University of St Thomas-Saint Paul Top Questions

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.