Loyola Marymount University Top Questions

For future college students, the only advice I could give is to take full advantage of the social activities at their college, in addition to keeping up with schoolwork, because it will make them into well-rounded career-oriented adults after graduation.

Parents?as much as you wish you could relive your college years, your role here is to act as a guide. Organize application deadlines, SAT classes, campus tours, but refrain from influencing your son or daughter?s ultimate decision. Students?choose the place that is the best fit for you. What kind of environment do you want to be surrounded by? The size of the institution has a big effect on your experience, specifically look into class sizes. Try to talk to a student who goes to that college and get the insider scoop. Tour the campus with that person instead of the generic tours set up by the university; you will learn a lot more. Visit all of the universities you are seriously considering. Once you are in, make the most of your experience by allowing yourself to be vulnerable. Leaving your comfort zone is scary but worthwhile. Do not make a few good friends and stick to them like bacon grease on a frying pan your entire freshman year. Leave the door open, and no, not just the one to your dorm room.

I would like to tell them, if given the opportunity, to never think that anything is impossible, because absolutely nothing is. I come from a very modest family background, and there were times when my parents couldn't afford to put food on the table. However, nothing stopped them from encouraging me to further my education and, furthermore, go to the school I aspired to go to. Dreams do become reality, I can say this because I am living mine out right this very moment. Do not let anything hold you, student, or you, parent, back from making those dreams in your head into the life you live out each and every day. I can tell you, honestly, that there is nothing particularly easy about staying focused in times of distraction and/or frustration. You might be worried about how you're going to afford all those books, or how is it possible to finish that 10 page paper and study for that midterm. Keep your goals always close to your heart, work hard academically, but at the same time learn to take it all in. Become involved and engaged in activities on campus and make the best of it!!

The best advice I could give students is to go to campus when school is in session and walk around. See what the culture on campus is. Some people might like where everyone seems the same, others may want a very diverse campus. It is all about each individual's comfort level. Once you are there, get involved in things that you like, walk around with your head up and smile at people, talk to people in your classes, and get help from professors or TA's. Make sure you work hard, but also make time for fun. Seek help when you need it, it is closer than you ever think that it is. Above all, you have to realize that you will add something to the school and you will also get something from it as well.

Have fun and work hard.

When you go to look at schools, try to picture yourself walking to classes there. Put yourself living in the dorms and using the rec center. If you feel comfortable, happy and somewhat at home, then chances are that is a good fit for you. But don't be afraid of "settling". You should not have to settle for anything, so if there is a change you want to see in the school, make it! It is your school, your campus, your education so make it what you want it to be.

Visit the campuses that you are seriously considering, and take the time to go on tours, speak with students, meet with professors, sit in on classes, and spend the night if that is an option. Envision yourself there, and remove all biases of university prestige. Pick the college where you believe you can grow the most, intellectually, spiritually, socially, and mentally. Ultimately, college is what you make of it, so get involved in more than one way: Join clubs, rush the Greek system, form study groups, attend university-sponsored events. Live up to your university's mission statement, and leave a mark. Four years move quickly, and if you don't go to class, meet people unlike yourself, have substantial conversations with your professors and administrators, nurture your social life, and feed your spirit you will not be a better person once you hold that Bachelor's degree.

First off start early with your planning. There are many helpful sights on the internet--Fast Web, Princton review, etc. use them. Definitely utilize your guidance counselors, and speak with the Financial aide office at the college you are planning on attending,definitely take tours of the Universities you are considering. Make lists of what you truly want out of your College experience as well as the academics offered ie: majors, internship or job placement, class size, urban or rural, etc.. Once excepted and the decision is made, get involved, no matter if you live on or off campus. Join a club, attend school functions, play an itramural sport, find an interest besides your academics, College is amazing and fun. But, you need to find your fun--it is not going to find you. The 4 years will go by so quickly, don't graduate with any regrets, this is your time to explore--so as the saying goes "Just do it". This is the opportunity to become the best person you can be -take the bull by the horn and hold on, College can be an amazing, wondeful and wild ride.