University of Denver Top Questions

It is valuable to attend college because I learned more about myself and the world, then I would have if I hadn't. I learned to accept people from different lifestyles and culture. I've taken subjects I never thought I would and end up growing and learning about the world around me because of it. It allows you to grow as a person and truely experience life and a world outside of being a child. Aside form the fact that you expand your knowledge as a person but you get an expierence only college can offer. If I hadn't choosen to go to college I know I wouldn't be the same person I am today.

My college experience has pushed me to be capable of accomplishments I never would have dreamt of prior. The school and course work is at times so heavy and so challenging, I can only be thankful that all of my classmates know exactly how I feel. The pride that is achieved after a week of work that seemed impossible on Monday is indescribable. At the end of my college experience, no one will ever tell me I didn't work as hard as I possibly could. The true pride of everything I am every day I attend class is what I really get out of the experience.

Before attending the University of Denver, I imagined college to be exciting and the "best years of my life". Not to say that my assumption was completely wrong, but our culture seems to emphasize an almost unrealistic view of typical college life. I imagined having a large group of friends and little homework. The friends process took me awhile to adapt to. Being my first time away from home, I had to learn the skills to make new friends in college. Fortunately, I soon realized that I am not alone and others are friendless here like myself. I asked to sit with a girl for dinner, and she is currently my best friend. I had difficulties with my first roommate and learned a lot about myself and others and it is necessary to be straight-forward from the get go. As for the workload, it varies for every student. I know I have quite a heavy workload compared to my peers, but when I work hard and receive an A, it is well worth the effort. Making plans and attending the occasional party really help me cope with stress and have a great time here at Denver University.

Learning is very important. Look forward in life. Think things in differernt ways.

At college, so far, I have loved classes that I never thought I would be interested in. At DU, the professors are not only masters of thier art and passionate to teach it, but are also incredible teachers who are passionate about unlocking each of their students' maximum potential. I have been contemplating changing my major to the subject of every class that I am in. i am learning information well beyond the scope of anything I began to learn in high school. In adddition to the rigourous and exciting classes, college has given me a valuable sense of independence. I am handling all my personal issues myself, meeting one on one with my professors, schedualing my own doctor's appointments, and buying my own groceries. I am getting prepared to live on my own. Du helped me find an internship over the summer. The career advisors helped me write a defined resume and prepared me well for job interviews. I love DU, but I fear it's 45,000 a year tuition might force me to transfer. I hope to be able to stay and continue this valuable experience.

From my college experience, I have recieve an open view of the world. Before college I was unaware about the problems of the world, but college has given me the opportunity to learn about a variety of problems occuring in the world. For example, my college experience has given me the opportunity to learn about social inequalities, the importance of diversity and priviledge, and finally, the importance of education and its connection to opportunities. It has been valuable to attend college because it gives me the opportunity to recieve an education my family has not gotten, but most important attending college has allowed me to recieve an education to become an ER Physician to help people.

What I have gotten out of my college experience is how important it is to be prepared and organized. These simple but not easy characteristic have trained me to be a better person in my community. I have also became a better friend and metour to those that are involved in my life.

What i have gotten out of my college experience is a great education and have found new frieships that could last a lifetime. College, for me, has been a great experience and a great accomplishment for not only me bt also for my family. Being the first person in my family to attend college, it makes me feel good about myself knowing that I want to further my education and get into a field that I will enjoy for years to come.

I have been in the military (Active Duty) for the last 8 years. I wish I had time to take advantage of educational oppurtunities when I was younger.

The professors at the University of Denver are absolutely wonderful. They demonstrate an insatiable passion for their field of study as well as for the well-being of their students; and of any college I've visited or heard of, are the most available to coach their students on a one-on-one basis. As a second-year student, I have already recieved personal help and professional consulting from three of my business professors on a social entrepreneurship project I am pursuing outside of class. The project is highly involved legally, logistically and socially and would have been impossible for me to initiate without the free counsel of the faculty I have worked with. It has been exhilarating to see this project come to life, and I would never have achieved what I already have (and what I know I can in the future) without the extra time and attention dedicated to me by these special people! They are so fervent about sharing their knowlege and skills with their students that one can't help but to feel an overwhelming sense of inspiration and motivation when working with them.

So far out of my college experience, I have gotten a more open mind. This has been valuable to me because before college, I was very close minded and only wanted to listen to what i believed. Now, I can be open minded to other people's opinions and other experiences. This helps me to be able to discuss issues with people and learn even more. It gives me a new perspective on some things and also an insight to some things that I never had before college.

My college experience has challenged me to define myself not by what I see in my peers but what satisfies my personal passion. Before college I think so much of how I viewed myself was based on what I saw in others or people I wanted to be less like. My classes, my professors, and my new friends have changed my perspectives. They pushed me to think about what I enjoyed doing and who I enjoyed being. I always loved to help others, but my experiences have shown me I love stimulating change and arming people with the abilities to improve their own lives. These are the things that I have found rewarding, and I found them because of oppertunities available here and those that drove me to seek them. The service oppertunities I have been given have not just been rewarding, but also pivotal in helping me find that passion by which I want to be defined.

During my time here at DU I feel that I have made some great relationships with students and faculty. They have helped me when I have asked and have allowed me to grow into a person that I do not think I would have became if I did not attend this institution. I have learned lessons through so many different outlets here at DU from joining a living and learning community, getting a job on campus, the many group projects that are required as well as the benefit of living on campus. The value in attending DU is what you want to make it and I feel that I have taken and will continue to take advantage of those opportunities until I graduate.

When I was in high school, I became so put off by easy classes and peer drama that I felt most education was not worth my time. I mostly applied to college because I felt that was what my parents expected, and I did not take time to fill out scholarship applications. Had I known how much I enjoy college life in conjunction with the financial pressures it places on me, I would have taken more of my time to apply for scholarships and researching the fields of education that I would be interested in pursuing. Though I was able to pull myself together my first year of college and begin enjoying education, it has been an uphill battle with money and choosing the right courses, and I feel that with a little more preparation beforehand I would have avoided these problems.

I would tell myself to stay motivated. I see people everyday giving up because it is to hard or they just do not want to be in school anymore. being surrounded by this, it is hard to stay motivated. Yet I know that all the school and work will be worth it in the end. I would tell myself to only rely on myself through college, because no other person can learn the things i need to learn for what I would like to do. I would also tell myself to stay happy, things will get bad but if you give up too soon you will not know the happiness that will result from all the hard work.

Don't expect a fantasy. The independence, freedom, and change of pace is an amazing part of college, but it's also extremely difficult. It's hard to make new friends, espcially when you are any sort of minority, and it takes time to get used to the new life. But just hang in there, and I promise it will get better, easier, and in the end, college life can be everything you want it to be.

Choose the school that feels like the best fit

The most important advice I would give to myself is to not regret staying in state for college. During my senior year in high school, my heart and mind were set on studying out of the state for two reasons. First, I wanted to get as far away from my family as possible. During high school we had come into so much conflict with one another that I wanted to run away and stay out of contact for as long as I could. Second, I wanted to study political science in Washington D.C. because I thought it would be the best place to do so. I would tell myself that these were all misconceptions on my part. Even though I go to school in state, my relationship with my family has gotten better and I have learned so much about political science and myself at DU. Sure, not everything is perfect but the experiences and friends that I?ve obtained are priceless and special. They?ve made me into a better person and given me the motivation to finish school and succeed in life.

There is one saying that I have always believed in that during the college process I seemed to be stressing out too much to remember: All things happen for a reason. Although I wear it every day on a bracelet on my rist, I still was so worried about making that right decision. Now that I am at the University of Denver, I cannot picture myself going to any other school that I applied to or got accepted to. I had such a smooth transition into not only college, but this new state I am living it and I believe it is because the state of Colorado is so similiar and friendy just like my home state of Minnesota. In high school I feel like there was so much competition amongst the student body to get into the best schools that we could not appreciate the actual process of getting into school and what a great opportunity it is to even attend school. Everything happens for a reason, and I believe more then anything that everybody ends up where they are supposed to be.

I wish I would have been able to tell myself to take high school more seriously. I didn't take high school serious enough and therefore was not ready to go away right out of high school, which is the biggest mistake of my life.

I would suggest possibly going to a cheaper school for the first two years of general education, considering the "prestigous" nature of my school is more important for a students second two years in which they have a major. I would also suggest that I do attend DU, but that I would be ready for the changes, and more willing to get involved the first few weeks. Besides that, I'm fairly content with my decisions as a senior.

There are many changes from high school to college life. A big one is the work load and course schedule where teachers are not there all day to make sure the work is completed and it is a lot more personal responsibility to get the work done. Since classes meet a lot less as well, more is put on the student to do readings and homework outside of class that relate to the teachings that happen during the class periods. To help this I would tell myself to study more oustide of school to get used to doing that type of thing in college. It is vital to have study skills since the classes are generally harder than high school classes and require much more study time. I would also tell myself not to worry about meeting new people as there are plenty of social opportunities and as soon as you meet one person you meet many more as they have already met people. That is one of the biggest worries I had entering college and I would just tell myself not to worry and it will happen naturally.

Briana, I (you) have been at university for a year now. Our life has changed drastically, and we have learned many lessons from it. I am writing this letter to you now so you may better understand what you can do now in preparation for where you life will lead you. You need to stay close with your high-school buddies. You have yet to understand how much that pre-established support will help you when you are floundering at school. You need to write thank you LETTERS to all of the teachers with whom you have a strong relationship. You never know how their letters of recommendation will help you farther down the road. When you pack for school, take good sheets, a soft blanket and pack light for the rest. Most importantly, you must have an attitude of focused determination, for that is what will get you through the college applications, long scholarship essays, and unfamiliar territory this and next year. You can do more than you yet know, so give it all you?ve got! Sincerely, A more experienced You

One of the main things I would say is go some place you love! No matter the location, or price, there is always an affordable school for someone and in my mind, if you do not get enough money from them, it is not the right place. You want to go to a school where they put as much interest in you, as you do them. Also, go someplace where you feel uncomfortable. That is the best way to learn from different experiences. Going to college within your comfort zone and with all of your friends will feel as if you are in high school all over again. Get out there and give yourself opportunities. If they are such great friends anyway, they will make the trip to visit. When you find a school you are interested in, contact everyone you possibly can! If you know what you want to major in, e-mail the head of the department. He or she will always remember your name if you show a lot of interest. Take a lot of time to get to know people that will one day be extremely important to you.

Retrospect is twenty ? twenty, looking back I would tell myself to take it easy. Jumping in is a very good thing to do your freshman year of college, it makes the transition so much better. But, also having time to breath is a good thing. Also I would let myself know that no one can tell you no. That you are the person paying for these classes and if you want to be in a class that is going to challenge you, than go for it, all it is going to do is strengthen your personality. Take the chances while you can, it is okay to make a fool of yourself, because once you hit rock bottom there is nowhere else to go except up. Also that redefining yourself is something that HAS to be done, that you are going to come into college as one person and that you should strive to leave a different person. Whether it is your attitude toward education or if it is a whole self transformation, this change is a good thing and it will eventually lead to the woman that you are going to be in the end.

I would tell myself to keep an open mind and an open heart. To take risks, because there is nothing to lose. To do my absolute best at everything that I encounter no matter how difficult. And probably most important, to be kind to the people that I meet, because you never know who will end up being important to you throughout your entire life. College is an experience that helps you to grow, to think, and to learn, and as long as you embrace that, you will receive your degree having become a better, stronger person.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I think I could prepare myself better for the whole experience. I would tell myself to have a solid writing foundation because it is important for every major. I explain being ready to manage my time, but not forget how to have fun. I also think that it is important to stress that it is okay to try new things and meet new people from different backgrounds. Try things that might scare me a little, college is about the experience and if I had played it safe I would never learn new things about myself. I would advise myself not be afraid to get involved and join organizations. Join intramural sports, like broomball, it is a great way to meet people. The transition was hard at first, but after I got used to the changes it was the best experience of my life. The dorms are so much fun, but the bad food can be tempting at times. Time goes fast so do not get lost in the craze. Stay up late, study and have fun these are the best years of your life.

If I could go back in time talk to myself as a high school senior, I would say: ?Do what you want, not what?s expected of you.? I was shackled with adult responsibilities at a young age. My mother had divorced my father when I was twelve, and fled to another state with no job or financial skills. We lived on the edge of poverty as a matter of course. As a result, I spent my youngest years doing what was necessary to stay clothed and fed. And while it forged a strong work ethic, it left very little time to pursue things like romance or summertime sloth. So when the time came to go to college, I never entertained the option. I was working, I had money in my pocket, and I was not encouraged to do anything else. I did try and be a part-time student, but it failed miserably. Work was deemed more important ? I know now it wasn?t. In hindsight, if someone had told me to be responsible for myself, I might have gone to school full-time. I wished that my future self had told me this, since I would have listened.

Although I have only been in college for a short time, I am absolutely in love with the experience. If I could go back in time I would tell myself to keep it up, to apply for more scholarships, and to remember to pack my coats this time. I would also tell myself to be ready, because with the accelerated quarters you really need to hit the ground running if you are going to be as successful as you can be. I think the last thing I would tell myself is get ready for the time of your life, the teachers, classes, and friends are amazing and you will be the happiest you've ever been.

Stay positive! Nothing that's coming is an unbearable challenge. While some of it may undoubtedly strain you, there is a light at the end of this tunnel. Through all the heartache, the financial problems, the family crises, stressing over finals, troubles with friends, and the utter shock of having a roommate for the first time--through ALL of it, just keep a good attitude. This experience will transform you for the better, I guarantee it--after all, I'm you!

I would tell myself that it is important to research each school carefully; go to the campus and see if that school is where you feel you will succeed and be a valuable member to the community. It is important to start applying for scholarships/financial aid to help pay for the education you desire. Work experience is great, but employers value your college degree substantially more than your work experience, especially in the financial services industry. Take the time to learn more about what it is you truly want to be and achieve with your career; don't waste your time and your money taking classes to receive a degree where you learn after the fact or towards the end that the career you thought you wanted as you graduate high school has become the career/field you do not want to be. Find out what is required for your degree when researching colleges, so you can have a better understanding of what is involved, as well as asking professionals in your chosen career the whys and hows. Work can wait; you have many tens of years of work ahead of you; go to college now.

As a senior in high school, I was hugely stressed about adjusting to living in a dorm. I was worrying about so many little things, what it would be like to live with a roommate and how I was going to manage my laundry. Now that I have made the transition to college, I would tell myself not to sweat the small stuff. Things have worked out. I?ve adjusted to living with a roommate,and have figured out how to do laundry at school. Instead of stressing over the small stuff I could have just focused on enjoying my last months at home. The transition to college just happens. You are there learning to adjust with everyone else. It isn?t something to worry about. Enjoy your time at home, once you?ve been accepted to college laundry shouldn't be a concern!

I would have not allowed myself to get wrapped up in a relationship before college. i would tell myself to take more college classes during high school and to make sure I made good grades in them. I would have applied for more scholarships and figured out more ways to receive more money. I would have told myself to start looking for jobs in Denver before school started .

College is a unique and fun time in one's life. I would tell myself to always remember this and not take it for granted because four years will go by fast. Also, I would tell myself it's important to have a positive attitude and outlook when choosing a school to attend. You must remember that whatever school you choose, you must make that choice the right decision for you. Furthermore, I would want to remind myself that college provides an important opportunity in one's life to leave their nest at home and to have experiences. College provides the door to a happy, successful, and active life. Finally, I would make sure I realized that it is important to be open to meeting new people, experiences, and things. My last word of advise to myself would be to find those people you enjoy being around and spend time doing the things you love to do. And one last note: stay on top of your academics because the stronger you are academically, the better the chance you will be successful in the future because 'knowledge is power' and 'hard work pays off'.

Don't worry! You will make friends and find your place in college. It is very intimidating and overwhelming but as long as your outgoing and try new things you willi be fine. Make sure you keep up on your school work but also make time for fun as well. Ask your professors questions, they get really excited and remember you for being engaged and taking responsiblity for your learning. Try a new sport or join a club. But most of all remember to call home once and a while and keep in touch with old friends. You'll do great!

Given the opportunity to go back and talk to myself as a High school senior I would not say much. I am pleased with the decisions I made, I was careful to make them and that has paid off now. It is important to be confident in decisions. I would, however, do a better job of deciding the prices for the Senior Prom tickets. The tickets could have been cheaper and that was my decision. Most importantly, I would tell myself to spend more time with my grandfather, who passed away the night before my graduation.

Work harder! Don't think that you can skate through college the same way you did through highschool. And be sure to have fun

I would say to expect the unexpected, just because a school looks good on paper does not mean its a perfect fit for you. Make a list in what you are looking for and what you dream of accomplishing with your degree. Visit the school, look at the lifestyles of the students. Look at the extra resources the school provides the students. Most importantly, ask about the financial services the school has available. Dont let money get in the way of your education.

follow your heart

The most important thing to keep in mind is the big picture. Even if the prospective student is unhappy with the school they will be attending, he or she should keep in mind that what the college experience relies heavily on how the individual responds to opportunity. Students should look for organizations or clubs that can foster their interests or introduce them to new ones. Also, if the student is interested in research or applicable work experience, he or she should talk to their professors early and read up on the types of research occuring at his or her school. On another note, one thing I would recommend paying attention to when searching for the right school is the quality of food in the dining halls. While this may not seem to be especially important at the moment, it will be when the second quarter or semester rolls around. I strongly believe that the "college experience" is unique for each student and depends solely on how the student approaches their education. Finding the right college means harboring a willingness to meet others and become involved. It is possible for all students to have a beneficial college experience.

Be sure to take tours of several colleges. The college may look perfect on paper but the campus scene might be all wrong. Try to make the search for the right school fun instead of stressful.

Know what you want in a college. If you want sports, clubs, small class sizes at a school, then pick schools that have those options. As far as making the most out of your college experience, join anything and everything! Try new things, meet new people. This is a great time in your life to do things you've never done before. I didn't do that my first two years of college and I wish I did, because I wasted precious time. Luckily I still have two more years left that I can fill with new friends and exciting adventures. Be willing to go out of your comfort zone. Usually the most fun and benefical things in life are found there.

My best advice is to find a college in an area you will be happy in. If you like small city feelings, don't go to a big state school. Also be sure to visit the college you are looking for. Sit in a class to observe the students and professors, ask questions of current students, talk to any and every outlet possible. Know what kind of outside activites will be offered because getting involved will only enrich your college experience. Don't go to a school based off of price, or any kind of pressures, instead find a school that fits your personality and your requirements because in the end you are the person paying to attend the school so it's only logical that you are happy with your product.

Visit colleges! Also, parents; you can guide your kids but remember that it's there life and they want to be happy too. Let them do what makes them happiest. If they don't they will regret it. Kids: listen to your parents they only want what's best for you. If they are concerned about your major choice sit down and take a good hard look at it and decide if it's really what you want to do with your life.

Visit each college you are thinking about. Do an overnight stay and attend a class. This is the closest and best way to get a feeling for what the school is like. To get the most out of college just be active. Participate in everything you can. Join clubs, sports teams... make the most out of it.

go to the campus and visit, talk with current students, teachers and alumni

The advice I would give a student about finding the right college for them is to make a list of all the things that are important to them. Things on this list could include something they are interested in studying, a sport, traveling abroad, and friendships. I would then do research on the Internet to find schools that have and give priority to the certain things on this list. Finding no more than 20 schools to start choosing from. I would then go on, as many school tours of the 20 that they picked as being on these campuses will help with the decision. I would then apply to the schools they have narrowed down to (no more than 10). Once at college live by the rule: have no regrets and try everything the school provides. This will help you grow as a person, and have the best college experience!To the parents of these students I would advise them to try and stay out of the deciding process unless asked for help. College is about growing up and being able to make your own decisions. As well as, no matter what support your child in the decisions they make.

The best advice I have to give to parents and students who are deciding which college to attend is to let the student make the decision for her/himself. Choosing a college is the first true adult decision a student has to make, and it sets the tone for the start of many students? hunt to figure out who they are going to be in this big world. Ultimately this decision decides where the student will live for the next four years, and the types of people they can meet along the way, both of which are going to mold, bump, and grind out a person that will be uniquely them. People always say to ?choose the college that?s right for you,? however, I feel this saying should be changed to ?choose the college that is you.? Choose the school that you cannot get enough of, that when you visit you can tell you never want to leave, with an environment that brings out your best. In one year at college I learned more about who I was than I had in my previous eighteen years of life, and I thank that to the college I choose.

At the end of the day, I think you should choose the school that let's you be who you are. In this day and age, an undergraduate degree will not define your future, you often must continue on to higher educational institutes or it's what you can make of your undergraduate degree in the real world, so I believe you should go somewhere that allows you to get the most you can get out of an undergraduate education. That means, you need to be yourself and enjoy what you are doing. If those two things are not in place, how can you expect to enjoy passing your time at the institution for a potential four years, as well as expect to be passionate about your future career? Sounds like an unnecessary and difficult battle to me that can easily be adverted by choosing what feels right to you, and what will ultimately let you flourish to your full potential.

I would tell High School students and their parents to not fret when deciding between their college choices to find the PERFECT college fit. Almost every college offers an amazing variety of opportunities on their campus. No matter where you go I know that every student can be happy and feel at home, it is what YOU make of it. If you spend time in your dorm chatting with old friends you're not making a great effort in finding/becoming apart of your new college community. Sign up for clubs, take chances, emerse yourself in your studies with classmates, try new things. Because what you put into your college experience is what you will receive from it. If they do this they will make the most of the college experience and after (hopefully) four years will leave with friends who have become their family, an education, and a community for a lifetime.