Saint Leo University Top Questions

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

Sabrina

Advice that I would give to parents or students is to look at small private schools since they offer more interaction between students and teachers. Smaller schools tend to give students a better education since the classrooms are small and teachers can focus their attention on each student and ask questions to make sure everyone is on the same track. Also, look around at schools that offer the most help with loans or scholarships to help pay for school. The school may seem expensive, such as Saint Leo, but they have given me tons of help such as a Florida Resident Scholarship, a Scholarship for having a certain GPA and etc. College is a bid investment so it is important to take your time and check out a few schools and go with what your feel is right.

Michael

The advice that I would give parents is to simple let you kid(s) discover the country and let them discover themselves. Don't force your kids to stay home for college or make them attend a specific university. Let them be free and be able to make a really big decision for themselves. By allowing first time college students to choose where they want to attend school, it gives them their first step of freedom that they are in need of. The advice that I would give to students about finding the right college and making the most of their college experience would be to do research! Find out nformation about each university that appeals to them. When they pick the college that they wish to attend, the next step would be to get involved! Being involved on campus make your college experience worth it. You get to meet new people and create friends for life. It also allows you to stay out of trouble that most students do when they experience new things in college.

Michael

As a prospective student, one may believe that college selection is a big decision. The truth is that college selection is very important these days. With so much to choose from, individuals looking for a college that suits them best often find themselves in a whirlwind of confusion. My best advice is to let the student choose what is right for them, based on their desires, because the person going to school is the student, not the parent. Parents should guide their children financially and realistically so that the student can understand what options are actually feasible. Students should plan to attend a campus tour and to stay overnight in the dorms to get the full effect of the campus. Last but not least, it never hurts to ask for extra financial aid when a college is not within the budget. Making the most out of a college experience begins with clearing one?s mind, and time management. Clear your mind of all worries, past habits, and high school. Arrive with a renewed look on life and positive outlook. Mange your time carefully, plan ahead, and understand that academics come first in college, and your success is guaranteed.

Joshua

dont try to over load your self. take college slow and get good grades. people dont look at how many and how quick you got your classes done, they look at how well you did and how much effort you put into it.

Antonette

In determining the right post-secondary institution, my advice would be to consider all aspects of the school in regards to size, academics, student life, and most importantly, cost. A good school does not always have to be the most expensive. While in college, be open-minded to everything whether it is religion, clothing, food and other aspects that may vary within different ethnic groups. Be active in community service and an involved individual in school groups and orgaizations and strive for a leadership position. Most importantly, remember the reason for attending college: Academics. Stay focused and do not overload your schedule with strenuous courses. Enroll in at least one elective course such as photography or art, that can ease the mind at times of term papers. Lastly, if eligible, take adavantage of work-study, specifically one that applies to your major, and make sure to complete at least two internships prior to graduation. Stay positive!

Daniel

Stray from the norm. I swore by senior year of high school that I would never attend another Catholic/Private institution. I am really glad a did! People seem to be more friendly in St. Leo versus where some of my friends go to college. Also look at the small colleges, bigger may not always be better. I personally enjoy being called by name instead of number 532521. It is not alwways true what your teachers tell you in High School that SAT/ACT and GPA are everything! I am living proof! I did not do so hot on the SAT or get a good enough GPA to actually get into my University. I showed them I had the charisma for the school and had a phone interview as well as a face to face interview. Do not let your poor test scores and grades discourage you from looking at any school!

Shalonda

I would tell parents to allow your child to go to the school and get a feel for it. I would tell students that you only have one life to live. So I say study and get good grades and still find time to have fun. I think that it is a great exprience to stay on campus so if you can afford to stay on campus then you should. It is great to get to know different people and different cultures. Don't judge a book by its cover. It may be a really good book once you get to know it. I think that if you study and are willing to learn then everything else will just fall into place. Don't be in a hurry to rush life, let it just happen!!

Andrew

never settle for less, go with what you really want to do and follow your dreams

Patrick

I would tell them to make sure the college feels different than any other one they look at. Take everything into consideration, from academic programs to the type of food they have in the dining halls into consideration because the littlest things can become pretty annoying after some time. Always be aware of the special rules or restrictions that the university has in place because they may not fit into the lifestyle of the student.

Jean

The advice I would give parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to choose your college wisely. Quality of education is the most important factor. Just because a school is more expensive does not mean it offers a better education. There are some public colleges as reputable as some private colleges. Price is another factor to consider. For example, there may be a private college and a public college that offers the same type of curriculum at significant differences in cost. The private college may be thousands of dollars more expensive per year than the public college, but you obtain the same level of academic excellence. With the economy today, we must take tuition and cost of attendance into consideration more than in the past. The cost of college has drastically increased over the past years. When searching for the right college, take into consideration all aspects of the time and money spend to attend college. Quality of education, cost, location, reputation, on and off campus living arrangements, and campus security are important things to consider when choosing a college. I advise searching different schools before making a decision.

Joseph

The decision of which school to attend is a very important one. Many new students don't even know where to begin in narrowing their search. Starting with academics is a good idea, but you must consider so much more before you decide. Metro, urban or rural? What environment will help you suceed? Where will you enjoy the most? Most likely, you will be spending the next 4 years of your life in that area, so do a good amount of research beforehand. Campus visits should be highly utilized, so you have some first-hand experience. Don't be afraid to talk to the students and get opinions on everything from classes to clubs. These people have very similar goals to your own, so heed their advice. And remember, college is a good amount of work, but also one of the most enjoyable times in your life!

Patricia

Do research!

Casey

The advice I would give students to finding the right college is to definitely visit the school before you make any decision at all. The environment is key to how much you will like the school. If you are a shy person, like I am, college is the best place to start a new and break out of that shell or you defintely won't get the best college experience or meet tons of amazing people who could become life long friends. Of course the acdemic view point of making the most out of college is to not get too caught up in the party phase, because it can really effect your grades, but more importantly, your future. Make sure you get your priorities straight before entering college and everything will be fine.

Estefanie

Never give up, even though it seems that it's too hard. If one puts their time and effort into it, it can be done.

Jeri

To those who wish to attend a college nearby, I think it would be best to remain living at home for the first semester or year. This would be beneficial to those who don't want to be pushed into finding independence. Living at home gives you time to establish yourself, and find out who you are. Those who live on campus as soon as they start college often find themselves trying to fit in, and end up binge drinking. Once you have attended school for at least a year, then I think it would be beneficial to live on campus to form closer bonds with the friends you haev made so far. On another note, students and parents should spend a lot of time checking out what activites are held on campus and if the gym and pool are frequently available for use. A gym that is easily accessable is important for those who need to maintain their weight and remain healthy while getting their education. These are just a few things that I have found important during my first year at Saint Leo University. Hopefully this information will help others as they choose their school.

Moon

The best way to choose your college and major is to do what you want to do. Unless you've been accepted to Ivy league universities, it doesn't matter where you go, and will not really affect your life that much. You should major in something you really like, even if you are planning on medical school and law school. These schools do not require you to be a related major for you to be accepted. Your degree should reflect what you want to do, not what your parents want you to do. Also, talk to people and make as much friends as possible. unlike highschool, the people you will meet at college have a real chance of affecting your current and future life significantly; negatively or positively. Join all the clubs and meetings that even sound vaguely interesting to you, this will be good on your resume for further education or some jobs, as well as internships during your undergrad years. Most of all, have fun, College is a special time in your life. Even though you can come back when your older, its never quite the same, and old students run the risk of looking creepy.

bianli

visit them

Jeremy

Take your time and make sure that the college that you choose has everything that you want out of your education experience.

Quinn

Pick a school for it's educational opportunities as well as a school that has a well defined mission statement and values.

Stephanie

Always go to each campus and make sure that you tour all areas of the campus, dorms, bathrooms, cafeteria. Also make sure that you meet with all instructors and ask any questions that may come to mind.

Deborah

Visit the school and be certain you can find extracurricular activities which interest you.

Michelle

Visit the campus and check out the surrounding areas.

Amanda

Visit every college you apply to. Also, remember that the experience is what you make of it. If you sit in your room and never leave, it isn't going to be fun. You need to make the best of the situation. Nothing just "comes " to you in college, including grades, friends, and a social life. Everything has to be worked on.

Milagros

It is a small school where education is the main goal. The education recieved here is very detailed and better amoung other schools. After graduating the school ensures jobs and a start to a succesfull life.

Jessica

Parents I would say to let your kids pick the college they want not based on how much it will cost but the quality of education and student involvement on campus. To a new student I would definately tell them to try out all different student organizations and classes because sometimes doing something you never thought you would can make all the difference and show you what you really enjoy learning about or doing. Ultimately college is a time to test the waters with all sorts of things and figure out who you are so go out of your comfort zone and really absorb yourself in the college atmosphere.

Daniel

Check them all, go to them, and make sure its something the kid wants not what you want, you are not the one going to that school anymore even though you may want the best for them may not be what they want. Let them make there own decisions or they will rebel.

Bruce

Make sure you go and visit the college and sit in the classes to get a feel of how challenging the school will be for the first couple years. Also get ready to expand your mind, because college is a totally different experience than highschool. Some people can't handle huge schools and are better off at smaller schools. It's all preference.

Ellen

Remember that you are going to spend four years of your life at this place so make your choice count. Also remember that studies are important, but you need to enjoy this time of your life because this is the only time you are going to have like it! Just remember that life is all in the balance.

Camia

Make sure that whatever school you choice, it wil fit your learning style and personal needs.

Jessica

visit them first.

Steven

The most important advice I would give to a parent or future student about choosing the right college would be to start early. Taking the time to compare colleges and seeing which one has the most to offer for there needs is extremely important. Each individual student has different desires and each university has a different plan to get students where they need to go. In order to make the most of the college experience a student needs to learn how to balance time between a social life and getting work done for classes. If a student prepares a schedule and allows time for both work and play they will have plenty of time to study as well as spend time for the many friends they will be meeting over there time at the new school.

Michael

The only advice I can give to parents and students alike is to find a school that will be interesting, fun and challenging for the student. What I did was found a school that was small in size, roughly 1700 students which will in turn make me closer to my peers, as well as my professors. I also looked for a school that had a very good department for the major of my choice, in my case it was criminal justise. Once the student is at the college or university, they will need to make some friends, which may be sparked by the university's orientation period. Once the friends are made, and the social life begins, the only thing left to worry about is class work. As long as a social life does not interfere with the school work, you should do an amazing job at the college or university of your choice, and you will have the time of your life; I know I am.

Tracy

Research, Research, Research !!!! Imperative.

Amber

I would suggest to the students, to look and find what fits them and where they can see themselves for the next four years of their college career. And to also let students know that it is okay to change throughout their lives because change is good and it's also apart of growing up. To the parents, I would suggest to let their child choose the college they want to attend. Education comes at a pace not a cost. The quote "Mission is Moderation" may also be helpful to the parents and student as well.

Cory

The best advice I can give is for students to find the best college to fit their life. I went to a community college for my A.A. degree and found a brochure for my current 4-year college. Price is a major factor in the search for the right college, and college is not cheap. Luckily, there is financial aid and other scholarship opportunities to help, but that is only one part of college. Academics is the second major part. Finding the right program to get a degree in is important because it applies to your future career. I looked at different colleges and their programs to see which one I could apply to my future. I did not want to earn a degree in something I could not use once I graduated. So I found the Entrepreneurship program at Saint Leo University and since I had received an A+ in the Entrepreneurship 1 course, it seemed like something I could apply for the future. In conclusion, students and their parents should find a college that is affordable and offers a degree program that the student is interested in and can apply to his/her future.

Heather

College is 20{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} book learning and 80{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} social learning. It is in the experiences outside of the classroom - with friends, in the dorms, off-campus, meeting with professors and employers, dealing with financial aid - that you learn the most and grow up to become the person you will be. You will meet people you never thought you'd speak to and they will become your best friends. Let college teach you everything and don't shy away from any new opportunities.

Efstratios

To the parents I'd like to say that as hard as it is you need to cut the leash from your child when they finally go to college. We know they're your baby, but it will all be fine for them. Students... if you odn't like your school at first stick it out and see if it gets better by the end of the semester, but do so by getting active around campus not just waiting in your dorm. Try to get as involved on campus as you can because it'll be the most rewarding experience ever. Just becareful not to get tooo sucked in with student involvement and end up not having the time for your school work. Pick the university you want not the ones your parents want. This is your future you're the one that's going to have to live it so make the decision for you. Visit the university first and see how you like it. As final advice ALWAYS KEEP AN OPEN MIND.

Tommy

When a student choses a college first see how the academic programs are and if they fit your needs, then the biggest is to make sure the college makes you feel like someone special. Chose a college where the student feels comfortable and where the college makes you feel like you are someone trying to get an education and not just someone getting money from the student. Saint Leo makes you feel that way, you are not just a number. Everyone I talk to is always willing to help in anyway or anything you may need.

Frederick

Make sure your finances are in order....

Stacy

Please go visit the campus before you enroll. I thought my perfect place would be in a Large big city public school setting... but i absolutely fell in love with my small rural University at the first visit. And when it came down to making my decision I visited my top choice again. I did not get involved at first. I wanted to make sure I could handle the work load. The problem I found after that was it got harder and harder to get involved the longer I waited. So get involved right away, and if your worried about the work load start small with one or two groups. And finally get out of your comfort zone and make friends outside of your "group of friends". That way when you want to go out.. and your friends want to stay in you can always find people to go out with, whether it is to the mall the beach or anywhere else.

lauren

Research the colleges academic focuses and where most of the money will go too, dont send your artistic child to a school who offers second rate art classes. spend a week at the school and roam around the town figure out where the night life is and what activities they have during the day; class sizes and teacher-student relationships are crucial to a positive experience in college. also choose a college that best suits your child's personality and listen to your childs input. And always look at the aid ability and scholarships your child will qualify for.

Casey

The advice I would give students about finding the right college is to use every chance you get to visit the campus and know if you want a big University or a small school. Meeting advisors and students who attend the school is also helpful in getting a feel for the school. By making the most of your college is experience you find the greatest friends who turn into family. Making the most of your college experience also contains a heavy work load if you want a good GPA, but still find time to have some fun and relax.

brenda

everyone can go to college, use government resourses to afford college

Daniel

Let your kids decide! Pushing them to go to your college of interest may not be the best for them. If they recieve a sports ride go with it.

melissa

Take tours, do research and kids always change majors so make sure that schools have a lot to offer and can transfer credits if they want to go to another school

Pia

Students should be involved in high school and chose a school that best suits thier needs. Some large schools tend to loose students in the crowd while smaller schools are more focused on individuals. Also, stay active in college. Employers look for activities and volunteer work. They want well rounded people. Most schools offer a variety of clubs and some schools allow you to start your own. keep your options open and when a school seems right it probably is.

Jackie

Do not choose a school because of the money; choose what you like best

Cristina

Let your kids open up and do things they wouldnt normaly do. I came to my school scared because i was alone and away from all my friends but once i got out in the second semester i joined the sorority of my dreams and i then 2 years later became senior class president for class of 2009. YUou have to put yourself outside of your comfort zone. Dont be afraid to say no to things you dont agree with especially drugs and alcohol. Believe it or not those who make fun of you in front of you or other people really do admire you and respect you more because you can stand up for yourself. Dont be afraid to get out, be yourself especially when you have no friends with you because this is like a second chance to create yourself and learn about yourself. Do have fun dont go crazy with the drugs and alcohol and keep school first. In high school you dont pay to go there but in college you pay just to attend class. Go to your school parties and get involved.

Megan

You need to visit as many schools as you can. Each one has a different different feelings and a different sense of community. Make sure you check the sorounding areas and job opportunities. When you're in college make the best out of everything. Get involved. Those who get involved make tons of friends and build relationships with professors and other faculty.

john

choose wisely