University of St Thomas-Saint Paul Top Questions

I would tell myself to look at all of the classes and extra-curricular activities offered at the colleges I am looking at. I transferred to the University of St.Thomas from a university that did not offer everything I was hoping for. I would remind my high school self that I am overly involved and that it is important to me to do the same in college. I also would advice myself to meet with faculty members and students at a few of the universities to get a better idea about what the environment is like. Also, I think the best advice I would give myself is to not be afraid! Go into college with an open mind and don't worry if you don't love it. You CAN transfer and find a place that does make you happy. I transferred and found a college, the University of St.Thomas that makes me HAPPY and where I enjoy getting up every morning to go to class and to attend my extra-curricular events.

Freshman year was different than what I was expecting mostly because I had never really heard about how it takes awhile to get aquanted with the new surroundings, people, and classes. That first month or so is rough, whether you go to the same school as your best friend or not. Everyone is trying to find their place while still keeping their identity. There's so much pressure to adapt quickly and see college as the greatest time of your life, but it's not something you can force, nor does it just suddenly happen. Yet, when you do finally find your niche, you appreciate it even more! Also, you don't have to be best friends with your roommate and if, by chance, you don't get along at all, it'll only make you get out and make other friends on your floor and you'll have a great horror story for your kids one day!

The best piece of advice that I can give is to not stress too much about finding the perfect college. What's really important is what you do when you get there. Don't sit in your room and expect people to come to you. If you're not putting yourself out there, you're not going to make any friends. Join a club or activity, talk to the people in your classes, or ask people to go to dinner with you. I would also tell new students to remember that everyone is in the same situation you are, so don't be afraid to talk to new people. Also, don't let yourself belive that anyone else is better than you. Some kids may act like the world revolves around them- it doesn't. On the other side, don't think that you're above other people. If you act like you're too good, no one will want to be around you. So, upon starting a new year, don't be scared. Be excited! You get to make new friends and go new places. Just remember to stay open to all those wonderful, new experiences.

I would reccomend experiencing a variety of colleges first-hand. Actually going out and seeing the college of choice is the most fundamentally sound decision possible.

My greatest suggestion that I could make to parents of future students looking for a university or college is to ignore money issues for now. Pick the school that will have the best otucome for your self or schild. Yes money is very important, but there are ways to recieve financial aid whether it be from FAFSA, scholarships, or Loans. Growing up, I never had money, and I still do not have any. I choose a school that had a tuition of $40,000 a year which me and my family could not afford at all. Thankfully, I was able to receive grants and scholarships that enabled me to attend University of St. Thomas. I am glad I choose this school without regards to the cost because I do not believe I could get any better treatment from the professors here than anywhere else. So I advise you once again, please look past the bill that you will receive and worry more about what you want out of life.

College is a time to grow and experience new things. As you travel on your journey it is prudent that you make your experience one that you will forever remember. While you must study hard it is imperative to make friends and social connections as these may eventually serve as means for employment. Above all work hard to find people, and things, which challenge your personal beliefs, as it is with these challenges that we are strengthened. "If a man empties his purse into his head no one can take it from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." ~Benjamin Franklin.

Rather than worrying about the wishes and needs of the parents, both parents and students should base their college decisions on the concerns of the student. A good, successful college experience is dependent upon how happy and comfortable the student feels on campus, in class, and among his or her peers and faculty on campus. Another great concern when choosing a college is the availability and quality of potential degrees and fields of interest as well as extracurricular activities that the student may potential be interested in joining. Class sizes at the college or university of interest should also be a major concern; some students excel only in small classrooms, where the professor can put more time into assisting his or her students, where as many other students do just fine or better when in big classrooms. Once the student is attending their college of choice I highly recommend that within the first few days of classes he or she gets the contact information of fellow students and arranges study groups for each class. Study groups are a great way to meet people who share one's same interests and they also help students excel.

I would recommend that both students and parents visit a prospective school at least once before making a final decision if that school is the right college. By visiting the school, the student is able to get a feel for what campus life and classes are like. In addition, students can inquire about the programs and activities offered and whether the school offers the student's intended field of study. Third, when visiting a school, the student can also check out the dormitories provided to students and get information about alternative living arrangements if desired. In order to make the most of the college experience, it is important to get involved in clubs and activities that are interesting and fun. Also, some residence halls hold monthly get-togethers for the entire hall or particular floors which can be great times to meet other students that live in the same dormitory. By balancing both school work and a social life, a student can make the most of his or her college experience. So my advice is to get involved and stay active throughout your college career.

I think it is important for perspective students and their families to start their college search with an open and positive mind. Explore a variety of schools; close to home and far away, big and small, private and public. Choosing a college that is right for you is one of the most important and exciting decisions of your life. to Try to avoid being peer pressured into applying to the same schools as your best friends in high school. Explore and don't be afraid to venture out because this is the time that you can. Apply to several schools, a couple safety schools but also take risks and apply to a dream school. Nothing bad can come from applying and don't be discouraged if you don't get in. Visit campuses and get involved in orientation programs to get a real feel for a school. Don't be shy!

I would give the advice to an incoming student to find a college that fits your chosen field of study the best. Also, to find the right college, a student should visit the college and talk to students there not affiliated with the college in order to full understand what the college is really like. The social aspects of college can be found in every college, but not every college has the programs to fit your educational needs. You are going to college to get an education and that should be the foremost thing on your mind. Balancing work and play will be learned throughout the college years and the work needs to interest you in order for that process to be speedy. To make the most of your college experience, I would advise that the best way to get what you want out of college is to be proactive in your search for what you want. Take advantage of the time you have with friends and take advantage of what your academics can do for you and your future.

I would tell parents to visit the campus. You will not know if you really want to go to that school until you have seen the campus. Being on the campus gives you a whole new feeling of what it is like to be on campus. I would also encourage parents to let the child attend events for prospective students. It will give the student what it is like to be a college student for a day.

First, I would tell students to make the decision about where to attend college for yourself; not for your parents or friends because this is your experience and only you will be the one to make the most of everything. Therefore, choose a school you love, feel comfortable walking around, will benefit your future career/degree plans and all that is important to you in a college. Also, be sure to make the most of you whole experience. Take chances, try new things and never limit yourself to any possibility. The whole process of applying to college and choosing your school is stressful and frustrating, but it is an important one which will impact your future. For parents, encourage your child to be open to their experiences and not to limit themselves in any form or fashion. The college years are exciting and frustrating for both the student and parents. Remember your student may need guidance and you are the perfect person to provide insight. College years are some of the best of your life; you never want to look back and wonder what if, so do not worry because whereever you will be, will be the place for you.

I would advise any prospective student or parent to focus more on the values that they wish to learn. Schools are costly, but if the education seems to be the right fit, there are always ways to come up with the money. If you work hard in college you can go anywhere, so choosing a college is a big descision. Always focus on what kind of environment would be most suitable for your learning abilities. Don't pick a college based on friends' opinions, or where they are going. Pick a college based on your personal needs. Making the most of your college experience may at times be fun, and sometimes frusterating. Groups are a fun way to meet people while learning more about topics that interest you, and help you further your education. Try to be involved as you can when you attend a school, this way you won't feel left out if you don't live on campus. I would also suggest not spending all your time partying, there are other ways to make friends, and it is hard to do your homework when you are out all night. The best thing about college? Being yourself.

I believe the most important thing for a student when searching for the right college is to find a school that fits for each individule. I have had many friends who have transfered because they "just didnt fit in" in some state schools. Here at St. Thomas, I spent a night overnight as a prospective and it really showed me what life as a Tommie may be like. I believe that being able to be comfortable is the most important thing, becuase it is the key to happiness at school. I had an opportunity to go to a very competitve school in Milwaukee but i chose to go to St. Thomas because , number one, I fit in at the school and number two the financial aid was better. My advice would be to go with the school that fits financial needs, and that the student may be comfortable with.

Visit often and many. The more schools you look at, the better feel you will have for what you want in a school and what you do not want. Also, the more often you visit a school, the better and more comfortable you will feel with it. Prioritize what is most important for the student's learning situation. Does a small class size matter? Do they know what area of leaning they are most interested in? Transportation, phones, computers, and mail allow us to keep in contact with others and socialize. If the teachers, learning atmosphere and classes needed are at one particular school, you should attend.

I would tell students to visit a lot of colleges before applying, even if you think you won't like them. This gives them a chance to see what their possibilities are. I would tell parents not to pressure their children, it is their future and their education. Plus, this is the time in their life when they get to explore themselves. As for making the most of the college experience, I would tell parents to give their child some independence but remind them that you are proud of them. Students should get out onto campus, get involved, meet people, but don't lose focus on academics.

The location, class size, classes offered, and campus life are all important factors in determining where you want to go. The best thing you can do is get a list of colleges that have the field of study that you want to pursue. Once you have that down then you need to think about location, far from home or close to home, this is all a matter of your personality. Then go and visit some of the schools that you have on your list and the rest will fall right into place. Then get involved with the faculty, students and the community. The professors are baskets of knowledge and can provide you with resources and many opportunities. This goes the same for campus activities not only do you get to meet new people that enjoy doing the same things that you do, but you are opening yourself up to a vast pool of resources. Lastly, being involved in the community is great for building good life values. Take the goals that you have in life and then pursue the right paths that will help you accomplish those goals. The faculty, students, and community are resources that will get you there.

Students, Think about what your favorite things to do in the world. Write them down and list them in order, from most to least important. After you make the list, find places that fit the list. It is easier to find a place that fits the list than trying to make yourself fit into some place in which you are not meant to be. Once you are in college, do not lose track of your family, because it is going to be the most intense time of your life. Your highs will make you feel invincible and your lows will crush you, but you can survive, scratch that, do better than survive, if you don?t lose yourself or your base / family. Parents, Go with your student to every school they want to see. They wont be able to ask every question or remember every answer, so they need you. Let them lead the search. Don?t take over. Send them letters every time you miss them. Mail is one of the greatest things to get in college. They might make mistakes with grades and classes, but let them know that you are there to listen to their problems.

It is important for parents and students to visit a lot of different schools, even if the student is sure he or she wants to go somewhere, it is vital to visit other schools to gain perspective for the school he or she is choosing. To make the most out of college, meet as many people as you can. Choose to live in the community-style dorms. Seek out opportunities to get involved, but don't overdo it because then schoolwork takes a back seat.

My advice to parents and student in finding a college would be go to the one you really want to . Don't let anything sway you from your discussion in where you want to go. Also to make the most out of your college experience, do as much as you can during your first four years because once you get into graduate school it is a lot harder. Also have some fun, it is not all about homework and classes, meet new people and enjoy your college years.