Notre Dame College Top Questions

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

Nicole

I would tell myself to not bring as much stuff to college. I would also tell myself that it does get better, and even though you're going through a rough time right now, you're going to accept yourself for who you are and figure it out. You might not want to attend Notre Dame but pick a more diverse and accepting school. Focus on acadmics and manage your money a little better. Apply for scholarships and grants while you can. You don't have to figure out what you want to do with your life right now. You're going to get away from the people that pick on you right now and you're going to make a lot of long-lasting friends and professional connections that are going to help you get a job doing what you love. Just be proud of who you are and stay confident. It does get better.

Christine

If I were to go back in time to my high school self I would tell her to go to a college she is most compassionate about, one that you feel comfortable at, and one that meets all your standards. It is never fun going to a college that you do not enjoy being at or one that you cannot afford. I, myself, love the college I attend and would not have selected my choices any different way than I did in high school.

Holli

If I could go back, I would tell myself that college is what you make of it. You might not be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} happy about situations that arise, (whether it be financially, socially, academically, etc.) but you do have control on how you handle and adapt to them. Take the time to research and apply to every scholarship opportunity because while it is time consuming, every little bit helps. Make sure you are aware of all of your scholarship and financial aid opportunities and take full advantage of them. It is easy to get lost in the social life of college; be sure to remember that academics are your priority and find a way to maintain a good balance between school work and social life. Keep your head up and have the confidence to know that you are capable of doing anything you set your mind to, and getting a degree gives you a boost in the right direction!

Brittany

Attending Notre Dame College has been a learning experience for me. So far I have learned that everyday is not easy and everything comes with a price. There are some things that you have to do for yourself and it's time to become independent. Attending this college has been valuable to me because it feels like I entered the real world and I know what I have to deal with when I really do get on my own. I feel that Notre Dame is a school of preparation for life.

Tiera

I have gained knowledge in my field of study, life long friendships, and the confidence to strive for success. The college was just the right size that it allowed me to thrive and participate in healthy competition without me getting lost in the shuffle of so many others. I have truely grown as a person and would do it all over again the exact same way.

Steven

The main thing that I've gotten out of my college experience so far is knowing that I'm able to be myself. Living on your own, deciding on what to eat, if or when your going to do your homework or study, to go out and party or catch up on sleep are all things that I've had to decide on when living on my own in school. I've also valued the fact that the way I perform in college is going to decide what happens to me when I graduate from school. If I'm lazy and don't do well, I might not get the job that I want but since I've been motivatd and focused on my future, I believe I'll be able to obtain the job that I am dreaming of. But in the end I've learned that I can be a successful and productive student all by myself. I believe that's what I value the most because now I know that regardless of what happens after college, I'll be able to live on my own without the guidance or nurturing of my parents.

Tyrone

After attend college for my semester this past fall, I've met new people. Learned more about computers, as well as the things I need to better myself in to be more successful in my major. I am learning how to take care of myself more being on my own four hours away from home. College has been very valuable to me because it is helping me acquire the materials that I need to become more prepare for the job I would like to presue following college.

Nikki

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would strongly encourage myself to start college right away. I would have told myself to finish college before starting a family and to go ahead and be the first one in my family to be a college graduate. If I had known how hard it is now as a parent of three children I would have told myself to graduate from college and start my career as a teacher before becoming a parent. I would have told myself the task of being a college student and a parent at the same time will be the most difficult task you will ever take on. If I would have known back then what I know now about college life and how rewarding it is to be college graduate I would have also told myself to listen to my grandmother when she told me to start colllege and not to stop until I graduated!

Jennifer

The most important piece of advice I could give myself is not to underestimate the value of continuing my education. I would encourage myself to go away to college and remind myself that the feeling my family couldn't survive without me is a feeling based strictly on fear, not reality. I would convince myself that staying dedicated and working hard will be rewarded with a degree in four years. It would take four dedicated years and I would have to wait to spend my money on nice cars and lavish clothing, but the wait would be well worth it. I would stress the importance of staying committed until I have earned a degree. I would tell myself to follow my true passion of teaching children because that is truly the one thing that has always put a smile on my face. Lastly, I would tell the vivacious young woman in front of me, remember to take deep breaths in stressful situations, always smile, and always believe in myself like I do now in the future. I know the education I receive today is a blessing in disguise for the future.

Eva

Getting a college education is a gift that should not be taken lightly. It could be the difference between just living or living with purpose. Open your mind to discovering new people and new possibilities. See the magnificient opportunity to learn from people who come from places all over the world. I am now standing in the center of a view of the past, present, and future in one place! The past, building on what others have fought to give me this opportunity; the present, meeting great voices of the world in each fellow student or professor; and future, preparing to become what I have dreamed of being, a woman educated and educating others. Take advantage of every moment! You are making a great choice.

william

Advice I would give myself as a high school senior, is mostly to take care of business now that can be handled and not worry about other things. I would tell myself to get down to business and work on necesary college things. I would say to start on scholarships and and paper work that you will not have to worry about during the college career. The more you do now the less you will have to do. I would also say, work hard on your last year. what you do now, will definately pay off in the long run. In addition, I would say be humble in all that you do. Taking care of your business and being humble may take you a long way. People will respect you and give you what u deserve; as well as want. People can respect someone who is a dilIgent worker. Once you do your work, then you can enjot your reward in rthe end.

Neil

The best advice I would give myself, as a high school senior is to stay focused. When you're a freshman in college everything seems so new and interesting. It is very easy to get distracted by parties, events and social interaction. I have actually been suspended from school because of my low GPA, which spurred from my lack of focus. After a rough start I was able to get back on track and now I am succeeding and have a 3.1. Long story short, stay focused and you?ll reach your goals.

Kelsey

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to look at more colleges and apply for more scholarships. I am very happy with my decision to go to Notre Dame College, but I could definitely do without the stresses of wondering how I am going to pay for my next semester. I would also tell myself that it would be a good idea to look into living on campus. Living at home is great, but I believe everyone should have the oppurtunity to learn what it is like to live on your own and make your own decisions. By making mistakes and learning from them, i believe that you will be better off, because you know the consequences; for example, sleeping in and missing one of your classes, and finding out the next day that you would have gone over everything that would have been on the final.

Fran

I would tell myself to actually do the research and not wait until the last minute in choosing a school. I really need to focus on the tuition aspect because I am having problems with it now. Even though you are involved in collegiate sports, remember to participate and get involved on the campus that you chose. Remember to not procrastinate and try to your best in whatever you decide!

Maegen

If I were a college senior, I would go on more college visits to see what school I really wanted to be on. I would work harder on my grades, and make sure I knew what I wanted my major to be, and I would take classes to prepare myself for them.

Emily

the best advice i would give to students is to get involved. you can make so much more out of your college years if you get involved. there are so many clubs & campus activites to get involved in if you just look around. you can even make your own activites if you talk to the right people. you'll meet some very fun people, who may even become your life-long friends.dont worry about stereotypes or being judged. be yourself, have fun-but dont totally forget about your studies either...(because thats the reason your going to college.) open yourself up to every new experience; you'll appreciate it in the long run. also do not procrastinate!!!

Virtudes

The best advice I can give regarding searching for the right school is take all things into account...availability of chosen field of study, distance from home, size of classes, price of tuition and availability of student aid. It is important for the student to be comfortable in their environment and to be able to adapt to the classes as easy as possible and for the parents to be able to fund their child's education when tuition is not covered by student aid.

Monica

oxooxoxo

Lauryssa

Students: Start early looking at colleges. Waiting until your Senior year to start your search makes life too hectic. Go on as many visits as possible. You will know in your heart when you find a good fit. Even if you don't think you'll like a specific type of school (big, small, big city) visit one anyway. Knowing what you don't like in a type of school is just as important as knowing what you do like. Have fun with the whole process!!! It's an exciting time in your life. Parents: Trust that you've raised a good kid and let them make their own decision about where they want to go. Don't discuss money until your child has narrowed the search to 2 or 3 schools and get the financial aid info back. Your child will do better in school if they are happy. Schools can come up with some unbelievable financial aid packages if they really want you. Check out all the options.