Improve your chances of getting into college,

To start off: The biggest issue on campus right now is money. Our school decided to change to divison 1, and most everyone is unhappy with that. This change means cutting art programs, such as German and theater. Also, it means a 9% increase in tuition. And when you're already paying over 30,000 to go to school, 9% is a big deal; especially when it's for something like athletics at a school where people could care less if we have a soccer or softball team.

Other than that, it's nice. The campus gets to be small after a while, but a 4 block walk always brings you outside of the school to a nice park, new resturaunt, or downtown to all the shopping and movies and Pike Place. Not many people have heard of SU. Usually when I say I go here, they reply with "Oh yeah. I've been to SPU. They have a nice campus." I usually correct them and say "Sorry, not SPU. SU. Seattle University. On Capitol Hill." Other times, I just let it fly. There's not really a college town feeling here, but I like that becuase it transitions you into the real world a little better, providing more job oppertunities other than working for the school or in a resturaunt.

There's plenty to do and see here. It's easy to get caught up in the goings on around campus, but it's nice to be able to get out easily and experience things on your own.

Seattle U is mostly about academics. The class sizes are small, so you get to know your teacher well, and they get to know you. Also, because we're so small, there is plenty of oppertunity to talk with professors about the class.

In the discussion classes (theology, philosophy, english, history, etc...) there is plenty of discussion and oppertunity for discussion. The amount of homework given is usually pretty comparable to credits earned and level of class. For the 100 levels, there's about an hour for each hour of class, if not less. For 300-400 levels, it's at least 2 hours homework per one hour of class. But even if it's hard to accomplish all the homework, the teachers are usually very understanding and willing to help to get you back on track, or even a bit ahead. There are plenty of help facilities around campus, like a math center, a writing center, and tutors.

I feel like at the moment I'm working to get a background in education, but also to start building a foundation for future careers.

Our student body is really open. And since it's so small, you get to know a lot of people really quickly. There is a lot of diversity, not everyone comes from one place. We have plenty from the east coast, and plenty from the Seattle area. Not everyone is of a specific social class. In my room, I'm middle class and paying for EVERYTHING through loans. My roommate is lower class and paying for almost everything through the government. Another is upper middle, lower upper, and is paying with a trust fund. My last roommate has a rich grandparent who gives her whatever she needs. But no one cares. And no one cares about future earnings. We care about the future in general. Where we're going to live, if we're going to get married, what our dream job would be... that stuff. And that's what most everyone is like. They look at the happy ending, and what makes them happy along the way. Not the money.

In certain dorms, doors are left open all the time. Friday nights are great. Not many people party. Most people ask if you want to walk to Dicks with them and grab a milkshake and walk around downtown. We have 3 co-ed frats, I think. They're for the business school. Some people really get into them. Most don't. But even if you don't, you're not left out. There's always something to do or somewhere to go with someone. We have the sport fans that go to athletic events, some gamers who hook up their wii to the big screen, and the shoppers who walk to Value Village to browse. There are always events on campus, and off. Speakers (the author of Three Cups of Tea came just the other day, as well as Rick Steves) often visit, the drama center puts on plays, and we're in the hub of downtown, so there's always a symphony or musical or concert to go to.

About Seattle: We're super green and supportive of local stuff, like music and farmers and businesses.

About the students: Liberal and open-minded, willing to speak up and wanting to be heard. Competitive, but good at losing.

Heck yes. Everyone is willing to help if you just ask. And they all glare at you if you litter, or throw a recyclable in the trash. Also, people are competitive to the point that gets you motivated, but not to the point where it gets you down. Also, Vallue Village will become your best friend.

I really like this school so far, but I have had my misshaps. I'll give the learning experience an A+, the administrators a B (I had housing issues last year that weren't handled well...), and the students a B+ to A-. Depending on the day of the month. Legit. Here there is oppertunity to be known by everyone on campus, but also to leave that behind for a day and get lost in the busy downtown. Plus, you're surrounded by great food all the time. And since you have to walk everywhere, the freshman 15 is pretty easy to avoid.