Catholic University of America Top Questions

The most important thing to remember about the college experience is that it is a learning environment in every sense of those words. From figuring out academics to lead to a good carreer, to making life-lasting friendships, to building yoru self confidence and self value in order to go out into the world and positively influence it. Each future college student has to make the right college choice for them individually, and no one can make this choice for them. Remember that this choice is important, but not the end of the world if it is made incorrectly. These are the years in your life you don't get back, and making this choice has to be what you know will positively affect you, so you can positively affect the world.

Truly do look into the current statistics of the school, and look outside the campus as well as on-campus.

Getting into your top choice is not what's most important. You can make almost any college experience into a rewarding one. It's what you make of it.

Enjoy the ride.

Advice I would give to parents and or students would start with make sure you like this area. It is not the safest and it is very close to the city. Options and safety are a big issue. As a student you should make sure this is hands down the school you definitely want to attend. Go through all the options and make pro's and con's for each school. Choosing a college is very important and you want to be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} happy with your choice. This is a school where parents can be involved in many aspects of campus life which can be good for both students and parents. Ask questions. Make sure your getting what you came to school for, and if your not find out ways to fix it with the help of other people on campus such as friends or professors or administrators. College will be some of the best times of your life where you will make friendships that will last a lifetime.

I would advise both parents and students alike to visit as many schools as they can before beginning the application process. Assess the individual needs of your child who is applying -- applicants as well must assess what type of school provides what they need and what they're looking for. Do not wait until the last minute to apply and do not put all of your eggs in one basket. I thought I wanted to go to one specific school and I exerted my energy and resources in trying to get in. In the end, I was wait listed and ended up going to my second choice. As it turns out, my second choice is the only school I could now see myself at. I was very fortunate, but not everyone is. Plan ahead and do as much research as you can in finding out the social environment of the school, the class sizes, the type of faculty a school has (the percentage of professors with doctorates versus those who have masters degrees, etc), the size of the school, its housing program, and most importantly, the amount of financial aid it is willing to give. Good luck!

The best advice I could give to students and parents is ask and try to find the answers to a lot of questions! You can never ask too many questions. To even begin the college search process, ask questions about what kind of school you are looking for, including things such as size, location, religious affiliations, school setting, price, possible majors/departments, etc. It will be easier to narrow down the search if you have an idea of what you are looking for, and once you have it narrowed down heavily research the schools that most interest you on the surface. Parents can be very helpful and it makes the transition to college from highschool fun and exciting if parents are involved in the decision making process in some way. It is important for parents and students to understand one another and set expectations so everyone is on the same page. Finding a college is a stressful time, especially senior year of highschool when so many other things are going on, but it can be fun and exciting! There will be a feeling of relief once you have decided and start to move forward with your choice. Good Luck!!

In order to make the most of your college experience, do not limit yourself. Many people choose a college because they want the "Animal House" experience: parties, goofy fun, et cetera. Others want to go to college simply because they want a high paying job when they graduate. These two extremes are available at most schools, and can be part and parcel of your college experience. However, it is important not to choose a school based on these two extremes. Look at the big picture when choosing the institution you want to attend. The best college experience should not merely include an obsession with parties, or with getting the best grades. Rather, the best college will be one that will help you grow as a person so that you can flourish when you enter the real world. Parties are fun, and you can find them easily; don't choose a school because you want to party. Academics are extremely important, but don't make them your world. Do well in school, have fun when you can, and find programs that will help you grow. Beer and grades are nothing compared to what you can become.

You will never know a school until you go there, and the tour doesn't count. Use your best judgement from others that have gone there that you know, it helps better than anything else.

look beyond the surrounding area and really focus on the students, faculty, and campus.

The best advice to give to students looking for the right college is to choose the one that best suits you. Whether it be a big school, a small school, a school in the city or a school in the country, just find one that best fits your interests and ideals. You are more likely to enjoy the school you attend if it fits most of your preferences. Also, once you begin school get invovled right off the bat. The more invovled you are the more people you will meet and you will be able to experience the best the school has to offer. If you are not sure initally what sorts of activites you would like to be involved in then give a few different groups a try and see which ones are a better fit. The more involved you become in your campus when starting school the smoother the adjustment process!

Getting involved is the best thing one could do for themselves.

Pick a school that is close to, but not in the middle of, a major metropolitan area. Being near a city provides students with access to the arts, entertainment and professional experiences that can only be found in a large city. At the same time, students need a quiet, studious atmosphere so having campus slightly outside the city is a plus.

Allow yourself and your child to visit the campuses and let your child decide which campus he or she likes.

Keep an open mind, don't think its the biggest decision of your life and don't be afraid of transferring.

take a gap year.

Make sure you go on a few college visits before you commit to any one school (over night visits with current students). Also, once you choose your school, don't be afraid to try new things and meet new people.

I feel that one of the most important things in finding a college is making sure you like the dorm rooms. I don't think students always realize how much time they will be spending in their dorm room but it is really important to like where your living. It is also important to like the food, and keep in mind that often times schools make "special" food on designated visiting days because they want to impress the prospective student's and the families, what I would suggest is just go on a random day for a tour and try the food then. Also, the campus has to be the right size and type for the person. Whether its a huge campus, medium or small, or if its an urban campus spread throughout the city, it is important to visit each school first hand to see if you really like the campus or not.

Students: Don't just think about the person you are, but think about the person you want to be. Look athe schools you're considering and try decide which will help you grow and develop into that person the most. Once you're there, dive right in! Meet as many faculty and staff as you can - those connections can be invaluable later on. If you didn't come to college with any specific hobbies or passions, join any club that peaks your interest and see what sticks. Remember, even if the first few months are hard, it will get better! You will find a group of friends you love, you and your roommate will learn to live together, you'll survive your first exams, and life will only get better! Parents: Encourage, but don't push your kids one way or the other. They're (almost!) adults now. You can advise them all you want, but in the end it is their decision to make. When they get to school, don't be overly invasive. Ask them questions, but let them lead the conversation. It can be a tough transition time, so try and make it as easy as possible.

Think of yourself - what type of education you are looking for (i.e. large classrooms or smaller ones), the type of people (demographic) you feel most comfortable with, and where you want your school to be located at (like in the city or country). As well, one must look, I think, for what type of activities a school offers and the internships and opprotunities around the school. School, as much as one goes to learn more about whatever subject, is also a time where people grow and social expectations must be also accounted for. Try visiting schools to know more about that school and if it is a place where you can learn. That is one of the most important things I think.

I believe students should always follow their initial gut feeling with respect to campus visits and selecting colleges. The academic programs are essential obviously while choosing, but it is essential for the prospective student to feel comfortable within their surroundings and be allowed to flourish as growing young adults. If a university program does not allow a student to make mistakes and learn from them, the learning and maturation process will be stunted, my school is a perfect example of this. The education is always important; however, if a student is unhappy with his/her surroundings, the quality of their education is not important because that student will not flourish emotionally or academically if he/she is not happy. Getting a college degree and an excellent job thereafter is about working hard and getting good grades just as much as it is maturing into competant adults with excellent social skills, possessing the knowledge and drive to take the world by storm.

I would say, 'go with your gut.' When you go on tours at various colleges and universities, take note of how you feel when you are there. I chose my alma mater (Catholic University) because I felt very much at home throughout my tour and on the accpeted students day all despite very poor weather on both occassions. Also, be realistic about where you apply. This is not to say you should refrain from applying to "reach" schools, but make sure you don't set yourself up for disaster. "Safety" schools are a great thing to have in your back pocket.

When selecting a college, students should first consider their financial situation and scholarship awards available to them through the various colleges that interest them. Additionally, beyond seeking a school with an excellent program in what they wish to study, students should consider what environment they would like to live in for four years. Do they like city life, or would they prefer a rural area? Do they mind cold, snowy winters, or would they prefer to be near the beach? Are their hobbies hunting and skiing or shopping and dancing? Students should also consider the size of classes that suit them and best foster their learning. If interested in semester internships in their fields, students should consider whether the colleges they are investigating are in areas in which they will have those opportunities. Finally, students should carefully observe the students and faculty at each college they are considering. Do the students and faculty share similar values as they do, and are their interests and aspirations similar? Students should be able to learn in a culturally diverse atmosphere while staying true to themselves and becoming the best people they can be. They should seek the most accomodating environment in a college.

When searching for a college it can be overwhelming with all the facts and numbers that are initially thrown around as evidence for the stature of a college. However, it is not the numbers and stats that a college has ranked up which defines its personality, it is the students themselves that shows what a colleges' true colors are. When visiting a college I recommend to stray off from the campus tours and the parent welcoming centers and walk around the campus as a student would each day. It is impossible to understand the essence of a college from a pamphlet, but it is much more plausible to get a feel for student life if an interested parent, son, or daughter takes a short while to experience the campus.

Try to find a college that seems to actually care about the well being and success of the individual student, rather than one that merely puts on a facade of being a well-funded, cutting edge university. Although it may seem like a secondary concern, a great litmus test for determining the quality of an administration is examining the quality of the food at the school. Students are what they eat, and a student supplied with fresh, organic, locally raised food will perform and feel much better than a student who is fed the equivalent of prison food. If the administration skimps in an area as important as food, they're likely to skimp in other important areas as well. Look for a campus that really makes you feel like you're in a unique place, rather than one that bends to corporate interest to make easy money. Once you're at college, focus on academics before you focus on who's cool and who's not, who's going out to the bar, who's gonna look at you funny if you dress different. Because if worse comes to worse, with good grades you can always transfer.

Apply to many schools and apply way ahead of time so as to be able to have enough time to weigh your options.

The most important thing to consider when selecting a college is to not settle. Personally, I wanted a large public school, one with a winning football team. I landed a small Catholic school in the same city I grew up in, with almost no football team. Don't be afraid to know what you want, to go for it, and to choose it. College loans can always be paid back, plane tickets will get cheaper as you acquire your frequent flyer miles, and you'll be a happier student. The only other thing I would consider when you are choosing a school is to realize that sometimes, you might not make the best decision for you. Instead of settling for what you have, transfer until you find the right fit. Things will work out in the end and everything happens for a reason. Above all else, be true to yourself and your mind, know what you want, then go out and get it!

The advice I would give parents and students about finding the right college is to visit while school is going on. Its so important because you get the feel of being part of the campus as if your one of the students, you see the variety of people who attend the school as well as seeing if the population is to much to handle or just right. It also gives you the opportunity to converse with students to see how they really feel about the school, this is the only way to get honest answers about the school and its social life as well as academic and extra-curricular activities. Specifically for the parent it is important to find out about the schools safety and the surrounding areas. Specifically for the student its important to find out about the social life, academics, the food on campus, the living situations, the people themselves, extra-curricular activities , sports and anything else that the student himself/herself would be interested in participating in.

I would tell parents to make sure they look over total financial aspects and prospects of the university/college of their children's choice. Also, to make sure the food is decent. It is a seemingly small but crucially important part of an academic career to a student. Most don't realize at the time of visiting that you have to eat that same variety of whatever they offer. Everyday. Every single day. And it gets old quick, so choose your food venue accordingly. Students- life and college can be exactly "those" movies if you want them to be, but what will you derive from college in this manner? You are here to learn and to make sure that you will have a future for yourself. And, Just like those actors from those movies, if you act in that manner all the time, there will be nothing for you 5, 10 years down the line. All you will have left are those former "great" memories that are just now colossal regrets and no steady job or sense of accomplishment in life. So just try your hardest to suceed, if not for your own sake than for that of your parents.

find a school that has your major.Visit and definitely speak to the students cause they know the most. ask about the teachers.ask about the food and ask about the surroundings.

visit the college before making the decision of where you are going to go. Talk to students that go there. When you choose a college, branch out, dont just run with the same pack you did in high school. Join as many student orgs as you can and stick with the ones you like, you will meet alot of new people you otherwise never would have known. Be responsible, if you are going to drink dont be "that guy/girl" be the responsible one, dont go out on nights you have class. Finally dont skip class, drag yourself there at all costs it will pay off at the end of the semester.

Beyond simply visiting the school, my best advice to hopeful students would be to get to know the school - including job prospects, possible internships, what it takes to graduate. Though these may be issues too far in the future for an applicant, these are the aspects about a college which, truly, will shape the academic experience, no matter what major you choose. To make the most of your college experience, my best advice is to - even if you feel as though nothing really appeals to you - to just try. Try out groups, try out activities, get involved. You can always change your mind later and leave a group; but sitting back and watching others make the most of their university disengages you from every truly feeling like you "fit in." Take up opportunities, plan ahead, try new things, and be active rather than passive - these are statements for all students that will make any college, any universitiy experience, worthwhile.

The number one advice I could give to any student or parent would be to realize that there is absolutely a college that fits your needs. My university literally fit every one of my needs when I was looking; anyone looking for a school needs to be specific, picky and fight for what they know they want. To make the most out of your college experience a student must absolutely take advantage of every opprotunity they possibly could: take a class outside of your major, have a conversation with a stranger in the city, volunteer, meet an exchange student and be open to every odd thing that will be thrown your way. Run and jump blindly into life because that will be your college experience, NOT reading the plain and tedious words on the textbook page.

I have learned a valuable lesson in my year and a half of college. NEVER GIVE UP after the first semester. The first semester can be hard on anyone because it is a huge change in a person's life. I struggled through my first semester, and thought I'd never be truly happy. But now, one year later, I am home on Christmas break, and I am homesick for my college...that's how much I love it. The college you are meant to attend, WILL stick out. Be open to choosing someplace you might not have initially thought would right for you...that's what happened to me! When you have chosen your school, make the most out of college by getting involved in activities and getting to know all sorts of students, professors, and staff. You're an adult now, and growing up means doing things that challenge you, and when you challenge yourself, you grow, and when you grow, people notice. Work hard, and don't slack, but have fun! Be responsible, don't do something you would regret...it will only set you back. "But above all things, to thine own self be true." -Shakespeare

Visit them.

Dont pick a school based on what your parents want or what you see on the outside. Look into the colleges that intrest you and weigh out the good and the bad within each of them. Decide what you want and narrow it down. Start early so that you dont feel rushed to decide where you want to go. When you egt to college, get involved with people that are like you and dont feel pressured to do anything you dont want to do. Dont be too quick to judge a school based on a few weeks.

There are so many wonderful colleges out there and it is not necessary to only look at Ivy League schools. There are schools which offer the same great education for half the price! If you have your major in mind, be sure to look at schools that have a good reputation in that major. But if you are like many incoming freshmen who don't have a major, visit many different schools and see which one you feel "at home" in as cheesy as that sounds. If you have a good feeling about the school from visiting, then you should consider going there. Remember you have to live there for four years!

Make sure you visit the college that you want to go to. Ask random people on campus if they like the school, you will usually get the truth, and a better gauge than if you just asked a student advisor.

I highly recommend perspective students to visit the campus and meet the current students and professors. It is wise to prepare questions to find more about the college and to leave a great impression.

Follow your heart when it comes to choosing a school, and don't be afraid to DIVE IN and make the most of your experience the first seconds you are there...4 years goes by very very quickly!

For parents, I would say do not pressure your child to chose a school you believe is his or her best fit. For students, do not feel pressured by your parent to attend a specific school. Only the student will know what truly works for him or her. I made that mistake and am suffering for it now. I believed that since my dad was paying for my education, it was fine for him to choose the place. I am a student in the architecture program at Catholic University. It is an excellent program and I am learning a great deal. However, Fordham was my dream school to pursue Journalism. Because I gave into my parents' demands, I will never know how I would have made it as a journalist. For now, I'm struggling through architecture while thinking, 'If only I showed a little more spine, I could be at Fordham right now.' Although I know many students are under financial retstraints, do not pay attention to cost while searching for the right college. At least apply first, and try and negotiate financial packages later. It will only end up being a regret in life if you don't.

Look for a school doing exciting work in your field over a school that has diverse extra-curriculars or a "homey" feel. If the department is good and the professors and students are enthusiastic, you will be happier with your education, learn more, and create important contacts for your future. Make sure that undergraduates are given enough attention and opportunity if the school offers graduate degrees. The "best" school isn't the best if you can't participate at a high level. Extra-curriculars are a little overrated - unless participating in a specific activity is important to you. Don't underestimate your ability to create fun or the ability of student groups and departments to do things that will fill your needs but are not billed as "extra curricular activities" in campus recruitment materials. That said, find a school the right size and in the right kind of area for you. No matter how great the department is, if the size of the classes are too big for you to do well in, or in a town that is too big or small for your sanity, you will not be happy. Try to find a balance of these criterea.

I would advise them to examine every aspect of the college that they are looking at. Also they should be sure to speak with many students who attend the college and ask them their opinion about what they think of the school.

Always visit the campus. Talk to students and teachers. Think about location, if you hate the snow don't apply to schools where it snows for half the year. Even if you don't get into your first choice school make the best of it. Your college expericene is about the friends you make and the things you learn.

Look for location academics financial information and the type of college it is to best fit your personality

Make sure the town or city your college is in is fun and is most like you because you can go a little stir crazy by staying on campus!

Don't let closeness to home or scholarships affect the choice of college.

VISIT and don't go somewhere that's just easy, really look at what you want to do and find a school that has a good program for it.

The size of the student population plays a huge role in finding the right college. At a small liberal arts school one will see the same people often, and perhaps feel a sense of community. At a large public university the environment is a lot different. The size of the student population is what I believe to be the most imporant thing in picking a college. The location from home should be considered seriously as well.

Firstly, never pick a school that would be about, "what could make me/my child get noticed for job interviews". College is the most liberating time in a person's life. You can be and do whatever you think you want to do. The worst thing that you can do in college is worry about your career because you may not be in that major all four years. Go out on a limb and try something new that you may enjoy. Also, Pick a school that would match ideally with what you want to do down the road, but don't pick a school in the country if your a city girl just because it's program in your major is better. Pick a school that you could live in and thrive in. If you can, make sure you visit the school and especially while you are there check out the neighborhood. Some schools are their own cities, and some are part of them. Pick a place that has your interests as well as crazy things you'd never dream of. You only have four years of carefree freedom, make the best of it.