Drexel University Top Questions

Remember senior year when you lost interest (senioritis) and decided to only do the minimum to get through, well you should have worked harder. Paid closer attention. Done the extra work, and gone the extra mile. You think you know a lot, but what you don't realize is there is a whole new level of thinking in college. College is more of a challenge than you thought it would be, and you should have put more effort into high school. Also, choosing your roommate is important. Don't room with a friend from high school. It really doesn't work out as well as you think it will. You really get to know that person in a whole new light. Choose to room with someone you don't know. You'll make a lot more friends that way.

In my opinion, the best an incoming student can do is to balance his or her large work load with some social activities. I have seen the extremes of both too much studying and too much partying, none of which worked out in the long run. The greatest advantage you can ever have in college is to be able to balance those two aspects. Being organized is a key. I used to think its dorky to write down "to do" lists, however, it will end up the most beneficial thing to help achieve this dificult balance. For the parents, please trust your children! Everyone makes mistakes, especially in their first year of college. It is extremly difficult to assimulate into this culture. It will take time for your student to understand what is most important in his or her life, which is education.

Look up various schools and find a few that suit you well in size of school, size of class, the campus life and the areas in which the school excels in. Then after you got a few choices in mind go visit the schools and look around and see if in fit in or if you like it. Then after that go look at some other schools that you eliminated just to see for you to compare those schools with the ones that you had in mind. You never know if you might like that school, or if you fit in better in that school that you eliminated. Then talk over the few choices that you have with your parents and advisors. Then you should see if you get some scholarships in some of those schools and factor in the costs of the schools and make a choice.

Students should begin the process of choosing where they would like to go to college as early as possible, preferably in their junior year of high school. The first step should be to determine what it is they want to study, and then research which schools offer the best programs for their desired major. Then, many other factors should be researched and evaluated such as: location, cost, program, ranking, extracurricular activities, reputation, degrees offered, size, campus resources, financial aid, etc. In order to get a feel for the college and the educational environment, students should visit the campus, take a tour, attend a class, talk to students and teachers, eat in the cafeteria, and spend a night in a dorm, if possible. In making the most out of the college experience, students should get involved with different clubs or extracurricular activities within the school, and take advantage of the facilities the school has to offer such as computer labs, libraries, sports, and the student union. College is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience. It should be realized that although this includes significant work, challenges, and occasional frustration, it could also include priceless memories, experiences, and lifetime friendships.

The name of a college or university is not everything. Be wise and frugal in your decision.

work hard for scholarships

I would advise students to choose a college or university that is more affordable. If students are financing their education via loans I would suggest that parents calculate the amount of debt the student would acquire after graduataion. The student should feel as though the amount that they are paying is worth the education they are receiving. I should have been more logical when choosing my college. I recommend that if the student's second choice school is more affordable than their first choice school, they should go for their second choice.

You can attend a prestigious school, maintain a 4.00 GPA, be the president of your honors fraternity and have excellent recommendations for when the time comes to move on to graduate school or your career. But, think to yourself: would these achievements have a deeper meaning to you other than what they stand for on paper? The college experience is about finding yourself. Trying a variety of things outside your major and interests and talking to different types of people is what truly contributes to your knowledge. Yes, doing well in school is important and shows you are committed to learning and facing challenges. But, well-rounded people are the ones who will succeed when put in any situation than those whose minds are set on one goal. Anything that happens, getting that C in Architecture 101 which wasn?t even required for your major or realizing that joining the American Marketing Association chapter at your school is not what interests you, happens for a reason and teaches you something about yourself. Ask yourself what you want out of your education, how it can make you satisfied and let you make a difference in the world?then choose.

Don't let other peoples experiences dictate where you want to go. Have the courage to find things out on your own and don't be afraid to try something new.

From my own experiences, I have seen many parents reject schools because of their insufficient financial aid packet to cover their child's tuition cost. I am personally not from a wealthy family and my parents did not decline my first choice school due to how expensive it was to attend there. I am a first generation college student and my parents want me to achieve a higher education. They have always been supportive of my work and I am very grateful for that. An advise I would give to students is don't procrastinate on projects or your homework. The difference between that A and that B is dependant on how much time and effort you put into your final work. Don't party with your friends too much because yourschool work is your number one priority. I believe your parents pay for your high cost education so you can become a well-rounded and understandable person. College is a time for you to try new things and get involved. But let me warn you, manage your time wisely because time flies!!!

When choosing a school, visit the campus. Look around at the students while you are there. Do they look happy? Will they talk to you and your parents about the school? What do they say? If you know what you want to study, find the building that will house most of your classes, and look around. Does the facility look up to date and like the students like using it? Do these students look happy? Can you imagine yourself in that building studying with classmates? If the answer is "yes" to all of the above questions, you have probably found a school that is perfect for you. Once you are enrolled in college, as a new student, everything can seem scary. You're on your own for the first time, making your own decisions... but if I can offer any real advice it would be to not be afraid. Try an elective that interests you and has nothing to do with your major. Join the salsa club even if you don't know anything about salsa but you want to learn. Everyone at your school is there to learn and try new things just like you. You are not alone.

Make sure not to choose a college beacuse of your frineds. Find the school that is the best overall fit for you. College is not always going to be a fun experience, but it is a learning experience. Everything learned in college will lead you on the path to where you want to go in life. Make the most of your college experience. Do not be afraid to try new things.

As someone who did not follow my own advice, be absolutely sure to visit your colleges of interest. Seeing the campus online or in a book is a completely different experience from attending a class and walking around the area. Go to the college, sit in on a class. Trust me the professors will not care. Just don't raise your hand to answer any questions. Test the college and see how much they are willing to help you. Call financial aid and see what they have to say. Call the registrar and see what they have to say. I did none of these things and regret it. While I am happy with my school of choice, I am now certain that other colleges would have been better suited for me. The more thorough your search, the more likely you are to be satisfied with your decision. That is my opinion.

Apply to many schools and visit all of them. When you're on a campus, you'll know if it's right for you or not. When you get to college, you're roommate may not be your best friend, it might take more work and effort. Keep your door open and allow yourself to get to know other students and make friends. Your first year will be the year to get to know people and make friends, but don't slack off on school work either.

The advice I would give a parent is to try to stay out of it as much as possible. I know mothers and fathers, or at least mine, think they know what's best for me, but when they constantly nag, critique, and butt in to my life it doesn't help. Since I've been at college I have figured out my life. I couldn't have become the person I am today if I constantly had someone making sure I was doing the correct things. There are times, of course, when I ask my parents for advice and there are times when I didn't ask for advice but am glad they gave it to me. But I'm proud to know I can make a decision on my own that is the best for me.

Pick a major that you love. There is nothing worse than going to school for something that you know is not your passion. I took a semester off from Drexel and went to a local University to try and save some money and had a terrible experience. I knew from that point on that I had to be here at Drexel, even though its hard for me to afford. If you don't know exactly what you want to major in, pick a school in a place that you like, with students that you feel you have things in common with. There is nothing worse that going to a school in a setting that you hate with kids that you find completely disinteresting. Its really all about finding what makes you happy. I learned that the hard way, so you should really keep it in mind. Find somewhere you feel like you belong. Go visit as many schools as you can, go to open houses, if they have summer programs you find interesting participate in those too. Just go somewhere that makes you happy, and learn to do what you want to do for the rest of your life.

Take your time don't rush into making a decison, make sure you ask questions. Balance studying and going out to ensure you stay on the right course.

Looking back (of course hind sight's 20/20), my first suggestion to parents and students who are looking for their potential fit in the university setting is to be open-minded. Personally, I was so stuck on the idea that I wanted to go down south, "no ifs, ands or buts about it", that I completely shut out many options that would have suited me better. I found myself in the middle of the country on a pristine campus--very preppy. Now, as I write this suggestion I am looking out my high-rise apartment window and looking over the city of Philadelphia. What a change! But to be honest, its the best move I ever made. I should have thought about who i am as a person before pushing for a life in the country that wasn't really me. Secondly, if the potential student has no idea what they want to do with their future life specifically--which is TOTALLY okay--I would suggest taking lots of their available general eds/elective classes to get better idea of what they like. Lastly, I suggest getting involved in something...meet people while enjoying this time in life!!!

In order to pick the right college I believe a student first needs to figure out what they would like to do with their life, what career interests them the most. Then look into the colleges that excel in that industry. That would definitely be the first step, the second I would recommend is figuring out where you would like to spend your next years in college, in a metropolis, country side, so forth (this will make all the difference in their college life). Then its up to the college, what the student looks for on campus, if they want a sports driven campus or one more focused on academic progress. A fun upbeat social life or one more grounded and quiet (this will affect the students mental health greatly when coping with the college workload). As for the price I would worry/look at that last. Most schools are getting to be very expensive, but thats the price one has to pay for a good education. If the school meets all the past requirements, then in the long run the money will come back around to the student through their now loved career.

Take your time deciding and look at the academic aspects of it along with the student activity, safety, and ability to travel or public transportation. Students will get the most out of their experience by being social and joining school groups and attending the social activities the school has to offer.

However you come to find the college you attend, go into it with a clean outlook. Work hard on your academics, but don't get lost in your studies. Do what you need to do for classwork, but when its done find activities and friends that will expand you and your world view. College is a time to experience new people, activities, and experiences. By always being open to finding out about new things you can better refine you worldview which serve you the rest of your life.

The best advice, that I never received, is to visit the school and speak to students in your intended major. Orientation does not give you a well-rounded view of the university. Typically, the college has only the students with a positive experience speak at these events. Once you decide on a college and begin your first semester, remember why you are there. Class is actually important and sometimes interesting. It's also a great place to meet new people. Get involved. You will be so dissapointed looking back on your college years if you feel that you never did anything. That doesn't just mean partying. Clubs, sports and friends are why you want to go back for homecoming. Make the most of what your college offers. That includes the career center and alumni association. In the real world you will find that it isn't always what you know, but who you know. Make friends with professors and alumni, you may be suprised how it will help you in the future. Finally, keep an open mind, often times the best of friends are found in unlikely people.

Make sure you visit the campus during a NON- student visiting day. That's when you'll see really how a school operates on a day to day basis- thus getting a better feel for the campus and students on a regular day. When visiting, try getting a mixture of opinions, rather just all from the orientation staff, but other students out on the streets and in the hallways walking by. Ultimately, a school can grow on you... and you get out of it whatever effort you put into it.

Don't think too much into it. Sometimes the college you end up going to may not be the college you want to go to in the first place. Don't feel bad. College is college. You'll love it no matter where you end up.

Parents! First thing is first. Don't let money steer you away from what could be the best experience for your high school graduate. There are many scholarships, grants, and loans that are available. You have to make sure you take advantage of what is out there. You must go out and seek it. Don't forget to fill out that FAFSA as early as possible! So make sure you get your taxes done as soon as possible. Once you get to college kids, make sure you make your mark! Get involved! Do what interests you. If you want to make friends, go fill out a fraternity or sorority. If you want to make a difference in the student body and the quality of student, get involved with student government and planning committees. If you like sports, play intrumurals or club sports. If you want to become the next great scientist or great author, get involved with your department and individual college. Network with your faculty and make sure they know who you are. Some closing words, keep up with your school work. It's very easy to get distracted. But also remember to have fun and get involved!!!!

Never give up never surrender. Go for your dreams.

My advise would be to visit each school you are applying too, and really get a feel for it, and while looking at his think if it is a place you could live for the next four to five years.

Make sure to explore EVERY option. For example, I really did not think I wanted to go to a city school but boy was I wrong!!!!!!! Have fun and always remember that college is supposed to be the best time of your life, don't sweat the small stuff.

I would suggest that the student takes a step out of their comfort zone. College is about experiencing new things, learning other cultures, meeting new people, and living life to the fullest. Make the most out of your opportunities in college. I would also suggest living on-campus for your first year. The first year is crucial to your social and academic development for the remainder of your college career. It's important to make those connections early on.

College is the initial step to beggining your career and essentially your life. Find a school with a good rapore for career development. Just because a school ranks high in some categories doesn't mean that school is the best. I often have seen students choose schools just because thier friends go there, which is probably not the best idea. Schools that are very culturally diverse are also beneficial to students as it helps them see more of the world and change thier views. Going to a big city college was the best choice I ever made because I met people that I would never meet in my life. I expierenced many new and interesting things that will stay with me for the rest of my life. In the end, choose a school where you can grow not only academically but also culturally as you prepare for the rest of your life.

Choose the school where you, as the student, are most comfortable. Don't go to a specific college because other people you know will be attending that school. You will meet people and make friends. Look for a school in the type of setting you enjoy with activities on-campus or nearby that you find pleasure in. You will have free time away from your studies and you'll want to spend this time doing something that you find relaxing. Never forget that you are attending college in order to both learn your field of study, but also to learn about yourself. Finding the balance between academics and your personal life is key. Parents, help to guide your child when he or she is choosing a college; however, allow them to make the final decision. Your opinion matters greatly, but the student will be the person attending this school for the next 2-5 years, not you. Be supportive and encourage your child. Even if they live on-campus they still need this from you. Sometimes college can be rough and a few encouraging or supportive words from family gives the student that motivation they need to keep going.

Definately visit and stay a night if you can. Get the best feel for the campus after you have made sure the school has all of the 'features' you are looking for. Compare the facts first and then make sure the campus feels right; be sure you are as comfortable there as you are at home. Good Luck!

First and foremost, I would tell parents and students to make sure the student is going to college for something they enjoy and then finding the major that best coincides with those skills or passion and then finding the best college for that concentration. Apply to at least 5 schools to ensure that the student will have options. Also, visit the schools AND the surrounding areas to make sure its a place that you will enjoy living in. Talk to students from the school to get the real scoop on college life there. Seriously ask a series of questions: What do I want out of life? What do I enjoy? What am I good at? How far do I really want to be away from home? Do I like the city or the suburbs, or the country? A small school or a big school? Make charts or checklists or whatever one has to do to narrow down the choices.

I would advise parentst and students searching for the perfect college to speak to as many students at the colleges they are interested in as possible. These students are what makes up a college or university and they represent what the school stands for. They are the ones who actually go to the classes and know first hand what the professors have to offer the students; they are the ones that run and attend the extracurricular activities. The students are the most valuable resource you have and can only meet with them, see how they act, dress and intereact with eachother if you visit the college or university. Students, if you can see yourself playing frisbee with the students out by the quad, or playing an instrument at the football games with those who attend the school you are interested in, it means it could be a great fit for you! Also know what type of academic program you are getting into and the types of classes you will be taking in that major or program. A current student who shares your interest or career goal could tell you this information as well.

The main reason people go to college is to get a degree and ultimately a good job. In order to find the right college, you need to enjoy where you attend. If being at that school doesn't make you happy then don't go to that school because these last few years are truly the end of your childhood. This is your last chance to still have some fun. So to make the most out of the college experience, you need to find that balance in between having fun and doing well in school to get that degree.

Always do your research when it comes to college searches. Don'e just go with what college is nearby or popular, make sure the college fit's you adn your needs. Don't forget to visit your school beforehand and your happy with the food, houses and school services.

Take tours of the colleges you applied for or are hoping to apply for, try to talk to the professors, try to talk to the freshman of the year ahead of you, and most definitely to upper classmen. Read about the school on both the school's website, as well as other websites. Be careful not to choose the school you're looking based on looks or social activities, but for the institution that will be the best for helping you reach your goals, and making you happy, both in the short term and for the long haul.

I would recommend that parents and students calculate the cost of all four years of college before making a choice.

In order to find the right atmosphere for you, it is necessary know what kind of setting you want to live in, how big of a school you are willing to attend, your potential major, finincial considerations and any extra-curricular programs you are interested. If you're not sure of some of these things, it is best to visit colleges of many sizes and settings to find out what you like and don't like. Once you have found and enrolled in the right place, get involved. Join clubs, go to games, plays, and concerts hosted by your university, meet the people in your residence hall, and get to know the people in your classes, especially if it is a class specific to your major. You'll be seeing some of these people almost eveyday for the next 4 years. It's always a good idea to have friends, or even just aquaintences, in your own field to bounce ideas and problems off of.

Visit each college that you applied for and check out the school environment and facility settings. Ask upperclassmans for their experience and satisfaction in their college. Don't get fooled by how much financial aid the school's offering because you can easily lose it and be screwed.

I would tell parents/students to make sure you visit the school more than once. The first time you might hate it, but the second time, you might absolutely love it. Try to get in touch with an organization/group beforehand and see if you can see what campus-life is like. Get in touch with students that are there or who went there. Just make sure you know what you're really getting into. Do you want to have summers off? Or do you want to work all year round and get ahead in your career life? Reasearch is definitely the most important key in finding a school. Make sure it's a place you want to spend four years of your life at.

It is important to identify what kind of college experience you want, and then find a school that can provide you with that. At the time I was choosing colleges I thought it was most important to find a school that could help me find a good career. That is why I chose Drexel. However, keep in mind that what you want is likely to change as you continue your college career. You always have the option to transfer schools, or make the most out of the one that you are already attending.

I would encourage them to find out how previous students enjoyed or not enjoyed the school. I think its better to learn something from someone who already went through it. Be involved in the school because it will make you feel like you belong there.

Go to a college where you can show your passion and where you can give back to the community. I have planned Bone Marrow drives, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament to help raise money for the V Foundation for Cancer Research and I attend the Jewish Relief Agency every month to build and deliver boxes to those Russian Jews who are unable to provide for themselves on a regular basis. One of the reasons why I was named the IFC Varsity Athlete of the Year, the IFC Man of the Year and I received the Alpha Epsilon Pi Most Outstanding Undergraduate Award in North America in because when you have passion, you can overcome any obstacle and all adversity that is thrown toward you. This might sound cliche, but just believe in what you believe in, and do not let others stand in the way of your dreams. Sometimes, making those dreams a reality takes longer than expected, but do not give up because there is always a light you should follow that will guide you to the path of success. You just have to trust in yourself and believe with your heart.

If money is an issue, like it is for my family, the most expensive college is not necessarily the best. Get all of the details, and talk to current students (who aren't hired by the school to be tour guides)--they will tell you the truth about the overall happiness of the students at the college. Because that's what counts--your or your child's happiness.

If you are a student, and you don't know what you want to be, make sure you pick a college that has everything. Don't go somewhere where it's hard to transfer out of one major and into another. Try and think about what kind of person you want to be. I think college is a huge financial burden and if you can figure out what you want to do before you go you'll save yourself a lot of money, and time. Don't think that you have to go to a four year private school to have a full "college experience." You can meet new people and have fun no matter where you go. Always remember that you are a paying customer at your college. Don't put up with substandard teaching or conditions. It's your money. Don't be afraid to complain or things will never change. As long as you get that piece of paper at the end of it, you'll see that all the hard work is worth it. Most importantly, college is a jumpstart on life. Be an individual. Be independent. Have fun. And remember to call home.

Go to state college save the money, real world experience is much more valueble, do summer internships.

Talk to everyone at the University, they are all willing to help. Just make the best choice that suits you.

Be sure to analyze the costs of the school and negotiate the best financial package that you can. Make sure the school has all the athletics and social organizations that are very important to you and be sure to visit the school ahead of time.

Find out what you want to do, THEN find out how to get paid for it. The most important thing is finding a college that meets your career expectations and gets you the training you need to find what specifically you want out of the industry, then how to get there. If you know that, you will have the most important step of the college process figured out. After that, find out schools that have the kind of program you want that produce the experience that you want (within your price range) and scout around: visit campuses, talk to alums and friends of alums, and most importantly, professors. Once you figure out what program you want, weigh the other stuff afterwards: price, location, environment, food, etc. If they're impossible, then start again at the top. However, it's all about you first and foremost and if you're not gonna get what you want out of your career then you might as well throw $200,000 away and waste four years of your life. Your happiness comes first, it's just a matter of getting there.