelcome and not perform to their optimum levels. Next, make sure the costs of the education are feasible for the desired field of study/occupation. With this, include all costs, tuition, housing, books, and any interest that may accrue on student loans. If the student is unsure of a field, start at a community college with basic courses that will probably transfer. After enrolling, make friends. This is your time to define who you want to be in life. Be open to new possibilities and be willing to experience other cultures. Get involved with clubs and other extracurriculars. While this may seem unimportant, this time gives your mind a way to relax. Use this time wisely. Work out. While this seems an odd suggestion, it was my experience in High school, that this actually helped me concentrate. Lastly, if you don't like what you're doing, change your field-of-study. Afterall, it's your life.

I think that parents and students should definitely go on a campus tour. It is critical to see what the campus is like when students are actually attending class, so don't go during summer. If you happen to attend a summer tour, go again on an individual one during the fall or spring semester to get a real feel of the college. I know one thing that helped me decide on Saint Vincent was doing an individual tour which included sitting in on classes. If the college that you are visiting doesn't normally do this, I would suggest requesting it because it really helps you see the classroom aspect of things before the first day of classes. I also did an overnight visit in the dorm rooms with a current freshman which helped me see that aspect of living on campus away from home. Most colleges do not do this due to insurance reasons, however you may be able to stay with someone you know who attends the college to see what the experience is like. A lot of research into the surrounding areas is also a good thing to do before choosing a college.

To the students i would say that choosing the right college should be a decision that is made over time. It doesn't happen after one visit or after receiving one pamphlet. It is also important to remember that you should choose the college for your own reasons not for those of other people. I know it is hard to let go of a boyfriend or girlfriend, and your parents want you to choose their alma mater but the best choose for you is the choose that meets all your needs. Also, keep in mind that this is a four year experience, there is no need to try and cram everything into the first year. Now, to the parents, just know that this is a hard time for your child. No matter what they say it is hard to let go of the security of home and move to the next step in life. You may want the best for them but make sure in the quest to find the best you let them know you are proud of them and show them that you support their decisions. Your support will be important to them.

Expect to adapt to your enviroment, nothing is a good or as bad at it seems

any experience is a learning experience, look for a school that best fits your needs and wants acedemically and socially.

Finding the right college is a difficult decision for anyone to make. The most important thing to consider when selecting a college is finding a comfortable fit. The size of a college is very important and directly corresponds to what the college can offer. Smaller colleges with enrollments of fewer than 1,000 students will provide students with a close relationship with professors, however some students feel like there is a lack of interaction amongst students in such a small college setting. Meanwhile, colleges with 25,000 or more students will likely force students to take classes in large lecture halls with some classes containing more than 200 students! Many students find it difficult to learn in this environment. Therefore, middle-sized schools (1,000 - 5,000 students) tend to be a good choice because there are plenty of students to interact with, yet class sizes are typically smaller and students develop personal connections with the professors. Just remember to find a school where you feel you best fit in. If you do not feel a connection with your school, four years of school will seem like an eternity! Therefore, choose your college wisely!

Students, Know what you're looking for. Have a realistic idea of what will work for you. Look into all the options. Do not make this decision hastily. Do not think you can do this on your own; talk to students who go to these schools and be open with your parents/family. Do not settle for a school you are lukewarm on. Find a place that makes you feel something, one that excites you. Be open to new experiences. Actually go visit the school, perferably overnight. Choose wisely, this is the biggest investment you have made up to this point in your life. Parents, take a deep breath. Have an opinion one way or the other. Be there to guide your child but, allow him/her to choose on his/her own. Be excited for your child. Get informed. Be willing to discuss all the options, even the ones you are not thrilled about. Be supportive and open about what you feel/think. Go see the school with your child. Talk to the administration, faculty and other parents. Help your child choose what is truly best for him/her, not just what you want. And remember...breathe.

I would suggest finding a school that suits your nature the most. Make a compare/contrast list of things you want out of a school and qualities you have that could enhance your college experience.

To those parents and/or students who are trying to determine which college is right, I would say to look for the college that makes you feel at home. Determine whether your fellow students and faculty members are welcoming and friendly, because this will not only help you academically, but also socially. If you do not feel comfortable on a college campus then something is not right and that college is not right for you. When you step onto a campus it should feel right. You should feel welcome and feel the urge to continue your education. Finally, when trying to decide which college is right for you, first determine what you would like to major in and do with your life, and make sure of which colleges offer you these components. It is a lot easier when you know what you want to do in your future, and if you do not know, make sure someone on the college campus has some good advice and helpful information for you to make this decision.