Drake University Top Questions

Pay more attention in math and science classes!

Go to the school that feels right.

My advice would be to not do too much in the first semester. This is because, as a freshman, I took too many dificult courses and tried to get involved in too much and as a result I had a difficult first semester and have been working to make up for that ever since. So, I would tell myself to make sure and stay focused and remember that the professors are there for us to use especially if there are questions.

Do not meet a girl an enter into a relationship with her three days into the semester. Also, do not be afraid to speak with people, everyone is friendly and kind. Do not be shy.

High school is an adventure. Senior year is espeically overwhelming what with the ACT and SAT, classes ending, friends leaving, and choosing a path for the next four years of one's life. It was all very confusing, but I know now that everything works itself out. There is not only one place that is perfect for anyone; many schools will fit and will give a person the chance to make hundredes of memories and figure oneself out. I would remind myself of this because I tend to worry greatly if I do not know how events will turn out. I have become better about that now and go with the flow for the most part. I would also tell myself to try everything and put myself out there. If people can't accept me for who I am, that is their problem. I cannot change myself for each person I meet. If I am rejected, I try something new. It's important to remember that nothing is ever accomplished without daring to make a mistake or fail. Chances are, I will succeed if I take chances more often.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself that the level of competition is much higher. In high school, I was an elite student. But here at Drake, the population is mainly composed of elite students. I have become an elite student here but it has take a lot of time and effort, more than I expected. Also, I would tell my past self to enjoy every homemade meal we had at home, and savor that meal. Because here at Drake the food is not very good, and quality, homecooked meals are few and far between.

Take classes your first summer and the next two summers to get out of college faster. Also stick with only one major and make sure that it makes you happy even if it is not practical. Furthermore don't be afraid to talke to people because even if you are scared they may not be as judgemental as they look.

When choosing a school you need to take all aspects into consideration, but as important as the reputation and education level of a school are one thing is much more important and should take precidence over everything; how you feel in the school's environment. Every parent, and probably student, wants to pick the best school possible but no matter how impressive a school's records are if the student doesn't feel comfortable in the environment not only will they be unhappy, but their ability to learn and get the most out of their education will decline greatly. You should walk around the campus, get to know the neighborhood and instead of coming for a visit and leaving, stay the weekend if possible this will give you a chance to really see how you feel in the school's surroundings and make a more informed decision.

The college selection process can be one of the most important decision of your life. It is extremely important to explore all of your options. Be sure to consider all of your options. Always considering every option even if it seems to far away, too expensive, or above your academic level. You'd be surprised by the colleges that you can get into by taking the time to put together a quality application. Also, these colleges want to see you get the education that you deserve. If the school seems too expensive, they will be more the willing to give financial aid to get you into their institution. So aim high, the sky is the limit.

I would give parents and students this message when deciding on the right school for them: make sure your choice in schools is one in which you can feel completely confident. If you have any hesitation about attending a certain school, then it is not the right one for you. You'll know when you've found your perfect match; all the tension caused by choosing a college will be forgotten when you step onto the right campus. It will just feel right, like stepping into a warm, soothing bath after a tough day. There's no better way to describe it -- you will just be able to tell when a school is right. Learn all about what the school has to offer: majors, extra-curriculars, jobs, whatever interests you. Chances are, if you've found the right school, your needs will be met without any difficulties. And don't feel anxious that you won't find that perfect match. If you relax and weigh your options, chances are you will come across a college that is everything you wanted (and usually more than you even expected).

Visit, visit, visit - don't assume you'll only like one type of school, because you might just be surprised. Also, weigh the benefits of cost...financial aid is readily available, and more often then not, you can reach for the stars (as lame as that sounds). Don't let money stand in your way to going the distance.

The best advise is to visit a lot of colleges and talking to thefaculty to know what college would best fit the studdent. Students need to decide is they want a small, big or somewhere in between college. To make the most of college life is to try to have fun and try to get into some somecial activities, but at the same time not to go behind in the school work, because that might cost a student a scholarship. Do the school work before going out somewhere. Another important thing is not to drink too much cause they might make a fool of themselfs and everyone on campus would know, especially if its a small school.

I would advise students and prospective college students to visit the schools they are considering, if at all possible. My current school was not my first choice, and when I visited my first choice school I liked the campus, and the few people I met seemed nice, but I didn't love it. When I visited my current school, I knew right away- I just felt at home. The people were friendly and helpful and made an effort to remember my name and get to know me. Mostly though, it was just a feeling of comfort and belonging. I feel that for the most part, a school with your program of choice will be able to offer you a quality education. Academics are clearly a priority, but you will be living in this new environment for about four years- it is essential to feel happy and comfortable.

Know what it is you're looking for in a school, and even if you don't know, try to find somewhere that feels right to you. Look at both what the college has to say about itself and third party rating systems. Talk to non-tour guide students without and admissions or school official hanging over their shoulder. Choose the school that you feel is best for you, not the one that has the best reputation or the one everyone else thinks you should go to. And remember that while choosing a school is a big life decision, it isn't a permanent thing that you are stuck with for the next four years. Transferring is always an option, and then you'll be ablt to make an even more informed decision about what really matters to your in a college

I know junior/senior years of high school are stressful, so finding the right college seems like just one more thing to check off before you graduate. But, it really is worth it to invest a lot of time in finding a place you will grow academically and as a person. Before visiting schools, research them online and find out about their academic credentials. After all, you're going to an institution to gain an education, and you want it to be worth your money. Once you have a few in mind, campus visits are imperative to help you make the right choice. Ask lots of questions, about anything from the food to the housing. The students you meet have the best experience and opinions to give you, that a brochure cannot. If you feel like you could fit in and be happy, have a social life while succeeing academically, then you've found the place for you. Trust me, it is very worth your time to talk to as many students on the campus as possible to get the best picture of the schools you're considering.

I recommend going with your gut feeling when you're unsure about where to attend. Go somewhere you feel comfortable, but is also a little outside of your box. Being uncomfortable at first ended up being a fantastic experience for me and allowed me to grow and learn new things about myself including my abilities to engage others and make new friends.

Picking a college is a major event in a young adult?s life. Support is needed from parents and confidence is key for students. Parents, be supportive of your child?s college choices. Stand close by and be there when they ask for help but also allow them to make this decision on their own. Whatever or wherever your child decides to do just be supportive of their choice so they will also feel confident in there choice. Students, be confident in you self and decide to go to school where ever you dream of going. Please, don?t pick a school just because that is where half of your high school graduating class went. Going away to a school where you may not know anyone may sound scary, but I promise, it?s really not that bad. You have to be confident from day one. Be confident in your school of choice. When confident, it is easier to get along with others. Confidence in yourself will also make those first year road blocks go smoothly because you know who you are and what you want. Most importantly, students enjoy your time at college and make the most of it!

Look for a college that feels right. You need to visit! Don't pick a school without visiting first. Don't let money keep you away from a school you love. Financial aide is always available and you can't put a price on a great experience and a school which will prepare to be successful. Make sure that the college is prestigious in multiple programs...you may change your mind and you want to be somewhere which encourages you to really think about what you want to be and offers you options. Make sure you like the area or the city which your college is in and make sure the relationship between the school and the community is strong. Most of all, you need to feel at home when you step on campus and if you find out later on that its not the right fit, TRANSFER! College is the place to find who you are, to make the best friends of your life and to learn all that you can, so make the most of it!

Don't worry about what your high school friends are doing - find the right fit for yourself! Visit and explore college options as much as possible before making a decision. Don't worry about money, if you choose the right school you'll be able to pay off loans and debt with your great job you'll be landing because of your university!

Finding the right college is like picking out a new family pet. There is the rigerous process of finding the best qualities and ultimately finding a perfect addition. I say addition because each part is meant to compliment the other. A college that can encourage growth and instill lasting ideas of responsibility, independence, and happiness make worthy compliments to any person. The college-bound are owners--attached to predestined responsibilities if they want the most out of their ownership. They must know what kind of animal they own--turning a stranger into a friend. At first, it may be frightening and intimidating to tame. Fortunately, know it CAN be tamed with time and patience. It is all a matter of how much you give to it. If you open your personality, dreams, and uniqueness to it, it will welcome you with equal counterparts if not more. Furthermore, the bond that a college forms between student and school is a relationship. Each person gets in return what he/she gives. The right college gives a student a chance to own more than school spirit, but to tame what scares most people--their future.

Finding the right college should be seen as a journey. I traveled to schools all over the country before I selected Drake. When touring a school it's incredibly important to envision yourself walking those hallways and sidewalks, and to observe other students. Ask yourself, could this be my home? Could these be my friends? Talk your feelings over with friends or family as you tour different campuses, and when the feeling is right, you'll know which school to choose. When you finally move in and make that new place your home, put your best foot forward. After all, college is a place where you can be the most authentic version of you. It's a place where you get along with your friends, not because you're all from the same town like in high school, but because you understand each other on a much deeper level. After all they chose this place too! And they have so many great stories to tell. Put yourself out there. Try things you never imagined you would. See how far your drive and determination can take you. You'll be sure to surprise yourself at how far you can go.

I would say that you should go somewhere that challenges you; somewhere that brings you out of your comfort zone and puts you on a higher plane of learning. You should be happy but challenged. You should want to strive for more than just a basic understanding of facts and numbers, but come away with an appreciation of knowledge and thought. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that you are there to experience, and you should pick some place that will provide the best environment for those experiences as possible.

My advice to parents/students is that you have to find a college that fits your personality. You also have to make sure that you pick a school that is going to give you the most experiances and growth possible. College is about learing and finding out who you want to be. It's about taking chances, making mistakes, and having fun. You, as a student, are responsible for making those things happen. But if you are willing to take the chance on going somewhere new, you will grow so much, and its the most rewarding feeling in the world.

I would say to make sure the college has everything YOU are looking for. Don't settle on a college because your friends are going there or because your parents went there or think that it is a great school. The most important thing is finding the best fit for yourself so that you are happy for the next four years of your life. I would tell parents to keep their input limited about which college their student should attend, because it is ultimately their decision and they are the ones that have to be happy there.

Do a lot of research about schools. Don't make any decisions about whether or not you'll like a school until you go and visit it. Get involved in what you love. Make time to study. Balance your studies with having fun. Get to know the people around you.

The advice that I would give parents and other students about finding the right college and making most of the college experience is to get fully involved. Get involved in the search for the right college early on and ask all the questions you can. Be sure to consider everything when making the final decision. Every college has its pros and its cons, but you need to determine which college's pros outweigh its cons for you. To make the most of the college experience, again, get fully involved. Pledge a social fraternity or sorority, join the international club, write for the campus newspaper, join a professional fraternity; just get involved and do something! The extracurricular activities you get involved in will make your college experience better than you could ever imagine. The friends you make in college are ones that you will hopefully have for the rest of your life. Immerse yourself in the experience and have fun!

In order to find the right college, a visit is essential. One can only learn so much from reading brochures and websites. Being on a campus allows a person to get a feel for the layout of their potential future. You can get a feel for the area surrounding campus, the people on campus, and the buildings. Having a spatial sense of where things are really helps to feel a personal connection with the area in question. Visits should include academic buildings, dining halls, and dorms. Look at recreational facilities, medical facilities, parking areas, and anything that you could see yourself using as a student. Making the most of college involves getting involved on campus. Whether this includes doing research with advisors or professors, joining environmental or other social groups, student senate, or working on campus, all of these things contribute to a positive undergrad experience. Meeting people is the key to success, because these are the people that you will be meeting for the rest of your life. The friends you make in college may not be your best forever, but allowing personal change to happen by exposure to new ideas is ideal.

Make sure you get a feel of a university's culture before you apply. Immerse yourself in everything, you will make friends and experiences that last a lifetime.

Visit a lot of schools, but only apply to a handful. Yes, looking for a school is stressful, but you will have fun, learn a lot and have a great time no matter where you go. Students: Once you are at school, be yourself. Don't change to "fit in". Find friends who like you for you. The college 'you' and the high school 'you' should not be noticeably different to you as a student. Also, call your parents. They do get worried and calling them with help them adjust and trust you more. Parents: Your student might not call as often as you'd like, but that's usually a good thing - it means they're having fun. If your student is calling a lot, I would suggest that they go out and have fun doing something. The first year can either be the hardest or the best.

Make sure you visit campus or do an overnight visit

If it feels right when your visting, it probably is right. Choose what you feel is right and don't compromise.

Remember that your college experience is what you make it. This goes for both selecting a college and making the most of the college you choose. Choosing a college that is most prestigious in your area of study isn't as important as you might think. At the end of the day, your academic success comes down to how much you yourself are willing to put into it. Most professors at any university, regardless of how many awards they have won in their field, can give you the tools you need to succeed, but it is your hard work and sacrifice that set you apart from others in your field of study. That being said, when selecting a college, pay attention to how the campus makes you feel. Sometimes little things can make a big difference. Is there a quiet place to study? Is there a good balance of extracirricular activities so you won't drive yourself crazy with boredom or overactivity? Does the campus make you feel tense or relaxed? These small details will play a big role in how well you perform academically and how much you enjoy your college experience.

Visit the colleges you are considering and most importantly talk to the students in a non formal atmoshphere (e.g. talk to others besides just the tour guides who are told to only show you the "good' things about their school, and dont always share the things they dont neccessarly like).

Take the time to research severaluniversities who offer the major field in which you wish to study. Go visit the University when students are there if possible. Talk to as many students as possible to gain their opinion of the school. Get information about activities you may want to participate in. Speak with professors in your major, get as much information as possible to help you determine if the professors can meet your academic needs. Keep your parents in the loop, they pay the bills!

There are many aspects that are crucial to finding the right college for a young adult. It is important to think about what you want to major in and find a school that has a well-known program in that area of interest. School size is also very important. If you want more attention from professors, a smaller school and smaller student to teacher ratio is important. College cost is very important. It's important to find out what the school costs per year and what you can afford. It is important to know what financial aid, scholarships, and grants you can get from the colleges you are interested in. The location of schools are important to some people. Do you want to be in a large city, small city, by the ocean? Do you mind winter? You want to look at what activities are available at different colleges. Do they have intramural sports, literary magazines, newspapers, sororities, fraternities? What kinds of clubs and organizations do they have? All of these are important in deciding what school is right for you. Everybody has different expectations from college and what you want your college experience to be.

Never Settle! College is so much more than school; it is your life. The education begins the moment you set foot on campus your freshman year and will continue through the day you walk accross the stage to accept your diploma. By education, again I mean more than book learning. You will discover so much about yourself that you never knew, you will learn who you truly are by putting yourself in new and challenging situations. College will be the greatest times of your life and also the worst, but, when it is all over, you will understand that it was all worth it. Of course, none of this is possible unless you take advantage of the opportunites on campus. Push yourself to limits unimaginable, join a club you've never heard of, play a sport you are terrible at, date people of every sort, get in trouble and perhaps even go to class once in a while. You will never regret it, I promise. Find a university or college that you feel comfortable at and never ever settle on a school you feel even the least bit uncomfortable at.

Be sure that the school you're going to fits you emotional and academically. Make sure you are able to switch majors with other interests you have at the same school. Do some digging to find out what students think of the classrooms and rigor of the school.

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Students need to chose a college that they feel fits them best. Each individual is different, so sometimes a parent and student will be unable to decide on the location or size of a college. Usually it just feels right when they are there. Go with your gut feeling. It is also important to remember that college is a time for school and a social experience. Not just one or the other but both. Having a social life is important to being able to enjoy college. It is also a once in a lifetime experience. But school work is important too because it is setting the stage for your future. Take classes that will broaden your interests. Also try to get an internship because that is one of the best ways to decide what you want to do in the future. Make the most out of your college experience, for you only live it once.

Doing "too much" the research is well worth it.

When trying to find the perfect school for you, I would suggest visiting all of the schools you are considering. I did not know a lot about Drake before visiting the campus, but once I walked around I knew this was the place for me. Tours and meetings may seem old-fashioned, but it can really sway your decision. In my case, I was incredibly impressed with the way that Drake's staff presented their school, and that attracted me to the school. I would also suggest trying to stay on campus with a current student, that way you can get a feel of living the life. Drake is literally my home away from home, which has helped me transition from high school to college. As for making the most of your college experience, I would suggest getting involved in anything you are interested in. The only way to meet people is to join groups and just meet people. Plus, if you join something that has people with similar interests, you already have something in common! I have been grateful to be able to be at Drake, and I hope anyone would feel the same about their school.

know about the school to which you are applying.

All I can say is "Good Luck" and enjoy your college experience, but don't ever forget why you're there.

I feel that the very important advice a family can receive about college is the most basic. You have to do a lot of research on schools. Not every school fits with everyone even if it's the place your friends are going. The thing that is important in college is taking responsibility for your actions, no one made you skip class or not do your assignment. To make the most of your college experience you have to put yourself out there. Step outside of your comfort zone because no one will hand you opportunities or join groups for you. You have to be willing to step out alone and see what happens.

Talk to as many students as possible before you go.

Choose a college that meets YOUR needs. If you like an atmosphere with a lot of people around, attend a state school. If you like smaller classrooms, and more teacher involvement, than go to a smaller university. Either way, get involved in extra-cirricular activities whether it is Greek Life or student government, do what YOU want to do and surround yourself with friends YOU want to be around that will help you progress into the person you want to become!

Don't just pick a few schools near where you live. Cast the net wide, you never know what you may find. Make sure to do your research before spending the money to apply a school. It is important that the school offers the majors and activites you want, and even the weather that you prefer. Always visit a school before deciding to attend. Things can look very different in person than in a brochure or online. One of the most important things I learned is that this isn't a world shattering decision. If you make the wrong choice the first time, transferring to a school that is a better fit is always an option. Last but not least, don't limit your search to only well known schools or ones you have heard of, there are a ton of smaller universities that may be just what you are looking for!

The first advice I would give would be to visit as many colleges as you can. The second advice I would give to students would be that, if you don't get your first choice of school, you can still have just as good of a time in college. A positive outlook is important because you can discover so many good things about a college if you actually try and have a good time. The advice that I would give to parents is to encourage students to use their talents while in college. Students can often get too busy in college to have time for hobbies that they had in high school so parents should encourage them to make the most of their time in college. The last piece of advice that I have for both students and parents is to be open. Students- be open to others and their opinions and values. Parents- be open to letting your child form their identity and discover new things on their own.

When you're there visiting, you'll just know. If you dont know, its not the right school.

College is about making friends and getting involved. Go with the college or university that feels right.