Seattle University Top Questions

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

Jodie

Don't be affraid to go to art school or at least go to a public school becuase you won't get the education needed in your field with jesuits

Sarah

Apply for more merit-based funding, gear the courses you take to prepare you the best for the exact career you wish to pursue (ie, make sure you have obtained the skills needed as basic requirements on the job descriptions of the jobs you want. Be more career-oriented.

Rebecca

Try your hardest in everything you do because you can not turn back time, you will regret it if you do not try your hardest. Live life to the fullest because time goes by fast.

Rachael

Put faith in yourself. Others won't always be around, they have their own lives too. So trust your own judgement and follow your heart. Also, don't rule out situations and opportunties just because you don't think you'll fit in. That's how you meet the coolest and most real people.

Chelsea

I would have advised myself to follow my heart to the right college, not the money. If it's where you want to be and if you're doing what you love, there will be a way. At this college now, I feel isolated from the rest of my peers. I chose a school unsuited to my beliefs and my interests. Follow your heart. Even if everyone tells you it's naive, impractical or foolish to do so, you can do no right by yourself if you ignore your heart. Hold onto those high school friendships. They got you through the hardest years of your life. Now, surrounded by strangers, you will need someone to turn to more than ever. Treasure those friendships and let them grow. Let them change. They will become a strong network of history, love and support if you let them.

Erin

I would tell myself to relax and not to worry so much. There are things more important in this world than stressing about the right school. Not everything has to be perfect or fit into your perfect little plan. Try to go with the flow and let yourself enjoy the little things. Remember that you are in school so when you get out you can do what you really enjoy doing, working with animals. Things don't have to be difficult if you don't let them be. I would also tell myself to make as much money as possible while you're not in classes, it will make life so much better and easier. Oh and go to class, do your homework and have fun!

Alexandra

I would tell kids to really reflect upon what they need and want out of a school. I would advise them to surround themselves with certain qualities that the school and its surrounding area offer that will better their overall experience, including: class size, close or far away from home, both ethnic and racial diversity, religous or not, city or rural- take these into consideration, deciding which ones will enhance your college experience the most. I would advise parents to help their kids to focus on what will help them the most academically as well as what surrounding will make them most comfortable and able to perform the tasks demanded at college. As parents, you usually have a good take on what your child needs- offer advice whenever asked and support them in their search for a college that will help them grow as person and catapult them into their professional lives after graduation.

Marla

I would suggest that students visit the campuses of their prospective schools. I found it most helpful to go on a tour guided by a student, especially if you personally know someone who attends the school who would be willing to show you his/her dorm room and allow you to eat a meal on campus, because these are a few of the things that really affect your college experience. I would also strongly suggest reviewing the courses offered, as well as the general requirements for each school, and making sure you fully understand the extent of your course options. If possible, sit in on a class, visit the school's library, book store and other campus offices, and ask questions of the students on campus: if they feel safe where they are, if they enjoy classes, if they have met lots of friends, etc. Being on the campus of your future school is one of the most important tools in helping you arrive at your decision--you never know what you'll think until you experience it for yourself!

rebecca

Make sure you visit the campus. Parents dont restrict your student to a school just because it's far from home.

Christopher

To students (and parents alike): be cognizant of your reasons for choosing a specific college or university. Are you interested in studying something that will have tangible benefits for your future finances or economic status? Alternatively, do you wish to study a subject considered To students (and parents alike): be cognizant of your reasons for choosing a specific college or university. Are you interested in studying something that will have tangible benefits for your future finances or economic status? Alternatively, do you wish to study a subject considered ?academic? regardless of whether or not it may bring financial success? You may not be entirely sure. College is as much milestone as stepping-stone; a sincere attempt at being honest about one?s motivations can aid one in staying focused and can influence positively one?s perceived satisfaction as the result of the labor involved. Additionally, and as silly as it sounds, it can be beneficial to work at being ?periscopic? while in college; that is to say, trying to consider the word ?perspective? and all that it entails. Yours, theirs, forwards, backwards; one must at least attempt to see things that are not directly in one?s line of sight, to see around obstacles instead of only the obstacles. Further, trying to see from as many angles ? vantage points ? as possible whatever it is at which one is looking; flexibility is a must.

Brandon

Students should visit the college as many times they can before deciding. If possible, the student should sit in on classes in both GE and in the program they intend to study. Students should seek the school that is strong in the area they want to study. They should also seek a strong program in the extra-curricular programs they are interested and most comfortable in. They should recognize the travel costs and living expenses of the area. It is important to find out about on and off campus housing and whether or not you will need a car or can walk/ride bike/bus, etc. All colleges are expensive. Seek any financial aide possible and see what kind of help you will get if you attend a certain college. Another important aspect is the weather. I almost changed schools because the weather is so depressing in Seattle. I am from California and I physically got depressed from the lack of sunshine. I have a strong base of friends and play on the soccer team so have decided to stay. Once you are going to college, take advantage of all the programs and extra-curricular events the school offers.

Lawrence

Determining a college is all about the environment. More or less, one can find an academic and athletic experience at any university. However, finding the right mix of peers and faculty is critical to the selection process. Also, even seemingly insignificant factors are essential such as the location and structure of the university. This involves being in a larger city, a suburb, or in a rural college town, but also describes the size of the campus itself, the landscaping, and the architecture. You will be seeing the same campus for four years, and it should be something you are willing to see for those four years and continue to love and cherish.

Vanessa

My advice would be, when you are ready for college, that's when you're ready to make the most of your college experience. That may sound silly but that was the best advice I gave myself. When you are pressured to choose a career, you tend to be forced to go towards a path that was not chosen by you. You end up being in college longer than you had expected. Your college experience has now "dragged" on longer than you wanted. I dropped out of school right after highschool and did not think college was the thing for me. As time went by, five years later, I realized that I was ready for college. I realized I was missing something in my life. I made the choice to go to college and it was the best decision and college experience that I had. I was able to enjoy what I was learning because by the time I made the decision to go back to school, I knew exactly what I wanted to do and I did not waste any time. I was able to focus and interact with other students with the same common interest.

Breanna

My advice to parents and students who are trying to find the right college is to keep an open mind. Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions you will make in your lifetime and more than anything you want to make sure that you will be happy attending that school. Everything that you will strive to do in your life ultimately comes back to making you happy. Choose a school based off of the qualities it will instill in you to strive for what you want in life. Success is not measured by the amount of money you make or the things you have experienced but rather your happiness with yourself. Make the most of your college experience by finding your nitch. Try new things so that you can further understand what you enjoy. Keep an open mind to schools and activities that you previously would have never given a second glance. You will be surprised how much you find out about yourself and how much you can grow in just a few years. A better understanding of yourself will help you attain the happiness and success you are seeking for yourself or for your child.

Mareena

Honestly, I would just say to go with your gut instinct. It is usually right. I had no idea where I wanted to go, and I just went where it felt right. I do owe lots of money, but I am happy with my decision because my school is teaching me so much more than just my major. It really comes down to you as a person, and which school would fit you best. You meet people very similiar to you at your schools because of what drew you to the school in the first place. Good Luck! Always remember it is an adjustment, and if it really doesn't fit you, you can always transfer!

Keouthdam

Take a tour of the school with a school guide, but also wander on your own. You have to get a feel for what it's like to walk around and be a part of the campus student body. Read up on the school mission and their goals in educating you, the student. When visiting the school, also make it a day to visit things near the campus. Is there a coffee shop near by? What's the neighborhood like surrounding the school? Are things walkable? These are things you should consider when deciding on a school. Don't get too caught up on deciding a major before starting college. When looking at colleges check what they're most known for and take that into account to what you as a student would like to focus on. Lastly sit in a class period (if possible.) Decide if you like small or large class sizes, whether or not it's an big deal if the professor knows you by name or only by number.

Amanda

When searching for the right college for yourself or your child, don't be afraid to reach. There are tons of schools out there, across the country and around the world. If you find a school that you really love, but are afraid you wont get accepted, or won't be able to afford it, apply anyway! What have you got to lose? Most schools will work with you to help you pay for college, and there are tons of scholarships and grants to help you out. Sometimes the best way to pick a school is to visit the campus and talk to the students there--don't be afraid to reach out to them! They can tell you all about campus life, coursework, and many will share their stories with you. Finding the right college should be exciting, but don't be discouraged if it's difficult at times. No matter how fun college is, choosing a college is still a huge decision that will change your life forever, so take your time and explore all of your options.

Lindsay

The best advice I can give is to tour the campus and ask students who currently attend what they like and dislike about the university. I think parents should be helpful in the process but remember to leave the ultimate choice up to their child because it's a big life decision that I think a student should have to make for themselves. Check out financial aid things and make sure that the campus offers the extracurriculars and programs of interest for you. To make the most of the college experience, it is important to become involved in extracurricular activities and clubs where you have a chance to interact with the same students over the entire school year. Becoming part of orientation or campus tours is also very helpful in getting the most out of the college experience.

Jordan

One of the important aspects of going to a univeristy is for one to know what type of enviroement he or she like to live in. I was unaware that I loved living in the city until I spent my freshman year at lifield collge, which is a great college academically but the small town living was not for me and that's when I realized that i need to live in a city.

Aerica

Make sure that your school is an environmental, social and cultural fit for you. So often people say that what matters is the degree and not where you go, but location, atmosphere and makeup of your school has a huge impact on your experience. Don't look just for programs and on-campus activities; make sure that you will be comfortable in the city where your school is located.