DePaul University Top Questions

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

Jillian

My advice would be judge a school by what it offers. Don't go some where because it has a great name, the name is only worth it if it really is the school for you. Because if you hate the school no matter how great it's suppose to be you won't reach your full potential. Also, don't judge a school by its cost, I know this is a difficult thing to ignore but really my mom always told me that educational debt is never bad debt. It will end up paying for itself if you work hard enough and want it bad enough. Just remember going for your dreams means risk and that could very well include financial risk, but most schools are willing to work with you and so are loan companies, so never give up on your dream school just because it seems a little pricey. And once you find the perfect college and get settled take advantage of every opportunity possible!! Even if its something your really not into such as theater you might be surprised. Keep an open mind and you will have a great time.

Kaela

The advice I would give is to really look into a few colleges and go and visit them a few times when students are around. Ask lots of questions, like dorm availability in the future, financial aid in the future, what happens if you do bad at first. Don't just go to a school that your friends are going to, you will meet new people. Remember what you are there for and if you have any problems, even if your just lonely go talk to someone. Join clubs or be in a sport, you need to keep busy so that you dont party as much, I have found the students that do nothing find themselves in trouble. Everyone struggles at first so you are not alone, talk to people do not be afraid, dont be embarassed, and do not think you can get through touch times on your own. We all could use help and its nothing to be ashamed of. Have fun but dont go over the top, make sure you go after your dreams your future depends on it.

Channing

Finding a suitable college is like solving a puzzle, but this puzzle lies within you. As a prospective college student, ask yourself, ?What are my goals? Where do I see myself 5 years from now? Am I mentally prepared for this transition?? These are questions that I should have asked myself 4 years ago. As an incoming freshman, I can say that I was not mentally prepared for the transition from high school to college. When I entered DePaul, I was in a mental state of shock. I had multitudes of homework within the first two weeks of school and terrible time management skills. One can imagine the outcome... I actually failed one course freshman year. I was at an all time low after that experience, but ever since that horrid quarter, I pledged to succeed. I manage my time very well now and I?ve been on the dean?s list multiple times since then. I just made the dean?s list again with a 3.767 GPA! Just know that you are ready for this new, expensive chapter of your life. Remember: tutors, counselors, and advisors are there to help you achieve greatness! Be wise and best wishes!

Michelle

Don't be in denial about the type of student you/your child is. Be sure to set realistic goals for yourself. Be sure the school offers a curriculm that you want to major in. Research the school, visit the school, talk with advisors, staff, students. Check out the tution and financial aid available. Research scholarships that are available that part is a lot of work and research. Develop a timeline guide for everything. Be very organized. Write down and ask questions about everything, programs, housing, tutoring, counseling, security, meal plans, etc. Be sure that if you accept . Don't be afraid or get discouraged. There is plenty of assistance for helping you understand everything from applications to scholarships. Be patient.

Catherine

When choosing the college you want to attend, it's important to look into what the university offers and if they provide what you need as an individual-- not just academically but in extracurriculars and social activities. Make sure the college includes all your passions, even those you may not pursue for a degree, because it is important to know your options and test the waters. Think about what you want out of your college experience, write it down and then look for those attributes in the colleges and universities you decide to visit/research/apply to.

Kristin

My dream was to attend a University in a large city. I have been able to make that dream come true. I would advise that the student should follow their dream to make the most of their college experience.

Steven

Make sure yoour finances are in place. My school was very expensive and I am now struggling very much financially because of it. Do not go in without a pplan, but if you do not like what you initially want, it is good to find something you like. But most of all be fun and outgoing, and you will make many lifetime frinds.

Kevin

Make sure whatever schools you are researching will fit the student's goals and personality. Many students will look at the reputation of a school, or its location, and don't consider how they will find their own place there.

Thomas

Go to a community or junior college for the first year or two. Saves money and prepares you better.

Emily

It might take awhile, but no matter where you end up it will be right for you. It took me until the last week of freshman year to realize that I loved my school and didn't want to leave for the summer. If for some reason you do transfer schools, you'll have learned something and grown with the experiences you had along the way. Taking chances and trying new things is the best way to learn throughout college. That might be in the classroom, but it may be outside, going new places, meeting people, or studying abroad. The perfect school for you may not be the one you always thought it would be. Be prepared to change and realize that no matter what, your experience will be what you make of it. So be open to making it great!

Ashley

For me I was really focused on finding something that I applied to my major, and even though I ended up with my last choice, I was really glad I picked DePaul. I didn't visit any of the campuses beforehand, but after I visited DePaul I was glad I chose it. I would suggest that when looking at campuses, visiting your intended classrooms within your chosen school is a good idea, just so you can get a better idea of what classes are like. To me, the academic mood is the most important aspect of choosing a college, because all the other aspects are just smaller parts of the package.

laura

Students should do a lot of research to find out which college works best for them but beyong research visiting the school is ultimately the key and deciding. Students should remember that they do not have to stick to their previous high school stereotypes and should feel free to try new things, meet new people, and pick a college that is somewhat different from what they are used to in order to gain confidence and independence.

Monica

Choose the school that fits you, not because of the name or reputation it holds.

Samantha

It's important that students make final college decisions on their own. Parents often believe they know "what's right" for their children, but it's the student that has to attend the university not their parents. My best advice to students would be to select an institution that has a low crime rate, and a well-staffed public safety force. As a victim of an assault on a city campus, I can't express enough how important safety is. I would also advise that a student pick a university with a very diverse student population, ensuring that there are a variety of people and activities. I believe strongly that if you have a vision or a dream that you believe a specific school will help you achieve, don't let finances hold you back. Student loans can be repaid. Regret can not. Once enrolled, the most vital word of wisdom to any student is balance. Finding a happy medium between academic, social, work, and family commitments can be difficult, but it's the key to happiness and success. I would caution students against opening credit cards. Credit card debt accumulated in college can considerably damage a student's future.

Jakeshia

make sure you go visit the college before applying it could be something totally different then what someone says or whats in the book.....

Tim

You can look into as many books and sites that compare colleges/universities as want, but unless you see the campus, talk to the students and professors, and try to really experience the institution, you'll never be able to make a truly educated decision.

Lauren

go and visit the school, talk with students and professors. the more time yuo can sopend the better. make the descions for yourself pick a school that allows you to be yourself

Teaira

The best advice that I could give prospective student and their parents is to start planning early. This is especially important when making financial decisions. You must go in with a plan as to how your going to realistically pay for this. Dont go to a school that you can not afford make sure this school is a place that is in your comfort zone. For parents I would make sure that your comfortable with allowing your child to go to this school. Know their capabilities academically and dont put unrealistic goals on them. Enjoy this time and have a whole lot of fun!!!!

Zach

The key to finding the right college is knowing where you want to be for the next four years. While academics are important, being a country-kid living in a large city will heighten the anxiousness for being home and won't allow you to fully delve into the college and all it has to offer. Secondly, know what you want out of college. Do research, visit the campus and talk to the current students. Finally, once you are in college, get involved. Find out what they offer and get into what most interests you, whether that be Mock Trial, a religious organization, Biology Club or Greek life. Your college experience will be enhanced and bolstered by the friends you will make from being involved in campus life. In addition, being involved will help you focus on your academics and set up useful contacts for life after graduation.

Daphnee

I would advise parents and students to start preparing for college beginning freshmen year of high School. It is truly critical that students take all four years of high school seriously and take classes that truly challenge them. I definitely recommend taking as many college credit classes as possible. This not only saves money but can also help to graduate college early or make it is easier to double major. When choosing a college, take the time to research the campus, programs, class size, graduation rate, and career option. I do not think that student should be stressed over selecting a major entering; however it is good to have an idea and work on it. College should be fun but not to fun. Beware of partying school and make sure that there is a balance between academics and social life.

Erin

The mistake that I made in college-searching was not looking long or hard enough! I just wanted to be done with my senior year and enjoy the rest high school academia. Had I done it all over again, I would have visited more of the schools like I applied too, and more schools around the country. It is also important to give your new college a chance. I was unhappy at first, and I called home any chance that I could get, but by the end of the year I could not imagine myself anywhere else. That is why its important to really get to know your college, and if you feel like you are the type of person to be able to handle going farther away, give it a chance! In my high school, it is very common to go to the state school thirty mintues away, and most of my friends chose to scatter themselves all over the country, and I think the change of scenery and people has made a positive impact on the way they view the world.

Jing

First, you have to decide what kind of school you want. Should it be liberal, or conservative? Private or public? Small or larger classes? Does the college offer what you're interested in? Depending on the answers, you have to decide how much you want to pay for college. Find out whether or not you can get scholarships, grants and/or loans to help pay for college. Also consider where you want to go to college. Should you attend college at another state? Another city/town? Or do you want to be close to home? Based on those answers, you can decide whether or not to commute, live at home, at the dorms or rent a place near campus. You also have to consider the costs of each decision. Once you decided on an affordable good college, you can make the most of the experience. Some colleges offer commuter clubs and socials for commuters. There are sororities and fraternaties. Most colleges offer a range of interest groups that can be joined also. Take advantage of any events hosted by the school. Attend the socials and networking events. Try to get into an internship program offered at college. Have fun.

Lizzie

Really look at what you need to succeed, and look outside where everyone from your high school is applying so you can make experiences and friends on your own

Aprelle

live with no regrets

Danielle

Make sure you visit the school you wish to attend. Spend the night there with another student.. eat the food in the dining hall.. and ask many questions. Explore the town around the campus for places you can go and relax or have fun. This is important because you need to feel comfortable in the town you are going to school in. Make sure they have your intended major or minor program and ask questions if you feel the program needs to be modified to fit your career goals. Over all be very honest with yourself and do not let anyone tell you what is right for you or else you will spend four years living through someone elses "ideal college exeperience." and not your own.

Catherine

I would tell parents to explore all financial aid options and really evaluate what they can afford. Also, I'd advice them to support their student's decisions 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. I would advice students to visit campuses and really get a feel for what they want and not to be discouraged by the acceptance rates or prestige of schools they want to go to.

Sara

I think that is is most important to analyze every aspect of the school. Parents will want to focus on the scholarly elements while students will want to know more about social and extracurricular activities. However, it is essential that both aspects are fully investigated because both are important to the student's success at that school.

JooHee

I would advise parents and/or students to visit the campus, the dorms, and talk to students that attend that particular university. I would also advise them to go on websites that talk about students experiences on campus and in the university. I would definitely advise them to go on campus tours, and to learn what is offered in and around campus. See what courses, activities, sports, and clubs are offered and see if they match your preferences. If you are more interested in a particular subject, try and go somewhere that specializes in that particular major. If you're not ready to pick a school, take time and research as much as you can. If you still think you can't pick the right college for you, attend a community college to get your gen eds out of the way and perhaps you will find out where you would like to attend as you attend community college.

Michelle

The most important thing initially is to explore your options. Do not rule out every school that you think you cannot afford. Many are willing to work with you to see how you can best afford an education there and there are many scholarships out there. Parents should encourage their children to go to a college where they are most comfortable and where they will get the most out of their four years. Do not be concerned with your schoolwork every second of your four years. College is a place to meet people, form new opinions, and experience all you can. School is important but so is growing as a person and becoming an independent adult. Parents and children alike should keep that in mind and pick the school that will best help them do that.

Brittany

Make absolutely, 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure that it is in a location you are comfortable with. Be sure you can find a job, that the housing off-campus is affordable, and that it offers a degree that you can make work for you. Do NOT choose a school just because your best friend is going there or because your boyfriend/girlfriend is going there. People change, and you do not want to be stuck in a school you hate after you two break up. Being able to go home whenever you want is nice, but living far away helps build character; do not let a school's distance from home rule it out entirely. It's okay to be away for a few months at a time. It helps you discover who you are outside of your parent's influence. Besides, they're only a phone call away. Finally, do NOT get a credit card until you have a job and will be able to pay it off. Credit cards are fun, but paying them off is not. Only use one in case of emergency; trust me.

Lindsey

Get involved in something, anything. Learn not just from your professors, but those around you. Don't just hang out with people who look like you, and don't be afraid of something just because it's new. Most importantly, engage. Don't do the minimum amount of work to get by. You're here because you want to be, and you're choosing what to study. Choose something you love, and dive into it fully. THAT is how you will learn. Oh, and don't worry about your major. Part of college is making you into a well rounded person, and no matter what you study, that will happen (granted, IF you study...). Plus, you don't HAVE to get a job in your "field" once you're done. Most people I know this side of graduation are doing something completely different. College is about the journey, not the ending.

Erika

I think it's best to keep an open mind. You might not always get to go exactly where you want to, and forever comparing where you end up to the place you wanted to go isn't going to help you enjoy the place you're at. Be Appreciative for what you have. And indepence is key. Don't bring your parents with you to college!

Sarah

773871that your tuition is paid by parents, I had to borrow for myself, and it is annoying to find how many students are going to keep parents happy and are really not applying themselves as they have no real value for the money being spent or sacraficed by others. Be passionate about what you want .

Daniel

Don't go in expecting a certain experience. Be open to whatever situation or circumstances you find yourself, and give it all a chance. And meet people. You have to meet people. Find a place where you can look at people, and lose no respect for them because of their mannerisms or clothing, etc. It's all about the people.

Stephanie

Research EVERYTHING.

Alexis

Make sure to keep focused, and to also have fun at college. Don't just study all day; balance your schedule out so that you will not be stressed.

Suzanne

Students: you are the most important! Don't go somewhere to fill the expectations of others, whether they be parents, teachers, or fellow students. Go visit your campuses. Stay overnight with some people you might know, or people you don't know (universities usually have a program that can set you up with students if you do not know anyone). Sit in on the classes. If you are looking at music schools, take lessons with the professors--I know this is expensive, but it is absolutely worth it. How do YOU feel at a specific school? How you feel at the school you choose is crucial to your overall experiences at college. You are no longer children; most of you are 18 or older. It's time to start living your lives and making your own decisions!

Maggie

I would say to research and visit a variety of different schools. Talk to teachers and students to get a feel of the particular attitude on campus. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Be picky and be completely comfortable with your choice.

Amanda

When it comes to picking a college there are many things a student needs to consider. How big would you like your classes? What do you want in a social setting? Do you want strong career connections post-graduation? Does a school have your major? I would suggest narrowing down your choices and making plans to visit each school that you are accepted into with a list of prepared questions that are important to you. As for parents, let your children decide what their future holds, do not do it for them.

Tesha

Be very aware of what it is You want out of the school. Do not listen to all the hype that is feed to you as a prespective student. Evaluate housing, food, tuition cost, job placement, and diversity! I am glad that I waited to go to school, I honestly don't feel that at 18 I would have considered the things that I do now as important.

Rosalynn

The best advice for finding the right college would be to understand what you want out of life and what you want from your college. It's better to get into a school knowing what you want to do and being 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} dedicated to that subject. It gives you an edge over other students and shows in your work. From there, choosing the right school for you would simply involve researching the best college for the major of your interest.

Eric

I don't think that you should focus on the money factor becasue this is a big descion and you want to feel good about where your going and were your degree is coming from. It is better to go were you want then to go some were you would rather not go only because it is cheaper you will later regret going to school or drop out.

Alberto

Plan, Plan, Plan! It is crucial that you identify a good program that will give you the flexibility to choose or switch a mjor as you mature and pin point what you are looking to do with you life.

Matt

For Students: If you know what you want to study, then find the schools that are well respected in those specific areas and choose the school where you feel you will get the most out of every aspect of you're experience there. If you don't know, don't worry! Most kids don't, but pick some schools that have respectable academics in general and go visit. When you visit, pick the school that excites you. You will spend a significant portion of you're life there, so go where you WANT to go. Just don't make the party scene the primary reason. You will find an exciting social scene at almost any college, focus on the bigger picture. For Parents: I want to quote a friend of mine here, she said "It took me till I was 22 to realize that life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself." Let you're kids create themselves, and try to be supportive. Be available to answer questions that they have, and help them to find the right questions to ask.

SAMER

HAVE FUN

Christa

To parents, I would advise, judging from my own experience, that you really let your child sit down and think about what they want in terms of what kind of college they would like to go to. For instance, you may think that your son or daughter would love to go to a smaller liberal-arts college, but that is not always the case. Your child might want exactly the opposite. Also, there is a good chance your child will be able to decide what kind of college he/she would like to attend if you, the parent, do not interefere or influence him/her by putting in your two cents. Of course, it's great to have that extra feedback and personal opinion, but at the same time, a lot that you say will partially determine or at least be taken into consideration when your child comes to a top 3 and needs to narrow the list down. Bottom line, finding the right college and making the most of the college experience will be possible if you know that is what your child had wanted from the very beginning, without any kind of influence from their parents.

Hannah

Parents: trust the instincts of your children. This is their opportunity to take a risk and pursue something that could change the rest of their lives. Don't hold them back out of fear or the notion that you know what's best. My mom refused to accept that I wanted to go to Chicago for school, which is six hours from home. She eventually came to the conclusion that this was my life and I had to define it for myself. Your student will respect you more when you respect this step of independence in his or her life. Students: don't rely on others to direct your path! So many of my high school friends went to a school that was comfortable and safe. I showed up to my college with no friends, no knowledge of the city, nada. I had to create myself all over again, and it was the best decision I could have made. The love of my life goes to school 300 miles from me, but my love for what is in store for my future makes it worth the effort. Don't settle for less that you deserve.

Don't rush. Make sure you know all about the school first. Visit it a few times. Parents... don't force your kids into any school. Let them choose. Because if they are forced into a school they aren't going to do well academically or socially.

alex

I think that the decision needs to be based on the students obvious needs and goals, but also based on their personality. It is important that they realized that undergraduate education is only one part of many consequent parts of their educational life. The decision must feel right to both the student and the parent if the parent is to remain an active part of the student's life. Make sure that at all times you are honest with yourself about what you want, and what you can handle. Make sure the school meets all of yoru needs, otherwise, its not worth the effort, expense, or stress.

Charlene

The right college is one that provides a collaborative environment for you to be motivated and inspired by the unique talents and backgrounds of others. College provides a great opportunity for you to learn, grow, and be challenged. The first advice I would give to students is to never put limitations on what you can achieve and how you can impact change as a student. Instead of allowing your definition of success to be defined by your past, let success be cultivated by your hard work and passion to live out your purpose. Also, college students should not look at themselves as just students but change agents. Stay focused so that you can achieve academic excellence but don't limit yourself to the books. Take part in extracurricular activities, networking opportunities, and study abroad learning so that you can maximize your college experience. This advice will add to your success in college but you must never forget that success is not quantifiable by the things you own, grades you obtain, and activities you participate in. True success is achieved when you are able to advance yourself in your personal and professional pursuits so that you can reach out to others.