Loyola Marymount University Top Questions

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

Cristina

Believe me, there's more to college than partying and eating ramen noodles for dinner. College is a chance to create yourself, both as a student on campus, and as a person in society. Some of the best advice I can give to you is to stay on campus for the first couple of weekends that you are at school. Many people end up going home for the weekend because they live so close to their school, but that is not going to make the transition any easier. Staying on campus will give you the opportunity to participate in campus activities, get involved in things you may become passionate about, and meet friends that could potentially make you never want to leave campus. Another piece of advice I would give you is to not declare a major unless you are 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure of what you want to study. This will give you the opportunities to take new classes that you may not have ever studied, and you may decide that you're really interested in a subject you've never even heard of. Like I said before, college is about creating yourself.

Nolan

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high chool senior, I would tell myself to get more involved. This school has so much to offer and it would be a complete waste of time to not get involved in anything on campus. This school has so much to offer and is such a perfect fit. Just make sure you open your eyes and try new things!

Dustyn

The fulfillment of knowing I set a goal for myself and have and will complete it. The memories of great friendship and the bond that we formed. The learning and understanding we all are individuals and we all should be treated with fairness, equality. Love the support I received from my teachers and coaches. Having respect in myself and the knowledge of knowing I can make it on my own. A big thank you to my #1 fan..which is my mom, without her love and devote support I feel I would be lost. I am very proud of who I am and thank the heavens above for my family believing in me. Love the team support that my team players and coaches have given me, we are not only a team but we too are a family. And I am looking forward to one day given a child the best opportunity to succeed in life like I have. Dustyn..

Tamara

College has been very valuable to attend. I have been challenged academically and gained personal success and independence. There are many challenges I have faced while attending college. I have left my city, my family, the comforts of home, my community and sense of protection. I was also I was not very prepared for the academic transition from high school to college, seeing that college is much more rigorous. I have realized that I need to improve my writing and analytical skills. Although this has been difficult I have taken responsibility for my education to be a successful student. I attend all of my professors' office hours, receive tutoring, and it has paid off with good grades. College has helped me take complete responsibility for my success and learn to rely on my own initiative. I am also finding my trifecta: to love what I do, be really good at what I do, and eventually get paid well so I can give back to my community. I will continue to study hard, stay focused, take on my own responsibilities, make adult decisions, and in the process discover who I am.

Asha

As a sophomore at Loyola Marymount University, I feel that I have gotten much out of my college experience. The three best aspects of my college experience thus far have been my exposure to community service, my expanded academic perspective, and my confidence in my spirituality. As a member of a service organization on campus, I have discovered a great love for being of service to my surrounding community. While I did community service prior to starting LMU, I was not passionate about it in the way I have become. I love volunteering on campus and find deep fulfillment from my weekly involvement at an after-school program off campus. I also have experienced great academic growth at LMU. As a member of the University Honors Program, I find my classes invigorating and inspiring. I feel like my mind has been expanded and find I have a newfound thirst for knowledge as a result of my invested, unique professors. Lastly, I feel more confidence in my spirituality. Whereas previously I was not certain of my beliefs, I now find that I am confident in my individual spirituality and am not worried about my lack of conformity to any one religion.

Veronica

Through my college experience, I have discovered that I can make it in the real world independently. I have learned not only independence, but self-reliance, confidence, and through going through a year without seeing family or being familiar with my surroundings, I have stepped out of my comfort zone and boosted my self-esteem. I have learned to take risks, take chances, and try anything once. Attending LMU has been valuable to me because I have made some of the best friends I have ever had, had experiences that I could never have back in Hawaii, and embarking on my journey as an independent student.

Miriam

I have learned to the love the Lord Jesus Christ with all my heart and fight for what I believe in despite the temptaions around me. I have grown as a person and spiritually. I have learned a lot of valuable information while studying at LMU.

kathy

as of now my what i have gained from my college experience is the ability to see the world with different eyes. prior getting into college almost every one around me was limited. limited meaning they never attended college. After enrolling into college i can now see that i dont have to be like everyone im surrounded by in my nieghborhood, i can be different and maybe be an example for the younger kids in my community who are introduced to drugs sex and liquor at a young age (Hunts Point). i just want to be different and break this on going cycle that never seems to end!!!!

Kelly

I have gotten so much experience out of college thus far. I have learned to appreciate all forms of education, from the text books and teachers to the dorm rooms and life experiences that cannot be taught in a room. Loyola Marymount has helped shape me into the avid and free-thinker I am today. It has given me confidence to go out into society with my head held high and know exactly what it is that I want to achieve. I have been able to set reachable goals for myself and learn how to have fun along the way. Teachers have instilled the attitude in me to keep all options available and never regret the decisions I make. Overall, L.M.U. is a phenomenal college to grow and experience life. I have truly found myself here.

Martha

My college experience - Wow ! At LMU I began to grow up and learn personal responsibility. I was far from home, living the dream. Eventhough my parents supported me financially and emotionally, this is where I began to realize that my future was in my hands. My successes or failure, happiness or dissatisfaction was my own to create, change and grow. I was in charge of my own choices and, for the most part, I shouldered the consequences and joys of those choices. I took advantage of every opportunity. I joined, participated, contributed, volunteered, studied, travelled, interned, played and made wonderful, life-long friends. In retrospect, there are things I would do differently, knowing what I know today. But I have very few regrets and a lot of happy memories. I will miss LMU and Los Angeles. Both the city and my undergrad years at LMU have prepared me for the next step - Grad School at an east-coast Ivy, a whole new world.

Andrew

As a teenager growing up in the neighborhood where it is very likely for a kid of my era to get caught up and follow the gang members, if you are seventeen and dark skinned or even Hispanic, the expectations for you to make it out to a better life are very slim. I completely understand why Mr. Lawton would say that the quest to find ?oneself? is the most risky because as youth, our other misinformed peers serve as metaphoric chains that suppress the youth that want to make something of them selves. When you inform the ones you surround yourself with in the neighborhood, that you actually want to do more in life than just hang around the block, you get laughed at. Some people just don?t understand that you want to make a better life for you and your family. It becomes hard, trying to appease to your friends and your aspirations; it comes down to ?what is more important?? When many kids are faced with that question, they tend to straddle the line between completely conforming and self searching. As this occurs, teens and people in general never can fully exert as much energy into

Chantal

I have gained a new enthusiasm for life and the limitless possibilities that have opened up for me through recieving an education. I understand that the best way to make changes in the world start with a knowledgeable foundation. Humans have made enormous advances in technology, but are still struggling to conquer social ills such as: violence, war, poverty, famine, and disease. Technology can only take us so far. At some point, we have to learn how to communicate and negotiate with each other to fix the problems that machines cannot fix for us. An educated community is a strong one. Educated communities can become educated nations, educated nations can become an educated world, and an educated world will be a strong world unified in our search for the common good and the evolution of thought.

Rebecca

Going to a community college for my first two years out of high school was one of my best decisions. Although I didn't get the traditional "college experience" I did gain some insight that I don't know that I would have obtained otherwise. Since I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life after I'd finished high school, I took two years to take some general education classes to see where my interests lie and what I might be good at. What I found surprised me more than it should have. I discovered that I am really good at teaching people. I truely enjoy helping them find answers that I know they can obtain. For me, nothing compares to the thrill of someone realizing that they can do something. It seemed obvious to my parents that I would end up teaching and when I told them what I had decided, they looked at me as if to say, "I told you so." I guess I've always been a teacher of sorts, but if it hadn't been for my two years in college, I never would have figured it out on my own.

Jenna

I have received so much out of my college experience such as life long friends and a quality education. Not only has this university prepared me academically, but it has educated me as a whole person. LMU seeks to develop men and women for others and encourages all their students to identify with those living on the margins of society so that the intellectual inquiry and moral reflection endemic to university life will lead to meaningful work for transformative social change. After attending LMU, I feel that I know who I am as a person and what I want to accomplish in my life, and I cannot thank the faculty and staff enough for getting me to this point.

Chandler

Self discovery and friendship. Critical thinking skills and common sense. Worldliness and community emphasis. My College experience has enabled me to find my true self, challenge my limits and make the most of my life. I have learned how to manage my own time, while learning my own interests. Because i can choose what I want to learn, I have become invested and interested in my work. I now have the vantage point of being able to see the best and worst of my high school experience, how i can improve myself as well as further my own goals. Without my college experience, i don't know if i could have achieved the same outcomes. It has been the most valuable decision of my life so far.

MELISSA

If i could go back and see myself in high school i would have told myself it isn't all about sports, popularity or social life. Yes it is good to get involved, but it doesn't matter what name you make for yourself in high school because once you get to college it is like you have to start all over agian. I would have told myself that you need to focus more on school and take an advantage of the resources you have (ex: counselors, scholarships, etc.) because once you get to college there will be many more and that way you can better cope and take advantage of what you have in front of you. Another thing i would have told myself is to SAVE MONEY! I would have said that because college cost a lot I mean A LOT of money. Last but not least i would have told myself that stop trying to grow up so fast. You have plenty of time to do that! Cherish the time that you have and the memories because college is a whole new world! I'd also say slow down, you got a whole life ahead of you!

Collin

Being in college has greatly changed my perspective about what school really is about and what my priorities should be exactly. Knowing what I know about college life, making the high school to college transition, and the possibilites of time travel, I know exactly what advice I would give if I were to travel back in time and give advice to myself as a high school senior. First off, I would tell myself to keep my nose to the grindstone and not make light of any tests. These tests determine the grades I get and the grades determine whether or not I can get scholarships and college admittance. Second, I would tell my younger self to develop better study habits. The study habits that worked for me in high school didn't work in college and I had to overhaul almost all of them. It was tough, but it pays off in the long run. And third, I advise my high school senior self to fill out as many applications for scholarships and colleges. The more you do, the higher the chance of acceptance, and the easier it will be when you get there.

Christine

As a second semester college freshman, I have a lot of advice I would love to give to my high school senior self. First of all, I would have to tell myself that the first two months of college life will be the scariest, lonliest, and hardest time of your life to date. However, every other freshmen is thinking the exact same thing! So, when you are feeling bored and you wonder what the girl down the hall is doing, well, go knock on her door! Most likely, if you knock on someone's door one night, they'll come knock on your door the next time something is going on. Secondly, do not eat alone! Everyone needs to eat and no one wants to eat dinner alone. So, before you head out to the cafeteria to get dinner by yourself, ask the girls in the hall to come with. Also, try to make good girl friends before you try and look for that potential boyfriend. Lastly, keep your door propped open so you can say hello to whoever walks by, and you maybe you'll be invited along somewhere.

Kristyn

I would tell myself to cherish senior year of highschool, because it goes so fast. I would tell myself to make an effort to keep in contact with friends because once college comes, it can be hard to keep in touch. Last of all, I would tell myself to bring additional pictures of family members and friends and reminders of home to the new dorm. There are times when I have felt homesick and having those little reminders have helped tremendously.

Sydney

If I were to travel back to the previous version of myself who was a high school senior, I would say one thing, "easy and slow." During my transition into college, I have been faced with many difficulties from feeling left out to being confused about my level of self confidence. The common misconception passed on is to "be fearless," and "put yourself out there." Granted, this is easier said than done. The truth is, many other students are in the same situation; scared of being in a new surrounding and scared of finding a new group of people to share interests with. Although there are negatives to being new, there are also positives. There is always going to be another person who feels the same way. That means there is always someone looking for a friend or looking for a person similar to themselves to ease the unfamiliarity the comes with the territory of college. A process like this takes time, and to make sure one finds the right people, it takes a calm confidence. Make it easy to open up your friendship, and with time, everything will fall into place.

Sarah

College is an experience no one else can live for you. Having been a high school senior not even a year ago, I was receiving countless accounts of college experiences ranging from people who dormed at four year universities to those who stayed local at their community college. Nevertheless, each account was in someway different than the one before, and each person was able to share a personal piece of their own college experiences. Knowing what I know now, being a full-time college student at LMU, the personal account I would give me to myself if I could would be the preparation of time management, and organizing priorities. In high school, at least for me, things always just seemed to fall into place. Little did I know that as entering college, all that changed and I was attacked with the importance of responsibility and encouraging maturity. Prepare for the unexpected, prepare for what you THINK couldn't possibly face you. Because in college, possibilities are endless, and all that matters is that you are able to be prepared to fail, succeed, and to create the majority of the best memories you will ever have.

Michel'le

Now that I have experienced a semester of college life there's alot of things I would have told myself to do senior year to be prepared. As a senior in high school I would have made sure I studied hard and took more honors courses to challenge myself. Even if a class seemed easy I would've done all homework assignments on time to be prepared for the constant work loads in college. With the many activities and organizations in college, as a high school student I would've been more organized with my time management.

Nancy

Knowing what i know now I wouldn't have taken the easy classes and taken my SAT and ACT. I would have taken the help that was given to me to find the right school for me and the financial aid that I needed to get to school and the tips givien from my counselors to make it easier for me to find a school and get myself on track instead of doing it the hard way. I would have started the first day of my senior year planning and touring and setting myself up for college and being perpared and ready. I would say Nancy you need to do this because your future depends on it even if it's not the funest thing in the world it's going to be worth the time and effort now than later.

Claire

I am a senior in high school and will be graduating in June 2010. I can only say what I would like to hear from a returning senior. I would like to see one of my schoool's graduates coming back to school confidient and well trained to to enter the real world. This college graduate would tell us about taking hold of all of the opportunities ahead of us, but would also remind of us to appreciate our last golden days in high school. High school seniors are at the top of the game, with all the other students looking up to us and following our steps. We need to be reminded that these days are coming to a close, yet that the next phase holds many new and different opportunities. We need to stay true to ourselves and values; and yet, be receptive to new experiences .

Victoria

If it were in fact possible to go back in time and discuss college life with my then very comfortable and well adjusted 18 year old self, I would stress three words: selfdiscovery, confidence, and openmindedness. College is about all things new. It is about unearthing those qualities which you once hid and allowing them to flouish. College gives students the daunting but rather exciting opportunity to try anything and everything. Secondly, college is about finding yourself and having confidence to be you. If you can't find your own voice, believe me you will get lost in the crowd. So have the confidence to be who you are and stand by your own morals. Lastly, bring along a hearty helping of openmindedness. Once you get to a university with thousands of different ways of life you are going to have to be open to new things and ready to accept not judge. Get ready to be pushed out of your comfort zone and consider other lifestyles. Finally, I would say to myself this, college had nothing to do with the past and everything to do with the present, so get ready and turn away from fear.

Christina

You'll fit in just fine. You were right to not freak out about it.

James

Do not be all shelled up, be open from day one and the transtion would be sper easy.

Garrick

I would have told myself to work harder in my advance placement courses because it would have saved me thousands of dollars. I would also tell myself to only apply to schools far from home in order to receive the true college experience.

Mallory

I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships! I am going to be a senior in the fall and this is the first year I have ever applied for scholarships. Previously, I thought that it wasn't worth my time to apply for any scholarships because the odds of being awarded any were so slim. I learned this past year that loans and grants would not always be there to cover expenses. I had to take a semester off because I could not obtain any loans due to the economic downfall. I was given some money by my school and the federal government but I was still approximately $15,000 short of having what I needed for tuition. For my senior year I am not taking any chances of that happening again. I don't want to stress of whether or not I will get the loans I need, so I am applying for every scholarship I am eligible for!

Chase

If I had the chance to go back in time, and of course having the opportunity to warn myself not to date a particular girl, and enlighten myself of a few winning lottery numbers, I would set my 18 year old self down and talk about what's ahead. First off, I would tell myself not to be so close minded on what career path to choose because it may blind you from other great opportunities. I would also tell myself to research a little more on what to choose as a major. At LMU, I went from an International Business major to Mechanical Engineering major halfway through my sophomore year, I think having researched a bit more and the possible career opportunities that can result from that major, I wouldn't have had to make a change so far into my undergraduate career. I would also tell myself to be "open-minded". There are a lot of new fun experiences and activities that one should open themselves to, and this was hard for me as an incoming freshman at LMU because I was one (and still sort of am) who likes to stay in my comfort zone.

Julia

As a first year student at Loyola Marymount University, a few things come to mind that I wish I knew as a senior in high school. If I were a senior in high school, I would give myself many pieces of advice. First of all, I would tell myself to take advanced placement classes and work as hard as I could in each of them, so I would be enabled to have many transfer credits. If I had more transfer credits, I would not have to worry about fulfilling core requirements that did not have to do with my major. Second, I would tell myself to spend as much time as possible with the ones who I shared close relationships with. Once one attends college, they are not able to spend as much time with the ones they love. Third, I would tell myself to take the time to explore different careers that I may be interested in and therefore have more of an idea if the major I chose was the correct choice for me.

Adesola

I would advise myself to try harder in those Advance Placement classes. I say this because yes I knew that maybe taking AP classes could get me college credit but I had no true understanding to what that meant. Now I see that I could have finished a few general education class credits and taken more classes in which I have greater interests. I also would have encouraged myself to further explore my passions. Those weekends when I was sitting on my butt in front of the television I hould have been out in the community doing more volunteer work in various places like the hospital, law offices, clerical postions, etc. Then I would have had those experiences under my belt and I would know what I like to do in regards to a career. I also would have tried to search more fervently for more private scholarships. My parents can barely provide for themselves at home with my brother and I expect them to dish out thousands a year for my schooling. I do not know what I was thinking, but now I am more actively searching for financial aid, but should have started sooner.

Christina

I would tell myself not to worry because so much changes in the next 4 years! I have the chance to begin anew and although it's extremely financially draining, attending my university will give me the personalized attention, confidence and experience I need to graduate and become successful, and obtain a lasting job in the industry of my choice.

Rochelle

Make sure you look for schools depending on the following categories: location, classes/majors offered, diversity, tuition price, size of school, size of classes, academic reputation, activity availability etc. Really narrow down what is most important to you and try to find a school that matches your criteria. Also, start looking junior year as oppsed to senior year. You will be able to really broaden your horizon by being able to look into as many schools as possible, hopefully choosing the best one. Also, start studying for the SAT junior year!

Joshua

Make sure to go to a school where you can be a person not just a number. Also, make sure you stay in contact with everyone you can who is important with you. Letting people fall by the wayside has a much larger affect in the future than you can imagine. Try to just have fun and not worry about the future. It's only 4 years!

Kyle

As a high school senior I would give myself the advice to make sure to choose a school that is in a town or area that has lots of activities that I enjoy doing. If your interest are winter sports, go to a school in the mountains. In my case I love the beach and so I went to a school near the ocean. For most people going to class does not make them happy, it is the activities you do and the friends you have that will make you happy. Further, do not go to any school based on anyone else or one anything that is uncertain. DO NOT go to the same school as a boyfriend/girlfriend, and do not go to a school based on any kind of verbal promises from the school. If the school promises you something such as financial aid, make sure you get it in writing.

Emma

I would have gotten involved much earlier because I feel that once people have met friends, they stay with that clique and it's hard to make friends after that. I would have been a lot more adventurous in meeting people and introduced myself to many more of my peers so that I could meet as many people as I could. The transition was very hard for me because I am from Boston and was going to school in Los Angeles where most freshmen go home on weekends so I would have tried to meet more people that were around on weekends rather than just being mad that all of these people were going home. I would have also done more academically because I did not realize that school would get harder as I got older. I am not unhappy with how I did, but I do wonder how well I could have done if I tried as hard as I have to now in class.

Katie

Stay positive about everything, be ambitious and try new things.

Jennifer

Be yourself!!! DO NOT try to conform to those areound you. College is not about fitting in or going with the crowd, it is about finding yourself and growing. Becoming the foundation of the person you will be for the rest of your life.

Mireille

The advice I would give myself is to stay focused on your goals and what is important to you. Throughout a college life, it's easy to lose track of these goals and paths with a new social life and new environment. There is no doubt that transitioning from high school to college is a grand step and important change in one's life, however, one should always remember the reason for going to college and continue to pursue a higher education. A student in college should start early in taking advantage of the endless opportunities and resources that are available in any college or university. I would suggest to thoroughly research one's college in order to learn about the resources available. Learn more about campus life, extracurricular activites, clubs, career centers and events. I would suggest to build strong connections with everyone one encounters in college, including professors, academic advisors and, of course, peers and classmates. College is truly an amazing life experience, and enables one to grow as a person.

Louise

My biggest piece of advice is to always have an open mind about everything. Don't stress out too much about your acceptances and rejections because you will end up where you are truly meant to be. At first I had my doubts because I was attending my first choice school, but once I went to my summer orientation I knew that this was the best fit for me. When you get to campus, take advantage of everything! Go to all the events, socialize with others in your dorm, get to know your professors, find an on-campus job--do whatever interests you and be active! College is unlike any experience that you have had before. You will meet tons of new people and learn from them about the world you haven't experienced for yourself. Even better, you'll learn more and more about yourself as you adjust to a new environment with new freedoms and opportunities to live your life as best as you can!

John

Make sure you vist your college....and if you like it...then you wont love it....You must Love it in order to decide where you want to go....

Samantha

When I was choosing my college, I thought about what I liked and disliked about my high school experience. I knew I wanted smaller classes, an emphasis on community service, and well-equipped research facilities because I liked my small, commuity-oriented high school but really wished I had been given a stronger background in science. I would encourage anyone else to reflect upon the same thing when thinking about what they're looking for in a school. As for getting the most out of college, one of the most important things is to find a good group of friends, the people who will be with you and support you throughout the experience. College is a social environment with many niches of interest. Try to join clubs or participate in activities you truly enjoy in order to find other people with whom you'd get along. Make sure your friends care about their responsiblities as much as you do. That will make it much easier to manage your social life and your studies.

Emily

The most important thing when considering a college is whether or not you are confortable in the environment. If the academics fit but the people and the autmosphere are unappealing, you will be unhappy. College is about discovering who you will be as an adult and finding out what fundimental aspects of life are important to you. You must consider it as your new home and universe; whatever defined you in high school and while living with your parents is no longer applicable. You have an opportunity to fulfill your dreams and explore adult life in a safe environment. College is a strange part of life where you do not have all the responsibilities of adults but are also as independent as you wish to be. It is important to consider morals and values while in college and you can use your classes, professors and friends to discover what is right for you. Most of all, be true to your feelings when picking a school, the bottom line can sometimes come down to a vibe or instinct. Listening to your insticts can make your college experience the best ever and a jumping off point for the rest of your life.

Desmond

College is scary, fun, exhilarating, overwhelming, and incredible all at the same time. Choosing the college that is best for you involves a lot of research on a lot of schools. Look for student testimonies, because those are the most legitimate source of information on your school. Never settle. Choose a school that is challenging, and far away from your comfort zone. Follow your heart and don't try to be strictly practical, because you'll never be happy with your choice if that's the case. College lasts for four years and for those four years live the life you've always imagined, but have never had the opportunity to experience. Don't let fear steer you away from your choice, because it's too far away, or costs too much, or you don't think you could get in, so why bother applying? My school was a reach for me to get into, it is 3000 miles away from my home, and coming from a single parent home, it cost about $50,000 more than I could afford. But I took a chance and I've never been happier.

Jorge

You're son or daughter is involved in a school called life. Let them experience, let them be who they want to be. Let them do what they want to do, let them be scared, nervous, anxious, happy, lonely. This transformation to a college experience is what makes up a good human being. A "good" student is he/she who challanges their own education. Let your son or daughter be that student.

Sophia

Use the resources to visit the campus. The atmosphere the whole student body, school, and campus create can not be totally described in words or numbers or any other form. It is something you must sense for yourself. One of the last family trips can be campus touring! Once you discover the perfect school, you will truly know. The experience derived from a college or university is just as unexplainable as knowing what school to choose. Even the predetermined students who have a career in mind often discover an array of passion and intrest in other directions. This is the broadening experience that everyone must go through their selves. After some school, the giant investment will be found equal (if not less worthy) to the experience that was gained. Keep in heart, that no matter the struggle, effort, and hardship you and your family will go through to get you this experience, the experience itself will never be devalued. Even when the world economy falls apart, you will still have this experience to hold on to!

Desiree

I would definitely advise students to visit the campus they are thinking about attending. After you have been accepted to your prospective colleges make a huge effort to go visit every single one of them before you make your decision! I thought I always wanted to go to school in San Diego but after visiting the schools there I realized it was not for me. The moment I stepped onto LMU I knew I found my home for the next four years! That special feeling you get inside you, that spark, really does exist! I promise! I cannot even believe I am already finishing my second year. School flies by! So enjoy every day, realize that these could possibly be your last years in school, so enjoy what you are doing academically and socially. Find a balance between schoolwork and going out. These past two years have been the best years of my life! Get involved, meet people, it is an amazing experience!

Jillian

The best advice I could give parents and/or students who are trying to figure out which college is best would be to first decide whether or not you want a large or small campus. Then, look at your choices you have to choose from: what major are you thinking about going in to and which college would be the best fit for that? Do you want to be really involved in the greek life (LMU has fraternities and serorities, but not houses)? Do you want to stay in state or move out of state (location has a lot to do with it)? Does it matter if the campus has a football team (LMU does not, but there are many sports offered)? Do small class sizes matter (LMU does not have more than 25 or so people per classroom)? What is the percentage rate of students getting jobs out of college and how well has the school prepared you for that (LMU has an awesome career and development center to set you up with jobs and internships)? I think all of these are valid questions that you need to think about befroe you make you final decisions. Good luck!

Chelsea

Most people say that you have to figure out what you want to do in life before you enter college. But that's not the truth at all. Hardly anyone in their first year of college knows what they want to do for the rest of their lives, let alone for one semester in college. To make things easier on the student, you should figure out whether you prefer a large campus with many students or a smaller campus with fewer. I think having fewer students is much better because the teacher to student ratio is much lower, allowing each student to get the help they need. Also, location is key. You don't want to be stuck somewhere halfway across the country if you're very close to your family. You also don't want to be in a climate that you're not happy with because believe me, that can have an impact on a lot of things in your life. Join a sorority/fraternity and make as many friends as possible. Take part in extra-curricular activities and join service organizations. And most of all, be yourself.