Saint Norbert College Top Questions

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

Alyssa

Knowing what I know now, I would give myself a few pieces of advice. I would tell myself to consider all of my options before choosing which school to go to. I would tell myself not to choose a school based on others' opinions about it. I would also tell myself that being close to home is not always the best reason for choosing a college. As far as transitioning to college goes, I would warn myself that living with a roommate is a difficult situation and to be more open with my opinions and feelings, or else nothing changes. I would also tell myself that, even though the trasition would be difficult, I would still have an amazing first year of college, despite differences between my roommate and myself.

Alex

College can bring about frustration through student debt, difficult classes, and struggling grades. Although you will have these difficulties, college is designed to help you prepare for your life and your career. Anytime you may be overwhelmed, just remember what lies ahead after college. Graduating from college can provide you with a secure career path you enjoy, as well as a developed work ethic to get you where you want to be. As bad as some of this may sound, through the years you will realize it is not as horrific as it may seem as an eager high school senior. Similar to any doubt you may come across in life, you must realize you have the full capability and determination to succeed in college as well as your future career. So all the obstacles you will face in college will only build you into an experienced hard working person that is looking for the most in life. In the end, remember to never doubt yourself, always stay determined, and enjoy every year in college. These three keys will help you become a successful student and a successful person in life.

Norma

If I could go back to myself as a high school senior I would advise myself to take dual enrollment classes while in high school to get some credit out of the way and make the transition more smooth. I would also advise myself not to overload myself the first semester like I did, taking five classes your first semester in college and working thirty five hours a week is not advisable. Also, I would tell myself to really sit back and enjoy senior year and my fellow classmates' company because before I knew it we were graduating and going our seperate ways, which was very sad and hard to look back on. Another piece of advice I would give myself is to stay away from the fast food because the infamous "freshman fifteen" is real and it will get you! Plus, I would tell myself to take advantage of college syllabi and begin studying for tests and working on papers far in advance of the deadlines to avoid unnecessary stress on myself.

dillon

If I could go back in time to give myself advice about the college life, I would definitely start with telling myself to work as much as I could to save money. Things get expensive and you never know when there will be an emergency. The amount of money you need to spend on supplies, books, classes, food etc becomes hard to manage. But, if I would tell myself to save money things would be much different. A nother key factor that I would give myself some insight on would be to get myself ready for hard work and dedication in the class room. Not a lot of people get to attend college, so making the best of what you have in front of you pays off in the long run.

Taylor

Make sure you are super involved. College can be great if you let it. There are many clubs, just go out and try them! Don't not do something just because your friends aren't doing it. Be yourself, and be outgoing. Study hard and remember to keep a good head on your shoulders. Always remember who you are and where you came from.

Elizabeth

I would advise myself to not let the tuition deter me from a school that I love. It's intimidating to be touring school and looking at the prices of tuition. During my senior year I debated between attending Saint Norbert or a much cheaper state school. I knew that St. Norbert was where I really wanted to be, but the price was overwhelming. I decided that I would do whatever it takes to be able to graduate from the college I fell in love with. I know that was the best choice I could have made. I didn't let the money stop me, and now I'm thriving at St. Norbert. If I could give advice to my high school senior self I would have said to not let the cost hold you back. I would have made my decision much earlier as to which college I would attend.

Samantha

I know that this transition is scary and leaving home seems like it will be a challenge, but I want you to know that everything will work out better than you realize. You will meet a ton of lifelong friends that will change your life, you will learn how to be a strong and independent individual, and you will gain more self-confidence than you know. There will be ups and downs, but you will always have family and friends to get you through it. Always remember to work hard and manage your time according to your priorities, you can do anything that you put your mind to. Get involved in a social group or something that makes you happy. Be willing to take risks, especially if they are scary, because you will never regret taking that leap of faith. Express your opinions, don't fade into the background and let life pass you by. Never be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, you will discover so many new opportunities and be a better person for it. Don't let the opinions of others influence you, keep an open mind, be yourself and be proud of who you are.

Benjamin

The biggest thing is - do not procrastinate. Deadlines come up sooner than you think.

Brianna

I would tell myself to be more dedicated to my studies, to be more passionate about what I want to do, more outgoing and be more sure about what I truley want to do in life.

Brittany

I would tell myself it is understandable that change is a scary thing, but it is what makes us grow and come into our own. As a high school senior I did not plan to go away to college, I wanted to stay with my family. I would tell my high school senior self that I would not be the adult that I am today without embracing the changes I moved forward with in my life, including leaving the nest and flying to a new place. I would tell my high school senior self that change is imperative to become a successful adult part of our society.

Russell

Sweet! I have gone back in time. I think I will go talk to myself as a high school senior and tell him how college will be for us. Well I'll start off telling you SNC definetly was a great choice. All the people are great. Oh, and don't worry about not making friends because we meet a bunch of awesome people. All I have to say is try to open up a little sooner, don't hold back like we normally do. As for the girls, remember to pace yourself. There are a lot of pretty ones but don't become too caught up in all of them. Eventually we will meet the right one. Now for classes make sure you focus a lot more. Like everyone is saying, college is not as easy as high school, so don't slack off and when I say that I mean cut back on the video games. Oh, by the way, put more effort into that Theology class. I know it will be tuff but we can do it. The most important thing I want to say to you is slow down and relax, we are only here once.

Alyssa

I love going to St. Norbert. We are required to take certain general education classes, and I enjoyed all of the classes I was "forced" to take. I probably would not have taken courses such as philosophy or theology, but they were fun classes to be in. Because the school size is so small, I have been in classes with the same people so it was easy to form friendships. St. Norbert is a great fit for me, and I like it a lot.

Joshua

When one talks about college experience, what comes to mind? To me a college experience is nothing more than the journey of finding myself and who I want to be for the rest of my life. This realization itself is an important step in any effective college experience. In other word it is more about the journey than it is about the destination. I quickly found that if I can do this whole college thing and be on my own I can do anything. Weather this is true or not is not important; what is important is that this "college experience" is meant to give students the confidence to continue through their life, while having countless smiles and successes on the way. To sum it all up, the values of being a college student come from nothing more than the self-discovery and self-purpose that one reflects upon while attending.

Emma

Knowing myself I would tell myself to make sure i had plenty to talk about with my new friends and would be open to sharing my past freely with those whom I bonded. I also wish I knew that college would be so splitting of those who are truly motivated and those who skate by. You can not let other peoples success' and failures affect how you think about yourself.

Tasha

Out of the many things I could share with myself, I would first remind myself to eat healthy and stick to my regimented workout plans, reminding myself that as you grown older, your metabolism slows down?.fast. Next I would reassure myself that college is awesome and a wonderful time to grow and experience new people who aren?t stuck in clicks and ridiculous high school drama. After all those important facts were relayed, I would encourage me to continue reading and studying up on topics related to my major even after I graduate. Then I would finish off with advice along the lines of: ?gets lots of scholarships because college is hard on your pocket.? There would be so many things I would love to tell myself about where to be at what times, what not to do, or people to avoid, what stocks to buy into or simply to enjoy life, but since I only have 200 words, that would have to do.

Paul

The major advice I would give myself is to finish off strong in high school. A.P. classes are incredibly beneficial in getting college credit. Also, I would say it's important to keep an open mind especially with those who may have very different opinions and backgrounds. As an athlete I would say that making the jump from high school soccer to college soccer is extremely more physical. I would have liked to prepare myself more for that experience. As a student who pays for my entire education, I would say that it is important to start off strong because the amount of money I spend each semester and the three jobs that I work to pay for it, need to have a positive result.

Alexis

Never let anyone tell you that you aren't smart enough to do something, try your best in every way possible., and don't be ashamed to ask for help because no question a dumb question.

Kelley

If I could talk to myself as a high school senior, I would share several key pieces of advice with myself that I have gained thus far in my college career. First, I would stress the importance of time management. Both the workload and the class schedule in college is very different from high school. One may not have the same classes every day, yet keeping up with work is crucial to performing well in college. Tools like a daily planner for assignments, and a calander marked with important tests and papers are helpful for staying on track. Next I would advise myself to hone my writing skills. Paper writing is emphasized on a much greater scale in college, and professors have high expectations. Efficient paper writing is also key, for deadlines tend to be abbreviated. Finally, I would love to be able to tell myself to take a deep breath and relax. College preparation can be so stressful that it is easy to miss the wonder and grandeur of it all. Appreciating being a college student and embracing the new phase in life is just as important as attending class or making the Dean's List.

Rebecca

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would persuade myself to take the process of choosing a college more seriously. I did not take the time to look at the wide array of options available when selecting a school. My choice didn't match my personality. I somewhat regret going to St. Norbert College because of how small it is, the athletics, the social life, and proximity to home. Recently I have had the opportunity to visit a friend at the University of Kansas, and I felt at home. I realized that's how college should feel. I am amazed by the community atmosphere, endless amounts of extra-curriculuar clubs and activities and the resources for academic success available for students. I tried almost everything I could to transfer to KU, but it didn't work out financially. I know a lot of people that like St. Norberts, but it's not for me. Knowing what I know now, I would have put more effort into finding the right school for me instead of just settling for something safe.

Olivia

Looking back on my descion process considering college, I would not do it any differently. I followed my heart, and knew St. Norbert was the best school for me; I truly felt at home and always will. The transition was tough and if I could go back to a year ago before starting college I would tell myself to focus , do not become attached to people and do not be afraid to get involved. Sometimes within the first semester of college I would obsess over my future and what I was going to do. It is overwhelming to feel like you have to decide what you will do with the rest of your life and thinking the first friends you meet will be there forever like people say. The advice would be to focus on the task at hand; study, go to class and talk to your professors. I did what I thought would be enough but being on your own for the first time everyone makes mistakes. Do not think you can be involved with too much, do not be afraid to make new friends, everyone is in the same situation of discovering themselves, and be open to change.

cathleen

I would tell myself to make the most of my last year! Look forward to studying and spending quality time with close friends. I would tell myself to help out more in my community and be more of a strong leader in not only sports but excel in all of the clubs and activities that I joined. I would tell myself not to work as much during school weeks and would recomend that to any high school senior, there were many times when I worried about my financial problems and family than I worried about my future.

Shannon

If I could go back in time to give myself advice, I would definitely suggest to myself to get involved on campus through clubs and activities. Campus involvement is huge; it gives you different perspectives on life while helping you transition to college life by making friends. I would also suggest to myself to stay organized when it comes to academics. I'm doing well academically, but I wish I had started out more organized to keep track of class credits, professor information, and general homework. I also wish I would have realized the vast amount of information that is available to students outside the classroom through our library's large database and other materials. Lastly, I would remind myself that I am transitioning into a new chapter in my life, and although it may seem difficult and stressful at times, I'm opening up a chapter of self-discovery, maturation, and self-dependency. Going to college and succeeding in college is a testament to my ability to discover and be myself while realizing my past does not determine my future.

Christopher

Immediately after high school, time was spent more wisely by not going to college right away. Of course, I didn't possess the ambition or the awareness that I could go on to higher education. Encouragement to partake in life on a higer level would be my main point of advice. Life at that time seemed only to exist in fleeting desires and material things. The knowledge that is gained through learning of the experiences of those who have lived and learned before me is worth more than any price that could be demanded. I would advise myself to be unafraid of the competition of others and to take the challenge of learning as a gift, not an obligation. Immaturity and shortsightedness holds one of youth within unrealistic boundaries which at the time seem like freedoms. It takes all the strength of an individual working cohesively with faith in God and the encouragement of fellow people to overcome oneself. When we loose ourselves from the bonds of our selfishness, we are free to love God, our neighbors, and ourselves in a way that provides growth in wisdom for all of the human race.

Casey

Advice I could give myself is to basically be ready for change and growth. I would encourage myself to value every relationship I had in high school, but not expect to replace any of those friendships. As much as you expect to meet similar people and have comparable experiences to high school in college, it is not like that. Everything is new. You?re not replacing your friends from high school, you?re adding onto your friend group and with these new human encounters comes new experiences and obstacles. You meet people who have been brought up differently then you with different lifestyles and it is necessary to consider their situations without judgment. You will meet people on campus, in the local community and across the world and you need to take in every one of these experiences for your own benefit. Practice living in solidarity while taking on a feeling of oneness with those that you meet. Never be to anxious or wish for more time- remember that each moment is given to us and that it is of value. Make the most of the present moment and be mindful that your actions now will affect your future person.

Kathleen

College, I would begin, changes you powerfully. But you don't have to forget the life you lived prior to heading out. Don't push the past away, and don't forget the friends who have been there for so long. Your friends are all rooting for you, they have helped you get so far, and they will be there for you when you come home or when you feel alienated from your life. In college you'll learn some of the greatest lessons of life: you'll learn to laugh even though you'll stressed. You'll learn what it's like to be happy even though the big midterm is coming up. You'll learn what it's like for professors, PhD recipients, to treat you like you are a valid, important person. You have something to offer the world, the only one telling you 'no,' will be you. When you can't do something, look around you. So many people are rooting for you: your family, your old friends, your new ones, and yes, even your professors. College is not about forgetting to live, it's about learning to live.

Callie

Do not stress about tests and finals. Stress always makes it work. If you have a lot to do - make a list. Organize your days and you will be sure not to miss anything. Be aware of due dates, and keep every class syllabus. You will always get everything done, so take your time and make a schedule that is realistic and do-able. Don't over do it! You do not have to rush through things...there is plenty time to do everything that needs to be done! Use your study time wisely. Try and get one thing done at a time for you will feel more successful and accomplished at the end of the day. Lastly, have fun. Meet all the people you can and say hi to them when you see them around campus. A hi always brightens up everyone's day. Friends are life's gifts - cherish them and do not turn down opportunities to meet new people. Have FUN!! It goes by FAST.

Stephanie

When people say that it is okay to be undecided in a major, that's not really true. The work load is somewhat similar but it is not as guided as in high school. Really research the classes necessary for the different majors and fields you are interested in early. Otherwise you could be stuck getting a degree in something that is not very practical or what you enjoy. Be sure you are okay with how far you are away from home. Do something that feels comfortable to you, rather than what looks best on paper. If you feel comfortable with something you are likely to benefit more from it. Research for yourself, don't go off of what other people say.

Arielle

Dear Me, You're almost there, the point in your life where you fully have the wings to choose what you want to, you're going to be the guider - not being guided. Don't forget those people who have supported you throughout it all (Hint: they gave birth to you and your friends back from high school). Please, do yourself a favor and don't rush everything. Give yourself some breathing space and time to reflect on this beautiful life. Too often you move so fast and go through the motions without really appreciating the steps you are taking to becoming a mature adult with a life full of possibilities. It will be tough, but don't second guess yourself and know that being indecisive or falling won't make you a failure or a person who's defined as indecisive - staying that way and not doing anything will. You really can do it Arielle, you have come so far and still have so much to go! College is going to be so exciting and just be you and stay true to yourself. Alright, opportunity, open the door, I'm ready!

Twama

If I were to go back in time to when i was a senior, I would probably go tell myself to apply for scholarships earlier and to double check the breakdown of my St. Norbert Scholarship. Because I was late applying for scholarships and misunderstood the breakdown of my current scholarship and tuition. Now I'm in deep trouble of being sent back home to Namibia because I can't afford to pay for the tuition. I was only supposed to pay US$8,000 and now they say I have to pay US$11,000. My family is overwhelmed because they cannot afford to pay for this. They couldn't even afford 8,000--I was to help them pay it with my on-campus employment. I'm stuck, right now. So I would really love to talk to myself in the past and tell her that she should apply early for a full scholarships, and also to know that there was an error in the dollar amount she would have to pay for St. Norbert. That would really pull me out of this situation, because all I'm doing right now is applying for every scholarship possible.

Ashley

Finding the right college means many different things. The most important thing that I would recommend to look for is a campus that is going to fit the lifestyle and personal needs of the student whether that means smaller class sizes or athletic emphasis on the campus. It is also important to acknowledge the kind of professor-student relationships that exist; I found that a small class size came with a more accessible, more personal professor. Overall, the cost of the right college should not be the most important factor because the experience and knowledge from college is more important. Most schools provide financial assistance to make the process less of a burden. Taking chances and keeping an open mind were two of the best things that I ever did during my college experience; I was able to meet many great people and study abroad. College was truly one of and will be the best experience of my life.

Zachary

Be very open-minded and willing to try new things. Pick a college that best fits you for who you are are. Pick a school that will offer the best and most possiblities for your major. Pick a school that will support you academically, personally, and spiritually. The best way to get the most of your college experience is to try new activities, sports, and groups. Friends are one of the most important things. They will help you with your school work and personal problems. Also, find a school that the teachers are willing to give you thier numbers and e-mail adresses so you can contact them at any time with any questions.

Meghan

Getting involved at any college is key. Through clubs and activities I met many life long friends that shared the same interests and values. Also, don't be afraid to put yourself out there and take chances with activities or groups that you might not have throught to participate with in high school. College is a fresh start and the 4 years goes by VERY quickly. When you go to visit your potential college make sure you feel comfortable and ask any questions you have because this is a big decision, you want to make sure half way through freshman year you aren't wishing you were somewhere else. Although, if you do decide your current college is not for you, that's ok too. It's better to transfer to another school that you think you could be more comfortable at than stay in a situation that doesn't feel right. Make sure you take your school work seriously, but also make sure you leave time for friends and some fun. College is what you make it and the experiences you have will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Kim

Students should first look for respected colleges or universities that offer their probable major. After they have narrowed their list down, they should take into account the locations, average class sizes, probable costs and availability of financial aid, campus housing and meal policies, and the demographics of each institution and prioritze these factors to further focus their search. Once the student narrows his or her list to a manageable number of post-secondary institutions, he or she should visit as many campses as possible to gain a feel for life on campus and the overall personality of the student body. By doing adequate research on colleges and universities, a student will make informed decisions about where they want to pursue a degree - the best method for insuring that the institution will offer the student opportunities to succeed in their academic and personal development goals.

Kirsten

Dont' choose a school because you feel like you have to go there. FInd somewhere that you are cofortable that fits you needs, and disires. The college you choose should not only shape your life, but allow you to shape its life. Never be afraid to try something new, and get out there and have fun.

Sara

It is very important to explore a few different colleges before you choose the school that is right for you. It is important to think about the things that are most important to you at your school and find that place that contains all of them. There is a perfect school out there for everyone. In order to make the most of a college experience it is great to get involved in as much as you can. Weather it is extra-curricular or social- just be involved. Make friends. Try things you have never tried before. Study hard and play hard. Volunteer. Get to know your professors. It is ok to make mistakes! This will be the best years of your life!

Jake

Determing the college to attend or to send your child is a decision that can change your life or your childs life. Everyone already understands the importance of evaluating schools based on academics, affordability, and community surroundings. One of the most important thing is to trust your instincts. Go on as many visits and meet as many people from the school's community as needed, to have a good sense about your comfort level and what your future would be like. Also, be open minded, check out small schools and big schools and schools in different locations as you never know which may be the right fit. Once you evaluate all the factors just described and make a decision, its easy! College life is fun, challenging, rewarding, and full of opportunites if you embrace it!

Stephanie

Finding the right college depends on the student. Go where you want to go and where you think you'll be happy. Mom and Dad don't have to go there so why should they choose? Go with your gut and you are sure to have the most amazing four years of your life up ahead. I know I did.

Sarah

Really research your options. I would not suggest going to the school that is most financially stable if there is another option that is more appealing yet more expensive. Choose a school that fits you. Choose a school that has great study abroad options - and study abroad!

Loni

Going to college is the next step in entering a successful, meaningful adulthood. The college that you chose to attend will provide you with the foundational grounds of being a well-rounded, contributing member of society. Chosing the school for you is like finding the perfect glove that will continually protect your active hands. Be mindful of the four fingers: finance, location, academic importance and social life. At the same time, remember the importance of the thumb: overall atmosphere of the school. That atmosphere can be more clearly understood and experienced after visiting the campus personally. The college that you choose could serve as your home for four or more years and give you the gift of the introducing you to and preparing you for your life career. Choose the college you believe will challenge you and help you to grow into your potential.

Kirstina

Apply to schools that you are thinking about ahead of time, and then tour schools that you are accepted to. If you can't decide, narrow your choices down and tour 2 or 3 of them for a second time. Choose the school that feels right to you. Ask a lot of questions while you are on your tour - the tour guides are super friendly and can answer almost any question you would have, and if they can't answer it, they will find somebody who can for you. Choose a school that fits your beliefs and what you want to do for a career in the future. When I toured schools I actually to ok 3 days to tour 6 schools so I made a 4 page list of questions to ask and printed out six copies. While I was touring I wrote down what school it was at the top of the list and then answered as many questions as I could on the page, so I could keep the different schools straight. This helped me decide a lot. After I was done touring I wrote pros and cons at the end as well. This was very helpful.

Renata

College is an important and sometimes trying transitional experience. When researching which school is best for you, I recommend visiting several different schools you are interested in and spending the night with some students there. Students will be honest with you about their experiences and are less likely to treat you like a customer. Going to college is not only about academic success, but social success, so get aquainted with the area and get a feel for typical campus activities. There are huge differences between small liberal arts schools and large public universities. Everything from class size, student-faculty ratio, accomodations, safety, resources vary depending on the nature of the school, so be sure to visit at least one of each type to compare your choices. Trust your instincts and choose an environment in which you will be happy and where your academic goals won't be compromised. Lastly, don't take life too seriously...you WILL miss having a roommate teeter over you in a precariously positioned bunk bed, I promise!

Kelsey

St. Norbert College is a really fun school, don't miss it!

Sarah

After I graduated from St. Norbert College I went to Lawrence University to work in Student Affairs, and from being a student and then helping students in Campus Life, I would strongly recommend visiting the campuses before you send in your deposit! Most students I work with that become unhappy after term 1 are those who didn't see the campus before they came. On your campus visit I would suggest asking financial aid what their typical aid is for all 4 years for a student of your income, since many institutions give more your freshmen year and less each year after. Hopefully on your visit you will have a chance to talk to both a professor as well as a staff member from Student Affairs. You will learn much about yourself out of the classroom, and your education out of the classroom is just as important as in it. Make sure you understand what the college can offer you in both areas.

Kelly

Look for a college that shares your beliefs and traditions. By finding a college with similar values, you feel more at home. You strive to learn and become an active member of the college, thus making your college years more valuable and rewarding.

Amy

Go with your gut.

Molly

For the student: go with your gut. You will know when a school feels right!

Sarah

I think it is important that a student chooses a college that they are going to like. My mom always told me that what you put into life is what you will get out of it and I have always lived by that moto. When I was in doubt I looked to that moto because it helped me put a little bit more effort into my school work. My school isn't the easiest but it was the school I wanted to attend so I suggest if you have your mind focused on a certain school, then go for it. You can do it!

Lucy

I would advise any parent or student to make the choice based on which college best suits them as an individual. Making a decision based off of where others go does not benefit you and your personal success at all. Finding a college that best correlates with your values, climate preferences, and academic program of interest is a good starting point for narrowing down your selection. A well suited college should make you feel welcome and at home, along with establishing a sense of excitment and eagerness to explore and grow within the school. College is about growing up and finding yourself, a good college should guide you and help you grow, not prevent you from doing it. Be your own person, and make the most out of the opportunities that present themself while you're there-- you wont be sorry!

Krista

Make sure you fall in love with the college. Visit all the colleges you applied to and don't be dead set on one school until you see them all. I was dead set on a different college for months before I went to visit the college that I actually did attend and I now look back and realize that the college I chose was the best one for me and it was the best decision I have ever made. Don't have any regrets when you graduate (or as few as possible). Try/do whatever you can--rush for Greek group even though you don't see yourself as a "Greek" (I didn't see myself and I ended up in one that I loved), go out and meet people whether you drink or not--you might meet one of your closest friends at a party, skip a class or 2 every once in awhile, spend 7 hours in the library studying for a test, fall in love, find out who your real friends are, and for goodness sakes-college is the best for years of your life, so MAKE THE MOST OF IT AND LIVE IT UP!

Megan

Do your research. Ask questions. Take full advantage of tours, meeting with professors/coaches and shadow days. Go with your gut. It is your home for four wonderful years. Colleges are like shoes; they don't fit everyone the same. In other words, dont go to a college just because your boy/girlfriend, friend, or parent says to. DON'T COMMUTE!!!! Ya, you might get a crappy roommate, but that just gives you incentive to get out there and live your life. Take risks, have fun, do things you never thought you would. Make new friends. Get rid of other friends. Enjoy yourself, you'll never have this experience again. Get to know your professors and don't be afraid to ask for help/direction. College can be hard, but there is always someone there who can lend a helping hand. Don't forget your pillow.