Carroll University Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Sarah

I would tell myself to take more AP classes and really look for a campus that fits YOU and not anyone else.

Roxanne

As I have grown greatly since high school, there could be a number of things that I would tell my senior self. One might be to apply to more schools than I did in an effort to get more financial aid. Another could be to advance my study skills for future use in my college life. However, I think that given the option to talk to my high school self, I would not have said anything reknowned or distiguished. It is because I knew what I did when I started college that I have learned what I have and had the experiences that I did. I am glad that I am the person I am today, and I would not want to say or do anything that could change the path that brought me to where I am now. I doubt that the person that resulted from any advice I could give now would be the same person that I am today. Obstacles and life happen not for the outcome, but for the journey.

Kim

Assuming that I could go back in time and talk to myself as a highschool senior, I would give myself some advice. Knowing what I know now, I would advise myself to always take advantage of opportunities and never settle for less. This includes my grades. I should always keep them a number one priority.

Mark

College is a place where students can start there lives over again. Whatever happened in high school will not necessarilly occur again in college. Students will find their place in college and develop a sense of freedom and what it is like to be an adult.

Britta

I would advise both parents and students to visit the perspective campus when classes are in session, typically fall or spring, this allows you to see what the environment of the campus is actually like rather than what the admissions office is trying to present it as. As well, talk to the students around campus, near the eating areas (too see how food is), living areas (check out their room accomodations), and general class/campus experience. Nothing gives a better picture of if a school is right for you than seeing how the students feel, you will also get a sense of the type of students on the campus and if those people are ones you will fit in with. There is nothing better than the moment when you feel everything click into place and you can say with confidence that you could see yourself there. Good luck!!

Ashley

Just keep doing what you were doing in high school. Some of the work may get harder but you can ask for help. Parents let your child find the right school, it may take awhile but they will know what they want when they see it.

Ryan

Visit and experience as many schools as possible. By broadening your outlook on future schools you may attend, you grasp a greater vision of what you truly want in a school. As for receiving the most out of the college experience: be true to who you are and become involved. Think about your actions before you actually initiate them.

Casey

LOOK AROUND! :)

Laura

The best advice I can give to anyone is for the student to do an on campus over-night visit. You really are able to be submerged into the activities, the students, the classes, and the campus in general by staying with a student. You also need to list the pro's and con's of a school as soon as you get in the car to leave because otherwise you forget the things that caught your attention as well as turned you away from the college or university. This helps when you go back and are comparing schools. It can really help to decide between two schools you are stuck on. Last, do not be afraid to visit a second or third or even fourth time if need be. It is a decision that is very difficult to make for both student and parent. The parents' support is one of the best things a student can have.

Amanda

Start your search early! I can't emphasis that enough! Also if you're unsure of what school you want to go to, but you have narrowed it down to a few, check out the campuses and see if you can maybe spend the night in a dorm. It's a great experience and it helps you decide whether the school is the right fit or not! And when your at school, make the most of it by getting involved in different activites, but also remember to study! You're not just there to play but also work!!

Sarah

My advice that I would give to a student finding their right college and experiencing the best college life would be to do research. Look at each campus' webpage and write down the pro's and con's to each of your choices. Also, visit each of your options. I only visited one campus, and feel that I may have been missing out on something better. Most students are scared about making new friends and getting into the swing of things. I went to my school not knowing ANYONE, and I did just fine. Most colleges have activites in the beginning of the year to help students break the ice and meet new people, but your best option is to get INVOLVED. Join some sort of organization, club, or sport. This will help you meet new people who will be your lifelong friends.

Theresa

First of all, visit as many campuses as you can, and find out as much information about the college as you can. Make sure you are going to a college that best fits your major, and/or will help you find a major that bets fits you. Going to a community college first and then transferring to a university was helpful for me, and way more economical. I also got a job in my field sooner which has been very helpful for my learning experience. One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to apply for financial aid as early as possible, and find out all the types of aid available. College can be stressful enough without having to worry about how you're going to pay for it. Most of all, stay focused on your goals.

Rebecca

Make sure the size of the campus is perfect for the child attending and also make sure the class sizes can accompany them for what they are looking for. I would look for activities as a last item, it should be based more on what the education will be like for the child's major/degree they wish to achieve. It is important for the student to feel like they are going to fit in at the institution.

Travis

When looking at schools, make sure to ask plenty of questions and talk to students and faculty. Also make sure you know what you are comfortable with. Look at the size of the campus and class size and make sure that it will fit your needs. Also look at the quality of housing and meals, college becomes your home away from home so make sure you will be comfortable there. Location is another thing that should be considered some people enjoy the freedom of being further away from home while others like the added security of being close to family. Remember that it is okay and normal to change major, minor, and even college if it is not the right fit.

Danielle

The most important aspect to keep in mind for both parents and prospective students is to TOUR and ask your tour guides specific and personal questions that pertain to you and what makes you and your family comfortable. ALWAYS ask for current students' opinions on what the BEST and WORST parts of that particular school are. Last, be true to yourself. Don't let anyone influence your final decision! The student will be the one that has to live there, eat there, sleep there, shower there, have a social life there, and study/learn there. Go with your gut!

Kelly

Choose carefully. Look for a campus that gives you as much practical, hands-on experience as possible, so you can actually find a job right out of school.

Samantha

My biggest problem when finding a school was looking for my major. Even if you're not sure with what you want to do in life, think of things that interest you so you can chose a college or university that can provide you with classes in that area. Another is where the campus is located. I am from the city and moving into a small town area wasn't my best choice. Make sure you go to the college and take a tour; and not just a tour of the campus but the surrounding areas that you will probably be spending some time in. To make most of your college experience make sure you look beyond school. While you are paying lots of money to attend a school and get a good education, life isn't all about that aspect in your life. Enjoy yourself and make sure that you do more than just "school" in those 4 years.

Matthew

Look for a campus that speaks for itself, and doesn't need a campus tour guide to encourage your child to attend.

Lauren

I would suggest touring lots of schools before making a final decision.

Demetrius

Make sure you look long and hard at different college. Don't ask faculty about campus life and things that go on. Find the students because they will tell you thr truth about the school

Eric

Visit every college, ask students there about their opinions of the professors for the fields in which they are going to study, and get a feel for the cost and scholarschip money available.

Joshua

This is a small, religious college. It is different from the huge universities that many students attend. The fit works well for students who learn best in a small setting with small class sizes. I encourage people to try to work with the larger cost for tuition because the end result will be knowledge obtained.

Kelly

Mke sure that your future professors will be accessible, fair, and knowledgeable. Make sure that the rules of the school are strictly enforced. Mae sure the other students are serious about their future and not just in college to party. Make sure students are friends, not competitors. Above all else, make sure that action will be taken if a problem arises.

Rebecca

The advice I would give to parents and students is to make sure that you look at all of your options and any college that you may be interested in. Don't limit yourself because you think you can't get in to a college or you don't think you'll be able to afford it. Also make sure you visit every college campus you are thinking about going to before making your final decision. You may even want to sit down with an academic advisor and make sure that all of your questions are answered. The last piece of advice is to the student to make sure they pick the school they love and not what other people love. Choose the school you really want to go to and that you'll be happy at. Make sure the school you choose makes you proud so that you value your education.

Amanda

The best advice I can giving when looking for a school to attend is making personal visits to each school and writing down a list of all the pros and cons of each one. Make sure that it offers what you are looking to major in and interests you. You need to keep in mind what you want to do with your life and possibly not want your parents want you to do with it. When you get to school the best advice I can give your is to not go home all the time. I was a very shy freshman and went home every weekend, but towards the end of the year I started meeting people and going out and doing things. Then, once the end of the year came I was sad to see it come to a close for a few months. Now I stay alot and go out with friends or even just work on homework together. It makes college easier when you have a social life to have fun and releive your stress from the week. It goes by even faster than high school, so make the most of it while you can.

Chelsea

Evaluate every scenario and aspect of what your college offers. You have no idea what may become increasingly important to you, but there is little you can do to gage this other than trust your instincts about what is right for you. Personally I reccommend a school in a larger city, urban-style setting--the opportunities will flourish for you there. Also, GO OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE--leaving home is hard, but realizing you wish you would have went somewhere further and met new people and had a variety of new experiences is harder. Go to a liberal school, go to a diverse school. I don't care what your parents did, it's the 21st century and our nation is one of diversity. Wake up and embrace it. College is your time to grow as you welcome the new influential things you choose to order on your plate. Some things are not right for everyone, but if you ever have a small inkling inside that tells you to expand your experiences, FOLLOW IT, FOLLOW IT, FOLLOW IT. "The greatest tragedy in life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it."

Haley

I would tell them to really consider all possible majors that they are interested in. The likelihood of switching majors seems to be pretty common. Also, I would say to look at alot of different locations for schools. Determining where you would like to live for the next four years affects everything available to you and what do you. I think that the cost of the school is a smaller priority. Yes, the price tag may be huge but if you will be incandescently happy there it is probably worth it. Plus there are options for payment and scholarships that students can find.

Kristina

Meet potential professors, look at all the required classes for the major. Discuss in detail financial aid and how that will be applied to the tuition bill. Get opinions from students outside of the admissions office.

samantha

First, you need to decide what kind of school you want to go to. If you really want to get the most attend a school known for their academics. Attending a school that does not require professors to research allows them to teach. Having professors teach also allows them to be open for office hours and can help students much better than another student could. Discuss with the family how far too far is and try to find a school within that area, but if the right school is outside of there be open to changing distance requirements. Once at school no matter where it is don't forget to call home.

Nikole

Find a school that you are most comfortable with. I had planned on going across country for my school, but then I decided that somewhere near home, but still far enough away was the best choice for me. Go somewhere for you major, not for the parties nor for a sport; it's not worth it. I chose a school that had a great program for my major, and I was just so lucky to find a school who was recruiting for volleyball. Get involved in as many extra-curricular activities as possible. You'll regret it if you dont because they offer so many valuable activities and you grow as a person from it. Lastly, try not to worry about money problems. There is a wide variety of scholarships you can apply for, along with grants and loans. With a great education, you can pay off loans and everything in no time!! Good luck with your searching!

John

Choosing the right college can be a difficult task for parents and students alike. At the same time however, this choice can be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable decisions made in order to better prepare an individual for later success in his or her life. In my opinion, finding a school that is the right size is one of the most important factors to help make the most of the college experience. Many students who sit in large lecture halls have a difficult time learning material and interacting with their professors in order to enhance their educational experience. Finding a school that is the right size can also be helpful in regards to student to teacher ratios and the personal relationships students can develop with their instructors. Another important factor in finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is by understanding the type of environment a school offers both on and around campus. Students need to be aware of the kind of social life their campus offers and the overall level of safety around school in order to give themselves the best chance to succeed in the classroom.

Andrea

When looking for a college keep in mind the kind of education you want to recieve and how you best learn. If small classrooms and one on one time with your high school teachers was what fit you then I suggest looking for a small campus, probably a private school. Look into all the activities that are available for you on campus and off; talk to someone who has had experience there. Another factor may be can you live without people you know around you? Chances are if you're not going to attend a popular school the chances of already knowing people when school starts go down; do you connect with people easily? Take advantage of everything around you in school; never have a dull moment! In high school I always looked back and wished I had done this or that and it goes the same in college as well. These are the best years of your life and although they tend to be hard, you grow up a lot and learn a lot and find yourself here. Make the most of it so you don't overlook a part of you.

Holly

The most important thing to do when deciding what college to attend is to actually visit a variety of potential schools. I was certain I wanted to attend a large school, like UWM, but I toured Carroll and it seemed like the perfect fit! Don't go to any school just because that's where your friends are going or because a family member has gone there. The school you pick has to be right for you and the best way to deterrmine which college or universty might best suit your needs is to visit the school and talk to students or faculty if at all possible.

Nicole

Go tour around! See all the possibilities, what money the school can offer you, and how many people graduate and have a job. I know I chose my school because I was guarenteed 4 years an no waiting lists.

Ashley

My advice would be start early in selecting the college you want to attend. Your sophmore year in high school is not to early to start thinking about where you want to attend. Try to visit as many campuses as you can so you can see what the college offers. Apply to more than one college in case you do not get accepted to your first college choice. Work hard in high school and keep your grades up.

Eileen

Making the most of your college experience is essential in my opinion and throughout my own college career I have learned some values that I would like to pass onto the prospective parents and student who are in need of finding the right college and making the next fours years of their lives a memorable one. Personal style/ preferrence should be the main factor in deciding the right college. Did you go to a smaller high school and felt overwhelmed? Then maybe a big college with 10,000 is not a good idea because you will not be able to thrive. If your personality is vibrant, you did every possible club and sport then a school that can offer those activities and some could be the college for you. Those are just some of the hundreds of questions you need to ask your self before you go college hunting. My advice to the parent and student is this, sit down together and make a list of everything that will make you happy and enjoy your college and compare and contract that to many colleges because finding the right one is crucial and as parents will agree happiness should come first.

Nichole

If I could go back in time and do my college career again, I would not first attend a technical school before I did a private school. Not enough of my credits transferred and I am spending more time and money on school than if I would have attended a 4 year college right out of high school. Do lots of research on what schools your credits will transfer too, you may get stuck paying a lot more than you attended. Also, research what campus environment is best for your, how you would react to other students...spend some time on campus with out some who gives a tour. Never be afraid to ask question, they more you ask the better off you are! Bottom line is; research, research, research and research some more before you decided on a school. The worst thing is to be rushed into it.

Rebecca

The advice I give to parents and/or students about finding the right college is to make sure you visit all different types so that you know which kind of school is best for you, whether it be big or small, private or public. Also, make sure it is a good school for what you want to major in and see what the job outcome is after students graduate. That is always a big indicator. Make sure it has enough resources, tutors, and study space. The last thing would be to find students that go there and ask them their honest opinion on what they think of the school and what they do and don't like about it.