Seattle University Top Questions

The advice I would give a parents and/or students about find the right college is take your time looking at every aspect of the school. First figure out what you want out of a college to narrow down your choses, ask questions, go and look around the campuses. Finds out how much their getting for finanically for each school, and not to skip the opportunity to sign up for scholarships even if it for only one hundred dollars, because it will pay off in the long run.

Do not pick a college that you know you cannot afford unless you recieve substantial financial aid. The stress of trying to pay full tuition when you cannot afford it or amassing debt in loans IS NOT worth it. Parents really need to let their child pick the school because the location, size and way the student feels is what will create a successful student and worthwhile college experience. Parents simply cannot make that decision appropriately and I have seen that failure that results. Students must pay attention to their instinct, you can only be successful if you are comfortable and happy with your college. Do not rely strictly university specialty or purported graduation and employment rates. If you do not pick a major you enjoy, you will not do well.

I would tell parents nd students alike to choose he school that best fits the students background, needs, career goals, and personality because I feel those are the most imprtant attributes to picking a school. Financial Aid may be a big one too. Parents should be sure to allow their children to go to a school they can afford for the full number of years and even anticipate price increases in tuition.

Try to not become overwhelmed, that will just complicate the process. Don't soley focus on the academics of the school, but also look at the attitude of the students and the surroundings. Academics make a huge impact on you, but you would be surprised how much more your peers and surrounding area have an impact. Listen to Father Sundbourg made a difference too - knowing that the President of your college has a sense of humor is key, it lets you know that the school isn't stuffy or uptight.

I applied to over 11 schools, several were In the IV league, I was accepted to all 11. Dont sweat it. Find a good school, one that will challange you, and help you grow. Undergraduate school 'names' (like Harvard) are not such a big deal... Go where you can afford, where you will have fun, and where you are at least far enough away from home so that your not still using your parents place for laundry on the weekends. Gain some indpendence, your gong to need it. But most of all, learn to be open to more the one idea. Your going to come across a lot of people who disagree with you on issues. Learn from them. Learn from the expirences that other have had, and learn to look to see where each idea or opinion is comming from. You have so many options even if you dont yet know what they are... So try new things, try strange classes and discover where your passions might trully lie. But no mater what, keep execpting that to solve any problem that you face, there is more then one right idea. Good luck!

You have to look for a school that matches the attitude of your student. Ensure the vibe of the campus matches with your student. Do take the time to thoroughly research the school and know what your getting into before applying.

The most important thing my parents said to me when choosing a college was to not worry about the price tag. Parents cannot put a price on education and need to encourage their kids to go to college because it will provide so many opportunities for them. I'm going into the same industry (Accounting) as my mom, but because I went to college out of highschool, I have had so many amazing experiences that she can only dream of. College is a remarkable experience and I have watched all my friends who took "breaks" after highschool to figure things out and it will be so hard for them to get back into "school mode". They wish they had started out of highschool because they would have been done by now. However, I know that because my parents were supportive in my drive to go to college, especially one that I felt was right for me, I will look back on the completion of my college degree as one of my greatest achievements. Therefore, I'll say that having choice will make the most of the college experience.

I would recommend doing a lot of extra carricular activities.

Don't worry on costs if you can take out a loan.

It is important to look at many different types of schools. Even if you think that you might know what school you want to go to you might visit a completely different one and decided that it is right for you. That is what happened to me and I am glad that I chose the school where I ended up. In order to make the most of your college experiance it is important to find the right balance between schoolwork and social work (and your job if you have one.) This balance is different for everyone, and it may take some time to figure out. However, almost no one will be happy if they do not spend any time with friends, and yet learning is also incredibly important. After all, that is why you come to college in the first place.

The best advise I can give is to go with your gut. If you are accepted to your first choice school, make sure to visit the campus and get a feel for the learning and living environment. Consider where you will be happiest, becasue successful learning will be dependent on how happy you are at the school you are attending. Check out the neighborhood around the school as well. Make sure it is a community where there are things you will enjoy doing and that it is a place where you feel comfortable. Check into the professors and talk with some students who currently attend the school. If the school offers an open house, attend it! That is one of the best ways to meet faculty, students, and other prospective students, and it will help give you the best feel for the campus and the community of students.

Really think about the size of school you want and how accessible you want your professors to be.

make a 4 year budget, loans, everything

The most important aspect of the search for post-secondary education is an open mind. Although economic status, family, and other concerns are always present, scholarships and other opportunities are always available for high school graduates. Post-secondary education, whether it be at a community college, trade school or university, is an integral and important choice towards a successful future. That being said, it is important to find a school that fits each student's individual needs. Try to start planning early, around junior or senior year of high school. With the help of the internet and your high school college counselor, each student can search for post-secondary options that best suit their needs. After the college search and application process is over, it's time to make sure you make the most of your education. Be sure that you take advantage of all the opportunities available to you at this time. College campuses offer a wealth of experiences, and the 4 years will go by much faster than you think. Get involved on-campus and off. Find things that you are passionate about, and you will have a very successful and enriching college career.

I would advise parents and students to explore all options--not all colleges are a perfect fit but when you find the right one, you'll know. So explore! Don't hestitate to visit colleges because they might be far away...these will be some of your most rewarding years ever so don't let a few extra miles scare you off. It'll be your home away from home and the students will be your brothers and sisters while the professors, your figurative parents, pushing you forward to succeed. Once there, realize that higher education is not guarenteed but rather a gift-- utilitze it, treat it like you would nothing else and try your best. When you've selected what you feel is the right college, embrace it fully; meet new people, get involved and open up a whole new world to yourselves! You won't regret it.

Finding the right college has a lot to do with intuition. If there is any way that you can spent a night at the college, do so. The college might seem perfect on paper, but you are not just looking for an institution with fantastic credentials, you are also looking for a new home. It is vital that you find a place that will push you out of your comfort zone, to explore your passion. Academically speaking making the most out of your college experience involves perfect attendance. It is crucial, because material covered in class if often material not covered in the text. Furthermore, college is a time to explore various areas of interest in order to really find something that you are passionate about. You can not do this if you are not willing to get uncomfortable and try new things. Hence, you need to get involved as soon as possible. Your extracurricular activities will connect you to the campus and the community. I feel that this is a very important step in making the university your new home. You can not succeed if you do not have a place where you feel at home.

Students and parents should visit the campus of each school they are considering. They should ask a lot of questions regarding financial aid and job placement. They should be sure that there is affordable housing and public transportation nearby the campus. Lastly, they should talk to alumni who graduated in the same field of interest to find out their impressions of the school and whether or not they would recommend it.

The best advice I can give to students and parents researching colleges is to talk to the current students who go to the college, not the students hired by the school, but real full-time students. If you can, go see the school and see if you like the feel of the environment. College brochures sugar-coat everything that they can in order to get more people to attend. The best way in picking a college is by getting as close to the real college experience as possible, either by talking to current students or visiting the campus. Once in college, try to experience all that the college and surrounding environment have to offer. I go to a college in the city and tend to go downtown and see the sites. It's good to want to stay on campus but you should expereince all you can that is in and out of campus. College tends to offer programs and events (ex. movies, dances, sports) that help get the student invovled and interact with others. College is a fun way to explore life and learn the necessary subjects for whatever work field someone is interested.

Apply to schools that you may not think are "good enough" for you. Chances are, they'll turn out to be. Also, don't choose a school just because your parents want you to go there! Once you get to school, don't spend all of your time partying. Check out other things to do on campus, check out the area around campus, maybe study once in a while. There's plenty of time for parties on the weekends.

I went into my college search without knowing what really mattered to me. I thought that what I needed and desired most from my school was a name, a reputation, and the ability to turn out graduates with high paying careers ahead of them. When I got to Seattle U, I realized that those are only perks. Finding the right college should be about finding a place that will support you as a complete individual and help you to either discover your calling or enhance your love and understanding of your passion. By far, that is the most important thing to look for in a school. It won't make the next four years any easier, but it will make them much more fulfilling.