Duquesne University Top Questions

Finding the right college to attend can be a tedious process, but it has a great reward.

The advice that I would give parents and students is to visit as many schools as possible and to see schools of different sizes to see what their son/daughter likes so they are well informed. Once you find some schools that you like the most, narrow the schools down to three and go visit them a couple to time to get more information about those schools. The student should attend the school that offers what they are looking for, such as major, size and financial aid. Attend the school that you fit well with and that fits you well. While at school, get involved in activities and it is a good why to make friends. College should be an enjoyable experience and with choosing the right college, that is a great first step.

Be as open to any opportunity as possible. Anything that was offered to me that would be good for me I took it! Whether it was a lecture on something I didn't know about, learning about a new religion, making a friend of different race, etc. I loved my first year of college because I didn't hold myself back. College is about finding yourself. Do what-ever you can in order to do that!

Look into every possible option.

Make a list of all the specifics you want, and look into all those before picking a school. Then visit the school to see if it is what you had hoped.

Take your time on visiting colleges and reading material that explains colleges and their motives and concentration areas. Even if the college has your intended major, your preferences are in the balance during the college years. Think about location, activities inside and outside of school, the school's flexibility, school's regulations, and student population. Once you've weighed all those factors and have decided what school is right for you, make sure you take advantage of college. Go to free events that sometimes are put on by school clubs, go to musical concerts, plays, use the school's gym and exercise facilities. Live life to the fullest at college and stick with the right people so you will go far in college and after college. Your professors will judge you by yourbehavior and academics in their classrooms and can help you get a job after college; make a good impression so the staff sees your potential and can tell others.

Make sure you feel that you belong on the campus. That the people around you look like you have similar interests. Be at a school that makes you want to learn, not only in the classroom but outside as well. Talk to the teachers and get a feel for the classes, one of the most valuable things that I have learned is that if a teacher acts like they don't want to be there the students will reciprocate.

Make sure that your "dream school" is really where you should go. Don't choose a school based on the greek organizations, athletic organizations or other school activities that they have. Base things off of your intended major and the academic resources that the school has to offer you because in the long run that is what you are going to have to rely on. Really think about whether you would rather go to a small campus or a larger university because the right or wrong choice will definitely affect your experience and it will determine if you even continue your education at your beginning institution. Also, apply for as many scholarships and grants as possible! If your school offers a study abroad program then definitely look into it. I am going to Italy this fall semester and couldn't be more excited :) Also STAY AWAY FROM THE DRAMA. This is college people, not 13th grade haha Most importantly enjoy this time because it goes all too quickly and then your an adult which is the scariest thing EVER lol

For incoming students I would suggest you search for schools that have a very good program for your major first. AFter you research which has the best program for what you want to do, weigh the other options of the school. Only you know what kind of setting you feel comfortable in and choosing a setting that in conducive to your learning is important for you to excell. At the same time going outside of your comfort zone can be end up being very rewarding in the long run and allow you to experience new things. As a final note i would say that give whatever college you choose a chance, because at first you may hate it. Speaking from expereince, i did not enjoy my school at first and after a month of two, maybe even three for some people, i learned to love my school and realized it was the best school for me and my future.

I would advise parents to be active in their child's search for the right college, but to allow the incoming freshman to select where they feel they will be comfortable and successful, because the student is the one who will have to live/study there. Also, do not limit your child based on your financial situation; you are both eligible to apply for loans that don't require payment until after graduation. Students, research more than just the academic prestige of each school you are interested in; there is so much more involved in college life than just your classes. Be sure to personally visit each campus and tour as many facilities as you have access to, you gain so much more perspective than just viewing their website or reading up on other students' reviews of the school. Once you feel that your parents and you have made an informed decision of where you wish to study based upon your own personal criteria (campus size, security, activities, academics), get involved on campus. What gives you the full college experience is to get involved in campus activities, service in the surrounding community, and socialization with your fellow students.

There are so many factors to consider when selecting a college or university to attend after graduating high school. Initially, I found that it helped to settle on a major that interested me at the time and was then able to narrow the list down by a considerable amount. Another thing that should be taken into consideration is the cost of tuition at each school and the availability of financial aid. Make sure you stay realistic with your college choice; is the cost of an education at that school just too much?, will the school award you with enough finiancial aid to allow you to attend?, etc. Surprisingly, one of the factors that had the most influence on what school I chose was how far away it was from home. It's rare to find a first-year college student who doesn't eventually want to go home for a weekend during their first semester or year at school. These three things are what I debated with myself for the longest time and as a result, I've been more than satisfied with my choice of school and major.

Finding the right college is difficult when you don't know what you are looking for. Make sure that you know what is important to you--things like class size, campus location, and availability (or lack of) greek life. Then make sure that your school has a good program for your major. Don't go to a school known for its music program when you want to be a lawyer! Also, check the tuition; the best school does not mean the most expensive. Take a tour of the school, and talk to students that are already there (students: do this without your parents next to you. You'll get an honest answer this way). You can learn a lot about a school from the people who are already there. Once you get to college, get involved!! There are so many things to do on campus (and off) that you should never feel left out or alone. You will make so many friends with similar interests if you join a club, intermural sports teams (you don't have to be an all-star), theatre group, or get a job. There is so much more to college than just classes! Have fun!