Loyola University Maryland Top Questions

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

Alex

The best advice that I would give myself as a high school senior is: "Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone." A person's comfort zone varies between individuals, but life begins when you become a little uncomfortable. For me, this was saying goodbye to my high school friends and meeting new people at school. I was unbelievably nervous the first morning of college, but there was no need to be. I didn't know anyone at my school, but I became involved on campus and met great people. Although I was nervous, it was absolutely worth temporary nerves. For anyone entering college, your comfort zone could be joining a club, recreational sport, or volunteering with students. You will gain great experiences and meet friends for life.

Jordan

Let go. Fear was too inhibitive when I was getting ready for college. What if my plans didn't work out the way I wanted them to? What if I didn't get the right education for what I want to do? What if I don't make friends? What if I don't fit in? What if I can't hande the work? These are the fears that will make the first semester in college unbareable. College is going to be new. It's going to be challenging. It's going to expose you to new people and new situations. You're going to feel uncomfortable. So stop worrying. There's nothing you can do about it. The best way to cope with the new scenarios is to embrace them. You're going to meet new people, so why not make them your best friends? You're going to work hard, so why not engage the material as if it was the most interesting thing in the world? You're going to live alone, so why not make it an adventure? Fear can be binding, but so can your attitude. You get from your experience what you put in.

Nicole

I would tell myself that it's all going to work out fine. I know that I stress and I get frustrated over things that other people can usually take ther time with and finish without any problems. I know that I don't like to make mistakes and everything I do has to be perfect. However, if I could go back in time I would tell my self that that's okay. In being a college freshman, it means that I'm new to the school and the routine of things and odds are that I am probably going to make a mistake here and there. I would also tell myself that there are people who could help me and that I didn't have to do it on my own. Yet, that's possible too, I can handle anything and all I have to do is take my time and proceed in a calm, orderly fashion. If I could tell myself that so soon into my college education I would be holding down a job, balancing five classes, meeting tons of new people and having an amazing time while i was doing it, I would do it.

Kathleen

20 years. 20 years to step out of my comfort zone. 20 years to actively choose to raise my hand in class. 20 years of lost chances to prove how much potential I contain. 2 years changed everything.Looking back at myself as a senior in high school, I was not ready for college and I quickly learned college was going to be challenging. The advice I would give to myself would be to step out of my comfort zone on the first day. The first two years of college, I did not participate in class and my grades suffered because of that decision. I would tell myself to not care what others think. During the last two years, I did what I should have done going into my freshman year. I raised my hand in class, I obtained a position of leadership, and I achieved socially and academically. If I were going into my freshman in the fall, I would push myself to level of intensity I demanded of myself during my junior and senior year. The overall advice I would give myself would be to have confidence. 20 years is 2 years too long to not have confidence.

Janelle

I would tell myself that it is a time to figure out who you are and to embrace that.

Jeffrey

All of the schools you have been accepted to are good schools for you. (Well, I KNOW that the school you (I) went to is good; I'm assuming about the others.) Ultimately, though, just pick the school's that giving you the most money. If they're all great, go with the cheapest option. Other than that, I know you don't want to know too much about the future, and you know you'll be fine.

Aryn

Relax. Breathe. You might have these high aspirations to travel far away, but don't go too far, you will get homesick! You are so kind and friendly, people are going to love you wherever you go. Keep those grades up as well. Being studious is a major part of college. Not only that, but professors do not hand out answers here; be prepared to work hard to earn those grades! Also, get involved in as much as you can in order to not only further your own interests, but to also project your personality to others. Do not be afraid to take chances and try things that you would not normally -- no, not those kinds of things, more like joining clubs, talking to different people, and taking classes that challenge your intellect. Finally, be wise about how you are living your life. Taking care of yourself is the most important aspect of college. Eat well, workout regularly, and surround yourself with people who love you. Go forth, my younger self, and succeed!

David

In college, I knew my approach to classes would need to be different. Instead of being reactive to my studies as I had been in high school, I knew to be successful I would need a new stategy. My new approach included: 1) taking more time to thoroughly review the course syllabus for each class at the beginning of each semester, 2) making a calendar of all the work for all my classes for the semester so I could balance my work load and avoid becoming overwhelmed, 3) going to classes prepared each day, 4) becoming a regular contributor, and 5) making an effort to be known by my instructors. In high school, I had taken many classes that I had little interest in, that were required for graduation, and where I needed to earn a good grade, so I could get into a good college. In college, I came to the realization that I would be studying many more courses in which I had a very high level of interest. It made how I studied and interacted with my professors integral to my success. College is like a new computer game; those who adapt gain the greatest success.

Jarrett

I would have been sure to tell myself that moving on to college is simply a transition in to the next phase of life. Coming into college, I was so worried about losing all of the aspects of my old life (friends, traditions, family) that I was not able to be myself at the start of college. I was more worried about talking to my old friends in high school than I was about making new friends all together. Because of my close-mindedness coming into Loyola, the transition was much harder on me than it should have been. I had trouble making friends and keeping up with my schoolwork. It took me about two months to relax and realize that college is simply opening new doors for me, not closing old ones. By Christmas break, I was having a great time at school and could hardly wait to get back for the second semester. I wish I had come in to school with that mindset instead of resisting change so stubbornly.

Gabrielle

College is a great experience in so many ways. The biggest (and best) change from high school will be in your social life

Ian

I have gotten the knowledge and drive to become the best person I can be from going to Loyola College. The college teaches us how to be people, not just cogs in a machine. The philosophy, math and religion courses all helped me to understand the world that I have entered in to and the people that I deal with on a regular basis. Loyola is a great college that made me grow as a person to understand the world. I am a better person for the education I recieved at Loyola, not just in accounting but also in life.

Courtney

The most beneficial thing I have gotten out of my college experience at Loyola University in Maryland is the ability to adapt and learn in the 'real world'. Loyola has a diverse core requirement, as well as other requirement for each major. These classes and experiences are difficult because they challenge students in ways they did not expect, but I am thankful for that. I have had to force myself to learn subjects I did not think I was good at, but suprisingly became interested in new things. I also have had great experiences through Loyola's center for community service. They encourage us to volunteer whenever we can, and my eyes have been open to the different types of people in Baltimore. Also, through studying abroad, I have had to adapt to a new environment, but in turn I learned much about myself and other cultures. All of these unique experiences Loyola encourages students to take part in have shaped our college experience. Loyola promotes learning as a whole person, and I think i have experienced this. I believe I am now able to assert myself in different situations, and know I can continue to learn from all experiences.

Michael

The college experience has been a inherently fulfilling one for me. I left high school with the mindset to fail because, frankly, I hated school with the deepest, darkest, blackest hate I had in me. I assumed that working straight out of high school would be the path I would most certainly take -- a path that the past three generations of my family had taken. Despite this, I wanted to give college a try, so, I attended Harford Community College, located about ten minutes from my home. Something ignited in me; a fire, a beautiful violet flame of passion took hold of my mind. A miraculous change happened, and I was enthralled with learning. I went from being a straight C student with no motivation in high school, to a straight A student with the deepest desire for knowledge almost overnight. After completing my associated with honors, I attended University of Maryland, College Park, which I found to be an overwhelming sea of people. I finished a semester with a 4.0 GPA, and now I am moving on to Loyola. This whole experience of transferring and learning has taught me to be an independant, open-minded, and engaging person.

Kayla

The best thing I have gotten out of my college experience so far is just a healthy dose of the real world. It's very different than high school; I could say that I feel judged on other things besides the way I dress, or talk, or what new cell phone I own, but I don't feel judged at all. I go to a community college and I notice at other large university campuses that there still seems to be a feel of cliques. In all colleges it seems though, it's different from high school because it prepares you for the real world; high schools say they do that, but that's not true, they prepare you for college. In college, professors don't care what your excuse is, you have to learn to cope when you make a mistake. But at the same time, there is so much more independence and college is the time to learn to balance what you want to do versus what you need to do.

Christine

Attending Loyola College in Maryland has been valuable to me for a number of reasons. Firstly, I learned how to properly and effectively study for intense science courses, which will strongly help in graduate school, and secondly, I learned to stay true to the person I was brought up to be and to not be influenced by those with differing values. The science courses I took at Loyola were great practice for those I will soon be taking in pharmacy school beginning this September. Science professors at Loyola said they aimed to have students learn detail and actually understand the material by teaching as if they were professors in medical schools. Loyola tends to attract very wealthy and sheltered students. I found myself surrounded by people who had never had a job and seemed to have had everything they needed handed to them by their parents. At first I found it somewhat difficult to not feel out of place, or even inferior, but as time went on, I realized how much I appreciated how I was brought up. In the midst of these students, I kept my priorities straight, remembering the significance of compassion and the insignificance of extravagance.

Meghan

I have learned a lot about myself through my experiences over the last three years of college. Academically, I have consistently proven that I am extremely hardworking, goal-oriented and determined to learn. I have also discovered that I am motivated and not easily discouraged when faced with a challenge. Whether it was an ominous chemistry class or finding a healthy balance with a tiresome schedule, persistence and the ability to ask for help when necessary have led me to great overall success. Outside of the classroom I have engaged in numerous leadership and community service activities, including athletics, leading a weekend retreat, tutoring marginalized youth in Baltimore, planning and leading freshman orientation, and co-founding a club on campus, that have further clarified my strengths and interests. I have a passion for working for and with others in all aspects of my life. Attending this school has taught me the importance of collaboration and the amplified power of multiple minds working together. Attending Loyola College provided me with a challenging yet nurturing environment which fostered my love for the sciences as well as giving back to my community. I discovered who I want to be here.

Marisa

Even today, I can't believe that I am here persuing my masters degree in a profession I love, living with friends I made my freshman year, in a city I never knew about, but is as ingrained in myslef as my own hometown. If I could talk to my 17-year-old self, confused and scared, I'd tell her what 4 years in college has taught me...and what I am still learning. "Be open to change, be honest with yourself, and strive for balance. The future seems daunting, and you might not know it, but you will find a major that incorporates all of your interests and talents. You will feel like you don't fit in, but if you let your guard down you will meet your lifelong friends here. You will also become closer to your family despite the distance. Be someone other people want to count on, but don't put too much pressure on yourself. There will be academic and personal challanges, so study hard, pace yourself, and remember to think before you act. Believe in yourself, stay motivated, and believe in the good of others, and things will always fall into place. "

Janelle

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior the main thing I would tell myself is to apply to more scholarships because paying for college is very expensive. A person doesn't know how expensive college is until they actually start to pay for it. I would also focus more on the diversity of the school, and the number or type of core classes that need to be taken. I would tell myself as a senior to not get so caught up with one or two mind blowing things that I hear about the school and to dig deeper to know if this is a place I could spend four years of my life in.

Kathryn

The first piece of advice I would give myself is to think about my future goals and what I want out of life, before deciding on the college of my choice. I think you need to know what is important to you and what kind of experience you want to have, in order to decide on a school. When you know more about yourself, the easier it is to choose a school that will offer you what you need and what you want. And the one thing to always remember is that as long as you have a goal, you will always be working towards something. Even while you are working towards one thing and another opportunity arises, you will be able to take it, but if you don't have any goals set in the first place then more opportunities will never be able to unfold and present themselves. Things happen when we take action. It isn't about luck, it is about setting yourself up so that you life is able to unfold. You might even find something that you didn't even know you were looking for!

Shannon

If i could go back and talk to my high school self, I would say that college life is a great experience to should not be wasted. I would say to do as much as you can in college because it only happens once. I would stress getting invovled with lots of opportunities like studying abroad, volunteering, and clubs because they could help decide your career choice and expose you to things you would have otherwise missed out on. My advice would be to make good friends that you keep in touch with forever and can always reminisce about the wonderful college experiences with. I would say to always put your education first and don't follow the leader by skipping classes and missing assignments. Take the oppoturnity to engage in your learning even further than the class. room. To sum it up, Do and Learn as much as you can.

Alicia

Dear Alicia, Meet as many people as possible! Be yourself and stop worrying about what you think others are thinking, you are most likely overeacting. Don't spend time with people who leave you feeling drained and worthless. Reach out to everyone to find out where you fit. Secondly, stay involved! Join a club that you like and stick with it. Lastly, try to keep your life in balance. School work should be most important, that is why you're at college. Though it might feel like the end of the world if you can't go to the party on Friday, you will benefit more greatly than you can imagine in academics. Try to study atleast two days in advance for a test. If you don't understand something, talk to your professor. They will be more than willing to help. A lot of them turn out to be very interesting people who genuinely care about you. They have stood where you are! Most importantly, try to get out what you want from your school. Make the experience one you can look back proudly on. You only go to college once in your life!

Lauren

Currently, I am a well adjusted happy sophmore in college because of the choices I made. But during the summer before I entered college I began to experience unlimited amounts of anxiety about everything. I even went so far as to talk myself into staying home with my parents so that I could feel safe, secure, and stress free. Sure, there were older college students who advised me about various things to look out for and experience in college, but some how I could not relate to what they were telling me. If I could relive those days again I would learn how to love and respect myself more. I let other people persuade me into applying for colleges that I knew in my heart I could never be happy attending. Knowing who you are and what you want to become is an integral part of that major decision on where you want to spend your next four years. Visit as many colleges as you can while classes are in session, eat in the cafeteria, workout in the gym, and stay over night. Advice from others is ok, but only your heart will make the decision for you.

Joel

Go to a place that is going to make you want to go to school every single day, whether it is for the classes or for the social life. Going to a school based solely on the financial aid is not what makes your college career good or bad. Sometimes having to pay more for a place that makes your day to day life more enjoyable is actually better than paying a little for no social life.

Rachel

Work as hard as possible and don't slack off at all. Even if you think you don't have work to do one night there's always work you can getdone ahead of time. Join clubs as soon as possible and get involved as soon as possible to help make friends and connections. Talk to professors if you have any questions about anything concerning classwork, schoolwork, etc.

Melanie

We as students sometimes feel pressure that we need to find the perfect school; that unless we fit into the college campus perfectly, our entire experience as undergraduate students will be ruined. After my freshman year, I can most certainly assure you - it's really more important that the school fits you as a person. If you exit college the same person you entered, you have missed out. College is a time not only for learning, but primarily for growing up, and the school you finally choose needs to allow you room to grow, to expand, to build yourself as a person and learn who you, the adult you, really is. My most important advice is to not search for the college that you absolutely-have-to-go-there-or-else-you-refuse-to-go-to-school-at-all. Look for the school where you think will mold to who you are, and never let it be the other way around. Parents? Don't worry. Your child is no longer - they are going to grow up. Make sure his or her school is a place that will let them.

Amanda

I would have to say that go with what feels right. You should feel comfortable walking around campus, and be able to picture yourself there. Make sure you have some idea of what you may want to do, even if you have a couple options, and make sure the school has the appropriate programs, as well as the ability to switch programs if you choose to. Also realize that more and more often, students are going to graduate school, which can be much more expensive than college. So consider financial aid and scholarships to a school where you might be able to shine, compared to the school where you'd pay full price to be part of the crowd. As you begin college, realize that you have the potential to be anything you want to be. Know your dreams, and go after them.

Megan

Visit all types of schools. Get a tour guide. Pick it like an outfit, what you want to wear around and represent. Think of the changes you want to make to your life in your decision. Pick an area close enough and far enough.

Beatrice

Make sure to visit the school.

Rita

Go to a school that feels right for you. If it's a great school, but their science program isn't up to par and you want to go to medical school, then maybe go to a not so well renound school that focuses more on the science then on the humanities. Also, think about if you want a well rounded education, or if you'd be happier just studying in your own area. Finally, really think about the size of your school. Do you want small for small classes? Or do you want bigger for a more diverse social life and school spirit.

Laura

College is about what "feels right" to you. Education can be amazing anywhere; there will always be dedicated, knowlegable professors and academically challenging classes at almost any college or university. However, college is your home away from home. It becomes a part of your life that you will want to remember with a smile for the rest of it. So when you visit a college, take it all in, picture yourself there living, learning, and loving it. If you can't do that, it's probably not right for you. Make sure the feeling you get when you are experiencing the college for the first time is something you want to feel for four years. That's what is most important; to have the feeling that "yes, this is where I need to be."

Amanda

I would advise students to really take a look at the people on campus when they visit. Although it seems superficial, appearances are often what they seem on the college campus. If you do not think you would feel comfotable among the people you see on campus, I would advise that you keep looking until you find one that seems right. Also, sometimes a campus just "feels" right. Don't doubt this feeling, sometimes you just know that this is the place you're meant to be. I think it is important to ask students questions that seem important to you like social life, classes, and financial aid. Both students and parents should consider all financial aid options including scholarships and loans before deciding on a college. If you can avoid debt after college or at least minimize it, this is a key factor. Most of all, I recommend that students choose a place that could feel like home because the reality is, their choice is going to be their home for the next four years and they should feel comfotable in their new home.

Meredith

If you really enjoyed your high school experience, try to find a school that reminds you of your high school classmates in a geographical area that reminds you of home. Be sure to visit both small and big campuses as well as urban and non urban so you get a good grasp at what both look like. Make sure the college has classes you're interested in!

Kate

Visit the school and find a school that makes you most comfortable.

Kevin

When you are picking a school there is more to oit that just the basic facts. Scholarship money, Social Scene, Academics, Food, Housing and all the rest are only a part of the picture. I would recomend that every student visit the campus and spend a few days shadowing students to both in and out of classes to find out if this is how they want to spend the next four years of their lives. Your gut instinct will tell you a lot. Get away from your tour guide, or at least get them off the script and find out what really goes on, what are the students talking about, what do they do on weekends, how many are really involved in the student government or volunteering. These things will always give you a better guage than anything on paper, and you'll thank yourself for taking the time and making the effort, because picking a school that fits you, really can make all the difference in whether you succeed and how much fun getting that success will be.

Jacqueline

My college experience is unique because I transferred after my sophomore year. My first school was a big state school (read: party school). The school I transferred to was a small liberal arts college with a well-respected reputation, especially locally. When looking for a school, the advice that I would give to a prospective student would be: -pick a school where you think you'll have fun! You're away from your parents, and trust me, you won't be studying 24-7. -pick a school where your degree will mean something. Remember, you actually have to get a job or go to grad school after this. Lastly, I would encourage students who aren't happy at their current school to give it a year. After that, if you're still not happy, TRANSFER! College is supposed to be the best 4 years (or more!) of your life, so make sure you live it up. And take pictures!

Campbell

this college works for many goals

Nicholas

first impressions are huge during a college search. try to visit all the colleges you apply to and see if you like the campus while at the school. Also if you goto a smaller school, there is a greater chance that there will be smaller classes, meaning the teachers care if you miss a class or aren't prepared. Always be prepared for class and make sure you do all the reading before class it makes class 1000xs easier

Kelsey

Be true to yourself if you're the student, and trust your child if you're the parent. Tour as many schools as possible and apply to a variety of places. After you've been accepted, tour places again. You'll know which one feels right. First semester make a genuine effort to just relax and have fun. College is about discovering who you are, not about trying to impress other people. Focus on what YOU are getting out of this awesome experience; good friends and experiences will follow. Call your parents at least once a week. Try something new, but stay connected to something you loved during high school. Most importantly, you're learning all the time--from the classroom to the laundry room. Pay attention. Get out of your comfort zone. Discover, ultimately, who you want to be because nowhere else is it more possible than in college.

Garrett

Be sure to find a school that is fun and can help you with financial aid.

Lauren

I would tell students that looking at the social aspects of a school is just as important as looking at academics. The social aspect is something that is hard to look-up on a website, or in the Princeton Review, but it is the one factor that I think determines a student's happiness at school, and whether or not he/she will transfer. I would tell students that it's not the biggest decision of your life, and yes college is fun, but it dosen't have to be the best four years of your life, no one needs that much pressure. I don't know if there's one "right" college, sometimes you have to find good options and go with them, I've found it's better to strive for success not perfection. In order to make the most of the college experience, I would recomend studying abroad for a semester or a full year, because that's when I learned the most. And I would recomend not holding anything back and seeking out what you want to do and be a part of immediately when you step on campus freshman year.

Megan

When selecting the right college, it is important to know what conditions that you work best in. The size of the classooms, the setting of the campus, and the conditions of housing are all very important aspects to consider. My first year at Loyola, I was happy to be in smaller classrooms because I was able to have more personal contact with the professors. My relationship with certain professors and their impact on my learning experience is what I cherish the most about my undergraduate college education. The biggest reason I was successful at Loyola was because I was actively involved in campus activities and jobs. Before I got involved on campus I felt out of place. That feeling made it harder to succeed in academics and social acitivites. It also leads to feelings of being homesick, depressed, and feeling inadequate. Once I started getting more involved in student life, campus ministry, and volunteer activities, I had more friends and more outlets for stress. I felt like I belonged on campus and began thriving socially, academically and spiritually. Upon graduation, I was hundred times more confident in myself and my abilities than when I first began my journey at Loyola.

john

Find a school that appeals to the strengths that you have. For example, if you have an extremly social background then find a school that has a greater focus on social life. If you are more career focused then find a school that is good for your major, even if the social life is lacking. Basically find what suits your needs and go for it. Research is important before you choose the school that you go to. College is the best four years of your life and most people only get to do it once so make the best of it, no matter what you are looking for.

Kasey

My advice to a student would be not to get caught up in the competition. Any school is what you make of it regardless of its name, status, or its alumni. Any student at Harvard will get as much out of the school as they put in, so when it comes down to it, it's all about how much you are willing to challenge yourself for the next four years. For parents, my suggestion would be to allow your child to spread their wings and make their own decision, because if they feel forced in any way, they are likely to feel like they had very little say over such a huge part of their future. No child will be happy if they are forced into something, especially I child that considers themself an adult. As far as making the most of the college experience, my advice would be to get involved in EVERYTHING that interests you. College is a time to branch out and explore and foster differnet aspects of your personality that you may not have been comfortable showing in high school. Take the opportunity and run with it. You have nothing to lose.

Lisa

Go visit the campus several times. Talk to students who already attend that school. Research about the surrounding area and the school itself on the internet. Talk to professors or someone in the department that the student is looking to major in. Consider what type of school the student wants - small/large, city/countryside, etc.

meghan

Make sure you know you can afford the school you decide to go to.

Carly

College is about finding yourself. Education is important but so it the environment you live in. The location, size and quality of the campus are important factors when looking at colleges. It is important to try as many things as you can when entering college. Through classes, friends and service it is easy to watch yourself mature and grow into a strong person. Don't take college lightly, you will learn more about yourself and those around you than you could ever imagine.

marissa

make sure you really search around before applying and talk to people who are currently students there to see if you can relate.

Richard

In selecting a college that is right for you, it is important to visit the college for tours, to talk to students who are already there who you may know, and to arrange an overnight visit if possible. Doing these things will help you get a small feel for how a school is. If you do all three of those things and feel as if you could envision yourself attending as a student, then you're probably making the right choice. Be sure as well to consider the size and environment of the college; urban vs. rural, big v. small, etc. and consider which set of criteria suits you best. The one thing you should NOT do is rush into picking a college without touring it or talking to anyone that goes there, or dismiss a college because it's a "safety school." Sometimes, so-called "safety-schools" are more of a fit for people than larger, tougher universities. Above all, research the schools to which you are applying, and talk to several people who go to each. This way, you can make an informed decision about where to attend.

Meg

Think about the things you really enjoy doing before you pick what location you would like to be in when it comes to school. If you love the outdoors, be sure to pick a school where that type of program is available. Give yourself plenty of options to choose from so that if you don't have a top choice, you still have plenty of schools to choose from when it comes time to make a decision.

James

I recommend visiting every college that the student applies to, and making sure they have the activities the student wishes to participate in. Make sure the dorms are satisfactory, and that there is good transportation. Go for the school that provides the most financial aid. Get involved in on-campus activities, and start interacting with the career center as soon as possible.