John Carroll University Top Questions

whoerver you were in high school doesnt matter anymore.

Its up to you to choose your school. Not your parents, your girl or boy friend, just you.

It's not about the college you choose, it's more about how you respond to it. You need to be open-minded and open to new experiences. You have to live in the present and think of your future. You will find a college that feels right - one you are comfortable on just a visit - choose that one. Don't think of the parties , think of the atmosphere and environment.

go where you want to go.

You probably won't find the perfect college, but you need to look for one that has the most right things for you. Don't be afraid to be away from home. 2 1/2 hours is a great distance away.

I recomend to students and parents searching for a school that they find the right fit for them. They should pick a school that is the right size for them, not to big and not to small for the student attending. They also should look at their academics in their intended field of study; if the student (or parents) are spending tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars they need to make sure they are getting a value for their money. They also need to look at how they will get involved. By getting involved a student will make new friends and help adjust to college life so that they are less homesick when they first arrive on campus.

You really have to think about who you are as a person and where you want to go in life. Money is obviously a huge factor, so you should think about what is the best value for you. While you should not go to a school you will hate just because it's cheaper, you have to be realistic. Furthermore, I would suggest to look a little bit into each department in order to see what opportunities they offer (research experience, up-to-date technology, study abroad, etc.). Even though it is important to think carefully about the college you wish to attend, don't make yourself stressed and crazy over it; if you find you don't like it, you can always transfer.

Take your time and don't pick the college for one reason. Make sure you still like the college if that one thing you like would leave.

I would tell parents and future students to stick to their instincts about a school. You can usually tell how well you will like a college by the people that you meet while visiting. Make sure to ask lots of questions and to get a good sense of what the school is like. It is also helpful to match up as best you can the right size, academic, athletic and extra curricular activities with your own needs and wants. If you can sit in on a typical class, to get a feel for the classroom. Meet any coaches that you may play for in the future and ask them how their players fit sports and studies into their schedules. Anothers important factor is location of the school. I would suggest keeping the distance from home, close enough that you could go home if you wanted to or get away when you need to. The environment around the school is important, make sure you appreciate the scenery because you will be spending the next four years of your life there. My last words of advice is that when you do get into a school, remember what a huge accomlpishment this is.

apply to as many schools as possible so that you have the options

Do a lot of research

I believe that the first impressions tend to be right ones. When visiting a college, future students need to feel comfortable and excited about their new school. Parents should keep in mind that the choice of the college belongs to the student. He or she will be the ones living at the dorms, going to classess and interacting with other students on a daily basis, so it is only natural to advise but not "tell" their kids which school is "the one." Also, new students should put as much effort as possible in the coursework and classes their first year. This first year in college tends to be the most difficult and sometimes the acquired gpa after the 2nd semester is less than satisfactory. I hope this advice helps, good luck!

In order to sucessfully determine which college is the right one, prospective students should visit the college at least one time and speak with several students from the school that are in different years. This will allow the students to gather multiple views about the school and come to a conclusion on the general attitude of students towards the institution. Additionally, prospective students should speak with professors and sit in for a class within the field of thier potential major. This will allow the students to get a more accurate feel for the academics of the college or university. Lastly, students should also communicate with their parents about the pros and cons of each school, especially if the parents are funding their child's education. This will help the student make the best possible and plausible choice when determining which college or university to attend.

Make sure you like the area.

Parents, students, it is imperative that you take into account your financial situation while, at the same time, seeking the best education that you can afford. As regards to the college experience, I suggest that you do stay on campus if possible for the first year or so. Nothing can relate to such an experience when one is one his or her own and making friends. It can really be a great way to open your eyes to the world and to interact with a variety of different and wonderful people from all over God's green earth. It also helps one to re-evaluate his or herself. This has proven true with my own experience and is something I'll never forget; in being of a unique breed (Qu?b?cois), I have had the chance to mingle with people much different than myself and even came across some who share a common ancestry. Do not, by any means, feel obligated or compelled to go out on Thursday nights or weekends, as can often be the main talk around campus. Be an individual/yourself and you will profit more than you think any alcohol-related social gathering can promise.

To truly make the most of you college experience, you need to be organized and set boundries for yourself. It is very important to remember that you are at school to get an education. As alluring as facebook is, do not waste your whole day looking at pictures and bumperstickers. If you stay on top of your work during the week; you have plenty of time to go out and have fun on the weekends. Furthermore, you should try to get involved in extracurriculars on campus. They help you meet new people and develope skills that future employers will be looking for. I personally am very involved in two organizations on campus. If you can stay on top of your work, extracurriculars do not hinder your GPA. If you do find yourself to struggling in class, talk to your professor. Even if you do not find their help usefull, it still shows you are invested in the class. One last word of advice- be kind to your roommate. Even if you are two completely different people and cannot stand each other, be nice and respectful because at the end of the day they still have a key to your room.

When looking for the right college, look everywhere. There might be things that you're looking for specifically but then realize it's not what you want after all. Definately make a list of things you want out of a school but be willing to give and take. Just because a particular school doesn't have everything you want, it may have everything you need. Look for activities the student can get involved in. Having a social group is vital to your health. If your social life is slacking, then school work slacks too. Physical activity is also important.

Visit as many campus as possible in as many settings.

I think that parents shoudl realize that they can not make the decision for their child. Students should be able to choose a college where they feel comfortable and personally think that they will excel. The student should also take advantage to all of the wonderful oppourtunities their college has to offer to them.

Really understand what you want to get out of your college experience. It's okay if you want to be close to home. Realize that you should pick a school where you will have the opportunity to be challenged inside and outside of the classroom, accademically, emotionally, and politically. If you don't think you like your school, give it a full year - then you can switch. Make sure you choose a school with a good study abroad program - the experience is amazing, and it helps you to see the world and stand on your own two feet. Study hard, have fun.

Look long; look hard.

Many schools of many different sizes and locations have quality academic environments. Thus, it is imperative that you make absolute sure that you fit in socially in your given school's environment.