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.