Saint Xavier University Top Questions

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

Elizabeth

Figure out what is best for you, a small or large classroom setting. The most important part may not be the social scene, but rather the educational aspect of the college. Also look into the availability of the professors, that is very important

Michelle

I would advise parents to go with their children to tour the school. Students should also take into consideration what kind of envir onment the are most comfortable learning in. For example, large lecture halls or in smaller classrooms where they work with classmates on projects. Taking into consideration the size of the campus as well. One large building with a few smaller ones surrounding is a lot different than running around a large city between classes. Also knowing what studies the school is know from will help you chose the best one for your degree that will later land you a job you love.

Lisa

Visit the colleges that you are interested in and even some that you are not interested. Compare tuition and expenses and the offered financial aid options and opportunities. Compare the programs of study and the activities at each school. Even though I did not do it, I would reccomend going to a community college for general education classes first if tuition costs are a concern, as long as you know what you want to major in and where you will be completing your degree. That way you can work with both schools to plan your courses and know that your credits will transfer. When choosing classes, especially general education classes, read the course discriptions and take classes that you are interested in, such as taking Nutrition instead of geology for your science requirement. Pay attention to school activities; sometimes you can go to sporting events and theatrical events at students rates. The college experience is not just about getting a degree so you can get a job; it's the experience of being part of a team and meeting people that you will be connected to forever.

Edina

Try to see what kind of atmosphere you like. Also, do a lot of research on a school before you attend. Do not make your top choices because you might not end up going there. Try to visit the school and try to sit in on a class if you can. Don't rush into a major because you will have plenty of time to figure out what you would like to do. Talk to other students who attend the school. Go over your financial aide carefully, bit by bit.

Elizabeth

Go with your gut! When you step onto the right campus, or find the right major, you will know it deep inside. Don't be afraid if you have to visit ten colleges until you find the right one - the important thing is finding the right one for you. Don't be afraid to change your major. College is a learning experience and you learn as much in the classroom as you learn outside of it. Understand that as you grow as a person your interests will change and that's OK. Volunteer for anything interesting that comes along and join as many clubs and organizations as you can. This is where you will make your best friends. The most important lesson about college is to not be afraid. Do things you never thought you would and you will be amazed at how far you will go!

Magen

Take responsibility for your education! College is a whole differnt experience from High School -- research and know procedures and what is expected of you in order to obtain your degree. Advisors are available, but they can't be responsible for everything- people make mistakes and you should just stay on top of things to prevent delayed graduation or a negative experience. No one will remind you to turn in a paper or give you extra time to buy a book etc. Be responsible for your learning because it is your job- a full time job- to get as much information and knowledge as possible.. after all you are paying for it! Get use to putting your social life on the side burner.. your friends will be there when you graduate. Now is the time to commit to your future, not your social life. However, always keep in mind that you do deserve some "play" time just in small doses- study hard and you will succeed!

Sharday

When finding the right college, my advice to parents and students would be picking the school that is accordance to what the student feels best applies to him/her. I'm personally from a small town but I knew I wanted to experinece something different, but not too different to where I would push myself into something I could not handle. Coming from Troy, MO, I eventually decided to come to Chicago; however, Saint Xavier University is a little outside of the big city and its a smaller school that suited me perfectly. So I got the best of both worlds. If your serious about school , choose a school that won't get you in trouble like picking a college perferably known a s a party school. Even if you prefer a certain student -teacher ratio, many options go into picking the right school. Choose the school that matches your like s and you feel works for you personally.

S.

The college experience is all about what you make of it, so you might as well make the best of it, and learn to take the good with the bad.

Amour

I would tell the students to pick the school that they want to go to. Dont go to a school just because your parents want you to go there. You''ll be miserable if you do.

Melissa

I would tell the student or parent to maake sure they visit the college they are thinking of attending so that they can get a feel for the enviornment and people.

Lyndsey

When looking for the right school make sure that they offer the classes and programs that you are interested in. For a small campus, such as St. Xavier Universtiy, I have found that living on campus for the first two years was helping for meeting new people. If you don't live on campus, make sure you get involved. Many students have transfered out of our school because they were having problems meeting ne w people. Also, talk to other students on the campus and see what they think or feel about the school. By asking questions one could see if this school is right for them. Example: How is the workload? What are classes like? etc.... Make sure these answers fit to your likeing and that the campus size and social life is one you will be able to fit in with.

TIRZA

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH FINANCIAL AID AND OR FINANCES SAVED. SAVE ABOVE AND BEYOND SO THAT IF ALL FAILS YOU WILL STILL HAVE MONEY FOR SCHOOL.

Jill

Some advice that I would give to parents and/or students about finding the right college and making the most of the college experience is to know what the student wants out of a college. Be sure to research colleges, financial aid options, housing options, ect before making a final decision on a college. Once you have found the perfect match through your research, visit the school and learn the school's policies.

Maria

The most helpful advice I could give to students and parents about finding the right college is to definitely broaden your horizons! Don't just stick to one school because it's close in the neigborhood or convenient because the student's friends already attend there. Also, have options for yourself. Apply to as many schools as possible so that you can really narrow down which school is the best option for you. Do fill out the FAFSA and apply for scholarships. If you are able to receive financial aid from the government or the school, definitely take advantage of that. Also, discuss together whether you both agree if it's better to live on campus or off. Comunication is key when starting college. Talk to your advisors and counselors about obtaining the best education and college experience.

Melissa

I would say that parents and students should look around at the different colleges before making the best decision. Students should check out schools with their parents, friends, etc. to get a better feeling of that college. By visiting the college, students and parents can get the best understanding of what the specific school is about.

Jean

Make sure you look at everything in the college. Look at everything, look from the food to the dorms, to the study areas to place where everyone sociloizes, make sure that you or your son/daughter can see them slefves at thst school everyday.