St Catherine University Top Questions

Well Anna, this is it, the start of your senior year. I have a few suggestions for success once you get to college. Keep working hard, and follow what you feel is right. After graduation, things won?t be so easy. You will argue with the parents and friends, but things get better. I promise. Work is important, but be proud you achieved the scholarship so don't work so much. When you get to the dorms, leave your door open and don?t be scared to say ?hi? to someone new, they are scared too and you?re going to wish you had more time to socialize once classes start. The professors are inspiring and helpful; don?t be afraid to ask for help. Also get to know the other interpreting majors they will be very helpful. Lastly, follow your dreams and love who you are becoming. Things get a little rocky but it is very worth it, because after all the hard work, you know you will be able to survive on your own. So, keep up the good work, study hard and always remember what dad says ?find the fun? it will get you far in life.

I am a 19 year old Hmong American attending the College of Saint Catherine. My dream has always been to become a radiographer and work at the Children?s Hospital. To achieve this dream, I have worked hard to get to where I am at now. Ambition and motivation has kept me going when I wanted to give up. My senior year I decided to do the post-secondary enrollment option at a community college. I balanced high school and college courses together. College is so different from high school. If you don?t have the time set aside to read or study, you won?t succeed to get the best grade you possibly can. If I could go back in time to senior year, I would tell myself to take full time PSEO instead of part time. I would miss my senior year but it?s worth it to replace it with college courses. I would have saved so much money because my courses would have transferred to Saint Catherine. I wouldn?t have heavy loans to pay off when I graduate and I wouldn?t have to worry about whether or not financial aid will cover for me.

The transition to college is not an event, but a process. At first, throwing away the past and jumping into school may seem like a great idea - exit childhood like ripping off a bandaid - quick and painless. I found my transition worked okay this way, until I realized what I had thrown with that bandaid. In preparation for college, I went through my possessions and kept only items I thought I would use in college. I packed what I hoped I needed, not exactly what I had been using at home, but what I considered most likely useful for school. When I arrived at college, my stuff worked well, for a while. After a month I realized that, I really did want that shirt I thrown out at home because it would work nicely in my dorm climate (a balmy 72 degrees). After more classes and studying, I realized more items that would have been useful to have and some that I brought but didn't even touch. I may not be far into my education, but I sure have learned one thing - throw out the stuff you don't need only after you are settled into your new situation.

The advice that i would give myself is plan ahead and set your mind to it. Making a plan will get you ahead so you won't always be wasting your time thinking what you should do next. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions when youdon't understand, because one mistake is one step back from your goal. The number one problem that college students have is financial problems. High school don't teach you things on how to spend your money wisely, so thats why college students have such a hard time dealing with money. First of all, save as much money as you can before you go to college. Only buy the necessary things, so you won't be caught up in so much loans. One last important thing is know how to balance your time. Using your time wisely will bring you less stress and better grades. Please do not do last minute papers or assignments, college papers are no joke but a real deal that gets you good grades. So think of it as this, " Learning is an opportunity". Remember, make the best out of everyday so you won't regret later in life.

Make sure to talk to students that attend the schools you are considering. Do not be afraid to ask questions that you might think are embarrassing, like questions about the amount of partying that occurs on campus. Current students are probably the only ones who will answer questions like that honestly so they are the ones you should talk to. Also, do not choose a school based only on how much scholarship and grant money they offer you. This is too big of a decision to make based only on money, and there are always more scholarships to apply for if you just research. Try really hard to take the time to sit in on a class during one of your visits. Not only will you get a taste of the teaching technique of a professor from that school, but once you see how students from a school behave during class, you will be able to decide if it is the kind of classroom environment you want to be a part of.

Cirien- If you knew now, what I didn't know then....Gosh, you might be amazed. I'm living it in and I'm in awe! When you sit down in The Reflective Woman that first Wednesday morning, don't let your first thought be "What the hell am i doing here?"! Why don't you try, "what the hell as I going to do here?" or how about "when am I going to start doing everything here?" or "when do i start?". Turn to the young woman on your left and say hey, comment on the gorgeous day outside the window. Turn to the young woman on the right and welcome here as she takes a seat. They'll be your first best friends in college...why wait until a year late to meet them? Go to the Activities Fair and fo to the meetings. Try everything once---tacos in a bag are delicious by the way. Take a new language. Have fun. Stress. It will do you good. Coasting never got anyone anywhere, you're no different. Do good. Do well. Do Something. Most of all, do something with this chance from day one. Peace! You in 2010.

Hold on. No matter how tough things become within your your life or your world, to hold on. If your whole life falls apart, keep working, ask for help, utilize resources available at the school, talk to your instructors and advisors, your school counselors, let go of shame, humble yourself, ask for alternatives, get involved in the social life of the school, keep your head up, and keep going. If all those fail, then just hold on. Wait it out, because things will and do get better. You will never again be 20 or 19 or 22. Life experience is great, but college will always enrich that. No matter what happens, stay in school. No matter how hard things are, stay in school; it'll be harder to go back later. Don't take a break. Don't think you're better than school. Don't get disallusioned. Hold on. Hold on to the privilege and honor of being in a place where people get paid to help you suceed. Hold on to the privilege and honor of being able to attend a place of higher learning. Hold on to your life. Hold on to your future. Hold on.

Kimberly, high school was fun but it's just the start of your life. College will be where you make friends for life, have the time of your life, and study your life away. Be prepared to work hard. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Get to know your professors. Learn how to manage your money better. Never pass up free food or events. And most of all... just have fun.

If I could go back in time my senior year, I would feel just as prepared for college as I am right now. My last two years of high school I took part in the PSEO program and took college classes at Normandale Community College. I knew that I was giving up part of the high school experience by doing this, but I was ready for college at that time. High school got old and the people there were immature, I wanted to spread my wings and do something different, and I'm glad I did. Normandale was a chance for me to get a head start at the college life, take classes, and prepare myself for college through experience. Also, college is expensive and by doing this, I cut down a year of my college expenses. I completed my freshman year of college before I graduated from high school and for me this was my preparation for college. The advice I would give myself is that "what you're giving up in high school will be well worth it in college." I wouldn't do anything different because I am proud of the choices I've made so far.

Looking back to high school as a college freshman, there are a few pieces of advice that I would have given myself about making the transition into college. The most important piece of advice that I would have given myself would have been to make sure that I prioritize my time. In college there are a lot of new activies, friends, schedules, and classes and finding the time to include all of them in a day can be very challenging. The second piece of advice that I would have given myself would be to join more college activities and clubs. Meeting new people and making connections is very importnat not only in college but in life. Simply knowing who people are can make someone who is new to a community feel welcomed and comfortable. The last piece of advice that I would have given myself would have been to utilize my resources on campus. There are a lot of people on campus that are willing to help out students with a variety of topics and issues. There are also great resources on campus that can help students with essays and study tools, They are very important to college success.

College life and making the transition back to school Well, being 32 and going back to school is a very hard thing to do these days. Being out of school and the academic life for so long doesn't help either. So if there?s any advice I would give myself is, "Don't wait to head to college". Double up on your English and Math. Those two skills are very important in college. Apply for your college grants or scholarships at least 1 year before heading to college. This will help pay for schooling and programs you may wish to join. To help with living expansive, books or other items you will use for college. Have faith in your ability to pass whatever they school may throw your way. Enjoy being apart of the school and what it has to offer. These are the things I would tell myself in the pass.

I am an non-traditional student, following high school I attend a career focused school to obtain my Associates Degree in Massage Therapy. A few years passed and I decided to enroll at Saint Catherine University to obtain a dual Bachelor Degrees in Marketing & Management/Pyschology. If I had the chance to talk to my high school senior self I would tell her do not doubt your abilities and knowledge becuase others cannot see your potential. I was not a D student in high school but I was sightly below average and my counselor strongly questioned my ability to handle the work load and responsebilites of a four year college. This really shook my confidence level because out of all the people that should have supported me at that transitional period exhibited a lack of faith in me. Through healthy support, defined goals and accomplashing my AAS Degree/working on my Bachelor Degrees I have rebuilt and reenforced my self confidence that my counselor so casually and thoughtlessly destroyed.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to rush out and try to do to everything at once. I would remind myself to work hard, but pace myself and take opportunities as they appear. Life isn?t a movie ? not everything is going to happen at once. Also, I would inform my past self that there would be times in my future that I would be overwhelmed, but if I work hard, make time for breaks, fun, research, and mistakes, everything would find a way to work out. I would especially emphasize on making time for fun, research, and mistakes. I would remind myself that making time for fun makes me an overall happier person, and it is easier for happy person to work hard. As for making time for research and mistakes, I would tell my past self that I can get the best opportunities if I am able to learn from past mistakes rather than repeat those mistakes. Additionally, I can avoid making major mistakes if I allot the time to do extra research on the project or problem.

I would tell myself that I need to be clear about what I want and tell people that there is no way I will do what they want me to do if I cant do what I want. Its important to get your own needs met as well as trying to meet the needs of others. I would say that you are a strong woman and that holding down a job, going to school full time and having your son is going to be hard but you can do it.

I cannot stress enough how much easier it would be to attend college right out of high school rather than waiting. I am a transfer/returning student with a family and one of my biggest challenges is trying to juggle my family life with my college life. I would not trade my family for anything but I will say I often feel as though I am missing out on many social opportunities this campus has to offer and much of the true college experience because of my committment to my family. Making the decision to go to college was one of the best decisions I could have ever made. I am an older student here and upon entering felt I knew most of what there was to know about real life simply because I have experienced much of it. However, I was wrong! I have learned just as much, if not more, here in the last three years than I could have ever learned through life experiences alone. My college experience has offered me the opportunity of a lifetime so I embrace any learning challenges because I know I have become and continue to be a better, more educated person.

As a senior in high school I knew I would go right into college. Those few months between high school graduation and college orientation were a blur and I didn't take the time to switch my mindset about what the purpose of education was, why I was going to college, and what I needed to do while I was there. High school was an expectation, a grade that needed to be passed. College is preparation for the rest of your life. Not just a grade to be passed, college should be viewed as a place where you can get the necessary social and educational tools to prepare you for your future. Merely treating classes as a means to an end ("I need to do this to graduate") is not enough. Professors design classes to help students learn the tools they need to succeed. I would tell myself to be prepared to read and learn long-term lessons. Studying for the grade is not the proper mindset. Be a sponge, soak up that knowledge, and use it for your future. Though the grade gives you a benchmark for progress, the knowledge is what you will carry with you forever.

Look at more schools with Sign Language/Interpreting Major and that offer volleyball, just to give more of a selection. You can always go back to a vocational school after you get a degree.

I would advise myself to take more dual-credit courses in high school. As a high school student, I was able to slide by without doing much studying or real work. I could cram the night before a test for a few hours and still score very well. I think most importantly, I would tell myself that, while college is often full of hard work and stress, that settign expectations of myself and knowing my limitations is the most important aspect of doing well in college.

Don't slack off your senior year, it will affect your 1st year in college. Save up money for college, don't use cause you think you need new things. Beware of the loans. Talk to your parents or someone who understand the effects of getting a loan. Start building up your credit score. If you get a credit card, only use it when necessary or because you have to. Be more active during your first year on campus, don't lock yourself in your room. If you have a roommate you should talk to her everynow and then for everyday; or else things get ackward. When you set up rules for your room-make sure to mention about time to sleep and their signifcant other. Clean your room since it'll get dusty very easily. Don't procarstinate too often. Plan times to eat with friends in the cafeteria because it gets lonely eating yourself.

If one is not sure what they want to study in college, I would find a college that makes them feel comfortable, engaged and wanting to participate in campus activities. I would visit the college and get a feel for what its like, its atmosphere, classes, teaching style and the student body. The best thing is to find a college that helps one realize there passion and interests. Ambition can bring one only so far, but the excitement and exhilaration felt after a problem is solved or goal completed will take you all the way and keep you going. Find what you like and start a club, get involved on campus and look for new experinces. Create the college experince you are looking for, but don't forget to be open to new ideas and I promise you will have an unforgetable experince. In the end what one gets to take away with them all the friends and acquaintances made during college for a life long experince.

Check out a lot of different types of colleges or universities, make sure they have lots of different majors in the area you want to go into. If you don't know what you want to do, take different types of classes to determine what you like to do. Get to know a lot of different types of people, have fun and study hard!

Find a college that makes sense for you. Pick your school realistically based somewhat on income and career expectations. For example, don't waste the money going to an expensive private school for a degree in art unless you intend to be a college professor. That said, don't over-limit yourself by price. If you fall in love with a campus find creative ways to make it work. Don't feel trapped in a school if you find it is not a fit; I spent my freshman year miserable at a school where I couldn't find any social activities other than getting drunk nightly. It's perfectly ok to change your mind so you can truly enjoy your college experience. I can't emphasize enough the importance of picking a school that truly fits you; find somewhere you will be happy and not just bidding your time until graduation. Select a school where you can be yourself, be at peace, and enjoy the journey!

I learned that its not about the prestige of the school, but the atmosphere that you are most comfortable in. My first choice, and the school I initially attended had one of the best schools of music in the south, bt I soon learned that I was not happy at the school. WHen I transfered home to the midwest and attended the school in my hometown, which is not known for its music programs, I loved the environment, the students, and the faculty. It is more important to attend a school whose environment encourages a healthy lifestyle and learning, than the school with all the prestige.

Really pay attention to how much things cost. Going to a smaller, private college can be a great experience but make sure you understand just how much you will need to take out in loans to make that experience happen and really weigh whether or not that amount is worth it.

No matter what take your generals at a community college. Live on campus at least for one year to get the whole experience. Involve yourself in school activities, this helps you get to know people around your campus. Look at school as a community more than somewhere you have to be. -I attend The College of St. Catherine in Minneapolis, its different than the main campus in St. Paul.

Find a college that fits your style and budget. Visit the school and talk to people who go there and have graduated from the school. Do research on placement after graduation and make sure they can give you the financial aid that you need.

Always visit the campus before you make a concrete decision: you'll be going to that school for a significant amount of time and you don't want to be on a campus that doesn't feel like home to you!

The first thing a person should do is think of what you want out of your college experience and what area you intend to study. Then, always tour the campus and meet the department you will spend the most time in. If the school offers prospective students the ability to sit in on a class, do it. Each school is slightly different, so knowing what will get you to your intended goal is very important. You also do not need to know exactly what you want, and don't try to do too much socially your first year. Getting the hang of your class workload will help you understand how you should set up your time. And most importantly, enjoy your experience. You'll be attending college for at the least four years, you might as well have some fun while you are there.

If you know what you want to do when you get older I would advise you to look into a school with a good program for your field. Also, college visits are always a good thing so you can get a feel for what and where you are about to spend the next couple years of your life. Also, if you don't know what you want to do I would look into many colleges and narrow it down by what you like and don't like about the school, including finacial situations.

Definitely come on a tour of the campus, sit in on a class and do an overnight with a student of the college or university. Also, the main recommendation i could make, is KNOW what major you would be interested before deciding on a college. When colleges tell you to take generals for 2 years and then pick a major Junior year, its too late and you'll fall behind and do a "7 year plan" for your 4 year undergrad degree. Do some research on what major would interest you best, then find a college that offers that specific major. Trasferring is never easy, and your credits may not transfer so you'll lose time and your well earned money. Also try to study abroad and learn a new culture or language, you'll be glad you did. Also be outgoing! College IS the best time of your life so enjoy it, meet new people and try new things!

Nothing.

I have been to three colleges during my college career. the first college I choose was because of the name. it was the most popular school in my state but far from the best. I did not get the attention I need as a student with a learning disability but even as a student the teachers did not seem to care much. I left that school with fear that I would not find another good college. the college I go to now is one of the best. its a college that has wanted me to explore every option on campus and only wants us as students to successes. so when looking at colleges if you or your child ends up some where they do not feel is best for them, do not be afraid of exploring other schools. it may be the best decision of making a career, those life long friends, and finding that path to a successful life.

Find which college is best for your major and get details! Meet with more than one person at the school. Talk with academic advising and financial aid. Check out the people on campus, not just resources and how it looks. Even if you like how a school looks, you might not necessarily be happy with the overall atmosphere.

First of all, do not be afraid of investing in your future. It can be very intimidating to think about the expense of college but it is surprising how possible it is to work things out. Of course cost is important to consider but try not to make that as the principle factor in your choice. As far as the type of schools to look at, I highly recommend liberal arts colleges where you are required to take classes outside of your major. It really is beneficial to have a well-rounded education and it is surprising how interrelated a lot of seemingly different disciplines can be. It is also helpful to choose a college that offers a wide variety of majors and fields of study. It may be a little overwhelming when you are making your initial choices but the likelihood that you will change your mind is pretty big. It is helpful to already be in a school that can accommodate those changes versus one with a very focused curriculum. And finally, once you have chosen a school it is imperative to study consistently. Every night do at least one thing for each class. It really helps.

Know your comfort levels. Look at who you are as a person and choose a college that fits with your very being, not what offers the program that will pay the most money in the future. Life is too short to be focused solely on making money. Have fun at your college, and choose one that offers a large variety of course so you have the opportunity to learn everything you can.

Visit each campus. Try to do an overnight stay to get a feel for the campus life. Sit-in on classes, talk to admission counselors. Write down pros and cons for each school you are looking at attending.

First decide whether you like big colleges or universities vs. a small college. Look at campus life and campus facilities because you will be there often.

I would definitely say look at more than one school. I never stepped foot on St.Kates campus before the first day of school and although not touring colleges worked for me, I suggest everyone do it. Also, be prepared for how much it is actually going to cost, start saving, teach your children smart ways to spend their money. Advise them NOT to get a credit card! Live on campus and get involved in college activities. Take your school work very seriously and make friends with your teachers because they are the key to the world and into graduate school. If things get tough in school, dont give up just know that you will get through it and an A isnt always the best thing to strive for. Make friends with the people on campus, they really will be your life long friends. Do not shy away from people, the other students on your campus are vital to your surivival in college, they are there to study with you and help you with things you may not know about! Dont worry about going out and partying, there is plenty of time for that later in life. Good Luck!

I would strongly advise all those looking at colleges to actually go to them and see what they are like in person. The atmosphere is so important and it is hard to describe that in words. The feeling you get when on campus is a very good indicator of which college is the best for you. Don't be afraid to take chances. Try everything. There are so many new things to do and experience at college and this is your time to experience them. It is your time to get out of your comfort zone and find out what you like and what you want. Also don't be afraid to transfer colleges if where you're at isn't right for you. College is about learning and growing as a person. It's about finding what you're passionate about and immersing yourself in it. Don't worry so much about what career your major fits into, pick a major that interests you. In the end these years are about you and you should make the most of them.

Prospective students should reflect on how they learn best so that they can choose a school that fits. Colleges vary so much in terms of classroom size and availability of services. I would probably tell the traditional undergraduate student that their college experience is a great time to grow and better yourself for the real world - so taking every learning opportunity possible is highly recommended. In choosing the right college it might not be a bad idea to ask around the community what kind of graduates that school puts out. One reason I chose my school it that when I was in the area visiting I encountered several people at local businesses that said that I was choosing a wonderful school. Making the most of your college experience involves opening your heart and mind to knew experiences. This has helped me to find my place in the world and to see what I can do to make a valuable contribution to it. My advice for parents is to be as supportive as possible. Knowing that my family was proud of me and would be there for me when i needed them really helped me develop over the past few years.

Pick a school that fits you, don't try to make yourself fit a college! Your comfort with your school is much more important than being able to say you go to a certain school.

Make sure to check into financial aid and start working on looking for scholarships EARLY! Go to overnights at the schools you are interested in and don't be shy to ask questions. Do research because on tours they will only tell you the good things because the college wants to recruit you. Blogs and the internet are good sources for personal/less biased views of a college that you are planning to attend. Apply to your dream school, you may get in even if you don't think you can.

Make sure that you find a school that it not too far away from home for both the parents and students. Look for a school that when you are on the campus just feels right. Always make sure that they have a major that you want. Live on campus at least your first year if at all possible because it is a lot easier to get involved on campus.

I really think that finding the right college is an essential step to becoming successful. Pick a school where there is alot of opportunites in case you want to know what kinds of opportunities are avaible. Go out and take a look at the school, and also have your parents or other people go with you to enjoy that enviornment. For the experience, make the most out of it. Enjoy. If you have time join clubs and use all the resources that are avaible for you. When you are stuck don't think that you are the only one, trust me there is others that are stuck like you too. Enjoy, and make the best out of your college years.

If you look at the college and it just feels right when you are there, then this is probably the right fit for you.

When choosing a college, an individual needs to know and understand what their personal values and goals are and try to match those with the values and goals of the college. If these values and goals are not somewhat aligned, it will be difficult for the student to fully appreciate and accept all that the college has to offer. In order to make the college experience rewarding for everyone involved, parents and students need to communicate openly and clearly on what each participant's responsibilities and expectations involve. If everyone knows what is expected from the other, this will alleviate a lot of stress and anxiety for everyone. Both parents and students also need to understand, equally, that they don't need to, and shouldn't, be in control of every aspect and situation in the planning process. Parents need to let go and students need to accept that their parents are only looking out for their child's best interests. These types of life changing events need to be embraced and accepted for the potential that they hold for everyone and should not be looked upon as an ending but as a beginning for everyone to grow and flourish.

Be safe and make your main goal getting a higher education. Yes, you can still have fun when learning!

Do your research!! Everything to how much tuition is to how is campus life.

Find a campus where you feel comfortable with not only the faculty and staff but also the surroundings as you will encounter them on a daily basis. It's important to feel safe as you are leaving the only environment you have ever known under you parents roof. In this environment, you are able to succeed and make many life long friendships.

Really look for a college that your student will benefit the most educationally. But also, a place that is fun with lots of oppurtunities.