Saint Mary’s College of California Top Questions

I would tell myself tat it was going to be okay. Going to this school will make you a much strnger person. You will learn so much of who you ar, you will find yourself. You will glean the strength and tools to be successful. IN the face of adversity you will shine brightly. It will be hard but it will be worth it. You will meet some of the most incledible faculty, networking is key. Just remeber to breathe! You will make it. This is the best decision of your life!

First piece of advice is sleep, it's important in college and it something that more and more college studnets are getting less of. Now I actually try to get between 7-8 hours of sleep, so be careful what time you choose your classes and also make sure to get a good amount of hours of sleep, because if you are sleeping in class it is a big waste of time. I would also tell myself to get involved as soon as possible. In the beggining I didnt want to get involved, but then I joined club rowing and I made a lot of new friends and connections, this motivated me to try new things, so I joined a couple of other clubs like the engineering club, Latinos club, and I am thinking of playing rugby next year. Getting involved is important to meet new people and get new conncetions. The last piece of advice would be to build a strong relationship with professors. A lot of proffessors want to help, but they can't if the studnet does not seek help. Professors are there too help so use them and I know from experience that they are useful.

I was a very focused high school student. I strived to be the best student I could have been. However, if I were to go back in time I would give myself some additional advice that would have been helpful. I would have told myself to study harder and better. Although I received decent grades in all my classes I have never been a great test taker. I would have found a tutor or a program that would help me become a better studier. I also would have taken more difficult classes. I played it safe in high school. I should have taken more AP classes because I had the opportunity to do so. Last but not least I would have done more extra curricular activities and community service because it would have made me a more well rounded person.

Amanda, I know you like to think and act like you have everything under control, but you have no idea what you're getting yourself into. College will turn your life upside down in a way that forces you to make crucial, impactful, real-life choices and seriously question whether the path you're on is the path you truly want to be on. Otherwise, what's the point? With that being said, I would do it all over again in a hearbeat - even (and especially) the mistakes. Right now, I'm only half-way through undergraduate studies, but I can say that these have been the fastest, most exciting, and most influential two years of our life thus far. Giving yourself this opportunity is the most important decision you will make in your adolesence, and although I haven't seen the end of it yet, I know that it will be worth everything you're going to go through. I am so excited and hopeful for these last two years and all the experiences and adventures that will follow them - the beginning, and most importantly, the continuation of best years of our life. Love, Amanda (+2 years)

The college is one of the most important steps in your life, you become in a person full of knowledge, prepare to be a professional person in the society, If I go back to my highschool senior year, I'm going to be in college right now.

If I could go back and have a conversation with the high school senior version of myself, I would tell myself to enjoy my last months of high school. Once my senior year rolled around, all I could think and talk about was college. I constantly asked my friends questions like "Where do you want to go?", "Did you apply?", "Is that your first choice?" and analyzed my different options for school. I wish I would have slowed down, and just soaked up my last months of living in the same town as my best friends and having nightly dinners with my family (instead of in the dining hall). My high school years came and went in the blink of an eye, and I regret spending so much time focusing on the future rather than appreciating my (then) present months living at home.

I's tell meself it’s okay to take risks. Live on campus your first year, meet new people, make friends, make enemies, it’s okay. Know that you can’t aim to please people, because you are only hindering yourself. Respect your parents, but don’t let them define your decisions. It’s okay to miss your family, give them a call or even go visit them. But stay focused with school, achieve your goals and learn more about yourself. It’s okay to fail, just as long as you get back up. Failure is the greatest sign of success; without our failures we wouldn’t be able to find our selves. Travel for a semester and see the world. Although I did get some great opportunities, I wish that I could have seen more of the world while in college. Don’t be afraid to be yourself! You are the greatest you when you’re yourself. It’s not about impressing others it’s about knowing who you are, what you stand for and establishing yourself. Lastly, I’d tell myself to make my mark leave SMC with a BANG!

Jillian, spend time with the people in life who matter the most to you. Don't be so concerned with your appearance, going to parties, and trying to please everybody - you can't. You're going to realize one day soon that your priorities were backwards in high school. You're going to miss your little brother and sister more than anything else in the world when you can't see them everyday, so take advantage of every second with them. You'll come home after a couple months of absence, and they will have grown; they will know how to do things that you didn't get to witness them learning, such as riding a bike without training wheels and reading (incredibly well, too). Spend time thanking mom and dad for everything they do, because living on your own will give you true insight to how much they do for you; dad's home-cooked meals every night truly are a blessing. Most of all, be yourself. The people you meet in college will love you for who you are and make you realize that only those worth knowing will. Love and appreciate your precious life.

I would make sure that I understand the time and effort that is required of me in college. No one is kidding when they mention that college is less about homework and class time, and more about studying. There are a lot of distractions, so make sure to find a place to focus because time is essential, especially when you need sleep. Sleep is also very essential because it helps to keep you focused and alert if you've had a good night's sleep. Although college is about going to school and learning, the social aspect is also important in order to thrive and be comfortable enough to be away from home. At first, it can be lonely but don't be afraid to take the chance and be the first person to say hi. It can make the difference between being stuck in your dorm room and having fun getting to know people and having someone to talk to when you do get lonely. Also, call home in times of stress and support; family will always be there for you.

Keep working hard. I know that sometimes the work seems so much that you want to collapse, but trust me, it gets better and what you’re doing now will pay off. All those AP classes you’re taking are going to earn college credits. You don’t know it yet, but you are going to enter college with enough credits to be considered a sophomore and your general requirements are going to be out of the way. That means that you can have two majors and you get to register early for classes. Also, you may think that the Drama Club is silly, but your experience there is going to win you a theater scholarship worth thousands every year. Scholarships, however, are the one thing you could do a little better on. The more scholarships you sign up for, the better chances you’ll have of winning, even if you dread them. If you have more scholarships, that means less loans and less stress later on. Finally, when picking your college, choose what you really want. You will have a feeling about one particular place from the beginning. Trust it. This will make your year so much more free.

The college life is extremely different compared to high school. I have had troubles trying to adapt to the college life because I gained so much independence and the workload is difficult to balance with my social life. The independence I gained from college has taught me how to balance my schooling, social life, and family time. I realized that with so much freedom, it is easy to get side-tracked from what is very important and dear to me, education. Since I am in the nursing program, which is rigourous and competitive at my school, I learned that in order for me to achieve my dreams of becoming a nurse, I need to concentrate in my studies, as well as, volunteer at hospitals and any community service events. Community service projects have been a huge part of my life and with the nursing program, it is important for me to continue to help others just as I would as a future nurse. College has expanded my horizons for my future because it has helped me realize what is most important in my life and what I can do with my knowledge and a helping hand.

My college experience has allowed me to grow and develop into the person I want to be. I came to Saint Mary’s planning to major in mathematics and minor in dance, in hopes of being a high school mathematics teacher after graduation. However, after experiencing everything the math and dance departments had to offered, I decided to double major as long as I could still graduate in four years. I was able to schedule numerous meetings with my math advisor, as well as my dance advisor to make a four-year plan specifically for me. This ensures that I will graduate in four years with a Bachelor of Arts degree in both mathematics and dance, hopefully finding a job as a high school mathematics teacher and dance team coach. Attending college put me on the right track to eventually have a career I will love. This is the most important thing a college can offer; an education of what students love while preparing them for future careers they will enjoy their whole lives.

Going to school is important to me. Being around teachers and students invigorates my spirit. I would like to be able to do a Master's once I am done with my Bachelor's because I find much more rewarding to be studying and constantly learning new things, than to be working a 9-5 repetitive job that does not help me grow intellectually. Being able to express myself through writing is liberating for me. I am trying to censor my self less and less so that my writing becomes more powerful and more sincere. I believe when people go to school their major concern should be to experiment with different ways to chanel self expression.

What I have gotten out of my college experience is the opportunity to be independent. Going to collegehas made me become a more responsible person in the way I manag my time to the way I organize my priorities. I have learned to do eveything on my own, as opposed to depending on my parents. It has been very valuable to attend Saint Mary's College becuase I am a far enough distance from home where I can learn and experience everything on my own. I have become more appreciative of my family and their place in my life. I have seen different students' views and beliefs that have opened my mind to new and interesting things.

College is about learning how to better yourself through an education. You learn the tools of whatever trade you wish to pursue a career in. You learn what to do, what not to do, and how to excel in your field of work. But most importantly, you learn about yourself. You learn what you love to do, seeing if that childhood fantasy career is even a possibility anymore, or finding a new dream job. I plan on majoring in fine arts. Through the acting classes I'm taking, I've learned so much more about myself; as well as other people. It's a humbling experience to step into another person's shoes and experience things in a whole new way. Under different circumstances, different elements of yourself are brought to the surface. You discover things about yourself you probably wouldn't have learned otherwise. It's through these moments that you can grow and become something better; become who you're meant to be. Even if I don't pursue a career in theater, I've learned what goes on in people's minds, and I feel I will be able to communicate with them in a better way.

What I have learned, so far, from attending Saint Mary's was, surpirisingly, outside of the classroom. I learned about the true maturity level of my peers and even those who were a little older than me (and treated me as if we were years apart). The college culture was shockingly similiar to that of high school, of which, I had successfully avoided. That was until I attended Saint Mary's where judgementalism holds reign. I don't know if it is an American trend or just because our school is so small but sometimes the attitude of other students and having to see tha same faces over and over again makes me sick. The most important to keep in mind amidst the push to make friends with everyone you meet is that it truly is "quality over quanitity". There's nothing like having 20 friends you can't stand compared to having 2 you absolutely love. When one reaches the real world, one is going to want the best people in his little support circle so they can learn from each other and be there when things get tough. However, good friends are hard to find sometimes.

By going to Portland Community College I was able to expand my knowledge in a variety of different subjects. Things that I learned in some of my classes have stuck with me for a while and I find myself using them in daily life and informing others of the stuff that I have learned. I hope to contintue my knowledge of different subjects so when I become a teacher I can enlighten the children i teach about the world. School has never been my best subject but I try hard to do my very best so I can be the best for other someday.

I have been given opportunities I wouldn't have gotten anywhere else. Because St. Mary's is so small and intimate, I have been able to further my academic and career success with the help of my advisors and professors. I have also made connections to many companies in the east bay who are interested in hiring me once I graduate and I have begun working professionally outside of the college as well.

Regardless of the fact that I have always been strong academically, I was the student in high school that sat in the back corner of the room. I never volunteered answers and rarely contributed to conversations even when I had something to say. I scored high on tests and occasionally a teacher would single me out for not participating more, but it just wasn't who I was. I'll never understand why I chose to attend Saint Mary's College of California out of all the schools that are out there, but it was clear that it was the right decision when I walked into my first 'seminar' style class. A big component of these courses is that the students and professors sit at a round table to facilitate discussion; as a result, I immediately lost my identity as a back corner dweller. Although I fought it, I become someone who participated in discussions and voiced their opinion, (at first because my grade depended on it, later because it feel right). Going to college really helped me find my inner voice, embrace my passions and gain the confidence I need to make a difference in the world.

I have made so many friends from all over the world at Saint Mary's! And the teachers are wonderful! Not only am I able to contact my teachers outside of class if I have any questions or concerns, but I am able to talk to them about anything. I have truely become more independent at Saint Mary's and am happy with who I am.

What i have gotten out of my college experience, is that i learned to have time management, As in going to class 5 mins early or setting a time for me to do my homework and then setting a time for me to have fun and actually have a social life. It has been valuable to attend to St Marys because i get the college experience ,but yet i get more from the school because it is a liberal arts school and i dont have to be concern about not getting the classes i need, this is a benefit to have all the classes i need and want while knowing that the classes are going to be small. Which is another reason why i am doing so well in classes and out because the smaller classes are the mor ehelp you will get and the more friends you will make compared to a large school like a university.

I have found what I want to do for the rest of my life. I have learned that I can be whoever I want to be as long as I use all my resources to help me get there. Saint Mary's gave me the opportunity to have great teachers who are dedicated and will help their students succeed as long as they are dedicated too. The school also helps map out your four years of college so that you know what to expect. The small classrooms also help you get one on one attention from the teacher and you get to know eveyrone on campus. I value Saint Mary's College because I know one day I will look back and know that this is where I found my self.

College is where many different people come together for the purpose of obtaining an education. With all these people come different cultures, ideas, and anything else; college isn't just about learning in the classroom, but also outside the classroom from your friends and peers. Take advantage of learning about life in Australia, homosexuality, poverty, or whatever. After one semester at St. Mary's, I've definitely learned a lot from my friends. From Hannah, I learned about faith and God. I am not a devout Catholic, but she is. She claims that she has heard God's calling, so after one semester of being a biochemist major with straight A's, she will be leaving school in order to enter a convent. I don't understand how anyone can do this, but she explained to me that God wants her to in order to help others in need. This is just one person that I have learned from out of the 5,000 students attending St. Mary?s, so imagine what else I can learn about from everyone else. So what would I tell myself as a high school senior? I would say be open-minded to everything.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to learn the proper way to study and write papers. In high school I was able to do well without studying but had a reality shock on my first exam of college. Besides studying, focus on time management. I was involved with three sports and four clubs but always kind of winged it. Once I got to college I had to make the adjustment to balancing classes, activities, homework, down time and just getting to sleep by a reasonable time. Based on the social point of view, I would have told myself not to worry so much about what others think. When you get to college you meet people from different backgrounds and different experiences that it doesn't matter what you have or haven't done or amount of friends you have. Do what makes you happy and feel comfortable. Also be friendly and nice to everyone. It makes meeting people and forming relationships with your new peers who are complete strangers easier. By this point, I truly have changed a lot but I wish I had been more prepared before coming to school and being completely alone.

I've never been the most social or outgoing kid in the group or the brainiac that everyone wants to study with. I consider myself your average, everyday student just trying to get by with decent grades and a reputation that keeps me out of trouble. Beginning college was my chance to change all of that and start a new me with new titles to call my own. I entered college timid and shy and let these traits overtake the ambitions that I had been so excited to achieve. College is about coming out of your shell and displaying the underlying, no-strings-attached you that has been waiting to burst out for the world to see. I know that now, with three semesters of college under my belt. I wish I could run back in time and give my newly graduated, apprehensive self a little shove in the right direction. The longer you stay outside of the spotlight, the more afraid you are to step into it. I don't know if I'll ever be able to make up for the time I stayed in the shadows, but I guess it's never too late to try.

College is a lot less scary than you think it will be. I know that being away from home for an extended period for quite possibly the first time in your life can be a horrifying prospect, but once you get used to dorm life and taking college-level classes, it's amazing. Also, don't assume that a problem between you and and your roommate is necessarily a condemnation of your character; sometimes people just clash with each other through no fault of their own. Additionally, if you wish to maintain a long-distance relationship, or if you're getting a bit homesick, get a chat program on your computer such as iChat or Skype onto your computer. The ability to see your partner or you family face to face while chatting with them is quite a blessing, and will alleviate any feelings of homesickness you may have. As for your major, go for what you love; you love music with all your heart, so go for it! Also, you will miss taking math, because though it seems a bit bland at times, it stimulates your mind like nothing else; therefore, go for the double major (and minor)!

If I could go back in time to just about a year ago and see myself as a high school senior, there are a lot of things I would want to tell myself. I would give myself the advice that was always in the back of my mind, that I never took: get involved. Since I have been at Saint Mary's, being involved in school activities has been relatively easy, except for the fact that I do not have many high school activities to improve my resume. If I had been more involved in high school and had been in more leadership positions, it would be so easy to participate now. Before, I was afraid of taking the first step to becoming involved, but Saint Mary's has shown me the importance of participating in activities and that people actually care whether or not I do become involved. I think leadership is an important skill for everyone to learn and I wish I could have begun to learn this earlier.

I would tell myself to not rush to a major college and take time at community college as an undecided major until I was sure of what I wanted to pursue as a degree. I would also say to network with as many people in your classes and involve yourself in a lot of activities. Work is important but volunteering is helpful in the long run for other people and yourself. Studying is important and it's good to read ahead and go over each section every day and quiz yourself or get a study group together. Don't be shy and take the first step in making a new friend. College is about learning and building skills in your career and networking with people so attend many events, connect, and aim for the best. Don't go overboard on student loans and watch your personal debt as far as credit cards and other loans like a car. Most importantly, take summer classes if you can so you can graduate earlier. Vacations are for when you have your career!

The advice I would give myself would be to get involved in the activities that occur around campus because that is a great way to meet a variety of people. I would also tell myself that time management is key in being able to balance school as well as work; therefore, by making a detailed schedule will allow me not to feel overwhelmed . Approaching your professors with questions and getting to know them would be another piece of advice because the they are always willing to help Last but not least I would tell myself to be strong as well as wise in order to overcome any obstacle in our path which might prevent me from accomplishing any goal.

I would tell myself, the most important thing about attending college is to have sufficient funds. There is so much free money being given away, just make sure to apply for scholarships, and grants before you apply for loans. Even if its only a $500 scholarship, that'll pay for your books for a semester. It's great to not have to pay back money after you graduate, just make sure you apply. It never hursts to try.

If I were to go back to high school, I would tell myself to not allow others' opinions to sway me or influence my choices. College is about finding and developing my own ideas and beliefs and that does not depend on others' ideas and beliefs. The transition is hard, I left my family two states away, but it is not only possible, it is an amazing experience. I found out so much about myself and those around me, including how to articulate my own beliefs while respecting others' differing beliefs. I would tell myself to always stick to my gut feeling, it won't lie to me, and believe in myself and allow others to do the same. College life is crazy, busy, and loud. There are so many opinions, questions, and ideas being thrown around, it's easy to get lost in it all. It is about finding my own voice in all this noise, though, and developing that along the path I want to take not the path others want me too. College is the time to explore, develop, and live my own life and dreams.

Dear Past Me, It will be hard to believe that I am writing from the future, but it is important to listen carefully. I want you to have a wonderful experience in college?but you need to know that things like this won?t just be handed to you. For starters, college classes are nothing like your classes now. However, it is still important to pay attention in class and to always do the best that you can. Believe me; it?ll help build good habits for your college career, and the transition will be much easier. Most importantly: get into the habit of managing your time. (Yes, this means not procrastinating, as horrifying as it seems!) If you get this skill down, college will be a piece of cake! While everyone else is worrying about the essays that are due tomorrow, you will be able to have some stress-free time to yourself. Your time will be filled quickly, and new friends will be made...but don?t forget your family and friends from home. Check in on them every so often; it will help keep you balanced. Sincerely, Future You PS--Don?t be afraid to take naps!

First of all, start early. Start looking at colleges and applying for scholarships. The more work you do now the less stress later. Start doing things yourself whether it be paying for gas or getting a summer job. The students we are more engrossed in their finances are the ones who come across looking professional and getting a head start over those whose daddies still pay their bills. When it comes to actually chosing a college, I recommend sitting down with a notepad and listing everything you want out of a college. It doesn't matter if they seem like silly things, put them down anyway. Do you want a college close to home? Do you want a college on the beach? In the moutains? In another country? Do you look good in that school's colors? There are thousands of colleges around the world and your list should help you to narrow those choices down. After that, visit the remaining schools because if it's someplace you are going to live for the next 4+ years of your life, you'll want to make sure that it meets all of your standards and that to you, it's home.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to go to the college that would make me happy. I would say to do a lot of research and be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure that this is the college I want to go to. Do not go to a college that would impress my family or friends, go to a college for me because at the end of the day I will be the one attending that college for four years. Yes, I should listen other opinions and I should keep an open mind, but do not let those other voices over power my own. If I go to a college that my parents want then I will spend my whole life giving others what they want. It is my life and you only get to live once. Live it to the fullest and do what will make you happy.

All I would say is be open to everything! College is an experience and you need to talk to many people and not shy away from events just because you don't know many people. Also, Good luck!

Start researching on college options and programs earlier on. Read more news and public affairs information. Sleep more, because in college, you'll get so little. Enjoy the summers you don't have to work and worry about your future. Reseach on internships that you could be interested in. Do better in either math or science so that you'll end up with a more lucrative major -- like engineering or medicine.

The best thing you can do for yourself when preparing FOR college is to get all your paperwork done before Chirstmas Break during your senior year of high school. Before and after you apply to schools, walk the campuses. Get a feel for what the college is like becuase you're going to be spending most if not all your time there during the school year. Once you're in the school you want to be in, do your work first THEN party. Everything will be easier for you if you just do work first then play.

Look into the costs especially the hidden costs and really understand your aide packages and think about what you feel would be right for you. Every school is different and no matter what it may cost it may be what you want. Think about the programs tha you would like to see most and just be well informed.,..

Tour campuses. Talk to students attended school. Participate in overnight visits. Determine what components you find important in a college. Lists including pros and cons help tremendously. The day I decided on St. Mary's, I was in my high school's college center. I laid on the floor in the fetal position with my head on top of a massive college book. One of my teachers, Mrs. Sparks, came in and I spilled my sob story about confusion, doubt, fear, and anxiety. Choosing a college was such a big deal. She talked to me and listened to me. After hearing about my college search thus far, she repeated all the things I had gotten exited about during our talk. All these details I had lit up about lead me straight to St. Mary's and I could not be happier. Ultimately, find the school that feels like home. Listen to yourself when you think about what you want. College is what you make it. So find quality friends who care about you, find the silver lining in everything, and do not lose sight of the main reason you are there....to learn and better yourself.

I would advise students that in order to find the right college they need to find an area they can see themselves living around for four years. Also that the school has the things they are interested in extracurricular wise and of course academically. And when it finally comes down to choosing between schools (I found this part extremely stressful for me) the student just needs to know that ultimately whichever he chooses will work out for him and not to let the desicision freak him out. To make the most out of college I advise to get involved! And it can be with clubs, sports or even just attending the games and other events that allows students to take a break from their studies and meet new people. =)

The entire college "shopping" process can be very stressful and alot of times choosing to attend a junior college seems easier. When faced with the thought that college is the main force that molds and shapes you into the person you will be in the future, High School seniors become intimidated and often times imagine that finding this "dream school" is simply impossible. How can one school not only fit your personality now but also fit the qualifications for the person you want to become in the future. Honestly, this question is easier to answer then expected. Pick whatever school feels right to you. Make as many college visits as possible and once you find the school you are supposed to be at for the next four years it's going to hit you like a ton of bricks. Somehow, the qualifiactions you had such as: teacher to student ratio, location, weather, tuition, on-campus dorming, tutoring services, intramural sports, job availability, possible scholarships (which are all important aspects to consider) all come together to form the school you feel most comfortable at. Oftentimes the best decisions in life that make you the happiest are the ones that felt right.

Look for a college that has an equal amount of school spirit, many various types of majors/minors, chose a campus close to cities and towns. take a lot of trips to all different types of schools so you have a lot of choices to chose from, the more the better! don't limit yourself to one area! keep an open mind! remember, everyone is looking for the "right" college!

To the future college student: Make the most of your time in college. You need to find a healthy school/life balance. Make sure you go to sports games and get involved with clubs and after class activities. Live on campus, even if it's expensive...it's something you must experience. Don't eat too much food or drink too much alcohol, the freshman 15 is a real thing! Don't quit when you get frustrated or think you can't achieve your goal, because when you do graduate it will be so much more rewarding. To the future college student's parent: Let your child make their own decisions. As much as you want to guide and lead them down the path that you may think is best, they can do it just as well possibly following a different path. Help them move on their first day, make sure you take a picture so you can always look back and remember the day when your child became an adult. At graduation celebrate BIG!! You may not know it but your child will appreciate it more than the world. Love and support your child throughout their entire college experience.

The best Colleges/Universities aren't necessarily the right school for you. Find one that fits you. Be sure to visit the campus before deciding to go. Study something that you love and that interest you. What you major in isn't necesarily going to be, what you work in, what your going to do with the rest of your life. If you are unsure of what to study take a variety of classes to see where your interest lie, while your doing this you most likely will fullful other requirements, and by your Jr. year you'll find something you like and that you will be able to succeed in. Also be sure to balance your social and academic life. You will meet great and interesting people. Have fun with them, and enjoy their company. Do well in your classes. Each semeaster/quater get a GPA of a 3.0 or higher (3.0 is the mininmum GPA for many grad schools.) This keeps your options open. Also try to get involved in one extra curriculums. Don't over do it with one too many. Remember you want to balance yourself. Enjoy yourself, you make your college experince.

I think every college -bound student needs to make a list of expectations and requirements for college. I think it is necessary to weigh the importance of certain key elements of college life such as whether or not you want a small or large campus, location in a city or small town, the option to go home on the weekends or to be far away from home, the availability of jobs on and off campus, and rules regarding cars, drinking, and dorm like. Many of these elements are forgotten in the application process when students are dealing with deadlines, essays, and test scores, but are critical to life on campus once you arrive. I advise all parents and students to make lists of facts and figures for each school they are considering and compare often and thoroughly during the application process and especially once the student has been accepted to schools. Even if it is time consuming, it will be worth it in the end because once you are attending your college, it is a long and difficult process to change schools.

Unless it comes to experimentation, don't be afraid to say "yes" when someone invites you to something or to meet new people. Its ok if you don't like it once you try it, but at least you tried it.

Advice I would give to students about finding the right college is that they should visit the college first. Take a day to tour and walk around the school. When I was applying to colleges, a teacher recommended that I go and look at them first before I completely make up my mind about where I wanted to go. Visiting makes all the difference. When I walked on my first choice college, the atmosphere did not feel right. I could not imagine myself being a student at that school. Yet when I walked around Saint Mary?s, I knew the school was right for me. I sat down in one of the classes I would have to take for my major and got to meet some of the staff. It made me realize what I wanted. When you start your first year, take advantage of every event and programs the school offers. Get involved with dorm life, orientations, dances, etc. It?s a great way to meet people and make friends. Also, go to the financial aid offices or student career planning, to get to know the staff, in case you need their help later on in your academic career.

Make sure you research the schools before making this lifetime decision.

Visit the college before hand. A college is not right for everyone, so a student should go to the college to make sure it has the right feel and they can see themselves living there for the next four years. If there is an overnight option available, don't pass it up! That's an opportunity to see what college life is like for a day. Students should ask their orientaion leaders or ambassadors about the available resources on campus- this allows students to feel more comfortable when they know what is available to them personally. That way, once they know what resources they can tap into, the students will join clubs or activities of interest, and make their college experience SO much more enjoyable! Remember, the harder you work at something, the more you value it, so if you put time and effort into your college experience, the more rewarding it will be once you acheive your diploma and graduate!

Always choose a college based on the academic and social experiences you would like to have. Do not let money limit your choice, look at the financial oppotunities like scholarships and grants, because the savings can be very helpful.